Arbiter - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T15:59:11Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 15 January 2026
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	A hundred years after the creation of the heliopticon network, a charismatic battlemage called Vaanes of the Citadel of Mezudan tried to unite Urizen under his rule. The Urizen in Spiral were facing renewed pressure from the Grendel and Vaanes persuaded many that Urizen would never be safe until the spires were unified. He was opposed by Portia of Spire Calator in Zenith and Belix of the Bone Tower. Although the two arbiters famously loathed each other, they were brought together by their opposition to Vaanes. Portia led the public opposition to Vaanes at a Grand Conclave held in Spiral, where she delivered a powerful rebuttal claiming she would rather be a slave of the Grendel, than a slave of another Urizen. Vaanes' demands for recognition were denied by the Conclave and he was captured by the Grendel and slaughtered soon after, the result of a betrayal openly orchestrated by the unrepentantly ruthless draughir Belix.		A hundred years after the creation of the heliopticon network, a charismatic battlemage called Vaanes of the Citadel of Mezudan tried to unite Urizen under his rule. The Urizen in Spiral were facing renewed pressure from the Grendel and Vaanes persuaded many that Urizen would never be safe until the spires were unified. He was opposed by Portia of Spire Calator in Zenith and Belix of the Bone Tower. Although the two arbiters famously loathed each other, they were brought together by their opposition to Vaanes. Portia led the public opposition to Vaanes at a Grand Conclave held in Spiral, where she delivered a powerful rebuttal claiming she would rather be a slave of the Grendel, than a slave of another Urizen. Vaanes' demands for recognition were denied by the Conclave and he was captured by the Grendel and slaughtered soon after, the result of a betrayal openly orchestrated by the unrepentantly ruthless draughir Belix.

	It was a Grand Conclave that ultimately made the decision not to join the Empire in the time of the [[First Empress]]. Some years later, in the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], the Conclave reversed the decision with a narrow margin in favour of the Empire. Along with Urizen's [[mage\|mages]], the arbiters pushed for the creation of the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]], persuading the [[Senate]] of the need for magic to be disciplined and well-regulated. Joining the Empire inevitably diminished the influence and prominence of the arbiters, but unofficial conclaves continue to this day and can still be important in ensuring cooperation and collaboration between the people of Urizen.		It was a Grand Conclave that ultimately made the decision not to join the Empire in the time of the [[First Empress]]. Some years later, in the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], the Conclave reversed the decision with a narrow margin in favour of the Empire. Along with Urizen's [[mage\|mages]], the arbiters pushed for the creation of the [[Conclave]], persuading the [[Senate]] of the need for magic to be disciplined and well-regulated. Joining the Empire inevitably diminished the influence and prominence of the arbiters, but unofficial conclaves continue to this day and can still be important in ensuring cooperation and collaboration between the people of Urizen.

	==First Among Equals==		==First Among Equals==

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:31:15Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 15 January 2026
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	An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory and the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.		An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory and the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.

	Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.		Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.

	It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you organise your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.		It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you organise your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:23:41Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 15 January 2026
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	An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory and the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.		An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory and the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.

	Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.		Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.

	It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you organise your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.		It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you organise your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.

Twiggy at 05:44, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T05:44:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:44, 14 July 2025
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	It's rarely a good idea to play an arbiter if you're not part of a group. Although you can create your own spire, part of the fun of playing an arbiter is looking out for other player-characters and representing their views to the rest of Urizen. You won't have either of those goals if you're the only player, so a different archetype would give you more pressing goals at an event. One option to consider would be playing a [[mage]], an archetype that has many of the same interests as an arbiter without being tied to the concept of being a group leader.		It's rarely a good idea to play an arbiter if you're not part of a group. Although you can create your own spire, part of the fun of playing an arbiter is looking out for other player-characters and representing their views to the rest of Urizen. You won't have either of those goals if you're the only player, so a different archetype would give you more pressing goals at an event. One option to consider would be playing a [[mage]], an archetype that has many of the same interests as an arbiter without being tied to the concept of being a group leader.

