Pride and prejudice - Revision history

Twiggy at 15:57, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T15:57:31Z

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	</div>		</div>
	* '''The Warlocks of Mirnatocz are prepared to make a peculiar red moss popular with the orcs of Otkodov available to the Varushkans'''		* '''The Warlocks of Mirnatocz are prepared to make a peculiar red moss popular with the orcs of Otkodov available to the Varushkans'''
	* '''In return they want access to the Sarcophan Mooring at ~~Iversgard~~'''		* '''In return they want access to the Sarcophan Mooring at Ivarsgard'''
	At one point Mirnatocz in [[Karsk#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] was a tiny settlement near the border with [[Karsk#Crowslook\|Crowslook]]. It fell to the Thule in 368YE, and the [[cabalists\|cabal]] who once lived there either died or fled. Barely a vale, it consisted mostly of a squat tower with a wall around it. What made it notable was that it was settled near the Spider's Tears, a [[regio]] aligned to the realm of Winter, connected to the eternal known as [[Wise Rangara\|Grandmother Winter]]. Apparently, some kink in the local magical geography meant that the cabalists struggled to get the [[Mana site\|flows of magic]] to align in the correct manner meaning they were always suffering a shortage of [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|mana crystals]]. They raised money to buy this vital resource by selling potions of use to ritual magicians.		At one point Mirnatocz in [[Karsk#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] was a tiny settlement near the border with [[Karsk#Crowslook\|Crowslook]]. It fell to the Thule in 368YE, and the [[cabalists\|cabal]] who once lived there either died or fled. Barely a vale, it consisted mostly of a squat tower with a wall around it. What made it notable was that it was settled near the Spider's Tears, a [[regio]] aligned to the realm of Winter, connected to the eternal known as [[Wise Rangara\|Grandmother Winter]]. Apparently, some kink in the local magical geography meant that the cabalists struggled to get the [[Mana site\|flows of magic]] to align in the correct manner meaning they were always suffering a shortage of [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|mana crystals]]. They raised money to buy this vital resource by selling potions of use to ritual magicians.

Dre at 18:59, 18 January 2026

2026-01-18T18:59:52Z

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	{{Mandate\|mandate=Wisdom is finding the right question. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to ask the Unconquered to discreetly acquire the secret of red moss from the Thule and spread it to the Empire. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.\|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Wisdom is finding the right question. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to ask the Unconquered to discreetly acquire the secret of red moss from the Thule and spread it to the Empire. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.\|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

	There is no chance of red moss becoming widespread across the Empire - if such a thing were possible then the Empire would have discovered its secrets years ago. But if either mandate is passed then it will lead to a chance to steal the secret of ~~it's~~ manufacture from the Thule and an opportunity to create the substance somewhere in the nation that took it. These mandates are not in competition, if both mandates are passed, both nations will gain a chance to cultivate red moss somewhere in the nation if they succeed in acquiring the secret.		There is no chance of red moss becoming widespread across the Empire - if such a thing were possible then the Empire would have discovered its secrets years ago. But if either mandate is passed then it will lead to a chance to steal the secret of its manufacture from the Thule and an opportunity to create the substance somewhere in the nation that took it. These mandates are not in competition, if both mandates are passed, both nations will gain a chance to cultivate red moss somewhere in the nation if they succeed in acquiring the secret.

	The [[Conclave order]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] would also be capable of uncovering the secret of red moss and how it is grown and prepared, should the [[Conclave]] ask them to do so with a suitably worded [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]]. Due to the delicacy of the task, only local members of the order would be involved - so the chance to cultivate red moss would only occur in Varushka if this happened and the attempt to steal the secret succeeded.		The [[Conclave order]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] would also be capable of uncovering the secret of red moss and how it is grown and prepared, should the [[Conclave]] ask them to do so with a suitably worded [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]]. Due to the delicacy of the task, only local members of the order would be involved - so the chance to cultivate red moss would only occur in Varushka if this happened and the attempt to steal the secret succeeded.

