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Tomb of the Courageous

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:33:56 GMT

Doubts

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:33, 22 July 2026
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	So nobody is surprised at the suggestion that it is his tomb that will be consecrated - where else could it be? Still it would be something to have at least one statue somewhere on the Coast, to commemorate the life of the only Freeborn ever to site the Throne.		So nobody is surprised at the suggestion that it is his tomb that will be consecrated - where else could it be? Still it would be something to have at least one statue somewhere on the Coast, to commemorate the life of the only Freeborn ever to site the Throne.

	In serendipitous timing, the firebrand movement that was so intertwined with the rule of Ahraz is also on the rise. While they may only partway to achieving the political prominence they once had, their affection for the Emperor remains and they are keen to make sure they are involved in tending the flame of his inspiration. They have asked that the Senate have an [[edifice]] built in the mountains of [[Kahraman]] where Ahraz spent the last few years of his life. Ideally something that celebrates his burning desire to confront the inequalities of Imperial life, his passion to confront the Empire he ruled and tear everything down to try to improve the lot of the lowest.		In serendipitous timing, the firebrand movement that was so intertwined with the rule of Ahraz is also on the rise. While they may be only partway to achieving the political prominence they once had, their affection for the Emperor remains and they are keen to make sure they are involved in tending the flame of his inspiration. They have asked that the Senate have an [[edifice]] built in the mountains of [[Kahraman]] where Ahraz spent the last few years of his life. Ideally something that celebrates his burning desire to confront the inequalities of Imperial life, his passion to confront the Empire he ruled and tear everything down to try to improve the lot of the lowest.

	However, there is an alternative - Ahraz was also a keen [[scrivener]], and many of that profession are determined that this history should not be lost. Ahraz was not just a firebrand, he was a man of deep and abiding principles, someone who kept his faith and his bond. When he made an agreement with someone he stuck to it. He embodied a deep commitment to honesty, to dealing with people fairly. The Freeborn scriveners would like everyone to remember that Ahraz was one of their own and ask that any edifice that is erected celebrate that heritage.		However, there is an alternative - Ahraz was also a keen [[scrivener]], and many of that profession are determined that this history should not be lost. Ahraz was not just a firebrand, he was a man of deep and abiding principles, someone who kept his faith and his bond. When he made an agreement with someone he stuck to it. He embodied a deep commitment to honesty, to dealing with people fairly. The Freeborn scriveners would like everyone to remember that Ahraz was one of their own and ask that any edifice that is erected celebrate that heritage.

	It can't really be both, so someone will have to make a decision, assuming a status is to be erected. It wouldn't have to take a [[senate motion]], surely this is exactly what the [[Mistress of Monuments]] was created for? If the statue were 9 wains of white granite or less, then ~~they~~ the Mistress could announce it.		It can't really be both, so someone will have to make a decision, assuming a status is to be erected. It wouldn't have to take a [[senate motion]], surely this is exactly what the [[Mistress of Monuments]] was created for? If the statue were 9 wains of white granite or less, then the Mistress could announce it.

	If a statue is built, it could reflect Ahraz' humble beginnings as a scrivener or his embrace of conflict as a firebrand. Whichever it is, is likely to raise the profile of that archetype still further, promoting its role and importance in Freeborn life.		If a statue is built, it could reflect Ahraz' humble beginnings as a scrivener or his embrace of conflict as a firebrand. Whichever it is, is likely to raise the profile of that archetype still further, promoting its role and importance in Freeborn life.
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	* '''Not everyone is convinced this consecration is a good idea'''		* '''Not everyone is convinced this consecration is a good idea'''
	* '''If evidence emerged that Ahraz ''was'' a heretic after the consecration of an inspirational location it would trigger a spiritual crisis		* '''If evidence emerged that Ahraz ''was'' a heretic after the consecration of an inspirational location it would trigger a spiritual crisis
	The Synod has spoken and named Emperor Ahraz as an exemplar of Courage. This is an important step in the rehabilitation of the Freeborn Emperor. He only narrowly survived a vote by the Synod to [[veto]] his appointment to [[the Throne]] due to persistent rumours that he was a [[heresy\|heretic]]. His habit of employing a [[Shackle_of_the_Unvirtuous\|Shackle of Freedom]] to hide his [[aura]] from [[insight]] caused many to question his [[dedication]] during his life. His refusal to condemn those involved with the [[Freedom Heresy]] caused his rivals to question where his true devotion lay. In modern times, such a thing could not happen. The Empire has outlawed almost anything that will conceal a person's aura (it's not hard to imagine how passionately the Emperor would have disagreed with ''that'' decision!). Even sixty years ago, it was enough to cause the Emperor to face [[inquisition]].		The Synod has spoken and named Emperor Ahraz as an exemplar of Courage. This is an important step in the rehabilitation of the Freeborn Emperor. He only narrowly survived a vote by the Synod to [[veto]] his appointment to [[the Throne]] due to persistent rumours that he was a [[heresy\|heretic]]. His habit of employing a [[Shackle_of_the_Unvirtuous\|Shackle of Freedom]] to hide his [[aura]] from [[insight]] caused many to question his [[dedication]] during his life. His refusal to condemn those involved with the [[Freedom Heresy]] caused his rivals to question where his true devotion lay. In modern times, such a thing could not happen. The Empire has outlawed almost anything that will conceal a person's aura (it's not hard to imagine how passionately the Emperor would have disagreed with ''that'' decision!) Even sixty years ago, it was enough to cause the Emperor to face [[inquisition]].

	Provided the General Assembly are ''absolutely certain'' that they have this matter right, then there is nothing to worry about. But there are people who still argue that the Emperor was associated with a false Virtue. If that is the case, then it is just possible that the Empire is marching blindly into a disaster to rival that [[True faith\|surrounding]] the revelations about the former paragon [[Vardas]].		Provided the General Assembly are ''absolutely certain'' that they have this matter right, then there is nothing to worry about. But there are people who still argue that the Emperor was associated with a false Virtue. If that is the case, then it is just possible that the Empire is marching blindly into a disaster to rival that [[True faith\|surrounding]] the revelations about the former paragon [[Vardas]].

No Matter What

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:29:26 GMT

Created page with "<ic> "If're we're going to make a camp down here, then I want to know what's going on with the Suranni. Someone should be keeping an eye on them." Steelbane Rosk spat into the dust and pointed at the horizon where the border with the Iron Confederacy began. "It's difficult. Ideally I guess we'd create some kind of spy network. But most of our people are merchants, not spies. It's dangerous work being a spy if you're not prepared to lie to people. "They're slavers aren..."

New page

<ic>
"If're we're going to make a camp down here, then I want to know what's going on with the Suranni. Someone should be keeping an eye on them." Steelbane Rosk spat into the dust and pointed at the horizon where the border with the Iron Confederacy began.

"It's difficult. Ideally I guess we'd create some kind of spy network. But most of our people are merchants, not spies. It's dangerous work being a spy if you're not prepared to lie to people.

"They're slavers aren't they? What's wrong with lying to slavers?" demanded Rosk. Ok, they're "serfs" but we all know what that means. What's wrong with lying to serfers?"

"Lying splits your soul in two." explained Estaban. We Freeborn prize honesty above all other Virtues.

Rosk's left eye flickered slightly but he let it pass. "Maybe your soul does." he said. "But I like lying to slavers. Not as much as I like running one through with my spear, but lying 'll do if there's nothing better."

The Sunstorm stopped for a moment to consider something then he grinned. "Maybe there's a way we can work together on that. You do the trading, we'll do the lying, and then when the right moment comes we can take the fight to them together?"
</ic>

==Overview==
A year and a half ago, the [[Imperial Orc|Imperial Orcs]] began to seriously address the problems of aridity faced in their new territory of [[Mareave]]. Since then, amongst other wonders where once there was desert there is now an oasis in the region of Icarion. This was in large part possible because of expert Freeborn advice. That advice was not dearly, it seems they genuinely wished to aid their fellows. After all, the Imperial Orcs and the Freeborn have a bond forged by the Exemplar Ahraz that is a flame eternal.

However, the [[Brass Coast|Freeborn]] aid did not go unacknowledged. The Imperial Orc Assembly passed a mandate calling on the [[Sunstorm]] sept to go and offer what aid they could to the impoverished territory of [[Feroz]]. While it took a couple of seasons for the Qanat to be commissioned and for this effort to begin in earnest, for the last year members of the Sunstorm sept have been visiting Feroz to learn about the problems that beset it. Now, they are finally ready to present their ideas to the people of dust, flame, and glass - their siblings in [[Courage]].

==Forged in battle==
* '''The Sunstorm sept could set up a military training camp in Afarjasse'''
* '''The region would no longer be abandoned'''
* '''It would form a good basis for an appraisal into supplying the Fire of the South out of Feroz.'''

Of course, the Imperial Orc armies have members of all the septs amongst their number. However, two septs are the foundation of the Imperial Orc's military strength. The Autumn Hammers, who draw the majority of their number from the Ethengraw, and the Summer Storm and Winter Sun, who give their name to the Sunstorm sept that founded them. More than any other sept amongst the Unshackled, the Sunstorm have a history tightly bound with the history of orcs in the Empire and the decades of their history following [[the Orc Rebellion]] when they had no home to call their own. During this time, the nation lived in camps across the Empire, such as the small settlement that still exists in [[Semmerholm#Estmure|Estcastle]] - and, in fact, in the Brass Coast, whose rolling hills and plains provided an ample place for the nascent legions to hone their skills.
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Ajarjasse Training Camp'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Afarjasse, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 white granite and 48 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title of Drill Sergeant of Afarjasse Camp
* Provides the Winter Sun and Summer Storm with basic training in operating in humid regions
* Removes the abandoned quality from Afarjasse
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Drill Sergent of Afarjasse Camp'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National (Imperial Orcs)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Imperial Orc generals</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 288 rings a season. </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To lead Sunstorm training and military readiness for operations in hot, humid terrain</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restrictions:''' If a member of a sept other than the Sunstorm sept is appointed, it will cause significant problems</td></tr>
</table></div>

These times are fondly remembered by many of the older orcs in the Sunstorm sept - a time of learning to exist alongside humans as friends and allies, after Ahraz's hard-won peace and the subsequent end of centuries of enslavement. The legion camps are mostly gone now - while small settlements and outposts do exist, many members of the Sunstorm settled in Skarsind when it was granted to them by the Senate, and many more are looking to make a home in Mareave.

