Empire - User contributions [en]

Charnel Lord

2026-07-29T17:52:02Z

Wrenna: /* The Iron Helms */

[[Category:Varushka]] [[Category:Sovereign]]
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Charnel Lord.jpg|align=left|caption=The Charnel Lord is dual-aspected; a lord of battlefields and a lord of dark magic.|width=600}}</div>
==Sobriquets==
the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, Irontooth, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.
==Dominion==
The Charnel Lord rests within the [[Karsk#Broken Barrow|Broken Barrow]] in the [[Karsk#Branoc|northern hills]] of [[Karsk]]. By his own accounts an aged and terrible creature that predates the earliest settlers in the area. He has had a number of names, but [[Zoria]] knew him as the Charnel Lord and that is the name that has stuck most strongly. The [[Wisdom|Wise]] [[Paragons and exemplars|paragon]] is said to have travelled to the Broken Barrow three times in her life to speak with the sovereign, and each time it sought to trap or trick her with bonds of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality|hospitality]] and [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|promises]], but each time she outwitted him.

The Broken Barrow beneath which he sleeps is an earthen mound that is arguably the best known abode of a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign]] in Varushka. Stone structures surmount the mound, including a great stone slab that lies in two pieces at the centre of a haphazard and lopsided circle of standing stones. While the barrow beneath the mound is empty, the hill it rests on is apparently riddled with unlit passages and galleries lined with bones. It is somewhere within that maze that the Charnel Lord sleeps.

He is said to take the form of a pale humanoid with marks of [[draughir]] ancestry, wearing a hooded robe and wrapped in an aura of dread. He is not alive in any conventional sense; some cabalists theorise he is a ghost haunting his own dead flesh. While he is sometimes called a king or a lord, he wears no crown or any obvious adornment. Some stories depict him fighting with a two-handed axe or spear, while others say he can extrude savage talons and ripping fangs that will make short work of an opponent.

While he claims to be older than the [[People of the North|first settlers]], it is much more likely he may have once been an Ushkan chieftain who became something else following a dark bargain or unforgivable trespass. There are very old stories that say a "''blood-drinking horror''" once stalked the hills of Branoc with packs of wolves and flocks of murder-crows and fought the Vard. In time the ancestors of the modern Varushkans "''tamed''" him and he retreated to his barrow. When Vard and Ushka joined and became Varushka, it seemed to make little difference to him. He did not oppose [[Alderei the Fair]], or the Varushkan decision to join the Empire, but rather offered aid to both sides at various points in the Empire's campaign against the tyrant-boyar.

The Charnel Lord claims dominion over the woods and hills of northern Karsk, especially the vales of [[Karsk#Branoc|Branoc]] that surround his barrow. He also has a measure of influence over battlefields, especially in Karsk, but the limits of his reach are uncertain. When blood is spilled in battle and lives are ended, he sends his charnel servants to feast on the dead. Apparently, he gains strength from every soldier who dies on a battlefield in Karsk - certainly he seems to sleep most deeply when there is peace in Varushka, and awaken eagerly once armies begin to march.

==Stories==
The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).

Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[Otkodov]] and show little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.

The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic|Night]] and [[Winter magic|Winter]].

During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG|align=right|caption=The Charnel Lord has power over crows, ravens, and other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers|width=400}}</div>
==Servants==
The Charnel Lord has power over battlefield scavengers; crows, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.

He is also said to be able to influence bats and wolves - the actual animals - although it has apparently been generations since he has brought them together in large numbers. It's possible that the Charnel Lord can influence ''any'' natural animal found in Varushka. According to some of the cabalists that have studied him, he learnt the names of the beasts from Zoria in return for some potent boon she sought from him.

Given the vales that honour him, it should be unsurprising that many of the Charnel Lord's servants appear to be mortals - the ''Branoc born''. He has a favoured emissary - an envoy who wears a [[#Black Feathers|cloak of black feathers]] - who always lives in one of the vales of Branoc. There are families across Karsk and beyond that owe some debt or favour to the Charnel Lord, who have made a blood offering in return for his aid and negotiated some task they will perform on his behalf. Sometimes, these obligation extend through the generations until the sovereign finally calls them due. Something of this nature is believed to have been responsible for the Miners of Moresvah's enthusiastic support for the refounding of the Iron Helms, for example.

==Other Tales==
===Black Feathers===
The Charnel Lord has one recognisable envoy, who wears a cloak of black feathers and lives somewhere in Branoc. During the Thule invasion of Karsk, this emissary was named ''Vaclav'' and negotiated on behalf of his master with the leaders of Varushka. The current envoy is apparently Vaclav's daughter, Tasya. Apparently the one who wears the cloak of black feathers can travel anywhere in Karsk without concern, and none of the wolves of Varushka will challenge them. According to stories, anyone who harms the envoy while they wear their cloak and travel on behalf of the Charnel Lord will find a terrible curse falls on them that causes them to crave rotting meat and eventually sees them driven mad or transformed into a corpse-feaster.

===The Iron Helms===
The sovereign seems to have an odd affection for the [[Iron Helms]]. The core of that army is made up of soldiers from the vales of Branoc, and from the miners of Moresvah who have long been suspected to have some tie to the sovereign. The flocks of carrion birds that accompany the Helms, are said to contain crows that serve the Charnel Lord. The [[cabalists]] of Branoc can apparently speak with such birds, using them as spies, and feeding them on the eyes of their foes. Likewise, some of the hound-masters that fight alongside the army credit the remarkably close bonds they have with their dogs to traditional rites handed down to them from the Charnel Lord. Given the Iron Helms have travelled all the way to [[Spiral]] without the birds deserting them, some [[volhov]] fear just how far the Charnel Lord's hand might be able to reach.

===Foreign Feet===
The Charnel Lord has in the past evidenced some odd prejudices. He seems to dislike dealing with representatives of people who were not in some way contemporaries of the Ushka and the Vard. In the past, this has meant he prefers to deal with Navarr, Wintermark, and Urizen and encouraged anyone who wants his aid to eschew the support of "newcomers" - citizens of the League, Dawn, The Marches, Highguard, and the Brass Coast. His attitude to orcs is more ambivalent - he clearly dislikes the Thule but is prepared to work with them when it suits his purpose, and as mentioned there is a small sept of orcs that lives peacefully in the Branoc hills under his protection. His attitude to the [[Imperial Orcs]] in particular seems ambiguous. Understanding the root and the extent of these odd attitudes might potentially help in dealing with the sovereign.
==Charnel Lord in play==
The only people who have met the Charnel Lord personally are those characters who have ''actually'' met him in play. If you're roleplaying someone who has fought with the Iron Helms, or is a resident of Branoc, you might view the Charnel Lord as a wise protector or a horrible monster. If you're playing someone who has made the blood-gift - especially if you're an inhabitant of northern Karsk - you may want to create a few phys-repped scars on your arms or hand, and perhaps create a story about what you asked the Charnel Lord for aid with.
==Further reading==
* [[Daylight fading]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing renewed activity from the Charnel Lord
* [[Crow on the Cradle]] - 379YE Autumn wind of fortune regarding the Charnel Lord's role in the refounding of the Iron Helms

==A Story of the Charnel Lord==
<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.

A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were led by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he led with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He led the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.

The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood to the spirit that dwelt there.

“Enemies have come to the valley,” said the boyar. “How can my people survive?”

“Your people cannot weather this storm without aid,” said the spirit.

“And what will that cost us?” asked the boyar, for he knew that there was always a price for such aid. "How can I save my people?"

“Sacrifice,” said the spirit.

“And what must we sacrifice?” asked the boyar, full of trepidation.

“Only the boyar need make sacrifice,” the spirit replied. “But you must lay before the black stone that which you love most in all the worlds.”

The boyar turned away without speaking because he knew that he could not sacrifice that which he loved most in all the worlds. When he returned to his hall, the wise asked him what boon the spirit in the stone had given him, but he turned his face from them and said only “The price is too high.” He went out to speak to the warriors; and most especially to his son who would lead them into battle, but his words fell hollow in the fear of his people.

Next day, the warriors fought bravely, they could not turn back the tide of the enemy. That night the boyar again took counsel with the wise ones, and they advised him to climb the hill and pay the price the spirit demanded, lest the valley be lost. This time they went with him and watched as he made his blood gift. Again, he asked the spirit how his people might survive. Again the spirit gave the same answer, and again, the boyar turned away because he knew he could not sacrifice that which he loved most in all the worlds. The wise demanded that he explain himself but he would only say, again, “the price is too high.”

The wise argued that there was no price too high to save the people, but the boyars son stepped forward and quietened the angry hubbub.

"If my father says the price is too high," he said, "then the price is too high. Not everything has a price that can be paid, nor is every bargain worth the cost.”

The next day, the enemy came again, and more of the warriors died, and while the valley was not lost, neither was it saved. The boyar took the counsel of the wise, but they had nothing to tell him that he did not already know, and they ordered him to climb the hill and pay the price. One last time he went up to the place of the black stone, but this time he was accompanied not only by the wise ones, and the strongest of the remaining warriors, but by his beloved son as well, and all watched as he gave the blood gift to summon the spirit, and they spoke the same words as they had on the two previous nights for nothing had changed. The boyar wept, for he knew he could not sacrifice the thing he loved most in all the worlds, and he knew that his people must now pass from the earth and be forgotten.

As he turned to leave, however, he found his son was standing in the shadow of the black stone. As his father wept, he caught him in a rough one-handed embrace, and the old boyar rested his head on his shoulder. Then, with great sorrow, the son drove his dagger up past his father’s ribs and into his heart.

For the wise had shared with the son a truth he already knew; the thing the boyar loved most in all the worlds was his people, and he could not lay the very thing he thought to save on the black stone.

But what the son loved most in all the worlds was his father, and with unshed tears glistening in his eyes, he placed his bloody palm upon the black stone and spoke to the spirit, and made the sacrifice, and demanded the aid that would be needed to save the people of the valley. The stone cracked in twain, and a cold wind extinguished all the torches, and darkness reigned, unbroken save for the glowing eyes of the new boyar.

“Rise,” he said, and the word echoed across the hills, and was heard by all the warriors of the clan, both the living and the dead. And hearing, they answered, all those who had given their lives to protect their people. They rose, and fell upon the enemy, implacable and irresistible.

With trembling hands, the wise approached him and lay across his shoulders the cloak of black feather, still warm with his fathers blood. Ignoring them, the new boyar spoke again.

“Rise,” he said for a second time. From the hills came the terrible howling of the wolves, and the birds of the forest rose in a great cloud of feathers and talons, and across the plains came A chittering and squealing horde of rats, as the beasts of the valley joined the warriors, harrying the enemy without mercy.

Finally, the new boyar turned to face the wise ones and the warriors clustered at the bounds of the place of the black stone, and spoke for a final time.

“Rise” he said, and as he strode down the hill away from the stone, the mark of Winter settled like a cloak over the shoulders of the people of the valley, bleaching their skin, and sharpening their teeth, and filling their eyes with embers of fire, and setting within them an unending hunger for victory and revenge. As one, they fell in behind their boyar, and marched down to join the dead, and the swarms of vermin, and bring terror to the invaders.

When the sun rose, those enemy warriors who had not fled lay broken on the cold earth and the rats and the ravens quarrelled over their eyes.

Then the new boyar had the black stone fashioned into a bier for his father, who he entombed in a barrow beneath the hill upon which it had once stood. And in time he followed his father beneath the earth, but there were no more boyars to follow him. Who could follow one who had caused the dead to rise, and called the beasts to feast upon his foes, and who spoke with the voice of command that even the spirits must obey? The cloak of feathers passed from hand to hand down through the years, but none of the people of the valley doubted that the one who wore it spoke with the voice of the king beneath the hill. To this day, he slumbers still, rousing himself whenever his people are threatened. And all this he does, not because he loves the people of the valley, but because he loved his father more than anything in all the worlds.</ic>

Charnel Lord

2026-07-29T17:51:27Z

Wrenna: /* Servants */

[[Category:Varushka]] [[Category:Sovereign]]
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Charnel Lord.jpg|align=left|caption=The Charnel Lord is dual-aspected; a lord of battlefields and a lord of dark magic.|width=600}}</div>
==Sobriquets==
the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, Irontooth, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.
==Dominion==
The Charnel Lord rests within the [[Karsk#Broken Barrow|Broken Barrow]] in the [[Karsk#Branoc|northern hills]] of [[Karsk]]. By his own accounts an aged and terrible creature that predates the earliest settlers in the area. He has had a number of names, but [[Zoria]] knew him as the Charnel Lord and that is the name that has stuck most strongly. The [[Wisdom|Wise]] [[Paragons and exemplars|paragon]] is said to have travelled to the Broken Barrow three times in her life to speak with the sovereign, and each time it sought to trap or trick her with bonds of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality|hospitality]] and [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|promises]], but each time she outwitted him.

The Broken Barrow beneath which he sleeps is an earthen mound that is arguably the best known abode of a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign]] in Varushka. Stone structures surmount the mound, including a great stone slab that lies in two pieces at the centre of a haphazard and lopsided circle of standing stones. While the barrow beneath the mound is empty, the hill it rests on is apparently riddled with unlit passages and galleries lined with bones. It is somewhere within that maze that the Charnel Lord sleeps.

He is said to take the form of a pale humanoid with marks of [[draughir]] ancestry, wearing a hooded robe and wrapped in an aura of dread. He is not alive in any conventional sense; some cabalists theorise he is a ghost haunting his own dead flesh. While he is sometimes called a king or a lord, he wears no crown or any obvious adornment. Some stories depict him fighting with a two-handed axe or spear, while others say he can extrude savage talons and ripping fangs that will make short work of an opponent.

While he claims to be older than the [[People of the North|first settlers]], it is much more likely he may have once been an Ushkan chieftain who became something else following a dark bargain or unforgivable trespass. There are very old stories that say a "''blood-drinking horror''" once stalked the hills of Branoc with packs of wolves and flocks of murder-crows and fought the Vard. In time the ancestors of the modern Varushkans "''tamed''" him and he retreated to his barrow. When Vard and Ushka joined and became Varushka, it seemed to make little difference to him. He did not oppose [[Alderei the Fair]], or the Varushkan decision to join the Empire, but rather offered aid to both sides at various points in the Empire's campaign against the tyrant-boyar.

The Charnel Lord claims dominion over the woods and hills of northern Karsk, especially the vales of [[Karsk#Branoc|Branoc]] that surround his barrow. He also has a measure of influence over battlefields, especially in Karsk, but the limits of his reach are uncertain. When blood is spilled in battle and lives are ended, he sends his charnel servants to feast on the dead. Apparently, he gains strength from every soldier who dies on a battlefield in Karsk - certainly he seems to sleep most deeply when there is peace in Varushka, and awaken eagerly once armies begin to march.

==Stories==
The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).

Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[Otkodov]] and show little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.

The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic|Night]] and [[Winter magic|Winter]].

During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG|align=right|caption=The Charnel Lord has power over crows, ravens, and other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers|width=400}}</div>
==Servants==
The Charnel Lord has power over battlefield scavengers; crows, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.

He is also said to be able to influence bats and wolves - the actual animals - although it has apparently been generations since he has brought them together in large numbers. It's possible that the Charnel Lord can influence ''any'' natural animal found in Varushka. According to some of the cabalists that have studied him, he learnt the names of the beasts from Zoria in return for some potent boon she sought from him.

Given the vales that honour him, it should be unsurprising that many of the Charnel Lord's servants appear to be mortals - the ''Branoc born''. He has a favoured emissary - an envoy who wears a [[#Black Feathers|cloak of black feathers]] - who always lives in one of the vales of Branoc. There are families across Karsk and beyond that owe some debt or favour to the Charnel Lord, who have made a blood offering in return for his aid and negotiated some task they will perform on his behalf. Sometimes, these obligation extend through the generations until the sovereign finally calls them due. Something of this nature is believed to have been responsible for the Miners of Moresvah's enthusiastic support for the refounding of the Iron Helms, for example.

==Other Tales==
===Black Feathers===
The Charnel Lord has one recognisable envoy, who wears a cloak of black feathers and lives somewhere in Branoc. During the Thule invasion of Karsk, this emissary was named ''Vaclav'' and negotiated on behalf of his master with the leaders of Varushka. The current envoy is apparently Vaclav's daughter, Tasya. Apparently the one who wears the cloak of black feathers can travel anywhere in Karsk without concern, and none of the wolves of Varushka will challenge them. According to stories, anyone who harms the envoy while they wear their cloak and travel on behalf of the Charnel Lord will find a terrible curse falls on them that causes them to crave rotting meat and eventually sees them driven mad or transformed into a corpse-feaster.

===The Iron Helms===
The sovereign seems to have an odd affection for the [[Iron Helms]]. the core of that army is made up of soldiers from the vales of Branoc, and from the miners of Moresvah who have long been suspected to have some tie to the sovereign. The flocks of carrion birds that accompany the Helms, are said to contain crows that serve the Charnel Lord. The [[cabalists]] of Branoc can apparently speak with such birds, using them as spies, and feeding them on the eyes of their foes. Likewise, some of the hound-masters that fight alongside the army credit the remarkably close bonds they have with their dogs to traditional rites handed down to them from the Charnel Lord. Given the Iron Helms have travelled all the way to [[Spiral]] without the birds deserting them, some [[volhov]] fear just how far the Charnel Lord's hand might be able to reach.
===Foreign Feet===
The Charnel Lord has in the past evidenced some odd prejudices. He seems to dislike dealing with representatives of people who were not in some way contemporaries of the Ushka and the Vard. In the past, this has meant he prefers to deal with Navarr, Wintermark, and Urizen and encouraged anyone who wants his aid to eschew the support of "newcomers" - citizens of the League, Dawn, The Marches, Highguard, and the Brass Coast. His attitude to orcs is more ambivalent - he clearly dislikes the Thule but is prepared to work with them when it suits his purpose, and as mentioned there is a small sept of orcs that lives peacefully in the Branoc hills under his protection. His attitude to the [[Imperial Orcs]] in particular seems ambiguous. Understanding the root and the extent of these odd attitudes might potentially help in dealing with the sovereign.
==Charnel Lord in play==
The only people who have met the Charnel Lord personally are those characters who have ''actually'' met him in play. If you're roleplaying someone who has fought with the Iron Helms, or is a resident of Branoc, you might view the Charnel Lord as a wise protector or a horrible monster. If you're playing someone who has made the blood-gift - especially if you're an inhabitant of northern Karsk - you may want to create a few phys-repped scars on your arms or hand, and perhaps create a story about what you asked the Charnel Lord for aid with.
==Further reading==
* [[Daylight fading]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing renewed activity from the Charnel Lord
* [[Crow on the Cradle]] - 379YE Autumn wind of fortune regarding the Charnel Lord's role in the refounding of the Iron Helms

==A Story of the Charnel Lord==
<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.

A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were led by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he led with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He led the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.

The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood to the spirit that dwelt there.

“Enemies have come to the valley,” said the boyar. “How can my people survive?”

“Your people cannot weather this storm without aid,” said the spirit.

“And what will that cost us?” asked the boyar, for he knew that there was always a price for such aid. "How can I save my people?"

“Sacrifice,” said the spirit.

“And what must we sacrifice?” asked the boyar, full of trepidation.

“Only the boyar need make sacrifice,” the spirit replied. “But you must lay before the black stone that which you love most in all the worlds.”

The boyar turned away without speaking because he knew that he could not sacrifice that which he loved most in all the worlds. When he returned to his hall, the wise asked him what boon the spirit in the stone had given him, but he turned his face from them and said only “The price is too high.” He went out to speak to the warriors; and most especially to his son who would lead them into battle, but his words fell hollow in the fear of his people.

Next day, the warriors fought bravely, they could not turn back the tide of the enemy. That night the boyar again took counsel with the wise ones, and they advised him to climb the hill and pay the price the spirit demanded, lest the valley be lost. This time they went with him and watched as he made his blood gift. Again, he asked the spirit how his people might survive. Again the spirit gave the same answer, and again, the boyar turned away because he knew he could not sacrifice that which he loved most in all the worlds. The wise demanded that he explain himself but he would only say, again, “the price is too high.”

The wise argued that there was no price too high to save the people, but the boyars son stepped forward and quietened the angry hubbub.

"If my father says the price is too high," he said, "then the price is too high. Not everything has a price that can be paid, nor is every bargain worth the cost.”

The next day, the enemy came again, and more of the warriors died, and while the valley was not lost, neither was it saved. The boyar took the counsel of the wise, but they had nothing to tell him that he did not already know, and they ordered him to climb the hill and pay the price. One last time he went up to the place of the black stone, but this time he was accompanied not only by the wise ones, and the strongest of the remaining warriors, but by his beloved son as well, and all watched as he gave the blood gift to summon the spirit, and they spoke the same words as they had on the two previous nights for nothing had changed. The boyar wept, for he knew he could not sacrifice the thing he loved most in all the worlds, and he knew that his people must now pass from the earth and be forgotten.

As he turned to leave, however, he found his son was standing in the shadow of the black stone. As his father wept, he caught him in a rough one-handed embrace, and the old boyar rested his head on his shoulder. Then, with great sorrow, the son drove his dagger up past his father’s ribs and into his heart.

For the wise had shared with the son a truth he already knew; the thing the boyar loved most in all the worlds was his people, and he could not lay the very thing he thought to save on the black stone.

But what the son loved most in all the worlds was his father, and with unshed tears glistening in his eyes, he placed his bloody palm upon the black stone and spoke to the spirit, and made the sacrifice, and demanded the aid that would be needed to save the people of the valley. The stone cracked in twain, and a cold wind extinguished all the torches, and darkness reigned, unbroken save for the glowing eyes of the new boyar.

“Rise,” he said, and the word echoed across the hills, and was heard by all the warriors of the clan, both the living and the dead. And hearing, they answered, all those who had given their lives to protect their people. They rose, and fell upon the enemy, implacable and irresistible.

With trembling hands, the wise approached him and lay across his shoulders the cloak of black feather, still warm with his fathers blood. Ignoring them, the new boyar spoke again.

“Rise,” he said for a second time. From the hills came the terrible howling of the wolves, and the birds of the forest rose in a great cloud of feathers and talons, and across the plains came A chittering and squealing horde of rats, as the beasts of the valley joined the warriors, harrying the enemy without mercy.

Finally, the new boyar turned to face the wise ones and the warriors clustered at the bounds of the place of the black stone, and spoke for a final time.

“Rise” he said, and as he strode down the hill away from the stone, the mark of Winter settled like a cloak over the shoulders of the people of the valley, bleaching their skin, and sharpening their teeth, and filling their eyes with embers of fire, and setting within them an unending hunger for victory and revenge. As one, they fell in behind their boyar, and marched down to join the dead, and the swarms of vermin, and bring terror to the invaders.

When the sun rose, those enemy warriors who had not fled lay broken on the cold earth and the rats and the ravens quarrelled over their eyes.

Then the new boyar had the black stone fashioned into a bier for his father, who he entombed in a barrow beneath the hill upon which it had once stood. And in time he followed his father beneath the earth, but there were no more boyars to follow him. Who could follow one who had caused the dead to rise, and called the beasts to feast upon his foes, and who spoke with the voice of command that even the spirits must obey? The cloak of feathers passed from hand to hand down through the years, but none of the people of the valley doubted that the one who wore it spoke with the voice of the king beneath the hill. To this day, he slumbers still, rousing himself whenever his people are threatened. And all this he does, not because he loves the people of the valley, but because he loved his father more than anything in all the worlds.</ic>

In the charnel pit

2026-07-29T14:34:43Z

Wrenna: /* The Hand */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Highest Calling]]
<quote by="Esther, of the Watchers of Belial">
"I have stood in the charnel pit where the enemy spilled the blood of the Virtuous. I have looked into the eyes of those whose souls have been ground to dust. I have experienced the fear that floods the mind of those who suffer the rule of the Druj. I too felt the blood in my veins turn to ice. I too felt my Courage melt like wax before a hot flame. I too, felt Virtue drain from my body and my soul.

I promise you that no good can come of the path this Assembly has set itself upon. Turn aside. Turn aside ''now'' - before it is too late. The Silent Bell exists to warn the Empire of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. This! This is the danger. And the shadows it lurks in are our own souls.

This Assembly preaches that the Virtuous face unwelcome truths as boldly as any barbarian charge. Surely you say, we must face this truth, no matter how unwelcome. Surely we must embrace it, no matter how painful. Surely we must learn from it, no matter the suffering it brings?

This is a lie! I will tell you the ''real'' "unwelcome truth". The truth is we do '''not''' need the skills of the Buruk Tepel. We want them. We do '''not''' need the hidden lore of the Buruk Tepel. We want it. We do not ''need'' their almanacs and recipes. We want them.

Why do we want these things? To become better healers? More lies. The Buruk Tepel know how to kill, they know nothing about healing. They know how to poison the spirit, they don't know how to heal it. They know how to destroy the souls of those they enslave, they know nothing of Virtue and rebirth. We will not learn these things from the Buruk Tepel.

The unwelcome truth is that we want this lore for the same reason people have always wanted lore. Curiosity. Hunger. Desire. The unwelcome truth is that we want this lore because we want to use it. The unwelcome truth is that we want the ability to emulate the Buruk Tepel.

Virtue is not knowledge. There is no Virtue in simply knowing things. Virtue is action. I implore this assembly to take action. Turn aside. Turn aside now, before it is too late. Place this knowledge beyond the reach of mortal hands. There are some things that mortals were not meant to know. The lore of the Buruk Tepel is one of these things. Turn aside now! Let us wipe the Druj from this world and let the lore of the Buruk Tepel die with them.
</quote>
<div style="float: left; width: 300px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Naught but ash.jpg|width=300px}}</div>
==Overview==
Eight assemblies found their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] at the Spring Equinox, but it is the assemblies of [[Courage]] and [[Prosperity]] who have chosen the pastoral path - seeking to aid those peoples in the greatest need.

The Prosperous see that there were places in the Empire that are not benefiting from the same wealth and opportunity as they should be. At any given time there is always part of the Empire wracked by war or ravaged by magic, but some places are strong enough, lucky enough, or simply have rich enough friends and allies to recover. Not everyone has been so fortunate and '''Heilyn Bronwen's Rest''' has called upon all who might hear to see those who need help, and help them.

The Courageous see the damage to those whose lives have been lived under the smothering cruelty of fear. '''Ada of House Meliora''' has proposed that the Empire see what can be done to alleviate the woes of those who spent their lives suffocating under the pressure of [[Druj miasma]].
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Prosperity.png|width=300px}}</div>

==Prosperity==
{{SOP|statement=The Empire has grown, but not without great costs. Many of the lands and people within it bear scars from the conflicts which have been brought to them, or from the actions of those who held power before. We call upon the Prosperous to look for opportunities that will help to bring Prosperity to the damaged territories of the Empire and the people within them. Strive, toil and claim your just rewards - and give those who deserve it the chance to strive, toil and claim in their own turn. This is the Highest Calling of the Prosperity Assembly.|by=Heilyn Bronwen's Rest, Prosperity Assembly|vote={{GM}} 241-0|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
* '''The Prosperity Assembly can use a mandate each summit for the next year to identify a single territory they wish to aid'''
* '''The mandate will lead to an opportunity for the Prosperous to meet the costs of helping the territory to rebuild'''
* '''Any opportunity will be a chance to help others become more Prosperous, rather than to benefit themselves'''

There are many places alluded to by Heilyn that may benefit from help. There are lands that still feel the aftershocks of the invasion by [[Cold Sun]]. There are places all across the East of the Empire that the wicked [[Druj]] have left in ruins. The territory of [[Feroz]] still languishes in poverty following the corrupt rule of Governor Rahab. For the coming year, the Prosperity Assembly may choose a place in the Empire for the generous to focus their attention.
{{Mandate|mandate=Let none in our Empire be left without! We send (named individual) with 25 doses of liao to (territory) to ensure that all that is worthwhile is shared with those who need it.|assembly=Prosperity Assembly}}

Led by the named priest, pilgrims will travel to the named territory to see what can be done. Of course ''every'' territory in the Empire has suffered from the impact of war and misfortune at ''some'' point in the Empire's history, but the more ''lasting'' the damage, the more ''recent'' the damage, the easier it will be for the Assembly of Prosperity to find effective ways to help.

Each season, the [[civil service]] will assess the efforts of those who make the pilgrimage and present a single [[opportunity]] to restore the dignity, freedom and prosperity that the [[Imperial Constitution]] guarantees them. There will be at least one chance for the Assembly of Prosperity to help lift people up, to help restore their Prosperity, but it will not be cheap. If the Assembly want to help others, people less fortunate than themselves, they will need to dig deep to do it.
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Courage.png|width=300px}}</div>

==Courage==
{{SOP|statement=The Druj threat is not ended until every soul affected is freed of the fear they have wielded. It is our duty as priests of Courage to not only shed light upon the courageous but to also walk the fearful out of darkness. Let us learn everything we can about the auras of fear, how they have been created and how we can best combat them, that we may work spiritually to liberate the sept of the Sarangrave from their cruel captors once and for all. This is our highest calling.|by=Ada of House Meliora, Courage Assembly|vote={{GM}} 202-10|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
===The Heart===
* '''The Silent Bell report on how the Druj create auras of fear will be published in time for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''''Earl Adel de Òrdraig'' and ''Gaelen Embercast'' each possess a copy of the report'''
* '''The Assembly can use the time before the Autumn Equinox to gather the information that will not be in the cardinals' report'''
* '''Once the Assembly has gathered all the information they can, they can decide what step to take next in pursuit of their highest calling'''

Two copies of the [[Silent_Bell_(Sodality)|Silent Bell]] report on the use of fear as a weapon by the [[Druj]] are in circulation at Anvil. One copy was given to the former cardinal, '''Gaelen Embercast''', and one to the new cardinal, '''Earl Adel de Òrdraig'''. That report contains the most up-to-date information the Empire has about auras of fear, and how they are created. Everything the Empire can learn from the Druj about fear is in that report.

The report has not been published yet; Gaelen or Adel are within their rights to share the report with any they wish, but the civil service is still preparing the work to be circulated more generally. That will only happen in time for the Autumn Equinox - once that happens the Empire will be in a better position to take practical steps. Given that that report will not be public knowledge until Autumn, it is not yet possible to take concrete steps to build on the knowledge it contains.

However, what the report does not include is anything about how the Empire might combat the auras of fear. The Silent Bell were never going to learn ''that'' from the Druj. Likewise, the Druj have nothing to say about how the Empire might liberate those who have suffered under the imposition of fear. While the Assembly waits to discover what can be learned from the report on fear, produced by the Silent Bell, it makes sense to focus on those things that would otherwise be conspicuous by their absence.

Those looking to help heal the ones who have suffered the crippling effects of fear might be interested in supporting the [[Silver Chalice|Silver Chalice's]] [[Grace_that_comes_with_healing#Harmony_in_Mind_and_Body|work with Ylenwe]] to expand the list of maladies they have the ability to treat.

When it comes to recovering from living under the malice of miasma pillars, it is the people like the Sandfishers, the Yerende, or the Ketsov who would be best able to testify on what it is like to learn how to live without the crushing weight of the Druj yoke on their shoulders. A lecture will be available to the Synod following the Summer Solstice, '''Courage in Convalescence','' which will see priests go and speak to these groups to hear their accounts of what it has been like to make the transition.

Priests who partake will compile a summary of various accounts in time for the Autumn Equinox, and become members of the Courage Assembly. This report will not contain any particular action points, commissions or actions that the machinery of state might employ to dispel fear, but will instead help priests understand the dark scars in the hearts of those who suffered the cruelty of the Buruk Tepel. The hope is that it will help make them more able to provide pastoral support to those they hope to liberate.

Bringing the two reports together for the Autumn Equinox will put the Assembly in the strongest possible position to take action. Once they have learned everything that can be discovered, then they can assess the options available to them and consider what steps they want to take next in pursuit of their highest calling.

===The Hand===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''First Light Refuge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Hope's Rest, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 [[white granite]], 36 crowns and one season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 6 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
*Creates a first stop in the east to organise and distribute ex-Druj citizens across the Proffered Had Network for long-term recovery and rehabilitation
*Creates the title Lantern Keeper of First Light Refuge'''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Lantern Keeper of First Light Refuge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Position</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Courage Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To welcome former slaves to the First Light Refuge
* To organise the protection of the First Light Refuge and the people they shelter against any threats
* To promote the liberation of the oppressed from all the lands that border the Empire</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Supporters of the Proffered Hand call on the Empire to create a new edifice purely to serve the interests of those who have suffered the most'''
The most prominent group in the Empire that consistently works to offer succour to those who have suffered the imposition of slavery or the rule of the Druj is the Proffered Hand Network. Through various offices, the [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]], the [[Abbess of Reconciliation]], the [[Curator of Memories]], the [[Guide to the Lost]], the [[Hearthtender of the Unbroken]], and the [[Hand to the Dance]], the Proffered Hand reaches out to offer shelter and support to those who need it most.

But one criticism of the network is that it focuses too much on integrating former slaves into Imperial life, too much on finding them employment and work within the network - and not enough on the physical wellbeing of those it aims to help. The Abbess of Reconciliation receives an income of herbs each season from the Abbey that could be provided to those who need it most. Sinecures and ministries may provide an effective return on investment, but that is categorically not the best way to help people who desperately need support and assistance.

To counter these arguments, proposals are put together for a central hub in Hope's Rest in the Barrens to connect and support the various offices and estates of the Proffered Hand. Close enough to the Mallum to act as a first port of call for those who escape or are rescued from the clutches of the Druj, it would ensure that they had the means to outfit themselves for their new lives in the Empire.

As a purely charitable organisation, the First Light Refuge would be expensive to run - the commission would be modest, but it would provide no benefits to the Empire, and would have an upkeep of six thrones a season. The benefits would be to those the Proffered Hand wanted to help - ensuring they had what they needed to make a fresh start.

Hope's Rest would be the perfect location for the Refuge to help the people of the Mallum. Of course, if the Empire were ever in a position to try and help liberate the people of [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|the Broken Shore]], or the [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Otkodov]], [[Jotun|Narkyst, or Kalsea]] then they would likely build new refuges on those borders. Saving people is not cheap, but can you really put a price on Virtue?

Indeed, the first people who would be most served by the refuge arrive in the Empire only a few days before the Summer Solstice. Roughly a thousand people who had never been to the Empire were rescued from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in a [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#The_Raid_on_Leen|daring raid]]. The Freeborn, and the other nations on the Bay of Catazar, are helping these people come to terms with what they have been through, but that can only take them so far. The question of how to best help these people will come up again in the coming seasons, and the Refuge would be an excellent way of preparing for the worst.

===The Soul===
* '''The Empire cannot learn how the Druj create auras of fear without learning how to create auras of fear'''
* '''Esther urges the Assembly of Courage to turn aside from this path they are on'''
* '''The General Assembly could enact a mandate to make it impossible for Imperial citizens to gain access to the secret lore of the Druj'''

For a long time, many have believed that the best way for the Empire to learn more about the use of fear and how to counter it ''might'' be to capture or convince one or more of the Buruk Tepel to share their secrets. Not only how they employ fear, but how they protect themselves from it with their mysterious mastery of the arts of the apothecary. Indeed, some years ago [[Three_and_three#Wise_Rangara|Wise Rangara posited]] that conquering the Druj could be the most practical way for the Empire to gain access to these secrets.

Not everyone is still convinced this is the best path, no matter what ''Pale Raven'' says. Esther of the Watchers of Belial was one of the few members of the Silent Bell to return from Druj lands. Their experiences form part of the report the cardinals received, but that document is academic and dry. Stripped of emotion, by necessity, Esther feels it fails to convey the horror of what the Druj have accomplished. Recovering slowly from the experience of months spent in Druj lands, she urges the Assembly of Courage to turn aside from further pursuit of the Druj secrets.

According to Esther, what the Empire knows now is more than enough to counter the Druj weapon. There is nothing ''Virtuous'' to be gained from further knowledge, which is not to say there is nothing more to learn. Her point is that the Empire cannot learn how the Druj create auras of fear without possessing the same knowledge that the Druj. They can't discover ''how'' the Druj can torture and immiserate the people they conquer - without discovering how to do that themselves.

Esther believes, passionately, that this would be a mistake. That this knowledge will doom the Empire - that it would be better by far to let the knowledge die with the Druj. She implores the General Assembly to pass the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom is not always knowing the answer. We send (named priest) with 150 liao to urge every Imperial citizen to forego the secret knowledge of the Druj. Wisdom is finding the right question. Let the art of creating fear die with them.|assembly=General Assembly}}

The report that the cardinals provides an overview of how the Druj create fear auras, but it does not contain enough knowledge to reproduce the techniques. If this mandate is enacted, then it will close the door on opportunities to learn the skills, the techniques, and the actual potion recipes that the Druj use to do that.

When the last Druj is slain, the skills they spent centuries acquiring will die with them. This mandate will not affect Wintermark, Varushka or Urizen unless it passes with a greater majority. Those nations will still gain chances to acquire the skills of the Buruk Tepel, if the mandate does not get a greater majority.

In the charnel pit

2026-07-29T14:34:32Z

Wrenna: /* The Hand */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Highest Calling]]
<quote by="Esther, of the Watchers of Belial">
"I have stood in the charnel pit where the enemy spilled the blood of the Virtuous. I have looked into the eyes of those whose souls have been ground to dust. I have experienced the fear that floods the mind of those who suffer the rule of the Druj. I too felt the blood in my veins turn to ice. I too felt my Courage melt like wax before a hot flame. I too, felt Virtue drain from my body and my soul.

I promise you that no good can come of the path this Assembly has set itself upon. Turn aside. Turn aside ''now'' - before it is too late. The Silent Bell exists to warn the Empire of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. This! This is the danger. And the shadows it lurks in are our own souls.

This Assembly preaches that the Virtuous face unwelcome truths as boldly as any barbarian charge. Surely you say, we must face this truth, no matter how unwelcome. Surely we must embrace it, no matter how painful. Surely we must learn from it, no matter the suffering it brings?

This is a lie! I will tell you the ''real'' "unwelcome truth". The truth is we do '''not''' need the skills of the Buruk Tepel. We want them. We do '''not''' need the hidden lore of the Buruk Tepel. We want it. We do not ''need'' their almanacs and recipes. We want them.

Why do we want these things? To become better healers? More lies. The Buruk Tepel know how to kill, they know nothing about healing. They know how to poison the spirit, they don't know how to heal it. They know how to destroy the souls of those they enslave, they know nothing of Virtue and rebirth. We will not learn these things from the Buruk Tepel.

The unwelcome truth is that we want this lore for the same reason people have always wanted lore. Curiosity. Hunger. Desire. The unwelcome truth is that we want this lore because we want to use it. The unwelcome truth is that we want the ability to emulate the Buruk Tepel.

Virtue is not knowledge. There is no Virtue in simply knowing things. Virtue is action. I implore this assembly to take action. Turn aside. Turn aside now, before it is too late. Place this knowledge beyond the reach of mortal hands. There are some things that mortals were not meant to know. The lore of the Buruk Tepel is one of these things. Turn aside now! Let us wipe the Druj from this world and let the lore of the Buruk Tepel die with them.
</quote>
<div style="float: left; width: 300px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Naught but ash.jpg|width=300px}}</div>
==Overview==
Eight assemblies found their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] at the Spring Equinox, but it is the assemblies of [[Courage]] and [[Prosperity]] who have chosen the pastoral path - seeking to aid those peoples in the greatest need.

The Prosperous see that there were places in the Empire that are not benefiting from the same wealth and opportunity as they should be. At any given time there is always part of the Empire wracked by war or ravaged by magic, but some places are strong enough, lucky enough, or simply have rich enough friends and allies to recover. Not everyone has been so fortunate and '''Heilyn Bronwen's Rest''' has called upon all who might hear to see those who need help, and help them.

The Courageous see the damage to those whose lives have been lived under the smothering cruelty of fear. '''Ada of House Meliora''' has proposed that the Empire see what can be done to alleviate the woes of those who spent their lives suffocating under the pressure of [[Druj miasma]].
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Prosperity.png|width=300px}}</div>

==Prosperity==
{{SOP|statement=The Empire has grown, but not without great costs. Many of the lands and people within it bear scars from the conflicts which have been brought to them, or from the actions of those who held power before. We call upon the Prosperous to look for opportunities that will help to bring Prosperity to the damaged territories of the Empire and the people within them. Strive, toil and claim your just rewards - and give those who deserve it the chance to strive, toil and claim in their own turn. This is the Highest Calling of the Prosperity Assembly.|by=Heilyn Bronwen's Rest, Prosperity Assembly|vote={{GM}} 241-0|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
* '''The Prosperity Assembly can use a mandate each summit for the next year to identify a single territory they wish to aid'''
* '''The mandate will lead to an opportunity for the Prosperous to meet the costs of helping the territory to rebuild'''
* '''Any opportunity will be a chance to help others become more Prosperous, rather than to benefit themselves'''

There are many places alluded to by Heilyn that may benefit from help. There are lands that still feel the aftershocks of the invasion by [[Cold Sun]]. There are places all across the East of the Empire that the wicked [[Druj]] have left in ruins. The territory of [[Feroz]] still languishes in poverty following the corrupt rule of Governor Rahab. For the coming year, the Prosperity Assembly may choose a place in the Empire for the generous to focus their attention.
{{Mandate|mandate=Let none in our Empire be left without! We send (named individual) with 25 doses of liao to (territory) to ensure that all that is worthwhile is shared with those who need it.|assembly=Prosperity Assembly}}

Led by the named priest, pilgrims will travel to the named territory to see what can be done. Of course ''every'' territory in the Empire has suffered from the impact of war and misfortune at ''some'' point in the Empire's history, but the more ''lasting'' the damage, the more ''recent'' the damage, the easier it will be for the Assembly of Prosperity to find effective ways to help.

Each season, the [[civil service]] will assess the efforts of those who make the pilgrimage and present a single [[opportunity]] to restore the dignity, freedom and prosperity that the [[Imperial Constitution]] guarantees them. There will be at least one chance for the Assembly of Prosperity to help lift people up, to help restore their Prosperity, but it will not be cheap. If the Assembly want to help others, people less fortunate than themselves, they will need to dig deep to do it.
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Courage.png|width=300px}}</div>

==Courage==
{{SOP|statement=The Druj threat is not ended until every soul affected is freed of the fear they have wielded. It is our duty as priests of Courage to not only shed light upon the courageous but to also walk the fearful out of darkness. Let us learn everything we can about the auras of fear, how they have been created and how we can best combat them, that we may work spiritually to liberate the sept of the Sarangrave from their cruel captors once and for all. This is our highest calling.|by=Ada of House Meliora, Courage Assembly|vote={{GM}} 202-10|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
===The Heart===
* '''The Silent Bell report on how the Druj create auras of fear will be published in time for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''''Earl Adel de Òrdraig'' and ''Gaelen Embercast'' each possess a copy of the report'''
* '''The Assembly can use the time before the Autumn Equinox to gather the information that will not be in the cardinals' report'''
* '''Once the Assembly has gathered all the information they can, they can decide what step to take next in pursuit of their highest calling'''

Two copies of the [[Silent_Bell_(Sodality)|Silent Bell]] report on the use of fear as a weapon by the [[Druj]] are in circulation at Anvil. One copy was given to the former cardinal, '''Gaelen Embercast''', and one to the new cardinal, '''Earl Adel de Òrdraig'''. That report contains the most up-to-date information the Empire has about auras of fear, and how they are created. Everything the Empire can learn from the Druj about fear is in that report.

The report has not been published yet; Gaelen or Adel are within their rights to share the report with any they wish, but the civil service is still preparing the work to be circulated more generally. That will only happen in time for the Autumn Equinox - once that happens the Empire will be in a better position to take practical steps. Given that that report will not be public knowledge until Autumn, it is not yet possible to take concrete steps to build on the knowledge it contains.

However, what the report does not include is anything about how the Empire might combat the auras of fear. The Silent Bell were never going to learn ''that'' from the Druj. Likewise, the Druj have nothing to say about how the Empire might liberate those who have suffered under the imposition of fear. While the Assembly waits to discover what can be learned from the report on fear, produced by the Silent Bell, it makes sense to focus on those things that would otherwise be conspicuous by their absence.

Those looking to help heal the ones who have suffered the crippling effects of fear might be interested in supporting the [[Silver Chalice|Silver Chalice's]] [[Grace_that_comes_with_healing#Harmony_in_Mind_and_Body|work with Ylenwe]] to expand the list of maladies they have the ability to treat.

When it comes to recovering from living under the malice of miasma pillars, it is the people like the Sandfishers, the Yerende, or the Ketsov who would be best able to testify on what it is like to learn how to live without the crushing weight of the Druj yoke on their shoulders. A lecture will be available to the Synod following the Summer Solstice, '''Courage in Convalescence','' which will see priests go and speak to these groups to hear their accounts of what it has been like to make the transition.

Priests who partake will compile a summary of various accounts in time for the Autumn Equinox, and become members of the Courage Assembly. This report will not contain any particular action points, commissions or actions that the machinery of state might employ to dispel fear, but will instead help priests understand the dark scars in the hearts of those who suffered the cruelty of the Buruk Tepel. The hope is that it will help make them more able to provide pastoral support to those they hope to liberate.

Bringing the two reports together for the Autumn Equinox will put the Assembly in the strongest possible position to take action. Once they have learned everything that can be discovered, then they can assess the options available to them and consider what steps they want to take next in pursuit of their highest calling.

===The Hand===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''First Light Refuge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Hope's Rest, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 [[white granite]], 36 crowns and one season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 6 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
*Creates a first stop in the east to organise and distribute ex-Druj citizens across the Proffered Had Network for long-term recovery and rehabilitation
*Creates the title Lantern Keeper of First Light Refuge'''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Lantern Keeper of First Light Refuge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Position</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Courage Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To welcome former slaves to the First Light Refuge
* To organise the protection of the First Light Refuge and the people they shelter against any threats
* To promote the liberation of the oppressed from all the lands that border the Empire</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Supporters of the Proffered Hand call on the Empire to create a new edifice purely to serve the interests of those who have suffered the most'''
The most prominent group in the Empire that consistently works to offer succour to those who have suffered the imposition of slavery or the rule of the Druj is the Proffered Hand Network. Through various offices, the [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]], the [[Abbess of Reconciliation]], the [[Curator of Memories]], the [[Guide to the Lost]], the [[Hearthtender of the Unbroken]], and the [[Hand to the Dance]], the Proffered Hand reaches out to offer shelter and support to those who need it most.

But one criticism of the network is that it focuses too much on integrating former slaves into Imperial life, too much on finding them employment and work within the network - and not enough on the physical wellbeing of those it aims to help. The Abbess of Reconciliation receives an income of herbs each season from the Abbey that could be provided to those who need it most. Sinecures and ministries may provide an effective return on investment, but that is categorically not the best way to help people who desperately need support and assistance.

To counter these arguments, proposals are put together for a central hub in Hope's Rest in the Barrens to connect and support the various offices and estates of the Proffered Hand. Close enough to the Mallum to act as a first port of call for those who escape or are rescued from the clutches of the Druj, it would ensure that they had the means to outfit themselves for their new lives in the Empire.

As a purely charitable organisation, the First Light Refuge would be expensive to run - the commission would be modest, but it would provide no benefits to the Empire, and would have an upkeep of six thrones a season. The benefits would be to those the Proffered Hand wanted to help - ensuring they had what they needed to make a fresh start.

Hope's Rest would be the perfect location for the Refuge to help the people of the Mallum. Of course, if the Empire were ever in a position to try and help liberate the people of [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|the Broken Shore]], or the [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Otkodov]], [[Jotun|Narkyst, or Kalsea]] then they would likely build new refuges on those borders. Saving people is not cheap, but can you really put a price on Virtue?

Indeed, the first people who would be most served by the refuge arrive in the Empire only a few days before the Summer Solstice. Roughly a thousand people who had never been to the Empire were rescued from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen|Leen]] ina [[88YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#The_Raid_on_Leen|daring raid]]. The Freeborn, and the other nations on the Bay of Catazar, are helping these people come to terms with what they have been through, but that can only take them so far. The question of how to best help these people will come up again in the coming seasons, and the Refuge would be an excellent way of preparing for the worst.

===The Soul===
* '''The Empire cannot learn how the Druj create auras of fear without learning how to create auras of fear'''
* '''Esther urges the Assembly of Courage to turn aside from this path they are on'''
* '''The General Assembly could enact a mandate to make it impossible for Imperial citizens to gain access to the secret lore of the Druj'''

For a long time, many have believed that the best way for the Empire to learn more about the use of fear and how to counter it ''might'' be to capture or convince one or more of the Buruk Tepel to share their secrets. Not only how they employ fear, but how they protect themselves from it with their mysterious mastery of the arts of the apothecary. Indeed, some years ago [[Three_and_three#Wise_Rangara|Wise Rangara posited]] that conquering the Druj could be the most practical way for the Empire to gain access to these secrets.

Not everyone is still convinced this is the best path, no matter what ''Pale Raven'' says. Esther of the Watchers of Belial was one of the few members of the Silent Bell to return from Druj lands. Their experiences form part of the report the cardinals received, but that document is academic and dry. Stripped of emotion, by necessity, Esther feels it fails to convey the horror of what the Druj have accomplished. Recovering slowly from the experience of months spent in Druj lands, she urges the Assembly of Courage to turn aside from further pursuit of the Druj secrets.

According to Esther, what the Empire knows now is more than enough to counter the Druj weapon. There is nothing ''Virtuous'' to be gained from further knowledge, which is not to say there is nothing more to learn. Her point is that the Empire cannot learn how the Druj create auras of fear without possessing the same knowledge that the Druj. They can't discover ''how'' the Druj can torture and immiserate the people they conquer - without discovering how to do that themselves.

Esther believes, passionately, that this would be a mistake. That this knowledge will doom the Empire - that it would be better by far to let the knowledge die with the Druj. She implores the General Assembly to pass the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom is not always knowing the answer. We send (named priest) with 150 liao to urge every Imperial citizen to forego the secret knowledge of the Druj. Wisdom is finding the right question. Let the art of creating fear die with them.|assembly=General Assembly}}

The report that the cardinals provides an overview of how the Druj create fear auras, but it does not contain enough knowledge to reproduce the techniques. If this mandate is enacted, then it will close the door on opportunities to learn the skills, the techniques, and the actual potion recipes that the Druj use to do that.

When the last Druj is slain, the skills they spent centuries acquiring will die with them. This mandate will not affect Wintermark, Varushka or Urizen unless it passes with a greater majority. Those nations will still gain chances to acquire the skills of the Buruk Tepel, if the mandate does not get a greater majority.

388YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements

2026-07-29T11:12:43Z

Wrenna: /* Judgement 10 */

[[Category: Synod]] [[Category:Synod Results]] [[Category: Synod Judgements]][[Category: 388YE Summer]]
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{|
|+ align="top"| <big>'''Judgement Quick Links'''</big>
! Judgement Type
! Amount
|-
|[[#Change of Doctrine|Change of Doctrine]] ||
|-
|[[#Veto|Veto]] ||
|-
|[[#Statement of Principle|Statement of Principle]]||
|-
|[[#Mandate|Mandate]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Consecration|Writ of Consecration]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Excommunication|Writ of Excommunication]] ||
|-
|[[#Proscription|Proscription]] ||
|-
|[[#Inquisition|Inquisition]] ||
|-
|[[#Sanction|Sanction]] ||
|-
|[[#Recognition|Recognition]] ||
|-
|[[#Exaltation|Exaltation]] ||
|-
|[[#Appointment|Appointment]] ||
|-
|[[#Rewarding|Rewarding]] ||
|-
|}
</div>
__TOC__
==Statement of Principle==

==Mandate==
===Judgement 8===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Viviane
* '''Judgement:''' A banner flies in Elos where the unstoppable tempest met the immovable mountain. Where the heirs of mariika the Cunning and Guntherm the Bold faced those of Rucraic the Audacious and Dubhtraig the Ruthless in a clash of Ambitions. We send Viviane Barossa with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site of that banner - to make in Elos a beacon of Ambition whose flame shall shine all across the waters of Catazar unto the very shores of Attar itself.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (214-10)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

===Judgement 19===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Sister Elysium
* '''Judgement:''' We shall ignite the flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send Micah of The Navigators of Virtue with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (442-0)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

==Exaltation==
===Judgement 5===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Halwyn Splitroot
* '''Judgement:''' Great artists whose work inspires virtue should be exalted. Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra has inspired pride across the Empire through her artwork, Faces of the Empire, which comprises a central piece and ten accompanying portraits, each representing the culture of an Imperial nation. The central piece brings together all ten portraits, symbolising the unity, strength, and virtue of our diverse Empire. Constanza is a multidisciplinary artist whose inspiring work spans both the visual and performing arts. We exalt Constanza in recognition of her artistic achievements and her dedication to inspiring pride in others.
* '''Outcome: '''Not upheld (194-80); this judgment required a greater majority.

==Recognition==
===Judgement 4===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune on behalf of Amos
* '''Judgement:''' I call for Barabbas to be recognised as an exemplar of Ambition, embodying the tenet that "it is better by far to try and fail, than never to have tried at all". His legacy lives on in Freeborn corsairs, in Caricomare and in Segura. His benevolence lives on in the ports and cities he built, the trade routes he founded, and the maps drawn from his explorers. His miraculous final address, and the aura of ambition it bears two centuries on, is an inspiration to mariners, explorers and adventurers to the cenotaph, and to all those who seek to do what "cannot be done". Barabbas is an exemplar for all those who dare to dream.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1056-118)

==Castigation==
===Judgement 12===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' An Inquisitor must be held to the standard of a competent and Virtuous Inquisitor. Nothing Less. Brother Geoffrey Orchard; You have misused the powers bestowed on you, using Sanctions to advertise your books for personal gain. You have placed collective punishment on those outside your Inquisition without remorse. You have derogated Exemplars, beyond theological debate. You have offended each Tenet of Pride, demeaning others on your vengeful path and failing to strive for excellence. You have promoted the false virtue of Vengeance, choosing Inquisition targets by personal grudges and unrepentantly displaying human heads on pikes along the road of a Consecrated tomb. If you were not a titled Inquisitor, there could be room to rectify your lack of Pride. You are Heretical, a discredit to the Way, and deserving of harsher recourse than the limits Castigation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (188-28)

==Writ of Consecration==
===Judgement 13===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' 60 years have passed since the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion, Exemplars of Pride, gave their lives for Virtue. Their names resonate across Mournwold hills; Esme Hooper, Mary Digger, Ezekial "Zeke" Boon, Henry Killinghall, Maggie John, and Tom John. As the pickaxes ring out, driving their Legacy deeper into the stone, the Great Work commemorating them stands ever taller. 'Rebellion's Ridge' is dedicated to them, together, and their Virtuous lives. They have waited long enough. Just as the Assembly of Pride first Recognised their Exemplarhood, so too does it request a Writ of Consecration for this sacred site. Let it draw pilgrims to its sanctuary; let it remind a territory stricken by the Jotun bootheel time and time again: Plan. Arm. Enchant. Resist. Exalt. Remember.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (296-10)

==Inquisition==
===Judgement 10===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Elagabala, Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path
* '''Judgement:''' Night claims to home the Conscience of Kings but the Virtuous know that title is claimed by the Strategist and Worth of Wisdom. I Elagabala Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path, call to Inquisition Brat of the Umbral Path to discuss his association with the previous Archmages of Night, his failures, their failures and Imperial failures. We shall stand in the scouring light of day at high noon in the Umbral Path camp on the Saturday of this summit. We shall cut and cut an cut until the world bleeds truth. I write this not in interrogation of Brat's Wisdom but to apply the Wisdom of this Empire to Night and its agents; to tear asunder their chests, and expose their hearts to the inexorable pain of being seen.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (56-20)

===Judgement 20===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Iniska Ashwood
* '''Judgement:''' I call Modesto Bogaty to inquisition to answer questions about face peeler eggs. 9pm Saturday. Woven Roots. Navarr.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (153-0)

===Writs of Inquisition===
{{stub}}
The following writs of inquisition were issued this summit:
{|
| '''Called by''' || '''Subject''' || '''Judgement or Title''' || '''Matter'''
|-
| Elagabala || Brat Umbral Path || [[#Judgement 10|Judgement 10]] || Association with previous [[Archmage of Night|Archmages of Night]]
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Modesto Bogaty || [[#Judgement 20|Judgement 20]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Face peeler]] eggs
|-
| Nerith || Nerith || [[#Judgement 35|Judgement 35]] || [[Freedom of the Soul]] and [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]]
|-
| Jesper || Marcus || [[#Judgement 36|Judgement 36]] || Final actions as Warden of the Mark, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Aethelric the Grounded || Hypatia of House de Cendres || [[#Judgement 52|Judgement 52]] || Her work at the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Hospital|Anvil Hospital]]
|-
| Bryce the Hare || Radomir || [[#Judgement 60|Judgement 60]] || Wolf Carousel and Host of the Wolf
|-
| Eldrid "Phoenix Flame" Vestadottir || Talos Fergus of the Serrated Claws || [[#Judgement 61|Judgement 61]] || Rumours of siding with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Watt Lambrook || [[#Judgement 95|Judgement 95]] || Right questions
|-
| Brightness Alys de Reynard || Earl Temperance of the Groves || [[#Judgement 101|Judgement 101]] || Their ennobling and time spent with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Father Drakov || Sigismund || [[#Judgement 115|Judgement 115]] || The Saturday battle
|-
| Amara || Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés || [[#Judgement 116|Judgement 116]] || Being an example to [[Glory]] and [[Ambition]]
|-
| Hazel Talbot || Mel Bleak || [[#Judgement 119|Judgement 119]] || Not talking to the [[Sun Chamber]] before creating the [[Stoat of the Sun]]
|-
| Galene Netherwatch || Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian || [[Arcane Inquisitor]] || Moving forwards, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Alfred Eawolfson || Albrecht von Holberg || [[Basilisk of the Bourse]] || Virtue, economics and intelligence
|-
| Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost || Belial de Courtenay-Wyldrose || [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Their role as [[High Exorcist]]
|-
| Azir i Shartha i Riqueza || Wulfric Leonard Mourn || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Ambition]] || His designs on cardinalship and a formal debrief of the [[All laudable qualities|Symposium of Proscriptions]]
|-
| Masha Sigeling || Aurianna du Meravon || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Courage]] || Comments around the election of the General of the [[Golden Sun]]
|-
| Eevi Hawk Heart of the Gadrai || Martin Orchard || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]] || Vengeance cults and bonds within the Marches, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Jedediah Boon || Ada Droon Drifting Bough || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Pride]] || Monuments built, at the Autumn or Winter summit
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Kevan Heartsbane || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || The [[Broker]]'s Council
|-
| Brother Geoffrey Orchard || Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Vigilance]] || A Jarmish jam, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Rhidian de Rondell || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] || Communication with the Wisdom Assembly and other heroic business
|}

==Vindication==
===Judgement 16===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Corey Wayfarer
* '''Judgement:''' Following Inquisition at the Spring Equinox I Vindicate you. How your virtue motivates you, your actions and your orders as a General was clear and I look forward to your continued virtuous journey. Thank you Cadwell. You requested some support with emotional elements of the General's role and to this end you took an Oath to speak with a Guide or Guides for an hour each season to help support you in your role as General. I will be happy to continue to guide you in this manner.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (232-0)

==Appointment==

===Judgement 1===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Courage]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' was appointed with 134 votes; Maarit Suvidottir received 120 votes.

===Judgement 2===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Silas of the Cenotaph''' was appointed with 134 votes; Francesca of Spiral received 0 notes.

===Judgement 3===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Pride]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jebediah Boon''' was appointed with 183 votes; Lady Ailsa Tamerleine received 54 notes.

===Judgement 14===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Lord Arthur de Lagriffe''' was appointed with 150 votes; Cyrus of Athaliah's Handiwork received 60 votes; 'Tongs' Barossa de Tassato Regario received 118 votes; Rhyffyllann Inkblood received 66 votes.

===Judgement 15===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Beneficiary of the Golden Cascade]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Hester of Sarangrave Reforged''' was appointed with 60 votes; Saraniz received 58 votes.

===Judgement 21===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of Ambition]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Sister Elysium''' was appointed with 120 votes; Cerys de Rosier - 66 votes; Kasjay received -76 votes.