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

2026-01-15T16:51:52Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:51, 15 January 2026
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	There is no chance of red moss becoming widespread across the Empire - if such a thing were possible then the Empire would have discovered its secrets years ago. But if either mandate is passed then it will lead to a chance to steal the secret of it's manufacture from the Thule and an opportunity to create the substance somewhere in the nation that took it. These mandates are not in competition, if both mandates are passed, both nations will gain a chance to cultivate red moss somewhere in the nation if they succeed in acquiring the secret.		There is no chance of red moss becoming widespread across the Empire - if such a thing were possible then the Empire would have discovered its secrets years ago. But if either mandate is passed then it will lead to a chance to steal the secret of it's manufacture from the Thule and an opportunity to create the substance somewhere in the nation that took it. These mandates are not in competition, if both mandates are passed, both nations will gain a chance to cultivate red moss somewhere in the nation if they succeed in acquiring the secret.

	The [[Conclave order]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] would also be capable of uncovering the secret of red moss and how it is grown and prepared, should the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] ask them to do so with a suitably worded [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]]. Due to the delicacy of the task, only local members of the order would be involved - so the chance to cultivate red moss would only occur in Varushka if this happened and the attempt to steal the secret succeeded.		The [[Conclave order]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] would also be capable of uncovering the secret of red moss and how it is grown and prepared, should the [[Conclave]] ask them to do so with a suitably worded [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]]. Due to the delicacy of the task, only local members of the order would be involved - so the chance to cultivate red moss would only occur in Varushka if this happened and the attempt to steal the secret succeeded.

	All three groups, the Shuttered Lantern, the wagon raiders and the unconquered would make every effort to be as subtle as possible. They are all highly capable people, they ''will not be discovered in the act''. However it is inevitable at some point that the warlocks will discover that the Empire has learned the secret of red moss - and they will suspect the Empire has spied on them. However, unless someone reputable (such as the Ambassador to Otkodov) actually tells them about it, they won't act on their suspicions unless they gain clear evidence of the act.		All three groups, the Shuttered Lantern, the wagon raiders and the unconquered would make every effort to be as subtle as possible. They are all highly capable people, they ''will not be discovered in the act''. However it is inevitable at some point that the warlocks will discover that the Empire has learned the secret of red moss - and they will suspect the Empire has spied on them. However, unless someone reputable (such as the Ambassador to Otkodov) actually tells them about it, they won't act on their suspicions unless they gain clear evidence of the act.

Twiggy at 13:38, 29 September 2025

2025-09-29T13:38:26Z

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	* '''The Menrothat have cautious relations with some of the vales of Ossium'''		* '''The Menrothat have cautious relations with some of the vales of Ossium'''
	* '''They would be much more amenable to trade with the Varushkans if the region of Farweald in the Barrens was restored to them'''		* '''They would be much more amenable to trade with the Varushkans if the region of Farweald in the Barrens was restored to them'''
	The Menrothat are one of the largest septs of independent orcs in Varushka. Based in [[Ossium#~~Nearwald~~\|~~Nearwald~~]] in [[Ossium]], there are also members in the south-eastern Echofell, the eastern Drownbark Forest, the western [[Forest of Ulnak]], and the northern [[the Barrens\|Barrens]]. They are particularly cautious around the Varushkans, and seem to take special pains to hide their true numbers from the Imperials. One Navarr who encountered them drew parallels with the [[feni]] of the west - although these orcs are not interested in raiding their neighbours. They are by all accounts a peculiar bunch, even by the standards of the Ossium orcs. In some ways they are reminiscent of the [[Great Forest Orcs]], but with a much harsher "edge" to them. They speak of having a particular connection to the trees and insects, which they refuse to discuss in too much detail, but they do explain that if they leave the hidden groves where they abide, then none of their people will ever be able to cross the Howling Abyss and all will be condemned to oblivion. When the Druj ruled Ossium, their status was much closer to that of the Ketsov than the other subjects - the Druj mostly left them to their own devices as long as they did not step out of line and provided a certain number of warriors each year to fight alongside their armies.		The Menrothat are one of the largest septs of independent orcs in Varushka. Based in [[Ossium#Nearweald\|Nearweald]] in [[Ossium]], there are also members in the south-eastern Echofell, the eastern Drownbark Forest, the western [[Forest of Ulnak]], and the northern [[the Barrens\|Barrens]]. They are particularly cautious around the Varushkans, and seem to take special pains to hide their true numbers from the Imperials. One Navarr who encountered them drew parallels with the [[feni]] of the west - although these orcs are not interested in raiding their neighbours. They are by all accounts a peculiar bunch, even by the standards of the Ossium orcs. In some ways they are reminiscent of the [[Great Forest Orcs]], but with a much harsher "edge" to them. They speak of having a particular connection to the trees and insects, which they refuse to discuss in too much detail, but they do explain that if they leave the hidden groves where they abide, then none of their people will ever be able to cross the Howling Abyss and all will be condemned to oblivion. When the Druj ruled Ossium, their status was much closer to that of the Ketsov than the other subjects - the Druj mostly left them to their own devices as long as they did not step out of line and provided a certain number of warriors each year to fight alongside their armies.

