One of us - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:10:30Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 15 January 2026
Line 9:		Line 9:
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Blue ocean wave.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The waves that lap along the coast of the Asvaean Archipelago come in many sizes.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Blue ocean wave.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The waves that lap along the coast of the Asvaean Archipelago come in many sizes.\|width=500}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The Imperial Synod has committed to the spreading of the Way to Asavea. [[Irreconcilable_differences\|Conflict with]] the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] has been resolved through the use of the [[veto]], and certain compromises have been suggested, and missionaries and wayfarers continue to head east. With the help of the [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]], they smuggle themselves, and valuable resources, into Asavea to share with those who pursue the path of virtue despite the opposition of the Plenum and the priesthood of Asav.		The Imperial Synod has committed to the spreading of the Way to Asavea. [[Irreconcilable_differences\|Conflict with]] the [[Senate]] has been resolved through the use of the [[veto]], and certain compromises have been suggested, and missionaries and wayfarers continue to head east. With the help of the [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]], they smuggle themselves, and valuable resources, into Asavea to share with those who pursue the path of virtue despite the opposition of the Plenum and the priesthood of Asav.

	The missionaries are not the only people heaving east. At the direction of the Conclave, magicians of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have slipped into Asavea, in the hope that they may be able to make contact with virtuous magicians who follow the Way. The work is dangerous, but has borne fruit. They have made contact with three distinct groups, all of whom might be called Virtuous. Now the Empire must decide how to proceed.		The missionaries are not the only people heaving east. At the direction of the Conclave, magicians of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have slipped into Asavea, in the hope that they may be able to make contact with virtuous magicians who follow the Way. The work is dangerous, but has borne fruit. They have made contact with three distinct groups, all of whom might be called Virtuous. Now the Empire must decide how to proceed.

Twiggy at 17:04, 16 August 2025

2025-08-16T17:04:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 16 August 2025
Line 185:		Line 185:
	Under normal circumstances we are ''very'' careful about having NPCs or plots that "trick" players. In this particular case, we're working with themes of espionage and covert activity, and a crucial element of stories involving these elements is the possibility of double-crosses and treachery. Player characters don't need any support from us to engage in duplicity, but in cases like this our guidelines that NPCs won't trick players don't benefit the emerging story that performing espionage involves.		Under normal circumstances we are ''very'' careful about having NPCs or plots that "trick" players. In this particular case, we're working with themes of espionage and covert activity, and a crucial element of stories involving these elements is the possibility of double-crosses and treachery. Player characters don't need any support from us to engage in duplicity, but in cases like this our guidelines that NPCs won't trick players don't benefit the emerging story that performing espionage involves.

	''One'' of the three groups the Sevenfold Path have made contact is is engaged in trickery. At some point they will betray their Imperial "allies". We know which one it is but the players don't. To prevent this being a "gotcha" moment, the Whisper Gallery - who in their own peculiar way are just as interested in revealing secrets as they are in guarding them - have told the characters and thus the players that something is not on the level. The characters will need to "trust" NPC groups while knowing that one of them is being deceptive - and the Empire will probably want to work out which one ''before'' they can betray them. Unfortunately, it will be ''very'' hard to do this without establishing closer ties - by giving them what they ask for - or dealing with the Whisper Gallery. Which is of course illegal.		''One'' of the three groups the Sevenfold Path have made contact with is engaged in trickery. At some point they will betray their Imperial "allies". We know which one it is but the players don't. To prevent this being a "gotcha" moment, the Whisper Gallery - who in their own peculiar way are just as interested in revealing secrets as they are in guarding them - have told the characters and thus the players that something is not on the level. The characters will need to "trust" NPC groups while knowing that one of them is being deceptive - and the Empire will probably want to work out which one ''before'' they can betray them. Unfortunately, it will be ''very'' hard to do this without establishing closer ties - by giving them what they ask for - or dealing with the Whisper Gallery. Which is of course illegal.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Hailmur: /* The Mikanos */