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 23===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes
==Rewarding==
===Judgement 18===
* '''Assembly: '''General
* '''Raised By:''' Estella Lucati
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire is ill-equipped to deal with the enemy spy networks - and the Grendel have four we know about but cannot easily destroy. The Imperial Spymaster, Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, strives in VIrtue and does what they can but needs our support. For Vigilance's sake, we reward the Imperial Spymaster with 12 wains of weirwood so that we can build the base required for the Empire to be able to undertake counter-espionage missions
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (943-115)

==The Virtue Fund==
At the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE summit, the Virtue Fund stood as follows:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 thrones, 17 rings</td><td>12 wains</td><td>8 wains</td><td>12 wains</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Total donations made were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

The total amounts carried forward to the next summit were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations received prior to the start of the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 1 throne, 2 crowns at the [[Rewarding#Counting Houses|counting house]] of [[Reikos]]
* 2 thrones at the counting house of [[Tassato]]
* 1 throne, 3 crowns at the counting house of [[Semmerholm]]
* 1 throne, 4 crowns at the counting house of [[Karsk]]
* 1 throne, 6 crowns at the counting house of [[Temeschwar]]
* 6 wains of mithril, 8 wains of white granite and 8 wains of weirwood from [[The_greatest_plurality#One_Empire|various donations]]
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of Rewardings made at the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 12 wains of weirwood to '''Estella Lucati''' following [[#Judgement 18|Judgement 18]] being upheld (margin 825)
* 8 wains of white granite to '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' following [[#Judgement 31|Judgement 31]] being upheld (margin 679)
* 30 thrones to '''Leonora Albertina van Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 39|Judgement 39]] being upheld (margin 381)
* 12 wains of mithril to '''Neri''' following [[#Judgement 78|Judgement 78]] being upheld (margin 338)
* 10 thrones to '''Callista of the Dark Shard''' following [[#Judgement 59|Judgement 59]] being upheld (margin 167)
* 10 thrones to '''Albrecht von Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 67|Judgement 67]] being upheld (margin 113)
* 25 thrones to '''Harwyn Eternal''' following [[#Judgement 90|Judgement 90]] being upheld (margin 57)
* 5 thrones, 17 rings to '''Fredegar Bloodmouth''' following [[#Judgement 125|Judgement 125]] being upheld (margin 48)
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations made during the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 72 thrones for the Bourse dose of True Liao from '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra'''
* 1 throne from '''Warlord Redhand Gezzar'''
* 6 crowns from '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
* 1 crown, 13 rings from '''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza'''
* 1 crown from '''Berith Relieur'''
* 1 ring in small donations
</div>
==Doses of True Liao==

Six doses of [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]] were disbursed this summit:
* One dose to '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' as [[the Throne]]
* One dose to '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' as [[Lepidean Librarian]]
* One dose to '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra''' by purchase in the [[Public auction|Public Auction]]
* One dose to '''Bella D'Sarvos''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Lofyn Bloodcloak''' by decision of the Gatekeepers

==Assembly Strength==
The table below shows the size, total voting strength and greater majority thresholds for each assembly as calculated at the start of the summit.

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | Virtue Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Ambition || 45 || 610 || 306
|-
|Courage || 34 || 458 || 230
|-
|Loyalty || 59 || 734 || 368
|-
|Pride || 37 || 468 || 235
|-
|Prosperity || 32 || 375 || 188
|-
|Vigilance || 53 || 594 || 298
|-
|Wisdom || 49 || 658 || 330
|-
|The Way || 55 || 650 || 326
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | National Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Brass Coast || 23 || 284 || 143
|-
|Dawn || 59 || 738 || 370
|-
|Highguard || 77 || 1000 || 501
|-
|Imperial Orcs || 8 || 86 || 44
|-
|League || 40 || 542 || 272
|-
|Marches || 23 || 278 || 140
|-
|Navarr || 35 || 425 || 213
|-
|Urizen || 28 || 320 || 161
|-
|Varushka || 26 || 348 || 175
|-
|Wintermark || 45 || 526 || 264
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}
==Anchor the Way in Asavea==
Click ''Expand'' to see the list of contributions made to Anchor the Way in Asavea.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{CommissionProgress|Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea}}
</div>

388YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements

2026-07-29T11:12:32Z

Wrenna: /* Judgement 13 */

[[Category: Synod]] [[Category:Synod Results]] [[Category: Synod Judgements]][[Category: 388YE Summer]]
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{|
|+ align="top"| <big>'''Judgement Quick Links'''</big>
! Judgement Type
! Amount
|-
|[[#Change of Doctrine|Change of Doctrine]] ||
|-
|[[#Veto|Veto]] ||
|-
|[[#Statement of Principle|Statement of Principle]]||
|-
|[[#Mandate|Mandate]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Consecration|Writ of Consecration]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Excommunication|Writ of Excommunication]] ||
|-
|[[#Proscription|Proscription]] ||
|-
|[[#Inquisition|Inquisition]] ||
|-
|[[#Sanction|Sanction]] ||
|-
|[[#Recognition|Recognition]] ||
|-
|[[#Exaltation|Exaltation]] ||
|-
|[[#Appointment|Appointment]] ||
|-
|[[#Rewarding|Rewarding]] ||
|-
|}
</div>
__TOC__
==Statement of Principle==

==Mandate==
===Judgement 8===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Viviane
* '''Judgement:''' A banner flies in Elos where the unstoppable tempest met the immovable mountain. Where the heirs of mariika the Cunning and Guntherm the Bold faced those of Rucraic the Audacious and Dubhtraig the Ruthless in a clash of Ambitions. We send Viviane Barossa with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site of that banner - to make in Elos a beacon of Ambition whose flame shall shine all across the waters of Catazar unto the very shores of Attar itself.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (214-10)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

===Judgement 19===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Sister Elysium
* '''Judgement:''' We shall ignite the flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send Micah of The Navigators of Virtue with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (442-0)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

==Exaltation==
===Judgement 5===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Halwyn Splitroot
* '''Judgement:''' Great artists whose work inspires virtue should be exalted. Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra has inspired pride across the Empire through her artwork, Faces of the Empire, which comprises a central piece and ten accompanying portraits, each representing the culture of an Imperial nation. The central piece brings together all ten portraits, symbolising the unity, strength, and virtue of our diverse Empire. Constanza is a multidisciplinary artist whose inspiring work spans both the visual and performing arts. We exalt Constanza in recognition of her artistic achievements and her dedication to inspiring pride in others.
* '''Outcome: '''Not upheld (194-80); this judgment required a greater majority.

==Recognition==
===Judgement 4===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune on behalf of Amos
* '''Judgement:''' I call for Barabbas to be recognised as an exemplar of Ambition, embodying the tenet that "it is better by far to try and fail, than never to have tried at all". His legacy lives on in Freeborn corsairs, in Caricomare and in Segura. His benevolence lives on in the ports and cities he built, the trade routes he founded, and the maps drawn from his explorers. His miraculous final address, and the aura of ambition it bears two centuries on, is an inspiration to mariners, explorers and adventurers to the cenotaph, and to all those who seek to do what "cannot be done". Barabbas is an exemplar for all those who dare to dream.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1056-118)

==Castigation==
===Judgement 12===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' An Inquisitor must be held to the standard of a competent and Virtuous Inquisitor. Nothing Less. Brother Geoffrey Orchard; You have misused the powers bestowed on you, using Sanctions to advertise your books for personal gain. You have placed collective punishment on those outside your Inquisition without remorse. You have derogated Exemplars, beyond theological debate. You have offended each Tenet of Pride, demeaning others on your vengeful path and failing to strive for excellence. You have promoted the false virtue of Vengeance, choosing Inquisition targets by personal grudges and unrepentantly displaying human heads on pikes along the road of a Consecrated tomb. If you were not a titled Inquisitor, there could be room to rectify your lack of Pride. You are Heretical, a discredit to the Way, and deserving of harsher recourse than the limits Castigation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (188-28)

==Writ of Consecration==
===Judgement 13===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' 60 years have passed since the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion, Exemplars of Pride, gave their lives for Virtue. Their names resonate across Mournwold hills; Esme Hooper, Mary Digger, Ezekial "Zeke" Boon, Henry Killinghall, Maggie John, and Tom John. As the pickaxes ring out, driving their Legacy deeper into the stone, the Great Work commemorating them stands ever taller. 'Rebellion's Ridge' is dedicated to them, together, and their Virtuous lives. They have waited long enough. Just as the Assembly of Pride first Recognised their Exemplarhood, so too does it request a Writ of Consecration for this sacred site. Let it draw pilgrims to its sanctuary; let it remind a territory stricken by the Jotun bootheel time and time again: Plan. Arm. Enchant. Resist. Exalt. Remember.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (296-10)

==Inquisition==
===Judgement 10===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Elagabala, Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path
* '''Judgement:''' Night claims to home the Conscience of Kings but the Virtuous know that title is claimed by the Strategist and Worth of Wisdom. I Elagabala Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path, call to Inquisition Brat of the Umbral Path to discuss his association with the previous Archmages of Night, his failures, their failures and Imperial failures. WE shall stand in the scouring light of day at high noon in the Umbral Path camp on the Saturday of this summit. We shall cut and cut an cut until the world bleeds truth. I write this not in interrogation of Brat's Wisdom but to apply the Wisdom of this Empire to Night and its agents; to tear asunder their chests, and expose their hearts to the inexorable pain of being seen.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (56-20)

===Judgement 20===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Iniska Ashwood
* '''Judgement:''' I call Modesto Bogaty to inquisition to answer questions about face peeler eggs. 9pm Saturday. Woven Roots. Navarr.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (153-0)

===Writs of Inquisition===
{{stub}}
The following writs of inquisition were issued this summit:
{|
| '''Called by''' || '''Subject''' || '''Judgement or Title''' || '''Matter'''
|-
| Elagabala || Brat Umbral Path || [[#Judgement 10|Judgement 10]] || Association with previous [[Archmage of Night|Archmages of Night]]
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Modesto Bogaty || [[#Judgement 20|Judgement 20]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Face peeler]] eggs
|-
| Nerith || Nerith || [[#Judgement 35|Judgement 35]] || [[Freedom of the Soul]] and [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]]
|-
| Jesper || Marcus || [[#Judgement 36|Judgement 36]] || Final actions as Warden of the Mark, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Aethelric the Grounded || Hypatia of House de Cendres || [[#Judgement 52|Judgement 52]] || Her work at the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Hospital|Anvil Hospital]]
|-
| Bryce the Hare || Radomir || [[#Judgement 60|Judgement 60]] || Wolf Carousel and Host of the Wolf
|-
| Eldrid "Phoenix Flame" Vestadottir || Talos Fergus of the Serrated Claws || [[#Judgement 61|Judgement 61]] || Rumours of siding with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Watt Lambrook || [[#Judgement 95|Judgement 95]] || Right questions
|-
| Brightness Alys de Reynard || Earl Temperance of the Groves || [[#Judgement 101|Judgement 101]] || Their ennobling and time spent with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Father Drakov || Sigismund || [[#Judgement 115|Judgement 115]] || The Saturday battle
|-
| Amara || Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés || [[#Judgement 116|Judgement 116]] || Being an example to [[Glory]] and [[Ambition]]
|-
| Hazel Talbot || Mel Bleak || [[#Judgement 119|Judgement 119]] || Not talking to the [[Sun Chamber]] before creating the [[Stoat of the Sun]]
|-
| Galene Netherwatch || Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian || [[Arcane Inquisitor]] || Moving forwards, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Alfred Eawolfson || Albrecht von Holberg || [[Basilisk of the Bourse]] || Virtue, economics and intelligence
|-
| Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost || Belial de Courtenay-Wyldrose || [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Their role as [[High Exorcist]]
|-
| Azir i Shartha i Riqueza || Wulfric Leonard Mourn || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Ambition]] || His designs on cardinalship and a formal debrief of the [[All laudable qualities|Symposium of Proscriptions]]
|-
| Masha Sigeling || Aurianna du Meravon || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Courage]] || Comments around the election of the General of the [[Golden Sun]]
|-
| Eevi Hawk Heart of the Gadrai || Martin Orchard || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]] || Vengeance cults and bonds within the Marches, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Jedediah Boon || Ada Droon Drifting Bough || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Pride]] || Monuments built, at the Autumn or Winter summit
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Kevan Heartsbane || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || The [[Broker]]'s Council
|-
| Brother Geoffrey Orchard || Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Vigilance]] || A Jarmish jam, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Rhidian de Rondell || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] || Communication with the Wisdom Assembly and other heroic business
|}

==Vindication==
===Judgement 16===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Corey Wayfarer
* '''Judgement:''' Following Inquisition at the Spring Equinox I Vindicate you. How your virtue motivates you, your actions and your orders as a General was clear and I look forward to your continued virtuous journey. Thank you Cadwell. You requested some support with emotional elements of the General's role and to this end you took an Oath to speak with a Guide or Guides for an hour each season to help support you in your role as General. I will be happy to continue to guide you in this manner.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (232-0)

==Appointment==

===Judgement 1===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Courage]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' was appointed with 134 votes; Maarit Suvidottir received 120 votes.

===Judgement 2===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Silas of the Cenotaph''' was appointed with 134 votes; Francesca of Spiral received 0 notes.

===Judgement 3===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Pride]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jebediah Boon''' was appointed with 183 votes; Lady Ailsa Tamerleine received 54 notes.

===Judgement 14===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Lord Arthur de Lagriffe''' was appointed with 150 votes; Cyrus of Athaliah's Handiwork received 60 votes; 'Tongs' Barossa de Tassato Regario received 118 votes; Rhyffyllann Inkblood received 66 votes.

===Judgement 15===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Beneficiary of the Golden Cascade]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Hester of Sarangrave Reforged''' was appointed with 60 votes; Saraniz received 58 votes.

===Judgement 21===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of Ambition]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Sister Elysium''' was appointed with 120 votes; Cerys de Rosier - 66 votes; Kasjay received -76 votes.

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 23===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes
==Rewarding==
===Judgement 18===
* '''Assembly: '''General
* '''Raised By:''' Estella Lucati
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire is ill-equipped to deal with the enemy spy networks - and the Grendel have four we know about but cannot easily destroy. The Imperial Spymaster, Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, strives in VIrtue and does what they can but needs our support. For Vigilance's sake, we reward the Imperial Spymaster with 12 wains of weirwood so that we can build the base required for the Empire to be able to undertake counter-espionage missions
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (943-115)

==The Virtue Fund==
At the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE summit, the Virtue Fund stood as follows:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 thrones, 17 rings</td><td>12 wains</td><td>8 wains</td><td>12 wains</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Total donations made were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

The total amounts carried forward to the next summit were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations received prior to the start of the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 1 throne, 2 crowns at the [[Rewarding#Counting Houses|counting house]] of [[Reikos]]
* 2 thrones at the counting house of [[Tassato]]
* 1 throne, 3 crowns at the counting house of [[Semmerholm]]
* 1 throne, 4 crowns at the counting house of [[Karsk]]
* 1 throne, 6 crowns at the counting house of [[Temeschwar]]
* 6 wains of mithril, 8 wains of white granite and 8 wains of weirwood from [[The_greatest_plurality#One_Empire|various donations]]
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of Rewardings made at the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 12 wains of weirwood to '''Estella Lucati''' following [[#Judgement 18|Judgement 18]] being upheld (margin 825)
* 8 wains of white granite to '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' following [[#Judgement 31|Judgement 31]] being upheld (margin 679)
* 30 thrones to '''Leonora Albertina van Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 39|Judgement 39]] being upheld (margin 381)
* 12 wains of mithril to '''Neri''' following [[#Judgement 78|Judgement 78]] being upheld (margin 338)
* 10 thrones to '''Callista of the Dark Shard''' following [[#Judgement 59|Judgement 59]] being upheld (margin 167)
* 10 thrones to '''Albrecht von Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 67|Judgement 67]] being upheld (margin 113)
* 25 thrones to '''Harwyn Eternal''' following [[#Judgement 90|Judgement 90]] being upheld (margin 57)
* 5 thrones, 17 rings to '''Fredegar Bloodmouth''' following [[#Judgement 125|Judgement 125]] being upheld (margin 48)
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations made during the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 72 thrones for the Bourse dose of True Liao from '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra'''
* 1 throne from '''Warlord Redhand Gezzar'''
* 6 crowns from '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
* 1 crown, 13 rings from '''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza'''
* 1 crown from '''Berith Relieur'''
* 1 ring in small donations
</div>
==Doses of True Liao==

Six doses of [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]] were disbursed this summit:
* One dose to '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' as [[the Throne]]
* One dose to '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' as [[Lepidean Librarian]]
* One dose to '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra''' by purchase in the [[Public auction|Public Auction]]
* One dose to '''Bella D'Sarvos''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Lofyn Bloodcloak''' by decision of the Gatekeepers

==Assembly Strength==
The table below shows the size, total voting strength and greater majority thresholds for each assembly as calculated at the start of the summit.

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | Virtue Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Ambition || 45 || 610 || 306
|-
|Courage || 34 || 458 || 230
|-
|Loyalty || 59 || 734 || 368
|-
|Pride || 37 || 468 || 235
|-
|Prosperity || 32 || 375 || 188
|-
|Vigilance || 53 || 594 || 298
|-
|Wisdom || 49 || 658 || 330
|-
|The Way || 55 || 650 || 326
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | National Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Brass Coast || 23 || 284 || 143
|-
|Dawn || 59 || 738 || 370
|-
|Highguard || 77 || 1000 || 501
|-
|Imperial Orcs || 8 || 86 || 44
|-
|League || 40 || 542 || 272
|-
|Marches || 23 || 278 || 140
|-
|Navarr || 35 || 425 || 213
|-
|Urizen || 28 || 320 || 161
|-
|Varushka || 26 || 348 || 175
|-
|Wintermark || 45 || 526 || 264
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}
==Anchor the Way in Asavea==
Click ''Expand'' to see the list of contributions made to Anchor the Way in Asavea.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{CommissionProgress|Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea}}
</div>

388YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements

2026-07-29T11:12:02Z

Wrenna: /* Judgement 5 */

[[Category: Synod]] [[Category:Synod Results]] [[Category: Synod Judgements]][[Category: 388YE Summer]]
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{|
|+ align="top"| <big>'''Judgement Quick Links'''</big>
! Judgement Type
! Amount
|-
|[[#Change of Doctrine|Change of Doctrine]] ||
|-
|[[#Veto|Veto]] ||
|-
|[[#Statement of Principle|Statement of Principle]]||
|-
|[[#Mandate|Mandate]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Consecration|Writ of Consecration]] ||
|-
|[[#Writ of Excommunication|Writ of Excommunication]] ||
|-
|[[#Proscription|Proscription]] ||
|-
|[[#Inquisition|Inquisition]] ||
|-
|[[#Sanction|Sanction]] ||
|-
|[[#Recognition|Recognition]] ||
|-
|[[#Exaltation|Exaltation]] ||
|-
|[[#Appointment|Appointment]] ||
|-
|[[#Rewarding|Rewarding]] ||
|-
|}
</div>
__TOC__
==Statement of Principle==

==Mandate==
===Judgement 8===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Viviane
* '''Judgement:''' A banner flies in Elos where the unstoppable tempest met the immovable mountain. Where the heirs of mariika the Cunning and Guntherm the Bold faced those of Rucraic the Audacious and Dubhtraig the Ruthless in a clash of Ambitions. We send Viviane Barossa with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site of that banner - to make in Elos a beacon of Ambition whose flame shall shine all across the waters of Catazar unto the very shores of Attar itself.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (214-10)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

===Judgement 19===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Sister Elysium
* '''Judgement:''' We shall ignite the flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send Micah of The Navigators of Virtue with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (442-0)
* '''Enacted/Not Enacted:'''

==Exaltation==
===Judgement 5===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Halwyn Splitroot
* '''Judgement:''' Great artists whose work inspires virtue should be exalted. Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra has inspired pride across the Empire through her artwork, Faces of the Empire, which comprises a central piece and ten accompanying portraits, each representing the culture of an Imperial nation. The central piece brings together all ten portraits, symbolising the unity, strength, and virtue of our diverse Empire. Constanza is a multidisciplinary artist whose inspiring work spans both the visual and performing arts. We exalt Constanza in recognition of her artistic achievements and her dedication to inspiring pride in others.
* '''Outcome: '''Not upheld (194-80); this judgment required a greater majority.

==Recognition==
===Judgement 4===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune on behalf of Amos
* '''Judgement:''' I call for Barabbas to be recognised as an exemplar of Ambition, embodying the tenet that "it is better by far to try and fail, than never to have tried at all". His legacy lives on in Freeborn corsairs, in Caricomare and in Segura. His benevolence lives on in the ports and cities he built, the trade routes he founded, and the maps drawn from his explorers. His miraculous final address, and the aura of ambition it bears two centuries on, is an inspiration to mariners, explorers and adventurers to the cenotaph, and to all those who seek to do what "cannot be done". Barabbas is an exemplar for all those who dare to dream.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1056-118)

==Castigation==
===Judgement 12===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' An Inquisitor must be held to the standard of a competent and Virtuous Inquisitor. Nothing Less. Brother Geoffrey Orchard; You have misused the powers bestowed on you, using Sanctions to advertise your books for personal gain. You have placed collective punishment on those outside your Inquisition without remorse. You have derogated Exemplars, beyond theological debate. You have offended each Tenet of Pride, demeaning others on your vengeful path and failing to strive for excellence. You have promoted the false virtue of Vengeance, choosing Inquisition targets by personal grudges and unrepentantly displaying human heads on pikes along the road of a Consecrated tomb. If you were not a titled Inquisitor, there could be room to rectify your lack of Pride. You are Heretical, a discredit to the Way, and deserving of harsher recourse than the limits Castigation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (188-28)

==Writ of Consecration==
===Judgement 13===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' 60 years have passed since the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion, Exemplars of Pride, gave their lives for Virtue. Their names resonate across Mournwold hills; Esme Hooper, Mary Digger, Ezekial "Zeke" Boon, Henry Killinghall, Maggie John, and Tom John. As the pickaxes ring out, driving their Legacy deeper into the stone, the Great Work commemorating them stands ever taller. 'Rebellion's Ridge' is dedicated to them, together, and their Virtuous lives. They have waited long enough. Just as the Assembly of Pride first Recognised their Exemplarhood, so too does it request a Writ of Consecration for this sacred site. Let it draw pilgrims to its sanctuary; let it remind a territory stricken by the Jotun bootheel time and time again:
Plan.Arm.Enchant.Resist.Exalt.Remember.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (296-10)

==Inquisition==
===Judgement 10===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Elagabala, Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path
* '''Judgement:''' Night claims to home the Conscience of Kings but the Virtuous know that title is claimed by the Strategist and Worth of Wisdom. I Elagabala Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path, call to Inquisition Brat of the Umbral Path to discuss his association with the previous Archmages of Night, his failures, their failures and Imperial failures. WE shall stand in the scouring light of day at high noon in the Umbral Path camp on the Saturday of this summit. We shall cut and cut an cut until the world bleeds truth. I write this not in interrogation of Brat's Wisdom but to apply the Wisdom of this Empire to Night and its agents; to tear asunder their chests, and expose their hearts to the inexorable pain of being seen.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (56-20)

===Judgement 20===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Iniska Ashwood
* '''Judgement:''' I call Modesto Bogaty to inquisition to answer questions about face peeler eggs. 9pm Saturday. Woven Roots. Navarr.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (153-0)

===Writs of Inquisition===
{{stub}}
The following writs of inquisition were issued this summit:
{|
| '''Called by''' || '''Subject''' || '''Judgement or Title''' || '''Matter'''
|-
| Elagabala || Brat Umbral Path || [[#Judgement 10|Judgement 10]] || Association with previous [[Archmage of Night|Archmages of Night]]
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Modesto Bogaty || [[#Judgement 20|Judgement 20]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Face peeler]] eggs
|-
| Nerith || Nerith || [[#Judgement 35|Judgement 35]] || [[Freedom of the Soul]] and [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]]
|-
| Jesper || Marcus || [[#Judgement 36|Judgement 36]] || Final actions as Warden of the Mark, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Aethelric the Grounded || Hypatia of House de Cendres || [[#Judgement 52|Judgement 52]] || Her work at the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Hospital|Anvil Hospital]]
|-
| Bryce the Hare || Radomir || [[#Judgement 60|Judgement 60]] || Wolf Carousel and Host of the Wolf
|-
| Eldrid "Phoenix Flame" Vestadottir || Talos Fergus of the Serrated Claws || [[#Judgement 61|Judgement 61]] || Rumours of siding with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Watt Lambrook || [[#Judgement 95|Judgement 95]] || Right questions
|-
| Brightness Alys de Reynard || Earl Temperance of the Groves || [[#Judgement 101|Judgement 101]] || Their ennobling and time spent with the [[The_matter_will_be_done|Manticore]]
|-
| Father Drakov || Sigismund || [[#Judgement 115|Judgement 115]] || The Saturday battle
|-
| Amara || Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés || [[#Judgement 116|Judgement 116]] || Being an example to [[Glory]] and [[Ambition]]
|-
| Hazel Talbot || Mel Bleak || [[#Judgement 119|Judgement 119]] || Not talking to the [[Sun Chamber]] before creating the [[Stoat of the Sun]]
|-
| Galene Netherwatch || Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian || [[Arcane Inquisitor]] || Moving forwards, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Alfred Eawolfson || Albrecht von Holberg || [[Basilisk of the Bourse]] || Virtue, economics and intelligence
|-
| Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost || Belial de Courtenay-Wyldrose || [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Their role as [[High Exorcist]]
|-
| Azir i Shartha i Riqueza || Wulfric Leonard Mourn || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Ambition]] || His designs on cardinalship and a formal debrief of the [[All laudable qualities|Symposium of Proscriptions]]
|-
| Masha Sigeling || Aurianna du Meravon || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Courage]] || Comments around the election of the General of the [[Golden Sun]]
|-
| Eevi Hawk Heart of the Gadrai || Martin Orchard || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]] || Vengeance cults and bonds within the Marches, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Jedediah Boon || Ada Droon Drifting Bough || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Pride]] || Monuments built, at the Autumn or Winter summit
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Kevan Heartsbane || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || The [[Broker]]'s Council
|-
| Brother Geoffrey Orchard || Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Vigilance]] || A Jarmish jam, at the Autumn summit
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Rhidian de Rondell || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] || Communication with the Wisdom Assembly and other heroic business
|}

==Vindication==
===Judgement 16===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Corey Wayfarer
* '''Judgement:''' Following Inquisition at the Spring Equinox I Vindicate you. How your virtue motivates you, your actions and your orders as a General was clear and I look forward to your continued virtuous journey. Thank you Cadwell. You requested some support with emotional elements of the General's role and to this end you took an Oath to speak with a Guide or Guides for an hour each season to help support you in your role as General. I will be happy to continue to guide you in this manner.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (232-0)

==Appointment==

===Judgement 1===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Courage]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' was appointed with 134 votes; Maarit Suvidottir received 120 votes.

===Judgement 2===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Silas of the Cenotaph''' was appointed with 134 votes; Francesca of Spiral received 0 notes.

===Judgement 3===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Pride]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jebediah Boon''' was appointed with 183 votes; Lady Ailsa Tamerleine received 54 notes.

===Judgement 14===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Lord Arthur de Lagriffe''' was appointed with 150 votes; Cyrus of Athaliah's Handiwork received 60 votes; 'Tongs' Barossa de Tassato Regario received 118 votes; Rhyffyllann Inkblood received 66 votes.

===Judgement 15===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Beneficiary of the Golden Cascade]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Hester of Sarangrave Reforged''' was appointed with 60 votes; Saraniz received 58 votes.

===Judgement 21===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of Ambition]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Sister Elysium''' was appointed with 120 votes; Cerys de Rosier - 66 votes; Kasjay received -76 votes.

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 23===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes

===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' was appointed with 46 votes; Vashti of the Cenotaph - 26 votes
==Rewarding==
===Judgement 18===
* '''Assembly: '''General
* '''Raised By:''' Estella Lucati
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire is ill-equipped to deal with the enemy spy networks - and the Grendel have four we know about but cannot easily destroy. The Imperial Spymaster, Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, strives in VIrtue and does what they can but needs our support. For Vigilance's sake, we reward the Imperial Spymaster with 12 wains of weirwood so that we can build the base required for the Empire to be able to undertake counter-espionage missions
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (943-115)

==The Virtue Fund==
At the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE summit, the Virtue Fund stood as follows:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 thrones, 17 rings</td><td>12 wains</td><td>8 wains</td><td>12 wains</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Total donations made were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

The total amounts carried forward to the next summit were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 thrones, 14 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations received prior to the start of the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 1 throne, 2 crowns at the [[Rewarding#Counting Houses|counting house]] of [[Reikos]]
* 2 thrones at the counting house of [[Tassato]]
* 1 throne, 3 crowns at the counting house of [[Semmerholm]]
* 1 throne, 4 crowns at the counting house of [[Karsk]]
* 1 throne, 6 crowns at the counting house of [[Temeschwar]]
* 6 wains of mithril, 8 wains of white granite and 8 wains of weirwood from [[The_greatest_plurality#One_Empire|various donations]]
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of Rewardings made at the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 12 wains of weirwood to '''Estella Lucati''' following [[#Judgement 18|Judgement 18]] being upheld (margin 825)
* 8 wains of white granite to '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' following [[#Judgement 31|Judgement 31]] being upheld (margin 679)
* 30 thrones to '''Leonora Albertina van Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 39|Judgement 39]] being upheld (margin 381)
* 12 wains of mithril to '''Neri''' following [[#Judgement 78|Judgement 78]] being upheld (margin 338)
* 10 thrones to '''Callista of the Dark Shard''' following [[#Judgement 59|Judgement 59]] being upheld (margin 167)
* 10 thrones to '''Albrecht von Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 67|Judgement 67]] being upheld (margin 113)
* 25 thrones to '''Harwyn Eternal''' following [[#Judgement 90|Judgement 90]] being upheld (margin 57)
* 5 thrones, 17 rings to '''Fredegar Bloodmouth''' following [[#Judgement 125|Judgement 125]] being upheld (margin 48)
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations made during the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 72 thrones for the Bourse dose of True Liao from '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra'''
* 1 throne from '''Warlord Redhand Gezzar'''
* 6 crowns from '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
* 1 crown, 13 rings from '''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza'''
* 1 crown from '''Berith Relieur'''
* 1 ring in small donations
</div>
==Doses of True Liao==

Six doses of [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]] were disbursed this summit:
* One dose to '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' as [[the Throne]]
* One dose to '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' as [[Lepidean Librarian]]
* One dose to '''Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra''' by purchase in the [[Public auction|Public Auction]]
* One dose to '''Bella D'Sarvos''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Lofyn Bloodcloak''' by decision of the Gatekeepers

==Assembly Strength==
The table below shows the size, total voting strength and greater majority thresholds for each assembly as calculated at the start of the summit.

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | Virtue Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Ambition || 45 || 610 || 306
|-
|Courage || 34 || 458 || 230
|-
|Loyalty || 59 || 734 || 368
|-
|Pride || 37 || 468 || 235
|-
|Prosperity || 32 || 375 || 188
|-
|Vigilance || 53 || 594 || 298
|-
|Wisdom || 49 || 658 || 330
|-
|The Way || 55 || 650 || 326
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | National Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Brass Coast || 23 || 284 || 143
|-
|Dawn || 59 || 738 || 370
|-
|Highguard || 77 || 1000 || 501
|-
|Imperial Orcs || 8 || 86 || 44
|-
|League || 40 || 542 || 272
|-
|Marches || 23 || 278 || 140
|-
|Navarr || 35 || 425 || 213
|-
|Urizen || 28 || 320 || 161
|-
|Varushka || 26 || 348 || 175
|-
|Wintermark || 45 || 526 || 264
|-
|General || 364 || 4547 || 2274
|-
|}
==Anchor the Way in Asavea==
Click ''Expand'' to see the list of contributions made to Anchor the Way in Asavea.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{CommissionProgress|Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea}}
</div>

Voice of the Twin Roses

2026-07-28T19:55:47Z

Wrenna:

==Overview==
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|caption=This title is appointed by the Cat's Graces|width=250px}}</div>
The [[Construct Arbor of the Twin Roses|construction]] of the Arbor of the Twin Roses was [[commission|commissioned]] by the [[Senate]] during the Winter Solstice 383YE and completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE. The title was amended as part of the motion that [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Establish_Cat's_Graces|established]] the [[Cat's Graces]] during the Spring Equinox 388YE. Before the amendment, the title was previously appointed by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|Dawnish Assembly]].

==Responsibilities==
The Voice of the Twin Roses is responsible for gathering and immortalising tales of true Love and true Glory not only across Dawn but in the wider Empire. They are also responsible for investigating stories of the spiritual powers of Love and Glory and demonstrating how these two ideals inspire, and in turn arise from, Virtue. If the Arbor were to be threatened, it would be the responsibility of the Voice to face those threats; likewise should any [[opportunity]] related to the Arbor arise the Voice would decide how to respond.
__TOC__
==Powers==
===A Portion of Liao===
The number of pilgrims and troubadours who visit the Arbor of Twin Roses sees the Voice provided with 14 doses of [[liao]] by each season by the civil service, to be used as they see fit.

===Love and Glory===
The noble house of Arien has long been a supporter in the pursuit of Love and Glory; it was Lady Zaha Arien who [[Draw_strength_from_vulnerability#Roses|provided the designs]] for the Arbor. House Arien has committed to providing the Voice with two [[bondring|bondrings]] a year - one at the Spring Equinox and one at the Autumn Equinox - for as long as the responsibilities of the title explicitly state that they are to search for tales of true Love and true Glory in the wider Empire and not only in Dawn. There is some expectation that the Voice of the Twin Roses will deliver these to people they have deemed an inspiration but the choice ultimately lies with them.

===Tales of the Twin Roses===
The Voice of the Twin Roses can add a single tale to the [[#Voice_of_the_Twin_Roses#Tales_of_the_Twin_Roses|Tales of the Twin Roses]] each season. The player of the Voice of the Twin Roses should email {{plot}} before downtime closes with their entry.

==Appointment==
The Voice of the Twin Roses is a [[Imperial_title#National_Position|national position]] which is [[Appointment by sodality|appointed]] by members of the Cat's Graces each year during the Spring Equinox.

The title can be held by any citizen of Dawn. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Dawn National Assembly, and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Asa Scrivener.jpg|caption='''Asa Scrivener''', Voice of the Twin Roses|align=left|width=350}}
{{RecentElections|Voice_of_the_Twin_Roses}}
==Arbor of the Twin Roses==
The Arbor of the Twin Roses is located in Auvanne within sight of Endric's Hill to honour of the troubadour and exemplar [[Elayne Silverlark]]. Elayne is famous throughout the Empire for spreading tales of romance and adventure as well as stories of glory and heroism. Her stories were not solely those of the knights and witches of Dawn, however - according to legend she both took tales of her homeland to other nations and brought new stories of the glorious deeds of people in other nations to her countryfolk.

The structure consists of an extensive and beautiful garden surrounding two towers - one for Glory and one for Love - of fine [[white granite]]. These towers serve as repositories for tales, stories, and songs celebrating glory and love, and provide quarters for any troubadour who wish to visit.

Following the Spring Equinox, the architects installed a beautiful white marble plaque naming the citizens who helped pay for the construction of the Arbor. Each name is etched into the stone and then the writing illuminated with inlaid orichalcum. The whole thing is embellished with beautiful roses carved into the marble, all around the edges of the tablet.

===Tales of the Twin Roses===
The Voice of the Twin Roses can submit a single tale depicting true Love or true Glory to the towers each season.

<big>'''National Fault'''</big><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Lord Isaac de Courtenay Wyldrose</small><br>

If we have a national fault,<br>
It is this;<br>
We find it easier to die for love than to live for it.
</div>

<big>'''The Gryphon's Hunt'''</big><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">{{anchor|The_Gryphon's_Hunt}}
<small>Written by Ser Wren Scrivener</small>

A long time ago,<br>
In the Land of Glory and love,<br>
There was a brave, gallant knight<br>
The troubadours often sang of. <br>

Lord Rhydian de Rondell,<br>
A knight brave and true,<br>
And I tell you this tale, <br>
For they could soon be you!<br>

On the tourney fields they fought with Pride,<br>
With their Young Gryphons Loyally by their side,<br>
Sers Isaac and Joan, Emerick and Wren,<br>
Good Elaine and Alice, Galleron and all them.<br>

They went on adventures,<br>
they fought hard and long,<br>
Against the Deadwood Knight, <br>
Even the Lictors - with song!<br>

But deep in the Barrens,<br>
A great evil lurked.<br>
A creature that loved violence,<br>
For blood it did thirst!<br>

It was a manticore, <br>
From the time of King Penni the White;<br>
A creature the match for any normal knight!<br>
But the Young Gryphon smiled, <br>
They could accomplish this quest. <br>
They’d face any foe,<br>
And best every test. <br>

This manticore called itself the Earl of the Groves,<br>
Said it was as Dawnish as an Astolat rose. <br>
So Rhydian said to her Grace, Lady Griffinsbane;<br>
“Some people think this creature could be Dawnish.”<br>
She said: “Think again!”<br>

So when all’s said and done,<br>
And that’s all of that,<br>
Their quest now begun,<br>
From fair Astolat. <br>

The Earl of the Groves is a creature most vile,<br>
Making deals with eternals of fury and spite,<br>
Ser Rhydian said with a smile, <br>
“I’ll pick up my sword and take up this fight.”<br>

They went to the Summer realm,<br>
To meet the Witch of the Woods,<br>
With nobles and yeofolk,<br>
Seeking their own knighthoods. <br>

She gave them a gift, <br>
A cup from the Unicorn King.<br>
Jaheris loathed the Manticore,<br>
He loathed its evil sting. <br>

Then spoke the witch, <br>
“If you issue a challenge, <br>
With your magic banner -<br>
I know King Jaheris will handle the matter. <br>
He’ll provoke the eternals to give you a quest,<br>
To win you the favour - so do what you do best!<br>
Defeat Wicked Hayaak, and at least one other,<br>
Then you can complete your quest -<br>
Knight-Protector of Summer!”<br>

Rhydian issued the challenge,<br>
with the unicorn’s chalice,<br>
To draw Old King Hayaak away from his palace. <br>
With a smile on their face and the cup in their hand, <br>
They issued a challenge. They made a demand. <br>

Ser Rhydian had met this eternal, once some time ago. <br>
When weakened by treachery, when down on his luck,<br>
He knelt to the Knight-Protector! Who could well have struck,<br>
His head clean from his shoulders - <br>
But mercy stirred in the end!<br>
He offered the eternal a hand,<br>
He said “rise, my friend.”<br>

King Hayaak’s memory must have been terribly short<br>
For he took Rhydian’s words in the worst possible sport. <br>
He said “fine, I’ll play. We’ll go for a hunt.<br>
We’ll see if you can catch my fastest herald - Bloodrunt!”<br>
With a laugh and a titter he threw back his head,<br>
“If you win, I’ll give you my favour! <br>
If you don't, you’ll be dead!”<br>

The land held its breath. <br>
The nation stood still.<br>
But the Knight-Protector stepped forth<br>
With a true iron will. <br>

So through the regio, <br>
With friends all around. <br>
They marched to the Badlands,<br>
To glory unbound. <br>

With brave Galleron, who you know from my tales,<br>
Who fought with the Northern Eagle, and on the Grand Tour -<br>
You’ve never seen such a warrior before!<br>
A changeling knight-errant, in whom our hero places great faith -<br>
For he bore the banner, to take them all, safe!<br>
The Arms of the Knight-Protector was Galleron’s task.<br>
He opened the portal, he needed only to ask!<br>

There was amazing Lady Nimue. <br>
A de Rondell supreme. <br>
Who has bled for her country <br>
And killed for her queen. <br>
She bears the Moonsword,<br>
The Grand Tour’s final prize<br>
And scans the battlefield with sharp Briar eyes. <br>
Who has fought Grendel and Jotun,<br>
Vallorn and the Druj. <br>
A sharp kind of beauty, <br>
But a heart that is huge. <br>

And the Great Earl de Rondell,<br>
Martin is his name. <br>
In battlefield command he won his bright fame!<br>
A gryphon who sits on top of the keep,<br>
Who watches his flock like a shepherd guards sheep. <br>
Who commands great respect, amongst earls and queens;<br>
Who leads all of the best, hardest skirmish teams!<br>

There was also a Marcher, <br>
Ser Rhydian somehow doesn’t spurn -<br>
A folk hero who goes by the name Guildenstern. <br>
He once caught a star fell clean from the sky<br>
Guildenstern truly is a unique kind of guy. <br>
He is Loyal and Brave, and though a little bit sad,<br>
He’s a great hero and plus - <br>
he’s like your old Marcher dad! <br>

And of course, Emperor Vesna, who you must know well,<br>
Who banished the Black Wind! Who wears her crown well!<br>
Who sits on the Throne, to rule, steward, and guide. <br>
To teach us Ambition, Prosperity, and Pride.<br>
They’ve never missed senate, even in sixteen seasons, <br>
But went to the Badlands - she must have had reasons.<br>
Ser Rhydian is the Emperor’s champion, <br>
You might hear the Emperor say<br>
“Ser Rhydian’s the greatest warrior in this age and day!”<br>

So the six stepped together, out into the heat,<br>
To chase Hayaak’s herald - named Bloodrunt the Fleet.<br>
Rhydian in full harness, Hayaak dressed for the hunt. <br>
The message was clear, in fact it was blunt. <br>
For the Knight-Protector, this was a hero’s quest. <br>
For Hayaak, a pastime - <br>
he didn’t think he could be best!<br>

The first time Hayaak caught up,<br>
They clashed in steel and in pain. <br>
The second they rose with fire, again,<br>
Hayaak had shattered their shield <br>
and split clean their helm.<br>
For the first time they had met a foe they could not overwhelm. <br>

They spoke to the Eternal,<br>
they threw down their own challenge :<br>

“Why so scared you had to rig this? <br>
Did you think in a fair fight, <br>
You just wouldn’t manage?”<br>

Hayaak laughed, mended Rhydian’s shield,<br>
And with a sharp gesture returned him his steel. <br>

“That’s the one I owe you. <br>
Now run! That was the deal!”<br>

They tore off into the woods,<br>
Through brambles and vines. <br>
They clashed with King Hayaak another five times.<br>
Four times a tincture or clever blow saw them win the day,<br>
And come away a little bit better from each little affray! <br>

But on the fifth! Tragedy struck!<br>
Rhydian’s sword was clean shattered!<br>
They were all out of luck. <br>
They reached for their dagger - but it was laid in the dust!<br>
King Hayaak picked up Rhydian’s broken sword<br>
“It looks like you lost.”<br>

But Ser Rhydian had Loyal friends the knight truly adored,<br>
And called out to their sister - “Lady Nimue! My sword!”<br>
The Lady and Moonsword burst onto the scene,<br>
A spark of bright blue in the dusty old green. <br>
She ran swift and Proud, with the Moonsword in hand<br>
She held out the light, like the stars had it planned!<br>

She threw the sword Rhydian had won into their waiting grip,<br>
And only agility meant she didn’t trip,<br>
But now Rhydian pelted, fast as a whip <br>
They’d finally given King Hayaak the slip!<br>

They ran through the brambles, the dust, and the heat,<br>
At last would our great hero meet their defeat?<br>
But at last! In the distance, a fork in the trees!<br>
There was Bloodrunt the herald, as swift as the breeze. <br>
He held a red favour tightly in his fist,<br>
The knight knew such a chance could not well be missed.<br>

They pushed to a sprint, <br>
each breath burning with pain,<br>
Their muscles screamed,<br>
But their heart was loud with a name!<br>
He called on their promise, always to win,<br>
They called on this oath, they called on this vow,<br>
The moment was here - the time was right now!<br>

There rose up a slope,<br>
A wave of dirt and of stone,<br>
The kind that seems daunting,<br>
The kind that says “stand alone”.<br>
The slope was beneath their heels<br>
Their heart pounded louder than war,<br>
This was the quest they had been chosen for. <br>

Bloodrunt slowed just a bit,<br>
Just a breath, just a hair,<br>
And Rhydian raised the sword high into the air.<br>

The Moonsword came down with one final yell,<br>
Like the crack and the ring of an old Highborn bell.<br>
Bloodrunt’s back was torn open,<br>
He fell down like a sack, <br>
The knight rolled him over to flat on his back,<br>
He claimed the bright favour - but did not attack.<br>

Hayaak the Hawklord, <br>
from the left came into sight,<br>
From the right came the Imperials,<br>
Who’d witnessed this fight. <br>

The air was silent,<br>
Even the beasts held their breath. <br>
Was the brave Knight-Protector to be Bloodrunt’s death?<br>
But Rhydian stood, heaving breath to their lungs <br>
And the Bandit King spoke with a kingly tongue:<br>

“You have won, Ser Rhydian. Knight of the East.<br>
For that I will not make you the main course of my feast. <br>
Take your prize and be gone from my terrible and fierce Badlands,<br>
I’d rather you have the favour than in the Earl of the Groves’ hands.”<br>

Rhydian inclined their head, but spoke with Ambition,<br>
Despite their quite dangerous, precarious position -<br>
“And what of this herald? Who serves in each breath?<br>
I would spare him. I do not ask the price of his death.”<br>

King Hayaak looked bemused, but he did inquire,<br>
“Depends how he served me, in what did transpire. <br>
Did he run swift? Did he fight hard and well?”<br>

“King Hayaak and Bloodrunt were the toughest foes I’ve felled.”<br>

“Then grant him his life, Rhydian, if you will spare him the price.”<br>

“First return my sword, King Hayaak, come now - be nice.”<br>

The Outlaw Prince looked down, and perhaps in shock,<br>
He gave back Queenmaker with a chuckle and nod.<br>

“You’re a great Knight-Protector, but time is now short.<br>
Archers! Send these mortals away from my court!”<br>

So the six heroes departed under the only rain,<br>
The Badlands ever sees, one of razors and pain. <br>
Arrows whizzed passed their heads, but Rhydian knew,<br>
If Hayaak wanted to kill them, these arrows might just strike true. <br>
This was another test, a matter of appearance,<br>
One last test for mortal perseverance. <br>

They burst through the trees, to the portal they go,<br>
To land in the grand Imperial Regio!<br>
They passed through the realms, through the Hall of the World,<br>
To the green Anvil grass where their banner unfurled.<br>
They paused for a moment, such a reveal must be theatric,<br>
A knight should have a sense for the great and dramatic. <br>
Especially when you’ve done something not done,<br>
In some decades or more;<br>
To fight an eternal and win in the score. <br>
The Knight held up the favour, and let out a roar,<br>
As such has rarely been heard from the Young Gryphon before.<br>
The Empire had gathered, family, friends and peers.<br>
Their voices loud as the thunder, their echoing cheers,<br>
They marched back to Dawn, where Earl Martin spoke:<br>

“Hear me, Glorious Nobles and Loyal Yeofolk!<br>
I give you a knight, first sword to the Queen -<br>
Who has been to a place no mortal has been!<br>
They have fought an eternal, in single combat -<br>
But better than that, my knight has come back!”<br>

Rhydian held the favour aloft, and spoke to the crowd,<br>
“My nation, I love you. Did I make you Proud?”<br>

Their roar was an answer we will never forget,<br>
But the moral of this tale I explain to you true -<br>
The next Champion of the Empire - it could well be you!<br>
</div>

<big>'''The Phoenix Rose'''</big><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Starac Sijed Orzel</small><br>

She’s the last Rose of summer<br>
Left blooming alone;<br>
And all her companions<br>
Are faded and gone;<br>
Of all of her kindred,<br>
One rosebud is nigh,<br>
To reflect back her blushes,<br>
And give sigh for sigh.<br>
And I will not leave her,<br>
I’ll be her thorn<br>
For together my true love<br>
We will weather the storm,<br>
Though winter may wither<br>
Her sweet petaled head<br>
The blight that assails her<br>
Is turned and has fled<br>
My Love and her rosebud<br>
I’ll keep safe from harm<br>
No hurt shall befall them<br>
Whilst wrapped in my arms<br>
And I’ll always be there<br>
Just as I am now<br>
To defend and protect her<br>
Thus fulfilling my vow<br>
When winter is done<br>
And Spring has run through<br>
With the Sun on the Spires<br>
I’ll be waiting for you<br>
And I will be standing<br>
In Sweet summer Rain<br>
For the Rose of the Phoenix<br>
To bloom once again<br>
</div>

<big>'''The Challenge'''</big><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Earl Ailsa Tamerlaine</small><br>

A hand reached out<br>
Callused and streaked with dried blood<br>
“Don’t let them forget me”<br>
His voice was cracking<br>

The other hand is wrapped<br>
tied to his love by a golden ribbon<br>
A favour tethering him<br>
To the vanished dream of their future<br>

Does reassurance reach my eyes?<br>
As I put a hand on his shoulder<br>
I realise how courage is beautiful but fragile<br>
As a soul stares into the Labyrinth<br>

“How could they forget you?”<br>
But remembrance is the duty of those left behind<br>
When blood stains rinse, tears dried<br>
We still sing even if it hurts<br>

So my headstrong friend has gone ahead<br>
And as he entreated me, I entreat you<br>
Sing of your friends memories<br>
Even if your voice cracks<br>

Give them their flowers while they breathe<br>
Breathe life into their legend<br>
Some will only remember Charge and Hayaak’s Thorn<br>
But I remember the friend who laid down a challenge<br>
</div>
<big>'''Mother and Child of Dawn'''</big><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Rossaria Weaver</small><br>

You run through the fields without care,<br>
I chase you.<br>
You Smile at the strangers with adoration,<br>
I watch them.<br>
You dance to the beat of the battle drums,<br>
I fear for us.<br>
You come to Anvil because it is fun,<br>
I came to Anvil to keep us safe.<br>

You hide away from Imperial Orcs,<br>
I say hi.<br>
You whimper from the ferocity of a banner,<br>
I get closer.<br>
You shy away from a bloody soldier,<br>
I offer aid.<br>
You grow from my example,<br>
I worry about that every day.<br>

You wear the house colours they they are pretty,<br>
I beam with pride.<br>
You follow our Captain because you like her hair,<br>
I trust her.<br>
You ride on your Earls shoulders and laugh,<br>
I clap for you.<br>
You grow every day into a strong young girl,<br>
I see you.<br>

You are my child because of Blood?<br>
I am your mother because of Love.
</div>
<big>'''Finding Oasis'''</big><br><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Pumell and Cato i Emberbright i Guera</small><br>

Two healers met in the sun, one eclipsed the other<br>
Halo’ed,<br>
A fleeting meeting, followed by a flurry of letters, <br>
Quickly enamoured yet unsure of the other they could only trust another would arrive.

The families met twice by blade, to prove each was worthy of blood and name,<br>
The tide failed to fell the drake.<br>
Though cut and bruised nothing was lost, <br>
Only new family gained,<br>
And roses bloomed across the bay.

The Minstrel questioned love from the sea;<br>
“How could Roses bloom in desert sands”<br>
The lovers took each hand in kind;<br>
“Sand alone will not a flower grow, but deep roots will always find oasis”<br>
No more words from the Minstrel then,<br>
Only tears like the tide,<br>
And roses bloomed across the bay.

To this day the lovers walk,<br>
Sowing seeds with every step.<br>
Trusting reprieve will find them still;<br>
No deserts’ Dawn the rose will wilt.</div>

<big>'''A Lament for Aranel and Godric'''</big><br><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Emmeline Weaver of House du Gauvain</small><br>
Gather round good people, I've a story to tell!<br>
It's the sad tale of Godrice and Brave Aranel<br>
They were lovers and champions our nation shall mourn<br>
For they died as they lived, as great Heroes of Dawn<br>

Knight protector of Winter was fair Aranel<br>
And as champion of Accolades, Godric fought well.<br>
Until all of the nation knew both of their names<br>
For they died as they lived, winning Glory and fame<br>

They had sworn that their loves and their lives they would share<br>
Tested mettle and ardour into House Mortere<br>
Their hearts and their names to each other they gave<br>
And they died as they lived, being Loyal and Brave<br>

In the forests of Skallahn these heroes were lost<br>
For to win a great triumph at a terrible cost.<br>
They say even the Jotun had tears on their face<br>
When they died as they lived, in a true love's embrace<br>
</div>
<big>'''Lord Bryce & Lady Vivienne, or Love Defying Reason'''</big><br><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<small>Written by Ser Mercadier and Protectorate Rile</small><br>
He was a lord of Griffinsong,<br>
She Lady d'Acier;<br>
And in a single grave they lie, <br>
Dead on a single day.<br>

He was a knight to Summer sworn,<br>
She fought with breath and voice;<br>
In Pride and glory equal matched,<br>
In love each other's choice.<br>

Beneath unfriendly stars he went<br>
To face an unknown foe:<br>
"This is my home, my Astolat,<br>
It needs me; I will go."<br>

For to the Harps of Astolat,<br>
That summer breezes play,<br>
Had heralds come to break and burn,<br>
From out the Realm of Day.<br>

The Cold Sun shines but cruelly,<br>
To destroy its only goal:<br>
Fuelled by a freezing Hatred<br>
For all things that stir the soul.<br>

And there in peaceful Astolat,<br>
Upon that summer day,<br>
The Cold Sun burned him to the bone,<br>
And left him where he lay.<br>

The dead brought to the Glory Square,<br>
They laid them side by side;<br>
And when she say him lying there<br>
She held him close, and died.<br>

One of a vile unnatural blow,<br>
One of a heart sore torn;<br>
She dead from Loyal love for him,<br>
And he from love for Dawn.<br>

Of all that knows no reasons - <br>
Of laughter, beauty, art - <br>
Love is the first and strangest<br>
Of passions of the heart.<br>

Love has no purpose but itself.<br>
Love will not answer "Why?"<br>
Love does not care to fade with time,<br>
Nor with mere death to die.<br>

As True Love overpowers death,<br>
Know even as we mourn<br>
So too the Cold Sun pales to naught <br>
Against the blaze of Dawn<<br>
</div>

<big>'''The Tale of Yulia and the Heart of Ser Claudia Lovelorn'''</big><br><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Once upon a time, upon the misty moors of Weirwater, there lived a young draughir enchantress of much Ambition. She loved her Nation. She loved Winter. And she loved her pack.

In Anvil town, she met Yulia Kasimirova Voronov, Senator for Miekarova and a fiery Varushkan Throne candidate, who was also lit with the fire of Ambition. They began a dance of courtship that would continue for the next few years.

Then, she was Enchantress Claudia and she was heir apparent of House Remys. She was dedicated deeply to the learning and application of Winter magic. She even rose up to create the position of Imperial Necromancer – someone who could advise on matters beyond the Labyrinth, guide Imperial citizens in matters regarding Whispers Through the Black Gate.

But there in lay dangers of the soul. The Eater of Love, a heinous construct that roamed from within the Labyrinth reached into the Anvil regio during the Autumn of 384 and struck at the Lady Claudia and her family. In its wanton greed, it clawed at their souls, and stole the Love from their hearts. They could no longer feel Love, and were told that they would have to learn how to construct and nourish it again.

Sadly during the same summit, the Heart knew no rest. There was a great conjunction, that led the armed assembled of Anvil through the Sentinel Gate. Yulia, Courageous as she was, joined her nation upon the field – marching to Zenith, to stop the hateful Druj from enacting shroud magic upon the Empire.

Yulia returned back through the Sentinel Gate, but mortally wounded. She came to the Glory Square to wish her darling farewell. There would be no grand Test for them to prove their love to House Remys. But their Love would be remembered. So in that moment, clasping hands in the Glory Square, Claudia went from Lady to Ser – she sundered her Nobility in order to marry Yulia and be bound together in troth and soul. They were married by the Earl of Fools, under the witness of all of Dawn. And in the moment of vows, now Ser Claudia felt that Love return to her heart as her darling Yulia slipped into the Labyrinth. The Love in her heart that all believed lost to the Eater of Love. To regain that which was lost, Claudia made a sacrifice, for the most Wintry of Loves.

She loves her Nation. She knew the Cost. She loves her pack. Know that great deeds are eternal.</div>
[[Category:Title]]
[[Category:Dawn]]
{{Cat's Graces further reading}}

Sorcery

2026-07-28T15:33:35Z

Wrenna: /* Active Sorcerers */

[[Category:Conclave]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sorcerer.jpg|caption=Sorcerers abuse magic, misuse curses, and engage in all manner of suspect behaviour.|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The Imperial Conclave is charged by the [[Imperial Constitution|Constitution]] to "''identify those arcane practitioners whose arts work against the Empire, so that they may be condemned''." One of the primary tools they use to do this is the Declaration of Sorcery. Naming an Imperial magician to be a sorcerer prohibits them from performing ritual magic, and engaging with [[eternal|eternals]].

The most common reason for this declaration is an abuse of magic by misuse of curses against citizens or allies of the Empire, or against those who insist on dealing with malign entities that may threaten the Empire (such as eternals under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]]). The magistrates maintain a list of those who are declared sorcerers, carefully monitoring them and prosecuting them severely if they are found to have broken the restrictions on their behaviour.

The Declaration of Sorcery can also be used to declare that someone is ''Reconciled'' with the Conclave - that they are no longer considered a threat to the Empire.

The [[Senate]] has twice amended the restrictions placed on a sorcerer since the death of [[Empress Britta]]. During the Spring Equinox 378YE, the [[Senate]] voted to add a prohibition against interaction with eternals and their heralds to the declaration. During the Summer Solstice 380YE, the definition was [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|further expanded]] to preclude possession of certain items that allowed ritual magic to be performed. However it is not possible for a declared sorcerer to be prohibited from carrying mana, nor from full participation in the Conclave, or holding any Imperial title.

The [[Witness of Conclave]] is empowered to raise a Declaration of Sorcery once each summit.

==Necessary Details==
* '''The Declaration must explicitly name one or more inhabitants of the Empire'''

The Declaration must name each specific inhabitant of the Empire who will be covered. Where possible it should include any appellation that might help to identify them - for example ''Apulian of the Torn Rope, Mazarin of Tamar's Hold, Elayne - Butcher of Astolat - de Hubert''. It must clearly state whether all the named citizens are condemned as sorcerers, or whether they are all to be reconciled with the Conclave. Where possible, it is usually helpful to include a ''short'' one or two sentence explanation of why these individuals are condemned, or reconciled, so that that may be recorded for posterity alongside the outcome of the Declaration.

If there are multiple names on the Declaration, then members of the Conclave must either vote for or against the entire list - they may not split their votes. Given the severity of the sanctions placed on sorcerers, it is considered incumbent on the Conclave to be certain ''everyone'' named on a Declaration are guilty, lest an innocent magician be persecuted for reasons of convenience.

It is ''not'' possible to name a group, such as a coven or sodality, and declare all of them to be sorcerers. Often, investigation is required to determine the names of the magicians involved specifically so a Declaration of Sorcery can be raised against them.

==Resolution==
===Sorcery===
* '''All the named individuals are declared to be sorcerers at the end of that Conclave session'''
* '''A sorcerer is prohibited from casting any rituals'''
* '''They cannot carry or use magical items and materials whose primary purpose is to aid the performance of rituals'''
* '''They cannot interact with eternals or heralds'''
If this declaration is made, the resolution comes into effect at the end of the Conclave session. The sorcerer is subject to three prohibitions:

* They are prohibited from performing or contributing to rituals.
* They are prohibited from carrying or using ritual staves, foci, coven stones, vis, potions whose primary purpose is to aid or enhance the performance of rituals, and other items that exist that substantially improve the ability to perform rituals. The [[Archmage#Archmage Regalia|regalia]] of an [[archmage]] are not covered by this restriction. [[Amend_crime_of_sorcery|This prohibition]] was added by the Imperial Senate in 378YE. The initial amendment stipulated that all such items would be given over to control of the Conclave, which was based on an earlier interpretation of sorcery. What happens to any illegal items is a matter for the magistrates.
* They are prohibited from knowingly interacting with [[eternal|eternals]] or their heralds. [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|This prohibition]] was added by the Imperial Senate in Summer 380YE.

There are many things a Declaration of Sorcery does '''not''' prohibit, including all of the following:

* Casting spells
* Owning mana crystals or using them for any reason other than to perform rituals
* Being the target of a ritual
* Holding an Imperial title
* Voting and speaking in Conclave if nominated

The [[Imperial Law|magistrates]] maintain a public list of sorcerers, and keep a careful eye on them and their behaviour. A sorcerer who violates one of the prohibitions placed on them is subject to arrest and trial, with the most likely punishment for someone found guilty of breaking one of these provisions is execution.