This has some in the Sunstorm concerned. It is great that the Imperial Orc nation achieved its first [[Ambition]] and won its own land, and that many septs have made a home for themselves in the nation. However, what makes the Sunstorm unique is that history of being forged not just in the heat of battle but in the discipline and order of legion life. Obviously the Winter Sun and the Summer Storm benefit from this tradition every time they resupply, but outside the fifteen thousand or so soldiers who make up those armies, there are many more orcs who would once have been part of smaller banners and legions, who do not seek to live the [[Reavers|reaving]] life.

The Sunstorm who have travelled here have noted that Afarjasse is in many ways the region of the territory in the greatest predicament. While the herds of Afar have restored a small measure of prosperity to the struggling region, Afar itself was never large even in its heydey. The issue is that there is simply no reason to come here. Yet, the Sunstorm point out, these languid hills that roll hot and humid in the south would be a perfect place for a training encampment. That's interesting to them because Feroz is not like Mareave, which is hot but also notoriously dry, and it is certainly nothing like Skarsind, of course.

Yet in time, they envisage, the Empire will surely go to conquer the rest of the Broken Shore, and that will mean dealing with hot and humid regions. There are said to be some parts of Claudheel, for instance, that are thick jungle. Feroz doesn't have that, but it is an excellent place for soldiers to learn how to cope with high [[Wikipedia:Wet-bulb temperature|wet bulb temperatures]], for instance. If a Sunstorm training camp was built here, it would mean that the two armies who draw their supply from the Sunstorm would have no issues operating in regions with the humid quality. It's quite likely that Claudheel, at least, has regions which are humid.

An Imperial title would be created: the Drill Sergeant of Afarjasse Camp would take the lead of running the camp, and be paid a fair wage for their troubles. Though, it has to be said, while no restriction can legally be put on Imperial titles by sept, if a member of another sept were appointed it could well cause issues and would certainly be storing up trouble for later.
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Freeborn Supply'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraise ways to increase the supply of Freeborn armies from Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Vainakoma Dawnstongue named as appraiser</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Appraisal (Senate Motion) </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE </td></tr>
</table></div>
Moreover, if a Sunstorm training camp was built here, in Afarjasse, then it would immediately create a market that canny Freeborn could surely be encouraged to take advantage of. A training camp needs food, it needs water, it needs entertainment (for nothing is worse for discipline than a bored soldier). If a training camp was built here, it would remove the abandoned quality from Afarjasse. However, it would be possible to go further. After all - the Brass Coast too possesses warriors who always enjoy the chance to stretch themselves.

The Fire of the South draw much of their supply - traditionally at least - from the plans of Segura and Feroz. In recent years, however, they have really been supported primarily by the Iron Qanat alone, and certainly not by the people of underpopulated Feroz. Once the training camp was built, it would be possible to appraise - in the usual manner - the problem of supplying the Fire of the South out of Feroz.

It's hard to say what the outcome of such an appraisal would be, but it would almost certainly address the issue of Feroz's underpopulation. With the expert military insight of the Sunstorm, perhaps the Fire of the South might also be able to [[Army_qualities#Advanced_Qualities|advance]] their own military cunning. The appraiser Vainakoma Dawnstongue could be the best choice for this endeavour, given her military background.

Of course, there could also be the potential for collaboration with the Protectorate of Morajasse, who are also relatively martially-minded and who might well enjoy the opportunity for joint exercises with the Sunstorm. That would be a matter for the Imperial Consul to independently pursue, however.

==Break the chains==
* '''A spy network targeting Arbonne could be set up camouflaged as a cattle wrangling market'''

The Sunstorm are also characterised by a strong and total rejection of the institution of slavery and the need for liberation that goes above and beyond the general antipathy that most Imperial citizens or even most other Imperial Orcs possess. They are joined in this passion, however, by the Freeborn. While other nations of the Empire have a chequered past that necessarily involves some degree of culpability in the institution of slavery, the Freeborn were passionate voices in favour of abolition from long before they joined the Empire.

One group who certainly do ''not'' value the freedom of the individual as guaranteed in the Imperial Constitution is the Suranni, who control Arbonne, the territory to the south of Feroz. While the Iron Confederacy claim that they do not keep slaves, every account that exists of the reality of life as a serf is one that ''strongly'' resembles slavery, especially because the Suranni believe the importance of bloodlines and inheritance. Once a serf, always a serf, and so true for all your children and children's children.
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Wranglers Market'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Spy Network</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Arbonne</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 14 weirwood and 42 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title of Chief Wrangler
* Provides the Imperial Orc military units with a way to spy on the Suranni in Arbonne
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Drill Sergent of Afarjasse Camp'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase orichalcum and weltsilver </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To ensure enough cattle are traded to allow scouts to spy on the Suranni</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Ministry'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>140 Rings</td><td>6 orichalcum and 6 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>340 Rings</td><td>12 orichalcum and 12 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>18 orichalcum and 18 weltsilver</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

It's an unpleasant reality. Once, Arbonne - then Kalino - was controlled by the Lasambrian Orcs. Once they were bandits and scoundrels but these days, they have embraced Virtue, if not [[the Way]]. Now the [[Iron Confederacy]] is on the doorstep of the Freeborn. More than that, the Cazar Straits are in fact now under Suranni control. They have become a daily reminder that the Empire has an uneasy peace with a people whose way of life is inimical to the Freeborn and the values of the Sunstorm.

Now, while the Empire is at peace with the Iron Confederacy... there are ways the Freeborn and the Sunstorm could join forces to, perhaps, test the bounds of that state of affairs. Arbonne is unmapped by the Empire... so a spy network in the territory would be prudent and technically legal.

There is a brutal truth that many Freeborn are not ''great'' at spying. They excel at scouting, but the hard work of spying is a problem for people who can't tell a lie. But working together Imperial Orcs and Freeborn might cover each other's strengths. There is the perfect cover right there in Afar, where of course the herds have recently been re-established thanks to the Great Cattle Market of '87. The Sunstorm are familiar with cattle themselves - the Great Herds of Skarsind and Mareave were established under the aegis of members of the sept.

At Bramar, a Wrangler's Market could be set up, and a Chief Wrangler appointed to manage the cattle trade there, working with the Dhomiro of Afar whose interests also lie squarely in this area. This would operate much like any other ministry, trading with the Iron Confederacy in rings (representing the exchange of cattle) in return for orichalcum and weltsilver, which the Iron Confederacy is rich in.

But the suggestion of the Sunstorm is that the Imperial Orcs could use Wrangler's Market as a front to spy on Arbonne. Moreover, as long as the ministry was operated each season, the Suranni would have no way at all to discover the network. Indeed it would be in the interests of corrupt officials - of which the Confederacy most certainly has its fair portion - to not look too closely and even to cover up any evidence of spying that they did discover - because it might disrupt the lucrative trade.

With the Freeborn moving large numbers of cattle through the Wranglers Market, it would be easy for Sunstorm military units to use the trade to spy on Arbonne. They could accompany the herds as they moved south, on the face of it acting like guards and wranglers, whilst actually spying on the slavers.

Tomb of the Courageous

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:28:21 GMT

Truth

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	At the Spring Equinox, the [[Courage]] Assembly decided that now was the time to consecrate the tomb of [[Emperor Ahraz]] to become a true inspirational place of pilgrimage. To say he was a controversial figure of Imperial history would be an understatement, but none could deny that he ''cleaved to what he knew to be true''.		At the Spring Equinox, the [[Courage]] Assembly decided that now was the time to consecrate the tomb of [[Emperor Ahraz]] to become a true inspirational place of pilgrimage. To say he was a controversial figure of Imperial history would be an understatement, but none could deny that he ''cleaved to what he knew to be true''.

	Since his death the Emperor's reputation has steadily improved, buttressed most recently by a piece of historical research published by the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University\|Lepidean Library]]. That work provided a detailed investigation of the life of [[Emperor Ahraz]] with a thorough account of the unfortunate events that led to him being deposed. With all the important details of Ahraz' life now firmly in the public domain, the Assembly can move forwards with creating an inspirational memorial to this important figure of Courage.		Since his death the Emperor's reputation has steadily improved, buttressed most recently by a piece of historical research published by the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University\|Lepidean Library]]. That work provided a detailed investigation of the life of [[Emperor Ahraz]] with a thorough account of the unfortunate events that led to him being deposed. With all the important details of Ahraz's life now firmly in the public domain, the Assembly can move forwards with creating an inspirational memorial to this important figure of Courage.