	Don't think you have to have someone play the arbiter of your spire — they can easily be a background NPC who doesn't come to Anvil. Likewise, if your group has one person who is the out-of-character contact or ~~organizer~~, there is no reason why they also have to play the arbiter — the arbiter's responsibilities and authority are entirely in-character. The best reason to play an arbiter is because you want to play a character who is looking out for their spire and everyone in it.		Don't think you have to have someone play the arbiter of your spire — they can easily be a background NPC who doesn't come to Anvil. Likewise, if your group has one person who is the out-of-character contact or organiser, there is no reason why they also have to play the arbiter — the arbiter's responsibilities and authority are entirely in-character. The best reason to play an arbiter is because you want to play a character who is looking out for their spire and everyone in it.

	You can find some additional information about creating an arbiter, from the point of view of making an Urizen group, on the page about [[Spire#Choosing_an_Arbiter\|spires]].		You can find some additional information about creating an arbiter, from the point of view of making an Urizen group, on the page about [[Spire#Choosing_an_Arbiter\|spires]].
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	Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.		Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.

	It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you ~~organize~~ your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.		It's a good idea to find out who the other arbiters in Urizen are. The egregore will probably know if there are meetings of arbiters planned at a summit, but if there aren't then they can help you organise your own. This will give you a chance to represent your group to the rest of Urizen, to speak on their behalf, and if you have something that the other arbiters can help you with then all the better. It's still worth going even if you don't have anything you need as this will help you to develop contacts and allies among the other arbiters as well as establishing your character's position and importance — as well as that of your spire.

	Although arbiters are respected figures who are the leaders of their communities, you need to keep in mind that nobody is more important than anyone else. Nobody will be deferential to you just because you are nominally in charge of your group. An arbiter is chosen because they are astute and diplomatic — if you try to throw your weight around and expect other players to do what you say because "''the brief says Urizen respect the arbiters''", then you are going to get nowhere. An arbiter is supposed to be shrewd and wise in their dealings with people; you have to play that part of the Urizen brief to get other players to play theirs!		Although arbiters are respected figures who are the leaders of their communities, you need to keep in mind that nobody is more important than anyone else. Nobody will be deferential to you just because you are nominally in charge of your group. An arbiter is chosen because they are astute and diplomatic — if you try to throw your weight around and expect other players to do what you say because "''the brief says Urizen respect the arbiters''", then you are going to get nowhere. An arbiter is supposed to be shrewd and wise in their dealings with people; you have to play that part of the Urizen brief to get other players to play theirs!

Dre at 14:53, 5 May 2025

2025-05-05T14:53:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 5 May 2025
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	Each member of your group will hopefully have their own character goals, some of which may be linked to the general goals for your group. Anything they are doing which benefits your spire is something that you can try to help them achieve. If a character doesn't have any well-defined goals yet, then your character can use their position to help them get more involved. The more active the other characters in your spire are, the more influential and important your group will be.		Each member of your group will hopefully have their own character goals, some of which may be linked to the general goals for your group. Anything they are doing which benefits your spire is something that you can try to help them achieve. If a character doesn't have any well-defined goals yet, then your character can use their position to help them get more involved. The more active the other characters in your spire are, the more influential and important your group will be.

	An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory an the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.		An arbiter's first responsibility is to their own spire, temple, or citadel. The archetype gives you permission to put the demands of territory, Empire, and even the rest of the nation of Urizen second to the needs of your own group. Even if your group as a whole are pro-Empire, as an arbiter you should always be looking for ways to improve the position of your own community even at the expense of the greater good. While you can't ignore the politics of the larger game — your spire is part of a territory and the nation of Urizen after all — putting your own peoples' concerns first or being forced to juggle different priorities will definitely provide more roleplaying opportunities.

	Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.		Crucially everything that ''could'' affect your community is your business! Poke your nose into the affairs of senators and the Urizen general — you want to make sure that any decisions the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] take will benefit your group. If you can increase your influence sufficiently, then you may be able to negotiate for some of Urizen's bourse resources to be allocated to your group. Never pass up an opportunity for anything that would benefit your group, even if it's just a few extra mana crystals for one of your fellow magicians.