=== Reconciliation===
* '''All the named individuals cease to be sorcerers at the end of that Conclave session'''

If this Declaration passes, the named individuals are no longer sorcerers. All prohibitions on their behaviour are removed - it is not possible to remove some of the prohibitions. The magistrates are informed, and adjust their records accordingly. As with the declaration that someone is a sorcerer, the reconciliation comes into effect at the end of the Conclave session.

==Prominent Sorcerers==
===Active Sorcerers===
These individuals are believed to be active at Anvil. Any evidence that they have broken the prohibitions placed on sorcerers should be brought before the magistrates as soon as possible.
<table class="wikitable sortable">
<tr><th>Name</th><th>Nation</th><th>Declaration By</th><th>Date</th></tr>
<tr><td>Amalia Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>The Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Alexio Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>The Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Francisco Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>The Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Jem Bribban</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Jem_Bribban_and_Alf_Alwen|387YE Spring]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Alf Alwen</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Jem_Bribban_and_Alf_Alwen|387YE Spring]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Bella Flowerfields</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Linley Weaver, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]</td><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Eli Scrump</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Linley Weaver, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]</td><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Ephrael_and_Kerioth|383YE Autumn]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Kerioth of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Ephrael_and_Kerioth|383YE Autumn]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Jaylus of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery_.E2.80.93_Jaylus_and_Levi_of_Zephaniah.27s_Lament|383YE Summer]]</td><tr>
</table>

===Other Sorcerers===
A number of citizens who are not believed to attend Anvil regularly have also been declared Sorcerers in recent years. Many of them are believed deceased, but listed for completeness and in case rumours of their demise prove to be incorrect.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{|
| '''Name''' || '''Nation''' || '''Raised By''' || '''Date''' || '''Status'''
|-
| Bella Vicente d'Apulian || The League || Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]] || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Heliodoro_and_Bella|388YE Summer]] || Known deceased
|-
| Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian || The League || Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]] || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Heliodoro_and_Bella|388YE Summer]] || Known deceased
|-
| Saura Penny || The Marches || Linley Weaver on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] || [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]] ||
|-
| Brother Harvest || The Marches || Linley Weaver, [[Celestial Arch]] || 385YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Arthur Payne || The Marches || Linley Weaver, [[Celestial Arch]] || 385YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Anthemius Netherwatch || Urizen || Bryn Netherwatch || 385YE Autumn ||
|-
| Renee du Loire || Dawn || Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire || 380YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Levi of Zephaniah's Lament || Highguard || Solomon || 383YE Summer || known deceased
|-
| Benedict Pacelli von Holberg || The League || Benedict Pacelli von Holberg || 382YE Winter || --
|-
| Medea Ruth || Urizen|| Medea Ruth || 382YE Winter ||known deceased
|-
| Armand i Erigo || Brass Coast || Bakar i Riqueza || 382YE Winter|| known deceased
|-
| Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire || Urizen || Kyra of Halcyon Spire || 381YE Winter || --
|-
| Aurelia of Halcyon Spire || Urizen || Kyra of Halcyon Spire || 381YE Winter || believed deceased
|-
| Deidre of Overton || The Marches || Nicholas Reaper || 380YE Summer || --
|-
| Guillermo, formerly di Tassato || Unknown || Zephaniah || 380YE Summer || --
|-
| Gui de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Ursul de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Tremaine de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Iluna de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Claude de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Domel Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Elvin Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Aervan Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Gareth Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Laxaina Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Leedy Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Tinuvie Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Arla Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Aedan of Olwen's Stand || Navarr || Wyll of Olwen's Stand || 379YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Farran Duskbourne || Navarr || Ieuan Linkforge || 379YE Autumn || --
|-
| Myfanway Whispering Dray || Unknown || Mari Linkforge || 379YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Alex Lansdale of Bregasland || The Marches || Bron Holdfast || 378YE Summer || --
|-
| Saul of Vashti's Penitents || Highguard || Unknown || 378YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Jael of Vashti's Penitents || Highguard || Unknown || 378YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Cnaeus || Urizen || Sejanus Shatterspire || 377YE Spring || known deceased
|}
</div>
This list is not exhaustive, but contains the names of everyone declared a sorcerer since the death of Empress Britta.

==Constitutional Note==
The power of the Conclave to declare a citizen to be a sorcerer and thereby strip them of the rights to perform ritual magic is considered deeply significant by the Constitutional Court - comparable to the power of the [[Synod]] to [[Excommunication|excommunicate]] a citizen. At the start of 381YE, the Constitutional Court issued a clarification on the matter of sorcery, stating that it was unconstitutional to prohibit a citizen from carrying mana - since this would undermine their constitutionally protected rights to prosperity and dignity. The Constitution grants the Conclave the ability to put limits on the ability of citizens to perform significant magic - not what wealth they may carry on their person. All Imperial magicians are able to take part in the Conclave; sorcerers may raise declarations (if they are able to), pay mana to speak (if recognised by a [[grandmaster]]), or even hold an Imperial title if they can persuade their peers to support them. The previous rulings were errors associated with the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] and have been corrected.
{{Conclave further reading}}

Sorcery

2026-07-28T15:33:28Z

Wrenna: /* Active Sorcerers */

[[Category:Conclave]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sorcerer.jpg|caption=Sorcerers abuse magic, misuse curses, and engage in all manner of suspect behaviour.|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The Imperial Conclave is charged by the [[Imperial Constitution|Constitution]] to "''identify those arcane practitioners whose arts work against the Empire, so that they may be condemned''." One of the primary tools they use to do this is the Declaration of Sorcery. Naming an Imperial magician to be a sorcerer prohibits them from performing ritual magic, and engaging with [[eternal|eternals]].

The most common reason for this declaration is an abuse of magic by misuse of curses against citizens or allies of the Empire, or against those who insist on dealing with malign entities that may threaten the Empire (such as eternals under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]]). The magistrates maintain a list of those who are declared sorcerers, carefully monitoring them and prosecuting them severely if they are found to have broken the restrictions on their behaviour.

The Declaration of Sorcery can also be used to declare that someone is ''Reconciled'' with the Conclave - that they are no longer considered a threat to the Empire.

The [[Senate]] has twice amended the restrictions placed on a sorcerer since the death of [[Empress Britta]]. During the Spring Equinox 378YE, the [[Senate]] voted to add a prohibition against interaction with eternals and their heralds to the declaration. During the Summer Solstice 380YE, the definition was [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|further expanded]] to preclude possession of certain items that allowed ritual magic to be performed. However it is not possible for a declared sorcerer to be prohibited from carrying mana, nor from full participation in the Conclave, or holding any Imperial title.

The [[Witness of Conclave]] is empowered to raise a Declaration of Sorcery once each summit.

==Necessary Details==
* '''The Declaration must explicitly name one or more inhabitants of the Empire'''

The Declaration must name each specific inhabitant of the Empire who will be covered. Where possible it should include any appellation that might help to identify them - for example ''Apulian of the Torn Rope, Mazarin of Tamar's Hold, Elayne - Butcher of Astolat - de Hubert''. It must clearly state whether all the named citizens are condemned as sorcerers, or whether they are all to be reconciled with the Conclave. Where possible, it is usually helpful to include a ''short'' one or two sentence explanation of why these individuals are condemned, or reconciled, so that that may be recorded for posterity alongside the outcome of the Declaration.

If there are multiple names on the Declaration, then members of the Conclave must either vote for or against the entire list - they may not split their votes. Given the severity of the sanctions placed on sorcerers, it is considered incumbent on the Conclave to be certain ''everyone'' named on a Declaration are guilty, lest an innocent magician be persecuted for reasons of convenience.

It is ''not'' possible to name a group, such as a coven or sodality, and declare all of them to be sorcerers. Often, investigation is required to determine the names of the magicians involved specifically so a Declaration of Sorcery can be raised against them.

==Resolution==
===Sorcery===
* '''All the named individuals are declared to be sorcerers at the end of that Conclave session'''
* '''A sorcerer is prohibited from casting any rituals'''
* '''They cannot carry or use magical items and materials whose primary purpose is to aid the performance of rituals'''
* '''They cannot interact with eternals or heralds'''
If this declaration is made, the resolution comes into effect at the end of the Conclave session. The sorcerer is subject to three prohibitions:

* They are prohibited from performing or contributing to rituals.
* They are prohibited from carrying or using ritual staves, foci, coven stones, vis, potions whose primary purpose is to aid or enhance the performance of rituals, and other items that exist that substantially improve the ability to perform rituals. The [[Archmage#Archmage Regalia|regalia]] of an [[archmage]] are not covered by this restriction. [[Amend_crime_of_sorcery|This prohibition]] was added by the Imperial Senate in 378YE. The initial amendment stipulated that all such items would be given over to control of the Conclave, which was based on an earlier interpretation of sorcery. What happens to any illegal items is a matter for the magistrates.
* They are prohibited from knowingly interacting with [[eternal|eternals]] or their heralds. [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|This prohibition]] was added by the Imperial Senate in Summer 380YE.

There are many things a Declaration of Sorcery does '''not''' prohibit, including all of the following:

* Casting spells
* Owning mana crystals or using them for any reason other than to perform rituals
* Being the target of a ritual
* Holding an Imperial title
* Voting and speaking in Conclave if nominated

The [[Imperial Law|magistrates]] maintain a public list of sorcerers, and keep a careful eye on them and their behaviour. A sorcerer who violates one of the prohibitions placed on them is subject to arrest and trial, with the most likely punishment for someone found guilty of breaking one of these provisions is execution.

=== Reconciliation===
* '''All the named individuals cease to be sorcerers at the end of that Conclave session'''

If this Declaration passes, the named individuals are no longer sorcerers. All prohibitions on their behaviour are removed - it is not possible to remove some of the prohibitions. The magistrates are informed, and adjust their records accordingly. As with the declaration that someone is a sorcerer, the reconciliation comes into effect at the end of the Conclave session.

==Prominent Sorcerers==
===Active Sorcerers===
These individuals are believed to be active at Anvil. Any evidence that they have broken the prohibitions placed on sorcerers should be brought before the magistrates as soon as possible.
<table class="wikitable sortable">
<tr><th>Name</th><th>Nation</th><th>Declaration By</th><th>Date</th></tr>
<tr><td>Amalia Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>FThe Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Alexio Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>FThe Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Francisco Vicente d'Apulian</td><td>The League</td><td>FThe Dread Auntie, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Amalia,_Alexio,_and_Francisco_Vicente|388YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Courgetta i Rincón i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Courgetta_i_Rincón_i_Guerra|387YE Summer]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Jem Bribban</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Jem_Bribban_and_Alf_Alwen|387YE Spring]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Alf Alwen</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Friar Duncan of Ashill, [[Witness of Conclave]]</td><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Jem_Bribban_and_Alf_Alwen|387YE Spring]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Bella Flowerfields</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Linley Weaver, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]</td><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Eli Scrump</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Linley Weaver, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]</td><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Ephrael_and_Kerioth|383YE Autumn]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Kerioth of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery:_Ephrael_and_Kerioth|383YE Autumn]]</td><tr>
<tr><td>Jaylus of Zephaniah's Lament</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>[[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery_.E2.80.93_Jaylus_and_Levi_of_Zephaniah.27s_Lament|383YE Summer]]</td><tr>
</table>

===Other Sorcerers===
A number of citizens who are not believed to attend Anvil regularly have also been declared Sorcerers in recent years. Many of them are believed deceased, but listed for completeness and in case rumours of their demise prove to be incorrect.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{|
| '''Name''' || '''Nation''' || '''Raised By''' || '''Date''' || '''Status'''
|-
| Bella Vicente d'Apulian || The League || Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]] || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Heliodoro_and_Bella|388YE Summer]] || Known deceased
|-
| Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian || The League || Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]] || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Heliodoro_and_Bella|388YE Summer]] || Known deceased
|-
| Saura Penny || The Marches || Linley Weaver on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] || [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Sorcery%3A_Assorted|385YE Winter]] ||
|-
| Brother Harvest || The Marches || Linley Weaver, [[Celestial Arch]] || 385YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Arthur Payne || The Marches || Linley Weaver, [[Celestial Arch]] || 385YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Anthemius Netherwatch || Urizen || Bryn Netherwatch || 385YE Autumn ||
|-
| Renee du Loire || Dawn || Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire || 380YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Levi of Zephaniah's Lament || Highguard || Solomon || 383YE Summer || known deceased
|-
| Benedict Pacelli von Holberg || The League || Benedict Pacelli von Holberg || 382YE Winter || --
|-
| Medea Ruth || Urizen|| Medea Ruth || 382YE Winter ||known deceased
|-
| Armand i Erigo || Brass Coast || Bakar i Riqueza || 382YE Winter|| known deceased
|-
| Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire || Urizen || Kyra of Halcyon Spire || 381YE Winter || --
|-
| Aurelia of Halcyon Spire || Urizen || Kyra of Halcyon Spire || 381YE Winter || believed deceased
|-
| Deidre of Overton || The Marches || Nicholas Reaper || 380YE Summer || --
|-
| Guillermo, formerly di Tassato || Unknown || Zephaniah || 380YE Summer || --
|-
| Gui de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Ursul de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Tremaine de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Iluna de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Claude de Lusignan || Dawn || Unknown || 380YE Spring || known deceased
|-
| Domel Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Elvin Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Aervan Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Gareth Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Laxaina Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Leedy Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Tinuvie Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Arla Whispering Dray || Unknown || Isca || 380YE Spring || --
|-
| Aedan of Olwen's Stand || Navarr || Wyll of Olwen's Stand || 379YE Winter || known deceased
|-
| Farran Duskbourne || Navarr || Ieuan Linkforge || 379YE Autumn || --
|-
| Myfanway Whispering Dray || Unknown || Mari Linkforge || 379YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Alex Lansdale of Bregasland || The Marches || Bron Holdfast || 378YE Summer || --
|-
| Saul of Vashti's Penitents || Highguard || Unknown || 378YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Jael of Vashti's Penitents || Highguard || Unknown || 378YE Spring || believed deceased
|-
| Cnaeus || Urizen || Sejanus Shatterspire || 377YE Spring || known deceased
|}
</div>
This list is not exhaustive, but contains the names of everyone declared a sorcerer since the death of Empress Britta.

==Constitutional Note==
The power of the Conclave to declare a citizen to be a sorcerer and thereby strip them of the rights to perform ritual magic is considered deeply significant by the Constitutional Court - comparable to the power of the [[Synod]] to [[Excommunication|excommunicate]] a citizen. At the start of 381YE, the Constitutional Court issued a clarification on the matter of sorcery, stating that it was unconstitutional to prohibit a citizen from carrying mana - since this would undermine their constitutionally protected rights to prosperity and dignity. The Constitution grants the Conclave the ability to put limits on the ability of citizens to perform significant magic - not what wealth they may carry on their person. All Imperial magicians are able to take part in the Conclave; sorcerers may raise declarations (if they are able to), pay mana to speak (if recognised by a [[grandmaster]]), or even hold an Imperial title if they can persuade their peers to support them. The previous rulings were errors associated with the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] and have been corrected.
{{Conclave further reading}}

388YE Summer Solstice Conclave sessions

2026-07-28T15:31:25Z

Wrenna: /* Enmity: Sinokenon */

[[Category: Conclave]] [[Category: Conclave Sessions]] [[Category: 388YE Summer]]

==Precedence and the Font==
*'''The mana sent for distribution to the grandmasters following 388YE Spring was 64 mana.'''
*'''The mana remaining after distribution was 3 mana.'''
*'''The mana collected via the Principle of Proportions at 388YE Spring Conclave was 265 mana.'''
*'''The mana used to purchase the Rogue Declaration at 388YE Spring Conclave was 11 mana.'''
*'''Twenty mana was provided by Thule warlocks as part of their treaty obligations with the Empire.'''
*'''Fifteen mana was provided by the grand lodge of the Golden Pryamid.'''
*'''The mana available in the font for Conclave at 388YE Summer is 314 mana.'''
The members of each order in attendance at the end of the previous summit determine precedence for the following summit according to the [[Principle of Precedence]]. There was 64 mana in the font after the final Conclave session of the 388YE Spring Equinox. This was distributed to the grand masters of the Conclave according to the Principle of Precedence as per the table below.

This left 3 mana, which is added to the 265 mana collected at Conclave, the 15 mana from the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid, the 20 mana from the agreement with the Thule, and the 11 mana from the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] at the previous event to form the font for the coming summit. The Conclave has access to a font of 314 mana at the 388YE Summer Solstice<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable"><tr><th>Order</th><th>Precedence</th><th>Members</th><th>Mana</th><th>Ilium</th></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Pyramid</td><td>1</td><td>140</td><td>11</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Rod and Shield</td><td>2</td><td>119</td><td>10</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Shuttered Lantern</td><td>3</td><td>113</td><td>9</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Unfettered Mind</td><td>4</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Sevenfold Path</td><td>5</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Chalice</td><td>6</td><td>77</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Celestial Arch</td><td>7</td><td>64</td><td>5</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>
__TOC__
==Friday==
===Candidacy: Witness of Conclave===
*'''Raised by:''' Dick Pike, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' We, the Conclave, thank Duncan for his years of service. With the order of the Shuttered Lantern behind me I raise this candidacy
*'''Outcome:''' '''Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie''' was elected as the [[Witness of Conclave]]

===Sorcery: Heliodoro and Bella Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian and Bella Vicente d'Apulian : Conclave condemns invites enmitied eternals into our Empire in secret; they are under enmity for a reason.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian''' and '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Disseminate: Dreadful Ending to Agoksa of the Waterwalkers===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' The people of Urizen know that all that's worth having is worth sharing. We <u>disseminate</u> the magnitude twenty Winter ritual Dreadful Ending to deal with the miasma pillar in Nesustak Forest to Agoska of the Waterwalkers of Sarangrave.
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Endowment: Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza===
*'''Raised by:''' Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' I, Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, will endow 150 mana to myself, to be used for the purchase of wains for grand lodges and other projects, and for the funding of a fortress to defend the grand lodge of the sevenfold path
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. 150 mana crystals delivered to '''Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza'''

===Enmity: Sinokenon===
*'''Raised by:''' Gralka, as [[Archmage of Day]]
* '''Declaration:''' As it has been promised to the grandmaster of the sevenfold path, I as archmage bring the question of enmity for the Turning Mirror before the Conclave. As we fetch members of our Conclave here to debate their actions so does does this Conclave debate Sinokenon's promotion of "fidelity" by raising this.
*'''Outcome:''' Failed. [[Sinokenon]] remains [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutral]]

===Candidacy: Archmage of Autumn===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' To elect the Archmage of Autumn
*'''Outcome:''' '''Ashborn Trosk''' was elected as the [[Archmage of Autumn]]
*'''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]

===Concord: Sevenfold Path and the Convocation of Virtue===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' I send the Sevenfold Path to Jarm to meet once more with the Convocation of Virtue to discuss the following matter: Do you use magic to further your understanding of and connection to virtue? If not, why not?
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' References the [[Full_circles#Blossoms_of_Virtue|oppportunity]] available to the Sevenfold Path to discuss religious matters with the Convocation of Virtue, a Jarmish sect of Wayist priests

===Neutrality: Lashonar===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Xanthippe, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Celestial arch and the Conclave apologise for allowing falsehoods about Lashonar to be spread. Let this declaration lay the first stone of the bridge between us
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Lashonar]] has been moved to neutrality

==Saturday==
===Dissemination: Blessing of New Spring to Tribune of the Silver Flame===
*'''Raised by:''' Callista of the Dark Shard, on behalf of the [[Voice of the Horizons]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate Blessing of New Spring to the Tribune of the Silver Flame in thanks for sending military aid to Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Imperial Lore: Discern the Marked Allegiance===
*'''Raised by:''' Syl, as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]
* '''Declaration:''' To add the Discern the Marked Allegiance to Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Dissemination: Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian===
*'''Raised by:''' Rafael Barossa D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate the Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===License: Savage Army Enchants===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' We are beset by enemies and their armies on all sides. The Conclave wish to license casualties increasing army enchantments
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. The interdiction has been removed and several rituals are now legal to perform

===Concord: Condemn Adumbral Volution===
*'''Raised by:''' Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Conclave condemns the conspiracy known as the Connivance of Adumbral Volution. This voids the assurance on the "Mark of Adumbral Volution" (the mark of the Whisper Gallery)
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Candidacy: Archmage of Night===
*'''Raised by:''' Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, as [[the Throne]]
* '''Declaration:''' To appoint an Archmage of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Brat Umbral Path was appointed as [[Archmage of Night]]

===Sorcery: Amalia, Alexio, and Francisco Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' The Dread Auntie, as [[Witness of Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave condemns Amalia Vicente d'Apulian, Alexio Vicente d'Apulian, and Francisco Vicente d'Apulian as sorcerer
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Amalia Vicente d'Apulian''', '''Alexio Vicente d'Apulian''', and '''Francisco Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Interdiction: Last Vallornheart===
*'''Raised by:''' Silk Farkas, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave interdicts the magical practice of connecting <u>the last</u> vallornheart to the trods, completing the network. Until the day the Empire is prepared to face the consequence of this action.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. Performing Dance of Navarr and Thorn on a territory that would connect the last vallornheart to the trods has been added to the list of [[Interdiction|interdictions]]

===Imperial Lore: Herthfire's Hospitality===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Rod and Shield wish to add the ritual text 'Herthfire's Hospitality' into Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Acceptance: City of Locks===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave accepts the City of Locks offer on behalf of the ambassadors of the Empire. We thank them for their offer, and appreciate the prosperous trade it will bring to the Empire
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]. Pertains to the recent offer by the [[Basilea|City of Locks]] regarding a [[War_games#Brazen_Enthusiasm|smuggler's port on the Sea of Steel]].

===Amity: Callidus===
*'''Raised by:''' Ashborn Trosk, as [[Archmage of Autumn]]
* '''Declaration:''' To make Callidus to amity
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Callidus]] has been moved to [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]

===Concord: Shuttered Lantern to Sumaah===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Tyburn Natkysset, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Shuttered Lantern will [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Wisdom_of_the_Conclave|travel to Sumaah]] to study the theory and philosophy behind the Sumaah methods for protecting its citizens from hostile eternals and heralds.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endowment: Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged===
*'''Raised by:''' Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged, as the [[Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration]]
* '''Declaration:''' We ask for 60 mana crystals to be granted to Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged to cover half the cost of the ritual to align the regio, other half paid.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Concord: Thanks to the Prefects===
*'''Raised by:''' Casimir Pakkanovic Mislova, as [[Imperial Magus]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave thanks the civil service and the Prefect of Conclave for their hard work, loyalty, and support to Imperial magicians
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endorsement: Performance of Fortune Favours the Bold ===
*'''Raised by:''' Jezia i Radah i Guerra, as [[Arcane Envoy]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave endorses the casting of "Fortune Favours the Bold" - a magnitude 120 Autumn arcane projection in an attempt to align the 19th constellation and fix the regio
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Enmity: Aperion the Sixth Eye===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Aperion the Sixth Eye colloquially known as the 'Memory Spider" from the realm of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

388YE Summer Solstice Conclave sessions

2026-07-28T15:27:50Z

Wrenna: /* Concord: Shuttered Lantern to Sumaah */

[[Category: Conclave]] [[Category: Conclave Sessions]] [[Category: 388YE Summer]]

==Precedence and the Font==
*'''The mana sent for distribution to the grandmasters following 388YE Spring was 64 mana.'''
*'''The mana remaining after distribution was 3 mana.'''
*'''The mana collected via the Principle of Proportions at 388YE Spring Conclave was 265 mana.'''
*'''The mana used to purchase the Rogue Declaration at 388YE Spring Conclave was 11 mana.'''
*'''Twenty mana was provided by Thule warlocks as part of their treaty obligations with the Empire.'''
*'''Fifteen mana was provided by the grand lodge of the Golden Pryamid.'''
*'''The mana available in the font for Conclave at 388YE Summer is 314 mana.'''
The members of each order in attendance at the end of the previous summit determine precedence for the following summit according to the [[Principle of Precedence]]. There was 64 mana in the font after the final Conclave session of the 388YE Spring Equinox. This was distributed to the grand masters of the Conclave according to the Principle of Precedence as per the table below.

This left 3 mana, which is added to the 265 mana collected at Conclave, the 15 mana from the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid, the 20 mana from the agreement with the Thule, and the 11 mana from the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] at the previous event to form the font for the coming summit. The Conclave has access to a font of 314 mana at the 388YE Summer Solstice<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable"><tr><th>Order</th><th>Precedence</th><th>Members</th><th>Mana</th><th>Ilium</th></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Pyramid</td><td>1</td><td>140</td><td>11</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Rod and Shield</td><td>2</td><td>119</td><td>10</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Shuttered Lantern</td><td>3</td><td>113</td><td>9</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Unfettered Mind</td><td>4</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Sevenfold Path</td><td>5</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Chalice</td><td>6</td><td>77</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Celestial Arch</td><td>7</td><td>64</td><td>5</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>
__TOC__
==Friday==
===Candidacy: Witness of Conclave===
*'''Raised by:''' Dick Pike, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' We, the Conclave, thank Duncan for his years of service. With the order of the Shuttered Lantern behind me I raise this candidacy
*'''Outcome:''' '''Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie''' was elected as the [[Witness of Conclave]]

===Sorcery: Heliodoro and Bella Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian and Bella Vicente d'Apulian : Conclave condemns invites enmitied eternals into our Empire in secret; they are under enmity for a reason.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian''' and '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Disseminate: Dreadful Ending to Agoksa of the Waterwalkers===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' The people of Urizen know that all that's worth having is worth sharing. We <u>disseminate</u> the magnitude twenty Winter ritual Dreadful Ending to deal with the miasma pillar in Nesustak Forest to Agoska of the Waterwalkers of Sarangrave.
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Endowment: Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza===
*'''Raised by:''' Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' I, Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, will endow 150 mana to myself, to be used for the purchase of wains for grand lodges and other projects, and for the funding of a fortress to defend the grand lodge of the sevenfold path
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. 150 mana crystals delivered to '''Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza'''

===Enmity: Sinokenon===
*'''Raised by:''' Gralka, as [[Archmage of Day]]
* '''Declaration:''' As it has been promised to the grandmaster of the sevenfold path, I as archmage bring the question of enmity for the turning mirror before the Conclave. As we fetch members of our Conclave here to debate their actions so foes does this Conclave debate Sinokenon promotion of "fidelity" by raising this.
*'''Outcome:''' Failed. [[Sinokenon]] remains [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutral]]

===Candidacy: Archmage of Autumn===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' To elect the Archmage of Autumn
*'''Outcome:''' '''Ashborn Trosk''' was elected as the [[Archmage of Autumn]]
*'''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]

===Concord: Sevenfold Path and the Convocation of Virtue===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' I send the Sevenfold Path to Jarm to meet once more with the Convocation of Virtue to discuss the following matter: Do you use magic to further your understanding of and connection to virtue? If not, why not?
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' References the [[Full_circles#Blossoms_of_Virtue|oppportunity]] available to the Sevenfold Path to discuss religious matters with the Convocation of Virtue, a Jarmish sect of Wayist priests

===Neutrality: Lashonar===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Xanthippe, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Celestial arch and the Conclave apologise for allowing falsehoods about Lashonar to be spread. Let this declaration lay the first stone of the bridge between us
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Lashonar]] has been moved to neutrality

==Saturday==
===Dissemination: Blessing of New Spring to Tribune of the Silver Flame===
*'''Raised by:''' Callista of the Dark Shard, on behalf of the [[Voice of the Horizons]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate Blessing of New Spring to the Tribune of the Silver Flame in thanks for sending military aid to Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Imperial Lore: Discern the Marked Allegiance===
*'''Raised by:''' Syl, as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]
* '''Declaration:''' To add the Discern the Marked Allegiance to Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Dissemination: Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian===
*'''Raised by:''' Rafael Barossa D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate the Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===License: Savage Army Enchants===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' We are beset by enemies and their armies on all sides. The Conclave wish to license casualties increasing army enchantments
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. The interdiction has been removed and several rituals are now legal to perform

===Concord: Condemn Adumbral Volution===
*'''Raised by:''' Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Conclave condemns the conspiracy known as the Connivance of Adumbral Volution. This voids the assurance on the "Mark of Adumbral Volution" (the mark of the Whisper Gallery)
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Candidacy: Archmage of Night===
*'''Raised by:''' Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, as [[the Throne]]
* '''Declaration:''' To appoint an Archmage of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Brat Umbral Path was appointed as [[Archmage of Night]]

===Sorcery: Amalia, Alexio, and Francisco Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' The Dread Auntie, as [[Witness of Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave condemns Amalia Vicente d'Apulian, Alexio Vicente d'Apulian, and Francisco Vicente d'Apulian as sorcerer
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Amalia Vicente d'Apulian''', '''Alexio Vicente d'Apulian''', and '''Francisco Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Interdiction: Last Vallornheart===
*'''Raised by:''' Silk Farkas, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave interdicts the magical practice of connecting <u>the last</u> vallornheart to the trods, completing the network. Until the day the Empire is prepared to face the consequence of this action.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. Performing Dance of Navarr and Thorn on a territory that would connect the last vallornheart to the trods has been added to the list of [[Interdiction|interdictions]]

===Imperial Lore: Herthfire's Hospitality===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Rod and Shield wish to add the ritual text 'Herthfire's Hospitality' into Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Acceptance: City of Locks===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave accepts the City of Locks offer on behalf of the ambassadors of the Empire. We thank them for their offer, and appreciate the prosperous trade it will bring to the Empire
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]. Pertains to the recent offer by the [[Basilea|City of Locks]] regarding a [[War_games#Brazen_Enthusiasm|smuggler's port on the Sea of Steel]].

===Amity: Callidus===
*'''Raised by:''' Ashborn Trosk, as [[Archmage of Autumn]]
* '''Declaration:''' To make Callidus to amity
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Callidus]] has been moved to [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]

===Concord: Shuttered Lantern to Sumaah===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Tyburn Natkysset, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Shuttered Lantern will [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Wisdom_of_the_Conclave|travel to Sumaah]] to study the theory and philosophy behind the Sumaah methods for protecting its citizens from hostile eternals and heralds.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endowment: Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged===
*'''Raised by:''' Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged, as the [[Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration]]
* '''Declaration:''' We ask for 60 mana crystals to be granted to Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged to cover half the cost of the ritual to align the regio, other half paid.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Concord: Thanks to the Prefects===
*'''Raised by:''' Casimir Pakkanovic Mislova, as [[Imperial Magus]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave thanks the civil service and the Prefect of Conclave for their hard work, loyalty, and support to Imperial magicians
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endorsement: Performance of Fortune Favours the Bold ===
*'''Raised by:''' Jezia i Radah i Guerra, as [[Arcane Envoy]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave endorses the casting of "Fortune Favours the Bold" - a magnitude 120 Autumn arcane projection in an attempt to align the 19th constellation and fix the regio
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Enmity: Aperion the Sixth Eye===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Aperion the Sixth Eye colloquially known as the 'Memory Spider" from the realm of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

388YE Summer Solstice Conclave sessions

2026-07-28T15:26:14Z

Wrenna:

[[Category: Conclave]] [[Category: Conclave Sessions]] [[Category: 388YE Summer]]

==Precedence and the Font==
*'''The mana sent for distribution to the grandmasters following 388YE Spring was 64 mana.'''
*'''The mana remaining after distribution was 3 mana.'''
*'''The mana collected via the Principle of Proportions at 388YE Spring Conclave was 265 mana.'''
*'''The mana used to purchase the Rogue Declaration at 388YE Spring Conclave was 11 mana.'''
*'''Twenty mana was provided by Thule warlocks as part of their treaty obligations with the Empire.'''
*'''Fifteen mana was provided by the grand lodge of the Golden Pryamid.'''
*'''The mana available in the font for Conclave at 388YE Summer is 314 mana.'''
The members of each order in attendance at the end of the previous summit determine precedence for the following summit according to the [[Principle of Precedence]]. There was 64 mana in the font after the final Conclave session of the 388YE Spring Equinox. This was distributed to the grand masters of the Conclave according to the Principle of Precedence as per the table below.

This left 3 mana, which is added to the 265 mana collected at Conclave, the 15 mana from the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid, the 20 mana from the agreement with the Thule, and the 11 mana from the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] at the previous event to form the font for the coming summit. The Conclave has access to a font of 314 mana at the 388YE Summer Solstice<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable"><tr><th>Order</th><th>Precedence</th><th>Members</th><th>Mana</th><th>Ilium</th></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Pyramid</td><td>1</td><td>140</td><td>11</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Rod and Shield</td><td>2</td><td>119</td><td>10</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Shuttered Lantern</td><td>3</td><td>113</td><td>9</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Unfettered Mind</td><td>4</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Sevenfold Path</td><td>5</td><td>98</td><td>8</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Chalice</td><td>6</td><td>77</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Celestial Arch</td><td>7</td><td>64</td><td>5</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>
__TOC__
==Friday==
===Candidacy: Witness of Conclave===
*'''Raised by:''' Dick Pike, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' We, the Conclave, thank Duncan for his years of service. With the order of the Shuttered Lantern behind me I raise this candidacy
*'''Outcome:''' '''Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie''' was elected as the [[Witness of Conclave]]

===Sorcery: Heliodoro and Bella Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian and Bella Vicente d'Apulian : Conclave condemns invites enmitied eternals into our Empire in secret; they are under enmity for a reason.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Heliodoro Vicente d'Apulian''' and '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Disseminate: Dreadful Ending to Agoksa of the Waterwalkers===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' The people of Urizen know that all that's worth having is worth sharing. We <u>disseminate</u> the magnitude twenty Winter ritual Dreadful Ending to deal with the miasma pillar in Nesustak Forest to Agoska of the Waterwalkers of Sarangrave.
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Endowment: Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza===
*'''Raised by:''' Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' I, Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza, will endow 150 mana to myself, to be used for the purchase of wains for grand lodges and other projects, and for the funding of a fortress to defend the grand lodge of the sevenfold path
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. 150 mana crystals delivered to '''Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza'''

===Enmity: Sinokenon===
*'''Raised by:''' Gralka, as [[Archmage of Day]]
* '''Declaration:''' As it has been promised to the grandmaster of the sevenfold path, I as archmage bring the question of enmity for the turning mirror before the Conclave. As we fetch members of our Conclave here to debate their actions so foes does this Conclave debate Sinokenon promotion of "fidelity" by raising this.
*'''Outcome:''' Failed. [[Sinokenon]] remains [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutral]]

===Candidacy: Archmage of Autumn===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' To elect the Archmage of Autumn
*'''Outcome:''' '''Ashborn Trosk''' was elected as the [[Archmage of Autumn]]
*'''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]

===Concord: Sevenfold Path and the Convocation of Virtue===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' I send the Sevenfold Path to Jarm to meet once more with the Convocation of Virtue to discuss the following matter: Do you use magic to further your understanding of and connection to virtue? If not, why not?
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' References the [[Full_circles#Blossoms_of_Virtue|oppportunity]] available to the Sevenfold Path to discuss religious matters with the Convocation of Virtue, a Jarmish sect of Wayist priests

===Neutrality: Lashonar===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Xanthippe, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Celestial arch and the Conclave apologise for allowing falsehoods about Lashonar to be spread. Let this declaration lay the first stone of the bridge between us
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Lashonar]] has been moved to neutrality

==Saturday==
===Dissemination: Blessing of New Spring to Tribune of the Silver Flame===
*'''Raised by:''' Callista of the Dark Shard, on behalf of the [[Voice of the Horizons]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate Blessing of New Spring to the Tribune of the Silver Flame in thanks for sending military aid to Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' This declaration is awaiting funding

===Imperial Lore: Discern the Marked Allegiance===
*'''Raised by:''' Syl, as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]
* '''Declaration:''' To add the Discern the Marked Allegiance to Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Dissemination: Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian===
*'''Raised by:''' Rafael Barossa D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' To disseminate the Muffled Oar to Rafael Barossa d'Apulian
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===License: Savage Army Enchants===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' We are beset by enemies and their armies on all sides. The Conclave wish to license casualties increasing army enchantments
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. The interdiction has been removed and several rituals are now legal to perform

===Concord: Condemn Adumbral Volution===
*'''Raised by:''' Fiorente Vicente D'Apulian, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Conclave condemns the conspiracy known as the Connivance of Adumbral Volution. This voids the assurance on the "Mark of Adumbral Volution" (the mark of the Whisper Gallery)
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Candidacy: Archmage of Night===
*'''Raised by:''' Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, as [[the Throne]]
* '''Declaration:''' To appoint an Archmage of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Brat Umbral Path was appointed as [[Archmage of Night]]

===Sorcery: Amalia, Alexio, and Francisco Vicente===
*'''Raised by:''' The Dread Auntie, as [[Witness of Conclave]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave condemns Amalia Vicente d'Apulian, Alexio Vicente d'Apulian, and Francisco Vicente d'Apulian as sorcerer
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. '''Amalia Vicente d'Apulian''', '''Alexio Vicente d'Apulian''', and '''Francisco Vicente d'Apulian''' have been added to the list of [[Sorcery#Prominent_Sorcerers|sorcerers]]

===Interdiction: Last Vallornheart===
*'''Raised by:''' Silk Farkas, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave interdicts the magical practice of connecting <u>the last</u> vallornheart to the trods, completing the network. Until the day the Empire is prepared to face the consequence of this action.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. Performing Dance of Navarr and Thorn on a territory that would connect the last vallornheart to the trods has been added to the list of [[Interdiction|interdictions]]

===Imperial Lore: Herthfire's Hospitality===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Lord Milton de Vere, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Rod and Shield wish to add the ritual text 'Herthfire's Hospitality' into Imperial lore
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. This declaration is awaiting funding

===Acceptance: City of Locks===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' This Conclave accepts the City of Locks offer on behalf of the ambassadors of the Empire. We thank them for their offer, and appreciate the prosperous trade it will bring to the Empire
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.
* '''Note:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]. Pertains to the recent offer by the [[Basilea|City of Locks]] regarding a [[War_games#Brazen_Enthusiasm|smuggler's port on the Sea of Steel]].

===Amity: Callidus===
*'''Raised by:''' Ashborn Trosk, as [[Archmage of Autumn]]
* '''Declaration:''' To make Callidus to amity
*'''Outcome:''' Passed. [[Callidus]] has been moved to [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]

===Concord: Shuttered Lantern to Sumaah===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Tyburn Natkysset, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Shuttered Lantern will travel to Sumaah to study the theory and philosophy behind the Sumaah methods for protecting its citizens from hostile eternals and heralds
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endowment: Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged===
*'''Raised by:''' Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged, as the [[Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration]]
* '''Declaration:''' We ask for 60 mana crystals to be granted to Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged to cover half the cost of the ritual to align the regio, other half paid.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Concord: Thanks to the Prefects===
*'''Raised by:''' Casimir Pakkanovic Mislova, as [[Imperial Magus]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave thanks the civil service and the Prefect of Conclave for their hard work, loyalty, and support to Imperial magicians
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Endorsement: Performance of Fortune Favours the Bold ===
*'''Raised by:''' Jezia i Radah i Guerra, as [[Arcane Envoy]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave endorses the casting of "Fortune Favours the Bold" - a magnitude 120 Autumn arcane projection in an attempt to align the 19th constellation and fix the regio
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

===Enmity: Aperion the Sixth Eye===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Aperion the Sixth Eye colloquially known as the 'Memory Spider" from the realm of Night
*'''Outcome:''' Passed.

Imperial Consul

2026-07-25T15:23:12Z

Wrenna:

<div style="display:inline-block; float: left; width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=KelluaItsepainen.jpg|caption=The first Imperial Consul was appointed in Summer 379YE|title= Kellua Itsepainen|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
The Imperial Consul is an [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] appointed by the [[Senate]]. It was [[Create title of High Consul|created]] by the Senate during the Summer 379YE summit, and sparked [[#Constitution|considerable controversy]] leading to a clash between the senators and the civil service over the recommendations of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]].

In Summer 382YE the Imperial Senate voted to [[Amend_Imperial_Consul|provide a stipend]] to the Imperial Consul. They further amended during the Spring Equinox 383YE to [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Consul|make them a member of the Senate]] - again with a [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Consul#Campaign_Outcome|certain amount of controversy]].

In Winter 383YE the title was further modified when the Senate chose to [[Construct_Imperial_Consulate|construct]] the [[#Imperial Consulate|Imperial Consulate]] in [[Tassato]] following the [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#The_Imperial_Consulate|suggestion]] of the Merchant-Prince of the Featherwick Guild, granting additional benefits including briefings on the Empire's diplomatic position and equal respect as any regular ambassador.

Prior to the Winter Solstice 387YE, the Consul was able to purchase goods from merchants and those seeking favour from the foreign nations with which the Empire had an embassy. This was changed, along with the rest of the ambassadors, when the Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Embassies|amend]] the embassies to end the practice, removing mercantile support and the upkeep costs at the same time.

==Responsibilities==
The Imperial Consul is expected to liaise with Imperial [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and similar positions and report back to the Senate. The Imperial Constitution is clear that authority for negotiation with foreign powers lies with the appointed ambassador- the Consul has no legal right to direct the ambassadors in their work - their role is to liaise with the Imperial ambassadors and help keep the Senate abreast of diplomatic developments.

The Imperial Consul is however responsible for handling diplomatic relations with any foreign and barbarian power with which the Senate has not created a separate ambassador. The [[Imperial Constitution]] grants the power of authority for diplomatic relations to the Imperial Senate - by creating this title, the Senate divests itself of their remaining authority in this area to the Consul. When dealing with such a nation, their responsibilities are similar to those [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an ambassador

Foreign nations have agendas of their own, and may seek to draw the Empire into their intrigues. The existence of the Imperial Consul does not automatically mean that a foreign nation will engage with them - most nations are disinclined to deal extensively with the Empire while there is no [[embassy]]. The civil service and the [[Civil_Service|Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps]] will do their best to appraise such nations of the role of the Imperial Consul.
===Limitations===
The Imperial Consul can only represent the Empire in dealings with foreign or barbarian nations where there is no existing Imperial ambassador with responsibility for doing so. If an embassy for a foreign nation has been completed then the legal powers of the Consul do not cover dealings with representatives of that nation - even if the ambassador is absent or the post has not yet been filled; the existence of such a title is sufficient.

==Powers==
===Right of Address===
The Imperial Consul has the right to make a [[Senate address]] once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Consul must inform the [[Speaker for the Senate]] of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next [[Senate session]].

===Member of the Senate===
The Imperial Consul is a [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a [[Senate session]] and participate in the debates. They do not have the power to raise motions or to vote on a motion.

===Representative of the Empire===
The civil service provide support to help an ambassador to represent the Empire when dealing with foreign dignitaries from any nation where there is no existing ambassador. They have all the available legal powers of an ambassador; the power to receive a [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]] and compose a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] when dealing with a foreign or barbarian nation.

The Consul receives a unique [[Ambassador#Briefing|briefing]] every summit, containing information about the various barbarian and foreign nations the Empire has no existing ambassador to deal with. They also receive a broad overview of the relationship between the Empire and all nations with which it does have an Embassy. Although these briefings are not as in-depth as those received by the individual Ambassadors, they serve to assist the Consul in discharging their duties as a liaison between the ambassadors and the Senate.

===Trade Terms===
Once per summit, the Imperial Consul may make an announcement ameding the Empire's trading terms with a foreign nation, where no position of Imperial Ambassador exists for that nation.

===Stipend===
The Imperial Consul receives a stipend of 5 thrones each season from the [[Imperial treasury]].

===Vitore's Mightiest Weapon===
The Imperial Consul bears ''Vitore's Mightiest Weapon'', an artefact of unknown power. It is the legal property of the title. If the Consul loses their position, then the item must be given to the new Consul with all appropriate haste. The Imperial Consul is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe.

==Appointment==
The Imperial Consul is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the consul serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

{{RecentElections|Imperial_Consul}}
==Imperial Consulate==
Refurbished from an old four-storey building a stone's throw from the University of Tassato, the Consulate is an impressive edifice on the eastern banks of the river Vassa. The expanded private docks allow dignitaries and merchants from a wide variety of foreign powers to visit the Consul in private to discuss matters of import - or merely import their goods. The building also features fine apartments for the Consul's exclusive use, allowing them to host guests from within and without the Empire's borders and impress them with the accoutrements of state.

Around a dozen staff also reside in the building, hand-picked by the Civil Service for their diplomatic acumen.


==Constitution==
During [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] several significant issues were raised with this title. [[Create_title_of_High_Consul#Constitution|These issues]] included concerns about the use of the [[#Right of Address|Right of Address]], the implicit authority of the title to command other Imperial citizens, and the use of the word "High" in the original title.

The Constitutional Court returned the motion creating the title to the Senate with a series of proposed amendments, leading to extensive and energetic debate between the Senators and [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrate|Magistrate]] Karkovich. After spirited discussion, the [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] suggesting changes to the presentation of the title was accepted by the Senate.
{{Senate Further Reading}}
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Ambassador]]

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-22T20:39:39Z

Wrenna: /* Beneath a Moonless Sky */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Remnants of tales.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[In the Court of Far Horizons]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/07/03"| 03/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Satraps of the Abyss]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/07/04"| 04/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The Oran operation]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/07/05"| 05/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Viridian nemesis]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/07/06"| 06/07 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Love and monsters]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Dawn Highest Calling
|-
| [[The right answer]] || 6 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of the Way Highest Calling
|-
| [[A lasting commitment]] || 7 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of Ambition Highest Calling
|-
| [[Six sheets to the wind]] || 8 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[A horn blast of victory]] || 9 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Ambassadors of death]] || 10 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[War games]] || 11 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Jarm and Commonwealth Diplomacy
|-
| [[All laudable qualities]] || 12 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Proscription Symposium
|-
| [[Full circles]] || 13 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Sevenfold Path and Jarm
|-
| [[This is the end]] || 14 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Apulian
|-
| [[The brightest flame]] || 15 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Peerless Kinship
|-
| [[The shadows fall behind you]] || 16 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Inspirational Location
|-
| [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]] || 17 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Ephisis
|-
| [[Any dream will do]] || 18 || data=sort-value="2026/07/19"| 19/07 || The League Highest Calling
|-
| [[Everything is on show]] || 19 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sparrows Reckoning
|-
| [[Keys of Enlightenment]] || 20 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sumaah
|-
| [[Seeds of discord]] || 21 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Foreign Diplomacy
|-
| [[All I ask of you]] || 22 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Imperial Orc Highest Calling
|-
| [[Mark of the Ravadi]] || 23 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Ravadi Founders' Dance
|-
| [[Pride in the Marches]] || 24 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || The Marches
|-
| [[Myth makers]] || 25 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Orc Diplomacy
|-
| [[The war makers]] || 26 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Third Navarr Army
|-
| [[Survival]] || 27 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Sun Chamber Appraisal
|-
| [[Tourney of two cities]] || 28 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Tourney for 14-18 year olds
|-
| [[To seek enlightenment]] || 29 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Wisdom Highest Calling
|-
| [[The keys of blood]] || 30 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Eternal Magic
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can learn about the guidance from the City of Gold and Lead, and about new systems being trialled, in the '''[[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Any Dream Will Do===
* '''League Assembly'''
The [[League]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to bring in sapient beings of all kinds into the Empire and [[the Way]] of Virtue and into the League in particular. The five cities are cosmopolitan, and their people diverse, but there will be challenges ahead. The question of who to approach is one thing, and of ''who'' to send specifically is another thing altogether. However, even the largest forest can be felled one tree at a time. The question that stymies some is which tree to start with.

You can learn about the League Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the nation, in the '''[[Any dream will do]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sparrows Reckoning Badge.png|align=right|width=500}}</div>
===Everything is on Show===
* '''The League; especially citizens of Tassato; and especially Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato'''
The third League army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Tassato]]. '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''' has already informed the civil service of its name, but the essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be seen. At the same time, there is information on what the army has done for the Pride of Tassato, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[Everything is on show]]''' wind of fortune.
===All I Ask Of You===
* '''Navarr and the Imperial Orcs; Generals of the Northern Eagle, Winter Sun, and Gryphon's Pride; Warmage'''
Following [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]], the [[Imperial orcs|Unshackled]] Assembly have asked their mystagogues and shamans to contact other septs in the hope that they might learn more about them. This season, the Assembly asked '''Skywise Rykana''' to lead a delegation to discover more of the ancestors of the [[Great Forest Orcs]]. They made strong connections, and discovered much about the sept's spirituality, but perhaps more pressingly they discovered the existence of an existential threat to the many orcs of the Great Forest enslaved at the [[weirwood]] groves of the Druj in [[the Mallum]].

You can learn a little of spirituality, and about the chance to rob the Druj of their victims, in the '''[[All I ask of you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Mark of the Ravadi===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Champion of Vigilance'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for Ravadi Founders' Dance during the Winter Solstice. There was some uncertainty on where the memorial should be placed, but the assembly responded with certainty during the Spring Equinox.

You can read about the memorial, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the Champion of Vigilance, and the wider Empire in the '''[[Mark of the Ravadi]]''' wind of fortune.
===Pride in the Marches===
* '''Marchers; Winterfolk, especially fleet owners; Generals of the Drakes, Strong Reeds, Autumn Hammers, Bloodcloaks, Green Shield, Valiant Pegasus, and Golden Sun; Mistress of Monuments; Foot-the-ball fans; Champion of Prosperity, Keeper of the Golden Fields; people who have opinions on a second Cousin's War'''
[[Pride]] in small things, [[Loyalty]] to great ones. That's what they always say when people talk about [[the Marches]]. But Pride in what? And Loyalty to what? That's the sort of thing [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War|people go to war over]] if you're not careful. There's a lot going on in the Marches on the way to the Summer Solstice, both to inspire Pride and to source concern. It's time to take stock. Of the situation in [[Mitwold]]; worrisome developments in the Gullet; questions of folk heroes - new ones and troublesome old ones; hauntings in [[Bregasland]]; the overwhelming question of the large number of [[heresy|heretics]] in the Marches (also know as the Marcher [[orc]] population); and the scions of Red Walder up to tricks that need dealing with before they get out of hand. They say if you want a job done, give it to someone busy, but maybe this is taking it a bit too far...

You can find out about the assorted events and opportunities in the Marches this season, both good and bad, in the '''[[Pride in the Marches]]''' wind of fortune.

===The War Makers===
* '''Navarr; especially citizens of Hercynia; and especially Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''
The third Navarr army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Hercynia]]. The matter of the name and essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be decided by '''Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''. At the same time, there is information on what the army means Navarr, especially the artisans of Hercynia, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[The war makers]]''' wind of fortune.

===Survival===
* '''Sun Chamber; Vallornguard; People interested in the vallorn; Members of the Senate; Master of the Koboldi; Members of Conclave; Ambassadors to Otkodov and Axos; Imperial Consul'''
Last season the [[Sun Chamber]] used one of its [[Sun_Chamber#Current_Problems|doors]] to appraise an eventual problem that the war against the vallorn will present: that the vallorn is very, ''very'' good at destroying things. Members of the sodality were joined by [[Appraisal#Available_Prognosticators|Vainakoma Dawnstongue]] in their efforts to uncover how to resolve this destructive problem.

You can read their findings, and what they mean for the rest of the Empire, in the '''[[Survival]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tourney of Two Cities===
* '''The Academy; Participants aged 14-18; People who enjoy gambling'''
The twin cities of Tassato have a history steeped in rivalry. Even when they can overcome their differences and work together, their ambition leads them to outdo each other (as is right and proper). It is no surprise then, with the [[Everything is on show|mustering of Sparrows Reckoning]], that the two military academies are hoping to encourage competition amongst potential cadets and future officers. Representatives of Barossa School of Imperial Strategy and the Five Cities Military Academy have approached Chancellor Hildebrand Von Holberg of the Temple of Nine Fingers of [[the Academy]] for her aid and expertise.

You can find the details of the upcoming tourney and the rules around it in the '''[[Tourney of two cities]]''' wind of fortune.

===To Seek Enlightenment===
* '''Wisdom Assembly; Members of the Senate; Military Council'''
The [[Wisdom]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to support the fine work of the civil service who perform historical research and produce appraisals. It can be a dangerous question that goes unasked, and uncovering those can be the first step to discovering the truth of things. And elsewhere, a familiar face has once again popped up to offer his experience. And finally, an unconventional member of the Wisdom Assembly has surfaced to offer ''her'' aid in things.

You can learn about the Wisdom Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the Empire, in the '''[[To seek enlightenment]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Keys of Blood (Eternals)===
* '''Grimnir of Wittal Grove; Architect of Hammers; People invested in the production of the Arratan Gamble; people who care about the boons and/or opinions of various Eternals'''
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[The keys of blood]]''' wind of fortune.

===In the Charnel Pit===
* '''Prosperity Assembly; Courage Assembly; General Assembly; ''Earl Adel de Òrdraig''; ''Gaelen Embercast''; Proffered Hand'''
The [[Prosperity]] and Courage Assemblies have declared their own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest callings]]; both to mend the scars caused by war. Prosperity seeks to mend the troubles caused on the land, whilst Courage looks to mend the damage done to the people. Both are noble goals, and each presents opportunities to improve the lot of those suffering under the after-effects of war. There is another important point to address on what the Druj represent, what their way of life means... and what the Empire might learn from them.

You can learn about the Courage and Prosperity Assemblies' highest callings in the '''[[In the charnel pit]]''' wind of fortune.

===Chains from the Deep===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Residents of Sarvos; People with an interest in Skathe(?)'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for the Chains of Sarvos during the Spring Equinox. This sacred site has seen many defences against enemies of the Empire over its short existence, and there is a chance to capitalise and make the Chains even ''better''.

You can read about the potential for a sacred site, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the League Assembly, and Sarvos, in the '''[[Chains from the deep]]''' wind of fortune.

===A wizard did it (Mortal Magic)===
* '''People who used to like visiting the Painted Caves; The Ambassador to Otkodov; Senator for Astolat; Navarri
Not all magic is performed by the denizens of the realms, mortals are just as if not more capable of causing all kinds of trouble when left alone with too much free time and mana crystals.

You can read about goings on in the frozen north, the slightly less frozen north, and in the minds of Navarri in the '''[[A wizard did it]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tomb of the Courageous===
* '''The Courage Assembly; Freeborn, especially Scriveners and prospective Firebrands; The Lepidean Librarian
The Courage Assembly has made their case to the wider Synod that it is tiome for there to be an inspirational location devoted to Emperor Ahraz. A figure not without some controversy, it is time for the Synod to either face some unwelcome truth and/or cleave to what they know to be true.

You can read about the opportunity to consecrate Ahraz's Tomb in the '''[[Tomb of the Courageous]]''' wind of fortune.

===Urizeni Experiment (Sarangrave)===
* '''Urizen, especially stargazers; Conclave; Theodora; Warmage; Archmage of Spring; Spear of the Seven; Sun CHamber
The Stargazers of Urizen have been hard at work trudging through the fetid swamps of Urizen's newest territory to see what might be done to put something in place to defend against the Vallorn of Bendol. At the same time, the rebels of Nesustak forest have been recovering from two very hectic seasons; first being assaulted by the druj from the north, and then the Vallorn from the south. There's also something called the "Hungry Earth" which sounds deeply unpleasant.

You can read about the current state of goings on in the Sarangrave in the '''[[Urizeni Experiment]]''' wind of fortune.

===Asavean Factor===
* '''Loyalty Assembly; Archmage of Autumn; Senate

Not content with one epoch-defining construction, the Empire is also attempting to Anchor the Way in Asavea. Yet even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. The Loyalty Assembly have declared this to be their Highest Calling, and have spent the season seeking allies to help them with this momentus task.

You can read about the proposals of the Loyalty Assembly in the '''[[Asavean Factor]]''' wind of fortune.

===Beneath a Moonless Sky===
* '''Wintermark, especially fleet captains; Mediator of Hyljehal; fans of Sermersuaq

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] has seen they work bear fruit this season as one of the leaders of the Hylje, Koskinen, has made contact with matters of interest.

You can read about the goings on of the curious sea people in the '''[[Beneath a moonless sky]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Visitation (Vistors)===
* '''Golden Fleet Salvagemaster; Marisol i Erigo (whoever that may be); competitive citizens; fans of Bloodcrow Knott

People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in '''[[The Visitation]]''' wind of fortune.

===Warriors' Gate===
* '''Those interested in exploring the mysterious land of Tsirku; Imperial Spymaster; Imperial Orcs; Varushka; People who like doing crimes with the Whisper Gallery.

It's cold! It's mysterious! It's Tsirku!

You can find out about the ongoing efforts to map the frozen wastes of Tsirku in the '''[[Warriors' Gate]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

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

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

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

You can read about diplomatic events in [[Axos]], [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], and [[Tsark]], and the concerns of the Marracossan exiles of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], in the '''[[Seeds of discord]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Myth Makers===
* '''Imperial Consul, Advisor on Orc Affairs; Senator for Feroz, Broken Shore Bounty; Ambassador to Otkodov; Imperial military unit commanders; Senator for Mareave, Ambassador to the Grendel; Ereland of Wintermark; Military Council, Senate, Conclave, Synod'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations, and not all are barbarians. While some of these nations have [[ambassador|ambassadors]] to deal with them on behalf of the Empire, in many cases diplomacy is handled by the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]] perhaps with the aid of the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. This season representatives of five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy with the Empire (although the definition of ''nation'' is doing some heavy lifting in a few places).

You can learn about messages from the Protectorate of Morajasse, the Thule, the city-state of Beoraidh, the Jotun and even the Grendel, in the '''[[Myth makers]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Raid on Leen===
====Mustering====
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'>
<tr><th colspan='2'>Raided Leen</th></tr>
<tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td> Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kay i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bayan Zayden Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sadiq i Isa i Erigo </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Branwyn i Leons del Mar i Coeurdefer i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gael i Guerra </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tancred Enrico i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arturo i Tontería i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ana i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Terak i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mycella i Ruiloba i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ibrahim i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Constanza Ramos i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Argento i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marco i Taziel </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lavanda i Rincón i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khalama i Radah i Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theodora i Livera i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dimitri I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aziz i Guerra i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Felia i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aero </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodrigo i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Familia Ramirez </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> Red Sails of the Wanderer </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azuza i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Banu i Yashum i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bassim i Retazos Dorados i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arcelia i Garza i Guerra </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ferran i Rincón i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zaffer i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sayid i Zuhri i Erigo </td><td> The Dragonfly Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Matiaz i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maximilano i Taziel i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alina i garcia i erigo </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Martha i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estevanico i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> The Hayim Family (Banner) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miguel I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sol i Radah i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Solana I Zabala I Erigo </td><td> Family Zabala </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silvia Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Phosphor i Efna i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Wings </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashar i Astusiram </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alvaro i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cole Blackwood Erigo </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cisco i Phovas i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kareem i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mont i Sawa i Erigo </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eduardo i Otoño i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gisli i Phovas i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Florina i Sol-Devorador i Riqueza </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cuinn-Gael i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teo i Rincon i Erigo </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urraca i Inez i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luz i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lambdon I Kurian I Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Salvador </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viktor Corterra Meridian Von Temeschwar i Guerra </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Quintenzo i Elharar i Guerra </td><td> Elharar Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hugo i Bāmesh </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> migel i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estaban i Fontanilla i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirasol i Paredes i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alodia i Bellamar i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miris i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jullian i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Malzan i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dannaustra y Meridian y Riqueza </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Karrack i Darwisj </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jasmine i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lorenzo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emilia i Zabala i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madura Radah Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allegra i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velasco i Fundaro </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr></table></div>
It starts with a single, unremarkable ship leaving [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. Those moored at port to take on supplies quickly move to cast off and follow the ship; the single ship slowly gathering others in its wake. As it passes east, it gathers more; the ones at anchor watching to the north for a glimpse of how the Suranni have fared. Out through the Cazar Straits, careful to avoid catching the watchful eye of the Iron Confederacy. As the ships move south, the sails gather until it is an armada almost fifteen thousand strong. Then, almost as one, the sails crack in the wind and the ships pass into the waters of Arbonne.

Through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], some ships sail past the wrecks of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster|Golden Fleet]], then into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne|Shavronne]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]] after it. As the armada sails, and occasionally grows as the last straggling ships arrive, the wary Grendel track the voyage closely. Eventually, though, the ships pass out of the Bay of Catazar and into the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Sighs|Sea of Sighs]] proper.

====Sailing====
The voyage takes weeks. Some crews resort to racing each other to mark the passage of time. Others are altogether focused on what awaits them, poring over the maps of the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and trying to gauge how long they might have to enact this daring plan. Half the ships rest for a time at the [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], others press on ahead further north and prepare at the docks of [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]. There, they take on the last of the supplies and pay for the emergencies that spring up on voyages before once again sailing north into the Salt Flats.