	==Truth==		==Truth==
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	{{Mandate\|mandate=Cleave to what you know to be true! We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Ahraz's tomb to remind all faithful to pursue what they know to be right in the face of any and all opposition.\|assembly=General Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Cleave to what you know to be true! We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Ahraz's tomb to remind all faithful to pursue what they know to be right in the face of any and all opposition.\|assembly=General Assembly}}

	If this mandate is passed, it will focus the thoughts of pilgrims visiting the site on Ahraz' pivotal role in helping the forebears of the [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] achieve their freedom and ultimately become the tenth nation of the Empire. It will further bolster spirits of those orcs fighting to maintain their grip on Mareave against the Grendel, and seeking to free other orcs from enslavement. This will increase the number of armies or navies the Imperial Orcs can [[Army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces\|support]] by one, to a total of four.		If this mandate is passed, it will focus the thoughts of pilgrims visiting the site on Ahraz's pivotal role in helping the forebears of the [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] achieve their freedom and ultimately become the tenth nation of the Empire. It will further bolster spirits of those orcs fighting to maintain their grip on Mareave against the Grendel, and seeking to free other orcs from enslavement. This will increase the number of armies or navies the Imperial Orcs can [[Army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces\|support]] by one, to a total of four.

	{{Mandate\|mandate=Cleave to what you know to be true! We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Ahraz's tomb to remind all faithful to cleave to what they know to be true, even when others wish you to doubt.\|assembly=General Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Cleave to what you know to be true! We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Ahraz's tomb to remind all faithful to cleave to what they know to be true, even when others wish you to doubt.\|assembly=General Assembly}}

	If this mandate is upheld, it will focus the thoughts of pilgrims on the importance of understanding their own hearts, and exploring what they believe to be right, as Ahraz did throughout his life. It will raise spirits all across the Brass Coast, reminding the Freeborn that one of their own sat the Throne - and recently - and that he was one of the most inspirational and important figures to do so in Imperial history. The nation has suffered greatly in recent years with the predations of Governor Rahab in Feroz, the depredations of the Dry Patricians in Madruga, and the ~~oen~~-two punch of the Children of Wrecks and the Suranni. This version of the mandate will increase the number of armies or navies the Brass Coast can support by one, also to a total of four.		If this mandate is upheld, it will focus the thoughts of pilgrims on the importance of understanding their own hearts, and exploring what they believe to be right, as Ahraz did throughout his life. It will raise spirits all across the Brass Coast, reminding the Freeborn that one of their own sat the Throne - and recently - and that he was one of the most inspirational and important figures to do so in Imperial history. The nation has suffered greatly in recent years with the predations of Governor Rahab in Feroz, the depredations of the Dry Patricians in Madruga, and the one-two punch of the Children of Wrecks and the Suranni. This version of the mandate will increase the number of armies or navies the Brass Coast can support by one, also to a total of four.

	==Worth==		==Worth==

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:23:59 GMT

Tomb of the Courageous

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	===Tomb of the Courageous===		===Tomb of the Courageous===
	* '''The Courage Assembly; Freeborn, especially Scriveners and prospective Firebrands; The Lepidean Librarian		* '''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.		The Courage Assembly has made their case to the wider Synod that it is time 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.		You can read about the opportunity to consecrate Ahraz's Tomb in the '''[[Tomb of the Courageous]]''' wind of fortune.

A wizard did it

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:23:41 GMT

Heads or Tails

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

Warriors' Gate

Noserenda — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:22:21 GMT

Securing Allies

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	* '''Wintermark has begun sharing their expertise in surviving arctic conditions with the rest of the Empire		* '''Wintermark has begun sharing their expertise in surviving arctic conditions with the rest of the Empire
	* '''The Smokehouse of Atalaq is providing food to explorers in the wasteland		* '''The Smokehouse of Atalaq is providing food to explorers in the wasteland
	The task of mastering Tsirku is [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|truly ambitious]], and Wintermark is unlikely to achieve it on its own. During the Spring Equinox, the Wintermark Assembly sought allies from the other Imperial nations. They [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_48\|sent]] '''Thritt''', ~~themselvs~~ a banner-bearer, to encourage those familiar with the cold and the arctic conditions of Tsirku to share their knowledge with the rest of the Empire. Captains, explorers, trappers, trackers, and travellers have all begun to take advantage of this offer, learning how to deal with the frigid conditions north of Sermersuaq.		The task of mastering Tsirku is [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|truly ambitious]], and Wintermark is unlikely to achieve it on its own. During the Spring Equinox, the Wintermark Assembly sought allies from the other Imperial nations. They [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_48\|sent]] '''Thritt''', themselves a banner-bearer, to encourage those familiar with the cold and the arctic conditions of Tsirku to share their knowledge with the rest of the Empire. Captains, explorers, trappers, trackers, and travellers have all begun to take advantage of this offer, learning how to deal with the frigid conditions north of Sermersuaq.

	At the same time '''Hildelith Kaukosdottir''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_126\|arranged further support]] by encouraging the farmers of Wintermark to provide [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|surplus provisions]], suitable for use in Tsirku, to those scouting the wastes. As such, each season a strength of 500 will be ~~commited~~ to the scouting network. It isn't enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north. More importantly for some, though, it means that anyone taking part in the endeavour has a ready supply of compact, easy to carry, nutritious food that can give them the strength to push through the hostile landscape. This comes at the cost, however, of removing the usual benefits provided by the [[Write_the_lines#Hunt_of_the_North\|Smokehouse of Atalaq]] - it will no longer provide additional production to the [[farm\|farms]] of Sermersuaq.		At the same time '''Hildelith Kaukosdottir''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_126\|arranged further support]] by encouraging the farmers of Wintermark to provide [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|surplus provisions]], suitable for use in Tsirku, to those scouting the wastes. As such, each season a strength of 500 will be committed to the scouting network. It isn't enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north. More importantly for some, though, it means that anyone taking part in the endeavour has a ready supply of compact, easy to carry, nutritious food that can give them the strength to push through the hostile landscape. This comes at the cost, however, of removing the usual benefits provided by the [[Write_the_lines#Hunt_of_the_North\|Smokehouse of Atalaq]] - it will no longer provide additional production to the [[farm\|farms]] of Sermersuaq.

	==Siglings and Guides==		==Siglings and Guides==

A wizard did it

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:16:48 GMT

Rains in Mareave

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	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.		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...		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 die 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...		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 the 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 unfortunately 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]].		Because unfortunately 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]].

Warriors' Gate

Noserenda — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:13:30 GMT

Warriors Gate

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	There is no Jotun or Thule presence here. The sole sign that anyone other than Winterfolk pilgrims has ever been here is only a short distance across the border of Sermersuaq - a trilithon of white stone carved with stylised depictions of mammoths, hares, penguins, and deer as well as symbols of Summer. It puts the Navarr who see it immediately in mind of the [[Hercynia#The_Gate_of_Summer\|Gate of Summer]] in [[Hercynia]]. The monument is dubbed the ''Gate of Winter'', and like the structure in the south it has absolutely no magic associated with it.		There is no Jotun or Thule presence here. The sole sign that anyone other than Winterfolk pilgrims has ever been here is only a short distance across the border of Sermersuaq - a trilithon of white stone carved with stylised depictions of mammoths, hares, penguins, and deer as well as symbols of Summer. It puts the Navarr who see it immediately in mind of the [[Hercynia#The_Gate_of_Summer\|Gate of Summer]] in [[Hercynia]]. The monument is dubbed the ''Gate of Winter'', and like the structure in the south it has absolutely no magic associated with it.

	The only other common ~~faeture~~ are cairns - four of them - that mark a kind of trail that wends north through Warriors Gate. Most of the stones that mark these cairns come from the local area, but a few have been carried from further afield. Many are marked with [[runes]], and in amongst them are odd relics such as long-rusted blades, animals of carved bone, scraps of fabric hung as flags, and the like. These are pilgrim cairns, created over the centuries by those taking the long walk from Sermersuaq to Sydanjaa. Even the beasts of Agramant do not interfere with these monuments.		The only other common feature are cairns - four of them - that mark a kind of trail that wends north through Warriors Gate. Most of the stones that mark these cairns come from the local area, but a few have been carried from further afield. Many are marked with [[runes]], and in amongst them are odd relics such as long-rusted blades, animals of carved bone, scraps of fabric hung as flags, and the like. These are pilgrim cairns, created over the centuries by those taking the long walk from Sermersuaq to Sydanjaa. Even the beasts of Agramant do not interfere with these monuments.
	===Claiming Warriors Gate===		===Claiming Warriors Gate===
	* '''Warriors Gate has been explored but is too inhospitable for an army to claim it for the Empire'''		* '''Warriors Gate has been explored but is too inhospitable for an army to claim it for the Empire'''

A wizard did it

Vsabo — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:11:00 GMT

Broken

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	* '''It remains impossible to enhance ritual lore using the Imperial regio		* '''It remains impossible to enhance ritual lore using the Imperial regio
	* '''Other properties of the Imperial regio are unchanged		* '''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.		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.		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.		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===		===Light in the Dark===
	* '''Magicians using the Imperial regio find a peculiar source of spiritual strength		* '''Magicians using the Imperial regio find a peculiar source of spiritual strength

A wizard did it

Emmanovi — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:06:26 GMT

Key of the Stars: sp

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	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.		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.		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 Serenus 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==		==Painted Caves==

Warriors' Gate

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:06:10 GMT

Securing Allies: Fixing the Smokehouse of Atalaq

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	The frozen wasteland of Tsirku to the north of Sermersuaq is truly ''terra incognita'' as the old [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] would have it. [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil\|Last season]] a bold endeavour was set in motion to explore the unknown land, to learn more of what lies in its trackless tundra and ice fields, and if possible to make it part of Wintermark.		The frozen wasteland of Tsirku to the north of Sermersuaq is truly ''terra incognita'' as the old [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] would have it. [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil\|Last season]] a bold endeavour was set in motion to explore the unknown land, to learn more of what lies in its trackless tundra and ice fields, and if possible to make it part of Wintermark.