Dre at 21:44, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T21:44:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:44, 13 May 2024
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	[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]		[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The arbiters lead the [[Spire\|spires, citadels, and temples]] of Urizen. Not every Urizen community is ~~lead~~ by an arbiter, but most appoint someone whose role is to resolve disputes and represent the spire to others. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business of a spire — they arrange a steady supply of necessities such as crystal mana, they ensure that the settlement is protected from outside threats and they strive to keep order by ensuring everyone's concerns are heard. Most arbiters are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primus_inter_pares first among equals] and have few formal powers, but the best command the respect and loyalty of their colleagues.		The arbiters lead the [[Spire\|spires, citadels, and temples]] of Urizen. Not every Urizen community is led by an arbiter, but most appoint someone whose role is to resolve disputes and represent the spire to others. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business of a spire — they arrange a steady supply of necessities such as crystal mana, they ensure that the settlement is protected from outside threats and they strive to keep order by ensuring everyone's concerns are heard. Most arbiters are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primus_inter_pares first among equals] and have few formal powers, but the best command the respect and loyalty of their colleagues.

	Arbiters are diplomats, meeting with their counterparts in neighbouring spires to arrange collaboration on joint efforts or to study problems that are best addressed together. Although the spires, citadels, and temples are fiercely independent of each other and often highly competitive, the arbiters of a territory will support each other if they think doing so will benefit their own community. Historic national projects like [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|the heliopticon]] would have been impossible without the effective support and leadership of Urizen's arbiters.		Arbiters are diplomats, meeting with their counterparts in neighbouring spires to arrange collaboration on joint efforts or to study problems that are best addressed together. Although the spires, citadels, and temples are fiercely independent of each other and often highly competitive, the arbiters of a territory will support each other if they think doing so will benefit their own community. Historic national projects like [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|the heliopticon]] would have been impossible without the effective support and leadership of Urizen's arbiters.

Rafferty at 13:30, 28 September 2021

2021-09-28T13:30:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 28 September 2021
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	[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]		[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]
	~~{{stub}}~~
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The arbiters lead the [[Spire\|spires, citadels, and temples]] of Urizen. Not every Urizen community is lead by an arbiter, but most appoint someone whose role is to resolve disputes and represent the spire to others. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business of a spire — they arrange a steady supply of necessities such as crystal mana, they ensure that the settlement is protected from outside threats and they strive to keep order by ensuring everyone's concerns are heard. Most arbiters are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primus_inter_pares first among equals] and have few formal powers, but the best command the respect and loyalty of their colleagues.		The arbiters lead the [[Spire\|spires, citadels, and temples]] of Urizen. Not every Urizen community is lead by an arbiter, but most appoint someone whose role is to resolve disputes and represent the spire to others. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business of a spire — they arrange a steady supply of necessities such as crystal mana, they ensure that the settlement is protected from outside threats and they strive to keep order by ensuring everyone's concerns are heard. Most arbiters are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primus_inter_pares first among equals] and have few formal powers, but the best command the respect and loyalty of their colleagues.

GuiltyConscience: /* History */

2021-09-08T18:06:02Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 8 September 2021
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	Most Urizen assume that arbiters have existed for as long as there have been spires on the mountain tops, but the first definitive records describe a conclave of arbiters meeting in Morrow at what is assumed to be the start of the pre-Imperial era. The group met at Highwatch to discuss a coordinated response to the increased activity of Highborn soldiers on the east bank of the Couros. The group agreed to delegate Tibia of Highwatch to negotiate with the invaders and to supply enough mana for an arcane projection to cause a raging flood in the Araphorous, the tributary that flows from Highwatch into the Couros. The outcome of the meeting is not known, but the Highborn ceased their efforts to expand into Urizen territory and the first embassy between the two nations was established on the western banks of the river.		Most Urizen assume that arbiters have existed for as long as there have been spires on the mountain tops, but the first definitive records describe a conclave of arbiters meeting in Morrow at what is assumed to be the start of the pre-Imperial era. The group met at Highwatch to discuss a coordinated response to the increased activity of Highborn soldiers on the east bank of the Couros. The group agreed to delegate Tibia of Highwatch to negotiate with the invaders and to supply enough mana for an arcane projection to cause a raging flood in the Araphorous, the tributary that flows from Highwatch into the Couros. The outcome of the meeting is not known, but the Highborn ceased their efforts to expand into Urizen territory and the first embassy between the two nations was established on the western banks of the river.