====Fight====
Some of these ships have been here before; the [[smugglers cove]] in the Salt Flats was one of the first [[Construct Smuggler's Cove in Salt Flats of Sanath|commissioned]] by the Senate just over two years ago. Now though, it is not discovery and understanding that drives them. It is a drive to free those who have been chained by the hateful Druj. A chance to give freedom to those who have known no other life but toil under the thrall of the orcs of the Mallum. There is no hope for stealth with an armada this large. Instead, a burning brazier is lit on the prow of a ship to signal the advance, and the first boats touch the shores of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]].

It is a wretched place. Its wealth is evident, and if the goal of this voyage was to gain wealth, the myriad streets would present easy pickings. Instead, the corsairs and the kohan seek out the worst places, where those who have never been able to conceive of their own freedom languish in the filth passed down by their masters. Here they find lost Imperials, lost Axou, and those who have never had a true home. Whose families were born into this life - if it can be called that - for generations. These are the ones who take the most convincing; those who were once Imperials explain it quickly. The ills they have suffered, the horrors heaped upon them, have been blamed on the Empire.

It is perhaps lucky that the garrisons of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#The_Witness|the Witness]], the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Beacon_of_Iskrid|Beacon]], and the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Spires_of_Rarckan|Spires]] are occupied with [[Thorn_and_bone#An_Old_Story|ensuring]] that the Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake do not reenter the Salt Flats. The presence of the Freeborn can hardly be hidden, but the extra time does give them the chance to rescue thousands from their fate.

There is fighting, disparate and deadly, in the city. Crooked snickets and alleyways allow for the Druj who remained behind to launch ambush after ambush on the Freeborn. It is the sheer weight of numbers that allows the Imperials to escape with so many. Some unlucky few fall in the retreat, but far fewer than the Druj who would try to stop them.

====Aftermath====
The armada stops once again at Kantor and Issyk, this time to discharge those who were once Axou. Ships take on necessary supplies before casting off and returning again to the Empire. At this point, there is no need for an element of surprise - nor is there much chance of being caught unaware. The Grendel are busy, and enough Imperial ships are travelling together that even the fleeing children of wrecks keep a wide berth.

Eventually, the ships arrive back in western Bay of Catazar and begin to dock at Oran and [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. Some go further afield, where their rescued former Imperials warrant it, to [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]], [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]], and [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Now, the work truly begins. Those who were once Imperial will find their way back to their nations or find another. Those who have never known anything else, though, will take time and patience to help.

Each one of them accepted the offer to flee the Druj, to be given the chance to claim their freedom. But if you have lived your whole life underground, the wide sky can be daunting.

====Game Information====
* '''The raid on Leen has been an overwhelming success'''
* '''Thousands of slaves have been freed from the yoke of the Druj'''
* '''At least a thousand of them have never been Imperial or Axou and are being cared for by charitable families across the Brass Coast'''
* '''The civil service cannot offer any guidance on these people before the Summer Solstice'''
[[Push_for_victory#See_That_We_Fight|The raid on Leen]] was supported by eighty fleet captains.

===Road to Nowhere (The Barrens)===
* '''The roads of the Barrens opportunity could be refreshed at any time'''
* '''The civil service require guidance from the Dawnish Assembly on how to proceed'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Roads_of_the_Barrens|reappraisal]] of roads in [[the Barrens]]. Originally [[Road_out_of_nowhere#The_Barrens|suggested]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 385YE, the roads were part of a larger appraisal into the impact and opportunities to link the unconnected citizens of the southern, northern, and eastern territories of the Empire with new road networks.

When the Master of the Mint examines the proposal, it is clear that there are issues. To be effective, the roads need to fan out across the territory, but thus far the Dawnish have been somewhat reluctant to claim their prize. Mindful of the recent tensions, they have largely avoided settling the Barrens. Do the Dawnish now want to create roads ''into'' the Forest of Peytaht? They have the right, but would the Great Forest Orcs welcome them?

Do they want to create roads into the Untrod Groves and the Bleaks - regions that the notoriously secretive Karass claim as their own? The Karass loathe the presence of the Navarr wayhouse in "their" lands. Again, the Empire has the legal right to create these roads, but are the benefits worth the aggravation it may bring?

The Empire ''don't'' have the legal right to build the roads through Bitter Strand - they ceded the entire region to the Rahvin. It is part of the Barrens, so they could physically build there, but they would either need the permission of the Rahvin or find a way to force the issue. Is it worth the risk given the Rahvin are widely rumoured to be raising their own army?

The plans for the roads can be updated quickly and efficiently, but until the civil service know where the Dawnish want the roads to run it is impossible to complete them. What is clear is that the benefits provided will be significantly curtailed, if the only occupants of the Barrens they serve are the Dawnish. Even if the roads avoid just one of the three groups of inhabitants it will have an impact, reducing the benefits of the roads.

As it was the Dawnish Assembly that originally encouraged the Dawnish to refrain from settling the Barrens, they are looking to them for guidance now. They civil service will take notice of any statement of principle in the Assembly that references the Barrens and offers advice on how the appraisal should proceed. If multiple judgements are submitted which appear to conflict, they will pay most heed to the judgements that achieve the greatest majority.

Next season they will strive to present a finalised appraisal of the roads that takes account of the judgements of the Assembly. The work is in progress now, so it can wait if needed. If the Assembly pass a statement of principle calling for a delay until they have had chance to negotiate with the affected groups, then the plan will go on hold. It will then resume automatically once the Assembly provide all the guidance they want and indicate that the roads can now progress.

If the Assembly says nothing - or if the Master of the Mint uses their power to press the issue by raising this matter again this season, then the civil service will present plans for a set of roads that go straight through the Bleaks, the Bitter Strand and the Heart of Paytaht next season, but they advise that that is could generate considerable hostility and the Empire won't know about it until the roads are complete.

===Unchosen===
* '''Magistrate Abraham has issued a public apology to the pre-eminent Winter Magician, Claudia Varkulova Remislav, for any suggestion of impropriety'''

Last season the [[Civil Service]] took the step of [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Idolatry|issuing guidance]] regarding the various different proscriptions that were passed by the General Assembly. While advising all citizens that it was now illegal to accept a title or position from an Eternal patron, Magistrate Abraham and his colleagues appear to have given the inappropriate and clearly incorrect impression that Claudia Varkulova Remislav, one of the Empire's leading experts of Winter magic and loyal servant of the Empire, was continuing an idolatrous relationship with the eternal [[Tharim]].

Magistrate Abraham wishes to apologise unreservedly for this error of judgement. He acknowledges that the master magician has terminated her agreement with the ''Bound King'' and that there is not now, nor has there ever been, any evidence that she acted with any impropriety nor broke the law on idolatry. He recognises her years of deep service to the Empire and the Conclave and apologises for any damage to her reputation caused by his injudicious language.

===A Sudden Threat (Reikos)===
* '''A band of Grendel are moving to assassinate Professor Gelberg and his team'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing the assassination'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Days before the Summer Solstice, alarming news reaches Anvil. A small party of [[Grendel]] [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Wave_Riders|Wave Riders]] have been spotted in southern Reikos, having apparently travelled undercover along almost the entire length of the Couros. Posing as Unshackled from [[Mareave]], they kept weapons and armour out of sight and stayed away from major population centres. Only at the last minute have they abandoned the pretence and taken up arms. If it were not for a Vigilant cataphract catching sight of them while out for a morning run, it is possible that they could have worked their will without the chance of intervention from Imperial heroes. Had the construction of the [[Construct_Haros_Riverpatrol|Haros Riverpatrol]] been completed then they would doubtless have stopped this from happening, but it is too late for that now.

Fortunately, warning was given and the target quickly identified: Professor Gelberg and his party of researchers. While it is uncertain why the Grendel would wish to target a Commonwealth academic, he is the only target nearby. The professor and his team have fled into a derelict chapterhouse where they are laying low, but the Grendel are combing the countryside with speed and efficiency, and will find him soon if they are not stopped. Oddly, the raiding party seems to be accompanied by either a high-lineage [[cambion]] or a herald of the Autumn realm, who is not visibly armed but seems to be playing some sort of advisory role.

If they are not stopped the Grendel will kill Professor Gelberg, damaging relations between the Empire and the Commonwealth. As the last [[Patron of the Beurteilung]], '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' is responsible for organising Professor Gelberg's defence. A conjunction has been identified that would allow the heroes of the Empire to intercept the Grendel assassins and save Professor Gelberg's life.

<box>'''OOC Note:''' We have held the appraisal of the River Couros back a season because we want to continue to work on the ideas to develop them further. Given the scale of investment in the appraisal, we wanted to make sure we were happy with what the final work involving the professor offered. We apologise for the delay, but no matter what happens, his results will be published for the next event. We had always planned an encounter involving Professor Gelberg, so we've used that as the IC justification for the delay.</box>

===Tourney for Summer===
* '''The grand tourney for the Knight-protector of Summer will take place at the Anvil Arena'''
* '''The election of Senator for Weirwater will take place in the Glory Square after the tourney'''
The [[Dawn egregore|Knight of Roses]] has made a request of the civil service following the tourney for [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] last summit. Rather than taking space in the Glory Square, this season the tourney to elect the Knight-protector of Summer will take place in the Anvil Arena to allow for more space and more people to be able to watch. The tourney will take place at the same time - 14:00 on Saturday - and the subsequent election will happen once the egregores have arrived back in the camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</table>

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

Beneath a Moonless Sky

2026-07-22T20:39:26Z

Wrenna: Wrenna moved page Beneath a Moonless Sky to Beneath a moonless sky

#REDIRECT [[Beneath a moonless sky]]

Beneath a moonless sky

2026-07-22T20:39:26Z

Wrenna: Wrenna moved page Beneath a Moonless Sky to Beneath a moonless sky

<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">
Rainfall hid the sky behind its tears, but Fainomaiken was resolved not to be deterred.

The Breath of Winter had revealed the face of his skein and still he was not afraid.

Immanoviel waited for him beyond the waters of Nutjuitoq, where the ice is a stranger to the sun.
</quote>
==Overview==
The hylje, the strange shapeshifting seal-folk of the northern lakes have historically kept to themselves. Only in the decade of the Empire's resurgence, have the [[Suaq]] people re-affirmed their bonds to their ancient cousins. The hylje have given aid and received aid in return, especially during the invasion of Sermersuaq and in its aftermath. Despite a somewhat ill-fated expedition to bring the Way to them which [[Among the hylje|ended in tragedy]], much has been learnt about these people and their way of life. They are of the world, but their nature is as different to human and orc as human and orc are to each other: nevertheless, they are clear that they consider the Suaq close kin, and the [[Steinr]] and [[Kallavesa]] good friends at the very least.

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] for many years has been Raal Dunn, and he has ably served to keep relationships between the Winterfolk and the hylje-folk on an even keel. It seems that those efforts have, now, born a new fruit. Koskinen, the son of one of the Palliko, the leaders of the hylje, has made contact at the Hyljehal. He delivers a message for all of Wintermark. It seems that the hylje were deeply affected and troubled by the Cult of the Falconer's recent activities. To celebrate the victory over this foe, and the many years of good relations besides, the Palliko have decided to hold a festival next season, marking the Autumn Equinox.

The hylje's lives are governed by such seasonal festivals, which they call ''waystones of time'', and apparently they are times of great celebration and transition. Koskinen himself it seems is to be married, and crowned as one of the Palliko himself, and many others besides are to reach new stages in the journey of their lives. None outside the hylje have ever attended such a festival, but in the name of friendship, Koskinen has insisted that the friends of the hylje be permitted to attend. At the Autumn Equinox, there is a conjunction that will allow up to fifty members of Wintermark attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing at the Equinox. He says that he is clear that this means the Steinr and the Kallavesa as well - they may not be family, but they are friends, and besides they are wedded to their cousins the Suaq and that is quite ''like'' being family, anyway.

There are three matters that Koskinen would like his friends to be aware of; matters to discuss and prepare for ''before'' the meeting next season.

==With Sermersuaq's cunning==
* '''If a smuggler's cove is constructed in Tromsa, a voyage, ''Sail into the Cold'', will be available to fleet-captains of Wintermark'''
* '''The voyage would allow them to discover more about the mysterious orcs of Fjorknae'''

Firstly, Koskinen brings unwelcome tidings. The orcs of Fjorknae have been [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|paid handsomely by the Lasambrians]] using the plundered gold of Meade, and sent a large warband to aid the Lasambrians in the season just gone. Koskinen believes that there is a serious possibility that the warband will remain. Worse yet, it is possible that the island dwellers could send a [[navy]]. Certainly, Koskinen believes, there is a heightened risk of piracy going forward for those sailing the Sea of Snow.

Little is known of the orcs of Fjorknae. There are no records remaining of them warring with the Empire. They are Jotun, or at least they give fealty to the Jarl of Jarls - though to ''which'' Jarl of Jarls nobody is clear. Koskinen is clear that they also consider the orcs of Fjorknae a great threat. Apparently, in times gone by, they have enjoyed a close relationship with the hylje's mysterious and violent cousins, the akhlut...

If the smuggler's cove once built in Tromsa could be re-established then as well as allowing the usual gathering of military intelligence in Tromsa, there would a new [[opportunity]]. Guided by the hylje, it would also allow the fleets of Wintermark to undertake a new scouting voyage '''Sail into the Cold'''. If enough fleets were committed to this voyage, then the Empire would be gain a better understanding of who the orcs of Fjorknae are, whom they serve, and some idea of the scale of threat they pose. Thereafter, the voyage would becoming a raiding voyage, '''Raid into the Cold''', representing a campaign of active raiding on the settlements of these orcs. This would also provide an excellent basis for the draft appraisals [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Fear_the_Unknown|identified by the Civil Service recently]] when considering the wider problem of Fjorknae.

==In Sermersuaq's memory==
* '''Koskinen has asked for performances which tell stories of the heroes of Wintermark'''
* '''These can be stories of heroes still living, or those long gone'''
* '''In return, the hylje will share their own stories, including what they know of the legendary Sermersuaq herself, and what they know of the Rusalka of the east'''
Secondly, the most welcome matter. The hylje know only a little of the heroes of Wintermark. They know most about the Suaq, but even there they are more familiar with the peoples than with the heroes. They themselves do not recognise heroism in quite the same way as the people of Wintermark, but they appreciate tales of it greatly.

Koskinen asks the [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] find a group of Wintermarkers who wish to perform a Wintermark story, something that is important to the people of the Mark. If the Mediator arranges to fill out the group with those who will most enjoy watching the two performances, regardless of their tradition, that would be most welcome.

Apparently, when the hylje tell stories, it is more common for it to be played out as a drama with many players. Koskinen claims that this is an [[dramaturgy|essentially magical act]] and one filled with great potency. He recognises that it is perhaps different from the usual scop's tradition to perform a collective act of storytelling in this manner - but he is sure there must be some among in Wintermark who could rise to the challenge. He says that it would be especially welcome for a magical element to be included in the performance - just so long as the magic does ''not'' create any auras that might affect the hylje.

In return, the hylje will in turn demonstrate their art of storytelling and the power of the instruments of narrative. The place at which the Festival will take place is a strong regio of the realm of Autumn. With their cousin's permission, the hylje intend to perform a ritual of Autumnal magic, enchanting Sermersuaq in the spirit of the Festival of Autumn's Easing. As part of that performance, they will tell the story of the legendary Sermersuaq as they understand it. Afterwards, Koskinen's bride, Aino, would be delighted to talk of other topics that might be of interest to the assembled, such as the Rusalka of the east, which apparently the Mediator has inquired about.

==As Sermersuaq strode==
* '''The hylje may be prepared to assist the people of Wintermark in their great quest to master Tsirku'''
* '''With three measures of stardust, the hylje could assist with the exploration of the region containing Nutjuitoq'''
* '''The hylje could offer more help if Skyfall Waste and the Icewood in Tromsa were held by the Empire'''

Finally, Koskinen notes wryly that his people have noticed that Nutjuitoq, the lake north of Sermersuaq, has been awfully busy of late. It seems the expedition this past season has not gone unnoticed! He is excited for the Ambition and Courage the Winterfolk have shown! The prospect of a concerted effort to explore the northern wastes is one he ''greatly'' encourages. After all, Sermersuaq herself rode out from Sydanjaa, did she not? So it is only natural, in his view, that her children now return.

He says that the hylje know only a little of Tsirku themselves. They know it mainly through its southernmost lakes, Nutjuitoq and Karnakadatha. Still, their seal-forms do not mind the cold too much, which helps a great deal. However, the Northern Lights are perilous to the hylje - so they generally do not tarry long there. But if that could be dealt with, Koskinen believes that the Palliko can be persuaded to offer their aid in the exploration of Tsirku.

He says that the coming Festival of Autumn's Easing is the appropriate place for the Mediator of the Hyljehal to make such a request of the gathered leaders. If the Mediator could provide three measures of ''stardust'', a refined form of ilium, which some master artisans know how to make, then it can be used by the hylje to fortify their own natures against sky-madness. The hylje are not themselves skilled artisans, but Koskinen believes there exist smiths of Hanhmark who know the subtle art.

If the Mediator can provide the Palliko with enough stardust, then the hylje can aid the expedition into Tsirku. They are most able to assist with the exploration with the region which contains the great lake of Nutjuitoq, once scouting efforts reach it. This will reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about that region by a fifth. This hylje will provide aid to scouts who wish to cross Nutjuitoq itself from the Suaq Wastes rather than venturing north-west from Suaq Fount.

In theory they could ''also'' provide aid exploring the region which contains the great lake of Karnakadatha, but that would require the Empire to seize control of Skyfall Waste in Tromsa from the Jotun. If the Empire did that, then it would reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about both regions by two fifths. Moreover, if the Empire held Skyfall Waste and the Icewood, and maintained control of the Suaq Wastes and the Fount, then they would definitively control access to the southern lakes of Tsirku. This would allow the hylje great freedom to move between the two. It's hard to say what benefit this would provide, but it would mean the hylje were well-placed to address challenges that might arise during the exploration.

A wizard did it

2026-07-22T20:28:05Z

Wrenna: /* Key of the Stars */

[[Category:388YE Summer ]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ripple effect on water.jpg|caption=Ripples spread from a single drop of water, as consequences spread from a single decision.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the known world. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There are several companion pieces to this wind. '''[[The keys of blood]]''' deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]] while [[Ambassadors of death]] addresses the [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the [[Archmage|archmages]].

==Magical Chaos==
* '''The astronomantic constellations continue to exert strange influences on the Empire
* '''Territory-scale magic is much more likely to have additional unlooked for effects when performed at the Summer Solstice
* '''These effects will never invalidate the listed mechanical effect of a ritual
The magical chaos that [[What regulates the wheel?|began]] shortly before the Winter Solstice, and [[Things go awry|continued through]] the Spring Equinox, has not abated. The good news is that the immediate effects of that chaos have reached a plateau - they don't seem to be actively getting worse at least at the moment. The ''bad'' news is that they are still going on. There are stories from across the Empire of magical rituals going wonky, especially those that are cast over a large area such as [[Rivers of Life]]. They still work, but as well as their expected effects there are side-effects nobody could have predicted.
===Broken===
* '''It remains impossible to enhance ritual lore using the Imperial regio
* '''Other properties of the Imperial regio are unchanged
The Imperial regio at Anvil remains "[[What_regulates_the_wheel%3F#Broken_Regio|broken]]", despite another slew of [[divination|divinations]] performed during the Equinox. The key power that so many Imperial magicians have relied on for nearly four centuries - to improve their [[Magical skills#Ritual lores|realm lore]] while working a ritual at the regio - is no longer available. Attempts to draw on that power simply find... nothing. Interestingly, there was at least one incident during the Equinox that spoke of a powerful regio ''outside'' Anvil that provided the ability to draw strength for performing rituals of a single realm, and there are stories that there are other regio that still have that power. Some members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] (left in the Empire while so many of their fellow magicians are in [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] and the [[Commonwealth]] fighting [[Cold Sun]]) speculate that a given regio can only have ''one'' special property, and that the bonus strengthening of ritual lore by the Anvil regio at the same time it connected to all realms and the entire Empire, was an aberration. They've no evidence for that, just worrying speculation. if it was an aberration its one that lasted nearly four centuries, after all.

In other respects, the regio continues to function as normal. It still allows rituals that in other circumstances would require ten minutes to cast to instead be performed in five minutes. It is still a "strong regio", connected to all six realms of magic. Rituals that must be performed at a strong regio can still be performed using the Imperial regio, and it still remains connected to every Imperial territory. It can still be used in conjunction with the [[Citadel Guard]] to focus magic and channel rituals through the Urizen [[army]]. Bargains with [[eternal|eternals]] that allow magicians to use [[operate portal]] to send or receive boons function normally although its not clear exactly ''how'' they are working. Rituals that specifically require the Imperial regio to work such as [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] still operate normally.

Any ritual that targets a [[territory]] or the Empire as a whole performed during the Summer Solstice is much more likely to have unexpected effects. All magic used on the territory scale can have unlooked for side effects - circumstances constantly influence what happens and all such rituals are mentioned in the winds of fortune or the winds of war (or both). This season, those side effects will be much more pronounced. They will never prevent the ritual having its mechanical effects; that will always happen as described in the appropriate ritual.
===Light in the Dark===
* '''Magicians using the Imperial regio find a peculiar source of spiritual strength
Magicians who perform a ritual at the Imperial regio during the Summer Solstice experience a roleplaying effect: ''You sense that what you are doing is important, and that as long as you continue to believe in yourself and embrace action, you can succeed even though the way may be hard.''

While contributing to a ritual, this sensation provides a source of spiritual strength that allows a magician to overcome any other roleplaying effect, if they wish to use it. The strength fades within a few minutes of the ritual being completed, and any roleplaying effect that was overcome will reassert itself, but for the duration of the peformance and a short time therafter, negative roleplaying effects are suppressed. There is however a lingering effect.

Until the next sunset or sunrise, whichever comes first, any magician who contributed to a ritual at the Imperial regio can expend a point of personal mana at any time to justify remaining calm and collected when exposed to a roleplaying effect (as if they had spent a hero point). The ability to use mana in this way has the same restrictions as casting a spell.

==Bonded==
* '''During the Summer Solstice covens can cooperate with other covens in their own nation without needing additional assistance
The effects marked by [[Astronomancy|astronomancers]] before the Winter solstice, allowing different covens within the same nation to cooperate when casting powerful rituals, still persists. Any coven can work with any other coven or covens from their own nation without needing anything to facilitate it. Of course the universal magical law that prevents covens and magicians from ''different nations'' cooperating are still in place, and these limitations show absolutely no sign of weakening.
{{Anchor|Participation: Working Together}}
<br><br>'''<big>Participation: Working Together'''</big><br>
During the Summer Solstice any number of covens from the same nation can work together to perform a ritual as if they were using the [[Archmage#Belt_of_Stars|Belt of Stars]]. Cooperative rituals count as a daily ritual use by every coven involved. While they may be performing a ritual together, they are still treated as separate covens for all other purposes (for example, a ritual that affects an entire coven will only affect one target coven). Each coven can use their own paraphernalia while performing this joint ritual. The effects of the [[Volhov's Robe]] seem to be unchanged; they still allow a magician who is not part of a coven to work with any other coven without difficulty.

Anyone cooperating in this fashion experiences a notable sense of connection to members of the other coven, along with a strong sense of being bound together or united by a common cause. It is hard to put this sensation into words and it takes many different forms. Early experimenters spoke of feeling a familial bond to strangers they barely new, as if they were cousins or siblings they had not seen in many years. Others felt an almost physical connection, their breathing and heartbeats synching up so it felt as if they were many people with one body. Still others talk of an almost precognitive sense, as if they instinctually knew what another contributor to the ritual was going to say or do moments before they did it.

==Rains in Mareave==
* '''Mareave has become verdant for possibly the first time ever
Talking of magical chaos... there was only a single performance of [[Rivers of Life]] in the Empire at the Spring Equinox, targeting the Imperial Orcs territory of [[Mareave]]. While [[Mithril and rope|war raged in the south]], the magic protected those fighting there from all save the most serious injuries. Elsewhere in the territory, however, the magic rather ran amok, filling the scarse waters of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]], [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]], and [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]]. For the first time possibly in forever, the arid lands here turned green. Creepers and grasses erupted around lakes and secluded wells, sweeping outward to the surprise and chagrin of the orcs living there. They brought with them unfamiliar fruit, and also sparked a wave of fertility in the cattle of the regions... but also in the drakes that prey on them. Hunters in Nadir in particular have done a roaring trade capturing and killing young, hungry lizards that would otherwise be preying on the farms and on the Great Southern Herd.

The greenery cannot last - and as the magic of ''Rivers of Life'' fades so too does the supernatural vitality of the vegetation. A week or so before the Summer Solstice, all this fecund plant life has died and dried out in the sun. Some of it is collected for agricultural use - it's still rich with nutrients that will serve the soil - or to feed to herd animals. For a few brief months, northern Mareave was a garden, something that inspires wonder but also a sense of sorrow in those who know that it was just a fleeting mirage of what will never be.

Among the random greenery, however, there are a number of rare and precious plants and fruit that are truly remarkable. An [[Yerende]] magician who examines some of them is excited to note that they were ''donahorti'' - plants from the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] itself - that have magical properties. There aren't a huge number of them, but they seem to be most common around [[mana site|mana sites]], [[farm|farms]], and [[herb garden|herb gardens]]. Unfortunately, they're short-lived, and as the magic of Rivers of Life begins to diee so do the ''donahorti''. Although, as the Yerende magician realises, they are hardier than more mundane vegetation and there is still a chance to preserve them...

Provided a [[territory]]-effecting [[enchantment]] or [[curse]] of [[Spring magic]] is performed again on Mareave at the Summer Solstice, there will be another opportunity to take advantage of the ''donahorti''. Every [[herb garden]], [[farm]], [[mana site]], and [[business]] in the territory will receive two ''donahorti'' at the Autumn Equinox. The problem is that these fruits of the Spring Realm are drawn from the domains of the [[eternal|eternals]] of those realms. Some are known by the Empire - those from the realms of [[Yaw'nagrah]] and [[Llofir]] in particular - but others are not. Worse, there are legal considerations around those drawn from the domains of entities who are under the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] of the Conclave. There's also the question of which magic to use, if any, to secure this bounty. [[Rivers of Life]] is a curse, after all, and the magical chaos caused by he stars is still ongoing. The other large-scale magic of the Spring realm tends to be indiscriminately destructive. [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] seems the safest choice, but that may cause problems of its own...

Because nfortunately there is a downside to the magic infusing Mareave this season. The greenery ''also'' appears around the many ruins and abandoned structures of northern Mareave, and does what Spring magic-infused vegetation so often does. It tears them apart. Across the northern regions the story is the same every time - the greenery swallows up the remnants of Skoura and the Grendel, and of Urizen, and when it finally dies and collapses it takes the ruins with it. The effect is perhaps most pronounced in Icarion - the ruins of abandoned spires are left as little more than rubble covered in scrubby grass and odd yellow- and orange-petalled flowers. The greatest loss is the ruined lighthouse that stood for centuries on the cliffs above the [[Bay of Catazar]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Serenus Starsong.jpg|caption='''Serenus Starsong''', Astral Arcanist|align=right|width=250}}

==Key of the Stars==
* '''Stargazers, astronomancers, diviners, and seers have reported odd dreams since the Spring Equinox
Since the Spring Equinox, strange dreams have been experienced by practitioners of [[astronomancy]], stargazers and star watchers of all kinds, skilled diviners, seers, dedicates of Wisdom, and readers of omens of all kinds. Anyone with a focus on exploring the unknown, on charting mysteries, on trying to discern the future, report similar dreams. The details differ wildly but they all contain the same element.

A merrow with pale blue and turquoise scales, attired in a beautiful blue gown in the style of Urizen, holds a key of silver set with a single sapphire. When the dreamer notices them, they turn their eyes upwards toward the heavens. The dreamer follows their gaze, and immediately sees a new star in the heavens - one that matches the colour of the merrow's outfit. When they look back, both merrow and star are gone and the dream resumes its usual course.

Those who knew them are certain that the merrow is '''Serenus Starsong''', who was the first and only [[Astral Arcanist]]. Attempts to learn more about the dream with magic have uniformly failed, and the dreams themselves fade away as the Summer Solstice approaches. Given the reported death of Severus Starsong at the Spring Equinox, there is some discussion as to whether this might be their ghost haunting the dreams of Imperial citizens, or given the prop they are conspicuously holding, a [[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The_Key|magical vision]] of some kind, perhaps created with subtle ritual magic. This would not be the first time in recent years that [[Night magic]] was used to send seemingly portentous dreams.

==Painted Caves==
* '''A powerful enchantment has been permanently laid over the Painted caves in Miekarova'''
* '''It would take a casting of Piercing light of revelation at magnitudeof at least 60 woth at least 60 rings of illium to remove'''
* '''The magic appears to have angered the Thule'''
At the Spring Equinox, there was a [[Things_go_awry#A_Malachite_Casket|certain amount of furore]] about magical mists that had settled around the [[Miekarova#The_Painted_Caves|Painted Caves]] in [[Miekarova]]. The [[Thule]] in particular were rather put-out about this, as the caves are in a region ceded to them as part of a treaty with the Empire. Dire consequences were hinted at should the mists persist... which they did.

Apparently, the enchantment was not only been empowered by invocation of the ''[[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The_Lock|First Ward]]'' as some cabalists name it, but it has been bound up with a significant parcel of [[ilium]]. Whether this is solely the result of the ongoing magical chaos surrounding the stars, or something else, or a combination of factors, nobody can say. But what's clear is that the shrouding magic preventing access to the Painted Caves is now ''permanent'', and removing it will require a significant investment of star metal. Cautious estimates suggest that only a performance of [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] targeting the caves with a magnitude of at least sixty ''coupled with'' sixty rings of ilium will end the enchantment prematurely. This could be attempted from the [[Regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]], but the amount of ilium required means that it would be a significant magical endeavour if it were.

The orcs of Otkodov are unhappy, to put it mildly, and intend to [[Myth_makers#An_Imperfect_Forum|raise the matter]] during their meeting with the [[Ambassador to the Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot'''.

===Rants and Roses===
* '''Last summit, [[Ripple_of_Echoes|Queen Igraine's Regio in the Castle of Thorns was acting strangely]]'''
* '''Imperial magicians cast [[Align the Celestial Net]] and realigned it to Summer as it should be]]
* '''The situation seems to have grown worse, some thing has caused it to align to Spring again'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the regio at 6.30pm on Friday for a small number of people'''
* '''The Senator for Astolat is once again responsible for dealing with this problematic regio'''

For a time after [[Align the Celestial Net]] was cast, the garden in the Castle of Thorns returned to normal. However, over the next season, snow once again began to appear and the thorn bushes are back with a vengeance, hard as iron and envenoming anyone who is pricked by their thorns. Strange noises have also been heard in the vicinity of the regio, though due to the thick and impassable foliage nobody has been able to investigate further.

Sometimes, there is the sound of wailing and crying, and other times a woman has been heard ranting and raving about something, though nobody has been able to make out her words. It seems casting divinatory rituals such as [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]], [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]], and [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] prompts these unusual sounds to occur with more frequency, though no information seems to be learned these rituals.

The area that these enchanted roses are growing seems to be expanding, and if unchecked they may begin to damage the walls of the Castle of Thorns or worse.

===The Song Remains The Same===
* '''The magical song that has echoed throughout the Empire is slowly beginning to fade'''
After a [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Peculiar_Opportunity_(Lashonar)|peculiar opportunity]] in Autumn of last year, the song [https://soundcloud.com/gabrielle-joanne-198076671/painted Painted] began to resonate along the trods and throughout the Empire. Astonishment at the spread of this magical effect only grew when [[Ripple_of_echoes#Can't_Stop_The_Music|the song persisted]] into the Spring. There were questions about how long this would persist for, yet as Spring turns into Summer, it seems that the crescendo has passed. The song still echoes, yet the power of it seems to slowly be fading. Some express disappointment, but wiser heads point out that most magic is temporary. Unless [[ilium]] was infused into the casting, the chorus was always going to come to an end.

Yet the diminuendo does not come quickly. For all its power is fading, the work of Idwynn Splitroot still plays in the dreams of many. It simply remains to be seen how long this will last.

====Participation====
* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''
* '''Navarr characters who embrace the song may choose to experience a roleplaying effect'''
Any Navarr character may choose to have heard the song, experienced the dreams of singing voices either directly or via half-remembered echoes, or to have seen what appears to be Lashonar. Those who do experience a roleplaying effect during the Spring Equinox: You feel a sense of immense pride in the oaths that you have sworn and the tattoos and other marks you wear to commemorate them. It feels good and right to celebrate this element of your culture, and to encourage others to follow suit.

Characters who are not Navarr, but who feel a personal connection to that nation, to the trods, or to the fight against the vallorn are also free to roleplay having had the dream or heard the echoes of the music. They do not receive the roleplaying effect however.

===Heads or Tails===
* '''A number of traders in the northern Empire have developed odd superstitions around accepting cash'''
Those buying and selling goods within the Northern areas of the Empire may have noticed some traders treating their money with suspicion. Wintermark merchants are often found whispering of soot within their purses, with no clear purpose or reason behind it. But while it isn't unheard of for a scrupulous Wintermark shopkeeper to ask to see the coins before payment, the habit seems to be spreading.

Some Navar, League, and Varushkan merchants have also begun to ask customers to place their money on a counter before it can be counted and accepted in return for goods. When asked, there is rarely a clear answer as to why the behaviour is necessary, except for vague mentions of tip-offs from fellow colleagues.

Certainly, if there ''is'' some underlying problem with the mint, it hasn't yet caught the attention of the [[civil Service]].

Beneath a moonless sky

2026-07-22T20:18:27Z

Wrenna: /* As Sermersuaq strode */

Beneath a moonless sky

2026-07-22T20:16:05Z

Wrenna:

<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">
Rainfall hid the sky behind its tears, but Fainomaiken was resolved not to be deterred.

The Breath of Winter had revealed the face of his skein and still he was not afraid.

Immanoviel waited for him beyond the waters of Nutjuitoq, where the ice is a stranger to the sun.
</quote>
==Overview==
The hylje, the strange shapeshifting seal-folk of the northern lakes have historically kept to themselves. Only in the decade of the Empire's resurgence, have the [[Suaq]] people re-affirmed their bonds to their ancient cousins. The hylje have given aid and received aid in return, especially during the invasion of Sermersuaq and in its aftermath. Despite a somewhat ill-fated expedition to bring the Way to them which [[Among the hylje|ended in tragedy]], much has been learnt about these people and their way of life. They are of the world, but their nature is as different to human and orc as human and orc are to each other: nevertheless, they are clear that they consider the Suaq close kin, and the [[Steinr]] and [[Kallavesa]] good friends at the very least.

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] for many years has been Raal Dunn, and he has ably served to keep relationships between the Winterfolk and the hylje-folk on an even keel. It seems that those efforts have, now, born a new fruit. Koskinen, the son of one of the Palliko, the leaders of the hylje, has made contact at the Hyljehal. He delivers a message for all of Wintermark. It seems that the hylje were deeply affected and troubled by the Cult of the Falconer's recent activities. To celebrate the victory over this foe, and the many years of good relations besides, the Palliko have decided to hold a festival next season, marking the Autumn Equinox.

The hylje's lives are governed by such seasonal festivals, which they call ''waystones of time'', and apparently they are times of great celebration and transition. Koskinen himself it seems is to be married, and crowned as one of the Palliko himself, and many others besides are to reach new stages in the journey of their lives. None outside the hylje have ever attended such a festival, but in the name of friendship, Koskinen has insisted that the friends of the hylje be permitted to attend. At the Autumn Equinox, there is a conjunction that will allow up to fifty members of Wintermark attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing at the Equinox. He says that he is clear that this means the Steinr and the Kallavesa as well - they may not be family, but they are friends, and besides they are wedded to their cousins the Suaq and that is quite ''like'' being family, anyway.

There are three matters that Koskinen would like his friends to be aware of; matters to discuss and prepare for ''before'' the meeting next season.

==With Sermersuaq's cunning==
* '''If a smuggler's cove is constructed in Tromsa, a voyage, ''Sail into the Cold'', will be available to fleet-captains of Wintermark'''
* '''The voyage would allow them to discover more about the mysterious orcs of Fjorknae'''

Firstly, Koskinen brings unwelcome tidings. The orcs of Fjorknae have been [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|paid handsomely by the Lasambrians]] using the plundered gold of Meade, and sent a large warband to aid the Lasambrians in the season just gone. Koskinen believes that there is a serious possibility that the warband will remain. Worse yet, it is possible that the island dwellers could send a [[navy]]. Certainly, Koskinen believes, there is a heightened risk of piracy going forward for those sailing the Sea of Snow.

Little is known of the orcs of Fjorknae. There are no records remaining of them warring with the Empire. They are Jotun, or at least they give fealty to the Jarl of Jarls - though to ''which'' Jarl of Jarls nobody is clear. Koskinen is clear that they also consider the orcs of Fjorknae a great threat. Apparently, in times gone by, they have enjoyed a close relationship with the hylje's mysterious and violent cousins, the akhlut...

If the smuggler's cove once built in Tromsa could be re-established then as well as allowing the usual gathering of military intelligence in Tromsa, there would a new [[opportunity]]. Guided by the hylje, it would also allow the fleets of Wintermark to undertake a new scouting voyage '''Sail into the Cold'''. If enough fleets were committed to this voyage, then the Empire would be gain a better understanding of who the orcs of Fjorknae are, whom they serve, and some idea of the scale of threat they pose. Thereafter, the voyage would becoming a raiding voyage, '''Raid into the Cold''', representing a campaign of active raiding on the settlements of these orcs. This would also provide an excellent basis for the draft appraisals [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Fear_the_Unknown|identified by the Civil Service recently]] when considering the wider problem of Fjorknae.

==In Sermersuaq's memory==
* '''Koskinen has asked for performances which tell stories of the heroes of Wintermark'''
* '''These can be stories of heroes still living, or those long gone'''
* '''In return, the hylje will share their own stories, including what they know of the legendary Sermersuaq herself, and what they know of the Rusalka of the east'''
Secondly, the most welcome matter. The hylje know only a little of the heroes of Wintermark. They know most about the Suaq, but even there they are more familiar with the peoples than with the heroes. They themselves do not recognise heroism in quite the same way as the people of Wintermark, but they appreciate tales of it greatly.

Koskinen asks the [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] find a group of Wintermarkers who wish to perform a Wintermark story, something that is important to the people of the Mark. If the Mediator arranges to fill out the group with those who will most enjoy watching the two performances, regardless of their tradition, that would be most welcome.

Apparently, when the hylje tell stories, it is more common for it to be played out as a drama with many players. Koskinen claims that this is an [[dramaturgy|essentially magical act]] and one filled with great potency. He recognises that it is perhaps different from the usual scop's tradition to perform a collective act of storytelling in this manner - but he is sure there must be some among in Wintermark who could rise to the challenge. He says that it would be especially welcome for a magical element to be included in the performance - just so long as the magic does ''not'' create any auras that might affect the hylje.

In return, the hylje will in turn demonstrate their art of storytelling and the power of the instruments of narrative. The place at which the Festival will take place is a strong regio of the realm of Autumn. With their cousin's permission, the hylje intend to perform a ritual of Autumnal magic, enchanting Sermersuaq in the spirit of the Festival of Autumn's Easing. As part of that performance, they will tell the story of the legendary Sermersuaq as they understand it. Afterwards, Koskinen's bride, Aino, would be delighted to talk of other topics that might be of interest to the assembled, such as the Rusalka of the east, which apparently the Mediator has inquired about.

==As Sermersuaq strode==
* '''The hylje may be prepared to assist the people of Wintermark in their great quest to master Tsirku'''
* '''With three measures of stardust, the hylje could assist with the exploration of the region containing Nutjuitoq'''
* '''The hylje could offer more help if Skyfall Waste and the Icewood in Tromsa were held by the Empire'''

Finally, Koskinen notes wryly that his people have noticed that Nutjuitoq, the lake north of Sermersuaq, has been awfully busy of late. It seems the expedition this past season has not gone unnoticed! He is excited for the Ambition and Courage the Winterfolk have shown! The prospect of a concerted effort to explore the northern wastes is one he ''greatly'' encourages. After all, Sermersuaq herself rode out from Sydanjaa, did she not? So it is only natural, in his view, that her children now return.

He says that the hylje know only a little of Tsirku themselves. They know it mainly through its southernmost lakes, Nutjuitoq and Karnakadatha. Still, their seal-forms do not mind the cold too much, which helps a great deal. However, the Northern Lights are perilous to the hylje - so they generally do not tarry long there. But if that could be dealt with, Koskinen believes that the Palliko can be persuaded to offer their aid in the exploration of Tsirku.

He says that the coming Festival of Autumn's Easing is the appropriate place for the Mediator of the Hyljehal to make such a request of the gathered leaders. If the Mediator could provide three measures of ''stardust'', a refined form of ilium, which some master artisans know how to make, then the hylje it can be used by the hylje to fortify their own natures against sky-madness. The hylje are not themselves skilled artisans, but Koskinen believes there exist smiths of Hanhmark who know the subtle art.

If the Mediator can provide the Palliko with enough stardust, then the hylje can aid the expedition into Tsirku. They are most able to assist with the exploration with the region which contains the great lake of Nutjuitoq, once scouting efforts reach it. This will reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about that region by a fifth. This hylje will provide aid to scouts who wish to cross Nutjuitoq itself from the Suaq Wastes rather than venturing north-west from Suaq Fount.

In theory they could ''also'' provide aid exploring the region which contains the great lake of Karnakadatha, but that would require the Empire to seize control of Skyfall Waste in Tromsa from the Jotun. If the Empire did that, then it would reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about both regions by two fifths. Moreover, if the Empire held Skyfall Waste and the Icewood, and maintained control of the Suaq Wastes and the Fount, then they would definitively control access to the southern lakes of Tsirku. This would allow the hylje great freedom to move between the two. It's hard to say what benefit this would provide, but it would mean the hylje were well-placed to address challenges that might arise during the exploration.

Pride in the Marches

2026-07-22T20:14:47Z

Wrenna: /* Fear the Unknown */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>"So William Guildenstern's a folk hero now. Like Tom Drake and Jonah Gold and what have you."

Pike stared at his rod but it obstinately refused to move. He'd readily agreed to come with Bridge for the day but he was starting to regret that decision. Bridget Fisher had three fat yellow perch in her basket while his looked like he'd spent the morning straightening daisies. It was always the same when the two went fishing, but it was still grating on him. "Says Who?" he demanded tersely.

"Says the Assembly. You know all the priests and everything, down at Anvil."

Bridget Fisher had an unremittingly sunny disposition. It was one of the things everyone liked about her. It was one of the things Pike liked about her. Still it was easy to be sunny when you'd caught your tea before the first rays of sun had appeared. It was midday now and he had a nagging feeling he was going hungry tonight. "What sort of folk hero goes around putting on airs and graces?" he groused.

"Airs and graces? Have you ever met our William? He wouldn't know a grace if it kicked 'im in the 'ead."

"Well, why dun't he call himself Bill then?" Pike demanded. It was a cheap jibe, but it suited his mood right now. "A proper Marcher name. Should be Bill Guildenstern shouldn't it? Anyway - what's he dun to be so impressive? Why's he a folk hero?"

"Star fell on him. Apparently."

Pike never could catch fish, but he could sense an opening at fifty paces. Bridget was on weak ground, time to press the attack. "Right, so ''Bill'' Guildenstern is up there with ''Thomas'' Drake who killed Alderei the Bleeding Fair and ''Jonathan'' Gold who didn't let dying stop him fighting for the Mourn because a star fell on his head? A bottle of dark ale fell on Drew Miller's head last week when that wonky shelf he put up collapsed on him. They gonna make him a folk hero?"

"It was his chest I think. And Jonah ain't short for Jonathan so that doesn't work. You're being ratty and you know it. ''William'' Guildenstern has done loads of other stuff. Loads of stuff. Oh shit." Bridget jumped to grab her rod before she could explain exactly what the loads of stuff were. It was jerking around like a frit pig.

"Unbelievable." was all Pike could say as he watched his best friend reel in a fish the length of her forearm.

"Nah it's true. He has. He's dun loads of stuff." Bridget knew perfectly well what Pike was unhappy about but she seemed to genuinely want to talk about Guildenstern for some reason.

"Well they should have told us what he's done then shouldn't they? And it better not turn out to be a shopping list of titles he's had. It'd better be things he'd dun, not things he's been. The point of saying someone is a folk hero is so everyone knows what being a hero looks like. It's so they know who to look up to. Who to help. Who to emulate. For that we got to know what they done. Or what they're doing."

"Who to emulate? Pike Bailer! Are you putting on airs and graces?" Bridget grinned at her old friend. She never won their arguments, but a chance to needle him was too good to pass up.

"I'm serious Bridge! If there's an honest to goodness folk hero around the place then it's a bloody good idea to let everyone know about it. Folk need a bit of good news right now, with Jotun in the marshes and everything else. That's the sort of thing gets people fired up. But we ain't got owt to be fired up about, if they don't tell us what he's a folk hero for."

Bridget dropped the large yellow fish into the empty basket. "You'll have to take this one," she apologised, "there's no room in my basket. C'mon lets get back. I'll tell you what William Guildenstern has done, and you can tell me what you're gonna do to "emulate" that."

It was just bloody typical of Bridget Fisher. This was why everyone liked her. Pike contemplated saying no but this was one argument he was not going to win. Not against the hero of Pike's Pond.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBMarches.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
[[Pride]] in small things, [[Loyalty]] to great ones. That's what they always say when people talk about [[the Marches]]. But Pride in what? And Loyalty to what? That's the sort of thing [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War|people go to war over]] if you're not careful. There's a lot going on in the Marches on the way to the Summer Solstice, a lot to be proud of but also a lot to worry about. The reward for a good job is more work, and if you want a job done give it to someone who's busy, as they say.

It's time to take stock. Of the situation in [[Mitwold]]; worrisome developments in the Gullet; questions of folk heroes new and especially old; hauntings in [[Bregasland]]; and the overwhelming question of the large number of [[heresy|heretics]] in the Marches (also know as the Marcher [[orc]] population); and the scions of Red Walder who have apparently failed to get the message that ''now is not the time'', who are engaging in peculiarly targeted rowdiness that needs nipping in the bud before it spirals out of hand.

So let's start at the beginning, then, with the war in Mitwold...
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|caption=The households of Mitwold engage in feuding and bitter rivalry.|title=Regions of Mitwold|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Mitwold Triumph==
* '''The Jotun have abandoned Mitwold in the face of the concerted counter-attack by the Empire'''
At the end of last year the [[Jotun]] barbarians [[Rose grow the rushes o'|broke into]] the territory of [[Mitwold]], seizing both [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]] and pressing into [[Mitwold#The Meadows|The Meadows]]. At the end of last year, five Imperial armies fought to take back what had been conquered, culminating in the [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#The_Battle_of_Wayford|Battle of Wayford]] and the magical chaos that accompanied it. They reclaimed the Meadows, and drove the Lasambrian armies back across Meade March, but it was clear that the orcs intended to fight to keep what they had taken. Only the absence of the Jotun armies that had withdrawn north to [[Skallahn]] allowed the Empire their hard-fought victory. It was clear that if the Jotun contributed more of their forces to defend Mitwold - or to press east - Imperial armies would have a major fight on their hands.

The [[Military Council]] doubled down, with the [[Drakes]] (of course) at the forefront, supported by the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Bloodcloaks]], the [[Green Shield]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Golden Sun]]. More than ten thousand force of strength joined the Drakes, who also marched with the sungold banners of the [[Knights of Glory]] at their side, as did the Green Shield. With the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]] and the [[beater|beaters]] of [[the Marches]] beside them, they enacted a split strategy. While the Autumn Hammers and the Bloodcloaks took a defensive stance, the remaining four armies thrust into the heart of the Jotun held territory, seeking to force them back and reclaim the city of Meade and Odd's End.

They discovered the Lasambrian Jotun in full retreat. They had already abandoned their defence of Meade, and forced-marched westward back into Bregasland. From there, they swiftly withdrew south into [[Liathaven]] and there Imperial scouts lost track of them. The folk of the Marches might characterise their withdrawal as a cowardly rout, claiming they fled with their tails between their legs, but this is far from the truth. ''Abott Matilda'' of [[Old_ways#The_Ambition_of_Margaret_of_Meade|Becktunn Monastery]] told a different story. It was, she said, not as if the Lasambrians were running ''from'' something, but as if they were desperately running ''toward'' something. The most logical assumption is that news of the Iron Confederacy invasion of Reinos had reached them and they were returning to protect their homes.

Not every Jotun fled; some warbands stayed behind intentionally to seek out "a ruck" as the Marchers put it. Others were a little slow to get back across the borders with their ill-gotten loot. Yet the victory of the Empire was bought with a few skirmishes, rather than anything approaching a full-scale battle. On the one hand, few lives lost. A victory is a victory for the Marchers, land is land after-all - but some of their allies grumble that a triumph because the other side ran away is hardly heroic or glorious.
<gallery heights=175 mode="packed">
File:Drakes_Colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes
File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun
File:GreenShields_Colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Green Shields
File:AutumnHammers colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Autumn Hammers
File:BloodCloak Colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bloodcloaks
File:ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Valiant Pegasus
</gallery>
===Tom Drake's Pride===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Walls and Statue'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Meade March, Mitwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Repairs the walls of Meade and creates a statue of Tom Drake in the heart of the city
* Improves the ''Drum Up Support'' order available to the Drakes
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year. Until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE, or until the general of the Drakes breaks their oath</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This commission can be undertaken by the Mistress of Monuments despite the amount of white granite needed</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The people of Meade are Proud that their army and their allies have defeated the Jotun and liberated Meade'''
* '''An opportunity exists for the people of Meade to show their appreciation for the Drakes'''
* '''Investing in swift repair of the walls, and a statue of Tom Drake, will improve the ''Drum up Support'' order available to the Drakes'''
The ''Corazón'' and the Jotun champions between them have looted the heart and soul of the Marches, the city of Meade. They haven't gone out of their way to harm the city, or the people, because that isn't the Jotun way. But they haven't been shy about taking anything of value they can get their hands on. They raided the markets and the warehouses, tore open vaults, took any jewels they could find. They didn't go out of their way to steal old relics or documents - again not the Jotun way - and they've been scrupulous about avoiding anything that might be a burial ground. But the wealth of the city has been decimated. But not ruined.

The people of Meade are angry because they've been robbed and burgled, at swordpoint. But they are overjoyed to see the Imperial armies, with the Drakes marching before them. Tom Drake's beloved army, marching to free Meade from occupation, causes folk to put aside their cares and come out to line the walls and cheer, an inverse rough music. The soldiers that come to Meade, Marcher and otherwise, are showered not with rose petals but with food and drink and comfortable beds. They've lost almost everything valuable, but they've kept what is most precious to them - the Marcher spirit that no bandit can ever steal and no thief ever take from them.

The walls of Meade are broken in places, the gates destroyed, and the scars of the fight to defend the city from the Jotun are still visible. But walls, and gates, can be rebuilt, just as Prosperity can. Because the free people of the Marches can recover from any setback - especially when they have an example like Tom Drake's army to fill them with Pride. As in the Mournwold, as in Bregasland, the people of Mitwold take great Pride in the Loyalty shown them by the general of "their" army, and they are not shy about showing it.

The [[alder|alders]] of Meade don't come out and say it, but this is a great opportunity for the general of the Drakes to make a mark in history. Assessing the damage to the walls, it will require 16 wains of white granite to repair them; yet the alders also suggest that it is about time that someone built a proper statue commemorating the Drakes in Meade, or more specifically its founder Tom Drake. Nothing too extravagant - 9 wains ought to be enough to make a nice sculpture you could take the kiddies to see. The repairs and the statue represent a single [[commission]] that costs 25 white granite, and 75 crowns in labour, and would take three months to complete.

Despite the amount of white granite, the commission ''could'' be overseen by the [[Mistress of Monuments]], '''Ada Droon Drifting Bough'''. The actual statue of Tom Drake is the heart of the commission, the repairs to the city are vital but easily done once the materials are on hand. If the Mistress were to commission the repairs and the statue, the grateful folk of Meade would provide all the labour needed for the entire project - removing the requirement to provide any crowns.

Once the statue and repairs were complete, it would also stand as a monument to the Pride and Loyalty the people of the Marches feel towards their armies. As long as the statue stood, and remained in Imperial hands, the ''Drum Up Support'' order available to the Drakes would be significantly enhanced, providing a total of 500 natural resupply whenever they took the order in Marcher territory.

===The Taken Cup===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise foot-the-ball league'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Appraise ways to implement some kind of foot-the-ball league</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could appraise the creation of a foot-the-ball league to restore the sport's prestige'''
Meade was looted, but the Jotun had a purpose for that wealth beyond mere theft. Last season there was a report of a [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|treasure train]] full of stolen treasures from Meade and Wayford including [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Objective:_Recover_the_Trophy|Beater trophy]], a symbol of Marcher pride. It's doubtful the Lasambrians realised what they had - it was just a shiny cup to them - but it's struck to the heart of what foot-the-ball means to people of Mitwold (and Upwold, truth be told). The foot-the-ball season has been cut short; even with the Jotun gone there's less enthusiasm for the game than there has been in a while. "''We were robbed,''" as one of the Wayford [[alder|alders]] put it, "''and we can make more coin. But we can't make another Beater's cup.''"

Which is fine as a sentiment if it were ''true''. The Marchers certainly can't replace the history and legacy of the Beater's cup, but they surely could order a new trophy. Truth be told the old one was widely regarded as somewhat cheap and tawdry in appearance. But what can be done about the enthusiasm for the foot-the-ball? Would some kind of grand league help? The League have their great game after all, but the problem with that, as one Marcher points out, is that all that messing around doing politics is neither ''great'' nor a ''game''. Maybe an appraisal is the answer.
{{CaptionedImage|file=FjorknaeSymbol.png|align=right|width=250}}

==Worrisome Gullet==
* '''The Jotun gave the stolen loot as tribute to the Fjorknae orcs
* '''Orc warships have turned up in the Gullet
* '''They are interfering with Marcher and Wintermark fleets
While sporting matters are a concern for the Marches, a bigger concern are the reports of exactly what the Corazón ''did'' with the treasure. There weren't many eyewitnesses, but it seems that the reason they were [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Objective:_Return_the_Bounty_of_Meade|dragging it on a sled]] to make some formal gift to the folk of [[Sea_of_Snow#Fjorknae|Fjorknae]]. They met an honest-to-goodness fleet of ships at [[By_fountains,_by_fishes#Steward's_Landing|Steward's Landing]] and handed over the [[Technology#Runeboxes_and_Runebound_Chains|runebox]] full of stolen loot to what are described as "very nasty looking orcs in scale and chain". Marchers aren't great at judging such things in general, but the witnesses are confident that these orcs had ''ships'' and not ''boats''. Jotun with ships? Is such a thing even possible?

Not long before the Summer Solstice, it becomes clear that such a thing is indeed possible. Marcher captains engaged in [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|raiding Kalsea's coast]], and Winterfolk providing an [[Voyage#Escort_the_Fisherfolk_of_Westerhal|escort to the fisherfolk of Westerhal]] report fast moving ships with uniformly blood-red sails, crewed by armed and armoured orcs. Orcs who are definitely ''not'' Jotun thralls. The assumption is that they are Jotun, but the mere fact they seem to be at home on the sea raises questions as to whether they are true Jotun or represent some other sept the orcs have drawn on. They attack Marcher raiders, and engage with the Winterfolk escort, with clear enthusiasm for the fray that suggests a Jotun connection but they are utterly fearless of the sea of the Gullet. They even give the crews of captured or surrendered ships a version of "the Choice" - they can either lay down their weapons and become thralls, to be carried back to wherever the ships came from, or they can "fight the sea" - they're given a weapon and thrown overboard. These ships at least seem disinterested in making warriors of their defeated human foes, and there are disturbing reports of ''akhlut'' in the Gullet trailing behind the Fjorknae vessels that give the Winterfolk in particular pause.

Following the Summer Solstice, every Wintermark or Marcher fleet suffers a -2 rank penalty to ''Raid Kalsea's Coastline'', ''Escort the Fisherfolk of Westerhal'', or to [[fleet#trading|trade]] with the [[Faraden]] port of [[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]]. At the moment the presence of these ships is focused in the Gullet and the northern Sea of Snow - Marcher and Wintermark ships who sail fast and don't stop for anything are able to outrun the raiders.

These orcs on ships are also an unknown quality. A little over a year ago, the Senate commissioned [[Appraisal#Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to look into ways that the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr|Kongegőr]] could [[A_bridge_too_far|be neutralized]]. The [[opportunity|opportunities]] she identified had a limited shelf-life anyway, but the addition of this new factor renders them moot. The attack on Skallahn brought the Empire within a hair's breadth of claiming [[Skallahn#Bjarkey|Bjarkey]], and the northern end of the Kongegőr. The Jotun are now awake to the very real threat of Imperial armies permanently separating their northern and southern Jarldoms.

Controlling either [[Skallahn#Bjarkey|Bjarkey]] or [[Hordalant#Alsterbo|Alsterbo]] is no longer a guarantee that the Kongegőr can be severed. It would certainly be possible to damage it, or to create a bottle-neck where Jotun forces trying to cross it would need to recover Imperial controlled region at either end, but to be sure of destroying the bridge permanently the Empire would need to control ''both'' ends. And if the Fjorknae are as comfortable fighting at sea as they appear to be, even that might not be enough.
===Fear the Unknown===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Fjorknae intelligence'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Appraise ways to find out more about the Fjorknae</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise response in the Gullet'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Appraise ways to respond to the Fjorknae threat in the Gullet</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire knows nothing about the Fjorknae
* '''There are concerns that fighting on the Gullet will make the ''coral husk'' problem worse
The biggest obstacle to assessing the threat posed by the Fjorknae is that the Empire knows next to nothing about them. During their efforts to map the Sea of Snow, Imperial fleets did not cross the Blood Straits between Bryadvik and Fjorknae. The Empire knows there is what looks to be a huge island on the other side, and the assumption is that it is Jotun held. No landfall was made, although a handful of small settlements were visible from aboard ship, but they looked rough and primitive - crude buildings with slate walls and turf rooves. There were signs of industry, though, and vivid red flags that matched the colour of the ships' sails. Of course the banners also bore the image of a monstrous sea-beast of some kind, and so far that hasn't been seen on the ships in the Gullet.

There's also the worry raised by some of the gloomier sorts about the ''other'' problem the Gullet is having at the moment. Weird coral husks, that rise in the depths and come ashore to drag helpless victims into the surf. The Fjorknae are churning up the waters with violence and blood in a way that it has not been disturbed for centuries, if ever. Even the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] attempt to [[Harvest of infamy|destroy Meade]] was mostly fought on land or in the immediate vicinity of the city. Is it possible that the Fjorknae are going to rile up the coral horrors even more? They have been conspicuous by their absence for a little while now, and nobody is so addled by [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope|hope]] that they can imagine the problem has just... gone away.

At the moment, the Empire seems to have limited ability to find out more about what is going on in the Gullet and the threat the new orcs represent. A [[spy network]] or [[smugglers cove]] needs a certain proximity to the [[territory]] where it will be built that means Fjorknae is out of reach of the [[Imperial Spymaster]]. The [[Regario Dossier]] has no agents that could be assigned there - it's hard to imagine what they might look like - and the [[Shuttered Lantern]] would have no idea where to start.

The best suggestion as to what ''could'' be done is an appraisal. Either one to find out more about the Fjorknae, or to deal with the ships in the Gullet. These are two very different appraisals, in the opinion of the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]], and to do ''both'' would take two appraisals. The hylje of the north have made [[Beneath_a_Moonless_Sky#With_Sermersuaq's_cunning|their own proposals]], but these would be complementary. The hylje's proposal would require the re-establishment of the [[smuggler's cove]] at Tromsa before it could be fully realised. If the spy network was completed in the same season the appraisal took place, it would put the Prognosticator's Office in a perfect position to work with the sealfolk - with the right choice of prognosticator, that is.