	The first preliminary steps into Tsirku have been a resounding success. A large number of [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]], and a single band of [[Navarr]], challenged the Northern Lights, the eternal storm of Sydanjaa, and the dangers of the wastes. Slowly they have begun to build a picture of this enigmatic, vast stretch of land that lies between the Empire, the [[Jotun]], the [[Thule]], and who-knows-what else. Meanwhile a large number of Winterfolk and some [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] adventurers pushed into Tsirku, [[Tsirku is Enticing\|seeking adventure]], and seeing what treasures might lie in the boundless wastes.		The first preliminary steps into Tsirku have been a resounding success. A large number of [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]], and a single band of [[Navarr]], challenged the Northern Lights, the eternal storm of Sydanjaa, and the dangers of the wastes. Slowly they have begun to build a picture of this enigmatic, vast stretch of land that lies between the Empire, the [[Jotun]], the [[Thule]], and who-knows-what else. Meanwhile a large number of Winterfolk and some [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] adventurers pushed into Tsirku, [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku is Enticing\|seeking adventure]], and seeing what treasures might lie in the boundless wastes.

	==Warriors Gate==		==Warriors Gate==
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	The task of mastering Tsirku is [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|truly ambitious]], and Wintermark is unlikely to achieve it on its own. During the Spring Equinox, the Wintermark Assembly sought allies from the other Imperial nations. They [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_48\|sent]] '''Thritt''', themselvs a banner-bearer, to encourage those familiar with the cold and the arctic conditions of Tsirku to share their knowledge with the rest of the Empire. Captains, explorers, trappers, trackers, and travellers have all begun to take advantage of this offer, learning how to deal with the frigid conditions north of Sermersuaq.		The task of mastering Tsirku is [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|truly ambitious]], and Wintermark is unlikely to achieve it on its own. During the Spring Equinox, the Wintermark Assembly sought allies from the other Imperial nations. They [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_48\|sent]] '''Thritt''', themselvs a banner-bearer, to encourage those familiar with the cold and the arctic conditions of Tsirku to share their knowledge with the rest of the Empire. Captains, explorers, trappers, trackers, and travellers have all begun to take advantage of this offer, learning how to deal with the frigid conditions north of Sermersuaq.

	At the same time '''Hildelith Kaukosdottir''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_126\|arranged further support]] by encouraging the farmers of Wintermark to provide [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|surplus provisions]], suitable for use in Tsirku, to those scouting the wastes. As such, each season a strength of 500 will be commited to the scouting network. It isn't enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north. More importantly for some, though, it means that anyone taking part in the endeavour has a ready supply of compact, easy to carry, nutritious food that can give them the strength to push through the hostile landscape. This comes at the cost, however, of removing the usual benefits provided by the [[Smokehouse of Atalaq]] - it will no longer provide additional production to the [[farm\|farms]] of Sermersuaq.		At the same time '''Hildelith Kaukosdottir''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_126\|arranged further support]] by encouraging the farmers of Wintermark to provide [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible\|surplus provisions]], suitable for use in Tsirku, to those scouting the wastes. As such, each season a strength of 500 will be commited to the scouting network. It isn't enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north. More importantly for some, though, it means that anyone taking part in the endeavour has a ready supply of compact, easy to carry, nutritious food that can give them the strength to push through the hostile landscape. This comes at the cost, however, of removing the usual benefits provided by the [[Write_the_lines#Hunt_of_the_North\|Smokehouse of Atalaq]] - it will no longer provide additional production to the [[farm\|farms]] of Sermersuaq.

	==Siglings and Guides==		==Siglings and Guides==
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	Two nations responded with [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] - [[Varushka]] and the [[Imperial Orcs]]. The main consequence at the moment is that the opportunity to ''Adventure in Tsirku'' is now available to [[military unit\|captains and champions]] of those two nations, alongside the Winterfolk and the people of Dawn. The Varushkans are already experienced in the kind of conditions they might find in Tsirku, and the expertise shared by Wintermark mean that the Imperial Orcs can embrace this adventure nearly as effectively as the more practiced explorers.		Two nations responded with [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] - [[Varushka]] and the [[Imperial Orcs]]. The main consequence at the moment is that the opportunity to ''Adventure in Tsirku'' is now available to [[military unit\|captains and champions]] of those two nations, alongside the Winterfolk and the people of Dawn. The Varushkans are already experienced in the kind of conditions they might find in Tsirku, and the expertise shared by Wintermark mean that the Imperial Orcs can embrace this adventure nearly as effectively as the more practiced explorers.

	While the aid of the Unshackled is appreciated, the efforts of the Imperial Orcs are currently focused on their [[highest calling]] - to explore the ancestors and spiritual beliefs of other septs who are not part of the Empire. There is some hope that once they have finished their own ambitious undertaking, they will still be enthusiastic about helping in the north. It's likely that the endeavour will not be complete any time soon, after all.		While the aid of the Unshackled is appreciated, the efforts of the Imperial Orcs are currently focused on their [[All_I_ask_of_you\|highest calling]] - to explore the ancestors and spiritual beliefs of other septs who are not part of the Empire. There is some hope that once they have finished their own ambitious undertaking, they will still be enthusiastic about helping in the north. It's likely that the endeavour will not be complete any time soon, after all.

	Varushka on the other hand does not ''have'' a highest calling. Like Wintermark, it rejects the idea of such things, and so it is free to encourage virtue where it wishes. The words of Rosanna Vtrachenich strike a chord with many who learn of them. The statement refers to the historical connection between Wintermark and Varushka - as [[People of the North]] lays out, the Suaq, Kallavesi, and ancient Ushkan folk likely are branches of the same family, and the Vard are the elder siblings to the Steinr. Their history has not always been peaceful, but perhaps more than any other Imperial nations there is a connection between the two. Indeed, before the recent arrival of the Imperial Orcs and the Thule, they even shared a border (for good and ill).		Varushka on the other hand does not ''have'' a highest calling. Like Wintermark, it rejects the idea of such things, and so it is free to encourage virtue where it wishes. The words of Rosanna Vtrachenich strike a chord with many who learn of them. The statement refers to the historical connection between Wintermark and Varushka - as [[People of the North]] lays out, the Suaq, Kallavesi, and ancient Ushkan folk likely are branches of the same family, and the Vard are the elder siblings to the Steinr. Their history has not always been peaceful, but perhaps more than any other Imperial nations there is a connection between the two. Indeed, before the recent arrival of the Imperial Orcs and the Thule, they even shared a border (for good and ill).

The keys of blood

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:50:12 GMT

Enlightenment (Azoth): Fixing the Shadow Souk?

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	[[Azoth#Heralds\|''Distillations'']] of [[Azoth\|''the Azoth'']] emerge from the Imperial Regio clad in fur and feathers of swirling ochre, shimmering jade and shifting red. Resembling [[Kallavesi\|Kallavesi]] [[Mystic\|mystics]] though bearing an orcish mein, the heralds are at first mistaken for unannounced [[Jotun]] emissaries. If the visitors have an opinion on this reaction, it is well hidden beneath a cool, almost inert demeanour.		[[Azoth#Heralds\|''Distillations'']] of [[Azoth\|''the Azoth'']] emerge from the Imperial Regio clad in fur and feathers of swirling ochre, shimmering jade and shifting red. Resembling [[Kallavesi\|Kallavesi]] [[Mystic\|mystics]] though bearing an orcish mein, the heralds are at first mistaken for unannounced [[Jotun]] emissaries. If the visitors have an opinion on this reaction, it is well hidden beneath a cool, almost inert demeanour.

	Once the matter is resolved, the agents of ''the Rebis'' explain the purpose of their visit: that the Azoth understands that during the spring equinox the [[Archmage_of_Night#Recent Elections\|Archmage of Night]] was extracted from their role and so, by extension from the [[Key_of_dreams#~~Finder%20of%20Paths%20Unseen%20~~(Night)\|crucible of change offered as plenipotentiary]]. With the formula so adjusted, the heralds continue, it seems that impurities did arise from the mix which diminished the whole.		Once the matter is resolved, the agents of ''the Rebis'' explain the purpose of their visit: that the Azoth understands that during the spring equinox the [[Archmage_of_Night#Recent Elections\|Archmage of Night]] was extracted from their role and so, by extension from the [[Key_of_dreams#Finder_of_Paths_Unseen_(Night)\|crucible of change offered as plenipotentiary]]. With the formula so adjusted, the heralds continue, it seems that impurities did arise from the mix which diminished the whole.

	The most polluting of these is that the Archmage was charged by [[Sung]] to instil mystery into the [[~~EmpireWiki:~~Key_of_dreams#~~Finder%20of%20Paths%20Unseen%20~~(Night)\|Shadow Souk]] through the commissioning of musicians. Azoth knows that musicians did play within the chamber and that their playing did indeed serve as a suitable catalyst. However, it is not clear whether these elements were properly compensated for their aural alchemy with gifts provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' to the Archmage for this purpose. ''The Great Work'' has offered to provide the [[Maestro]] of the [[Cat's Graces]] a lump sum of twenty [[crystal fire]] if they're willing to promise to ensure it goes to those musicians who attended. If they are willing to agree to this, they should cast [[operate portal]] on the regio at the Summer Solstice, using three names of the ''Rebis'' and agreeing to the arrangement.		The most polluting of these is that the Archmage was charged by [[Sung]] to instil mystery into the [[Key_of_dreams#Finder_of_Paths_Unseen_(Night)\|Shadow Souk]] through the commissioning of musicians. Azoth knows that musicians did play within the chamber and that their playing did indeed serve as a suitable catalyst. However, it is not clear whether these elements were properly compensated for their aural alchemy with gifts provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' to the Archmage for this purpose. ''The Great Work'' has offered to provide the [[Cat's_Graces#Maestro\|Maestro]] of the [[Cat's Graces]] a lump sum of twenty [[crystal fire]] if they're willing to promise to ensure it goes to those musicians who attended. If they are willing to agree to this, they should cast [[operate portal]] on the regio at the Summer Solstice, using three names of the ''Rebis'' and agreeing to the arrangement.