	After the initial contact, which was mostly handled by Imperial Orcs and Navarr, they proved happy to provide guides and even workers to the eastern vales in return for appropriate wages, and were even prepared to provide tithes - something they are used to doing for their hated masters. They are clearly covered by the Senate's declaration that the orcs of Ossium are foreigners, and so there is no legal impediment to trade with the sept. There is a limit to how much they are prepared to cooperate with the Empire, however. If they do too much, there would be risk of reprisals against their people who are still under the yoke of the Druj in the Forest of Ulnak, or who are still forced to serve the armies of the Mallum as scouts and assassins.		After the initial contact, which was mostly handled by Imperial Orcs and Navarr, they proved happy to provide guides and even workers to the eastern vales in return for appropriate wages, and were even prepared to provide tithes - something they are used to doing for their hated masters. They are clearly covered by the Senate's declaration that the orcs of Ossium are foreigners, and so there is no legal impediment to trade with the sept. There is a limit to how much they are prepared to cooperate with the Empire, however. If they do too much, there would be risk of reprisals against their people who are still under the yoke of the Druj in the Forest of Ulnak, or who are still forced to serve the armies of the Mallum as scouts and assassins.

Twiggy at 21:28, 20 August 2025

2025-08-20T21:28:52Z

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	* '''The Warlock is keen to receive Varushkan assistance in gaining access to the 'Well of Shadows''''		* '''The Warlock is keen to receive Varushkan assistance in gaining access to the 'Well of Shadows''''
	* '''If access is secured Orathator will provide magical masks for purchase by the Warden of the Trees and Hills'''		* '''If access is secured Orathator will provide magical masks for purchase by the Warden of the Trees and Hills'''
	In a candid moment, Orathator admits that part of his interest in Varushka, and Miekarova in particular, is the presence somewhere in the territory of a place he calls the ''Well of Shadows''. According to Orathator, the ''Well'' is a magical, somewhat mobile, chamber of the [[Night magic\|Night realm]] belonging to the [[eternal]] he calls the [[Sadogua\|Dark-that-Devours]]. At one point it stood in [[Skarsind]] where it was called [[Skarsind#Pakaanan.27s_Pass\|~~Pakaannan~~'s Tower]] but the eternal moved it. His attempts to secure access have been repeatedly rebuffed by the ''Brother of Wizards'' and he doesn't know why. Nor can he find the actual location; he suspects that the same wards that keep the place safe from the depredations of monsters are making it difficult to locate. However, the warlock is aware that the eternal has a soft spot for some Varushkan magicians, and if they are prepared to use their influence on his behalf to gain him access to the Well, he will arrange for the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]] to be able to purchase up to three masks each season.		In a candid moment, Orathator admits that part of his interest in Varushka, and Miekarova in particular, is the presence somewhere in the territory of a place he calls the ''Well of Shadows''. According to Orathator, the ''Well'' is a magical, somewhat mobile, chamber of the [[Night magic\|Night realm]] belonging to the [[eternal]] he calls the [[Sadogua\|Dark-that-Devours]]. At one point it stood in [[Skarsind]] where it was called [[Skarsind#Pakaanan.27s_Pass\|Pakaanan's Tower]] but the eternal moved it. His attempts to secure access have been repeatedly rebuffed by the ''Brother of Wizards'' and he doesn't know why. Nor can he find the actual location; he suspects that the same wards that keep the place safe from the depredations of monsters are making it difficult to locate. However, the warlock is aware that the eternal has a soft spot for some Varushkan magicians, and if they are prepared to use their influence on his behalf to gain him access to the Well, he will arrange for the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]] to be able to purchase up to three masks each season.