2025-05-04T03:07:11Z

The Mikanos

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:07, 4 May 2025
Line 134:		Line 134:
	The Mikanos are utterly ''obsessed'' with death. They are very familiar with the Way and they are absolutely convinced that the labyrinth beneath their covenant is the ''actual Labyrinth'' into which human souls pass when they die. They have spent years studying their labyrinth, mapping parts of it (it seems to stretch for miles) and performing magical rituals to try and learn more about it. Their dream is to find a way to penetrate to the very heart of the maze - obviously anyone who does that will have mastered death itself and will become effectively immortal.		The Mikanos are utterly ''obsessed'' with death. They are very familiar with the Way and they are absolutely convinced that the labyrinth beneath their covenant is the ''actual Labyrinth'' into which human souls pass when they die. They have spent years studying their labyrinth, mapping parts of it (it seems to stretch for miles) and performing magical rituals to try and learn more about it. Their dream is to find a way to penetrate to the very heart of the maze - obviously anyone who does that will have mastered death itself and will become effectively immortal.

	The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout ~~atheist,~~ they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.		The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular, they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout anti-theist; they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.

	However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the magicians in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.		However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the magicians in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.

Hailmur: /* The Bells of Becephelas */

2025-05-01T23:34:01Z

The Bells of Becephelas

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 1 May 2025
Line 149:		Line 149:
	* '''The magicians need access to Imperial lore to give them the power to resist the Asavean military'''		* '''The magicians need access to Imperial lore to give them the power to resist the Asavean military'''
	* '''This will reduce the materials needed to anchor the way by 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns'''		* '''This will reduce the materials needed to anchor the way by 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns'''
	* '''A successful ~~declaration~~ of Concord would be needed to share Imperial lore with the magicians'''		* '''A successful Declaration of Concord would be needed to share Imperial lore with the magicians'''

	The satrapy of Becephelas has a long and fractious relationship with the Plenum. They have rebelled twice in the last hundred years, but each time the revolt was put down. The most recent occasion was just thirty years ago; inspired by the preaching of Sumaah missionaries who spread the Way here. With the determination of the Virtuous, they attempted to assert their independence, but the Plenum sent armies to crush the rebellion. They appealed for aid from Sumaah, who sent dozens of small military units to assist them, but it was not remotely enough to turn the tide. They were defeated and the leaders of the revolt were executed.		The satrapy of Becephelas has a long and fractious relationship with the Plenum. They have rebelled twice in the last hundred years, but each time the revolt was put down. The most recent occasion was just thirty years ago; inspired by the preaching of Sumaah missionaries who spread the Way here. With the determination of the Virtuous, they attempted to assert their independence, but the Plenum sent armies to crush the rebellion. They appealed for aid from Sumaah, who sent dozens of small military units to assist them, but it was not remotely enough to turn the tide. They were defeated and the leaders of the revolt were executed.

Hailmur: /* The Mikanos */

2025-05-01T23:33:30Z

The Mikanos

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 1 May 2025
Line 134:		Line 134:
	The Mikanos are utterly ''obsessed'' with death. They are very familiar with the Way and they are absolutely convinced that the labyrinth beneath their covenant is the ''actual Labyrinth'' into which human souls pass when they die. They have spent years studying their labyrinth, mapping parts of it (it seems to stretch for miles) and performing magical rituals to try and learn more about it. Their dream is to find a way to penetrate to the very heart of the maze - obviously anyone who does that will have mastered death itself and will become effectively immortal.		The Mikanos are utterly ''obsessed'' with death. They are very familiar with the Way and they are absolutely convinced that the labyrinth beneath their covenant is the ''actual Labyrinth'' into which human souls pass when they die. They have spent years studying their labyrinth, mapping parts of it (it seems to stretch for miles) and performing magical rituals to try and learn more about it. Their dream is to find a way to penetrate to the very heart of the maze - obviously anyone who does that will have mastered death itself and will become effectively immortal.