	==Spring==		==Spring==

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:44:53 GMT

Warriors' Gate

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

			===No Matter What===
			* '''Imperial Orcs; Freeborn; those who would perform espionage on the Suranni

			Some time ago, the Imperial Orcs decided to return the favour to the Freeborn who helped them in Mareave by seeing what they could do to help the impoverished territory of Feroz.

			You can find out about just how they propose to do this in the '''[[No Matter What]]''' wind of fortune.

	==Diplomatic Winds==		==Diplomatic Winds==

A wizard did it

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:43:44 GMT

Participation: Bringing Italics to roleplaying effects

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	===Rants and Roses===		===Rants and Roses===
	* '''Last summit, [[~~Ripple_of_Echoes~~\|Queen Igraine's Regio in the Castle of Thorns was acting strangely]]'''		* '''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		* '''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'''		* '''The situation seems to have grown worse, some thing has caused it to align to Spring again'''
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	* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''		* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''
	* '''Navarr characters who embrace the song may choose to experience a roleplaying effect'''		* '''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.		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.		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.

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:39:39 GMT

Beneath a Moonless Sky

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

	===The Visitation (Vistors)===		===The Visitation (Vistors)===

A wizard did it

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:39:37 GMT

Rants and Roses: Realigning the Summer brackets

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	===Rants and Roses===		===Rants and Roses===
	* '''Last summit, [[Ripple_of_Echoes\|Queen Igraine's Regio in the Castle of Thorns was acting strangely]]'''		* '''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]]		* '''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'''		* '''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'''		* '''There is a conjunction to the regio at 6.30pm on Friday for a small number of people'''

Beneath a Moonless Sky

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:39:26 GMT

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

New page

<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

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:38:52 GMT

Painted Caves: Returning the Ambassador to a working link, second times the charm

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	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...		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]].		Because unfortunately 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}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Serenus Starsong.jpg\|caption='''Serenus Starsong''', Astral Arcanist\|align=right\|width=250}}

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	==Painted Caves==		==Painted Caves==
	* '''A powerful enchantment has been permanently laid over the Painted caves in Miekarova'''		* '''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'''		* '''It would take a casting of Piercing light of revelation at magnitude of at least 60 worth at least 60 rings of illium to remove'''
	* '''The magic appears to have angered the Thule'''		* '''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.		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.
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	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.		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'''.		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 Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot'''.

	===Rants and Roses===		===Rants and Roses===

Warriors' Gate

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:32:23 GMT

Created page with "<ic>Vladimir shaded his eyes, and watched as the Suaq tried again to show the half a dozen orcs how to slide their feet in such a way that their wooden skies slid across the surface of the snow. One of the warriors made such a hash of it they actually managed to snap the ski somehow. The Varushkan shook his head ruefully, and went back to strapping his much more practical snowshoes to his sturdy boots. Skiing was fine for getting from a high place to a low place, but he..."

New page

<ic>Vladimir shaded his eyes, and watched as the Suaq tried again to show the half a dozen orcs how to slide their feet in such a way that their wooden skies slid across the surface of the snow. One of the warriors made such a hash of it they actually managed to snap the ski somehow. The Varushkan shook his head ruefully, and went back to strapping his much more practical snowshoes to his sturdy boots. Skiing was fine for getting from a high place to a low place, but he had no patience for cross-country skiing and did not envy the Wintermark hunter their job of trying to teach a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs from the arid plains of Mareave the best way to do so.

His cousin Estragon was still talking, annoyingly. Vladimir had been trying to tune him out, with only minimal success. He loved his cousin, most likely, but his voice could cut wood when he started off on one of his drawn-out tirades about something he was passionate about. Right now he was complaining about the decision the leader of their band had made to come and look at Tsirku. Illyana had been quite fired up when she'd heard the call to arms from Rosanna Vtrachenich and immediately insisted they bring their wagons to the arse-end of the Empire.

"... and its not even as if there are any sovereigns here!" Estragon finished, as if that was his trump card.

Vladimir finished strapping himself up, stood, and whacked his cousin around the back of the head.

"What was that for!", demanded Estragon, outraged.

"If you don't know I'm not going to tell you," said Vladimir, making sure the wooden snow-goggles he'd bought during their visit to Hunter's Hall were tied securely in place. "There may not be sovereigns, you dolt, but what there ''probably'' is, is a thousand years of untouched wealth buried under all this snow just waiting for someone to rip it up and take it home."

He glanced over at Estragon, who was rubbing the back of his head with a surly expression on his face.

"Honestly," sighed the big wagon raider. "Sometimes I wonder if you are even a Varushkan, cousin" </ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Snowy wastes.jpg|align=left|caption=Tsirku is a cold and desolate wasteland.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The first steps have been taken to explore the wilderness of Tsirku'''
The frozen wasteland of Tsirku to the north of Sermersuaq is truly ''terra incognita'' as the old [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] would have it. [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil|Last season]] a bold endeavour was set in motion to explore the unknown land, to learn more of what lies in its trackless tundra and ice fields, and if possible to make it part of Wintermark.

The first preliminary steps into Tsirku have been a resounding success. A large number of [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], and a single band of [[Navarr]], challenged the Northern Lights, the eternal storm of Sydanjaa, and the dangers of the wastes. Slowly they have begun to build a picture of this enigmatic, vast stretch of land that lies between the Empire, the [[Jotun]], the [[Thule]], and who-knows-what else. Meanwhile a large number of Winterfolk and some [[Dawn|Dawnish]] adventurers pushed into Tsirku, [[Tsirku is Enticing|seeking adventure]], and seeing what treasures might lie in the boundless wastes.

==Warriors Gate==
* '''Scouts and adventurers have explored the region of Warriors Gate
* '''They have identified several landmarks but the region is mostly snow-blown tundra
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Powell Open-Skies</td><td>Open Skies</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aaro</td><td>Bloodforge Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aelson Dunhearth</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aengel Dunn</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ailfryn Issigsbarn</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ailsa</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alwyn Croft</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arja Riftweaver</td><td>House Gerís</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artic</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Blaidd Sinan</td><td>House Gerís</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bronn Dunwolf</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Calvayne</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ceolmund Dreth</td><td>End’s Hearth</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ciara</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dart Orias</td><td>Hall Stonesworn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Duwana</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eahlstan Yarricson</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elgar Angusson Krakenring</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eodin Swiftstride</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Finn ulson</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gerrick Wind Ward's Guardian</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghelwyn</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Guthelm Fleetfoot</td><td>Eira Spire</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Guthrum Bjorning</td><td>Bjornholt</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hazen Marking</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaisa</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kara</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kraxis Asherson</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Loki</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miguel Oakshotte</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nerian Hererinc</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Oona</td><td>Stormspire</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quintaras Halivor</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rek Martinez Dunqueza</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reu'Hrokr</td><td>Corvenhal</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rolf Boarson</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Runik Frostborn</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Seht Ravenson of Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sylvi</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarn Myreson</td><td>Hall Stonesworn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Theomere Swiftstride</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tostig</td><td>Corvenhal</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tyburn Natkysset</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ulfric Ursine</td><td></td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ulric Baersonling</td><td>Corvenhal</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Utread Broadmeadow</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Utred Tiberiuson</td><td>Shield Wolves</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vidor Broadmeadow</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Witgast Dunning</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Yorrick</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Yrsir</td><td>Stormspire</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
</table></div>
Tsirku isn't impossible to map, as such, but there are a large number of challenges that need to be overcome. One is that [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Big|Tsirku is big]] - meaning that unlike a traditional [[spy network]] scouts cannot hope to explore the entire place in a single season. With the Summer Solstice approaching, then, the Winterfolk (and their Navarr ally) have mostly explored a single region, which is named ''Warriors Gate''.

Warriors Gate lies north of Suaq Fount and takes its name from the fact that it is the gateway to Tsirku, and that the path of those who walk into Sydanjaa passes through it. It is cold - even with Summer approaching it is significantly colder than northern Sermersuaq. Snowfalls are not uncommon, and water regularly freezes overnight. Yet it is by no means barren. In the south particularly there are areas of scrubby grass, heather, and hardy thornbushes. A few bent trees grow here, and where their roots spread there are oases of life. Pale hares, equally pale foxes, wolves, and even the occasional massive snow bear are found here. There are also huddles of the massive white [[Mundane_beasts#Dire_Beasts|dire penguins]] native to the north-west of the Empire here, in numbers hitherto unknown. They provide good eating for those brave enough to hunt them.

The place is also a cornucopia of unfamiliar plants and berries growing here - treasures of Tsirku that are unfamiliar to southern explorers. It's not that the place is ''lush'' precisely, more that the plants that survive here are hardy and perhaps possessed of some additional virtue. A few magicians speculate that the threads of mana here, left to flow freely without tampering by human or orc, infuse the landscape. Others point to the baleful influence of the Northern Lights, while still others note that this wasteland may be touched by the magic of the [[realms]] in ways that settled lands are not. Finally, a few suggest that it is just that the most dangerous locations tend to be the most rich - they point to [[Varushka]] and [[Otkodov]] as examples of this and the wealth of the wild [[the Barrens|Barrens]].