The other possibility lies with [[archmage#plenipotenatiry|plenipotentiary]] either from an [[archmage]] or given Autumn is coming up, from the [[Stone Smith]]. The challenge would be working out which [[eternal]] to ask about the orcs of Fjorknae and the ships in the Gullet. In the past, the [[Archmage of Night]] might have been able to invoke the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] to arrange a meeting with someone from the island, but that option is [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)|no longer available]]. Any other eternal will want something of value in exchange for their aid, assuming they have any to offer in the first place.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Haunted Fen.png|caption=Some regions of Bregasland are spookier than others.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Bregasland==
* '''The Jotun remain in Bregasland
* '''The Strong Reeds are lying low in the territory, building their strength for a counterattack
* '''The Grey Walkers are spreading through Grey Fens to the chagrin of the invading orcs
Last season saw serious fighting in [[Bregasland]], with the Empire ultimately victorious and [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]] recovered from the Jotun. In the wake of their victory, the Empire pulled their troops out. All save the [[Strong Reeds]], who have slipped back into the fens and the rushes, and now [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Strong_Reeds|lie low]] waiting for another opportunity to strike. The assumption must have been that the Jotun would immediately move to recover Gravenmarch, but in the end... they don't.

There are still Jotun armies here, but they are braced for further Imperial efforts to reclaim Bregasland. In the absence of such attacks, the barbarians simply continue to consolidate their hold over the marshy territory. Although in the process they encounter problems they themselves have created. At the Spring Equinox, news reached the [[Military Council]] of ''Sunne Astar'' and a [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|quixotic plan]] to drag one of the stones that make up the Ullsmere Rock [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Dolmens|dolmen]] back to Hordalant to inspire the Howling Night. The Jotun achieved their plan, and as near as the Strong Reeds can tell, the left leg of the dolmen has already left Bregasland and is presumably being installed in the ''kirkje'' of the Howling Night.
{{CaptionedImage|file=StrongReeds_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
===Horror at Ullsmere Rock===
* '''The Grey Walkers haunt Grey Fens and seek to drive out all trespassers
* '''They are treating the Jotun as trespassers
* '''Unfortunately they are also treating everyone ''else'' as trespassers
What's unfortunate is that what it has left in its wake are a large number of [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Objective:_Dismiss_the_Grey_Walkers|Grey Walkers]]. Shadow figures, clearly Marchers, wearing garb common in the fens hundreds of year ago, are draped in the tatters of funeral bindings. They slowly and silently seek out "trespassers" and drive them away. Hitting them with weapons causes them to dissipate... but a few minutes later they simple coalesce again a short distance away. They can be [[exorcism|exorcised]] individually, but there are a ''lot'' of them. Worse, some of them are clad for battle, deliver potent [[curse|curses]], and are much harder to deal with than the "lesser" spirits.

The good news is that right now, they are causing serious issues for the Jotun in [[Bregasland#Grey Fen|Grey Fen]]. The entire region has become [[Region_qualities#Haunted|haunted]] as the Grey Walkers have spread. The Jotun are no stranger to ghosts, but the ability of their warriors and ''ghodi'' to deal with them is significantly lower than that of the Empire. The Grey Walkers are treating the orcs as intruders and trespassers, and slowly eroding the barbarian's control over the entire region. They don't seem to be extending beyond the Grey Fens themselves, at least, but that covers a very large area of marsh. There are Marcher households there, and they are likewise reporting harassment by these spectral creatures. True to form, the Jotun are actively ''protecting'' the households - just as they would any other thralls - but it's clear that they're struggling to keep a firm grasp on the Fens.
{{CaptionedImage|file=trilithon.png|align=right|width=250}}
===Get Off My Fen===
* '''The Jotun are slowly losing their grip on Grey Fen
* '''While this is causing problems for the Jotun, it will also be a problem for the Empire should they retake Bregasland
Something clearly needs to be done, but Grey Fens is currently a Jotun problem. If the Empire retakes Bregasland, however, it's going to become a Marcher problem pretty quickly. While Grey Fens remains under Jotun control, the Grey Walkers are a tenth of the way towards taking the region themselves. What this will mean is impossible to say - but if the region does fall under control of these spectral walkers the one thing it ''won't'' be is under Imperial control, making it that much harder for anyone to control the territory.

There is an effective force of 1,000 strength in Grey Fens - each season it will attempt to take control of the region. ''Any'' army that issues an appropriate [[Army_orders#Defending|defending]] order in the territory can prevent the ghosts gaining any headway, and an attacking order will drive the ghosts back and reassert control over the region (as long as it achieves sufficient victory points). But while the ''haunted'' quality remains, the ghosts will simply come back next season, and the season after, and keep trying to drive everyone out of Grey Fens. They don't take casualties (although they do inflict them), and anyone actively trying to stop them claiming Grey Fens will not be able to resupply that season.

Notably, the presence of these Grey Walkers is even messing with the magical elements of the territory. For some reason, any magical ward created in Grey Fens - [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] for example - will not impede the ghosts at all. They will continue to slowly but inexorably try to usurp control of the region, even as the enchantment has its normal effects for everyone else.

==Pride and Politics==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=William Guildenstern.jpg|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''Two judgements of the Marcher assembly related to Pride in a way that resonates with the Marchers
Recently the Marcher Assembly passed two big judgements. The first was about Pride, celebrating a folk hero. It's received a broad welcome across the nation, a bit of good news in dark times. But people can't be Proud of someone unless they know what they're Proud of them ''for''. So they want to know what this folk hero has done to be singled out like that.

The second judgement is also a matter of Pride. Nearly two years ago now the [[Pride]] Assembly [[recognition|recognised]] the leaders of [[the Ore Hills Rebellion]] and then the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_5|General Assembly narrowly agreed]]. Now it's down to the Pride Assembly to see if they want to consecrate Rebellion's Ridge the new monument they've just built to remember folks by.

If that happens, it will be a lit match in a dry field. All the arguments about just who should be appointing senators will come boiling back to the surface.
===Holding Out For a Hero===
{{SOP|statement=William Guildenstern was recognised as a Marcher Folk Hero in 384YE. As my cousin Pipit Boon called out to our people in 385YE; "Let us sing his story for generations to come, across our territories." There is no better time than these - our homes under siege and our territories dividing - to draw Marchers to great Marcher deeds. As a Folk Hero walks among us as General of the Drakes, remember: Jonah Gold made weapons so fierce it turned a war's tide. Odd of Odd's End drained the Oddmire against the Marshwalker threat. Tom Drake struck down Alderei the Fair. William Guildenstern caught a falling star in his chest. All are Marchers, all fought our battles, all did deeds of great renown, all had rivals who would see them fail, and all are remembered in song.|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 152-20|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
* '''William Guildenstern has been recognised as a folk hero by the Marcher Assembly'''
* '''The Marches are eager to hear what act or acts he has done to be inspired by'''
* '''It is unclear what being recognised as a folk hero will actually ''do'', it will depend on what the act is'''
Most Marchers hold three things close to them: a favourite [[proverbs|proverb]], a patch of land they call home, and someone they look up to. Proverbs are important and an apt demonstration of [[Wisdom]]; they allow an important idea to be communicated with as few words as possible. A patch of land to call home is the foundation of every [[Marcher household]], the starting place for [[Loyalty]]. But someone to look up to can be important too; it lets people take [[Pride]] in the actions of their fellow Marchers, and inspires them to do great deeds themselves.

Last season, the Marcher Assembly upheld a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_81|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which echoed the [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_115|call]] from '''Pipit Boon''' that '''William Guildenstern''', General of the [[Drakes]] and former Senator for [[Mournwold]], was a folk hero. The statement of principle called out several other folk heroes from the history of the Marches and the inspirational acts they had done. People are keen to hear more about this folk hero - and Friar Alyn asks that the Marcher Assembly use the coming summit to recognise the thing William Guildenstern has done that is most inspiring. Something that has been done that the Marchers can be inspired by and rally behind. When tales of Jonah Gold were spread of making weapons, it inspired the blacksmiths to focus on making blades for soldiers; when stories of Odd of Odd's End were spread, it led to beaters tracking marshwalkers and protecting settlements from them. If Guildenstern has done something that people be Proud of and rally behind it just [[opportunity|do some good]].
<quote by='Friar Alyn of Hay'>Inspirations are a lot like wheat. You need to harvest them when you can, and be aware that they might turn rotten.</quote>
Some nations have annals or chronicles to record their inspirations. Some assemblies have rolls or walls to mark theirs. ''Friar Alyn of Hay'' pours scorn on that idea. Marchers don't need to keep records of their folk heroes - what's the bloody point? If you have to write their name down to know who they are, then they're not much of a bloody hero are they? In the opinion of the friar, the best inspirations are fleeting. They represent the zeitgeist of the Marches at the height of summer, when the sun is high and there is time to have the proper chats without worrying about the weather.
===Rebellion's Ridge===
<div {{float}}>
{{SOP|statement=Three years ago, Meri stated on my behalf that we knew the importance of all Marchers working the land, that the Nation must consider the plight simmering over Mourn hillsides. The Pride Assembly agreed. The miners of the Mourn have worked their land for us. They have battled the Jotun, fought off the Howling Bear. They raised rebellions against tyranny twice, were the last ones standing against recent invaders. They work tirelessly to supply our armies, to build our Great Works, braving the Singing Caves and tearing its bounty from enemy hands. They have stood with our Nation since Marcher boots first met Mourn soil. So we too stand with them - we will not turn our backs another year not take their Loyalty to the Marchers, the Pride in their work for granted. We recognise their right to a voice in the leadership of the Mournwold, where the ore runs deep and so many of us have fought together, shoulder to shoulder.|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 208-22|when=Autumn 387YE|size=small}}</div>
* '''Rebellion's Ridge has been completed in the Mournwold'''
* '''A writ of consecration for the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion on the great work would have consequences'''
* '''It would breathe new life into old arguments, long since buried, about who runs the Mournwold'''
During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, '''Alfred Aewulfson-Boon''', as the [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]], commissioned the [[Construct_Rebellion%27s_Ridge|construction]] of Rebellion's Ridge. A [[great work]] in [[Mournwold#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] dedicated to the [[Known_exemplars#Leaders_of_the_Ore_Hills_Rebellion|leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion]]. These exemplars of [[Pride]] were [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_5|recognised]] during the Winter Solstice 386YE as a group, in much the same way as [[the Marked]]. The exemplars were instrumental in [[the Ore Hills Rebellion|the Ore Hills Uprising]], and were identified as ringleaders and executed by the magistrates for their role in inciting, and in most cases participating in, the violence that marred Mournwold.

Now, [[Mournwold#Rebellion's_Ridge|Rebellion's Ridge]] stands completed. The finishing touches have been made, and the [[congregation|congregations]] of the Mourn will receive their first doses of [[liao]] at the Autumn Equinox. But what next? During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which drew attention to the plight of the miners of the Mourn.
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=The Versatile Pickaxe.jpg|align=left|caption=Resentment between miners and farmers in Mournwold had been simmering for almost three centuries, until it finally kicked off in 326YE.|width=500}}</div>
If the Assembly chooses to pass a [[writ of consecration]] for Rebellion's Ridge, then it would inevitably reopen those old wounds. Miners work every bit as hard as farmers, nobody denies that, but they have no say in who speaks for them. That's what the Ore Hills Rebellion was all about. Power, who has it, and who doesn't. The miners demanded that the yeofolk share their power. When the yeofolk refused to let their power be diluted and their traditions lost, it ultimately resulted in bloodshed.

Folks are full of fond memories for the Rebellion now, but it was the most bitter fight imaginable at the time. Any move to consecrate Rebellion's Ridge will force the Mournwold to reckon with that struggle. You simply cannot draw inspiration from a bunch of Marchers who died fighting for something they believed in, without making everyone ask ''what were they fighting for?''. It'll fire up every single mine owner in the Mournwold with fresh demands for a change in how the the territory appoints its senator. And it won't just be the yeofolk who are worried - it'll make every Marcher who thinks traditions are important, worried about where all this is going.

Seriously contemplating a change in how the Mournwold elects its senator is ''absolutely guaranteed'' to open a sack full of angry kittens.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>

==Loyalty and Heresy==
{{SOP|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make its choice.|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 146-50|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}
* '''The priests of the Marches preach of Pride, inspiring both human and orc
* '''The folk of the Marches are mostly united - the Marcher orcs are Marchers
And talking of lit matches... At the Spring Equinox, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_13|judgement]] raised by '''Brother Luke''' with a [[greater majority]]. It called on the Marches to defend the [[Mournwold Orcs|Marcher orcs]] if things came to a head with the [[Synod]]. After the Summer Solstice, inspired by the statement, more than half the [[congregation|congregations]] in the Marches preached the importance of supporting the Marcher Orcs, and that any attack on them was the same as an attack on anyone else in the nation. "''Pride in small things,''" as the saying goes. The congregations who took this action used their liao to create suitable [[aura|auras]], but in return received gifts of recognition and support from Marcher Orcs and their allies.

It's been less direct than a mandate, but it's had the desired effect. If there was any doubt as to whether the Marcher Orcs are Marchers or not, it's been dispelled. If the Empire sends anyone to attack the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs, whether that be armies or magistrates, the folk of the Marches will resist. The argument that their beliefs mark them as heretics butters no mustard in Mournwold or elsewhere. The nation ''knew'' they believed in reincarnation when they embraced them; the [[egregore]] ''knew'' their beliefs were at odds with doctrine when they recognised them as Marchers. They are Marcher folk, and the general consensus in the Marches is that their belief in reincarnation is not a problem in a nation that firmly believes humans can be reincarnated as trees, or vermin.

When the Generals of the Marches swore their oaths to protect their territories, there was no equivocation about whether they would protect some Marchers and not others. If the Synod moves against the Marcher Orcs, the Marches will resist. With weapons to protect those who won't take them up themselves, if need be. And they will expect the generals to honour their oaths, and if need be fight the armies of the Empire to defend an attack against their own.

Not everyone is on board, but those who are not have the good sense to keep quiet about it. When challenged to explain how the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs can be reconciled with doctrine, one pugnacious Abbott turns the question around, and demands to know why nobody ever asks how Doctrine can be reconciled with the beliefs of the Marcher orcs? The ''only'' thing that brands the Marcher Orcs as heretics is the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss|Doctrine of the Howling Abyss]] that was created less than a decade ago based solely on the spiritual beliefs of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] - and a belief that is challenged by septs of orcs all over the world.
===The Tom Drake Revelation===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=right|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] is the controversial [[Lepidean Librarian]] who commissioned the investigation into the life of Tom Drake.|width=400}}</div>
* '''Recent revelations regarding Tom Drake incline the folk of the Marches to view the state bodies of the Empire with scepticism
* '''Inspired by Pride and Loyalty, the human Marchers will defend the orc Marchers
The Marchers as a whole have no patience for people who give themselves airs and graces, but they take a quiet Pride in a number of folk from [[The Marches history|history]]. Among those they are proudest of is [[Life of Tom Drake|Tom Drake]], the original general of the Drakes who helped put the Military Council together. Recently, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] undertook an examination of [[Life of Tom Drake|Tom's life]], and the truths contained within were [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Unacceptable_History|at odds]] with the popular historical version. Tom Drake fought ''against'' Brigit of Dourfell, and led the rebels. He was rightly recognised as an exemplar of [[Loyalty]], always willing to show it to those who deserved it, to the Marches, and to its people.

It's been quiet, but these historical revelations have spread quietly across the Marches and increased Marcher scepticism of what some see as "Imperial excesses". It's nothing like as dramatic as the problems in [[Bregasland]] in the wake of the Fishers - but there is a quiet, grass-roots belief that the Marcher dislike of people putting themselves above their peers extends to ''everyone''. Including, arguably, the Senate and the Synod. When push comes to shove, they ask themselves what Tom Drake would do, and the answer is usually some variation of "stand up and be counted", "be Proud and Loyal", and "tell the Empire to go... take itself away... if it comes to it."

===What This Means===
* '''The Empire risks a second Cousin's War if they persecute the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs
With these two key factors in mind, the only predictable outcome is that Marchers will defend their orc citizens against the Synod, the magistrates, or Imperial armies. What form this will take is not clear, it will depend on exactly what is tried. There are tens of thousands of Marcher orcs. Their willingness to pitch in, the fact they are never slow to contribute when there's a big project on, and their sheer ''enthusiasm'' for the Marches has won them a lot of friends even before the priests of the Marches spoke of the Pride of having them among their number. Then there's the lessons of Tom Drake, exemplar of Loyalty, who would ''never'' stand by and let the Empire declare war on his neighbours (or at least that's the current feeling).

This is obviously a problem. For an Imperial nation to reject the rule of law in this fashion - the Synod has the power to declare something heresy, which is a crime. The magistrates are expected to deal with criminals under the law.

What seems clear is that any move to condemn the Marcher Orcs as heretics is likely to trigger a conflict along the lines of the [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War|Cousin's War]], albeit with most of the Marches lining up against the rest of the Empire, and with those Marchers who regularly visit [[Anvil]] to represent their nation potentially caught in the middle.
===Pragmatism===
* '''Some Mournwold priests have proposed a "solution" to the problem
So far only one positive proposal has come out, and that's from the Marcher Orc spiritual leader and a couple of his old friends among the priests of the Mournwold. He proposes that while the Synod determines what is a crime, it's the Senate and the magistrates who decide what the punishment is. There are basically two punishments - death and fines. "So fine us," say the Mournwold priests. "Fine the orcs for their heretical beliefs. How about 5 thrones a season that the Marcher Orcs continue to believe in reincarnation, and then maybe we can all get back on with sorting the harvest?" Obviously this is an outrage and the magistrates will do their nut. But a Senate motion to this effect would see 5 thrones a season into the Imperial treasury, and its likely the Marcher Orcs might go higher if they had to especially if their human neighbours pitched in.

While this proposal seem ludicrous, it does highlight at least one potential avenue to try and deal with the problem represented by tens of thousands of Marchers that the Synod seem to deem to be heretics. Ultimately, the Synod does not operate in isolation within the Empire. Nobody is suggesting that the Senate alone can solve this problem, but at the end of the day it is the Senate that has the power to define the laws, and guide the magistrates as to the punishments that arise when those laws are broken. Perhaps some compromise can be reached?

==Rowdy Bandits (Conjunctions)==
* '''The scions of Red Walder are causing trouble in Mitwold
* '''Jyll Longleys is interfering with the Maiden Stone
* '''Dusty Cobb leads a gang to burn the Golden Fields of Hay
And finally ... the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|scions of Red Walder]] are following in their forbear's footsteps and causing a brace of difficulties in Mitwold. Armed by Stephen of Sarcobe (and many Marchers spit when they say his name these days), there's rumours doing the rounds that they've ''also'' been empowered by the terrible Jack-in-Chains, the horror buried at the bottom of a well near [[Mitwold#Wayford|Wayford]]. Probably expecting the Empire to be busy fighting Marcher armies, two of them have collected rowdy mobs around themselves and set about causing trouble.

Something needs to be done, and fortunately the [[Sentinel Gate]] provides an opportunity for response to immediate problems. Frankly, it might be a bit of a relief to have problems that can be dealt with directly by sticking the boot into some wrong'uns.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Glistering.jpg|caption=The Champion of Prosperity fights for virtue.|align=right|width=350}}
===Apples First (Mitwold)===
* '''A gaggle of rowdy Marcher rebels are travelling to curse the Maiden Stone'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Prosperity'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
''Jyll Longleys'', daughter of the wicked old bandit Red Walder and former flax farmer, has been spotted [[Things_go_awry#Mitwold|once again]] in Mitwold. This time, in the [[Mitwold#Maiden Downs|Maiden Downs]], moving towards the Maiden Stone with fire in her eyes and plagued with tremendously bad luck, if rumours are to be believed. Jyll and her unruly band are travelling with purpose and are - according to hearsay, rumour, and the best guesses - going to "''fuck up''" the Maiden Stone. Whether this is by some unknown curse, malicious use of hearth magic, or they're just going to find some hammers on the way there, it will be bad if they aren't stopped.

The [[Champion of Prosperity]], '''Tom Appleseed''', is responsible for stopping Jyll Longleys before they reach the Maiden Stone. If they cannot be stopped, then it will have, at minimum, consequences for farms across the territory. The farms will be able to cope, but it will eat up the profits from the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket|Breadbasket]] in the territory for at least six months.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenFields.jpg|caption=The golden fields of Hay are watched over by a [[#The Silent Giant|Silent Giant]].|align=right|width=350}}
===The Right Thing (Mitwold)===
* '''A gaggle of rowdy Marcher rebels are travelling to burn the Golden Fields of Hay'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Keeper of the Golden Fields'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping Dusty Cobb from setting Golden Fields alight'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
''Dusty Cobb'', the old soldier turned monk who has once again taken up the mantle of bandit, has been spotted in the [[Mitwold#Golden_Downs|Golden Downs]], travelling towards Hay and its golden fields. Though frustrated by bad luck, the shriver of Red Walder has gathered a gaggle of Marcher rebels to them and is travelling with the intent of setting the Golden Fields of Hay alight with good old-fashioned flint and tinder.

The [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]], '''Nicolas Reaper''', is responsible for stopping Dusty Cobb from setting the Golden Fields alight. If they are not stopped, the [[Keeper_of_the_Golden_Fields#The_Silent_Giant|Silent Giant]] will no doubt suffer damage from the flames, significantly reducing its production of mana crystals until repaired.

Beneath a moonless sky

2026-07-22T20:10:54Z

Wrenna: /* With Sermersuaq's cunning */

<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">
Rainfall hid the sky behind its tears, but Fainomaiken was resolved not to be deterred.

The Breath of Winter had revealed the face of his skein and still he was not afraid.

Immanoviel waited for him beyond the waters of Nutjuitoq, where the ice is a stranger to the sun.
</quote>
==Overview==
The hylje, the strange shapeshifting seal-folk of the northern lakes have historically kept to themselves. Only in the decade of the Empire's resurgence, have the [[Suaq]] people re-affirmed their bonds to their ancient cousins. The hylje have given aid and received aid in return, especially during the invasion of Sermersuaq and in its aftermath. Despite a somewhat ill-fated expedition to bring the Way to them which [[Among the hylje|ended in tragedy]], much has been learnt about these people and their way of life. They are of the world, but their nature is as different to human and orc as human and orc are to each other: nevertheless, they are clear that they consider the Suaq close kin, and the [[Steinr]] and [[Kallavesa]] good friends at the very least.

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] for many years has been Raal Dunn, and he has ably served to keep relationships between the Winterfolk and the hylje-folk on an even keel. It seems that those efforts have, now, born a new fruit. Koskinen, the son of one of the Palliko, the leaders of the hylje, has made contact at the Hyljehal. He delivers a message for all of Wintermark. It seems that the hylje were deeply affected and troubled by the Cult of the Falconer's recent activities. To celebrate the victory over this foe, and the many years of good relations besides, the Palliko have decided to hold a festival next season, marking the Autumn Equinox.

The hylje's lives are governed by such seasonal festivals, which they call ''waystones of time'', and apparently they are times of great celebration and transition. Koskinen himself it seems is to be married, and crowned as one of the Palliko himself, and many others besides are to reach new stages in the journey of their lives. None outside the hylje have ever attended such a festival, but in the name of friendship, Koskinen has insisted that the friends of the hylje be permitted to attend. At the Autumn Equinox, there is a conjunction that will allow up to fifty members of Wintermark attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing at the Equinox. He says that he is clear that this means the Steinr and the Kallavesa as well - they may not be family, but they are friends, and besides they are wedded to their cousins the Suaq and that is quite ''like'' being family, anyway.

There are three matters that Koskinen would like his friends to be aware of; matters to discuss and prepare for ''before'' the meeting next season.

==With Sermersuaq's cunning==
* '''If a smuggler's cove is constructed in Tromsa, a voyage, ''Sail into the Cold'', will be available to fleet-captains of Wintermark'''
* '''The voyage would allow them to discover more about the mysterious orcs of Fjorknae'''

Firstly, Koskinen brings unwelcome tidings. The orcs of Fjorknae have been [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|paid handsomely by the Lasambrians]] using the plundered gold of Meade, and sent a large warband to aid the Lasambrians in the season just gone. Koskinen believes that there is a serious possibility that the warband will remain. Worse yet, it is possible that the island dwellers could send a [[navy]]. Certainly, Koskinen believes, there is a heightened risk of piracy going forward for those sailing the Sea of Snow.

Little is known of the orcs of Fjorknae. There are no records remaining of them warring with the Empire. They are Jotun, or at least they give fealty to the Jarl of Jarls - though to ''which'' Jarl of Jarls nobody is clear. Koskinen is clear that they also consider the orcs of Fjorknae a great threat. Apparently, in times gone by, they have enjoyed a close relationship with the hylje's mysterious and violent cousins, the akhlut...

If the smuggler's cove once built in Tromsa could be re-established then as well as allowing the usual gathering of military intelligence in Tromsa, there would a new [[opportunity]]. Guided by the hylje, it would also allow the fleets of Wintermark to undertake a new scouting voyage '''Sail into the Cold'''. If enough fleets were committed to this voyage, then the Empire would be gain a better understanding of who the orcs of Fjorknae are, whom they serve, and some idea of the scale of threat they pose. Thereafter, the voyage would becoming a raiding voyage, '''Raid into the Cold''', representing a campaign of active raiding on the settlements of these orcs. This would also provide an excellent basis for the draft appraisals [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Fear_the_Unknown|identified by the Civil Service recently]] when considering the wider problem of Fjorknae.

==In Semersuaq's memory==
* '''Koskinen has asked for performances which tell stories of the heroes of Wintermark'''
* '''These can be stories of heroes still living, or those long gone'''
* '''In return, the hylje will share their own stories, including what they know of the legendary Sermersuaq herself, and what they know of the Rusalka of the east'''
Secondly, the most welcome matter. The hylje know only a little of the heroes of Wintermark. They know most about the Suaq, but even there they are more familiar with the peoples than with the heroes. They themselves do not recognise heroism in quite the same way as the people of Wintermark, but they appreciate tales of it greatly.

Koskinen asks the [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] find a group of Wintermarkers who wish to perform a Wintermark story, something that is important to the people of the Mark. If the Mediator arranges to fill out the group with those who will most enjoy watching the two performances, regardless of their tradition, that would be most welcome.

Apparently, when the hylje tell stories, it is more common for it to be played out as a drama with many players. Koskinen claims that this is an [[dramaturgy|essentially magical act]] and one filled with great potency. He recognises that it is perhaps different from the usual scop's tradition to perform a collective act of storytelling in this manner - but he is sure there must be some among in Wintermark who could rise to the challenge. He says that it would be especially welcome for a magical element to be included in the performance - just so long as the magic does ''not'' create any auras that might affect the hylje.

In return, the hylje will in turn demonstrate their art of storytelling and the power of the instruments of narrative. The place at which the Festival will take place is a strong regio of the realm of Autumn. With their cousin's permission, the hylje intend to perform a ritual of Autumnal magic, enchanting Semersuaq in the spirit of the Festival of Autumn's Easing. As part of that performance, they will tell the story of the legendary Semersuaq as they understand it. Afterwards, Koskinen's bride, Aino, would be delighted to talk of other topics that might be of interest to the assembled, such as the Rusalka of the east, which apparently the Mediator has inquired about.

==As Semersuaq strode==
* '''The hylje may be prepared to assist the people of Wintermark in their great quest to master Tsirku'''
* '''With three measures of stardust, the hylje could assist with the exploration of the region containing Nutjuitoq'''
* '''The hylje could offer more help if Skyfall Waste and the Icewood in Tromsa were held by the Empire'''

Finally, Koskinen notes wryly that his people have noticed that Nutjuitoq, the lake north of Semersuaq, has been awfully busy of late. It seems the expedition this past season has not gone unnoticed! He is excited for the Ambition and Courage the Winterfolk have shown! The prospect of a concerted effort to explore the northern wastes is one he ''greatly'' encourages. After all, Semersuaq herself rode out from Sydanjaa, did she not? So it is only natural, in his view, that her children now return.

He says that the hylje know only a little of Tsirku themselves. They know it mainly through its southernmost lakes, Nutjuitoq and Karnakadatha. Still, their seal-forms do not mind the cold too much, which helps a great deal. However, the Northern Lights are perilous to the hylje - so they generally do not tarry long there. But if that could be dealt with, Koskinen believes that the Palliko can be persuaded to offer their aid in the exploration of Tsirku.

He says that the coming Festival of Autumn's Easing is the appropriate place for the Mediator of the Hyljehal to make such a request of the gathered leaders. If the Mediator could provide three measures of ''stardust'', a refined form of ilium, which some master artisans know how to make, then the hylje it can be used by the hylje to fortify their own natures against sky-madness. The hylje are not themselves skilled artisans, but Koskinen believes there exist smiths of Hanhmark who know the subtle art.

If the Mediator can provide the Palliko with enough stardust, then the hylje can aid the expedition into Tsirku. They are most able to assist with the exploration with the region which contains the great lake of Nutjuitoq, once scouting efforts reach it. This will reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about that region by a fifth. This hylje will provide aid to scouts who wish to cross Nutjuitoq itself from the Suaq Wastes rather than venturing north-west from Suaq Fount.

In theory they could ''also'' provide aid exploring the region which contains the great lake of Karnakadatha, but that would require the Empire to seize control of Skyfall Waste in Tromsa from the Jotun. If the Empire did that, then it would reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about both regions by two fifths. Moreover, if the Empire held Skyfall Waste and the Icewood, and maintained control of the Suaq Wastes and the Fount, then they would definitively control access to the southern lakes of Tsirku. This would allow the hylje great freedom to move between the two. It's hard to say what benefit this would provide, but it would mean the hylje were well-placed to address challenges that might arise during the exploration.

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-22T20:07:41Z

Wrenna: /* A Wizard did it (Mortal Magic) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Remnants of tales.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[In the Court of Far Horizons]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/07/03"| 03/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Satraps of the Abyss]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/07/04"| 04/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The Oran operation]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/07/05"| 05/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Viridian nemesis]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/07/06"| 06/07 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Love and monsters]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Dawn Highest Calling
|-
| [[The right answer]] || 6 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of the Way Highest Calling
|-
| [[A lasting commitment]] || 7 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of Ambition Highest Calling
|-
| [[Six sheets to the wind]] || 8 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[A horn blast of victory]] || 9 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Ambassadors of death]] || 10 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[War games]] || 11 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Jarm and Commonwealth Diplomacy
|-
| [[All laudable qualities]] || 12 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Proscription Symposium
|-
| [[Full circles]] || 13 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Sevenfold Path and Jarm
|-
| [[This is the end]] || 14 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Apulian
|-
| [[The brightest flame]] || 15 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Peerless Kinship
|-
| [[The shadows fall behind you]] || 16 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Inspirational Location
|-
| [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]] || 17 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Ephisis
|-
| [[Any dream will do]] || 18 || data=sort-value="2026/07/19"| 19/07 || The League Highest Calling
|-
| [[Everything is on show]] || 19 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sparrows Reckoning
|-
| [[Keys of Enlightenment]] || 20 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sumaah
|-
| [[Seeds of discord]] || 21 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Foreign Diplomacy
|-
| [[All I ask of you]] || 22 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Imperial Orc Highest Calling
|-
| [[Mark of the Ravadi]] || 23 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Ravadi Founders' Dance
|-
| [[Pride in the Marches]] || 24 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || The Marches
|-
| [[Myth makers]] || 25 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Orc Diplomacy
|-
| [[The war makers]] || 26 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Third Navarr Army
|-
| [[Survival]] || 27 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Sun Chamber Appraisal
|-
| [[Tourney of two cities]] || 28 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Tourney for 14-18 year olds
|-
| [[To seek enlightenment]] || 29 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Wisdom Highest Calling
|-
| [[The keys of blood]] || 30 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Eternal Magic
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can learn about the guidance from the City of Gold and Lead, and about new systems being trialled, in the '''[[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Any Dream Will Do===
* '''League Assembly'''
The [[League]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to bring in sapient beings of all kinds into the Empire and [[the Way]] of Virtue and into the League in particular. The five cities are cosmopolitan, and their people diverse, but there will be challenges ahead. The question of who to approach is one thing, and of ''who'' to send specifically is another thing altogether. However, even the largest forest can be felled one tree at a time. The question that stymies some is which tree to start with.

You can learn about the League Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the nation, in the '''[[Any dream will do]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sparrows Reckoning Badge.png|align=right|width=500}}</div>
===Everything is on Show===
* '''The League; especially citizens of Tassato; and especially Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato'''
The third League army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Tassato]]. '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''' has already informed the civil service of its name, but the essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be seen. At the same time, there is information on what the army has done for the Pride of Tassato, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[Everything is on show]]''' wind of fortune.
===All I Ask Of You===
* '''Navarr and the Imperial Orcs; Generals of the Northern Eagle, Winter Sun, and Gryphon's Pride; Warmage'''
Following [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]], the [[Imperial orcs|Unshackled]] Assembly have asked their mystagogues and shamans to contact other septs in the hope that they might learn more about them. This season, the Assembly asked '''Skywise Rykana''' to lead a delegation to discover more of the ancestors of the [[Great Forest Orcs]]. They made strong connections, and discovered much about the sept's spirituality, but perhaps more pressingly they discovered the existence of an existential threat to the many orcs of the Great Forest enslaved at the [[weirwood]] groves of the Druj in [[the Mallum]].

You can learn a little of spirituality, and about the chance to rob the Druj of their victims, in the '''[[All I ask of you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Mark of the Ravadi===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Champion of Vigilance'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for Ravadi Founders' Dance during the Winter Solstice. There was some uncertainty on where the memorial should be placed, but the assembly responded with certainty during the Spring Equinox.

You can read about the memorial, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the Champion of Vigilance, and the wider Empire in the '''[[Mark of the Ravadi]]''' wind of fortune.
===Pride in the Marches===
* '''Marchers; Winterfolk, especially fleet owners; Generals of the Drakes, Strong Reeds, Autumn Hammers, Bloodcloaks, Green Shield, Valiant Pegasus, and Golden Sun; Mistress of Monuments; Foot-the-ball fans; Champion of Prosperity, Keeper of the Golden Fields; people who have opinions on a second Cousin's War'''
[[Pride]] in small things, [[Loyalty]] to great ones. That's what they always say when people talk about [[the Marches]]. But Pride in what? And Loyalty to what? That's the sort of thing [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War|people go to war over]] if you're not careful. There's a lot going on in the Marches on the way to the Summer Solstice, both to inspire Pride and to source concern. It's time to take stock. Of the situation in [[Mitwold]]; worrisome developments in the Gullet; questions of folk heroes - new ones and troublesome old ones; hauntings in [[Bregasland]]; the overwhelming question of the large number of [[heresy|heretics]] in the Marches (also know as the Marcher [[orc]] population); and the scions of Red Walder up to tricks that need dealing with before they get out of hand. They say if you want a job done, give it to someone busy, but maybe this is taking it a bit too far...

You can find out about the assorted events and opportunities in the Marches this season, both good and bad, in the '''[[Pride in the Marches]]''' wind of fortune.

===The War Makers===
* '''Navarr; especially citizens of Hercynia; and especially Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''
The third Navarr army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Hercynia]]. The matter of the name and essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be decided by '''Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''. At the same time, there is information on what the army means Navarr, especially the artisans of Hercynia, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[The war makers]]''' wind of fortune.

===Survival===
* '''Sun Chamber; Vallornguard; People interested in the vallorn; Members of the Senate; Master of the Koboldi; Members of Conclave; Ambassadors to Otkodov and Axos; Imperial Consul'''
Last season the [[Sun Chamber]] used one of its [[Sun_Chamber#Current_Problems|doors]] to appraise an eventual problem that the war against the vallorn will present: that the vallorn is very, ''very'' good at destroying things. Members of the sodality were joined by [[Appraisal#Available_Prognosticators|Vainakoma Dawnstongue]] in their efforts to uncover how to resolve this destructive problem.

You can read their findings, and what they mean for the rest of the Empire, in the '''[[Survival]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tourney of Two Cities===
* '''The Academy; Participants aged 14-18; People who enjoy gambling'''
The twin cities of Tassato have a history steeped in rivalry. Even when they can overcome their differences and work together, their ambition leads them to outdo each other (as is right and proper). It is no surprise then, with the [[Everything is on show|mustering of Sparrows Reckoning]], that the two military academies are hoping to encourage competition amongst potential cadets and future officers. Representatives of Barossa School of Imperial Strategy and the Five Cities Military Academy have approached Chancellor Hildebrand Von Holberg of the Temple of Nine Fingers of [[the Academy]] for her aid and expertise.

You can find the details of the upcoming tourney and the rules around it in the '''[[Tourney of two cities]]''' wind of fortune.

===To Seek Enlightenment===
* '''Wisdom Assembly; Members of the Senate; Military Council'''
The [[Wisdom]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to support the fine work of the civil service who perform historical research and produce appraisals. It can be a dangerous question that goes unasked, and uncovering those can be the first step to discovering the truth of things. And elsewhere, a familiar face has once again popped up to offer his experience. And finally, an unconventional member of the Wisdom Assembly has surfaced to offer ''her'' aid in things.

You can learn about the Wisdom Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the Empire, in the '''[[To seek enlightenment]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Keys of Blood (Eternals)===
* '''Grimnir of Wittal Grove; Architect of Hammers; People invested in the production of the Arratan Gamble; people who care about the boons and/or opinions of various Eternals'''
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[The keys of blood]]''' wind of fortune.

===In the Charnel Pit===
* '''Prosperity Assembly; Courage Assembly; General Assembly; ''Earl Adel de Òrdraig''; ''Gaelen Embercast''; Proffered Hand'''
The [[Prosperity]] and Courage Assemblies have declared their own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest callings]]; both to mend the scars caused by war. Prosperity seeks to mend the troubles caused on the land, whilst Courage looks to mend the damage done to the people. Both are noble goals, and each presents opportunities to improve the lot of those suffering under the after-effects of war. There is another important point to address on what the Druj represent, what their way of life means... and what the Empire might learn from them.

You can learn about the Courage and Prosperity Assemblies' highest callings in the '''[[In the charnel pit]]''' wind of fortune.

===Chains from the Deep===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Residents of Sarvos; People with an interest in Skathe(?)'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for the Chains of Sarvos during the Spring Equinox. This sacred site has seen many defences against enemies of the Empire over its short existence, and there is a chance to capitalise and make the Chains even ''better''.

You can read about the potential for a sacred site, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the League Assembly, and Sarvos, in the '''[[Chains from the deep]]''' wind of fortune.

===A wizard did it (Mortal Magic)===
* '''People who used to like visiting the Painted Caves; The Ambassador to Otkodov; Senator for Astolat; Navarri
Not all magic is performed by the denizens of the realms, mortals are just as if not more capable of causing all kinds of trouble when left alone with too much free time and mana crystals.

You can read about goings on in the frozen north, the slightly less frozen north, and in the minds of Navarri in the '''[[A wizard did it]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tomb of the Courageous===
* '''The Courage Assembly; Freeborn, especially Scriveners and prospective Firebrands; The Lepidean Librarian
The Courage Assembly has made their case to the wider Synod that it is tiome for there to be an inspirational location devoted to Emperor Ahraz. A figure not without some controversy, it is time for the Synod to either face some unwelcome truth and/or cleave to what they know to be true.

You can read about the opportunity to consecrate Ahraz's Tomb in the '''[[Tomb of the Courageous]]''' wind of fortune.

===Urizeni Experiment (Sarangrave)===
* '''Urizen, especially stargazers; Conclave; Theodora; Warmage; Archmage of Spring; Spear of the Seven; Sun CHamber
The Stargazers of Urizen have been hard at work trudging through the fetid swamps of Urizen's newest territory to see what might be done to put something in place to defend against the Vallorn of Bendol. At the same time, the rebels of Nesustak forest have been recovering from two very hectic seasons; first being assaulted by the druj from the north, and then the Vallorn from the south. There's also something called the "Hungry Earth" which sounds deeply unpleasant.

You can read about the current state of goings on in the Sarangrave in the '''[[Urizeni Experiment]]''' wind of fortune.

===Asavean Factor===
* '''Loyalty Assembly; Archmage of Autumn; Senate

Not content with one epoch-defining construction, the Empire is also attempting to Anchor the Way in Asavea. Yet even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. The Loyalty Assembly have declared this to be their Highest Calling, and have spent the season seeking allies to help them with this momentus task.

You can read about the proposals of the Loyalty Assembly in the '''[[Asavean Factor]]''' wind of fortune.

===Beneath a Moonless Sky===
* '''Wintermark, especially fleet captains; Mediator of Hyljehal; fans of Sermersuaq

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] has seen they work bear fruit this season as one of the leaders of the Hylje, Koskinen, has made contact with matters of interest.

You can read about the goings on of the curious sea people in the '''[[Beneath a Moonless Sky]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Visitation (Vistors)===
* '''Golden Fleet Salvagemaster; Marisol i Erigo (whoever that may be); competitive citizens; fans of Bloodcrow Knott

People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in '''[[The Visitation]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

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

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

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

You can read about diplomatic events in [[Axos]], [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], and [[Tsark]], and the concerns of the Marracossan exiles of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], in the '''[[Seeds of discord]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Myth Makers===
* '''Imperial Consul, Advisor on Orc Affairs; Senator for Feroz, Broken Shore Bounty; Ambassador to Otkodov; Imperial military unit commanders; Senator for Mareave, Ambassador to the Grendel; Ereland of Wintermark; Military Council, Senate, Conclave, Synod'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations, and not all are barbarians. While some of these nations have [[ambassador|ambassadors]] to deal with them on behalf of the Empire, in many cases diplomacy is handled by the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]] perhaps with the aid of the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. This season representatives of five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy with the Empire (although the definition of ''nation'' is doing some heavy lifting in a few places).

You can learn about messages from the Protectorate of Morajasse, the Thule, the city-state of Beoraidh, the Jotun and even the Grendel, in the '''[[Myth makers]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Raid on Leen===
====Mustering====
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'>
<tr><th colspan='2'>Raided Leen</th></tr>
<tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td> Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kay i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bayan Zayden Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sadiq i Isa i Erigo </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Branwyn i Leons del Mar i Coeurdefer i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gael i Guerra </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tancred Enrico i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arturo i Tontería i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ana i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Terak i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mycella i Ruiloba i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ibrahim i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Constanza Ramos i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Argento i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marco i Taziel </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lavanda i Rincón i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khalama i Radah i Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theodora i Livera i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dimitri I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aziz i Guerra i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Felia i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aero </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodrigo i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Familia Ramirez </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> Red Sails of the Wanderer </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azuza i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Banu i Yashum i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bassim i Retazos Dorados i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arcelia i Garza i Guerra </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ferran i Rincón i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zaffer i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sayid i Zuhri i Erigo </td><td> The Dragonfly Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Matiaz i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maximilano i Taziel i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alina i garcia i erigo </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Martha i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estevanico i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> The Hayim Family (Banner) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miguel I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sol i Radah i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Solana I Zabala I Erigo </td><td> Family Zabala </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silvia Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Phosphor i Efna i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Wings </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashar i Astusiram </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alvaro i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cole Blackwood Erigo </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cisco i Phovas i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kareem i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mont i Sawa i Erigo </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eduardo i Otoño i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gisli i Phovas i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Florina i Sol-Devorador i Riqueza </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cuinn-Gael i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teo i Rincon i Erigo </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urraca i Inez i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luz i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lambdon I Kurian I Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Salvador </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viktor Corterra Meridian Von Temeschwar i Guerra </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Quintenzo i Elharar i Guerra </td><td> Elharar Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hugo i Bāmesh </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> migel i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estaban i Fontanilla i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirasol i Paredes i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alodia i Bellamar i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miris i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jullian i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Malzan i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dannaustra y Meridian y Riqueza </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Karrack i Darwisj </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jasmine i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lorenzo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emilia i Zabala i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madura Radah Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allegra i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velasco i Fundaro </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr></table></div>
It starts with a single, unremarkable ship leaving [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. Those moored at port to take on supplies quickly move to cast off and follow the ship; the single ship slowly gathering others in its wake. As it passes east, it gathers more; the ones at anchor watching to the north for a glimpse of how the Suranni have fared. Out through the Cazar Straits, careful to avoid catching the watchful eye of the Iron Confederacy. As the ships move south, the sails gather until it is an armada almost fifteen thousand strong. Then, almost as one, the sails crack in the wind and the ships pass into the waters of Arbonne.

Through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], some ships sail past the wrecks of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster|Golden Fleet]], then into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne|Shavronne]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]] after it. As the armada sails, and occasionally grows as the last straggling ships arrive, the wary Grendel track the voyage closely. Eventually, though, the ships pass out of the Bay of Catazar and into the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Sighs|Sea of Sighs]] proper.

====Sailing====
The voyage takes weeks. Some crews resort to racing each other to mark the passage of time. Others are altogether focused on what awaits them, poring over the maps of the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and trying to gauge how long they might have to enact this daring plan. Half the ships rest for a time at the [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], others press on ahead further north and prepare at the docks of [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]. There, they take on the last of the supplies and pay for the emergencies that spring up on voyages before once again sailing north into the Salt Flats.

====Fight====
Some of these ships have been here before; the [[smugglers cove]] in the Salt Flats was one of the first [[Construct Smuggler's Cove in Salt Flats of Sanath|commissioned]] by the Senate just over two years ago. Now though, it is not discovery and understanding that drives them. It is a drive to free those who have been chained by the hateful Druj. A chance to give freedom to those who have known no other life but toil under the thrall of the orcs of the Mallum. There is no hope for stealth with an armada this large. Instead, a burning brazier is lit on the prow of a ship to signal the advance, and the first boats touch the shores of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]].

It is a wretched place. Its wealth is evident, and if the goal of this voyage was to gain wealth, the myriad streets would present easy pickings. Instead, the corsairs and the kohan seek out the worst places, where those who have never been able to conceive of their own freedom languish in the filth passed down by their masters. Here they find lost Imperials, lost Axou, and those who have never had a true home. Whose families were born into this life - if it can be called that - for generations. These are the ones who take the most convincing; those who were once Imperials explain it quickly. The ills they have suffered, the horrors heaped upon them, have been blamed on the Empire.

It is perhaps lucky that the garrisons of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#The_Witness|the Witness]], the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Beacon_of_Iskrid|Beacon]], and the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Spires_of_Rarckan|Spires]] are occupied with [[Thorn_and_bone#An_Old_Story|ensuring]] that the Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake do not reenter the Salt Flats. The presence of the Freeborn can hardly be hidden, but the extra time does give them the chance to rescue thousands from their fate.

There is fighting, disparate and deadly, in the city. Crooked snickets and alleyways allow for the Druj who remained behind to launch ambush after ambush on the Freeborn. It is the sheer weight of numbers that allows the Imperials to escape with so many. Some unlucky few fall in the retreat, but far fewer than the Druj who would try to stop them.

====Aftermath====
The armada stops once again at Kantor and Issyk, this time to discharge those who were once Axou. Ships take on necessary supplies before casting off and returning again to the Empire. At this point, there is no need for an element of surprise - nor is there much chance of being caught unaware. The Grendel are busy, and enough Imperial ships are travelling together that even the fleeing children of wrecks keep a wide berth.

Eventually, the ships arrive back in western Bay of Catazar and begin to dock at Oran and [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. Some go further afield, where their rescued former Imperials warrant it, to [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]], [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]], and [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Now, the work truly begins. Those who were once Imperial will find their way back to their nations or find another. Those who have never known anything else, though, will take time and patience to help.

Each one of them accepted the offer to flee the Druj, to be given the chance to claim their freedom. But if you have lived your whole life underground, the wide sky can be daunting.

====Game Information====
* '''The raid on Leen has been an overwhelming success'''
* '''Thousands of slaves have been freed from the yoke of the Druj'''
* '''At least a thousand of them have never been Imperial or Axou and are being cared for by charitable families across the Brass Coast'''
* '''The civil service cannot offer any guidance on these people before the Summer Solstice'''
[[Push_for_victory#See_That_We_Fight|The raid on Leen]] was supported by eighty fleet captains.

===Road to Nowhere (The Barrens)===
* '''The roads of the Barrens opportunity could be refreshed at any time'''
* '''The civil service require guidance from the Dawnish Assembly on how to proceed'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Roads_of_the_Barrens|reappraisal]] of roads in [[the Barrens]]. Originally [[Road_out_of_nowhere#The_Barrens|suggested]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 385YE, the roads were part of a larger appraisal into the impact and opportunities to link the unconnected citizens of the southern, northern, and eastern territories of the Empire with new road networks.

When the Master of the Mint examines the proposal, it is clear that there are issues. To be effective, the roads need to fan out across the territory, but thus far the Dawnish have been somewhat reluctant to claim their prize. Mindful of the recent tensions, they have largely avoided settling the Barrens. Do the Dawnish now want to create roads ''into'' the Forest of Peytaht? They have the right, but would the Great Forest Orcs welcome them?

Do they want to create roads into the Untrod Groves and the Bleaks - regions that the notoriously secretive Karass claim as their own? The Karass loathe the presence of the Navarr wayhouse in "their" lands. Again, the Empire has the legal right to create these roads, but are the benefits worth the aggravation it may bring?

The Empire ''don't'' have the legal right to build the roads through Bitter Strand - they ceded the entire region to the Rahvin. It is part of the Barrens, so they could physically build there, but they would either need the permission of the Rahvin or find a way to force the issue. Is it worth the risk given the Rahvin are widely rumoured to be raising their own army?

The plans for the roads can be updated quickly and efficiently, but until the civil service know where the Dawnish want the roads to run it is impossible to complete them. What is clear is that the benefits provided will be significantly curtailed, if the only occupants of the Barrens they serve are the Dawnish. Even if the roads avoid just one of the three groups of inhabitants it will have an impact, reducing the benefits of the roads.

As it was the Dawnish Assembly that originally encouraged the Dawnish to refrain from settling the Barrens, they are looking to them for guidance now. They civil service will take notice of any statement of principle in the Assembly that references the Barrens and offers advice on how the appraisal should proceed. If multiple judgements are submitted which appear to conflict, they will pay most heed to the judgements that achieve the greatest majority.

Next season they will strive to present a finalised appraisal of the roads that takes account of the judgements of the Assembly. The work is in progress now, so it can wait if needed. If the Assembly pass a statement of principle calling for a delay until they have had chance to negotiate with the affected groups, then the plan will go on hold. It will then resume automatically once the Assembly provide all the guidance they want and indicate that the roads can now progress.

If the Assembly says nothing - or if the Master of the Mint uses their power to press the issue by raising this matter again this season, then the civil service will present plans for a set of roads that go straight through the Bleaks, the Bitter Strand and the Heart of Paytaht next season, but they advise that that is could generate considerable hostility and the Empire won't know about it until the roads are complete.

===Unchosen===
* '''Magistrate Abraham has issued a public apology to the pre-eminent Winter Magician, Claudia Varkulova Remislav, for any suggestion of impropriety'''

Last season the [[Civil Service]] took the step of [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Idolatry|issuing guidance]] regarding the various different proscriptions that were passed by the General Assembly. While advising all citizens that it was now illegal to accept a title or position from an Eternal patron, Magistrate Abraham and his colleagues appear to have given the inappropriate and clearly incorrect impression that Claudia Varkulova Remislav, one of the Empire's leading experts of Winter magic and loyal servant of the Empire, was continuing an idolatrous relationship with the eternal [[Tharim]].

Magistrate Abraham wishes to apologise unreservedly for this error of judgement. He acknowledges that the master magician has terminated her agreement with the ''Bound King'' and that there is not now, nor has there ever been, any evidence that she acted with any impropriety nor broke the law on idolatry. He recognises her years of deep service to the Empire and the Conclave and apologises for any damage to her reputation caused by his injudicious language.

===A Sudden Threat (Reikos)===
* '''A band of Grendel are moving to assassinate Professor Gelberg and his team'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing the assassination'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Days before the Summer Solstice, alarming news reaches Anvil. A small party of [[Grendel]] [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Wave_Riders|Wave Riders]] have been spotted in southern Reikos, having apparently travelled undercover along almost the entire length of the Couros. Posing as Unshackled from [[Mareave]], they kept weapons and armour out of sight and stayed away from major population centres. Only at the last minute have they abandoned the pretence and taken up arms. If it were not for a Vigilant cataphract catching sight of them while out for a morning run, it is possible that they could have worked their will without the chance of intervention from Imperial heroes. Had the construction of the [[Construct_Haros_Riverpatrol|Haros Riverpatrol]] been completed then they would doubtless have stopped this from happening, but it is too late for that now.

Fortunately, warning was given and the target quickly identified: Professor Gelberg and his party of researchers. While it is uncertain why the Grendel would wish to target a Commonwealth academic, he is the only target nearby. The professor and his team have fled into a derelict chapterhouse where they are laying low, but the Grendel are combing the countryside with speed and efficiency, and will find him soon if they are not stopped. Oddly, the raiding party seems to be accompanied by either a high-lineage [[cambion]] or a herald of the Autumn realm, who is not visibly armed but seems to be playing some sort of advisory role.

If they are not stopped the Grendel will kill Professor Gelberg, damaging relations between the Empire and the Commonwealth. As the last [[Patron of the Beurteilung]], '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' is responsible for organising Professor Gelberg's defence. A conjunction has been identified that would allow the heroes of the Empire to intercept the Grendel assassins and save Professor Gelberg's life.

<box>'''OOC Note:''' We have held the appraisal of the River Couros back a season because we want to continue to work on the ideas to develop them further. Given the scale of investment in the appraisal, we wanted to make sure we were happy with what the final work involving the professor offered. We apologise for the delay, but no matter what happens, his results will be published for the next event. We had always planned an encounter involving Professor Gelberg, so we've used that as the IC justification for the delay.</box>

===Tourney for Summer===
* '''The grand tourney for the Knight-protector of Summer will take place at the Anvil Arena'''
* '''The election of Senator for Weirwater will take place in the Glory Square after the tourney'''
The [[Dawn egregore|Knight of Roses]] has made a request of the civil service following the tourney for [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] last summit. Rather than taking space in the Glory Square, this season the tourney to elect the Knight-protector of Summer will take place in the Anvil Arena to allow for more space and more people to be able to watch. The tourney will take place at the same time - 14:00 on Saturday - and the subsequent election will happen once the egregores have arrived back in the camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</table>

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

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-22T20:07:33Z

Wrenna: /* Tomb of the Courageous */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Remnants of tales.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[In the Court of Far Horizons]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/07/03"| 03/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Satraps of the Abyss]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/07/04"| 04/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The Oran operation]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/07/05"| 05/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Viridian nemesis]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/07/06"| 06/07 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Love and monsters]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Dawn Highest Calling
|-
| [[The right answer]] || 6 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of the Way Highest Calling
|-
| [[A lasting commitment]] || 7 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of Ambition Highest Calling
|-
| [[Six sheets to the wind]] || 8 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[A horn blast of victory]] || 9 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Ambassadors of death]] || 10 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[War games]] || 11 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Jarm and Commonwealth Diplomacy
|-
| [[All laudable qualities]] || 12 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Proscription Symposium
|-
| [[Full circles]] || 13 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Sevenfold Path and Jarm
|-
| [[This is the end]] || 14 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Apulian
|-
| [[The brightest flame]] || 15 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Peerless Kinship
|-
| [[The shadows fall behind you]] || 16 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Inspirational Location
|-
| [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]] || 17 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Ephisis
|-
| [[Any dream will do]] || 18 || data=sort-value="2026/07/19"| 19/07 || The League Highest Calling
|-
| [[Everything is on show]] || 19 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sparrows Reckoning
|-
| [[Keys of Enlightenment]] || 20 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Sumaah
|-
| [[Seeds of discord]] || 21 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Foreign Diplomacy
|-
| [[All I ask of you]] || 22 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Imperial Orc Highest Calling
|-
| [[Mark of the Ravadi]] || 23 || data=sort-value="2026/07/20"| 20/07 || Ravadi Founders' Dance
|-
| [[Pride in the Marches]] || 24 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || The Marches
|-
| [[Myth makers]] || 25 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Orc Diplomacy
|-
| [[The war makers]] || 26 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Third Navarr Army
|-
| [[Survival]] || 27 || data=sort-value="2026/07/21"| 21/07 || Sun Chamber Appraisal
|-
| [[Tourney of two cities]] || 28 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Tourney for 14-18 year olds
|-
| [[To seek enlightenment]] || 29 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Wisdom Highest Calling
|-
| [[The keys of blood]] || 30 || data=sort-value="2026/07/22"| 22/07 || Eternal Magic
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can learn about the guidance from the City of Gold and Lead, and about new systems being trialled, in the '''[[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Any Dream Will Do===
* '''League Assembly'''
The [[League]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to bring in sapient beings of all kinds into the Empire and [[the Way]] of Virtue and into the League in particular. The five cities are cosmopolitan, and their people diverse, but there will be challenges ahead. The question of who to approach is one thing, and of ''who'' to send specifically is another thing altogether. However, even the largest forest can be felled one tree at a time. The question that stymies some is which tree to start with.

You can learn about the League Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the nation, in the '''[[Any dream will do]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sparrows Reckoning Badge.png|align=right|width=500}}</div>
===Everything is on Show===
* '''The League; especially citizens of Tassato; and especially Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato'''
The third League army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Tassato]]. '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''' has already informed the civil service of its name, but the essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be seen. At the same time, there is information on what the army has done for the Pride of Tassato, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[Everything is on show]]''' wind of fortune.
===All I Ask Of You===
* '''Navarr and the Imperial Orcs; Generals of the Northern Eagle, Winter Sun, and Gryphon's Pride; Warmage'''
Following [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]], the [[Imperial orcs|Unshackled]] Assembly have asked their mystagogues and shamans to contact other septs in the hope that they might learn more about them. This season, the Assembly asked '''Skywise Rykana''' to lead a delegation to discover more of the ancestors of the [[Great Forest Orcs]]. They made strong connections, and discovered much about the sept's spirituality, but perhaps more pressingly they discovered the existence of an existential threat to the many orcs of the Great Forest enslaved at the [[weirwood]] groves of the Druj in [[the Mallum]].

You can learn a little of spirituality, and about the chance to rob the Druj of their victims, in the '''[[All I ask of you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Mark of the Ravadi===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Champion of Vigilance'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for Ravadi Founders' Dance during the Winter Solstice. There was some uncertainty on where the memorial should be placed, but the assembly responded with certainty during the Spring Equinox.

You can read about the memorial, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the Champion of Vigilance, and the wider Empire in the '''[[Mark of the Ravadi]]''' wind of fortune.
===Pride in the Marches===
* '''Marchers; Winterfolk, especially fleet owners; Generals of the Drakes, Strong Reeds, Autumn Hammers, Bloodcloaks, Green Shield, Valiant Pegasus, and Golden Sun; Mistress of Monuments; Foot-the-ball fans; Champion of Prosperity, Keeper of the Golden Fields; people who have opinions on a second Cousin's War'''
[[Pride]] in small things, [[Loyalty]] to great ones. That's what they always say when people talk about [[the Marches]]. But Pride in what? And Loyalty to what? That's the sort of thing [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War|people go to war over]] if you're not careful. There's a lot going on in the Marches on the way to the Summer Solstice, both to inspire Pride and to source concern. It's time to take stock. Of the situation in [[Mitwold]]; worrisome developments in the Gullet; questions of folk heroes - new ones and troublesome old ones; hauntings in [[Bregasland]]; the overwhelming question of the large number of [[heresy|heretics]] in the Marches (also know as the Marcher [[orc]] population); and the scions of Red Walder up to tricks that need dealing with before they get out of hand. They say if you want a job done, give it to someone busy, but maybe this is taking it a bit too far...

You can find out about the assorted events and opportunities in the Marches this season, both good and bad, in the '''[[Pride in the Marches]]''' wind of fortune.

===The War Makers===
* '''Navarr; especially citizens of Hercynia; and especially Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''
The third Navarr army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Hercynia]]. The matter of the name and essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be decided by '''Rowyn of the Waystone Path'''. At the same time, there is information on what the army means Navarr, especially the artisans of Hercynia, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[The war makers]]''' wind of fortune.

===Survival===
* '''Sun Chamber; Vallornguard; People interested in the vallorn; Members of the Senate; Master of the Koboldi; Members of Conclave; Ambassadors to Otkodov and Axos; Imperial Consul'''
Last season the [[Sun Chamber]] used one of its [[Sun_Chamber#Current_Problems|doors]] to appraise an eventual problem that the war against the vallorn will present: that the vallorn is very, ''very'' good at destroying things. Members of the sodality were joined by [[Appraisal#Available_Prognosticators|Vainakoma Dawnstongue]] in their efforts to uncover how to resolve this destructive problem.