	The warlock has no idea how Varushkan wizards could influence the eternal, but at least contacting them is [[Missive for Sadogua\|quite straightforward]]. The same magister who persuaded him to show off his masks mentions privately to their Varushkan hosts that they recall last Autumn there was talk of the ''Eater of Secrets'' [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sadogua\|organising some kind of game]] related to a Well, and that one of their fellow Highborn was mentioned.		The warlock has no idea how Varushkan wizards could influence the eternal, but at least contacting them is [[Missive for Sadogua\|quite straightforward]]. The same magister who persuaded him to show off his masks mentions privately to their Varushkan hosts that they recall last Autumn there was talk of the ''Eater of Secrets'' [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sadogua\|organising some kind of game]] related to a Well, and that one of their fellow Highborn was mentioned.

Twiggy at 21:26, 20 August 2025

2025-08-20T21:26:51Z

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	* '''The Warlock is keen to receive Varushkan assistance in gaining access to the 'Well of Shadows''''		* '''The Warlock is keen to receive Varushkan assistance in gaining access to the 'Well of Shadows''''
	* '''If access is secured Orathator will provide magical masks for purchase by the Warden of the Trees and Hills'''		* '''If access is secured Orathator will provide magical masks for purchase by the Warden of the Trees and Hills'''
	In a candid moment, Orathator admits that part of his interest in Varushka, and Miekarova in particular, is the presence somewhere in the territory of a place he calls the ''Well of Shadows''. According to Orathator, the ''Well'' is a magical, somewhat mobile, chamber of the [[Night magic\|Night realm]] belonging to the [[eternal]] he calls the [[Sadogua\|Dark-that-Devours]]. At one point it stood in [[Skarsind]] where it was called [[Skarsind#Pakaanan.27s_Pass\|~~Pakannan~~'s Tower]] but the eternal moved it. His attempts to secure access have been repeatedly rebuffed by the ''Brother of Wizards'' and he doesn't know why. Nor can he find the actual location; he suspects that the same wards that keep the place safe from the depredations of monsters are making it difficult to locate. However, the warlock is aware that the eternal has a soft spot for some Varushkan magicians, and if they are prepared to use their influence on his behalf to gain him access to the Well, he will arrange for the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]] to be able to purchase up to three masks each season.		In a candid moment, Orathator admits that part of his interest in Varushka, and Miekarova in particular, is the presence somewhere in the territory of a place he calls the ''Well of Shadows''. According to Orathator, the ''Well'' is a magical, somewhat mobile, chamber of the [[Night magic\|Night realm]] belonging to the [[eternal]] he calls the [[Sadogua\|Dark-that-Devours]]. At one point it stood in [[Skarsind]] where it was called [[Skarsind#Pakaanan.27s_Pass\|Pakaannan's Tower]] but the eternal moved it. His attempts to secure access have been repeatedly rebuffed by the ''Brother of Wizards'' and he doesn't know why. Nor can he find the actual location; he suspects that the same wards that keep the place safe from the depredations of monsters are making it difficult to locate. However, the warlock is aware that the eternal has a soft spot for some Varushkan magicians, and if they are prepared to use their influence on his behalf to gain him access to the Well, he will arrange for the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]] to be able to purchase up to three masks each season.

	The warlock has no idea how Varushkan wizards could influence the eternal, but at least contacting them is [[Missive for Sadogua\|quite straightforward]]. The same magister who persuaded him to show off his masks mentions privately to their Varushkan hosts that they recall last Autumn there was talk of the ''Eater of Secrets'' [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sadogua\|organising some kind of game]] related to a Well, and that one of their fellow Highborn was mentioned.		The warlock has no idea how Varushkan wizards could influence the eternal, but at least contacting them is [[Missive for Sadogua\|quite straightforward]]. The same magister who persuaded him to show off his masks mentions privately to their Varushkan hosts that they recall last Autumn there was talk of the ''Eater of Secrets'' [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sadogua\|organising some kind of game]] related to a Well, and that one of their fellow Highborn was mentioned.