Warriors Gate is flat, and has comparatively few significant geographical features. There is a frozen lake here in the northern part of the region called the ''Lake of Sighs'', which is frozen solid nine months of the year. The "pilgrims' trail" to Sydanjaa passes over the ice of the lake. There is also a scrubby forest in the east of the region dubbed ''Courtier's Wood'' because the hardy trees that make it up are bent over like bowing diplomats. Beggarwood is found in profusion here, along with patches of [[bladeroot]], but there are also reports of odd creatures like furred spiders the size of wolves that move around in the place. They scurry away from explorers, and nobody gets more than a glimpse of them, but they may prove to be a danger.

There is no Jotun or Thule presence here. The sole sign that anyone other than Winterfolk pilgrims has ever been here is only a short distance across the border of Sermersuaq - a trilithon of white stone carved with stylised depictions of mammoths, hares, penguins, and deer as well as symbols of Summer. It puts the Navarr who see it immediately in mind of the [[Hercynia#The_Gate_of_Summer|Gate of Summer]] in [[Hercynia]]. The monument is dubbed the ''Gate of Winter'', and like the structure in the south it has absolutely no magic associated with it.

The only other common faeture are cairns - four of them - that mark a kind of trail that wends north through Warriors Gate. Most of the stones that mark these cairns come from the local area, but a few have been carried from further afield. Many are marked with [[runes]], and in amongst them are odd relics such as long-rusted blades, animals of carved bone, scraps of fabric hung as flags, and the like. These are pilgrim cairns, created over the centuries by those taking the long walk from Sermersuaq to Sydanjaa. Even the beasts of Agramant do not interfere with these monuments.
===Claiming Warriors Gate===
* '''Warriors Gate has been explored but is too inhospitable for an army to claim it for the Empire'''
* '''The Citadel of the Warm Hearth would anchor the exploration and an Imperial claim to the region'''

[[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Trackless|Tsirku is trackless]], barren, and vast. Armies cannot conquer regions of this wasteland, and attempting to do so would result in significant casualties just due to the cold. However, the explorers identify several locations in the region where the ''Citadel of the Warm Hearth'' proposed by ''Firebird Eorling'' could be built. All that is required is a [[commission]], and a massive investment of [[white granite]] and [[mithril]]. If the citadel were completed, there would be an opportunity to "conquer" Warriors Gate and begin the ultimate ambition of bringing the wasteland under control of Wintermark.

Previously, there was insufficient knowledge about the region to allow such a castle - or indeed anything else - to be built. Now sites have been found, and the shape of the region is known, the [[opportunity]] is there to establish an anchor for Wintermark's expansion and further exploration.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=300}}
The citadel is a serious endeavour in and of itself, but some [[runesmith|runesmiths]] suggest that it might be possible to secure assistance from the spirits of the realms. Both [[Cathan Canae]] and [[Adamant]] would have reasons to offer their aid - the former because the citadel represents a profound test of fortitude and the beginning of a glorious conquest, the latter because a massive castle of white granite in an impossible location is just the kind of thing the ''King Under the Mountain'' likes.

Of course eternals rarely offer their aid without a cost, and given the current attitudes of the [[Synod]] to trafficking with the eternals it ''might'' be better to go it alone. But perhaps the [[Archmage of Summer]] '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''' could be persuaded to use their power of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] to help Wintermark engage with the eternals?

==Summer in Tsirku==
* '''There are three regions that might be explored next'''
* '''The Imperial Spymaster determines which region to explore next'''
From Warriors Gate there are three ways the exploration could proceed.
* Westward, toward [[Tromsa]], lies a region that preliminary exploration identifies as "''barren, windswept, with wide and unsettling skies''". It's likely that Lake Nutjuitoq extends into this area, and there may be a connection to the [[Sea of Snow]] given that there must be ''some'' way for the great sea beasts to reach the [[Sermersuaq#The_Grave_of_the_Giants|Grave of the Giants]]. The ''hylje'' have [[Beneath_a_moonless_sky#As_Semersuaq_strode|offered aid]] in exploring this region, should Wintermark wish to avail themselves of it.
* Eastward, towards [[Otkodov#Urdur|Urdur]] lies a region described as "''rocky, with scattered trees, that feels ominous''". It's possible that the region actually abuts Urdur and if it does that increases the likelihood of some kind of Thule presence there.
* Northward, towards [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa|Sydanjaa]] is a region described as "''icy, covered in snow, with vicious looking chasms''". It doesn't seem that Sydanjaa extends ''into'' this region, but it is one that those walking that way would pass through.
The decision on where to focus exploration after the Summer Solstice lies with the [[Imperial Spymaster]], although they may receive counsel from the people of Wintermark. At the very least, the Imperial Spymaster should let the Wintermark people know which direction to head in, and the best way to do that would be to address their muster during the Summer Solstice. The Wintermark egregores should be able to arrange such an opportunity for them.

Notably, the season of exploration following the Summer Solstice will be the last before the weather [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Barren|begins to turn]]. After the Autumn Equinox, until the Spring Equinox, the strength required to gain any information from the Tsirku spy network is doubled (something that might make the aid offered by the hylje particularly valuable).

==Dangers and Hunters==
* '''Creatures of ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' threaten explorers in Warriors Gate
Warriors Gate is indeed dangerous. Explorers here are passing through a [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_the_Wasteland|wasteland]] unprotected by the [[alignment#enmity|wards of the Conclave]]. Specifically, every warband has a story of encountering what can only be beasts or [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] from the demesne of [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-Snow]]. They include black-eyed, emaciated white bears, skin hanging like damp cloth over their twisted bones, that speak with human voices; viciously grinning snaggle-toothed humans and orcs garbed in suspicious leather and blood-soaked fur who offer aid to lost or hungry travellers; and at least one massive creature combining the worse elements of forest ape, wolverine, and stag that simply stands a short distance away from an encampment and watches the explorers with cold, dead eyes.

Fortunately, steps have been taken to mitigate the risks of the creatures of the [[Realms#Winter|eternal Wasteland]]. Following the advice of the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|banner-bearers]] of Wintermark, the [[Senate]] has [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Banner-bearer_of_Atkonaroq|expanded]] the [[Banner-bearer_of_Atkonaroq#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] of the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]]. They now contribute their expertise, and the support of the [[Banner-bearer_of_Atkonaroq#Hall_of_the_Hunters|Hall of the Hunters]] towards protecting the explorers of Tsirku from the threat of Agramant's beasts.

One of the first "points of interest" in Warriors Gate discovered by the explorers are a pair of [[regio]] in different parts of the region that are clearly claimed by ''Blood-on-the-Snow''. Both sites are marked by rocks and ice protrusions that weep a horrible, thick, blood-like substance familiar to those who remember the [[Anyone_but_you#The_Bleeding_Ice|Bleeding Ice]] discovered in [[Sermersuaq#Tanikipari|Tanikipari]] by the [[Shuttered Lantern]] three years ago. These powerful Winter regio are guarded by dozens of servants of the ''Wastewalker'', and are clearly the "staging posts" for the creatures that he sends south to bedevil northern Sermersuaq.

There's also reports of the fallen [[thane]], [[Anyone_but_you#Wemba_the_Bloody|Wemba the Bloody]], whose spirit snapped when the Jotun claimed his hall in Atalaq. Now a cannibal who has sworn to eat only the flesh of his defeated enemies, he and his warband are clearly using these regio to commune with Agramant and receive his boons. The two sites are dubbed the ''Bloody Teeth'' and the ''Treachers Dagger'' by scouts. The explorers aren't able to get close to them, but they're able to mark their locations.

The new responsibilities of the Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq provide a possible way to try and deal with the two regio. Bands of heroes use the Hall of Hunters as their base from which to [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|Hunt the Suaq Wastes]]. The [[venture]] is only available to Wintermark and bold [[Dawn|Dawnish]] captains, and there are fewer and fewer beasts actually ''in'' Sermersuaq to hunt. However, this presents an opportunity.

{{Mandate|mandate=The servants of Agramant gather in Warriors Gate and must be dealt with. We send the Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq with 25 doses of liao to lead heroes and glory-seekers alike to face the dangers of (the Bloody Teeth/Treachers Dagger) and drive them back from whence they came.|assembly=Wintermark National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will focus the efforts of the ''Hunt the Suaq Wastes'' [[venture]] on taking the fight to the servants of Agramant at the named regio. Provided at least 5,000 strength supports the venture after the Summer solstice, the servants of Agramant there will be scattered and an opportunity to permanently sever the regio will be provided.

The Bloody Teeth is clearly a source of [[Vis#Heart's Blood|Heart's Blood]], similar to the Bleeding Stone. If this target is chosen, a standard military unit will receive three pawns of Winter vis in place of the rewards they would usually get, with [[military unit#upgraded|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] resources gaining more.

''Treachers Dagger'' however is where Wemba the Bloody and their entourage were last seen, and is where the mortal servants of the eternal seem to be congregated. In this case, military units will each receive a ribbon for an enchanted item seized from the slain enemies in place of the standard rewards for the venture.

If the mandate is enacted this season, and the raid is successful, an opportunity to attack the other regio may be presented at the Autumn Equinox, along with an opportunity to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to deal with the regio permanently.

The only people not ''entirely'' enthused about this are a handful of [[maggot|maggots]] who point out that if the Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq is successful at destroying the two regio, they'll be basically putting themselves out of a job. The ''Feast of Famine'' will still be a threat to folk exploring the north - these are surely far from the only regio that are available to the eternal - but there'll be no more monsters coming south to attack Sermersuaq. Which will spell the end for the venture to ''Hunt the Suaq Wastes'' and potentially the entire purpose of the Banner-bearer.