You can read their findings, and what they mean for the rest of the Empire, in the '''[[Survival]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tourney of Two Cities===
* '''The Academy; Participants aged 14-18; People who enjoy gambling'''
The twin cities of Tassato have a history steeped in rivalry. Even when they can overcome their differences and work together, their ambition leads them to outdo each other (as is right and proper). It is no surprise then, with the [[Everything is on show|mustering of Sparrows Reckoning]], that the two military academies are hoping to encourage competition amongst potential cadets and future officers. Representatives of Barossa School of Imperial Strategy and the Five Cities Military Academy have approached Chancellor Hildebrand Von Holberg of the Temple of Nine Fingers of [[the Academy]] for her aid and expertise.

You can find the details of the upcoming tourney and the rules around it in the '''[[Tourney of two cities]]''' wind of fortune.

===To Seek Enlightenment===
* '''Wisdom Assembly; Members of the Senate; Military Council'''
The [[Wisdom]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to support the fine work of the civil service who perform historical research and produce appraisals. It can be a dangerous question that goes unasked, and uncovering those can be the first step to discovering the truth of things. And elsewhere, a familiar face has once again popped up to offer his experience. And finally, an unconventional member of the Wisdom Assembly has surfaced to offer ''her'' aid in things.

You can learn about the Wisdom Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the Empire, in the '''[[To seek enlightenment]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Keys of Blood (Eternals)===
* '''Grimnir of Wittal Grove; Architect of Hammers; People invested in the production of the Arratan Gamble; people who care about the boons and/or opinions of various Eternals'''
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[The keys of blood]]''' wind of fortune.

===In the Charnel Pit===
* '''Prosperity Assembly; Courage Assembly; General Assembly; ''Earl Adel de Òrdraig''; ''Gaelen Embercast''; Proffered Hand'''
The [[Prosperity]] and Courage Assemblies have declared their own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest callings]]; both to mend the scars caused by war. Prosperity seeks to mend the troubles caused on the land, whilst Courage looks to mend the damage done to the people. Both are noble goals, and each presents opportunities to improve the lot of those suffering under the after-effects of war. There is another important point to address on what the Druj represent, what their way of life means... and what the Empire might learn from them.

You can learn about the Courage and Prosperity Assemblies' highest callings in the '''[[In the charnel pit]]''' wind of fortune.

===Chains from the Deep===
* '''General Assembly; Vigilance Assembly; Residents of Sarvos; People with an interest in Skathe(?)'''
The Vigilance Assembly upheld a writ of consecration for the Chains of Sarvos during the Spring Equinox. This sacred site has seen many defences against enemies of the Empire over its short existence, and there is a chance to capitalise and make the Chains even ''better''.

You can read about the potential for a sacred site, and what it means for the Vigilance Assembly, the League Assembly, and Sarvos, in the '''[[Chains from the deep]]''' wind of fortune.

===A Wizard did it (Mortal Magic)===
* '''People who used to like visiting the Painted Caves; The Ambassador to Otkodov; Senator for Astolat; Navarri
Not all magic is performed by the denizens of the realms, mortals are just as if not more capable of causing all kinds of trouble when left alone with too much free time and mana crystals.

You can read about goings on in the frozen north, the slightly less frozen north, and in the minds of Navarri in the '''[[A wizard did it]]''' wind of fortune.

===Tomb of the Courageous===
* '''The Courage Assembly; Freeborn, especially Scriveners and prospective Firebrands; The Lepidean Librarian
The Courage Assembly has made their case to the wider Synod that it is tiome for there to be an inspirational location devoted to Emperor Ahraz. A figure not without some controversy, it is time for the Synod to either face some unwelcome truth and/or cleave to what they know to be true.

You can read about the opportunity to consecrate Ahraz's Tomb in the '''[[Tomb of the Courageous]]''' wind of fortune.

===Urizeni Experiment (Sarangrave)===
* '''Urizen, especially stargazers; Conclave; Theodora; Warmage; Archmage of Spring; Spear of the Seven; Sun CHamber
The Stargazers of Urizen have been hard at work trudging through the fetid swamps of Urizen's newest territory to see what might be done to put something in place to defend against the Vallorn of Bendol. At the same time, the rebels of Nesustak forest have been recovering from two very hectic seasons; first being assaulted by the druj from the north, and then the Vallorn from the south. There's also something called the "Hungry Earth" which sounds deeply unpleasant.

You can read about the current state of goings on in the Sarangrave in the '''[[Urizeni Experiment]]''' wind of fortune.

===Asavean Factor===
* '''Loyalty Assembly; Archmage of Autumn; Senate

Not content with one epoch-defining construction, the Empire is also attempting to Anchor the Way in Asavea. Yet even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. The Loyalty Assembly have declared this to be their Highest Calling, and have spent the season seeking allies to help them with this momentus task.

You can read about the proposals of the Loyalty Assembly in the '''[[Asavean Factor]]''' wind of fortune.

===Beneath a Moonless Sky===
* '''Wintermark, especially fleet captains; Mediator of Hyljehal; fans of Sermersuaq

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] has seen they work bear fruit this season as one of the leaders of the Hylje, Koskinen, has made contact with matters of interest.

You can read about the goings on of the curious sea people in the '''[[Beneath a Moonless Sky]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Visitation (Vistors)===
* '''Golden Fleet Salvagemaster; Marisol i Erigo (whoever that may be); competitive citizens; fans of Bloodcrow Knott

People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in '''[[The Visitation]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

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

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

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

You can read about diplomatic events in [[Axos]], [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], and [[Tsark]], and the concerns of the Marracossan exiles of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], in the '''[[Seeds of discord]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Myth Makers===
* '''Imperial Consul, Advisor on Orc Affairs; Senator for Feroz, Broken Shore Bounty; Ambassador to Otkodov; Imperial military unit commanders; Senator for Mareave, Ambassador to the Grendel; Ereland of Wintermark; Military Council, Senate, Conclave, Synod'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations, and not all are barbarians. While some of these nations have [[ambassador|ambassadors]] to deal with them on behalf of the Empire, in many cases diplomacy is handled by the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]] perhaps with the aid of the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. This season representatives of five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy with the Empire (although the definition of ''nation'' is doing some heavy lifting in a few places).

You can learn about messages from the Protectorate of Morajasse, the Thule, the city-state of Beoraidh, the Jotun and even the Grendel, in the '''[[Myth makers]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Raid on Leen===
====Mustering====
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'>
<tr><th colspan='2'>Raided Leen</th></tr>
<tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td> Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kay i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bayan Zayden Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sadiq i Isa i Erigo </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Branwyn i Leons del Mar i Coeurdefer i Riqueza </td><td> Phoenix's Promise Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gael i Guerra </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tancred Enrico i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arturo i Tontería i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ana i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Terak i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Flames of the Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mycella i Ruiloba i Erigo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ibrahim i Taziel i Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Constanza Ramos i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Argento i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marco i Taziel </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lavanda i Rincón i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khalama i Radah i Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theodora i Livera i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dimitri I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aziz i Guerra i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Felia i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aero </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodrigo i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Familia Ramirez </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> Red Sails of the Wanderer </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azuza i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Banu i Yashum i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bassim i Retazos Dorados i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arcelia i Garza i Guerra </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ferran i Rincón i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zaffer i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sayid i Zuhri i Erigo </td><td> The Dragonfly Cartel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Matiaz i Riqueza </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maximilano i Taziel i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alina i garcia i erigo </td><td> The Seaglass Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Martha i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estevanico i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> The Hayim Family (Banner) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miguel I Avalon I Guerra </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sol i Radah i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Solana I Zabala I Erigo </td><td> Family Zabala </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silvia Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Phosphor i Efna i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Wings </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashar i Astusiram </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alvaro i Zaman </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cole Blackwood Erigo </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cisco i Phovas i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kareem i Carno i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mont i Sawa i Erigo </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eduardo i Otoño i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gisli i Phovas i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Florina i Sol-Devorador i Riqueza </td><td> Krakenfire Armada </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cuinn-Gael i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teo i Rincon i Erigo </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urraca i Inez i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luz i Orzezz i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lambdon I Kurian I Riqueza </td><td> Fijadoz Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Salvador </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viktor Corterra Meridian Von Temeschwar i Guerra </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Quintenzo i Elharar i Guerra </td><td> Elharar Family </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hugo i Bāmesh </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> migel i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estaban i Fontanilla i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirasol i Paredes i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alodia i Bellamar i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miris i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jullian i Avalon </td><td> The Avalon Clan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Malzan i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dannaustra y Meridian y Riqueza </td><td> Blazing Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Karrack i Darwisj </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jasmine i Elba Stardo i Guerra </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lorenzo </td><td> House Taziel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emilia i Zabala i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madura Radah Guerra </td><td> House i Souza i Guerra </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allegra i Riqueza </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velasco i Fundaro </td><td> Star Guard </td></tr></table></div>
It starts with a single, unremarkable ship leaving [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. Those moored at port to take on supplies quickly move to cast off and follow the ship; the single ship slowly gathering others in its wake. As it passes east, it gathers more; the ones at anchor watching to the north for a glimpse of how the Suranni have fared. Out through the Cazar Straits, careful to avoid catching the watchful eye of the Iron Confederacy. As the ships move south, the sails gather until it is an armada almost fifteen thousand strong. Then, almost as one, the sails crack in the wind and the ships pass into the waters of Arbonne.

Through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], some ships sail past the wrecks of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster|Golden Fleet]], then into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne|Shavronne]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]] after it. As the armada sails, and occasionally grows as the last straggling ships arrive, the wary Grendel track the voyage closely. Eventually, though, the ships pass out of the Bay of Catazar and into the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Sighs|Sea of Sighs]] proper.

====Sailing====
The voyage takes weeks. Some crews resort to racing each other to mark the passage of time. Others are altogether focused on what awaits them, poring over the maps of the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and trying to gauge how long they might have to enact this daring plan. Half the ships rest for a time at the [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], others press on ahead further north and prepare at the docks of [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]. There, they take on the last of the supplies and pay for the emergencies that spring up on voyages before once again sailing north into the Salt Flats.

====Fight====
Some of these ships have been here before; the [[smugglers cove]] in the Salt Flats was one of the first [[Construct Smuggler's Cove in Salt Flats of Sanath|commissioned]] by the Senate just over two years ago. Now though, it is not discovery and understanding that drives them. It is a drive to free those who have been chained by the hateful Druj. A chance to give freedom to those who have known no other life but toil under the thrall of the orcs of the Mallum. There is no hope for stealth with an armada this large. Instead, a burning brazier is lit on the prow of a ship to signal the advance, and the first boats touch the shores of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]].

It is a wretched place. Its wealth is evident, and if the goal of this voyage was to gain wealth, the myriad streets would present easy pickings. Instead, the corsairs and the kohan seek out the worst places, where those who have never been able to conceive of their own freedom languish in the filth passed down by their masters. Here they find lost Imperials, lost Axou, and those who have never had a true home. Whose families were born into this life - if it can be called that - for generations. These are the ones who take the most convincing; those who were once Imperials explain it quickly. The ills they have suffered, the horrors heaped upon them, have been blamed on the Empire.

It is perhaps lucky that the garrisons of [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#The_Witness|the Witness]], the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Beacon_of_Iskrid|Beacon]], and the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Spires_of_Rarckan|Spires]] are occupied with [[Thorn_and_bone#An_Old_Story|ensuring]] that the Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake do not reenter the Salt Flats. The presence of the Freeborn can hardly be hidden, but the extra time does give them the chance to rescue thousands from their fate.

There is fighting, disparate and deadly, in the city. Crooked snickets and alleyways allow for the Druj who remained behind to launch ambush after ambush on the Freeborn. It is the sheer weight of numbers that allows the Imperials to escape with so many. Some unlucky few fall in the retreat, but far fewer than the Druj who would try to stop them.

====Aftermath====
The armada stops once again at Kantor and Issyk, this time to discharge those who were once Axou. Ships take on necessary supplies before casting off and returning again to the Empire. At this point, there is no need for an element of surprise - nor is there much chance of being caught unaware. The Grendel are busy, and enough Imperial ships are travelling together that even the fleeing children of wrecks keep a wide berth.

Eventually, the ships arrive back in western Bay of Catazar and begin to dock at Oran and [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. Some go further afield, where their rescued former Imperials warrant it, to [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]], [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]], and [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Now, the work truly begins. Those who were once Imperial will find their way back to their nations or find another. Those who have never known anything else, though, will take time and patience to help.

Each one of them accepted the offer to flee the Druj, to be given the chance to claim their freedom. But if you have lived your whole life underground, the wide sky can be daunting.

====Game Information====
* '''The raid on Leen has been an overwhelming success'''
* '''Thousands of slaves have been freed from the yoke of the Druj'''
* '''At least a thousand of them have never been Imperial or Axou and are being cared for by charitable families across the Brass Coast'''
* '''The civil service cannot offer any guidance on these people before the Summer Solstice'''
[[Push_for_victory#See_That_We_Fight|The raid on Leen]] was supported by eighty fleet captains.

===Road to Nowhere (The Barrens)===
* '''The roads of the Barrens opportunity could be refreshed at any time'''
* '''The civil service require guidance from the Dawnish Assembly on how to proceed'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Roads_of_the_Barrens|reappraisal]] of roads in [[the Barrens]]. Originally [[Road_out_of_nowhere#The_Barrens|suggested]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 385YE, the roads were part of a larger appraisal into the impact and opportunities to link the unconnected citizens of the southern, northern, and eastern territories of the Empire with new road networks.

When the Master of the Mint examines the proposal, it is clear that there are issues. To be effective, the roads need to fan out across the territory, but thus far the Dawnish have been somewhat reluctant to claim their prize. Mindful of the recent tensions, they have largely avoided settling the Barrens. Do the Dawnish now want to create roads ''into'' the Forest of Peytaht? They have the right, but would the Great Forest Orcs welcome them?

Do they want to create roads into the Untrod Groves and the Bleaks - regions that the notoriously secretive Karass claim as their own? The Karass loathe the presence of the Navarr wayhouse in "their" lands. Again, the Empire has the legal right to create these roads, but are the benefits worth the aggravation it may bring?

The Empire ''don't'' have the legal right to build the roads through Bitter Strand - they ceded the entire region to the Rahvin. It is part of the Barrens, so they could physically build there, but they would either need the permission of the Rahvin or find a way to force the issue. Is it worth the risk given the Rahvin are widely rumoured to be raising their own army?

The plans for the roads can be updated quickly and efficiently, but until the civil service know where the Dawnish want the roads to run it is impossible to complete them. What is clear is that the benefits provided will be significantly curtailed, if the only occupants of the Barrens they serve are the Dawnish. Even if the roads avoid just one of the three groups of inhabitants it will have an impact, reducing the benefits of the roads.

As it was the Dawnish Assembly that originally encouraged the Dawnish to refrain from settling the Barrens, they are looking to them for guidance now. They civil service will take notice of any statement of principle in the Assembly that references the Barrens and offers advice on how the appraisal should proceed. If multiple judgements are submitted which appear to conflict, they will pay most heed to the judgements that achieve the greatest majority.

Next season they will strive to present a finalised appraisal of the roads that takes account of the judgements of the Assembly. The work is in progress now, so it can wait if needed. If the Assembly pass a statement of principle calling for a delay until they have had chance to negotiate with the affected groups, then the plan will go on hold. It will then resume automatically once the Assembly provide all the guidance they want and indicate that the roads can now progress.

If the Assembly says nothing - or if the Master of the Mint uses their power to press the issue by raising this matter again this season, then the civil service will present plans for a set of roads that go straight through the Bleaks, the Bitter Strand and the Heart of Paytaht next season, but they advise that that is could generate considerable hostility and the Empire won't know about it until the roads are complete.

===Unchosen===
* '''Magistrate Abraham has issued a public apology to the pre-eminent Winter Magician, Claudia Varkulova Remislav, for any suggestion of impropriety'''

Last season the [[Civil Service]] took the step of [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Idolatry|issuing guidance]] regarding the various different proscriptions that were passed by the General Assembly. While advising all citizens that it was now illegal to accept a title or position from an Eternal patron, Magistrate Abraham and his colleagues appear to have given the inappropriate and clearly incorrect impression that Claudia Varkulova Remislav, one of the Empire's leading experts of Winter magic and loyal servant of the Empire, was continuing an idolatrous relationship with the eternal [[Tharim]].

Magistrate Abraham wishes to apologise unreservedly for this error of judgement. He acknowledges that the master magician has terminated her agreement with the ''Bound King'' and that there is not now, nor has there ever been, any evidence that she acted with any impropriety nor broke the law on idolatry. He recognises her years of deep service to the Empire and the Conclave and apologises for any damage to her reputation caused by his injudicious language.

===A Sudden Threat (Reikos)===
* '''A band of Grendel are moving to assassinate Professor Gelberg and his team'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing the assassination'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Days before the Summer Solstice, alarming news reaches Anvil. A small party of [[Grendel]] [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Wave_Riders|Wave Riders]] have been spotted in southern Reikos, having apparently travelled undercover along almost the entire length of the Couros. Posing as Unshackled from [[Mareave]], they kept weapons and armour out of sight and stayed away from major population centres. Only at the last minute have they abandoned the pretence and taken up arms. If it were not for a Vigilant cataphract catching sight of them while out for a morning run, it is possible that they could have worked their will without the chance of intervention from Imperial heroes. Had the construction of the [[Construct_Haros_Riverpatrol|Haros Riverpatrol]] been completed then they would doubtless have stopped this from happening, but it is too late for that now.

Fortunately, warning was given and the target quickly identified: Professor Gelberg and his party of researchers. While it is uncertain why the Grendel would wish to target a Commonwealth academic, he is the only target nearby. The professor and his team have fled into a derelict chapterhouse where they are laying low, but the Grendel are combing the countryside with speed and efficiency, and will find him soon if they are not stopped. Oddly, the raiding party seems to be accompanied by either a high-lineage [[cambion]] or a herald of the Autumn realm, who is not visibly armed but seems to be playing some sort of advisory role.

If they are not stopped the Grendel will kill Professor Gelberg, damaging relations between the Empire and the Commonwealth. As the last [[Patron of the Beurteilung]], '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' is responsible for organising Professor Gelberg's defence. A conjunction has been identified that would allow the heroes of the Empire to intercept the Grendel assassins and save Professor Gelberg's life.

<box>'''OOC Note:''' We have held the appraisal of the River Couros back a season because we want to continue to work on the ideas to develop them further. Given the scale of investment in the appraisal, we wanted to make sure we were happy with what the final work involving the professor offered. We apologise for the delay, but no matter what happens, his results will be published for the next event. We had always planned an encounter involving Professor Gelberg, so we've used that as the IC justification for the delay.</box>

===Tourney for Summer===
* '''The grand tourney for the Knight-protector of Summer will take place at the Anvil Arena'''
* '''The election of Senator for Weirwater will take place in the Glory Square after the tourney'''
The [[Dawn egregore|Knight of Roses]] has made a request of the civil service following the tourney for [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] last summit. Rather than taking space in the Glory Square, this season the tourney to elect the Knight-protector of Summer will take place in the Anvil Arena to allow for more space and more people to be able to watch. The tourney will take place at the same time - 14:00 on Saturday - and the subsequent election will happen once the egregores have arrived back in the camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</table>

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

Beneath a moonless sky

2026-07-22T20:06:37Z

Wrenna:

<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">
Rainfall hid the sky behind its tears, but Fainomaiken was resolved not to be deterred.

The Breath of Winter had revealed the face of his skein and still he was not afraid.

Immanoviel waited for him beyond the waters of Nutjuitoq, where the ice is a stranger to the sun.
</quote>
==Overview==
The hylje, the strange shapeshifting seal-folk of the northern lakes have historically kept to themselves. Only in the decade of the Empire's resurgence, have the [[Suaq]] people re-affirmed their bonds to their ancient cousins. The hylje have given aid and received aid in return, especially during the invasion of Sermersuaq and in its aftermath. Despite a somewhat ill-fated expedition to bring the Way to them which [[Among the hylje|ended in tragedy]], much has been learnt about these people and their way of life. They are of the world, but their nature is as different to human and orc as human and orc are to each other: nevertheless, they are clear that they consider the Suaq close kin, and the [[Steinr]] and [[Kallavesa]] good friends at the very least.

The [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] for many years has been Raal Dunn, and he has ably served to keep relationships between the Winterfolk and the hylje-folk on an even keel. It seems that those efforts have, now, born a new fruit. Koskinen, the son of one of the Palliko, the leaders of the hylje, has made contact at the Hyljehal. He delivers a message for all of Wintermark. It seems that the hylje were deeply affected and troubled by the Cult of the Falconer's recent activities. To celebrate the victory over this foe, and the many years of good relations besides, the Palliko have decided to hold a festival next season, marking the Autumn Equinox.

The hylje's lives are governed by such seasonal festivals, which they call ''waystones of time'', and apparently they are times of great celebration and transition. Koskinen himself it seems is to be married, and crowned as one of the Palliko himself, and many others besides are to reach new stages in the journey of their lives. None outside the hylje have ever attended such a festival, but in the name of friendship, Koskinen has insisted that the friends of the hylje be permitted to attend. At the Autumn Equinox, there is a conjunction that will allow up to fifty members of Wintermark attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing at the Equinox. He says that he is clear that this means the Steinr and the Kallavesa as well - they may not be family, but they are friends, and besides they are wedded to their cousins the Suaq and that is quite ''like'' being family, anyway.

There are three matters that Koskinen would like his friends to be aware of; matters to discuss and prepare for ''before'' the meeting next season.

==With Sermersuaq's cunning==
* '''If a smuggler's cove is constructed in Tromsa, a voyage, ''Sail into the Cold'', will be available to fleet-captains of Wintermark'''
* '''The voyage would allow them to discover more about the mysterious orcs of Fjorknae'''

Firstly, Koskinen brings unwelcome tidings. The orcs of Fjorknae have been [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|paid handsomely by the Lasambrians]] using the plundered gold of Meade, and sent a large warband to aid the Lasambrians in the season just gone. Koskinen believes that there is a serious possibility that the warband will remain. Worse yet, it is possible that the island dwellers could send a [[navy]]. Certainly, Koskinen believes, there is a heightened risk of piracy going forward for those sailing the Sea of Snow.

Little is known of the orcs of Fjorknae. There are no records remaining of them warring with the Empire. They are Jotun, or at least they give fealty to the Jarl of Jarls - though to ''which'' Jarl of Jarls nobody is clear. Koskinen is clear that they also consider the orcs of Fjorknae a great threat. Apparently, in times gone by, they have enjoyed a close relationship with the hylje's mysterious and violent cousins, the akhlut...

If the smuggler's cove once built in Tromsa could be re-established then as well as allowing the usual gathering of military intelligence in Tromsa, there would a new [[opportunity]]. Guided by the hylje, it would also allow the fleets of Wintermark to undertake a new scouting voyage '''Sail into the Cold'''. If enough fleets were committed to this voyage, then the Empire would be gain a better understanding of who the orcs of Fjorknae are, whom they serve, and some idea of the scale of threat they pose. Thereafter, the voyage would becoming a raiding voyage, '''Raid into the Cold''', representing a campaign of active raiding on the settlements of these orcs.

==In Semersuaq's memory==
* '''Koskinen has asked for performances which tell stories of the heroes of Wintermark'''
* '''These can be stories of heroes still living, or those long gone'''
* '''In return, the hylje will share their own stories, including what they know of the legendary Sermersuaq herself, and what they know of the Rusalka of the east'''
Secondly, the most welcome matter. The hylje know only a little of the heroes of Wintermark. They know most about the Suaq, but even there they are more familiar with the peoples than with the heroes. They themselves do not recognise heroism in quite the same way as the people of Wintermark, but they appreciate tales of it greatly.

Koskinen asks the [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] find a group of Wintermarkers who wish to perform a Wintermark story, something that is important to the people of the Mark. If the Mediator arranges to fill out the group with those who will most enjoy watching the two performances, regardless of their tradition, that would be most welcome.

Apparently, when the hylje tell stories, it is more common for it to be played out as a drama with many players. Koskinen claims that this is an [[dramaturgy|essentially magical act]] and one filled with great potency. He recognises that it is perhaps different from the usual scop's tradition to perform a collective act of storytelling in this manner - but he is sure there must be some among in Wintermark who could rise to the challenge. He says that it would be especially welcome for a magical element to be included in the performance - just so long as the magic does ''not'' create any auras that might affect the hylje.

In return, the hylje will in turn demonstrate their art of storytelling and the power of the instruments of narrative. The place at which the Festival will take place is a strong regio of the realm of Autumn. With their cousin's permission, the hylje intend to perform a ritual of Autumnal magic, enchanting Semersuaq in the spirit of the Festival of Autumn's Easing. As part of that performance, they will tell the story of the legendary Semersuaq as they understand it. Afterwards, Koskinen's bride, Aino, would be delighted to talk of other topics that might be of interest to the assembled, such as the Rusalka of the east, which apparently the Mediator has inquired about.

==As Semersuaq strode==
* '''The hylje may be prepared to assist the people of Wintermark in their great quest to master Tsirku'''
* '''With three measures of stardust, the hylje could assist with the exploration of the region containing Nutjuitoq'''
* '''The hylje could offer more help if Skyfall Waste and the Icewood in Tromsa were held by the Empire'''

Finally, Koskinen notes wryly that his people have noticed that Nutjuitoq, the lake north of Semersuaq, has been awfully busy of late. It seems the expedition this past season has not gone unnoticed! He is excited for the Ambition and Courage the Winterfolk have shown! The prospect of a concerted effort to explore the northern wastes is one he ''greatly'' encourages. After all, Semersuaq herself rode out from Sydanjaa, did she not? So it is only natural, in his view, that her children now return.

He says that the hylje know only a little of Tsirku themselves. They know it mainly through its southernmost lakes, Nutjuitoq and Karnakadatha. Still, their seal-forms do not mind the cold too much, which helps a great deal. However, the Northern Lights are perilous to the hylje - so they generally do not tarry long there. But if that could be dealt with, Koskinen believes that the Palliko can be persuaded to offer their aid in the exploration of Tsirku.

He says that the coming Festival of Autumn's Easing is the appropriate place for the Mediator of the Hyljehal to make such a request of the gathered leaders. If the Mediator could provide three measures of ''stardust'', a refined form of ilium, which some master artisans know how to make, then the hylje it can be used by the hylje to fortify their own natures against sky-madness. The hylje are not themselves skilled artisans, but Koskinen believes there exist smiths of Hanhmark who know the subtle art.

If the Mediator can provide the Palliko with enough stardust, then the hylje can aid the expedition into Tsirku. They are most able to assist with the exploration with the region which contains the great lake of Nutjuitoq, once scouting efforts reach it. This will reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about that region by a fifth. This hylje will provide aid to scouts who wish to cross Nutjuitoq itself from the Suaq Wastes rather than venturing north-west from Suaq Fount.

In theory they could ''also'' provide aid exploring the region which contains the great lake of Karnakadatha, but that would require the Empire to seize control of Skyfall Waste in Tromsa from the Jotun. If the Empire did that, then it would reduce the thresholds needed to gather information about both regions by two fifths. Moreover, if the Empire held Skyfall Waste and the Icewood, and maintained control of the Suaq Wastes and the Fount, then they would definitively control access to the southern lakes of Tsirku. This would allow the hylje great freedom to move between the two. It's hard to say what benefit this would provide, but it would mean the hylje were well-placed to address challenges that might arise during the exploration.

388YE Summer Solstice winds of war

2026-07-22T17:42:03Z

Wrenna: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Overseer Challenged.webp|align=left|caption=Those who sit highest have the furthest to fall|width=2000}}</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 [[388YE_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.

</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Madruga]] || [[Phantasms and foam]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Mithril and rope]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Thorn and bone]]
|-
| [[Forest of Ulnak]] ||[[Who can you trust?]]
|-
|}
</table>
==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[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><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</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><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>''Fens of Varreth'', Turan Flats</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[:File:Harvester_of_Graves.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak]]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>''Fetid Heart'', Ghul'thak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>[[:File:Claim_the_Prize.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>''Ruins of Sinat'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Sunday</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[:File:Salt_and_Stone.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 16
|-
| Dawn || 67
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 26
|-
| Marches || 26
|-
| Navarr || 59
|-
| Urizen || 13
|-
| Varushka || 18
|-
| Wintermark || 65
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''162''' and at most '''166''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''158''' and at most '''162''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

* '''The Forest of Ulnak opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters, with options for playing winter husks'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

Winter husks have no special requirements and can be represented by basic costume, armour, and weapons (but not thrown or ranged weapons). This could be added to with costume from any Imperial nation that has recently fought in Sarangrave. Using rags and tattered fabric can also enhance the look. Please do not wear any form of undead or zombie mask, as we are aiming to portray the recently dead soliders of Imperial armies, not long decaying or rotting corpses.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
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 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]]
|-
| 18:35 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]]
|-
| 18:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']]
|-
| 19:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields|| [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]]
|-
| 19:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]]
|-
| 20:45 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]]
|-
| 21:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 21:05 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]]
|-
| 21:15 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 14:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]]
|-
| 15:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]]
|-
| 15:50 || 20 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]]
|-
| 16:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]]|| [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]]
|-
| 17:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]]|| [[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]]
|-
| 17:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]]
|-
| 18:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End|| '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]]
|-
| 18:15 || 12 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]]
|-
| 20:15 || 35 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]]|| Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]]
|-
| 20:30 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 20:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]]
|-
| 21:00 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 21:15 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 70 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]]
|-
| 21:40 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]]
|-
| 23:00 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]]
|-
| 23:05 || 40 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav''' || [[LINK|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]]
|}

===A Vow (The Barrens)===
* '''A Druj het is threatening the settlements of Dawnguard'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of Dawnguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger'''''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The Druj thrive on bringing fear and destruction, especially to those who least expect it. As the days grow longer, a band of Druj burst from Brocéliande. A malicious het ''Prilak Gutdredger'', who led their band into the lush forests, has made a bargain with heralds of the [[Surut|Burning Steward]]. Heralds of Surut will accompany the Druj as they burn Dawnguard, and the heralds will claim the ashes as their prize. The pact is between the heralds and the het; killing the het will end the agreement.

The incumbent [[Knight of Dawnguard]], '''Caladain de Renard''', is responsible for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger''. If the het survives, they will attack Dawnguard and withdraw, reducing the [[Reeve of Drycastle|Reeve of Drycastle's]] income by 10 crowns a season until it can be repaired. If the het is killed, then a band of knights-errant, the "The Deepest Vintage", who have been training in Dawnguard, will swear their banner to whomever the Knight of Dawnguard nominates, upgrading their starting [[military unit]] to level three.

===A Call to Stand (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Surut heralds are being accompanied by a band of Druj out of the Barrens'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight-protector of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Servants of the Burnt'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Shortly before the summit, a cowled and caped figure visits the Castle of Thorns with a request. The figure introduces itself as the Sublime Enchantrix, a herald of the [[Skathe|Hag Queen]], who has a <s>demand</s> request for the Knight-protector of Winter. Not all the Druj in the Barrens are working to kill Imperials; some of them are attempting to escort their allies out of the territory so that they can kill Imperials later. The ''Servants of the Burnt'', soldiers of the [[Surut|Charred Prince]], are being accompanied by a band of Druj in [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]].

The [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]], '''Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose''', is charged by the Sublime Enchantrix, with the authority of the Queen of the Wasteland, to kill the Servants of the Burnt before they can escape the Barrens. If they are defeated, then the Dread-Queen will provide a boon to '''Lady Aletheia''' before the Autumn Equinox. If they manage to escape, however, then Skathe will do what she can to see Lady Aletheia cursed.

===After the Taint (Therunin)===
* '''One of the Druj's miasma pillars has been located'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Information gleaned from the seers rescued during the battle at ''Mantifent's Bier'' has revealed the location of a miasma pillar the Druj have recently raised in eastern Therunin. If the pillar remains in place in [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]], then the area will come under the pall of the miasma, stymying any advance Imperial forces wish to make in a future liberation of the region. The threat of the pillar can be resolved through several means: the Day ritual [[Chimes of Annulment]] will break its power, the Winter ritual [[Dreadful Ending]] would destroy the physical form that anchors the miasma, whilst a powerful consecration of strength 15 would remove the aura of dread that spreads out across the area.

'''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', as the [[Field Marshal]] at Mantifent's Bier, is tasked with dealing with the miasma pillar and the Druj forces that protect it. Destroying the pillar will prevent its miasma forming in the Lower Tarn Valley.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[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. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|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.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn 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]]
* '''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.
** Any 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]]
* '''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">
*'''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>

388YE Summer Solstice winds of war

2026-07-22T17:41:33Z

Wrenna: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Overseer Challenged.webp|align=left|caption=Those who sit highest have the furthest to fall|width=2000}}</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 [[388YE_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.

</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Madruga]] || [[Phantasms and foam]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Mithril and rope]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Thorn and bone]]
|-
| [[Forest of Ulnak]] ||[[Who can you trust?]]
|-
|}
</table>
==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[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><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</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><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>''Fens of Varreth'', Turan Flats</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[:File:Harvester_of_Graves.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak]]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>''Fetid Heart'', Ghul'thak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>[[:File:Claim_the_Prize.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>''Ruins of Sinat'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Sunday</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[:File:Salt_and_Stone.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 16
|-
| Dawn || 67
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 26
|-
| Marches || 26
|-
| Navarr || 59
|-
| Urizen || 13
|-
| Varushka || 18
|-
| Wintermark || 65
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''162''' and at most '''166''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''158''' and at most '''162''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

* '''The Forest of Ulnak opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters, with options for playing winter husks'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

Winter husks have no special requirements and can be represented by basic costume, armour, and weapons (but not thrown or ranged weapons). This could be added to with costume from any Imperial nation that has recently fought in Sarangrave. Using rags and tattered fabric can also enhance the look. Please do not wear any form of undead or zombie mask, as we are aiming to portray the recently dead soliders of Imperial armies, not long decaying or rotting corpses.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
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 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]]
|-
| 18:35 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]]
|-
| 18:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']]
|-
| 19:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields|| [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]]
|-
| 19:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]]
|-
| 20:45 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]]
|-
| 21:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 21:05 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]]
|-
| 21:15 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 14:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]]
|-
| 15:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]]
|-
| 15:50 || 20 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]]
|-
| 16:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]]|| [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]]
|-
| 17:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]]|| [[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]]
|-
| 17:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]]
|-
| 18:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End|| '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]]
|-
| 18:15 || 12 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]]
|-
| 20:15 || 35 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]]|| Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]]
|-
| 20:30 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 20:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]]
|-
| 21:00 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 21:15 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 70 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]]
|-
| 21:40 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]]
|-
| 23:00 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]]
|-
| 23:05 || 40 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav''' || [[LINK|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]]
|}

===A Vow (The Barrens)===
* '''A Druj het is threatening the settlements of Dawnguard'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of Dawnguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger'''''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The Druj thrive on bringing fear and destruction, especially to those who least expect it. As the days grow longer, a band of Druj burst from Brocéliande. A malicious het ''Prilak Gutdredger'', who led their band into the lush forests, has made a bargain with heralds of the [[Surut|Burning Steward]]. Heralds of Surut will accompany the Druj as they burn Dawnguard, and the heralds will claim the ashes as their prize. The pact is between the heralds and the het; killing the het will end the agreement.

The incumbent [[Knight of Dawnguard]], '''Caladain de Renard''', is responsible for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger''. If the het survives, they will attack Dawnguard and withdraw, reducing the [[Reeve of Drycastle|Reeve of Drycastle's]] income by 10 crowns a season until it can be repaired. If the het is killed, then a band of knights-errant, the "The Deepest Vintage", who have been training in Dawnguard, will swear their banner to whomever the Knight of Dawnguard nominates, upgrading their starting [[military unit]] to level three.

===A Call to Stand (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Surut heralds are being accompanied by a band of Druj out of the Barrens'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight-protector of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Servants of the Burnt'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Shortly before the summit, a cowled and caped figure visits the Castle of Thorns with a request. The figure introduces itself as the Sublime Enchantrix, a herald of the [[Skathe|Hag Queen]], who has a <s>demand</s> request for the Knight-protector of Winter. Not all the Druj in the Barrens are working to kill Imperials; some of them are attempting to escort their allies out of the territory so that they can kill Imperials later. The ''Servants of the Burnt'', soldiers of the [[Surut|Charred Prince]], are being accompanied by a band of Druj in [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]].

The [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]], '''Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose''', is charged by the Sublime Enchantrix, with the authority of the Queen of the Wasteland, to kill the Servants of the Burnt before they can escape the Barrens. If they are defeated, then the Dread-Queen will provide a boon to '''Lady Aletheia''' before the Autumn Equinox. If they manage to escape, however, then Skathe will do what she can to see Lady Aletheia cursed.

===After the Taint (Therunin)===
* '''One of the Druj's miasma pillars has been located'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Information gleaned from the seers rescued during the battle at ''Mantifent's Bier'' has revealed the location of a miasma pillar the Druj have recently raised in eastern Therunin. If the pillar remains in place in [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]], then the area will come under the pall of the miasma, stymying any advance Imperial forces wish to make in a future liberation of the region. The threat of the pillar can be resolved through several means: the Day ritual [[Chimes of Annulment]] will break its power, the Winter ritual [[Dreadful Ending]] would destroy the physical form that anchors the miasma, whilst a powerful consecration of strength 15 would remove the aura of dread that spreads out across the area.

'''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', as the [[Field Marshal]] at Mantifent's Bier, is tasked with dealing with the miasma pillar and the Druj forces that protect it. Destroying the pillar will prevent its miasma forming in the Lower Tarn Valley.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[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. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|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.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn 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]]
* '''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.
** Any 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]]
* '''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">
*'''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>

388YE Summer Solstice winds of war

2026-07-22T17:40:57Z

Wrenna: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Overseer Challenged.webp|align=left|caption=Those who sit highest have the furthest to fall|width=2000}}</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 [[388YE_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.

</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Madruga]] || [[Phantasms and foam]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Mithril and rope]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Thorn and bone]]
|-
| [[Forest of Ulnak]] ||[[Who can you trust?]]
|-
|}
</table>
==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[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><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</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><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>''Fens of Varreth'', Turan Flats</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[:File:Harvester_of_Graves.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak]]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>''Fetid Heart'', Ghul'thak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>[[:File:Claim_the_Prize.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>''Ruins of Sinat'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Sunday</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[:File:Salt_and_Stone.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 16
|-
| Dawn || 67
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 26
|-
| Marches || 26
|-
| Navarr || 59
|-
| Urizen || 13
|-
| Varushka || 18
|-
| Wintermark || 65
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''162''' and at most '''166''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''158''' and at most '''162''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

* '''The Forest of Ulnak opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters, with options for playing winter husks'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

Winter husks have no special requirements and can be represented by basic costume, armour, and weapons (but not thrown or ranged weapons). This could be added to with costume from any Imperial nation that has recently fought in Sarangrave. Using rags and tattered fabric can also enhance the look. Please do not wear any form of undead or zombie mask, as we are aiming to portray the recently dead soliders of Imperial armies, not long decaying or rotting corpses.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
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 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]]
|-
| 18:35 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]]
|-
| 18:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']]
|-
| 19:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields|| [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]]
|-
| 19:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]]
|-
| 20:45 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]]
|-
| 21:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 21:05 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]]
|-
| 21:15 || 15 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 14:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]]
|-
| 15:45 || 18 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]]
|-
| 15:50 || 20 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]]
|-
| 16:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]]|| [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]]
|-
| 17:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]]|| [[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]]
|-
| 17:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]]
|-
| 18:00 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End|| '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]]
|-
| 18:15 || 12 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]]
|-
| 20:15 || 35 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]]|| Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]]
|-
| 20:30 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 20:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]]
|-
| 21:00 || 75 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 21:15 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]]
|-
| 21:25 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 70 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[LINK|Drive the vallorn from the regio]]
|-
| 21:40 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[LINK|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]]
|-
| 23:00 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]]
|-
| 23:05 || 40 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav''' || [[LINK|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]]
|}

===A Vow (The Barrens)===
* '''A Druj het is threatening the settlements of Dawnguard'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of Dawnguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger'''''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The Druj thrive on bringing fear and destruction, especially to those who least expect it. As the days grow longer, a band of Druj burst from Brocéliande. A malicious het ''Prilak Gutdredger'', who led their band into the lush forests, has made a bargain with heralds of the [[Surut|Burning Steward]]. Heralds of Surut will accompany the Druj as they burn Dawnguard, and the heralds will claim the ashes as their prize. The pact is between the heralds and the het; killing the het will end the agreement.

The incumbent [[Knight of Dawnguard]], '''Caladain de Renard''', is responsible for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger''. If the het survives, they will attack Dawnguard and withdraw, reducing the [[Reeve of Drycastle|Reeve of Drycastle's]] income by 10 crowns a season until it can be repaired. If the het is killed, then a band of knights-errant, the "The Deepest Vintage", who have been training in Dawnguard, will swear their banner to whomever the Knight of Dawnguard nominates, upgrading their starting [[military unit]] to level three.

===A Call to Stand (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Surut heralds are being accompanied by a band of Druj out of the Barrens'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight-protector of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Servants of the Burnt'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Shortly before the summit, a cowled and caped figure visits the Castle of Thorns with a request. The figure introduces itself as the Sublime Enchantrix, a herald of the [[Skathe|Hag Queen]], who has a <s>demand</s> request for the Knight-protector of Winter. Not all the Druj in the Barrens are working to kill Imperials; some of them are attempting to escort their allies out of the territory so that they can kill Imperials later. The ''Servants of the Burnt'', soldiers of the [[Surut|Charred Prince]], are being accompanied by a band of Druj in [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]].

The [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]], '''Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose''', is charged by the Sublime Enchantrix, with the authority of the Queen of the Wasteland, to kill the Servants of the Burnt before they can escape the Barrens. If they are defeated, then the Dread-Queen will provide a boon to '''Lady Aletheia''' before the Autumn Equinox. If they manage to escape, however, then Skathe will do what she can to see Lady Aletheia cursed.

===After the Taint (Therunin)===
* '''One of the Druj's miasma pillars has been located'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Information gleaned from the seers rescued during the battle at ''Mantifent's Bier'' has revealed the location of a miasma pillar the Druj have recently raised in eastern Therunin. If the pillar remains in place in [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]], then the area will come under the pall of the miasma, stymying any advance Imperial forces wish to make in a future liberation of the region. The threat of the pillar can be resolved through several means: the Day ritual [[Chimes of Annulment]] will break its power, the Winter ritual [[Dreadful Ending]] would destroy the physical form that anchors the miasma, whilst a powerful consecration of strength 15 would remove the aura of dread that spreads out across the area.

'''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', as the [[Field Marshal]] at Mantifent's Bier, is tasked with dealing with the miasma pillar and the Druj forces that protect it. Destroying the pillar will prevent its miasma forming in the Lower Tarn Valley.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[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. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|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.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn 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]]
* '''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.
** Any 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]]
* '''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">
*'''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>

Urizeni Experiment

2026-07-22T17:37:08Z

Wrenna: /* Nesustak Forest */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{KaelaGift}}

{{Vallornmiasma}}

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

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

{{SOPInner|statement=The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.|by=Solas of the Waxing Sun, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} 234-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

</div>
* '''Halyx Fire-Eyes claims to have been injured fighting the vallorn'''
* '''Halyx and Agoska have indicated that they will attend Anvil for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''They have asked for confirmation that a servant of their ally - Irra Harrah - may attend with them'''
* '''Agoska has asked the Conclave to disseminate the Dreadful Ending ritual so that the rebels can destroy the miasma pillar in the Nesustak Forest'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urizeni Experiment

2026-07-22T17:36:47Z

Wrenna: /* Nesustak Forest */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{KaelaGift}}

{{Vallornmiasma}}

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

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

{{SOPInner|statement=The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.|by=Solas of the Waxing Sun, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} 234-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

</div>
* '''Halyx Fire-Eyes claims to have been injured fighting the vallorn'''
* '''Halyx and Agoska have indicated that they will attend Anvil for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''They have asked for confirmation that a servant of their ally - Irra Harrah - may attend with them'''
* '''Agoska has asked the Conclave to disseminate the Dreadful Ending ritual so that the rebels can destroy the miasma pillar in the Nesustak Forest'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urizeni Experiment

2026-07-22T17:36:22Z

Wrenna: /* Nesustak Forest */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{KaelaGift}}

{{Vallornmiasma}}

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

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

{{SOPInner|statement=The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.|by=Solas of the Waxing Sun, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} 234-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

</div>
* '''Halyx Fire-Eyes claims to have been injured fighting the vallorn'''
* '''Halyx and Agoska have indicated that they will attend Anvil for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''They have asked for confirmation that a servant of their ally - Irra Harrah - may attend with them'''
* '''Agoska has asked the Conclave to disseminate the Dreadful Ending ritual so that the rebels can destroy the miasma pillar in the Nesustak Forest'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urizeni Experiment

2026-07-22T17:35:27Z

Wrenna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{KaelaGift}}

{{Vallornmiasma}}

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

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

{{SOPInner|statement=The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.|by=Solas of the Waxing Sun, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} 234-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

</div>
* '''Halyx Fire-Eyes claims to have been injured fighting the vallorn'''
* '''Halyx and Agoska have indicated that they will attend Anvil for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''They have asked for confirmation that a servant of their ally - Irra Harrah - may attend with them'''
* '''Agoska has asked the Conclave to disseminate the Dreadful Ending ritual so that the rebels can destroy the miasma pillar in the Nesustak Forest'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The keys of blood

2026-07-22T11:42:24Z

Wrenna: /* It is a Diamond (Sinokenon) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marginalia in London, British Library, Harley MS 2433, fol. 82r.png|align=right|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
__TOC__
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 [[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 '''[[Ambassadors of death]]''' wind of fortune, while {{TBC}} deals with magic of an astronomantic, mortal, or mysterious provenance.

==Autumn==
===An Unexpected Ally (Basileia)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=City of Locks.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''A Grendel mercenary company are threatening the Grove of Wittal'''
* '''The Grendel leader wishes to defect but can't do it openly'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Grimnir of Wittal Grove'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the Grendel and potentially rescue the Iontach'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Organising and funding Grendel mercenary groups is a challenging market. With the chaotic presence of the wreckers, naval superiority in the Bay of Catazar isn’t a given for fledgling mercenary companies. Enterprising mercenary paymasters have, in recent years and with encouragement from their [[Asavea|allies]], started to probe other waters for opportunity. The Gullet passes from the Sea of Snow past Jotun shores to the very heart of Kallavesa. One ship has managed to avoid the monsters of the Sea of Snow, the ships of the Fjorknae, and the Winterfolk and Marcher fleets to land close in [[Kallavesa#Wittal_Grove|Wittal Grove]]. Now, they march on Wittal itself, intent to raid the Healing House of Wittal Grove. However, Iontach ''Meddool Miniog'' has something even more audacious planned.

A representative of the Matchmaker's Forum, of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] travelled to Anvil with a message just a week before the Summer Solstice. It appears that Iontach ''Miniog'' wishes to defect, referencing a cousin living in luxury in Apulian. They have arranged for their mercenary band to accompany them into Kallavesa under the understanding that they are going to raid the Healing House of Wittal Grove. From discussion with the herald, [[League_Egregore|Guise]] believes they would certainly be able to accept the oath of Meddool; if Meddool is able to be rescued they will be able to join the League.

The herald of the City of Locks, therefore, offers the following contract to '''Theowold Vakarsson''', the Grimnir of Wittal Grove:

Escort the Iontach to Anvil a free orc. In exchange, the Iontach will provide a sum of six thrones after the summit.<br>
The mercenary company should be defeated to ease the rescue of Meddool, but the company's continued survival is not a factor.<br>
Failure to secure the Iontach will see the mercenaries go ahead with raiding the Healing House, preventing the [[great work]] from providing herbs until after the Autumn Equinox 388YE.
<div style="float: left; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Prospero001a.png|width=300px}}</div>
===Arratan Surety (Estavus)===
<div {{float}}><table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Arratan Surety'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Enterio, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 250 thrones in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases white granite production of Arratan Gamble by five wains a season
* Increases upkeep of Arratan Gamble by three thrones a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Architect of Hammers has used their power to assess the Arratan Gamble'''
* '''The Architects of Iron and Stone have investigated and uncovered an opportunity to quarry the largest vein from the other side'''
The Architects of Iron and Stone were incredibly excited to receive their first assignment from the [[Architect of Hammers]]. The newly elected '''Edmundo of Damakan's forge''' wasted no time in setting them to work in assessing the [[Arratan Gamble]] in Enterio, [[Tassato]]. The Arratan Gamble works incredibly well, but there is always room for improvement! ''Architect Noether'' calculates that with the amount of wains that have already been quarried, there is enough in the ground for at least another two hundred years! ''Noether'' presents a plan for a small quarrying outpost, nothing too fancy, on the other side of the largest vein that will allow workers to come at it from the two best angles.

The "''Arratan Surety''", a mirthful jest at the name of the quarry, would increase the amount of white granite produced by the Bourse seat by five wains a season. It would have substantial initial costs, and the extra workers and gangers would see the upkeep increased by three thrones a season.

==Day==

===It is a Diamond (Sinokenon)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SinokenonArt.jpg|width=300px}}</div>
* '''A disparate group are travelling to Anvil to speak to the Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch and possibly others'''
* '''They do not want to speak to the Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path'''
* '''The group aims to arrive just after six on Friday'''
Last summit, the Eternal [[Sinokenon]] declared that it was [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#The_Turning_of_the_Wheel_(Sinokenon)|engaging in an initiative]] to reach out to the foundation-stones of the Empire, to gauge receptiveness to Sinokenon's ideals and to send its ministers to attempt to combat what it believed to be misunderstandings as to the intentions and nature of the Turning Mirror. They duly arrived, bring with them pamphlets and small gifts for those they met.

Since the Spring Equinox, its heralds have been engaged in a similar campaign in many places across the Empire. While Diamondmind only enjoys [[alignment|neutrality]] - and hence does not have the unfettered access to the Empire enjoyed by those eternals who have the [[Conclave|Conclave's]] amity - there are many Day regios in the Empire to which its heralds have access, and no small number of individuals happy to assist them in their work. After all - Sinokenon has been on at worst distant and at times even somewhat gregarious terms with the Empire since its foundation! They are particularly prevalent in [[Urizen]], Varushka, and in the [[Skarsind|northernmost territory of the Unshackled]].

The greatest number of Apex Hyperion's heralds are seen across the spires of Urizen. The mountain nation is a particular favourite of That Which Lives In Its Name. It sees their pursuit of a perfect world as most pleasing, and approves of their structured, ordered way of life. The illuminates of [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] have often enjoyed its favour - reportedly, the people of [[Tsark]], just a short distance across the mountain range, enjoy similar attentions.

In [[Varushka]], it has long been known as Silver Sovereign - a name that befits its status, perhaps, as a powerful and potentially dangerous supernatural entity, but one that can be bargained with. There are a number of vales, especially in the hills of [[Karov#Wieliczka|Wieliczka]], where Singular Point is sometimes consulted on matters of rulership. It has often expressed an approval of the vale as a unit of societal structure, because of the way the rule of boyars is born from strength but cannot rest on tyranny. A vale is a communal decision by a community to live in a place of order, separating themselves from the wilds.

It has looked with favour on the Imperial Orcs since their nation was formally founded. While the Way of Hierarchy is famously not one to deal with societies in the process of revolutionary change or great reform (and thus somewhat turned its face from the Empire during the years of the orc rebellion), it was in favour of the nascent nation once it was formally founded. Again, the ordered nature of legion life is something Tomorrow And Tomorrow greatly approves of and which it wishes to see prosper. The Unshackled also represent the Empire forgoing what it sees as the "irrationality" of forced slavery, though this is a somewhat abstruse and philosophical perspective which not every Imperial Orc is willing to hear. In recent years, apparently, it has also attempted to build a relationship with some of the Tamazi who dwell in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]] - a relationship founded on a mutual dislike of the Axou.

Anyone who has spent time in the Empire in the past season, especially in these three nations or in any other part of the Empire where structure and order are prized, may choose to have met one of the heralds of Sinokenon. They will invariably have been polite and friendly, distributing copies of a curious pamphlet entitled [[:File:Sinokenon_and_You.pdf|Sinokenon and You]]. Any difficult questions on any topic will have been waved away - the heralds will have been clear that they are there primarily as messengers, and to learn.

It seems that they have indeed learned something - and it is not to their liking. As the Summer Solstice draws near, rumours begin to spread - in part carried by the heralds of Friend Of All - that the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]] nurses a strong animosity to Sinokenon. The eternal grows concerned they are planning to bring the enmity of the Conclave down upon Sinokenon.

Whether this is true or not is hard to say. It is clear, however, that it causes the heralds some distress. They are not alone, however - for the Argent Mantra is not without mortal supporters - allies the eternal has patiently cultivated over the years. Representatives from the [[illuminate|illuminates]] of [[Zenith]], the vales of Wieliczka, and the [[Tamazi]] of Gildenheim are seen making their way to Anvil. Apparently they intend to arrive as soon as they can - perhaps a little after the sixth hour of the evening on the Friday - and intend to lobby to ensure that their relationship with That Which Lies Above All is not disrupted.

They particularly want to speak to the Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch]], who apparently they are assuming will naturally take their side in this matter, but are happy to speak to any grandmaster ''except'' that of the Sevenfold Path, who, if rumour is indeed to believed, has made up her mind already. They will have just a few hours until the Conclave begins, and the truth (or otherwise) of these rumours are known.

===Eclectic Eye (Kimus)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''Kimus has announced that with the help of Imperial citizens, it has completed a means to safely scry upon the actions of Cold Sun.'''
* '''It informs the Conclave that it shall use this tool, the ''Corlucis'', to provide information on what it perceives.'''
Robed in purest white, its garb edged in [[weltsilver|weltsilver thread]], a [[Kimus#Viziers|Vizier]] of [[Kimus|''the Thousand Eyes of Sun and Moon'']] unfolds at the entrance to the Hall of Worlds like the opening of an eye. Those who are subjected to its stare feel the force of its ruby-coloured gaze as it communicates with language both scant yet heavily freighted with meaning. It explains that through the prescient sacrifice of ''The Circle of Enduring Wisdom'' and incisive action of those Imperial heroes that braved the dangers of [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Staring_at_the_Sun_(Kimus)|''Terminus Sol'']] the '''''Corlucis''''' has been assembled. This arcane tool now permits ''She Who Watches'' to scrutinise and observe the poisoned light of the regio, to understand it and through understanding gain foresight over the machinations of [[Cold Sun|Cold Sun]], the entity that poisoned it.

At this last pronouncement, the herald almost appears to express something other than scholarly focus. Whether it is a satisfied twitch of its lips or a slight pursing before it continues, it soon resumes its lecture. As was agreed, the Corlucis shall also be used to provide the [[Conclave|Conclave]] forewarning on the actions of Cold Sun. While at present, ''the Celestial Eye'' might only discern the largest of motions within the light it sees that in time that it will achieve a greater degree of acuity in its peering. The herald falls silent with the final assertion that the Empire has opened a new eye towards the future. With a final, appraising glance about the chamber, the herald is gone in a blink of light.

===Silence in the Library (Phaleron)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Phaleron002.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''An attendant of Phaleron will be arriving at 18:00 on Saturday to hand an arcane projection to ''Fiorente Vicente d'Apulian'''''
* '''They request the presence of the Archmage of Day, the Emissary to the Celestial Library, and/or a Grandmaster'''
The Conclave has [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Phaleron_and_Phoebus_Al-Pulpi|made their decision]] regarding [[Flames_and_the_dark#The_Dying_Night|what to do]] about the [[Redoubt#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tilphussian Reach]] following its ruin at the hands of the Grendel. A deal offered and accepted, the [[Phaleron|Archives of Silence]] are bound to fulfil their part of the bargain; provision of the Arcane Projection to Entreat with Al-Pulpi to the raising magician.

This does not mean at all that the ''Coral Library'' does not have some concerns. Given recent revelations to the Conclave, it is rather worried about handing over this very special bit of magic to someone with the surname "Vicente". The [[Whisper_Gallery|Whisper Gallery]] are the natural enemy of the ''Celestial Library'', as they are of all thinking beings. In any case, while Phaleron is definitely going to hand it over, a herald has shown up to the [[civil service]] to ask if the [[Archmage of Day]], [[Emissary to the Celestial Library]] and/or a [[Grandmaster]] might consider being present to the trade off to make sure that everything is done "in the light".

The attendant in charge of the projection is scheduled to arrive in the Hall of Worlds to hand it off to '''Fiorente Vicente d'Apulian''' at 18:00 on Saturday of the Summer Solstice.

==Night==
===Fire, Fury, and Flame (Janon)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon002b.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''Janon has been placed under enmity by the conclave'''
* '''Janon seems to be enthused by this change in the Empire's passions'''
* '''Armed bands of heralds have entered Ossium and Sarangrave and are promising to curse both territories unless they are stopped'''

''The Shadowed Flame'' is a mercurial being at the best of times. Embodying fire and passion in all things, zie cares little for the difference between love and hate. As such, conclave's declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] has not had the chastening effect on him that might have been hoped for. As spring shades into summer, small bands of armed heralds march across the borders of [[Ossium]] and [[Sarangrave]]. Both of them begin spreading the message to any people that they can find. ''Tinder-of-Anarchy'', who is well pleased with her new titles, is overjoyed that it gets to experience the Empire's rage and hatred. Less than a year ago ''Blasphemy's Matchmaker'' asked to be brought tales of [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#Affection_and_Animosity_(Janon)|beloved rivals]], those who are implacably set against one another yet who are bonded closer than any friends might be. Hopefully the Empire will embrace this new relationship just as much as Janon has.

Thus, the heralds issue their challenges. The ones they have called out will bring forces to fight against them, or else to celebrate with them, or perhaps both. They shall match blades and hearts in the eternal contest of passion. Then, if the heralds are alive at the end of it, they will go to the nearest Night regio and immolate themselves. Once that it done, Janon's power will be invoked and the territory will be place under a "blessing", bringing the "blessing" of [[Unfettered Anarchy]] to those who dwell there.

Scouts indicate that these heralds, despite being lightly armoured, seem to be possessed of immense reserves of [[Heroic_skills|heroic spirit]], and that some among them seem to be capable of inflicting Unfettered Anarchy on people with as much ease as any [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle mage]] delivering a spell of their own.

====Fire The Forests (Ossium)====
* '''A group of Janon heralds are threatening to curse on Ossium'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Shadowed Torchbearer'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing the curse'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

Upon marching over the border from the [[Forest of Ulnak]], the heralds made their reasons for choosing this place perfectly clear. Ossium is the home territory of the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], the one who conclave selected to promote passion within the Empire and to stand between them and ''the Muse of Fire''. Let Vellenka Vanyanova come to face them, and show where her passions truly lie! Soldiers from the resupplying Gryphon's Pride attempt to catch the heralds and finish the matter quickly, but the heralds run fast and do not allow themselves to be caught. They will be faced by the one of their choosing, or they will not be caught at all.

Grudgingly accepting that the best thing they can do is inform the proper authorities, the scouts of the Gryphon's Pride pass on that the heralds keep returning to the Burned Glade in Echofell. It is the responsibility of '''Vellenka Vanyanova''', the Shadowed Torchbearer, to resolve the situation before any harm can be caused. If the heralds cannot be stopped, they will curse Ossium with one of Janon's "blessings" that promotes violent emotions run amok.

====Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)====
* '''A group of Janon heralds are threatening to curse on Sarangrave'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing the curse'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The path to Sarangrave is considerably shorter for the heralds of ''Whirling Chaos'', as they emerge from a regio over the border in [[Axos]], where the enmity of the [[Conclave]] has no effect. Once in Imperial territory, they begin to call out the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]]. Elegabla brought this declaration against ''the Voice of Zorech'', and they are overjoyed to witness the passion of the Urizeni. "Come fight us, sword scholar," they cry, "as your loathed founder once fought the Highborn!" Nobody bothers trying to explain to them that the sword scholars have splintered. It does not seem likely that they would listen.

The heralds have taken the field around Slow Worm's Hill in Kroll. It is the responsibility of '''Elagabala''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path, to prevent any explosions of undirected passion. If the heralds cannot be stopped, they will curse Sarangrave with one of Janon's "blessings" that promotes violent emotions run amok.