	The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout atheist, they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.		The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout atheist, they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.

	However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the magicians in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.		However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the magicians in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.

Hailmur: /* Establishing the Way */

2025-04-29T23:55:14Z

Establishing the Way

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 29 April 2025
Line 23:		Line 23:
	No-one is under any illusion that establishing the Way in Asavea will be quick or easy. The Imperial Synod has begun the process, urging priests to travel there to spread the Way. The Assembly of the Brass Coast have done their part, smuggling priests all across the thousand islands that make up the Asavean Archipelago. But what is needed now is resources... Establishing the Way here will require investment in shrines, churches and congregations.		No-one is under any illusion that establishing the Way in Asavea will be quick or easy. The Imperial Synod has begun the process, urging priests to travel there to spread the Way. The Assembly of the Brass Coast have done their part, smuggling priests all across the thousand islands that make up the Asavean Archipelago. But what is needed now is resources... Establishing the Way here will require investment in shrines, churches and congregations.

	A huge amount of white granite is needed - equivalent to the amounts needed to build the [[Grand Inspiration of the Way]] in Bastion. Thus far contributions have been limited - 37 thrones, 2 crowns, 1 ring and a single wain of white granite. At the current rate of progress it will take 350 years to complete the task... Clearly the Empire needs to find ways to reduce the investment needed and shorten those times, otherwise the people of Asavea are going to languish under the rule of heretics and blasphemers for centuries to come.		A huge amount of white granite is needed - equivalent to the amounts needed to build the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way\|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] in Bastion. Thus far contributions have been limited - 37 thrones, 2 crowns, 1 ring and a single wain of white granite. At the current rate of progress it will take 350 years to complete the task... Clearly the Empire needs to find ways to reduce the investment needed and shorten those times, otherwise the people of Asavea are going to languish under the rule of heretics and blasphemers for centuries to come.

	Fortunately the magicians of the Sevenfold Path have made contact with three groups of magicians who could help the Empire. Each of these groups have some connection with the Imperial faith but none of them are followers of the Way. They might be persuaded to embrace the Way more fully, though it is clear that their beliefs are a long way from what any inquisitor might call orthodox. Even so, if they could be relied on then they would be effective allies in the aim of establishing the way in Asavea. This is abstractly represented by a reduction in the total cost needed to establish the Way in Asavea if each group is brought onboard. With these groups onboard, the Empire needs less white granite and money to establish sites of worship elsewhere.		Fortunately the magicians of the Sevenfold Path have made contact with three groups of magicians who could help the Empire. Each of these groups have some connection with the Imperial faith but none of them are followers of the Way. They might be persuaded to embrace the Way more fully, though it is clear that their beliefs are a long way from what any inquisitor might call orthodox. Even so, if they could be relied on then they would be effective allies in the aim of establishing the way in Asavea. This is abstractly represented by a reduction in the total cost needed to establish the Way in Asavea if each group is brought onboard. With these groups onboard, the Empire needs less white granite and money to establish sites of worship elsewhere.

Hailmur: /* The Bells of Becephelas */

2025-04-23T19:53:19Z

The Bells of Becephelas

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 23 April 2025
Line 161:		Line 161:
	What they want, what they need, they say - is access to Imperial lore. If Becephelas magicians could study Imperial lore, if they create new ritual texts and smuggle them into Becephelas, they could rebuild their lore, rebuild their power, and when the time came they would be able to raise an army and back it with their own magic.		What they want, what they need, they say - is access to Imperial lore. If Becephelas magicians could study Imperial lore, if they create new ritual texts and smuggle them into Becephelas, they could rebuild their lore, rebuild their power, and when the time came they would be able to raise an army and back it with their own magic.