==Securing Allies==
* '''Wintermark has begun sharing their expertise in surviving arctic conditions with the rest of the Empire
* '''The Smokehouse of Atalaq is providing food to explorers in the wasteland
The task of mastering Tsirku is [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible|truly ambitious]], and Wintermark is unlikely to achieve it on its own. During the Spring Equinox, the Wintermark Assembly sought allies from the other Imperial nations. They [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_48|sent]] '''Thritt''', themselvs a banner-bearer, to encourage those familiar with the cold and the arctic conditions of Tsirku to share their knowledge with the rest of the Empire. Captains, explorers, trappers, trackers, and travellers have all begun to take advantage of this offer, learning how to deal with the frigid conditions north of Sermersuaq.

At the same time '''Hildelith Kaukosdottir''' [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_126|arranged further support]] by encouraging the farmers of Wintermark to provide [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible|surplus provisions]], suitable for use in Tsirku, to those scouting the wastes. As such, each season a strength of 500 will be commited to the scouting network. It isn't enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north. More importantly for some, though, it means that anyone taking part in the endeavour has a ready supply of compact, easy to carry, nutritious food that can give them the strength to push through the hostile landscape. This comes at the cost, however, of removing the usual benefits provided by the [[Smokehouse of Atalaq]] - it will no longer provide additional production to the [[farm|farms]] of Sermersuaq.

==Siglings and Guides==
{{SOP|statement=We in Varushka understand the importance of building roads into the unknown. In this regard we in the Varushkan National Assembly support our little siblings in Wintermark and their exploration of the unknown wastes of Tsirku.|by=Rosanna Vtrachenich, Varushkan Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 208-30|when=Spring Equinox 388YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=The Imperial Orc nation accepts the wisdom of the northern folk. Teach us the ways of snow and climb, let us learn from those who came before us. Varushka and Wintermark be our guide as we share your journey into Tsirku.|by=Skywise Gralka, Imperial Orcs Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 60-0|when=Spring Equinox 388YE|size=small}}
* '''The Imperial Orcs and Varushka passed statements of principle pledging support for Wintermark
* '''Champions from both nations can take part in the Adventure in Tsirku venture
* '''The Varushkan has an opportunity to contribute by helping explore and exploit the wastes
* '''The Imperial Orcs are focused on their highest calling
Two nations responded with [[statement of principle|statements of principle]] - [[Varushka]] and the [[Imperial Orcs]]. The main consequence at the moment is that the opportunity to ''Adventure in Tsirku'' is now available to [[military unit|captains and champions]] of those two nations, alongside the Winterfolk and the people of Dawn. The Varushkans are already experienced in the kind of conditions they might find in Tsirku, and the expertise shared by Wintermark mean that the Imperial Orcs can embrace this adventure nearly as effectively as the more practiced explorers.

While the aid of the Unshackled is appreciated, the efforts of the Imperial Orcs are currently focused on their [[highest calling]] - to explore the ancestors and spiritual beliefs of other septs who are not part of the Empire. There is some hope that once they have finished their own ambitious undertaking, they will still be enthusiastic about helping in the north. It's likely that the endeavour will not be complete any time soon, after all.

Varushka on the other hand does not ''have'' a highest calling. Like Wintermark, it rejects the idea of such things, and so it is free to encourage virtue where it wishes. The words of Rosanna Vtrachenich strike a chord with many who learn of them. The statement refers to the historical connection between Wintermark and Varushka - as [[People of the North]] lays out, the Suaq, Kallavesi, and ancient Ushkan folk likely are branches of the same family, and the Vard are the elder siblings to the Steinr. Their history has not always been peaceful, but perhaps more than any other Imperial nations there is a connection between the two. Indeed, before the recent arrival of the Imperial Orcs and the Thule, they even shared a border (for good and ill).

{{Mandate|mandate=There are old ties between the people of Varushka and those of Wintermark; we are cousins to Suaq and Kallavesa and siblings to the Steinr. They seek to master Tsirku, and we are wise in the ways of taming dangerous lands. We send (named priest) with 100 doses of liao to urge the folk of Varushka to remember our old bonds, and to help our cousins secure their future.|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, it will inspire the people of Varushka to offer their help to the people of Wintermark in their exploration of Tsirku. There will be an [[opportunity]] at the Autumn Equinox for members of the nation to support the exploration with a particular eye towards sharing expertise with supernatural threats, and locating resources to exploit. However, the mandate also holds within it an assertion that [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Wintermark|Tsirku is Wintermark]] - recognising their claim to the land. Should it ever be necessary to do so, the people of Varushka will expect their assembly to support that claim.

However, for the next year, the idea of mastering the wasteland and its resources, exploring its dangers, and working beside Wintermark will excite and inspire the people of the nation. Any further attempt to move the people of the nation to support some other grand endeavour will have no effect until a full year has passed.

==Whispered Opposition==
* '''The Whisper Gallery offers an opportunity for those who wish to interfere in the exploration of Tsirku'''
* '''The ''Snap rope and foil explorers'' scouting venture allows military units to oppose the exploration'''
* '''In return they receive treasures and potentially wonders of the wasteland and Night vis'''
* '''Taking this action is a crime, should an individual be found out, but evidence will be difficult to find'''
* '''Only those who have made themselves known to the Whisper Gallery will be invited to snap rope and foil explorers'''
* '''Any military unit that takes this action will be listed alongside the other explorers'''

Nothing is ever easy, of course. [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Secret|Tsirku is secret]], full of things unknown in the Empire. Arguably, full of things no living mortal has ''ever'' laid eyes on. The warnings of ''[[Sung|Night Singer]]'' and the ''[[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]]'' last season spoke of opposition from the ''[[Whisper Gallery|Stewards of the Shadowed Throne]]'' who are apparently ''very'' unhappy to see Imperial scouts exploring Tsirku. It seems that with the first explorers penetrating the secrets of Tsirku, the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' is prepared to take action.

Normally the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]] would keep the agents of the ''Cavalcade of Masks'' at bay but that protection does not extend to Tsirku. Fortunately, the baroque creature is attempting some over-complicated method of recruiting suitable allies which thus far is restricting its appeal. Perhaps to compensate for that, the eternal is increasing the rewards on offer.

Following the Summer Solstice select military units can participate in the ''Snap ropes and foil explorers'' [[Military_unit#Scouting|scouting ]][[venture]]. This venture is aimed at causing trouble for the explorers supporting the Imperial [[spy network]] in Tsirku.
Any military unit that takes it will be listed alongside those military units who are sincerely supporting efforts to understand Tsirku, but their effective strength will be ''subtracted'' from the amount achieved rather than added to it.

No military unit may take advantage of this opportunity unless they have made themselves known to the Whisper Gallery. If they do that, then they will be invited to take part.

Any military unit that takes part will receive a little guidance from the Whisper Gallery - they can offer aid to find secret things after all - meaning they will receive three ''treasures of the wasteland'' (consumables representing unique resources found in Tsirku) and three pawns of [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]] as a direct gift from the ''Ministers of the Chiaroscuran Palace''. A military unit that has an effective rank of at least 8 (counting enchantment and upgrades) will also receive assistance in finding a ''wonder of the wasteland'', a much rarer consumable.

It's notable that any military units taking the ''Snap ropes and foil explorers'' action will still suffer the same penalty to do so they would suffer when taking any ''other'' action in Tsirku - and in a way Wintermark's enthusiasm for securing allies has played a little into the hands of the Whisper Gallery by reducing those difficulties.

There is unfortunately no way to tell whether someone supporting the spy network is doing so honestly, or with nefarious intent. The civil service will continue to publish the list of who is working on the spy network, but everyone taking the ''Snap ropes and foil explorers'' action will appear alongside their less treacherous compatriots.

Obviously, taking boons from the Whisper Gallery in this fashion is a crime.

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:28:08 GMT

The Visitation (Vistors)

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

A wizard did it

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:28:05 GMT

Key of the Stars

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	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.		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 ~~naga~~ with pale blue and turquoise scales, ~~atired~~ 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 ~~naga~~'s outfit. When they look back, both ~~naga~~ and star are gone and the dream resumes its usual course.		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.

	Those who knew them are certain that the naga 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==		==Painted Caves==
	* '''A powerful enchantment has been permanently laid over the Painted caves in Miekarova'''		* '''A powerful enchantment has been permanently laid over the Painted caves in Miekarova'''

A wizard did it

Beeswax — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:27:30 GMT

Bonded

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 22 July 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
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	==Magical Chaos==		==Magical Chaos==
	* '''The astronomantic constellations continue to exert strange influences on the Empire		* '''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 ~~Spring Equinox~~		* '''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		* '''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.		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.
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	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.		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==		==Bonded==
	* '''During the Summer Solstice covens can cooperate with other covens in their own nation without needing additional assistance		* '''During the Summer Solstice covens can cooperate with other covens in their own nation without needing additional assistance
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	{{Anchor\|Participation: Working Together}}		{{Anchor\|Participation: Working Together}}
	<br><br>'''<big>Participation: Working Together'''</big><br>		<br><br>'''<big>Participation: Working Together'''</big><br>
	During the ~~Spring Equinox~~ 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.		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.		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==		==Rains in Mareave==
	* '''Mareave has become verdant for possibly the first time ever		* '''Mareave has become verdant for possibly the first time ever

Beneath a Moonless Sky

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:18:27 GMT

As Sermersuaq strode

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	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 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.		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.		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.		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

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:16:05 GMT

Rains in Mareave

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 22 July 2026
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	==Rains in Mareave==		==Rains in Mareave==
	* '''Mareave has become verdant for possibly the first time ever		* '''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]], [[Mareave#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.		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.		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.

Beneath a Moonless Sky

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:16:05 GMT

A wizard did it

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:15:13 GMT

Created page with "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..."