==Spring==

===Do Some Harm (Arhallogen)===
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''There is an opportunity to kill a significant number of Grendel'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for poisoning the Grendel'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Last season, the eternal [[Arhallogen]] made a [[Key_of_dreams#Sharp_Fangs_Behind_The_Leaves_(Spring)|series of offers]] to the Imperial Conclave in order to help them avoid, in its eyes, a steep decline into disaster. To the great surprise of the ''Centipede General'', it was none other than the [[Silver Chalice]] who accepted its offer of a boon to kill a significant number of [[Grendel]], if they were willing to put the nefarious [[Ossegrahn]] under Enmity. Perhaps, says the ''Envenomed Blade'', they misunderstood the [[Silver Chalice]]. To value ones own lives and the lives of ones allies by ruthlessly killing those who would threaten them is indeed a philosophy she can align herself with. When one commits to ''"Ensure that Conclave is reminded of the value of life, and that it makes decisions with that value in mind"'', perhaps this means understanding the value in taking life from their foes? Yes, yes, this will do indeed.

The ''Maw-of-Spikes'' has located an encampment of the marines from the Grendel navy, the Golden Winds, based downstream from a potent Spring regio that provides it with unnaturally clear water. Such places were rare in [[Mareave]] until recently, and it is no surprise that the orcs of the Broken Shore would set up a camp there to take advantage of it. The ''Shadow Blade'' has a simple offer for the Silver Chalice; all they have to do is curse someone with [[Curse of Gangrenous Flesh]] where the ritualists have [[Regio#Using_Regio|drawn]] on the regio and invoke three of Arhallogen's names. This will corrupt the regio and poison the supply of the Grendel Encampment. While they will eventually realise and move on, they will take five hundred casualties before the source of their woes is identified. The regio is not untended, but to sweeten the deal, ''Many Move as One'' will send her heralds to neutralise them before the Grandmaster or her representatives arrive.

The conjunction to the Golden Wind's encampment will be at 15:45 on Saturday, and the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], '''Fausta Ankarien''', will be responsible for ultimately poisoning the Grendel.

File:Sinokenon and You.pdf

2026-07-22T11:19:00Z

Wrenna: Wrenna uploaded a new version of File:Sinokenon and You.pdf

== Summary ==
Original work by Wrenna Robson

Agramant

2026-07-21T20:05:42Z

Wrenna:

{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Agramant - or sometimes ''the'' Agramant - goes by a number of names. It is usually identified as male, and is commonly called ''The Howler'' or ''The Hunter in the Wastes''. He's also known as ''Wendigo'' in some places.

Agramant is also known as the ''Devourer of the Fallen'', and ''The Voice of the Pines''. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Suaq]] call him ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' and the [[Kallavesi]] call him ''The Dream of Famine''. In some old [[Varushka|Varushkan]] tales he is referred to as ''The Whisperer'' or ''The Wastewalker''; these stories focus on the belief that he tries to encourage the hungry and the lost to atrocious acts in the name of survival, or how he lures the greedy to acts of self-debasement and madness until they finally snap and become literal or figurative monsters.

In [[Highguard]] the [[Magister|magisters]] call him ''The Abominable One'' and many count him the worst of the [[eternal|eternals]]. In [[The Brass Coast]] and parts of [[Dawn]] he is sometimes called ''The Horned Manticore'', and there are several stories that suggest the [[Legendary beasts#Sphinxes and Manticores|beasts of the same name]] are his children. In [[The Marches]] he is often mentioned as ''The Harvester of Graves'' or more colloquially ''Old Bloody Teeth'', while the lower classes in [[the League]] sometimes call him ''Scrandaddy'' and only partly in jest. The superstitious spit when they mention him by any of his epithets - there are old stories that suggest that food eaten or drink drunk will cause a stomach upset while you still have the same saliva in your mouth that spoke his name.

Agramant has his own preferred names, of course. He often refers to himself by sobriquets like ''Friend of the Forgotten'', the ''Good Knight'', and similar. It's rare for mortals to use such a name, and ever rarer for it to bode well when they do.

The [[Sumaah Republic]] simply call him ''Traitor'', but think him part of [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]].

==Appearance==
Agramant is sometimes depicted as a massive, hairy monster with razor-sharp claws and wide, staring eyes. He is usually shown possessing a massive mouth of shark-like teeth, and is generally pale in colour and spattered with blood. In some cases he appears as a brutish and thuggish [[Orc|orc]] wielding a club made from the legbone of a great beast.

[[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]], [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl|enchanters]] and [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] who have experience of dealing with Agramant claim that his most common form is that of a sturdy [[draughir]]-like being wrapped in flayed hides, usually those of a bear or stag, still dripping with blood and gore. He often wears the head of a great beast as a helmet, or crown. They say that his razor-sharp teeth and tearing-claws are quite real, however.

Agramant is almost always encountered alone.

Agramant has claimed numerous times to be the source of the [[draughir]] although there is absolutely no evidence of this claim. Those dealing with Agramant would do well to remember that he ''lies'' and he lies ''often''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|title="Voice of the Pines". Artist Unknown. An enigmatic part of the House of Leaves collection.|caption=Agramant recruits bloodthirsty cults from among the desperate and the wicked.|align=right|width=400}}

==Concerns==
Agramant teaches that ultimately everyone is alone. That survival is all that matters - another breath is the only truly precious thing in creation. His twisted philosophy appears to include ideas such as the expendability of all those who are weak, and the need for the strong to prey on and devour the weak. He expresses the idea that only those with the will to power are truly aware of their place in the cosmos, and that those bound by rules, laws and the expectations of society or concern for others are little more than sheep, who deserve to be slaughtered by those with superior souls.

This eternal, like [[Sorin]], is associated with hunger, but for Agramant it is the hunger that leads to unnatural acts of murder and cannibalism. He is the only Winter eternal who seems to actively approve of wanton acts and the consumption of the flesh of other thinking creatures for its own sake, rather than as a desperate act brought on by circumstance. He is known to use heralds and gifts to actively encourage cults and bands of murderers to perform cannibalistic feasts in his name, and in the name of proving their own superiority over the herd.

Agramant has been considered an [[Alignment#Enmity|enemy]] of the Empire by the Conclave for most of its existence. Occasionally, the enmity is relaxed and then a short time later inevitably reinstated as evidence is uncovered of the eternals involvement in some form of unacceptable threat to, or corruption of, Imperial citizens. At the time of [[Empress Britta|Britta]]'s death, Agramant was the only eternal considered to be an enemy of the Empire, due to an [[Alignment#Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] in 306YE following exposure of his involvement in no less than three cannibalistic cults dedicated to blasphemy, idolatry, and heresy. The declaration was brought by the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov|volhov]] Beloslava Velkovitch.

The [[Agramant's Bargain]] is a magical staff. The term also means a bargain where both parties are weakened or harmed, but one of the parties is capable of enduring or mastering the pain or debilitation to the detriment of the other party.

Some thoughtful scholars suggest that Agramant is not entirely what he appears to be. There is wisdom in him, they claim. All he does is point out to his followers that they ''could'' do unspeakable things - he never coerces them. He encourages them to become monsters, but they could just as easily choose to ignore his inducements. Agramant, they say, drives his cults until they self-destruct, demonstrating the foolishness of his professed philosophy and reminding others that there are monsters in their midst who look ''just like they do''. Agramant himself laughs at this, apparently, and changes the subject.

In Winter 385YE, the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] shared some of their understanding of Agramant and his followers which talked in some detail about the [[Hear_your_footsteps#On_The_Cults_of_Agramant|cults of Agramant]] in the Empire.

==Boons==
Agramant offers strength to those who undertake his ''Unspeakable Feast'' - usually a ritual involving the consumption of the fresh meat of a thinking being such as a human or [[Orc|orc]]. He is also believed to be especially keen to encourage the [[draughir]] to embrace their facility to gain sustenance from rotten flesh. He may provide powers associated with physical weakness, most often through the evocation of his terrible howl - the same howl that can send mortals stumbling away in terror.

He is also said to be a consummate hunter; that he can hunt not only in the Winter realm, but can somehow hunt in the dreams of others, finding anyone who has ever known hunger or desperation. Agramant can deliver or empower many curses, and by hunting in the dreams of an enemy he can drive them slowly insane, twisting them until they turn against their neighbours attacking and slaughtering without warning; such unfortunates often believe that they have transformed into bloodthirsty beasts, free of the constraints their human scruples place on them.

He rarely uses his powers or grants them as boons unless he receives some sort of tribute in return - usually a savage murder or act of cannibalism.

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

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Treacher's Quill]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Sends a message to the eternal Agramant</td><td>Winter</td><td>2</td>
<tr><td>[[Mark of Agramant]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Places an enduring magical mark on a target that can only be detected with detect magic</td><td>Winter</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[The Crimson Feast]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Target gains three ranks of endurance for a season.</td><td>Winter</td><td>15</td>
<tr><td>[[Unleash the Beasts Within]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Grants an additional three ranks to a military unit that takes a campaigning action.</td><td>Winter</td><td>16</td>
<tr><td>[[Thirst of the Devourer]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Grants a target the ability to heal themselves when they successfully deliver an IMPALE</td><td>Winter</td><td>24</td>
<tr><td>[[Loosen the Shackles]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Summons the power of Agramant to enchant a campaign army, granting murderous hunger.</td><td>Winter</td><td>120</td>
</table>

==Childer of the Black Drop==
In 344YE or thereabouts, a cabal of magicians from [[the League]] calling themselves the ''Childer of the Black Drop'', apparently inspired by the (possibly fictional) character ''Esconius of Highguard'' set out to learn everything they could about the hateful [[eternal]] [[Agramant]].They committed themselves to collecting every scrap of lore they could find about the eternal, apparently hoping to find some kind of weakness that could be exploited to protect the Empire completely from his depredations. At first, they were involved in numerous attempts to stamp out groups that drew on the boons of Agramant. For example. a recent investigation by the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] brought to light their [[Hear_your_footsteps#The_Silent_Bell_and_a_Silent_Bell|potential involvement]] in destroying the ''Circle of the Stones'', a [[coven]] of [[the Marches|Marcher]] magicians who were allegedly agents of Agramant.

According to dusty records, all thirteen members of the cabal were - perhaps inevitably - declared [[Sorcery|sorcerers]] by the Imperial Conclave in Summer 354YE. In pursuit of their quest they had apparently used magic in very unwise ways - mastering rituals that drew on the power of ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' to "better understand his dark temptations". They were unrepentant, and eight of their members were killed in the resulting fracas including ''Paulus Magen di Sarvos'' and ''Davina Inquilina di Tassato Regario''. Five of them - ''Johann Perivale von Sarvos'', ''Wilhelm Ecaso di Temeschwar'', ''Padik Tarvin of Tassato Mestra'', ''Tomazi duPain de Holberg'', and ''Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra'' - were unaccounted for. They were assumed to have fled the Empire.

In Summer 384YE, the bodies of four of them were [[Out_of_the_realm#Through_the_Black_Gate|unexpectedly discovered]] in a cottage in the [[Temeschwar#Vardstein_Vale|Vardstein Vale]] by scouts exploring the area around [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]]. They had been dead for at least a month, perhaps longer, and as near as could be ascertained Johann had been poisoned with the [[The_Assassin%27s_Gate#The_Crimson_Gate|Crimson Gate]]. Tomazi duPain had fallen out of a window, and hanged by his own splendid cloak. Padik Tarvin was discovered with five vicious daggers embedded in his back, but with no sign of a struggle. Wilhelm was found at the dinner table, a half-full glass of Dawnish wine still in one hand, with no sign of how he died - his body transformed to stone through use of [[Mark the Flesh Incorruptible]], concealing the cause of death. There were place settings for five, but only four bodies. A mystery that has baffled the magistrates. Even more mysterious is the presence in the cottage of a large trunk, inlaid with weltsilver runes of [[Aesh]], [[Sular]], and [[Ophis]]. The trunk itself was empty. Of Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra there was no sign; nor was there any sign of the Childer of the Black Drop's library (assuming it still existed).

Three days before the Autumn Equinox, a ritual [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Gift_of_Lore|suddenly appeared]] in [[Urizen magical traditions#Urizen lore|Urizen lore]]. [[Treacher's Quill]] was apparently part of a grimoire called the ''Ceremonies of the Black Drop Society''. Three months later, a further five rituals from that book - [[The Crimson Feast]], [[Loosen the Shackles]], [[Mark of Agramant]], [[Thirst of the Devourer]], and [[Unleash the Beasts Within]] - also entered Urizen lore.

Apparently the attendants of the [[Phaleron|Great Library]] are deeply uncomfortable with these rituals and their presence among Urizen lore, more due to their illegal nature than any sentimental concerns about their origin. They were apparently all submitted at the same time as Treacher's Quill, but Phaleron itself intervened to delay their appearance in lore while it pondered how best to respond. In the end it decided to do the only thing it could: present the rituals to the Urizen as part of their lore as agreed when Urizen lore was created. The Celestial Library does not enjoy causing trouble for its Urizeni allies, but the [[Gift of Knowledge]] is available to every Imperial citizen; it cannot pick and choose who can contribute rituals via the ritual. If it is any consolation, there appear to be no further rituals waiting to enter Urizen lore relating to the Black Drop.

Around the same time that the rituals appeared, news spread that the body of ''Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra'' had been found in a parador in [[Kahraman#Jade Range|the Jade Range]] "The Gecko's Nest". She had been killed during the Autumn Equinox during or immediately after a meeting with three strangers - none of them Freeborn. The night barman was present for part of the meeting but did not hear what was discussed; Jodeya dismissed him and when he returned half an hour later she was dead. He reports that the visitors were a mixed assortment - a Marcher, a Navarr, and an Urizeni, although the barman believes the Marcher left before he did. It seems the killers came via the [[Sentinel Gate]] from Anvil and left the same way. The death was reported to the magistrates at Anvil who dealt with it accordingly.

It was hoped that with the death of Jodeya, that would be the last anyone will hear of the Childer of the Black Drop; and that no more baleful rituals from their grimoire will appear to trouble the Empire. Unfortunately, a Spring 386YE [[judgement]] in the Vigilance Assembly by '''Prince Bishop Jonah Yakovitch''' has [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_90|raised concerns]] that one of the members presumed dead - ''Davina Inquilina di Tassato Regario'' - may have in fact survived the initial purge and remains a threat to the League, and the Empire.

==Further Reading==
* [[The life of Penni the White]] - Discussion of one of the more famous historical individuals known to have made deals with Agramant.
* [[Famine_and_feast#Founder_of_the_Feast|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Hear your footsteps]] - 385YE Winter detailing the followers of Agramant
<quote by="''Beware the Agramant'', Valshok Juerdann">Beware the Agramant, my child, <br>
When the moon is fat and the sky is clear;<br>
<br>
Beware his grinning maw and gentle voice, <br>
His joysome tales of warm, red meats.<br>
<br>
Beware the Agramant, my child, <br>
When the wind is cold and home not near;<br>
<br>
Beware his grasping claw and whisper'd choice'<br>
His gleesome talk of soft, dark treats.<br>
<br>
Beware the Agramant, my child<br>
When the moon is fat and the sky is clear.<br></quote>

[[Category:Eternals]]

Myth makers

2026-07-21T19:06:51Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Thule]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example. There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the [[Feroz#Morajasse|Protectorate of Morajasse]].

While some of these orc nations have [[ambassador|ambassadors]] appointed to speak with them on behalf of the Empire. in many cases diplomacy is handled by the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]]. The [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], is in an ideal position to provide advice when needed. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the [[Great Forest Orcs]] consider the Navarr to be their close allies (in which regard, one might take a look at the [[All I ask of you]] wind of fortune which relates to that sept this season).
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=Many of the Protectorate orcs are fromer Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While [[Feroz]] has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. The Senate has recognised the orcs of the Protectorate of Morajasse as foreigners, distinct from the Grendel. From there they protect not only the borders of Morajasse, but also the borders of Feroz. They have shown themselves more than willing to fight both the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|Children of Wrecks]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] if it [[Each age a lens#The Protectorate of Morajasse|comes to it]].

The Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognises]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The newly styled ''Ehsan, Lord of Sand'' rules from the city. They work to mould the place into a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. As discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. How much influence the Sarcophan have is unclear but it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Grendel, Imperial, or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves, their warships, and their economic sanctions.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard.jpeg|caption='''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Ambassador to Beoraidh|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Trade Winds===
* '''A meeting between representatives of Beoraidh and Skoura took place with the aid of the Imperial civil service'''
* '''The meeting went reasonably well
* '''As per his promise, Ehsan has arranged a meeting with a representative of the Brine Turtles for the Summer Solstice

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

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

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

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

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

As it is, the protection of Sarcophan means that both of their neighbours will need to think very carefully about whether they want to risk the anger of the great power. The price is well worth the protection, but the Lord of Sand does thank the Ambassador for telling him that foolish lips are dubbing the City-State a "protectorate" of Sarcophan. Just because it is basically ''true'' is no reason to say it out loud, after all.
==Jotun==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=350}}
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation led by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kalsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale'') are under Jotun control, and their recent invasion of [[Mitwold]] has [[Pride in the Marches#Mitwold_Triumph|only just ended]].

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
===The Unity Of Deed And Word===
* '''The shrine to the Way on Gull Isle has been completed'''
* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate provides the opportunity to enact the consecration of the shrine'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''Erlend is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for assembling a party to carry out the ceremony'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

388YE Summer Solstice winds of war

2026-07-21T16:17:43Z

Wrenna: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Overseer Challenged.webp|align=left|caption=Those who sit highest have the furthest to fall|width=2000}}</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 [[388YE_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.

</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Madruga]] || [[Phantasms and foam]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Mithril and rope]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Thorn and bone]]
|-
| [[Forest of Ulnak]] ||[[Who can you trust?]]
|-
|}
</table>
==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[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><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</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><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>''Fens of Varreth'', Turan Flats</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[:File:Harvester_of_Graves.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak]]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>''Fetid Heart'', Ghul'thak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>[[:File:Claim_the_Prize.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>''Ruins of Sinat'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Sunday</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[:File:Salt_and_Stone.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 16
|-
| Dawn || 67
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 26
|-
| Marches || 26
|-
| Navarr || 59
|-
| Urizen || 13
|-
| Varushka || 18
|-
| Wintermark || 65
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''162''' and at most '''166''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''158''' and at most '''162''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

* '''The Forest of Ulnak opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters, with options for playing winter husks'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

Winter husks have no special requirements and can be represented by basic costume, armour, and weapons (but not thrown or ranged weapons). This could be added to with costume from any Imperial nation that has recently fought in Sarangrave. Using rags and tattered fabric can also enhance the look. Please do not wear any form of undead or zombie mask, as we are aiming to portray the recently dead soliders of Imperial armies, not long decaying or rotting corpses.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
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]] || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]]
|-
| 18:35 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields|| [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[LINK|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]]
|-
| 19:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]]
|-
| 20:05 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[LINK|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]]
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[LINK|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[LINK|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[LINK|Recover the treasure]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]]
|-
| 15:50 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[LINK|Poison the Grendel]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]]|| [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]]|| [[LINK|Intercept the mercenaries pay]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[LINK|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End|| '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]]
|-
| 18:15 || 12 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[LINK|Consecrate the Meeting Place]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[LINK|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]]
|-
| 20:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[LINK|Drive the vallorn from the regio]]
|-
| 21:40 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[LINK|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]]
|-
| 23:00 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[LINK|Investigate the Hungry Earth]]
|-
| 23:05 || 40 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav''' || [[LINK|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]]
|}

===A Vow (The Barrens)===
* '''A Druj het is threatening the settlements of Dawnguard'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of Dawnguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger'''''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The Druj thrive on bringing fear and destruction, especially to those who least expect it. As the days grow longer, a band of Druj burst from Brocéliande. A malicious het ''Prilak Gutdredger'', who led their band into the lush forests, has made a bargain with heralds of the [[Surut|Burning Steward]]. Heralds of Surut will accompany the Druj as they burn Dawnguard, and the heralds will claim the ashes as their prize. The pact is between the heralds and the het; killing the het will end the agreement.

The incumbent [[Knight of Dawnguard]], '''Caladain de Renard''', is responsible for killing ''Prilak Gutdredger''. If the het survives, they will attack Dawnguard and withdraw, reducing the [[Reeve of Drycastle|Reeve of Drycastle's]] income by 10 crowns a season until it can be repaired. If the het is killed, then a band of knights-errant, the "The Deepest Vintage", who have been training in Dawnguard, will swear their banner to whomever the Knight of Dawnguard nominates, upgrading their starting [[military unit]] to level three.

===A Call to Stand (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Surut heralds are being accompanied by a band of Druj out of the Barrens'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight-protector of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Servants of the Burnt'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Shortly before the summit, a cowled and caped figure visits the Castle of Thorns with a request. The figure introduces itself as the Sublime Enchantrix, a herald of the [[Skathe|Hag Queen]], who has a <s>demand</s> request for the Knight-protector of Winter. Not all the Druj in the Barrens are working to kill Imperials; some of them are attempting to escort their allies out of the territory so that they can kill Imperials later. The ''Servants of the Burnt'', soldiers of the [[Surut|Charred Prince]], are being accompanied by a band of Druj in [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]].

The [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]], '''Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose''', is charged by the Sublime Enchantrix, with the authority of the Queen of the Wasteland, to kill the Servants of the Burnt before they can escape the Barrens. If they are defeated, then the Dread-Queen will provide a boon to '''Lady Aletheia''' before the Autumn Equinox. If they manage to escape, however, then Skathe will do what she can to see Lady Aletheia cursed.

===After the Taint (Therunin)===
* '''One of the Druj's miasma pillars has been located'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Information gleaned from the seers rescued during the battle at ''Mantifent's Bier'' has revealed the location of a miasma pillar the Druj have recently raised in eastern Therunin. If the pillar remains in place in [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]], then the area will come under the pall of the miasma, stymying any advance Imperial forces wish to make in a future liberation of the region. The threat of the pillar can be resolved through several means: the Day ritual [[Chimes of Annulment]] will break its power, the Winter ritual [[Dreadful Ending]] would destroy the physical form that anchors the miasma, whilst a powerful consecration of strength 15 would remove the aura of dread that spreads out across the area.

'''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', as the [[Field Marshal]] at Mantifent's Bier, is tasked with dealing with the miasma pillar and the Druj forces that protect it. Destroying the pillar will prevent its miasma forming in the Lower Tarn Valley.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[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. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|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.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn 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]]
* '''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.
** Any 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]]
* '''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">
*'''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>

388YE Summer Solstice winds of war

2026-07-21T13:28:40Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Overseer Challenged.webp|align=left|caption=Those who sit highest have the furthest to fall|width=2000}}</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 [[388YE_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.

</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Madruga]] || [[Phantasms and foam]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Mithril and rope]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Thorn and bone]]
|-
| [[Forest of Ulnak]] ||[[Who can you trust?]]
|-
|}
</table>
==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[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><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</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><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>''Fens of Varreth'', Turan Flats</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>{{TBC}}</td><td>[[:File:|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak]]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>''Fetid Heart'', Ghul'Thak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Either day</td><td>{{Who can you trust?}}</td><td>[[:File:|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>''Ruins of Sinat'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Sunday</td><td>{{TBC}}</td><td>[[:File:|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>


===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

* '''The Forest of Ulnak opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters, with options for playing winter husks'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

Winter husks have no special requirements and can be represented by basic costume, armour, and weapons (but not thrown or ranged weapons). This could be added to with costume from any Imperial nation that has recently fought in Sarangrave. Using rags and tattered fabric can also enhance the look. Please do not wear any form of undead or zombie mask, as we are aiming to portray the recently dead soliders of Imperial armies, not long decaying or rotting corpses.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
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]] || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[LINK|Destroy the heralds of Surut]]
|-
| 18:35 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields|| [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[LINK|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]]
|-
| 19:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[LINK|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]]
|-
| 20:05 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[LINK|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]]
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[LINK|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[LINK|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[LINK|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[LINK|Recover the treasure]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[LINK|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[LINK|Spill the waters of Siakha]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]]
|-
| 15:50 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[LINK|Poison the Grendel]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]]|| [[LINK|Kill the heralds of Siakha]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]]|| [[LINK|Intercept the mercenaries pay]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[LINK|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End|| [[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]] || [[LINK|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]]
|-
| 18:15 || 12 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[LINK|Consecrate the Meeting Place]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[LINK|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]]
|-
| 20:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[LINK|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[LINK|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[LINK|Cast the permanent ward]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[LINK|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[LINK|Drive the vallorn from the regio]]
|-
| 21:40 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[LINK|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]]
|-
| 23:00 || 5 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[LINK|Investigate the Hungry Earth]]
|-
| 23:05 || 40 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav''' || [[LINK|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[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. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|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.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn 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]]
* '''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.
** Any 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]]
* '''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">
*'''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 horn blast of victory

2026-07-21T13:10:14Z

Wrenna: Pronoun correction

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>Cousins,

The Manticore was a sovereign - but no king, a mere monster of the twisted woods. He sought to drag Dawn from her siblings, from the warmth of the Imperial hearth.

He looked me in the eye, offered me his hand and said; “We could rule the ashes together.”

There is but one thing to say to monsters.

There is no welcome here.

On field that day shone armour and sword, rod and staff, their numbers untold. Among them we sing the songs of De Rondell, De Coeurderfer, Du Meravon, Griffinsong, De Ordraig. D’Fauntine, Cordraco, Mortere, Castellan, du Beste, the Twisted Rose, de Lagriffe, Fools, Reynauld, Brightwing, Charlatan, Lysander, Sepulchre, de Vere, Angleburr, Meliora, de Carsenere, Gildaryn, de Courtenay Wyldrose, de Licorne, de Coeurvelant, Orzel, Tallstag, du Lac, Ganderly, De Maur, du Froste, Summerstrong, de Jeunepen, and all others who stood for me on the list field. You have won your glory. And with it, mine. A horn blast of victory to shake the pillars of the earth.

To my cousins I say, these are not just my champions but yours. Champions of the Empire all. May their heraldry be raised upon the battlements of the Castle of Thorns for all to see and envy, that it may light the fire of Ambition and Courage in all who look upon it. Here are the knights who fought for Dawn’s place in the Empire, here are the knights who fought for you. And to those who cheered and yelled, to the physicks, and to those no longer with us who laid the path for us to walk, your efforts, your words, your memory will not be forgotten.

I also speak to the challengers. The black knights who sought to honour your nation’s tradition in Pride. Whatever your reasons may be, Virtuous and glorious the cause - your duty as challenger is done. You fought well and I commend you. I pledge to always meet the glorious standard you have held me to.

Dawn’s Queens hold a responsibility to their people. An oath that has echoed throughout the centuries, since before the First Empress took breath. An oath that your enemies will fall and your homes will be prosperous. Your nobles will know glory and your yeofolk will know good lives.

The Manticore promised the destruction of Dawn's foes but failed to understand what we already know. That when the Druj lie awake at night in their beds it is me whom they fear. It is our Empire.

I am your Emperor and the Queen of Dawn, and I will fulfil this oath. We will do what the pretender, that would-be-King, never could, because we stand as one Empire, with all ten nations behind us. We are strong because we are inextricable.

A newly affirmed Imperial Dawn has bent the knee. I implore you now, stand, Proud Dawnish. I call you to my side as we defeat our ancient enemy, to pen this final chapter in the story they have told since your predecessors drove the Ulvenkin from Semmerholm.

This war ends with us. The Druj empire will fall. Be my sword and shield, my banner, my gleaming lance, my magician’s art and troubadour’s horn. Shine as only the Dawnish can.

This season I would like to commend:<br>
Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato for his years of exceptional service to the Conclave as Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid.<br>
Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was for his monumental victory in Bloodwater Marsh and ongoing contribution to the Eastern Front.<br>
Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum for his peerless contributions to the Imperial Synod and the pride of lineaged citizens.<br>
Ingrid, Talon of the Mark, Atte Arrowtongue, Iron Osric, Avisena i Kharizmi i Guerra, Eva Siivarsdottir, Velasco i Guerra, Amberlain P Black, Orrick, Stormsteel Skorr, Redhand Frith, Florina i Sol-Devorador i Erigo and Vossk for taking the first successful steps on the path to diplomacy with the Jotun.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.<br>
Emperor Vesna<br>
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder. <br>
Warden Queen of Dawn
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Warden Queen of Dawn.jpg|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
[[The Throne]] has the power to [[The_Throne#Address%20the%20Empire|nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire]] at each summit. [[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]], sending a message to all Imperial citizens.

The civil service ensure the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond. Following their glorious victory and crowning as monarch of Dawn, the people of Dawn are [[The_matter_will_be_done#Victory_and_Defeat|eager to hear]] the words of their new queen. Word has spread far and wide of the extraordinary events of the Spring Equinox, the defeat and downfall of the manticore of the Untrod Groves and the grand force of black knights that took the field that day to fight for Dawn's glory.

Troubadours will sing of these events for a hundred years. People are hungry to hear more, so when the words of the Empress of the Hearth are carried to the Dawnish they take the message to their heart. It helps that she speaks to the longing the Dawnish have for finally ending the threat of the [[Druj]] once and for all. The glorious victory of the nobles who fought for the Queen of Dawn has stoked the [[Pride]] of the nation; now they are ready to fight her and finally bring about the end of the Druj.

==Charge!==
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Call of the Queen.jpg|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''All Dawnish armies can take the ''triumphant charge'' order for the next year against the Druj'''
* '''No Dawnish armies can take the ''steady conquest'' order for the next year against the Druj'''
The call of the new monarch of Dawn is clear: the Druj must be defeated, once and for all. With Ossium, the Barrens, and now Sarangrave wrested from their control, the Mallum is smaller than it has ever been. Even now, the Thule push into the [[Forest of Ulnak]] is supported by Imperial mercenaries. All that remains is the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. A vast territory, where the miasma lies heavy over the land and its people. Where ancient fortifications with elite garrisons rise above the muck and filth of the territory. It is a foreboding land, twisted by centuries of Druj rule. But, as any herald of [[Kaela]] would be quick to point out, ''everything ends''.

The [[Northern Eagle]] has spent the last three months readying the territory, working to isolate [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath|Lower Saarnath]] from the garrisons so that an Imperial beachhead can be claimed with little in the way of resistance. Now, with the victory of Emperor Vesna the Hearthkeeper fresh in their hearts, the soldiers of Dawn are ready to charge into the Druj.

The soldiers of the [[Eastern Sky]], [[Golden Sun]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], and the [[Lions of Adelmar]] have been inspired by the glorious victory of those supporting the new Queen of Dawn. As a result of the epic triumph of Dawn's knights on the field of glory, Dawnish generals can all issue the order to make a [[Army_qualities#Glorious|triumphant charge]] in any region controlled by the Druj - all of the Salt Flats of Sanath; Deathsgate, The Bonewall, Ghul'thak Forest, Gloomsea, Grimfen Mire, and Shifting Basin in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]; and East Ashes, Lower Tarn Valley, Peakedge Song, and Upper Tarn Valley in [[Therunin]] - until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. This order is only available against a region held by the Druj; if a general issues an order for a triumphant charge against another enemy, it will default to a [[Army_orders#Balanced_Attack|balanced attack]].

Unfortunately, this inspiration to bring about the final destruction of the detestable Druj has also had an adverse consequence. Dawnish armies will be unable to take a [[Army_orders#Steady_Conquest|steady conquest]] against a region held by the Druj for the coming year - Dawnish soldiers eager to win glory in the Emperor's name simply cannot be held back this way. Their soldiers will fight normally against other enemies, but if a Dawnish general issues an order for a steady conquest against a Druj region, it will default to an [[Army_orders#Overwhelming_Assault|overwhelming assault]].

Of course, the Dawnish Assembly have made clear that the highest calling of the nation is the [[Love and monsters|fight against the vallorn]]. The idea of fighting two different foes at once is a challenging one, but for some, that only makes it more glorious.

==The Manse==
* '''The manse of the manticore could be given to ''Temperance of the Groves'' or any single Dawnish title'''
* '''It is available to be assigned by a simple majority vote of the Earl's Council at the coming summit'''

The great victory won by the nobles sworn to Empress Vesna has also seen the grand manse of the Earl of the Groves claimed by the Empire. The manor is an ancient pile, a sprawling, moss-clad construction that squats in the clearing at the centre of the woods. There are strong regio nearby, which certain eternals are rumoured to lay claims to - supposedly the same eternals who once held the Earl's favours. The work of the [[knight-protector|knights-protector]] saw these recovered by trials of endurance, strength, wit, and cunning. Those few yeofolk who served under the manticore have remained, tending to the manor and its extensive estate. Alyss Retainer, one of the first to pledge herself to the Earl and a loyal supporter of the vision of Dawn that he espoused, has worked hard over the last year to see that the manor was restored to some semblance of comfort.

It isn't clear, particularly, who ''owns'' this manor. There are rumours that the manticore may have named an heir as he lay dying, one '''Temperance of the Groves'''. Now styling themselves as Earl Temperance of the Groves, they may be the manticore's heir apparent, but Imperial law does not recognise the property rights of monsters. Lacking any definitive owner, the magistrates have determined that the manor is considered to be the property of Dawn. As such, it is for the Earl's Council to vote on what to do with the Manor of the Groves and the estate surrounding it.

There are countless options for the earls to choose from. The manor could be awarded to the [[Senator]] for the Barrens, granting them a prestigious estate in the centre of the territory. The manse is big enough to create luxurious apartments for the Senator and their guests, with rooms to spare for future [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|expansion]].

A [[knight-protector]] could be granted the manor to serve as a place to rest, recuperate, and ready themselves for defending the nation against the inhabitants of the realms. Or a [[general]] could make use of the estate and the accompanying buildings for the planning of grand strategy and the minutiae of warfare. In fact, any single Dawnish title could be granted the rights to dwell in the manse while they hold their position.

The alternative would be for the Earl's Council to recognise a claim by Temperance to be the new Earl of the Groves, by granting them the ownership of the manse. It would be a [[Resource#Campaign_Resource|wealthy estate]] for an earl to take control of, but it may allow the Earl to form a powerful new noble house in the Barrens. It will be a valuable asset for the nation, whoever ends up with it.

Of course, the choice could be made to do nothing with it. To turn away from the tale of the manticore and allow the wilds to reclaim the manse as it did in the long years of the Earl's slumber.

==Oaths==
* '''Empress Vesna's oath of office has been inscribed on the walls of the Forge of Bonds'''
During the Spring Equinox, the Loyalty Assembly voted to uphold a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_50|judgement]] raised by '''Veikko Bondforger''', as the [[Keeper of Oaths]], that made note of the oath given by Empress Vesna. The oath has been engraved on the high walls of the [[Keeper_of_Oaths#Forge_of_Bonds|Forge of Bonds]].

<quote by="Oath of Office of Emperor Vesna">
I vow to stand side-by-side with my subjects and uphold what it means to be Imperial. I will recognise the virtue in struggle, service, and in hard choices made for the good of all. I will honour our oaths and treaties, act with virtue to all peoples, and extend the hand of friendship to those who would walk beside us. I will offer the hospitality of the hearth to the vulnerable, the disillusioned, and those who turn from us, and ensure that there is a place for all within the Empire. I vow to stand steadfast in the pursuit of strengthening this Empire, to place the needs of the Empire before my own, and to act with Courage, Wisdom, and Loyalty in all things so long as I am Emperor.
</quote>

Oaths are [[Winter_magic#Oaths_and_Wards|a powerful magic]], especially significant oaths that are sworn in front of witnesses. Misfortune and curses often follow those who break a solemn oath. Few understand this [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|better than the Varushkans]], so the Emperor will know the consequences of their action. It is a lengthy list, which is a danger in itself, but experienced magicians point out one element in particular. The oath not to break any treaties is one that could easily come back to haunt the Throne, and perhaps the whole Empire, if it were broken.

==Don't cry for me==
The death of the so-called "Earl" of the Groves has raised spirits across Dawn. Those who were outraged that this monster claimed to be Dawnish are delighted to see it get a fitting end, while those appalled by its monstrous nature are relieved it is dead. Even some of the manticore's followers are pleased by the glorious end to the story. Yet there is always a twist in the tail...

The manticore's sting is said to have possessed a dreadful quality - it sapped the living spirit from those affected by it, until all that was mortal in them died and their bodies became merely instruments of the manticore's will. Those poor unfortunates who fell victim in this manner were known as its ''vassals''. Now that the manticore is dead, one might have expected these vassals to perish but it seems that some bestial instinct still animates them. A horde of them began rampaging at the heart of the Untrod Groves shortly after the Spring Equinox. They're a dangerous threat but would have remained relatively contained to the Groves, but the manticore still has a few die-hard supporters and they have found a way to corral some of the vassals.

===Fangs for the Memories (Conjunction)===
* '''Vassals of the manticore have attacked the Rahvin trade outpost and stolen the mithril'''
* '''The conjunction offers a chance to slay the beast allowing the mithril to be reclaimed'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Merchant of the Fangs'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the mithril'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

Not everyone in the Gryphon's Pride has been happy with the efforts by Ser Guy, the outgoing general, to restore the reputation of the army in the wake of the attack on the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]. A number of bitter deserters - some who left the army after Archaivion Wolfborne met his end, and some last season when they were asked to defend Nesustak Forest - have gathered in the Barrens. They've decided to take matters into their own hands, and have corralled some of the vassals in order to slay a group of Rahvin bringing mithril to trade with the Merchant of the Fangs.

General Utmar of the Rahvin has sent word of the threat, imploring the Empire to do something. They will reward the Merchant of the Fangs with four wains of mithril if the vassals can be dealt with. If the vassals aren't dealt with then the Rahvin will have no mithril to sell in the coming season.

===Taste of Mettle (Conjunction)===
* '''Brutal supporters of the manticore have attacked Karass settlements in the Untrod Groves'''
* '''Earl Valerie Courcillon has denounced their actions and declared that they have failed their tests'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Rhydian de Rondell'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the would-be knights'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

House Courcillon was foremost amongst the brutal supporters of the manticore. Earl Valerie Courcillon has made it clear that she stands proudly for a Dawn that is red in tooth and claw. Notoriously, the Earl has recently been setting her knights-errant tests of mettle designed to test their martial prowess and cunning. She charged them with using tactics of baiting and harassment to provoke the members of the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]] into attacking them. There's no sign that she's sorry about this, but it seems a group of these knights-errant, having found the line, have now stepped firmly over it. Three of them, Ser Perrivale, Ser Lissa, and Ser Richard have embraced the effects of the ritual [[Glory to the Sovereign]] and openly attacked and killed three members of the Karass.

They and their allies have driven off magistrates sent to arrest them and are threatening more attacks on the orcs of the Barrens. They, too, have managed to corral some of the ''vassals'' of the Earl to this wicked end. Earl Valerie appears to be outraged. This misses the point of her test ''entirely'' in her view; it is as much about outwitting the brutish orc as it is about seeing them attacked. She has publicly decried these errant knights and declared that they have failed her test.

There is a conjunction to Trading Way in the Carmine Fields. Earl Valerie has made a personal request that Rhydian de Rondell handle the matter. She was impressed by their steel at the Tourney for Dawn at Dusk and knows that they will share her contempt for these failed knights. Rhydian or their proxy, will need to arrange for a group of people to go through, attempt to reason with the knights and get them to lay down their arms. If they refuse to submit to Imperial justice, then lethal force is permissible to deal with the threat. Obviously the vassals need killing either way as they are a supernatural threat to all who dwell in the Barrens.

===A Hearty Meal (Conjunction)===
* '''Ser Gawain Amboise has stolen the heart of the manticore'''
* '''He intends to consume the heart on the grounds of the manse to invoke a powerful curse on the Barrens'''
* '''The curse will open the regio of the territory to heralds of Agramant'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight-Protector of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the would-be knights'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

One of the manticore's supporters, Ser Gawain Amboise, behaved quite strangely on his death. According to the reports of witnesses, when the manticore fell, Ser Gawain lept upon the corpse and cut out its heart. It was a highly suspicious act - by all accounts, he was clearly ''prepared'' for this eventuality. Ser Gawain and his weaver cabal, the Friends of the Good Knight, have been linked in rumour before to the [[Agramant|Horned Manticore]] himself, but there was little proof. The Knight-Protector of Winter had Gawain arrested at the summit, but lacked evidence that would definitively link him to the ''Abominable One''. The law that bans the disbursement, trade, sale, and consumption of the flesh of the sapient denizens of the mortal realm does ''not'' prohibit its harvesting and regrettably, the militia were forced to let him go.

In any event, Ser Gawain and his band of rogues appear to have decided to make things simple for their adversaries. Alyss Retainer, the erstwhile servant of the Manticore, reports that Ser Gawain came to her to try to enlist her aid. He plans to lay a curse on the Barrens with the aid of the power of the Manticore's heart. While she was sympathetic to the manticore's aims, she refuses to serve the Horned Manticore, and told Ser Gawain as much.

It seems Ser Gawain is pressing ahead with his plan. He intends to use the Winter regio in the grounds of the manor of the Earl of the Groves to take vengeance for the Manticore. By consuming its heart at the regio, he will unleash a powerful curse on the Barrens that will allow Agramant heralds to enter the territory freely, thwarting the [[Alignment#Enmity|wards]] of the [[Conclave]]. If he is not stopped, then more trouble is sure to follow. It is the responsibility of the [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protector of Winter]] to ensure this threat from ''the Whisperer'' is dealt with. Ser Gawain is protected by knights pledged to his weaver cabal, the Friends of the Good Knight, as well as the remainder of the Earl's errant ''vassals''.

<ic>
"It's over, then." Tristan spoke, breaking the silence of Alyss's thoughts. "What will we do now?" She turned to look at her brother, her eyes filled with sad resolve. "We bear his memory, Tristan. His memory, and that of King Penni. But... in the end, is this not what we wanted? Dawn's pride is restored to it. We face a new tomorrow with our brilliant Monarch." She smiled. "He was a monster, Tristan. A glorious monster. Yet monsters never succeed in the troubadour's tales. We have played our part, in this story that will last long after we are dead. Is that not enough? Is that not what it means to be a yeofolk bound to the Rose Throne? It is our duty to set the stage and ensure that our nobility have their entrances and their exits, their hour when it comes. We did that."

Her brother frowned. "You didn't answer my question, really. Practically speaking, what will we do now? Will you serve the Lord Temperance?" He gestured to the table of their cottage, where a piece of parchment lay. She glanced at it, then looked back to her brother, eyes wet. "Anka Karass still lives, does she not? I do not know that they can truly call themselves noble while that is true... but they wish to bear the manticore's legacy. I ''want'' to serve them..." Alyss shook her head. "It's not ours to accept them as a noble or not. That's - well. I don't know. But not for the likes of us. I'll keep the lights on at the manor, though, whatever happens. Stop those ne'er-do-wells like Ser Gawain mucking about. I'm Proud, Tristan. I won't apologise: not for any of it. Serving the manticore - that was real. It was true. It was - he was glorious. And I'll tell people that 'til I'm dead."
</ic>

{{Imperial Addresses}}

File:Druj Threats.png

2026-07-20T16:20:19Z

Wrenna:

The image is a stylised scroll with text written on it in a practiced yet unsteady hand. It reads:
<ic>
Vallack,

I hold the Sacred Groves and with it the lives of your people. Choose which side you are on and choose carefully or your people will descend the spears. The ones at the Sacred Groves wil be first, but those who dwell at the Grove of Woe will follow them if you do not follow your orders.

You must send us information: everything you know about the movements of the human armies. Do not think to lie to us, for we have ways to check these things.

Leave nothing out and your people will be safe. Hold anything back, and you will be responsible for their fate.

Nimon Rue<br />
Cassad Ûln
</ic>

File:Druj Threats.png

2026-07-20T16:14:16Z

Wrenna:

File:Druj Threats.png

2026-07-20T16:13:33Z

Wrenna:

Vallack,

I hold the Sacred Groves and with it the lives of your people. Choose which side you are on and choose carefully or your people will descend the spears. The ones at the Sacred Groves wil be first, but those who dwell at the Grove of Woe will follow them if you do not follow your orders.

You must send us information: everything you know about the movements of the human armies. Do not think to lie to us, for we have ways to check these things.

Leave nothing out and your people will be safe. Hold anything back, and you will be responsible for their fate.

Nimon Rue
Cassad Ûln

Mark of the Ravadi

2026-07-20T16:04:40Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<quote by="Hywel Summercrow, pleading Clemency for Ravadi Lonestrider">
I am Hywel Summer Crow. At the time of granting Sanctuary I was the Cardinal of The Way, and I am here to plead for Clemency.

These two are guilty of attempted murder. There is no question that they attempted to kill an Imperial citizen, Santana I Guerra.

There is no question that Santana I Guerra was a heretic and a blasphemer. Indeed, she has already been executed for her crimes by this very court.

But her crimes were ongoing. Both of the accused spoke to her, and she made it very clear to them that she planned to carry on excommunicating citizens and dedicating others to the false virtue of Hatred. She was deliberately using the inertia of the Imperial justice system to maximise the damage she could do the spirits of the virtuous. The accused spoke to her last night, and her Inquisition was not scheduled to happen until three o’ clock this afternoon. Who knew how many citizens she would corrupt in that time?

It is one of the tenets of Vigilance that you should thwart malice before it strikes against you. The accused saw clear malice, and they saw correctly. They saw imminent strikes against the spirits of Imperial citizens, and they saw correctly.

They did not reach immediately for the blade. They considered how else they might act to stop her. They saw her well protected, and well versed in the laws she was abusing. They could see no other way. They acted.

Then, they owned their actions. From the way they struck it is very clear they made no attempt to conceal their crime. They made full confessions. Under questioning, they refused to accept the lesser charge of assault, for they had intended to kill.

This is the path of the Exemplar Isaella, who slew the mad Emperor Nicovar and immediately gave herself up to the Imperial magistrates. They are guilty of attempted murder, yes, but they acted with virtue.</quote>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=RestfulRavadi.jpg|caption=Ravadi Founders' Dance was recognised as an exemplar at the Winter Solstice 287YE.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
{{SOP|statement=We Recognise Ravadi Founder's Dance as an exemplar of Vigilance. ''Pilgrimage'' - They left Dawn to join the Founder's Dance Striding in Navarr, and walked the original path of the Exemplars Navarr and Thorn when the Trods were first created, guarding the world against the vallorn threat with every step. ''Legacy'' - As Champion of Vigilance they were a driving force to forge mere titles into a cohesive organisation worthy to Inspire the Empire, several other Champions have pointed to this as Ravadi's Legacy. ''Benevolence'' - In sacrificing their dreams for a year to hunt down Bawn-Watch the Champion's Shield they would never hold, on behalf of every Champion that would follow after. ''Inspiration'' - Their Inspirational Vigilance was recognised by the Assembly in their appointment to Champion, and many priests of Vigilance will attest to this and their work that followed, seek us out.|by=Jared of the Sentinel's Tower, General Assembly|vote=1126-219|when=Winter 386YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Winter 387YE}}
{{SOP|statement=This assembly believes the tomb of Ravadi Founders' Dance should be built in Madruga, site of their last sacrifice, site of their eventual victory. Where they fought against the poison in their neighbour's parched fields.|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=240-0|when=Spring 388YE}}
For a year and a half, the Synod has been celebrating the life of Ravadi Founder's Dance. Not long after their death at the age of 23, the Vigilance Assembly judged them to be a key example of their virtue to be remembered and passed down for generations of pilgrims to come. Doubling down, they have seen it fit that Ravadi's story be elevated above the majority of even other recognised figures by consecrating an inspirational location for pilgrims to visit and consider the lessons they can learn from the example that Ravadi set.

==Founding==
Ravadi Founders' Dance was born Ravadi Watcher to House Berinore of Dawn in 362YE in the waning years of the reign of Emperor Hugh. They never found their way to seek a Test of Mettle, briefly serving as a Retainer to the famed House Castellan and serving in the Golden Sun as an expert marksman before swearing a Binding of Thorns following a fated meeting with '''Dalthios Stormbroke''' and beginning the first of their six pilgrimages to Anvil. It was at Anvil that they found their path of Virtue and was dedicated to Vigilance by '''Gaelen Embercast''' (who notably became Cardinal the same season Ravadi was elected as Champion), and was one of the leading figures in the resurgent movement to reclaim the Pilgrim's Shields to rebuild the Seven Pilgrims, the Champions of Virtue, including recovering Bawnwatch.

Proactively engaging problems wherever they were faced, they were more keen to pick up their spear and shield and deal with a problem than to have a meeting about it. Indeed, it is said that one of the key factors in the Vigilance Assembly decision was their [[Court_Reports#Reports_from_383YE|attempted murder]] of an alleged Purity cultist at Anvil. They said that their partners in the Great Dance were [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] '''Nathair Autumngale''' and the [[Ambassador to Axos]] and now-famous Blasphemer '''Fintan Nighthaven''', though did not live to see his fall. After many battles, it was the [[Not_a_drop_to_drink#An_Emerald_Tomb_.28Conjunction.29|fight against the Dry Patricians]] in which they fell to the accursed abominations of Winter Magic, and their remains lost and presumably washed into the Catazar by the flood that cleansed the land of the Parched's taint.

==Dancing==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Ravadi's Bow'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Lightsea, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 [[white granite]], 5 [[mithril]] only</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' one season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Does not require one of the Senate's limited commissions or have labour costs
* Requires a true liao consecration to provide benefits'''
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects: '''
* Provides an income for the Champion of Vigilance of 24 random ingots
* Once during the next year, the Vigilance Assembly can mandate the Champion of Vigilance to lead a new Venture against a threat they have identified
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Partners.jpg|caption=Nathair Autumngale, Ravadi Founders' Dance, Fintan Nighthaven|width=280}}
</div>
* '''The Senate can commission Ravadi's Bow without using one of their limited commissions'''
* '''If Ravadi's Bow is consecrated with true liao it creates a permanent income for the Champion of Vigilance'''
* '''Once ever, the Assembly of Vigilance can use a mandate to create a new venture in the year after the edifice is consecrated'''
It was this final act that was the inspiration behind the Vigilance Assembly choice for where Ravadi's inspirational memorial should be. This does, unfortunately, present a few problems - the Great Grasses region where Ravadi died was split into the [[Madruga#Quiet_Grasses|Quiet Grasses]] and [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]]. The site where they fell specifically is now part of the Quiet Grasses where it is [[Madruga#Quiet|currently impossible]] to create a inspirational location due to the lingering touch of Winter magic.

The extant threads of magic remain potent in Madruga - potent and dangerous. The Wreckers employed a Siakha powered maelstrom to use as a staging point to launch assaults across the entirety of the Bay of Catazar. The wild and currently uncontrolled Crucible is a nexus point for the realms of Adversity (Spring, Night and Winter) which contain the resonances for some of the must dangerous and destructive magic there is.

Ravadi is special, and it is not long before everyone begins to understand why they matter so much to the Vigilance Assembly, and to the wider Synod. They were the among first for the new order of pilgrims to take up the charge, to reclaim the shields, to forge the bonds between the seven of them and their countless fellows on the battlefield, and the first to fall in the name of the cause. As the Second Age of Virtue dawns, it is people like Ravadi Founders' Dance who fought and died that the sun may rise, who will be remembered, even if they did not live to see it. Ravadi fell before they had the chance to truly see the effect they would have on the world, and that tragedy further inspires those who hear their story to spread it and never let it be forgotten.
{{Mandate|mandate=Remember Ravadi and be alert to all dangers; within and without! We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate Ravadi's Bow to encourage all to seek out the dangers of this world, and face them head on.|assembly=General Assembly}}
The ''Custodes Clavicum'' have been so invigorated by the stories they have been told of the life of Ravadi Founders' Dance, they insist upon providing all the labour necessary for their inspirational location to be constructed. What they need is the Senate to give them permission to carry out the work and someone to provide the wains required (the senate may approve this [[commission]] without it counting towards the maximum number of commissions they may pass each summit).

They propose a small keep be erected at Lightsea, called Ravadi's Bow. It would include living chambers for the current Champion of Vigilance, alongside facilities to train and prepare for the next venture. Ravadi's Bow would serve as a secure home for all future Champions of Vigilance, that they may be inspired by the first and equip themselves and their comrades-in-arms to strike out and thwart malice before it strikes first. Once it is consecrated, pilgrims from across the Empire will make pilgrimage to the site and donate precious metals to the cause with the intention that the Champion arrange to have them fashioned into powerful weapons and armour for themselves and for other vigilant warriors.

After the keep has been consecrated, once during the following year, the Vigilance Assembly could pass a mandate inviting the Champion of Vigilance to inspire people to take up arms against an identified enemy.

{{Mandate|mandate=Thwart malice before it strikes against you. We send {Champion of Vigilance} with 25 doses of liao to urge the Vigilant to root out and attack {named threat}. Prepare for malice and for the battle to come.|assembly=Vigilance Assembly}}

When this mandate is enacted, if the Champion of Vigilance agrees to lead the cause and provide the 25 doses of liao required, then it creates a new scouting venture to root out the named threat and take action against it. The rewards will include wealth scavenged from slain enemies bolstered by donations from the Vigilant.

In some ways Ravadi's Bow would match the estates created to support the [[Champion of Prosperity]]. With the right encouragement, the Custodes Clavicum would be open to the prospect of building keeps or similar edifices for the other champions and voices assuming they are not to be housed at the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. They Custodes will look to the the Virtue assemblies for inspiration. Of course such edifices would need to be consecrated with true liao to have the kind of effect identified here.

Seeds of discord

2026-07-20T13:57:08Z

Wrenna: /* Armies of the Dead */

[[Category:Wind of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Faraden]][[Category:Axos]][[Category:Iron Confederacy]][[Category:Tsark]]
<ic>Master Azad could barely contain his fury and outrage. Singua had been watched him pace back and forth in the reception area of the palace for several minutes, mentally composing a plan to deal with his inevitable outburst. She knew from reputation that he was capable of cold-blooded murder - never in Faraden of course - and yet at the same time to have her guards present would be to betray weakness. She could not afford to show fear to the Asavean ambassador.

"The Plenum demands that Faraden answer for the unprovoked judicial murder of one of their citizens!" Each word was clipped, almost spat out, as if they were fleeing the cage of his teeth against his will.

Mistress Karadragha made a show of picking up the scroll on the table before her and perusing it carefully, although she knew its contents by heart. Over the top of the parchment she could see Master Azad clenching his fists tight enough to whiten his knuckles. The Plenum would be looking for someone to blame for this disaster. Singua wished the investigators had managed to find a clear link between Master Azad and his proxy but he had been very careful to ensure that there was nothing to find. Not in Faraden, at least.

"I'm sorry, Master Azad, but the evidence is overwhelming. There is no doubt as to their guilt, and the punishment for their crime is appropriate. There is no case to answer - Justice has been served. I don't know what more you want me to say to you, or to your Plenum?"

Azad actually growled, and leant forward, putting his hands on the desk. Ambassador Karadragha was very pleased at that moment that the sturdy furniture between them.

"The evidence is fabricated! The Empire are liars, and enemies of the Plenum, and I demand that everything they have said be stricken from your records."

"You demand? Or your Plenum demands?" Mistress Karadragha looked up at him properly for the first time, favoured him with her cool attention. "Master Azad, Tommasso Triusti was providing money and support to the Cinders. An organisation the Liege of the Five Winds, with the support of the priestly families, had proscribed. There is no mistake here, and no error, and there is no doubt that the Imperial witnesses were telling the truth. You are ''very'' fortunate that the evidence also points to the fact that Trusti was working alone, without the knowledge of the Plenum. Or its ambassador. Because otherwise the Flames of Justice would have spread ''considerably'' farther."

The Asavean ambassador removed his hands from her desk and stood up ramrod straight.

"You have not heard the last of this." He hissed.

Mistress Karadragha inclined her head in calm acknowledgement.

"Of course, and I will convey the concerns of the Plenum to the Liege of the Five Winds, along with your assurance that you were unaware of what your countryman was about, and your condemnation of their actions. Assuming the Plenum ''does'' condemn their actions?"

Azad took a step forward, and Mistress Karadragha felt her heart beating like rain, but then the Asavean Ambassador regained control of himself. He spun on his heel, and strode out of her office, slamming the door behind him hard enough to raise splinters from the frame.

The Faraden diplomat relaxed back into her chair, and not for the first time considered what an absolute toerag the Asavean Ambassador was. She rang the small silver bell on her desk, to call for one of her aides. Tea would not be sufficient this time; it would take a stout mug of airag to calm her nerves. Perhaps more than one.</ic>
==Overview==
There are six great powers in the known world whose influence and reach rivals that of the Empire. There also innumerable lesser powers who do not have the might to shake the world, but who are nonetheless important to those with whom they share a border. The ambitions of these nearby nations are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point.

There are [[ambassador|ambassadors]] to some of these nations - the [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]], [[Axos]], the [[Thule]], and [[Faraden]] in particular. Other nations are dealt with by the [[Imperial Consul]]. Sometimes a neighbouring nation focuses on diplomacy with the Empire, and requires an in-depth discussion. Sometimes however there is less going on in a given season and diplomacy can be part of a wider, roundup. For example '''[[TBC]]''' covers nearly half a dozen of the orc nations that lie near the Empire.

Here we can read about several neighbouring nations to the Empire not covered in detail elsewhere - the [[#Axos|Axou]], the [[#Faraden|Faraden]], the [[#Iron Confederacy|Iron Confederacy]], and [[#Tsark|Tsark]], as well as the folk of [[#Marracossa|Marracossa]], the exiles of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] who live in [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Madruga]].
==Axos==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The Victorious Axis continue to go from strength to strength.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
* '''Axos remains allied to the Empire through treaty and through the Liberty Pact
* '''They have taken ownership of the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
* '''The Imperial ambassador to Axos is Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain steadily positive. Partly this is due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]], partly due to the ongoing alliance between Axos and the Empire in [[Sarangrave]] which has seen them gain custody of the massive [[fortification]] known as the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. A new status quo has been established in the tiny nation following the [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|upheaval]] that followed the rise of the ambitious ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. A formal Grand Council guides the nation, and the [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] works to bring Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]] together in a similar way.

The ambassador cannot become complacent however; Axos is no less touchy about its independence that it has ever been, and relations could sour again very easily. For the moment, though, the Axos Ambassador to the Empire ''Ilarch Kario Skopos of Solokha'' remains cordial and sometimes even friendly. Skopos is a scion of an influential family from the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]], who has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth at the instruction of the Grand Council for as long as he holds the post. This is intended to signify neutrality in the politics of the citadel, to make him a worthier intermediary through which the Axou can deal with their allies in the Empire.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]] and [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]|ambassador='Shacklebreaker' Thanmir Hrafnar of [[Wintermark]]}}
===Claiming Thornfen===
* '''Axos has claimed the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
* '''They have removed the former Druj subjects who lived there
* '''The Axou are preparing to rebuild the Tower of the Skink
Ambassador Skopos thanks his opposite number in the Empire for their timely warning relating to [[vallorn]], [[Druj]], and Imperial [[enchantment|enchantments]]. They wax lyrical about how this kind of cooperation between allies is a portent of the great things Axos and the Empire can achieve together when they put their minds to it. He even praises Imperial magicians - the [[Autumn magic]] laid on the territory made the task of removing the Druj subjects in Thornfen significantly easier. In return, the experts at the [[Axos#Halls_of_Maykop|Halls of Maykop]] have been considering how to address the dangers presented by Druj armies supported by the shambling dead Ambassador Hrafnar has spoken of.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar.jpg|caption=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar is Ambassador to Axos.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
Over the last season however the Ipotavan forces in Sarangrave have been occupied by completing the task of claiming [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]]. Their efforts were hampered a little by fallout from the [[vallorn]] expansion, and the need to eject several thousand people from the marshes around the Tower of the Skink. As the Summer Solstice dawns, the region as a whole is now in Axou hands. Imperial armies are free to move through it, as per their [[Ratify_Axos_Treaty_Autumn_387YE#The_Treaty|treaty]] with the Empire, but the civil service note that the Axou could theoretically remove this privilege at any time.

As they [[Wise_and_measured#Sephals_and_Strategy|said they would]], the Axou army has exiled all the former subjects of the Druj they can find in the region. They have been channeled primarily into the [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], with a few stragglers ending up in [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]]. The vast majority of these exiles are [[orc|orcs]] but there are also humans among their number - only those former slaves of the [[Druj]] who could prove a connection to Axos were allowed to remain. The Axou have by all accounts made only minimal efforts to identify any actual Druj among these former inhabitants of Thornfen - they have simply thrown ''everyone'' out. Or at least, everyone they could find. The army is unable to focus its full attention on the wilder places of the region, and there are a number of organised groups of Druj guerillas in Thornfen who were once part of the garrison of the Tower, who continue to harass Axou soldiers.