	Having the magicians on side would be important if the Empire wants to try and overthrow the Plenum. Even if they stop short of that goal, they will be useful allies in the attempt to anchor the Way in Asavea. Providing them with access to Imperial lore will reduce the materials needed to complete the project by 25 wains of white granite and 75 crowns ('''OOC Note:''' This is not payment to the covenant, it is abstraction of the benefits provided by bringing this group on side).		Having the magicians on side would be important if the Empire wants to try and overthrow the Plenum. Even if they stop short of that goal, they will be useful allies in the attempt to anchor the Way in Asavea. Providing them with access to Imperial lore will reduce the materials needed to complete the project by 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns ('''OOC Note:''' This is not payment to the covenant, it is abstraction of the benefits provided by bringing this group on side).
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dark Adapted Eye 2.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dark Adapted Eye 2.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>

	==Everything Seemed So Easy==		==Everything Seemed So Easy==
	* '''The Whisper Gallery has warned the Empire that ''one'' of these three groups is lying and plans to betray the Empire'''		* '''The Whisper Gallery has warned the Empire that ''one'' of these three groups is lying and plans to betray the Empire'''

Hailmur: /* The Mikanos */

2025-04-23T19:52:36Z

The Mikanos

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 23 April 2025
Line 140:		Line 140:
	Some of the magicians who made contact with the Mikanos acknowledge that the price is high, but remind the Order of the example set by the First Empress. If one of the members of the covenant experiences a past life as someone from another land, even another empire, it ''could'' help them understand that all humanity is united under the way, which would bolster their conviction in the Way beyond what is at the moment, somewhat theoretical more than Virtuous. And of course true experience of their past lives would likely help them to see the ignorance in their belief that their labyrinth is ''the'' Labyrinth. Hopefully.		Some of the magicians who made contact with the Mikanos acknowledge that the price is high, but remind the Order of the example set by the First Empress. If one of the members of the covenant experiences a past life as someone from another land, even another empire, it ''could'' help them understand that all humanity is united under the way, which would bolster their conviction in the Way beyond what is at the moment, somewhat theoretical more than Virtuous. And of course true experience of their past lives would likely help them to see the ignorance in their belief that their labyrinth is ''the'' Labyrinth. Hopefully.

	Regardless of the outcome, they would make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the Way in Asavea. Providing them the true liao they have requested will reduce the materials needed to complete the project by 20 wains of white granite and 60 crowns ('''OOC Note:''' This is not payment by the covenant, it is abstraction of the benefits provided by bringing this group on side).		Regardless of the outcome, they would make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the Way in Asavea. Providing them the true liao they have requested will reduce the materials needed to complete the project by 25 wains of white granite and 75 crowns ('''OOC Note:''' This is not payment by the covenant, it is abstraction of the benefits provided by bringing this group on side).
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Rafael2979.jpg\|\|caption='''Rafael Barossa di Tassato''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path\|align=left\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Rafael2979.jpg\|\|caption='''Rafael Barossa di Tassato''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path\|align=left\|width=300}}</div>

Dre at 19:23, 23 April 2025

2025-04-23T19:23:37Z

Rafferty at 19:07, 23 April 2025

2025-04-23T19:07:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 23 April 2025
Line 6:		Line 6:
	He hides his contempt for them, behind his careful mask of fear and obedience. When the last of them has wet their fingers, he returns the bowl to the little shrine where it is kept between ceremonies. Once he is certain nobody is watching, he spits into the bowl, quickly stirring it with his fingers. He despises them, just as he despises his so-called master. He knows their gods are false, that Balo of the Foam is nothing but a story told by fools, signifying nothing. He has never seen anyone touched by the gods, but he himself has felt the touch of the virtues. The wonder of them. He knows he is not really a slave, not in his heart where it counts.		He hides his contempt for them, behind his careful mask of fear and obedience. When the last of them has wet their fingers, he returns the bowl to the little shrine where it is kept between ceremonies. Once he is certain nobody is watching, he spits into the bowl, quickly stirring it with his fingers. He despises them, just as he despises his so-called master. He knows their gods are false, that Balo of the Foam is nothing but a story told by fools, signifying nothing. He has never seen anyone touched by the gods, but he himself has felt the touch of the virtues. The wonder of them. He knows he is not really a slave, not in his heart where it counts.