New page

[[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 Spring Equinox
* '''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 Spring Equinox 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]], [[Mareave#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 naga with pale blue and turquoise scales, atired 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 naga's outfit. When they look back, both naga and star are gone and the dream resumes its usual course.

Those who knew them are certain that the naga 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]].

Pride in the Marches

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:14:47 GMT

Fear the Unknown

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	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.		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 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.		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.

388YE Summer Solstice event schedule

Emmanovi — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:11:39 GMT

Saturday: Revealed Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament

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	<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>		<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
	<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Commission]]s and [[Appraisal]]s discussion</td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>		<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Commission]]s and [[Appraisal]]s discussion</td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
	<tr><td>1pm</td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Dawnish [[Fleet]] Captains' Meeting</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">~~Hall of Worlds reserved~~</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>		<tr><td>1pm</td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Dawnish [[Fleet]] Captains' Meeting</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[The_Visitation#Nothing_Beats_Rock\|Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
	<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 2pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[All_laudable_qualities\|Symposium]]: [[Heresy]] and [[Idolatry]]</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>		<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 2pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[All_laudable_qualities\|Symposium]]: [[Heresy]] and [[Idolatry]]</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
	<tr><td>2pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Auction of the Seats\|Auction of the Seats]] for Imperial [[Bourse]] positions</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Rod and Shield]] meeting</td><td></td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Grand_Tourneys\|Grand Tourney]] to elect [[Knight-protector]] of Summer</td><td></td></tr>		<tr><td>2pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Auction of the Seats\|Auction of the Seats]] for Imperial [[Bourse]] positions</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Rod and Shield]] meeting</td><td></td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Grand_Tourneys\|Grand Tourney]] to elect [[Knight-protector]] of Summer</td><td></td></tr>

Beneath a Moonless Sky

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:10:54 GMT

With Sermersuaq's cunning

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	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...		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.		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==		==In Semersuaq's memory==

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:07:41 GMT

A Wizard did it (Mortal Magic)

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	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.		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)===		===A wizard did it (Mortal Magic)===
	* '''People who used to like visiting the Painted Caves; The Ambassador to Otkodov; Senator for Astolat; Navarri		* '''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.		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.
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	===Tomb of the Courageous===		===Tomb of the Courageous===
	* '''The Courage Assembly; Freeborn, especially Scriveners and prospective Firebrands; The Lepidean Librarian		* '''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.		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.		You can read about the opportunity to consecrate Ahraz's Tomb in the '''[[Tomb of the Courageous]]''' wind of fortune.

Beneath a Moonless Sky

Wrenna — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:06:37 GMT

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	<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">		<quote by="The Skein of Fainomaiken, traditional">
	Rainfall hid the sky behind ~~it's~~ tears, but Fainomaiken was resolved not to be deterred.		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.		The Breath of Winter had revealed the face of his skein and still he was not afraid.

The Visitation

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:06:13 GMT

Jetsam

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	On behalf of the Sovereign Lords of the City		On behalf of the Sovereign Lords of the City
	</ic>		</ic>
	~~<box>This might be Eternals?</box>~~

	==Nothing Beats Rock==		==Nothing Beats Rock==

The Visitation

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:05:56 GMT

Created page with "==Overview== It is not just the great and the good of the Empire who come to Anvil each equinox and solstice. The tent-city that springs up around the the Forge attracts visitors from all over the known world, and beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of wealth, some by the need to find the wisest and the bravest to help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, and others come to celebrate and f..."

New page

==Overview==
It is not just the great and the good of the Empire who come to [[Anvil]] each equinox and solstice. The tent-city that springs up around the [[Anvil#The_Forge|the Forge]] attracts visitors from all over the known world, and beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of wealth, some by the need to find the wisest and the bravest to help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, and others come to celebrate and forge new relationships with those drawn to the heart of Imperial power.

Some who plan to visit Anvil are at pains to conceal their arrival, or their intentions. Others, though, make no secret of their intentions - indeed they often choose to send word ahead to ensure that those they hope to make contact with are prepared for them. Here, we talk about some of those who have been most public in their desire to meet those who throng to Anvil.

==Flotsam==
* '''There is a delay in the deliveries for the Golden Fleet Salvagemaster'''
* '''A group of irate stewards from Oreb's Vault are angry about something'''
* '''The couriers aim to meet the Salvagemaster at the Sentinel Gate at 10:20 on Saturday to take him to where the salvage is and hopefully have him deal with the irate stewards'''
There appears to have been some difficulty with the delivery for the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]]. The details are unclear, but it would seem that when the shipment was unloaded at Crown's Quay in Necropolis for onward transport to Anvil, something about it caused a great deal of commotion. Since then, the cart carrying the goods has been harassed and delayed at every turn by a group of irate stewards of the dead from the small chapter house at Oreb's Vault. As such, the delivery will not even make it to Anvil until early on the Saturday morning.

One of the couriers managing the delivery will meet the Salvagemaster at the Sentinel Gate at '''10:20 on Saturday''', to explain, apologise, and take him and up to five others to the delivery warehouse to try and resolve the dispute over the delivery. It is in outer Anvil, so there will be no need to use the Sentinel Gate, but it is a convenient meeting spot. The Magistrates advise there is no question over the ownership of whatever items are in the shipment: they unequivocally belong to the Salvagemaster. But something has stirred up the Stewards of Oreb's Vault, and it would be helpful if he could placate them.

==Jetsam==
* '''An odd letter has been found at the regio, the day before the summit begins'''
A letter is found the day before the summit, lying on the ground at the Imperial regio. It is addressed to "Marisol i Erigo", but no such person is listed in the Civil Service's records. They have chosen to publish the contents of the letter to try and ensure that the information makes its way to the correct place. Presumably, someone knows what this is about.

<ic>
Marisol i Erigo,

Your appointment marker should now be active. Activating it will provide you with your appointment details. Please ensure that you bring suitable proof of identity according to the contract, as the City of Bar and Bond will, of course, take any and all necessary measures to prevent fraud. You should be accompanied by the caster of the ritual by which you made your claim (if a person other than yourself). You should also bring two witnesses.

If any of those you bring will require assistance entering a chamber, and you are unable to arrange for such assistance, we will be able to provide this - at a price.

On behalf of the Sovereign Lords of the City
</ic>
<box>This might be Eternals?</box>

==Nothing Beats Rock==
<div {{float}}><quote by="Samuel, son of Shem">Of course it's "one, two, three, ''throw''!" If you pause after three, that just makes it confusing and weird</quote></div>
* '''A grand tournament is taking place in the Hall of Worlds between 13:00 and 14:00 on Saturday'''
* '''The tournament involves playing ''rock, paper, scissors'' to win ribbons from other participants'''
* '''Each participant starts with five pieces of ribbon and the loser must hand over one of their ribbons'''
* '''Anyone can take part by simply paying five rings'''
* '''The winner will receive half the pot of collected money'''
Landskeeper Shem, magician and one-time visitor to Anvil, has spent the last month travelling across Upwold with spools of ribbon and a dream. A dream to host the greatest tournament the Empire has ever seen. This isn't some tournament for nobles, nor is it arranged by an eternal. No, this is a tournament of pure skill, grit, and determination. This is a tournament of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_paper_scissors rock, paper, scissors] to establish who is the greatest tactician alive... at least when it comes to playing games of rock, paper, scissors.

The landskeeper has spoken with the civil service and arranged for the Hall of Worlds to be used for the tournament from 13:00 until 14:00 on Saturday of the summit. ''Shem'' is clear that anyone can take part, especially anyone from the Academy, and that it will only cost five rings for each person to take part, though anyone can choose to pay more if they wish (no change will be given). At the end of the hour, the person with the most ribbons will receive half of the collected money; a quarter will go to the Academy in time for the Autumn Equinox to help support the heroes of tomorrow; and the rest will go back with Shem to Upwold to help with the myriad of problems that come with being a landskeeper in these trying times.

==Untangling the Knott==
*'''Wayblade Skana, a Preacher from Mareave, will be arriving at the Imperial Orc camp at 2pm on Saturday'''
*'''It is understood that Skana is interested in learning more about the life and death of Bloodcrow Knott'''

Bloodcrow Knott recently pled guilty to the crime of [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heresy]] and was [[Court_Reports|sentenced to execution by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra]]. Knott was condemned by Maarit Suvidottir for teaching orcs that they did not need Virtue, and in so doing denying the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] and the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Ancestors|Doctrine of the Ancestors]]. He gave a moving and compelling speech about the necessity of his actions, his lack of remorse, and was clear of his intent to continue regardless of consequence. After his death, however, Bloodcrow Knott was added to the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#Annals_of_the_Ancestors|Annals of the Ancestors]], suggesting that he is an important ancestor and his words are worth remembering. Wayblade Skana is fascinated by this clear contradiction and is coming to Anvil to learn more about the life and death of this important figure.

New player schedule

Emmanovi — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:04:24 GMT

Thursday: Changed location of Thursday meetup

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	==Thursday==		==Thursday==
	OOC Social - meet and greet and general chat (in the ~~Senate building~~): 8pm onwards		OOC Social - meet and greet and general chat (in the Hub): 8pm onwards

	This is an informal session where members of the Player Support Team are in the Senate to chat about the game with anyone new or newish who would like to chat. It’s a good opportunity to meet other new players and ask questions.		This is an informal session where members of the Player Support Team are in the Senate to chat about the game with anyone new or newish who would like to chat. It’s a good opportunity to meet other new players and ask questions.

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

Apoth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:58:33 GMT

The Visitation (Vistors)

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

	==Diplomatic Winds==		==Diplomatic Winds==