	Records show similar conclaves occurring in Spiral, and among the spires of what is modern-day Redoubt after this point. There are no surviving records of a conclave taking among the settlers in western Zenith, but that is unsurprising given how wild the territory was for most of Urizen's history. The first recorded Grand Conclave, attended by arbiters from across Urizen, was convened more than thirty years later. This meeting was largely devoted to a discussion of the still incomplete heliopticon network. The initial designs created by the [[architects]] [[Architect#History\|Anna of Comena and Martena of Tabulous]] had been widely distributed, but there were a number of practical considerations that needed to be addressed before their vision could become a reality. The key decision made by the Grand Conclave was an agreement on a common cipher for encoding messages; different architects had proposed different competing ciphers but the arbiters recognised that a single method of encoding messages would ensure everyone was able to freely communicate with everyone else.		Records show similar conclaves occurring in Spiral, and among the spires of what is modern-day Redoubt after this point. There are no surviving records of a conclave taking among the settlers in western Zenith, but that is unsurprising given how wild the territory was for most of Urizen's history. The first recorded Grand Conclave, attended by arbiters from across Urizen, was convened more than thirty years later. This meeting was largely devoted to a discussion of the still incomplete heliopticon network. The initial designs created by the architects [[Architect#History\|Anna of Comena and Martena of Tabulous]] had been widely distributed, but there were a number of practical considerations that needed to be addressed before their vision could become a reality. The key decision made by the Grand Conclave was an agreement on a common cipher for encoding messages; different architects had proposed different competing ciphers but the arbiters recognised that a single method of encoding messages would ensure everyone was able to freely communicate with everyone else.

	Over the next decade, the arbiters were crucial in ensuring that the heliopticon network was completed, and the foundations laid for maintaining it. The network vastly improved communication between spires, citadels and temples making cooperation easier and more effective, and helping to cement the crucial role of arbiters in representing their community to others.		Over the next decade, the arbiters were crucial in ensuring that the heliopticon network was completed, and the foundations laid for maintaining it. The network vastly improved communication between spires, citadels and temples making cooperation easier and more effective, and helping to cement the crucial role of arbiters in representing their community to others.

	A hundred years after the creation of the heliopticon network, a charismatic battlemage called Vaanes of the Citadel of Mezudan tried to unite Urizen under his rule. The Urizen in Spiral were facing renewed pressure from the Grendel and Vaanes persuaded many that Urizen would never be safe until the spires were ~~unfied~~. He was opposed by Portia of Spire Calator in Zenith and Belix of the Bone Tower. Although the two arbiters famously loathed each other, they were brought together by their opposition to Vaanes. Portia led the public opposition to Vaanes at a Grand Conclave held in Spiral, where she delivered a powerful rebuttal claiming she would rather be a slave of the Grendel, than a slave of another Urizen. Vaanes' demands for recognition were denied by the Conclave and he was captured by the Grendel and slaughtered soon after, the result of a betrayal openly orchestrated by the unrepentantly ruthless draughir Belix.		A hundred years after the creation of the heliopticon network, a charismatic battlemage called Vaanes of the Citadel of Mezudan tried to unite Urizen under his rule. The Urizen in Spiral were facing renewed pressure from the Grendel and Vaanes persuaded many that Urizen would never be safe until the spires were unified. He was opposed by Portia of Spire Calator in Zenith and Belix of the Bone Tower. Although the two arbiters famously loathed each other, they were brought together by their opposition to Vaanes. Portia led the public opposition to Vaanes at a Grand Conclave held in Spiral, where she delivered a powerful rebuttal claiming she would rather be a slave of the Grendel, than a slave of another Urizen. Vaanes' demands for recognition were denied by the Conclave and he was captured by the Grendel and slaughtered soon after, the result of a betrayal openly orchestrated by the unrepentantly ruthless draughir Belix.