	Leaving the shrine, he walks back along the slaves' corridor that allows him to move around the temple without being seen by any of the important folk who come here, the ship captains and merchant venturers. He gazes through one of the peepholes worn in the old stone, watches them chattering and drinking, making deals, sloshing wine of the floor as they jokingly make libations (but their eyes suggest that they are not really joking, not really). He watches them, and he wonders. What would Amika do?</ic>		Leaving the shrine, he walks back along the slaves' corridor that allows him to move around the temple without being seen by any of the important folk who come here, the ship captains and merchant venturers. He gazes through one of the peepholes worn in the old stone, watches them chattering and drinking, making deals, sloshing wine of the floor as they jokingly make libations (but their eyes suggest that they are not really joking, not really). He watches them, and he wonders. ''What would Amika do?''</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Blue ocean wave.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The waves that lap along the coast of the Asvaean Archipelago come in many sizes.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Blue ocean wave.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The waves that lap along the coast of the Asvaean Archipelago come in many sizes.\|width=500}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:23, 23 April 2025
Line 44:		Line 44:
	Dagon's judgement calls for the Assembly of Loyalty to ''"support the Virtuous rebels in Asavea."'' On the face of it this seems like a call to support those groups most likely to attempt to overthrow the Plenum. This is exactly the outcome the Plenum fears, a loss of control and the collapse of their rules as rebels inspired by the Way rise up to over-throw them. This is exactly what Sumaah has spent decades trying to achieve - arguably one of the only reasons they haven't succeeded is the amount of time the Plenum devotes to stamping out these sparks before they can turn into a fire.		Dagon's judgement calls for the Assembly of Loyalty to ''"support the Virtuous rebels in Asavea."'' On the face of it this seems like a call to support those groups most likely to attempt to overthrow the Plenum. This is exactly the outcome the Plenum fears, a loss of control and the collapse of their rules as rebels inspired by the Way rise up to over-throw them. This is exactly what Sumaah has spent decades trying to achieve - arguably one of the only reasons they haven't succeeded is the amount of time the Plenum devotes to stamping out these sparks before they can turn into a fire.

	{{Mandate\|mandate=The Way tells us that no-one may demand your loyalty and ~~obediance~~ to their rule. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to teach the Asaveans to abandon those who have done nothing to deserve their Loyalty\|assembly=Loyalty Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=The Way tells us that no-one may demand your loyalty and obedience to their rule. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to teach the Asaveans to abandon those who have done nothing to deserve their Loyalty\|assembly=Loyalty Assembly}}

	If this mandate is enacted it will encourage Imperial dedicates of Loyalty to provide support to the missionaries, but they will also look for folk whose heart inclines towards bringing the Plenum down. Next season the Assembly of Loyalty will be able to report on the three rebel groups they have made contact with who could be supported and encouraged to embrace the Way and resist the Plenum.		If this mandate is enacted it will encourage Imperial dedicates of Loyalty to provide support to the missionaries, but they will also look for folk whose heart inclines towards bringing the Plenum down. Next season the Assembly of Loyalty will be able to report on the three rebel groups they have made contact with who could be supported and encouraged to embrace the Way and resist the Plenum.
Line 94:		Line 94:
	* '''The Sevenfold Path have completed their assessment of Asavean wizards who might be interested in the Way'''		* '''The Sevenfold Path have completed their assessment of Asavean wizards who might be interested in the Way'''
	* '''There are three groups that may be able to offer immediate support to the effort spreading the Way'''		* '''There are three groups that may be able to offer immediate support to the effort spreading the Way'''
	For the past six months members of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have been involved in a [[Irreconcilable_differences#The_Sevenfold_Path\|cautious covert exploration]] in the Asavean Archipelago. They have been specifically looking to make contact with Asavean magicians and wizards who are curious about the Way, or embrace the virtues to some degree. After two seasons, their work has ~~bourne~~ fruit. Three relatively influential groups of magicians have been identified, each with their own (peculiar) relationship to spiritual truth.		For the past six months members of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have been involved in a [[Irreconcilable_differences#The_Sevenfold_Path\|cautious covert exploration]] in the Asavean Archipelago. They have been specifically looking to make contact with Asavean magicians and wizards who are curious about the Way, or embrace the virtues to some degree. After two seasons, their work has borne fruit. Three relatively influential groups of magicians have been identified, each with their own (peculiar) relationship to spiritual truth.