This means that there are now a significant number of people whose legal status is very unclear loose in the Sarangrave, without supplies, shelter, or in many cases, any real idea what is going on. That, however, is a problem for Urizen and the Empire, not the Axou.

Most Imperial citizens in the territory are busy engaged with the vallorn, or fighting off the Druj this season, but there are some reports that the Axou are moving large amounts of [[white granite]] into the region through the [[Sarangrave#Path_of_the_Eye|Path of the Eye]] - the pass that links [[the Mallum]] with Axos. They've also brought in a large number of labourers, recruited at apparently ruinous expense from all the citadels of the nation. While some are being garrisoned at the Tower, an equally large number have begun establishing camps in the vicinity of the wrecked city of Sephals - and it doesn't look as if they are planning to rebuild it. Indeed, it looks a lot more like they are planning to tear it apart to salvage building materials. Presumably after looting it.

===Armies of the Dead===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Garrison of Thornfen'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Senate Motion or Treaty</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Must explicitly give the garrison of Thornfen the right to move around Imperial Sarangrave and deal with threats to the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows the garrison of Thornfen to operate outside of that region anywhere except Nesustak Forest or Bendol</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Could be raised as part of a treaty</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Axou are struggling to establish a garrison at the Tower of the Skink'''
* '''Ilarch Skopos asks for the empire to donate up to 80 wains of mithril to help get the new Axou garrison established'''
* '''Before the garrison can protect Sarangrave it requires a Senate Motion granting it the explicit power to move around and fight threats'''
The Axou control the Tower of the Skink, and following negotiations with the [[Military Council]] are prepared to help protect Sarangrave from the threat of invasion or rebellion. With that in mind, Ilarch Skopos asks that the Senate make this arrangement clear with a [[Senate motion]]. If they are prepared to explicitly invite the Axou to defend Sarangrave (with the obvious current exceptions of Nesustak Forest and Bendol), then their garrison stands ready. Such a motion would provide the needed legal permission to go anywhere in the Imperial held regions of the territory and deal with threats to its people as they see fit. The freedom would apply to both the garrison of the Tower of the Skink and Axou armies - who would be free to move should they wish to in the same way Imperial armies can currently move through Thornfen. Without such a mandate to act, the garrison and the army will be restricted to defending Thornfen only.

As it stands the garrison would certainly protect Thornfen from the Empire if they ever tried to claim it, or to move armies through it without the permission of the Grand Ilarchs. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] advise that as well as the obvious benefits, the declaration requested by Ilarch Skopos will give Axou troops to move around Sarangrave, which could in theory present problems if relations with Axos were to sour. Ultimately the key issue is one of control. With the garrison under the control of the Axou it will ultimately be down to them what it does.

That might not be a problem for a while as the new Axou garrison at Thornfen is taking a while to establish itself. With vallorn and Druj alike in the territory this season, there has been no movement toward establishing the new. Ilarch Skopos informs Ambassador Thanmir that there is a recruitment drive taking place in Axos at the moment but that response has been slow. The Grand Ilarch of Ipotavo is frustrated by this state of affairs - it's not as if the Axou were unaware of this potential problem - and has demanded Ilarch Skopos find a solution.

The civil service estimate that it will take a minimum of two and a half years for the Axou garrison at the Tower of the Skink to reach its full strength, assuming there are no additional setbacks. Any season where there is fighting in Sarangrave will prevent the Axou from resupplying and could even see losses if the garrison is drawn into the fight; opposing forces prevent natural resupply even if the garrison is not directly involved.

The Axou could use either mithril or weirwood to increase the speed with which the garrison would establish itself, but the Grand Ilarchs' Council seems loath to contribute their own comparatively limited wains to do so. Ilarch Skopos does not come straight out and ''ask'' Ambassador Thanmir to see if the Empire can be convinced to provide such support, but the ''implication'' is very clear. If the Empire wants the garrison to be ready for battle on a meaningful time-scale they will need to provide the wains to the Axou.

===Lemuré===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Advice Regaring Lemuré'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Historical Research</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:'''
* Should clearly indicate it is taking advantage of the offer from the Halls of Maykop
* If the commission mentions specific aspects of dealing with lemuré that may help guide the research result
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 liao</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Produces a historical research document relating to lemuré and methods of dealing with them</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tarquinius Ankarien.jpg|caption=Former Ambassador Tarquinius Ankarien (left) tirelessly campaigned to strengthen ties between the Empire and Axos.|align=left|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=right|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] raised the final peerless kinship mandate.|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|caption='''Watt of Lambrook''', Minister of Historical Research|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Ambassador has requested Axou assistance with matters relating to lemuré
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to cooperate with historical research into the matter
While the Halls of Maykop are considering the matter of Druj armies supported by ghoulish horrors, Ilarch Skopos has also asked them for any guidance they can offer the [[High Exorcist]] '''Lord Belial de Courtenay Wyldrose''' in their work to combat one of the ''lemuré''. Ambassador Hafnir mentioned former Ambassador '''Tarquinius Ankarien''', and Ilarch Skopos has had some of his staff review the archives and found some information that his own predecessor ''Maxatios'' provided in the past. The libraries of Maykop are extensive, especially when it relates to ghosts and similar entities. Ilarch Skopos is confident that information exists; the challenge will be finding something specifically useful to the High Exorcist in their current endeavour.

After discussion with ''Grand Ilarch Keloparia'' of Maykop, an agreement has been reached (albeit a little grudgingly). It is the request to study with masters of ''necromantia'' that has apparently swung Keloparia's opinion in favour of the proposal. The High Exorcist of the Empire wanting aid from the magicians of Maykop, rather than the ''Convocation of Faith'' apparently bodes well. Ilarch Skopos cannot quite conceal the fact that the popularity of "Theodosia Azesos' experiment" seems to have stalled a little, to the amusement of some of her political opponents.

Regardless, the Halls will make some members of the research staff and one of the ''necromantia'' librarians available to host an Imperial scholar should they wish to visit after the Summer Solstice to investigate ''necromantia'' relating to the lemuré. Unfortunately, due to the faculty schedules, the Empire would need to take this offer up during the Summer Solstice - after that it would need to be rearranged and there is no guarantee that anyone would be available to assist such a scholarly endeavour. Ilarch Skopos notes that the faculty at Maykop will be expecting a member of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]; the invitation sadly cannot be extended to other scholars (explicitly this means the [[Lepidean Librarian]] cannot commission this research).

In return, Maykop will expect 50 doses of [[liao]]. As the ambassador proposed, this would be an ideal gift for the Grand Ilarch and the faculty staff to thank them for their time. Not because they intend to use it for any religious purposes, Ilarch Skopos clarifies, but because it is very useful in certain ''necromantia'' rites. ('''OOC Notes:''' The character who commissions the research should ensure they have to 50 liao in their inventory after the event and e-mail {{plot}} so that we can remove it and confirm the opportunity).

The civil service note that if the commission opportunity is taken up, whoever commissions it could include some guidance as to what kinds of things the High Exorcist would find useful. This would serve as a guideline for the researchers, who would do their best to find materials that related to those specific queries. Obviously, though, the final report will depend as much on what the Axou of Maykop are preapred to spare as anything else. There's also a note of caution that it is possible this research may retread some of that already shared with former ambassador Tarquinius - and expectations should be managed appropriately.
==Faraden==
* '''Faraden is at peace with the Empire, and trades freely with Imperial citizens
* '''The Liege of Five Winds appears to favour the Empire, but there are powerful factions in Faraden that prefer closer ties with Asavea
* '''Faraden is in the process of disentangling itself from Asavean interests
{{Nation|nation=[[Faraden]]|port=[[Foreign ports#Caitun|Caitun]]|ambassador=Mina i Yashum i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire, across the Lasambrian Hills of [[Reinos]]. Trade is its lifeblood, but it is also a country of canny wizards, [[Courage|Courageous]] warriors, and [[Pride|Proud]] (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the [[Jotun]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]], but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment, cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is ''Mistress Singua Karadragha''. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.
===Notes of Recognition===
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 300px">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mina6596.jpg|caption='''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza''', Ambassador to Faraden|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, former Azure Sutannir, is the new ambassador to Faraden
* '''The Liege of Five Winds sends a note of thanks to former Ambassador Ebenezer of the Marches
Kistress Karadragha begins by sending greetings and congratulations to the new [[Ambassador to Faraden|Ambassador]] '''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza'''. As former [[Azure Sutannir]], their name is already known to the Faraden diplomat. She also sends a note on behalf of the Liege of the Five Winds thanking the former Ambassador, '''Ebenezer''', for their work cementing the growing friendship between the two nations, along with wishes for a warm future full of Prosperity and Pride.

It is perhaps a shame that the first message to the new ambassador also contains confirmation that the Faraden will be signing a new peace treaty with the Jotun during the Summer Solstice. As discussed [[Five_flames#Peace_and_the_Jotun|previously]], without a major commitment from allies to support Faraden against the [[orc|orcs]] the nation is not prepared to go to war. Reading between the lines, it seems that the [[Iron Confederacy]] invasion of [[Reinos]] is not going the way the Court of Five Winds would have hoped.

In response to the polite request of the new ambassador, however, Mistress Karadragha explains that the main concern for the Faraden at this moment is that their merchants are able to travel freely to the Empire, and trade with Imperial citizens. Ensuring that they retain the ability to do so is of paramount importance.

===Ashes to Ashes===
* '''Faraden authorities have executed an Asavean citizen accused of funding the Cinders'''
* '''The Asaveans have closed their embassy in Faraden, but have not broken off diplomatic relations'''
* '''The Liege of the Five Winds has made a public speech commending Imperial law enforcement'''
For some weeks after the spring equinox Faraden is abuzz over an intersection of international diplomacy and high criminality. Tommasso Triusti, an Asavean citizen caught up in the [[Five_flames#Cinders_Extinguished|purge of the Cinders]], has been publicly executed for conspiracy to commit treason. It was an undignified affair, so the rumour goes. Unlike the Cinders, who met their deaths with dignity, their foreign enabler wept with fear and alternated between pleading for a reprieve and haranguing both the crowd and the executioner. The Faraden have strong opinions as to how condemned criminals ought to act, and this cowardly display has earned opprobrium from all corners of society.

The Asaveans are, by all accounts, beside themselves with rage. After what was rumoured to be a tense stand-off in the Palace of Five Winds between the Liege and the head of the embassy staff, the entire Asavean embassy was vacated. Those citizens of Faraden who once spoke of a close alliance with the Asaveans now carefully step away from their prior convictions, or at least keep very quiet about them. There are apparently rumblings about trade sanctions, but for now diplomatic relations remain open.

Just before the summer solstice, an address by the Liege of the Five Winds is circulated throughout Faraden. While it mostly speaks to national concerns, the Liege makes a point of commending Imperial legal authorities for their recent cooperation in the destruction of the Cinders. The Imperial Magistracy and militia are praised for their diligence and attentiveness, and much is made of the benefits of cooperation between Faraden and the Empire. Despite all attempts to the contrary, the position of the Liege remains strong and relations between Faraden and the Empire have never been better.
===Faith and Law===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Orchard A.png|align=left|caption=Brother Geoffrey Orchard is a talented horticulturalist, and vigilant investigator, who now lives at Pickham Monastery in Upwold.|width=300}}</div>
* '''Mistress Karadragha asks for clarification relating to a new proscription'''
Ambassador Mina has raised the matter of faith and religion, and Mistress Karadragha responds by expressing Faraden concerns. According to Faraden merchants the Empire has made it a crime to bear a [[dedication]] or [[anointing]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|Justice]]. This clearly refers to the recent proscription [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Blasphemy|recent proscription]] raised by ''Brother Geoffrey Orchard'' at the Winter Solstice.

Obviously there are other prescriptions that are likely of concern (such as [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_72|Judgement 72]] given that the Faraden faith believes that [[Ambition]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Vigilance]] are not useful spiritual qualities). Yet it is this matter on which Mistress Karadragha seeks clarification from the Ambassador.

Previously, sensible Faraden travellers have avoided legal issues while visiting the Empire by simply keeping their belief in the [[On Faraden faith|Five Flames]] to themselves. By not preaching the Faraden faith, they have not been held guilty of [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] or [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heresy]]. Now it seems that simply being dedicated, or bearing an anointing, will be a crime in Imperial territory. Is this understanding of the situation correct?

Speaking candidly, Mistress Karadragha expresses the concern that the Liege of the Five Winds and many of the priestly families that support them have spent a lot of time talking about the "new tolerance" of the Empire - that as long as they avoid single-minded pursuit of Justice they will be able to trade freely in the Empire. If this is no longer the case, the Court of Five Winds needs to know so that they can decide how best to proceed when encouraging their people to travel to the Empire.

==Iron Confederacy==
* '''The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire
* '''They have recently taken both Cazar Straits in Feroz and Free Landing in Madruga from the Children of Wrecks
{{Nation|nation=The [[Iron Confederacy]]|port=[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]|status=Foreigner|ambassador=Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo}}
The lands of the Suranni people - the [[Iron Confederacy]] - lie directly over the Empire's south-western border. They do not welcome visitors from the Empire except in carefully selected enclaves such as the port of [[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]. While they are currently at peace with the Empire, they are by no means allies. Courted by both the Empire and the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]], the Dukes have been content to to play both interests off against each other. They made some concessions to the Liberty Pact by "redefining" their slaves as "serfs", but those who have actually visited Suranni lands say that the lives of the lowest class of their society have barely improved with this change in terminology.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorIronConfederacy.png|caption='''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Suranni recently moved military forces into the territory of [[Feroz]], attacking and defeating the Children of Wrecks and seizing the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]]. Most recently, they have [[Phantasms_and_foam#Take_Your_Prize|done the same]] in [[Madruga]], having claimed [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] as well. Both regions are made up of islands that are a traditional home of the [[corsair]] families for [[the Brass Coast]]. Their ambassador has been clear both that they intend to go further, having dealt with the Children of Wrecks, and that they have no intention of conceding the islands to the Empire.

The Suranni ambassador to the Empire is ''Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore'', who operates from the Tour Lavasse in Chaubrette, a territory unknown to Imperial citizens that apparently lies to the west of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]]. A noble [[naga]], she replaced the significantly more dogmatic Jeanne de Hibernat, a High Priestess of the Suranni god [[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith, Maiden of the Forge]]. She has already indicated that she is very much more pragmatic than her predecessor and more interested in compromise. She still reports to the Dukes of the Iron Confederacy, however, and so her apparent goodwill toward the Empire cannot be relied upon.
===Diplomatic Considerations===
* '''The Iron Confederacy propose a meeting at the Autumn Equinox to discuss a potential treaty'''
* '''They would like the Empire to prohibit attempts to spread the Way to the Suranni'''
* '''They have no intention to return Free Landing and Cazar Straits, but it is clear they could be bought off, but it would require skilful negotiation'''
[[Gossamer_threads|Last season]] saw diplomatic approaches from the Iron Confederacy that included a request to [[Gossamer_threads#Rings_and_Wains|permit armies]] of the Iron Confederacy involved in their [[Gossamer_threads#The_Western_Hills|invasion]] of [[Reinos]] to resupply via western [[Segura]]. This request was ultimately refused. They also sought to purchase resources to protect the northernmost Suranni territory of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], which the Empire knows as Kalino, from an ongoing campaign of baleful [[curse|curses]]. In this, the Ambassador was more able to provide the requested assistance.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kobol.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol the Warrior, Maiden of Battle|Kobol the Warrior]] is the uncompromising [[Suranni pantheon|Iron Confederacy god]] of warriors and battle.|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Evra.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith]] is the god of artisans and merchants in the Iron Confederacy.|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Dumon.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon the Liar]] is the hated god of traitors, liars, and wizards whose followers strive to overthrow the divine order of the Iron Confederacy.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Moving forward Ambassador Tethros has apparently been in negotiation with Baroness Katerine regarding a possible [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]]. Now that the Suranni have taken retribution against the Wreckers, and dealt with the Hand of Dumon hiding among them, they seem more inclined to discuss such matters. The intent is to send a few diplomats to Anvil during the Autumn Equinox, to see if such a treaty can be prepared, and the points raised by the Ambassador so far have proved very useful. Baroness Katerine asks that this discussion continue between them, with the Ambassador continuing to help refine the matters that will be under discussion.

The first proposal presented by the Imperial Ambassador is apparently an offer to outlaw the preaching of the Way in Suranni Lands. Baroness Katerine indicates that this isn't of interest to the Dukes, because any Imperial citizen found preaching the Way in their lands would be arrested and executed as blasphemers. However what the Dukes ''are'' interested in is for the Senate to make it illegal to preach the Way to Suranni citizens in the ''Empire''. Specifically, to make it illegal to target Suranni travellers when proselytising.

The Dukes are pleased to hear that imperial efforts to restore the bridges over the Scorrero [[The Oran operation|proceed apace]]. They are also open to the idea of establishing a formal trading enclave in the Empire; the town of Bramar in [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Fortargenta]] is well known to Iron Confederacy merchants and some kind of market and a temple for the priests of [[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith]] would be appealing. Either that or dedicated markets in [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]], [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]], and [[Sarvos#Sarvos|Sarvos]] for use by ships travelling along the coast through the eastern islands.

Military cooperation against the [[Jotun]] has also been discussed, and Baroness Katerine understands the Ambassador's reticence to commit to anything. Candidly, the fact the Empire is fighting the barbarian orcs in Imperial territories already provides a measure of assistance. The Dukes are however prepared to agree that any Jotun land the Empire takes in Reinos is theirs to keep, without contest - provided the Empire is in turn prepared to offer the same recognition to the Iron Confederacy. Both nations, says the Baroness, would surely benefit from the extermination of the Lasambrian Hills bandits.

As to the matter of Free Landing and Cazar Straits, however, the Baroness is much less forthcoming. As the Dukes have said over and over, they plan to keep what they have taken from the Children of Wrecks. The Empire had every opportunity to destroy the pirates sheltering in those islands before the Suranni took charge of matters. Relinquishment of the islands is unlikely to be on the table during negotiations. In theory at least, it might be possible for the Empire to negotiate the Suranni withdrawing from Free Landing, but the Ambassador must be aware that the price for doing so is likely to be a great deal of money or truly eye-watering amounts of mithril, weirwood, and white granite. The islands of the Brass Coast represent significant economic and strategic benefits to the Suranni. They conquered the islands with the lives of their soldiers, and in the name of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle|Maiden of Battle]], and any concession to the Empire is going to need to reflect that.

===Hand of Dumon===
* '''Baroness Katerine concedes the Empire had no role in the recent curses on Arbonne
After due consideration, the Iron Confederacy accepts that the Empire had no role in the cursing of Arbonne, and that they will ensure the organisation puts down no roots within their borders. Even the Duke of Arbonne is apparently [[Gossamer_threads#Dumon_the_Liar|satisfied]] with the Ambassador's assurances this time, and the Suranni lawkeepers engaged in assisting the magistrates as part of the [[Ratify_Dumonist_Treaty|Dumonist treaty]] have tempered their zeal a little.

With the provision of [[ilium]] to help create a warding temple in Arbonne to combat the malignancy of the Hand of Dumon it ''seems'' the matter is put to rest for the moment. The civil service are at pains to point out that if any Hand of Dumon agents or sympathisers ''were'' active in Imperial politics, and their identities were exposed, then it could potentially prove quite embarrassing for the Ambassador and the Empire. Having access to the magistracy, even in a limited capacity, means that the Suranni lawkeepers are aware whenever someone is prosecuted for [[Criminalize Hand of Dumon|membership of the Hand of Dumon]]. Obviously there's no evidence of such an individual or conspiracy, but [[Vigilance]] is clear about the need to [[Vigilance#Guidance_on_the_Path|prepare for malice]], and to avoid becoming complacent.

===Marko Siwarsbairn===
* '''The well-regarded scholar has return to the Empire and is eager to return to work'''
Poor [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]! Their visit to the Iron Confederacy to research military history took significantly longer than expected and arguably at various points they were in fact imprisoned by their Suranni hosts. Worse, when they were finally given leave to return to the Empire, their research complete, they were [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|attacked]] by the Hand of Dumon and narrowly avoided being sacrificed to the Suranni [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|God of Lies]] . Thanks to the intercession of the [[Minister of Historical Research]] '''Watt Lambrook''', and by all accounts the direct aid of Ambassador Thethros, the [[Wintermark]] scholar was safely rescued. They handed over the fruits of nearly a year of research and then... went straight back to work.

There has been some suggestion that Marko may wish to take a leave of absence to recover from their recent adventures, but the plucky scholar is having none of it. Given time to recover, they are of the opinion that if nothing else all this business has been ''exciting'' - even thought it may have been a waste of a year from a scholastic point of view it was never ''dull''. They're furious with the Iron Confederacy about the way their freedom to explore the subject of Suranni military history was so closely monitored, and how their words were edited and reviewed by the Baroness Katerine and her priests. They also want to be clear that when the document said "area of industry in Arbonne" for example, they meant "mithril mine for supplying armies", as just one example.

There has been some suggestion Baroness Katerine may be required to pay some kind of compensation. Instead the Suranni diplomat merely sends her best wishes to Marko, invites them to visit if ever they are in the vicinity of her holdings, and that given they are now back in the Empire she considers the matter closed. After all, it was Hand of Dumon agents ''in the Empire'' who attacked Marko, and while the Minister of Historical Research may have needed to intercede, her knights still did their job by ensuring the scholar returned to the bosom of the Empire alive. Marko's response involves quite an amount of coarse language.
<div style="float:right; width:300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]], is responsible for dealing with nations that do not have a dedicated ambassador.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Tsark==
* '''The people of Tsark have sent an adept to Occursion'''
* '''Adept Camilla invites letters on the subject of Prosperity'''
* '''Urizeni congregation will be able to take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark' after the Summer Solstice.'''
The Seeker of the Perfect World has written to Sage Kristoph, the Tsarkoi sage who has long been the primary diplomat of the Tsarkoi to the Empire, opening a conversation on the subject of Prosperity and the ways in which it might benefit Tsark. After a little deliberation, the Council of Sages appointed Camilla - as a senior adept - to be the primary representative to the Empire on this subject. They are - cautiously - interested in hearing more.

Camilla's parents were Urizeni who found a way to Tsark a generation ago and decided to stay, so she is a little familiar with the Empire and [[the Way]] as a result. However, the Tsarkoi do not make use of spiritual forces ''other'' than that of Peace - quite the contrary to their neighbours, the notoriously blasphemous and heretical Axou who make use of auras of every kind, and so she is not greatly familiar with the Seven Virtues of the Way except through her parent's stories.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Those wishing to write to Camilla on the subject of what Prosperity means to them should send a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to ''Adept Camilla, Garden of the Perfect World, Occursion, Zenith''}}
Camilla says that she intends to stay a little while at the Garden of the Perfect World. There are other adepts and sages who intend to visit in the season that follows: she has been asked to prepare the way. The Council of Sages believes, from what it understands of Prosperity, that the Virtue ''may'' be one that fits in the perfect world that the Tsarkoi seek - in accordance with their esoteric beliefs - to bring about. Camilla says that she will make herself available for any Imperial citizen who wishes to write to her explaining what Prosperity means to them. In addition, she and the other adepts chosen for this initiative would be delighted to meet with Urizeni who wish to share their perspective on Prosperity.

After the Summer Solstice, holders of an Urizeni congregation may take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark'. This will represent the priest taking themselves - and possibly their congregation - to Occursion to meet with Adept Camilla and her fellows, to discuss Prosperity and demonstrate the auras associated with it. As such, the congregation will not produce its normal complement of liao, as it is assumed it will be used in the creation of auras. However, Camilla has promised that in return she offers a portion of zaboravi. Obviously, any priest who takes this lecture will end up in the Prosperity assembly as a result at the subsequent summit.

==Maracossa==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Leonorada Rousseau'' currently resides in ''Trajadoz'', [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]], [[Madruga]] for anyone who wants to talk about Marracossan business}}
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza.jpg|caption='''Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza''', Senator for Madruga|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The proscription against the Theist Heresy creates major problems for the Marracossans'''
* '''They are appealing to the Marracossa Sendito for help'''
Representatives of the [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadozi Marracossans]], [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#By_Roads_Both_Straight_and_Winding|came to Anvil]] for the Spring Equinox. They planned to meet with both the current [[Marracossa Sendito]] '''Karg i Estrico i Erigo''' and the former holder of the title, '''Hugo i Bamesh'''. By all accounts the meeting went well - the Marracossans returned to Trajadoz satisfied at least. Or rather... ''mostly'' satisfied. There is a great deal of concern among the former inhabitants of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] regarding the blanket criminalization of their religion.

The [[judgement]] of [[proscription]] raised by '''Frater Pontius of Adoniran’s Temple''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_114|defines]] the "Theist Heresy" as ''the claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over or communion with sapient spirits''." The Marracossans have never tried to hide their faith in their gods, and given that the town of Trajadoz has been [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Cede_Trajadoz|ceded]] to them by the [[Senate]] they are not concerned that they will need to fend off zealous magistrates. What they are very concerned about is their relationship with their neighbours.

The Marracossans have over the last few years formed bonds of friendship and business with Freeborn folk in [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] in particular. Some of their number fought against the Grendel when they attempted to conquer Madruga, and indeed the Freeborn Assembly [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_160|recognised and praised]] them for their [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Loyalty]]. Now they're concerned that anyone who trades with them, visits them, or even speaks to them might face prosecution. Worse, they are concerned that they might face prosecution if they leave the environs of Trajadoz - effectively trapping them in the town for the foreseeable future.

They're ''very'' keen for the Marracossa Sendito to advise them on the situation. This is in line with the [[Marracossa_Sendito#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] of the post - given that this proscription may represent a threat to Trajadoz and involves a request for representation. The civil service indicate that Karg i Estrico i Erigo may wish to seek the advice of the [[Imperial Consul]] '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' on this matter. While Karg is responsible for dealing with the Marracossans they are legally foreigners with whom the Empire does not have a recognised [[ambassador]], and any [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaties]] for example would need to be prepared by the Consuls office. The advice of the magistrates might also be valuable in what exactly this new heresy means for the Marracossans.

The Marracossans are ''also'' keen for their friends in Madruga to speak on their behalf. Can the Freeborn Assembly offer any reassurance, for example? Or should they begin preparing for a siege? Can they truly be considered heretics when they do not follow the Way, or even pretend to, but likewise have no interest in proselytising their own religion to others?

Seeds of discord

2026-07-20T12:56:48Z

Wrenna: /* Armies of the Dead */

[[Category:Wind of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Faraden]][[Category:Axos]][[Category:Iron Confederacy]][[Category:Tsark]]
<ic>Master Azad could barely contain his fury and outrage. Singua had been watched him pace back and forth in the reception area of the palace for several minutes, mentally composing a plan to deal with his inevitable outburst. She knew from reputation that he was capable of cold-blooded murder - never in Faraden of course - and yet at the same time to have her guards present would be to betray weakness. She could not afford to show fear to the Asavean ambassador.

"The Plenum demands that Faraden answer for the unprovoked judicial murder of one of their citizens!" Each word was clipped, almost spat out, as if they were fleeing the cage of his teeth against his will.

Mistress Karadragha made a show of picking up the scroll on the table before her and perusing it carefully, although she knew its contents by heart. Over the top of the parchment she could see Master Azad clenching his fists tight enough to whiten his knuckles. The Plenum would be looking for someone to blame for this disaster. Singua wished the investigators had managed to find a clear link between Master Azad and his proxy but he had been very careful to ensure that there was nothing to find. Not in Faraden, at least.

"I'm sorry, Master Azad, but the evidence is overwhelming. There is no doubt as to their guilt, and the punishment for their crime is appropriate. There is no case to answer - Justice has been served. I don't know what more you want me to say to you, or to your Plenum?"

Azad actually growled, and leant forward, putting his hands on the desk. Ambassador Karadragha was very pleased at that moment that the sturdy furniture between them.

"The evidence is fabricated! The Empire are liars, and enemies of the Plenum, and I demand that everything they have said be stricken from your records."

"You demand? Or your Plenum demands?" Mistress Karadragha looked up at him properly for the first time, favoured him with her cool attention. "Master Azad, Tommasso Triusti was providing money and support to the Cinders. An organisation the Liege of the Five Winds, with the support of the priestly families, had proscribed. There is no mistake here, and no error, and there is no doubt that the Imperial witnesses were telling the truth. You are ''very'' fortunate that the evidence also points to the fact that Trusti was working alone, without the knowledge of the Plenum. Or its ambassador. Because otherwise the Flames of Justice would have spread ''considerably'' farther."

The Asavean ambassador removed his hands from her desk and stood up ramrod straight.

"You have not heard the last of this." He hissed.

Mistress Karadragha inclined her head in calm acknowledgement.

"Of course, and I will convey the concerns of the Plenum to the Liege of the Five Winds, along with your assurance that you were unaware of what your countryman was about, and your condemnation of their actions. Assuming the Plenum ''does'' condemn their actions?"

Azad took a step forward, and Mistress Karadragha felt her heart beating like rain, but then the Asavean Ambassador regained control of himself. He spun on his heel, and strode out of her office, slamming the door behind him hard enough to raise splinters from the frame.

The Faraden diplomat relaxed back into her chair, and not for the first time considered what an absolute toerag the Asavean Ambassador was. She rang the small silver bell on her desk, to call for one of her aides. Tea would not be sufficient this time; it would take a stout mug of airag to calm her nerves. Perhaps more than one.</ic>
==Overview==
There are six great powers in the known world whose influence and reach rivals that of the Empire. There also innumerable lesser powers who do not have the might to shake the world, but who are nonetheless important to those with whom they share a border. The ambitions of these nearby nations are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point.

There are [[ambassador|ambassadors]] to some of these nations - the [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]], [[Axos]], the [[Thule]], and [[Faraden]] in particular. Other nations are dealt with by the [[Imperial Consul]]. Sometimes a neighbouring nation focuses on diplomacy with the Empire, and requires an in-depth discussion. Sometimes however there is less going on in a given season and diplomacy can be part of a wider, roundup. For example '''[[TBC]]''' covers nearly half a dozen of the orc nations that lie near the Empire.

Here we can read about several neighbouring nations to the Empire not covered in detail elsewhere - the [[#Axos|Axou]], the [[#Faraden|Faraden]], the [[#Iron Confederacy|Iron Confederacy]], and [[#Tsark|Tsark]], as well as the folk of [[#Marracossa|Marracossa]], the exiles of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] who live in [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Madruga]].
==Axos==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The Victorious Axis continue to go from strength to strength.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
* '''Axos remains allied to the Empire through treaty and through the Liberty Pact
* '''They have taken ownership of the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
* '''The Imperial ambassador to Axos is Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain steadily positive. Partly this is due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]], partly due to the ongoing alliance between Axos and the Empire in [[Sarangrave]] which has seen them gain custody of the massive [[fortification]] known as the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. A new status quo has been established in the tiny nation following the [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|upheaval]] that followed the rise of the ambitious ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. A formal Grand Council guides the nation, and the [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] works to bring Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]] together in a similar way.

The ambassador cannot become complacent however; Axos is no less touchy about its independence that it has ever been, and relations could sour again very easily. For the moment, though, the Axos Ambassador to the Empire ''Ilarch Kario Skopos of Solokha'' remains cordial and sometimes even friendly. Skopos is a scion of an influential family from the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]], who has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth at the instruction of the Grand Council for as long as he holds the post. This is intended to signify neutrality in the politics of the citadel, to make him a worthier intermediary through which the Axou can deal with their allies in the Empire.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]] and [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]|ambassador='Shacklebreaker' Thanmir Hrafnar of [[Wintermark]]}}
===Claiming Thornfen===
* '''Axos has claimed the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
* '''They have removed the former Druj subjects who lived there
* '''The Axou are preparing to rebuild the Tower of the Skink
Ambassador Skopos thanks his opposite number in the Empire for their timely warning relating to [[vallorn]], [[Druj]], and Imperial [[enchantment|enchantments]]. They wax lyrical about how this kind of cooperation between allies is a portent of the great things Axos and the Empire can achieve together when they put their minds to it. He even praises Imperial magicians - the [[Autumn magic]] laid on the territory made the task of removing the Druj subjects in Thornfen significantly easier. In return, the experts at the [[Axos#Halls_of_Maykop|Halls of Maykop]] have been considering how to address the dangers presented by Druj armies supported by the shambling dead Ambassador Hrafnar has spoken of.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar.jpg|caption=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar is Ambassador to Axos.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
Over the last season however the Ipotavan forces in Sarangrave have been occupied by completing the task of claiming [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]]. Their efforts were hampered a little by fallout from the [[vallorn]] expansion, and the need to eject several thousand people from the marshes around the Tower of the Skink. As the Summer Solstice dawns, the region as a whole is now in Axou hands. Imperial armies are free to move through it, as per their [[Ratify_Axos_Treaty_Autumn_387YE#The_Treaty|treaty]] with the Empire, but the civil service note that the Axou could theoretically remove this privilege at any time.

As they [[Wise_and_measured#Sephals_and_Strategy|said they would]], the Axou army has exiled all the former subjects of the Druj they can find in the region. They have been channeled primarily into the [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], with a few stragglers ending up in [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]]. The vast majority of these exiles are [[orc|orcs]] but there are also humans among their number - only those former slaves of the [[Druj]] who could prove a connection to Axos were allowed to remain. The Axou have by all accounts made only minimal efforts to identify any actual Druj among these former inhabitants of Thornfen - they have simply thrown ''everyone'' out. Or at least, everyone they could find. The army is unable to focus its full attention on the wilder places of the region, and there are a number of organised groups of Druj guerillas in Thornfen who were once part of the garrison of the Tower, who continue to harass Axou soldiers.

This means that there are now a significant number of people whose legal status is very unclear loose in the Sarangrave, without supplies, shelter, or in many cases, any real idea what is going on. That, however, is a problem for Urizen and the Empire, not the Axou.

Most Imperial citizens in the territory are busy engaged with the vallorn, or fighting off the Druj this season, but there are some reports that the Axou are moving large amounts of [[white granite]] into the region through the [[Sarangrave#Path_of_the_Eye|Path of the Eye]] - the pass that links [[the Mallum]] with Axos. They've also brought in a large number of labourers, recruited at apparently ruinous expense from all the citadels of the nation. While some are being garrisoned at the Tower, an equally large number have begun establishing camps in the vicinity of the wrecked city of Sephals - and it doesn't look as if they are planning to rebuild it. Indeed, it looks a lot more like they are planning to tear it apart to salvage building materials. Presumably after looting it.

===Armies of the Dead===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Garrison of Thornfen'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Senate Motion or Treaty</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Must explicitly give the garrison of Thornfen the right to move around Imperial Sarangrave and deal with threats to the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows the garrison of Thornfen to operate outside of that region anywhere except Nesustak Forest or Bendol</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Could be raised as part of a treaty</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Axou are struggling to establish a garrison at the Tower of the Skink'''
* '''Ilarch Skopos asks for the empire to donate up to 80 wains of mithril to help get the new Axou garrison established'''
* '''Before the garrison can protect Sarangrave it requires a Senate Motion granting it the explicit power to move around and fight threats'''
The Axou control the Tower of the Skink, and following negotiations with the [[Military Council]] are prepared to help protect Sarangrave from the threat of invasion or rebellion. With that in mind, Ilarch Skopos asks that the Senate make this arrangement clear with a [[Senate motion]]. If they are prepared to explicitly invite the Axou to defend Sarangrave (with the obvious current exceptions of Nesustak Forest and Bendol), then their garrison stands ready. Such a motion would provide the needed legal permission to go anywhere in the Imperial held regions of the territory and deal with threats to its people as they see fit. The freedom would apply to both the garrison of the Tower of the Skink and Axou armies - who would be free to move should they wish to in the same way Imperial armies can currently move through Thornfen. Without such a mandate to act, the garrison and the army will be restricted to defending Thornfen only.

As it stands the garrison would certainly protect Thornfen from the Empire if they ever tried to claim it, or to move armies through it without the permission of the Grand Ilarchs. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] advise that as well as the obvious benefits, the declaration requested by Ilarch Skopos will give Axou troops to move around Sarangrave, which could in theory present problems if relations with Axos were to sour. Ultimately the key issue is one of control. With the garrison under the control of the Axou it will ultimately be down to them what it does.

That might not be a problem for a while as the new Axou garrison at Thornfen is taking a while toe establish itself. With vallorn and Druj alike in the territory this season, there has been no movement toward establishing the new. Ilarch Skopos informs Ambassador Thanmir that there is a recruitment drive taking place in Axos at the moment but that response has been slow. The Grand Ilarch of Ipotavo is frustrated by this state of affairs - it's not as if the Axou were unaware of this potential problem - and has demanded Ilarch Skopos find a solution.

The civil service estimate that it will take a minimum of two and a half years for the Axou garrison at the Tower of the Skink to reach its full strength, assuming there are no additional setbacks. Any season where there is fighting in Sarangrave will prevent the Axou from resupplying and could even see losses if the garrison is drawn into the fight; opposing forces prevent natural resupply even if the garrison is not directly involved.

The axou could use either mithril or weirwood to increase the speed with which the garrison would establish itself, but the Grand Ilarchs' Council seems loath to contribute their own comparatively limited wains to do so. Ilarch Skopos does not come straight out and ''ask'' Ambassador Thanmir to see if the Empire can be convinced to provide such support, but the ''implication'' is very clear. If the Empire wants the garrison to be ready for battle on a meaningful time-scale they will need to provide the wains to the Axou.

===Lemuré===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Advice Regaring Lemuré'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Historical Research</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:'''
* Should clearly indicate it is taking advantage of the offer from the Halls of Maykop
* If the commission mentions specific aspects of dealing with lemuré that may help guide the research result
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 liao</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Produces a historical research document relating to lemuré and methods of dealing with them</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tarquinius Ankarien.jpg|caption=Former Ambassador Tarquinius Ankarien (left) tirelessly campaigned to strengthen ties between the Empire and Axos.|align=left|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=right|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] raised the final peerless kinship mandate.|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|caption='''Watt of Lambrook''', Minister of Historical Research|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Ambassador has requested Axou assistance with matters relating to lemuré
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to cooperate with historical research into the matter
While the Halls of Maykop are considering the matter of Druj armies supported by ghoulish horrors, Ilarch Skopos has also asked them for any guidance they can offer the [[High Exorcist]] '''Lord Belial de Courtenay Wyldrose''' in their work to combat one of the ''lemuré''. Ambassador Hafnir mentioned former Ambassador '''Tarquinius Ankarien''', and Ilarch Skopos has had some of his staff review the archives and found some information that his own predecessor ''Maxatios'' provided in the past. The libraries of Maykop are extensive, especially when it relates to ghosts and similar entities. Ilarch Skopos is confident that information exists; the challenge will be finding something specifically useful to the High Exorcist in their current endeavour.

After discussion with ''Grand Ilarch Keloparia'' of Maykop, an agreement has been reached (ableit a little grudgingly). It is the request to study with masters of ''necromantia'' that has apparently swung Keloparia's opinion in favour of the proposal. The High Exorcist of the Empire wanting aid from the magicians of Maykop, rather than the ''Convocation of Faith'' apparently bodes well. Ilarch Skopos cannot quite conceal the fact that the popularity of "Theodosia Azesos' experiment" seems to have stalled a little, to the amusement of some of her political opponents.

Regardless, the Halls will make some members of the research staff and one of the ''necromantia'' librarians available to host an Imperial scholar should they wish to visit after the Summer Solstice to investigate ''necromantia'' relating to the lemuré. Unfortunately, due to the faculty schedules, the Empire would need to take this offer up during the Summer Solstice - after that it would need to be rearranged and there is no guarantee that anyone would be available to assist such a scholarly endeavour. Ilarch Skopos notes that the faculty at Maykop will be expecting a member of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]; the invitation sadly cannot be extended to other scholars (explicitly this means the [[Lepidean Librarian]] cannot commission this research).

In return, Maykop will expect 50 doses of [[liao]]. As the ambassador proposed, this would be an ideal gift for the Grand Ilarch and the faculty staff to thank them for their time. Not because they intend to use it for any religious purposes, Ilarch Skopos clarifies, but because it is very useful in certain ''necromantia'' rites. ('''OOC Notes:''' The character who commissions the research should ensure they have to 50 liao in their inventory after the event and e-mail {{plot}} so that we can remove it and confirm the opportunity).

The civil service note that if the commission opportunity is taken up, whoever commissions it could include some guidance as to what kinds of things the High Exorcist would find useful. This would serve as a guideline for the researchers, who would do their best to find materials that related to those specific queries. Obviously, though, the final report will depend as much on what the Axou of Maykop are preapred to spare as anything else. There's also a note of caution that it is possible this research may retread some of that already shared with former ambassador Tarquinius - and expectations should be managed appropriately.
==Faraden==
* '''Faraden is at peace with the Empire, and trades freely with Imperial citizens
* '''The Liege of Five Winds appears to favour the Empire, but there are powerful factions in Faraden that prefer closer ties with Asavea
* '''Faraden is in the process of disentangling itself from Asavean interests
{{Nation|nation=[[Faraden]]|port=[[Foreign ports#Caitun|Caitun]]|ambassador=Mina i Yashum i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire, across the Lasambrian Hills of [[Reinos]]. Trade is its lifeblood, but it is also a country of canny wizards, [[Courage|Courageous]] warriors, and [[Pride|Proud]] (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the [[Jotun]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]], but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment, cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is ''Mistress Singua Karadragha''. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.
===Notes of Recognition===
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 300px">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mina6596.jpg|caption='''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza''', Ambassador to Faraden|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, former Azure Sutannir, is the new ambassador to Faraden
* '''The Liege of Five Winds sends a note of thanks to former Ambassador Ebenezer of the Marches
Kistress Karadragha begins by sending greetings and congratulations to the new [[Ambassador to Faraden|Ambassador]] '''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza'''. As former [[Azure Sutannir]], their name is already known to the Faraden diplomat. She also sends a note on behalf of the Liege of the Five Winds thanking the former Ambassador, '''Ebenezer''', for their work cementing the growing friendship between the two nations, along with wishes for a warm future full of Prosperity and Pride.

It is perhaps a shame that the first message to the new ambassador also contains confirmation that the Faraden will be signing a new peace treaty with the Jotun during the Summer Solstice. As discussed [[Five_flames#Peace_and_the_Jotun|previously]], without a major commitment from allies to support Faraden against the [[orc|orcs]] the nation is not prepared to go to war. Reading between the lines, it seems that the [[Iron Confederacy]] invasion of [[Reinos]] is not going the way the Court of Five Winds would have hoped.

In response to the polite request of the new ambassador, however, Mistress Karadragha explains that the main concern for the Faraden at this moment is that their merchants are able to travel freely to the Empire, and trade with Imperial citizens. Ensuring that they retain the ability to do so is of paramount importance.

===Ashes to Ashes===
* '''Faraden authorities have executed an Asavean citizen accused of funding the Cinders'''
* '''The Asaveans have closed their embassy in Faraden, but have not broken off diplomatic relations'''
* '''The Liege of the Five Winds has made a public speech commending Imperial law enforcement'''
For some weeks after the spring equinox Faraden is abuzz over an intersection of international diplomacy and high criminality. Tommasso Triusti, an Asavean citizen caught up in the [[Five_flames#Cinders_Extinguished|purge of the Cinders]], has been publicly executed for conspiracy to commit treason. It was an undignified affair, so the rumour goes. Unlike the Cinders, who met their deaths with dignity, their foreign enabler wept with fear and alternated between pleading for a reprieve and haranguing both the crowd and the executioner. The Faraden have strong opinions as to how condemned criminals ought to act, and this cowardly display has earned opprobrium from all corners of society.

The Asaveans are, by all accounts, beside themselves with rage. After what was rumoured to be a tense stand-off in the Palace of Five Winds between the Liege and the head of the embassy staff, the entire Asavean embassy was vacated. Those citizens of Faraden who once spoke of a close alliance with the Asaveans now carefully step away from their prior convictions, or at least keep very quiet about them. There are apparently rumblings about trade sanctions, but for now diplomatic relations remain open.

Just before the summer solstice, an address by the Liege of the Five Winds is circulated throughout Faraden. While it mostly speaks to national concerns, the Liege makes a point of commending Imperial legal authorities for their recent cooperation in the destruction of the Cinders. The Imperial Magistracy and militia are praised for their diligence and attentiveness, and much is made of the benefits of cooperation between Faraden and the Empire. Despite all attempts to the contrary, the position of the Liege remains strong and relations between Faraden and the Empire have never been better.
===Faith and Law===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Orchard A.png|align=left|caption=Brother Geoffrey Orchard is a talented horticulturalist, and vigilant investigator, who now lives at Pickham Monastery in Upwold.|width=300}}</div>
* '''Mistress Karadragha asks for clarification relating to a new proscription'''
Ambassador Mina has raised the matter of faith and religion, and Mistress Karadragha responds by expressing Faraden concerns. According to Faraden merchants the Empire has made it a crime to bear a [[dedication]] or [[anointing]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|Justice]]. This clearly refers to the recent proscription [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Blasphemy|recent proscription]] raised by ''Brother Geoffrey Orchard'' at the Winter Solstice.

Obviously there are other prescriptions that are likely of concern (such as [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_72|Judgement 72]] given that the Faraden faith believes that [[Ambition]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Vigilance]] are not useful spiritual qualities). Yet it is this matter on which Mistress Karadragha seeks clarification from the Ambassador.

Previously, sensible Faraden travellers have avoided legal issues while visiting the Empire by simply keeping their belief in the [[On Faraden faith|Five Flames]] to themselves. By not preaching the Faraden faith, they have not been held guilty of [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] or [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heresy]]. Now it seems that simply being dedicated, or bearing an anointing, will be a crime in Imperial territory. Is this understanding of the situation correct?

Speaking candidly, Mistress Karadragha expresses the concern that the Liege of the Five Winds and many of the priestly families that support them have spent a lot of time talking about the "new tolerance" of the Empire - that as long as they avoid single-minded pursuit of Justice they will be able to trade freely in the Empire. If this is no longer the case, the Court of Five Winds needs to know so that they can decide how best to proceed when encouraging their people to travel to the Empire.

==Iron Confederacy==
* '''The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire
* '''They have recently taken both Cazar Straits in Feroz and Free Landing in Madruga from the Children of Wrecks
{{Nation|nation=The [[Iron Confederacy]]|port=[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]|status=Foreigner|ambassador=Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo}}
The lands of the Suranni people - the [[Iron Confederacy]] - lie directly over the Empire's south-western border. They do not welcome visitors from the Empire except in carefully selected enclaves such as the port of [[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]. While they are currently at peace with the Empire, they are by no means allies. Courted by both the Empire and the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]], the Dukes have been content to to play both interests off against each other. They made some concessions to the Liberty Pact by "redefining" their slaves as "serfs", but those who have actually visited Suranni lands say that the lives of the lowest class of their society have barely improved with this change in terminology.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorIronConfederacy.png|caption='''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Suranni recently moved military forces into the territory of [[Feroz]], attacking and defeating the Children of Wrecks and seizing the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]]. Most recently, they have [[Phantasms_and_foam#Take_Your_Prize|done the same]] in [[Madruga]], having claimed [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] as well. Both regions are made up of islands that are a traditional home of the [[corsair]] families for [[the Brass Coast]]. Their ambassador has been clear both that they intend to go further, having dealt with the Children of Wrecks, and that they have no intention of conceding the islands to the Empire.

The Suranni ambassador to the Empire is ''Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore'', who operates from the Tour Lavasse in Chaubrette, a territory unknown to Imperial citizens that apparently lies to the west of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]]. A noble [[naga]], she replaced the significantly more dogmatic Jeanne de Hibernat, a High Priestess of the Suranni god [[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith, Maiden of the Forge]]. She has already indicated that she is very much more pragmatic than her predecessor and more interested in compromise. She still reports to the Dukes of the Iron Confederacy, however, and so her apparent goodwill toward the Empire cannot be relied upon.
===Diplomatic Considerations===
* '''The Iron Confederacy propose a meeting at the Autumn Equinox to discuss a potential treaty'''
* '''They would like the Empire to prohibit attempts to spread the Way to the Surrani'''
* '''They have no intention to return Free Landing and Cazar Straits, but it is clear they could be bought off, but it would require skilful negotiation'''
[[Gossamer_threads|Last season]] saw diplomatic approaches from the Iron Confederacy that included a request to [[Gossamer_threads#Rings_and_Wains|permit armies]] of the Iron Confederacy involved in their [[Gossamer_threads#The_Western_Hills|invasion]] of [[Reinos]] to resupply via western [[Segura]]. This request was ultimately refused. They also sought to purchase resources to protect the northernmost Suranni territory of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], which the Empire knows as Kalino, from an ongoing campaign of baleful [[curse|curses]]. In this, the Ambassador was more able to provide the requested assistance.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kobol.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol the Warrior, Maiden of Battle|Kobol the Warrior]] is the uncompromising [[Suranni pantheon|Iron Confederacy god]] of warriors and battle.|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Evra.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith]] is the god of artisans and merchants in the Iron Confederacy.|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Dumon.PNG|caption=[[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon the Kiar]] is the hated god of traitors, liars, and wizards whose followers strive to overthrow the divine order of the Iron Confederacy.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Moving forward Ambassador Tethros has apparently been in negotiation with Baroness Katerine regarding a possible [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]]. Now that the Suranni have taken retribution against the Wreckers, and dealt with the Hand of Dumon hiding among them, they seem more inclined to discuss such matters. The intent is to send a few diplomats to Anvil during the Autumn Equinox, to see if such a treaty can be prepared, and the points raised by the Ambassador so far have proved very useful. Baroness Katerine asks that this discussion continue between them, with the Ambassador continuing to help refine the matters that will be under discussion.

The first proposal presented by the Imperial Ambassador is apparently an offer to outlaw the preaching of the Way in Suranni Lands. Baroness Katerine indicates that this isn't of interest to the Dukes, because any Imperial citizen found preaching the Way in their lands would be arrested and executed as blasphemers. However what the Dukes ''are'' interested in is for the Senate to make it illegal to preach the Way to Suranni citizens in the ''Empire''. Specifically, to make it illegal to target Suranni travellers when proselytising.

The Dukes are pleased to hear that imperial efforts to restore the bridges over the Scorrero [[The Oran operation|proceed apace]]. They are also open to the idea of establishing a formal trading enclave in the Empire; the town of Bramar in [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Fortargenta]] is well known to Iron Confederacy merchants and some kind of market and a temple for the priests of [[Suranni_pantheon#Evra_the_Smith,_Maiden_of_the_Forge|Evra the Smith]] would be appealing. Either that or dedicated markets in [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]], [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]], and [[Sarvos#Sarvos|Sarvos]] for use by ships travelling along the coast through the eastern islands.

Military cooperation against the [[Jotun]] has also been discussed, and Baroness Katerine understands the Ambassador's reticence to commit to anything. Candidly, the fact the Empire is fighting the barbarian orcs in Imperial territories already provides a measure of assistance. The Dukes are however prepared to agree that any Jotun land the Empire takes in Reinos is theirs to keep, without contest - provided the Empire is in turn prepared to offer the same recognition to the Iron Confederacy. Both nations, says the Baroness, would surely benefit from the extermination of the Lasambrian Hills bandits.

As to the matter of Free Landing and Cazar Straits, however, the Baroness is much less forthcoming. As the Dukes have said over and over, they plan to keep what they have taken from the Children of Wrecks. The Empire had every opportunity to destroy the pirates sheltering in those islands before the Suranni took charge of matters. Relinquishment of the islands is unlikely to be on the table during negotiations. In theory at least, it might be possible for the Empire to negotiate the Suranni withdrawing from Free Landing, but the Ambassador must be aware that the price for doing so is likely to be a great deal of money or truly eye-watering amounts of mithril, weirwood, and white granite. The islands of the Brass Coast represent significant economic and strategic benefits to the Suranni. They conquered the islands with the lives of their soldiers, and in the name of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle|Maiden of Battle]], and any concession to the Empire is going to need to reflect that.

===Hand of Dumon===
* '''Baroness Katerine concedes the Empire had no role in the recent curses on Arbonne
After due consideration, the Iron Confederacy accepts that the Empire had no role in the cursing of Arbonne, and that they will ensure the organisation puts down no roots within their borders. Even the Duke of Arbonne is apparently [[Gossamer_threads#Dumon_the_Liar|satisfied]] with the Ambassador's assurances this time, and the Suranni lawkeepers engaged in assisting the magistrates as part of the [[Ratify_Dumonist_Treaty|Dumonist treaty]] have tempered their zeal a little.

With the provision of [[ilium]] to help create a warding temple in Arbonne to combat the malignancy of the Hand of Dumon it ''seems'' the matter is put to rest for the moment. The civil service are at pains to point out that if any Hand of Dumon agents or sympathisers ''were'' active in Imperial politics, and their identities were exposed, then it could potentially prove quite embarrassing for the Ambassador and the Empire. Having access to the magistracy, even in a limited capacity, means that the Suranni lawkeepers are aware whenever someone is prosecuted for [[Criminalize Hand of Dumon|membership of the Hand of Dumon]]. Obviously there's no evidence of such an individual or conspiracy, but [[Vigilance]] is clear about the need to [[Vigilance#Guidance_on_the_Path|prepare for malice]], and to avoid becoming complacent.

===Marko Siwarsbairn===
* '''The well-regarded scholar has return to the Empire and is eager to return to work'''
Poor [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]! Their visit to the Iron Confederacy to research military history took significantly longer than expected and arguably at various points they were in fact imprisoned by their Suranni hosts. Worse, when they were finally given leave to return to the Empire, their research complete, they were [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|attacked]] by the Hand of Dumon and narrowly avoided being sacrificed to the Suranni [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|God of Lies]] . Thanks to the intercession of the [[Minister of Historical Research]] '''Watt Lambrook''', and by all accounts the direct aid of Ambassador Thethros, the [[Wintermark]] scholar was safely rescued. They handed over the fruits of nearly a year of research and then... went straight back to work.

There has been some suggestion that Marko may wish to take a leave of absence to recover from their recent adventures, but the plucky scholar is having none of it. Given time to recover, they are of the opinion that if nothing else all this business has been ''exciting'' - even thought it may have been a waste of a year from a scholastic point of view it was never ''dull''. They're furious with the Iron Confederacy about the way their freedom to explore the subject of Suranni military history was so closely monitored, and how their words were edited and reviewed by the Baroness Katerine and her priests. They also want to be clear that when the document said "area of industry in Arbonne" for example, they meant "mithril mine for supplying armies", as just one example.

There has been some suggestion Baroness Katerine may be required to pay some kind of compensation. Instead the Suranni diplomat merely sends her best wishes to Marko, invites them to visit if ever they are in the vicinity of her holdings, and that given they are now back in the Empire she considers the matter closed. After all, it was Hand of Dumon agents ''in the Empire'' who attacked Marko, and while the Minister of Historical Research may have needed to intercede, her knights still did their job by ensuring the scholar returned to the bosom of the Empire alive. Marko's response involves quite an amount of coarse language.
<div style="float:right; width:300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]], is responsible for dealing with nations that do not have a dedicated ambassador.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Tsark==
* '''The people of Tsark have sent an adept to Occursion'''
* '''Adept Camilla invites letters on the subject of Prosperity'''
* '''Urizeni congregation will be able to take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark' after the Summer Solstice.'''
The Seeker of the Perfect World has written to Sage Kristoph, the Tsarkoi sage who has long been the primary diplomat of the Tsarkoi to the Empire, opening a conversation on the subject of Prosperity and the ways in which it might benefit Tsark. After a little deliberation, the Council of Sages appointed Camilla - as a senior adept - to be the primary representative to the Empire on this subject. They are - cautiously - interested in hearing more.

Camilla's parents were Urizeni who found a way to Tsark a generation ago and decided to stay, so she is a little familiar with the Empire and [[the Way]] as a result. However, the Tsarkoi do not make use of spiritual forces ''other'' than that of Peace - quite the contrary to their neighbours, the notoriously blasphemous and heretical Axou who make use of auras of every kind, and so she is not greatly familiar with the Seven Virtues of the Way except through her parent's stories.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Those wishing to write to Camilla on the subject of what Prosperity means to them should send a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to ''Adept Camilla, Garden of the Perfect World, Occursion, Zenith''}}
Camilla says that she intends to stay a little while at the Garden of the Perfect World. There are other adepts and sages who intend to visit in the season that follows: she has been asked to prepare the way. The Council of Sages believes, from what it understands of Prosperity, that the Virtue ''may'' be one that fits in the perfect world that the Tsarkoi seek - in accordance with their esoteric beliefs - to bring about. Camilla says that she will make herself available for any Imperial citizen who wishes to write to her explaining what Prosperity means to them. In addition, she and the other adepts chosen for this initiative would be delighted to meet with Urizeni who wish to share their perspective on Prosperity.

After the Summer Solstice, holders of an Urizeni congregation may take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark'. This will represent the priest taking themselves - and possibly their congregation - to Occursion to meet with Adept Camilla and her fellows, to discuss Prosperity and demonstrate the auras associated with it. As such, the congregation will not produce its normal complement of liao, as it is assumed it will be used in the creation of auras. However, Camilla has promised that in return she offers a portion of zaboravi. Obviously, any priest who takes this lecture will end up in the Prosperity assembly as a result at the subsequent summit.

==Maracossa==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Leonorada Rousseau'' currently resides in ''Trajadoz'', [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]], [[Madruga]] for anyone who wants to talk about Marracossan business}}
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza.jpg|caption='''Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza''', Senator for Madruga|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The proscription against the Theist Heresy creates major problems for the Marracossans'''
* '''They are appealing to the Marracossa Sendito for help'''
Representatives of the [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadozi Marracossans]], [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#By_Roads_Both_Straight_and_Winding|came to Anvil]] for the Spring Equinox. They planned to meet with both the current [[Marracossa Sendito]] '''Karg i Estrico i Erigo''' and the former holder of the title, '''Hugo i Bamesh'''. By all accounts the meeting went well - the Marracossans returned to Trajadoz satisfied at least. Or rather... ''mostly'' satisfied. There is a great deal of concern among the former inhabitants of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] regarding the blanket criminalization of their religion.

The [[judgement]] of [[proscription]] raised by '''Frater Pontius of Adoniran’s Temple''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_114|defines]] the "Theist Heresy" as ''the claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over or communion with sapient spirits''." The Marracossans have never tried to hide their faith in their gods, and given that the town of Trajadoz has been [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Cede_Trajadoz|ceded]] to them by the [[Senate]] they are not concerned that they will need to fend off zealous magistrates. What they are very concerned about is their relationship with their neighbours.

The Marracossans have over the last few years formed bonds of friendship and business with Freeborn folk in [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] in particular. Some of their number fought against the Grendel when they attempted to conquer Madruga, and indeed the Freeborn Assembly [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_160|recognised and praised]] them for their [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Loyalty]]. Now they're concerned that anyone who trades with them, visits them, or even speaks to them might face prosecution. Worse, they are concerned that they might face prosecution if they leave the environs of Trajadoz - effectively trapping them in the town for the foreseeable future.

They're ''very'' keen for the Marracossa Sendito to advise them on the situation. This is in line with the [[Marracossa_Sendito#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] of the post - given that this proscription may represent a threat to Trajadoz and involves a request for representation. The civil service indicate that Karg i Estrico i Erigo may wish to seek the advice of the [[Imperial Consul]] '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' on this matter. While Karg is responsible for dealing with the Marracossans they are legally foreigners with whom the Empire does not have a recognised [[ambassador]], and any [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaties]] for example would need to be prepared by the Consuls office. The advice of the magistrates might also be valuable in what exactly this new heresy means for the Marracossans.

The Marracossans are ''also'' keen for their friends in Madruga to speak on their behalf. Can the Freeborn Assembly offer any reassurance, for example? Or should they begin preparing for a siege? Can they truly be considered heretics when they do not follow the Way, or even pretend to, but likewise have no interest in proselytising their own religion to others?

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-20T12:46:04Z

Wrenna: /* Seeds of Discord */

The shadows fall behind you

2026-07-18T16:03:09Z

Wrenna: /* Drive */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The shadows fall behind you

2026-07-18T16:01:51Z

Wrenna: /* Drive */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the end

2026-07-17T17:43:13Z

Wrenna: /* Never follow me */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-17T17:30:32Z

Wrenna: /* This is the End */