	It was a Grand Conclave that ultimately made the decision not to join the Empire in the time of the [[First Empress]]. Some years later, in the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], the Conclave reversed the decision with a narrow margin in favour of the Empire. Along with Urizen's [[mage\|mages]], the arbiters pushed for the creation of the [[Imperial Conclave]], persuading the [[Senate]] of the need for magic to be disciplined and well-regulated. Joining the Empire inevitably diminished the influence and prominence of the arbiters, but unofficial conclaves continue to this day and can still be important in ensuring cooperation and collaboration between the people of Urizen.		It was a Grand Conclave that ultimately made the decision not to join the Empire in the time of the [[First Empress]]. Some years later, in the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], the Conclave reversed the decision with a narrow margin in favour of the Empire. Along with Urizen's [[mage\|mages]], the arbiters pushed for the creation of the [[Imperial Conclave]], persuading the [[Senate]] of the need for magic to be disciplined and well-regulated. Joining the Empire inevitably diminished the influence and prominence of the arbiters, but unofficial conclaves continue to this day and can still be important in ensuring cooperation and collaboration between the people of Urizen.

Matt: /* Creating an Arbiter */

2021-09-08T15:26:39Z

Creating an Arbiter

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 8 September 2021
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	This arbiter archetype is intended to allow players to create civic minded leaders of Urizen communities. Where other archetypes encourage individual goals or Empire-wide political goals, the arbiter is focussed on looking out for their spire, citadel or temple. It's a good archetype for anyone who enjoys playing the leader of a community, but it's perfect for someone who wants to devote themselves to the good of their group. Arbiters are always looking for ways to make their spire safer and more prosperous, so playing one gives you a reason to be interested in anything that helps to protect or benefit your community.		This arbiter archetype is intended to allow players to create civic minded leaders of Urizen communities. Where other archetypes encourage individual goals or Empire-wide political goals, the arbiter is focussed on looking out for their spire, citadel or temple. It's a good archetype for anyone who enjoys playing the leader of a community, but it's perfect for someone who wants to devote themselves to the good of their group. Arbiters are always looking for ways to make their spire safer and more prosperous, so playing one gives you a reason to be interested in anything that helps to protect or benefit your community.

	Most arbiters are magicians, but it's certainly not the only way to build the character. If your group is a citadel then it's perfectly appropriate to play a warrior, and if you're leading a temple then a philosopher or priest may be the best choice. A good way to make your character is to look at the guidance for the archetype you might have had ''before'' you became an arbiter. For example, the arbiter of a citadel who used to be a sentinel could look at the guidance for [[sentinel#Creating a sentinel\|creating a sentinel]] for inspiration. If you're still not sure what to take, then having ~~some ranks in~~ [[magical skills#~~ritual lore~~\|~~ritual lore~~]] and a [[mana site]] will give you political influence in Urizen's elections which is always useful, especially for an arbiter.		Most arbiters are magicians, but it's certainly not the only way to build the character. If your group is a citadel then it's perfectly appropriate to play a warrior, and if you're leading a temple then a philosopher or priest may be the best choice. A good way to make your character is to look at the guidance for the archetype you might have had ''before'' you became an arbiter. For example, the arbiter of a citadel who used to be a sentinel could look at the guidance for [[sentinel#Creating a sentinel\|creating a sentinel]] for inspiration. If you're still not sure what to take, then having [[magical skills#magician\|magician]] and a [[mana site]] will give you political influence in Urizen's elections which is always useful, especially for an arbiter.

	The most important thing when creating an arbiter is to talk to other members of your group. Since the arbiter is the closest thing a spire has to a leader, everyone in the group needs to be happy with whoever is going to take the role. Although you will be first among equals, the more support you have from your group, the more powerful and influential you'll be in-character. It's worth taking time to discuss the arbiter role with the group to ensure that everyone is happy with you playing it. In particular, you want to make sure that you agree in advance what kind of authority, responsibility, or powers the arbiter of your spire has.		The most important thing when creating an arbiter is to talk to other members of your group. Since the arbiter is the closest thing a spire has to a leader, everyone in the group needs to be happy with whoever is going to take the role. Although you will be first among equals, the more support you have from your group, the more powerful and influential you'll be in-character. It's worth taking time to discuss the arbiter role with the group to ensure that everyone is happy with you playing it. In particular, you want to make sure that you agree in advance what kind of authority, responsibility, or powers the arbiter of your spire has.

Novemberalice at 15:20, 8 September 2021

2021-09-08T15:20:22Z

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