	Contact at the moment is tenuous, but each group has given an idea of what would be needed to win their support, and encourage them to work with the Imperial missionaries. One advantage of getting some or all of these groups on side is that they have resources and influence that would help establish the Way in Asavea more quickly - ~~efectively~~ providing additional wains and money to the project to ''Anchor the Way''. Once they have been persuaded to side with the Sevenfold Path, there would potentially be other opportunities to work with them to help spread the virtues in Asavea.		Contact at the moment is tenuous, but each group has given an idea of what would be needed to win their support, and encourage them to work with the Imperial missionaries. One advantage of getting some or all of these groups on side is that they have resources and influence that would help establish the Way in Asavea more quickly - effectively providing additional wains and money to the project to ''Anchor the Way''. Once they have been persuaded to side with the Sevenfold Path, there would potentially be other opportunities to work with them to help spread the virtues in Asavea.

	Unfortunately, there is a potential fly in the ointment, courtesy of the [[Whisper Gallery]]... but more of that [[#Everything Seemed So Easy\|in a moment]].		Unfortunately, there is a potential fly in the ointment, courtesy of the [[Whisper Gallery]]... but more of that [[#Everything Seemed So Easy\|in a moment]].
Line 110:		Line 110:
	There have been whispers for a while that one of the powerful Plenum families has dabbled with Virtue. There are claims that the Cerularios are secretly devout dedicates of Prosperity. They clearly can't be openly advocating for Virtue, not in the current climate, but their status and position in the Plenum would be enough to allow them to keep their actions hidden. They are exactly the sort of people who would represent allies in powerful places in Asavea - if they could be brought on side.		There have been whispers for a while that one of the powerful Plenum families has dabbled with Virtue. There are claims that the Cerularios are secretly devout dedicates of Prosperity. They clearly can't be openly advocating for Virtue, not in the current climate, but their status and position in the Plenum would be enough to allow them to keep their actions hidden. They are exactly the sort of people who would represent allies in powerful places in Asavea - if they could be brought on side.

	Some of the ~~Sevnefold~~ Path have pursued this line of enquiry, and reported back that they have had a positive meeting with two members of the family, ''Catella Cerularios'', a mercenary captain recently returned from the Empire, and her lover ''Rolerto'', a dissolute [[Autumn magic\|Autumn magician]] whose family moved to Asavea from [[the Brass Coast]] decades ago and were adopted by the family. Thorough [[insight]] has confirmed that ''both'' these individuals are dedicated to [[Prosperity]]. Catella claims she converted to the Virtue five years ago when relations between the Empire and Asavea were better.		Some of the Sevenfold Path have pursued this line of enquiry, and reported back that they have had a positive meeting with two members of the family, ''Catella Cerularios'', a mercenary captain recently returned from the Empire, and her lover ''Rolerto'', a dissolute [[Autumn magic\|Autumn magician]] whose family moved to Asavea from [[the Brass Coast]] decades ago and were adopted by the family. Thorough [[insight]] has confirmed that ''both'' these individuals are dedicated to [[Prosperity]]. Catella claims she converted to the Virtue five years ago when relations between the Empire and Asavea were better.

	Rolerto is no priest, but he can at least name the seven virtues and tell you his favourite paragon (a Sumaah figure named ''Sjördeyr'' whose inspiration stresses the importance of celebrating as hard as one works). Beyond that, his knowledge of the Way is pretty shaky. Catella seems fairly disinterested in the Way itself, but appears to enjoy being a dedicate of Prosperity, claiming that the Virtue does more for her than the ''Black Bull'' ever did. It appears that Catella and an unspecified number of her family would welcome the opportunity to experience "more of what Prosperity has to offer".		Rolerto is no priest, but he can at least name the seven virtues and tell you his favourite paragon (a Sumaah figure named ''Sjördeyr'' whose inspiration stresses the importance of celebrating as hard as one works). Beyond that, his knowledge of the Way is pretty shaky. Catella seems fairly disinterested in the Way itself, but appears to enjoy being a dedicate of Prosperity, claiming that the Virtue does more for her than the ''Black Bull'' ever did. It appears that Catella and an unspecified number of her family would welcome the opportunity to experience "more of what Prosperity has to offer".
Line 136:		Line 136:
	The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout atheist, they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.		The Mikanos are open to converting to the Way. They are eager to learn from Imperial priests, and could make useful allies in the attempt to anchor the way in Asavea. They are far from the centre of power, but that makes it easier for them to operate more freely and as powerful and respected winter magicians they are often called on to deal with problems in this part of the world that require their skills. In particular they loathe the Asavean church, which they regard as a pack of parasitical charlatans that is holding Asavea back from achieving its true destiny - every member of the covenant is a devout atheist, they are required to swear an oath renouncing all gods when they join. They appear to have a particular dislike for the Asavean God of the Dead - the immense [[kraken]] that some believe will ultimately drown all the world and bring an end to human civilisation.

	However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the ~~magicans~~ in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.		However, the Mikanos demand a price for their help - a way to further their study of death and the Labyrinth. They know about [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] and are eager to sample its benefits. They want ''ten'' doses of true liao, one for each of the magicians in the covenant, so that each can experience a past life. Their hope is that the true liao will help them further penetrate the veil between this life and the next. They are quite clear however that they are not going to come to the Empire to experience these visions - it's far too dangerous and would likely expose their involvement with the Sevenfold Path to their enemies.

	Some of the magicians who made contact with the Mikanos acknowledge that the price is high, but remind the Order of the example set by the First Empress. If one of the members of the covenant experiences a past life as someone from another land, even another empire, it ''could'' help them understand that all humanity is united under the way, which would bolster their conviction in the Way beyond what is at the moment, somewhat theoretical more than Virtuous. And of course true experience of their past lives would likely help them to see the ignorance in their belief that their labyrinth is ''the'' Labyrinth. Hopefully.		Some of the magicians who made contact with the Mikanos acknowledge that the price is high, but remind the Order of the example set by the First Empress. If one of the members of the covenant experiences a past life as someone from another land, even another empire, it ''could'' help them understand that all humanity is united under the way, which would bolster their conviction in the Way beyond what is at the moment, somewhat theoretical more than Virtuous. And of course true experience of their past lives would likely help them to see the ignorance in their belief that their labyrinth is ''the'' Labyrinth. Hopefully.
Line 147:		Line 147:
	* '''The magicians of Becephelas despise the Plenum and would like to rebel'''		* '''The magicians of Becephelas despise the Plenum and would like to rebel'''
	* '''The group are knowledgeable in the Way having had periodic contact with Sumaah missionaries, many of their members are dedicated to Ambition, Courage or Loyalty'''		* '''The group are knowledgeable in the Way having had periodic contact with Sumaah missionaries, many of their members are dedicated to Ambition, Courage or Loyalty'''
	* '''The magicians need access to Imperial lore to give them the power to resist the ~~Asevean~~ military'''		* '''The magicians need access to Imperial lore to give them the power to resist the Asavean military'''
	* '''This will reduce the materials needed to anchor the way by 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns'''		* '''This will reduce the materials needed to anchor the way by 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns'''
	* '''A successful declaration of Concord would be needed to share Imperial lore with the magicians'''		* '''A successful declaration of Concord would be needed to share Imperial lore with the magicians'''
Line 157:		Line 157:
	Getting their support would be one of the most effective ways to anchor the Way in Asavea and help foster rebellions against the rule of the Plenum. However there is a significant cost - the people of Becephelas feel that they have been betrayed by followers of the Way once already - they're not such fools as to try it again unless they can be confident of success. They want to have the means to defend themselves this time, a way to ensure that they can raise an army against the Plenum and have some hope of victory.		Getting their support would be one of the most effective ways to anchor the Way in Asavea and help foster rebellions against the rule of the Plenum. However there is a significant cost - the people of Becephelas feel that they have been betrayed by followers of the Way once already - they're not such fools as to try it again unless they can be confident of success. They want to have the means to defend themselves this time, a way to ensure that they can raise an army against the Plenum and have some hope of victory.

	After the last time the magicians declared their independence, the Plenum forcibly destroyed every ritual text they could find in the Satrapy. They left a handful of rituals that can be used to enchant farms and businesses, ~~everythiing~~ else was burned. The intention was not just to send a clear signal to any other Satrapy that might consider rebellion, but to ensure that the magicians themselves were left powerless.		After the last time the magicians declared their independence, the Plenum forcibly destroyed every ritual text they could find in the Satrapy. They left a handful of rituals that can be used to enchant farms and businesses, everything else was burned. The intention was not just to send a clear signal to any other Satrapy that might consider rebellion, but to ensure that the magicians themselves were left powerless.

	What they want, what they need, they say - is access to Imperial lore. If Becephelas magicians could study Imperial lore, if they create new ritual texts and smuggle them into Becephelas, they could rebuild their lore, rebuild their power, and when the time came they would be able to raise an army and back it with their own magic.		What they want, what they need, they say - is access to Imperial lore. If Becephelas magicians could study Imperial lore, if they create new ritual texts and smuggle them into Becephelas, they could rebuild their lore, rebuild their power, and when the time came they would be able to raise an army and back it with their own magic.
Line 177:		Line 177:
	As the mightiest of all eternals, the Concilium of the Perjured Throne knows which one it is, but regrets that it simply cannot share this delicious little secret with its friends as that would be illegal and it just couldn't live with itself if someone got into trouble over this.		As the mightiest of all eternals, the Concilium of the Perjured Throne knows which one it is, but regrets that it simply cannot share this delicious little secret with its friends as that would be illegal and it just couldn't live with itself if someone got into trouble over this.

	There's more of this, quite a lot more as it happens, as anyone who has any experience dealing with the Whisper Gallery knows, it is ~~infallingly~~ prone to irksome levels of self-congratulatory circumlocution. Two things are clear, the first is that one of the three groups described above are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum - who will ultimately take whatever they are given, betray the Empire and get everyone dealing with them killed. And the only person outside a handful of priests loyal to the Plenum who knows for sure is the Whisper Gallery.		There's more of this, quite a lot more as it happens, as anyone who has any experience dealing with the Whisper Gallery knows, it is unfailingly prone to irksome levels of self-congratulatory circumlocution. Two things are clear, the first is that one of the three groups described above are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum - who will ultimately take whatever they are given, betray the Empire and get everyone dealing with them killed. And the only person outside a handful of priests loyal to the Plenum who knows for sure is the Whisper Gallery.

	It is transparently clear the Whisper Gallery is doing this just to taunt the Empire, but even if the Empire ''can't'' find a way to trick the Gallery into giving up what it knows, it is still crucial information to know that one of these three groups is planning to betray the Empire. The only thing that the Empire can be certain of is that the Whisper Gallery isn't lying - it is simply not in its nature to do that.		It is transparently clear the Whisper Gallery is doing this just to taunt the Empire, but even if the Empire ''can't'' find a way to trick the Gallery into giving up what it knows, it is still crucial information to know that one of these three groups is planning to betray the Empire. The only thing that the Empire can be certain of is that the Whisper Gallery isn't lying - it is simply not in its nature to do that.