Hailmur: /* The Orcs of Branoc */

2025-02-12T13:47:07Z

The Orcs of Branoc

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	<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan national position</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan national position</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Annual appointment; Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Annual appointment; Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives access to a ~~sinecure~~</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives access to a ministry</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Ensures good relation with the Leshun; mediates between orcs and Varushkans throughout the nation</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Ensures good relation with the Leshun; mediates between orcs and Varushkans throughout the nation</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Opportunity:''' This title has required elements; if any are not all fulfilled the title does not gain some or all of its powers</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Opportunity:''' This title has required elements; if any are not all fulfilled the title does not gain some or all of its powers</td></tr>

Hailmur: /* Tolerance and Acceptance */

2023-08-22T13:00:10Z

Tolerance and Acceptance

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:00, 22 August 2023
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	It has been barely two generations since the end of the orc rebellion, and for a long time there were people in the nation who blamed their Imperial allies for disrupting the status quo. Times change, though sometimes they change slowly. The undercurrent of bigotry against orcs still lurks in some dark corners of some dark hearts in the nation, but this most recent mandate has brought home the fact that especially among the younger generation, the orcs are just another group of people. The Imperial Orcs are just another nation. The Thule are disliked because they hold land some Varushkans consider theirs, not because they are orcs. The National Assembly has been at the forefront of attacking the prejudice against orcs for some time now, and it seems they will continue to do so. Yet it is also becoming clear that open bigotry against orcs is no longer acceptable in the broader culture of Varushka.		It has been barely two generations since the end of the orc rebellion, and for a long time there were people in the nation who blamed their Imperial allies for disrupting the status quo. Times change, though sometimes they change slowly. The undercurrent of bigotry against orcs still lurks in some dark corners of some dark hearts in the nation, but this most recent mandate has brought home the fact that especially among the younger generation, the orcs are just another group of people. The Imperial Orcs are just another nation. The Thule are disliked because they hold land some Varushkans consider theirs, not because they are orcs. The National Assembly has been at the forefront of attacking the prejudice against orcs for some time now, and it seems they will continue to do so. Yet it is also becoming clear that open bigotry against orcs is no longer acceptable in the broader culture of Varushka.

			==Resolution==
			The Imperial Senate voted to [[Construct High Path to Otkodov\|construct the High Path]] during the Summer Solstice 385YE and work was completed shortly before the Autumn Equinox of the same year. The custodian of the [[Gift of the Dwindling Star]] will be able to trade for additional rings of ilium after the Autumn Equinox 385YE.

Hailmur: /* Alternative Access */

2023-07-26T09:46:09Z

Alternative Access

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	{{Mandate\|mandate= Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge the wagon-raiders to find a covert way to steal the secret of red moss from the Thule. No price is too high to realise our dreams.\|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate= Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge the wagon-raiders to find a covert way to steal the secret of red moss from the Thule. No price is too high to realise our dreams.\|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}

			'''Velko Perunovich Razoradze''' has provided wording for an alternate mandate.

			{{Mandate\|mandate= The virtuous despise treachery. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to remind Varushkans that because of our efforts the empire has strong codes of law and civil servants, we uphold their laws and the Thule Peace Treaty of 382YE. This treaty forbids raiding and sending soldiers into the Thule lands, and we shall prevent any such raids to steal the secrets of the red moss from taking place. Any who do not turn back will be dealt with.\|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}

			This mandate is in competition with the mandate in the Varushka National Assembly. If it is enacted this mandate will result in Varushkans trying to stop any who try to steal the secret of the red moss from the Thule. If anyone is instructed to try to take the red moss then there will be bloodshed.

	Bathsheba feels likewise that the unconquered could uncover the secret of creating the red moss if they were authorised to do so by the Highborn Assembly.		Bathsheba feels likewise that the unconquered could uncover the secret of creating the red moss if they were authorised to do so by the Highborn Assembly.

Dre: /* Mission of Mercy */

2023-07-24T19:40:28Z

Mission of Mercy

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:40, 24 July 2023
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	{{Mandate\|mandate=The proud eagle watches every citizen swear to uphold our Empire's laws, while the vigilant goose alerts others to the danger of oathbreakers. We send {named priest} with 75 doses of liao to warn Varushka that Highguard risks violating the Thule peace treaty by sending military captains and their units into Thule land. Any Highborn soldier travelling north should be turned back with a drink for the road; the wardens will deal with those who to continue on.\|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=The proud eagle watches every citizen swear to uphold our Empire's laws, while the vigilant goose alerts others to the danger of oathbreakers. We send {named priest} with 75 doses of liao to warn Varushka that Highguard risks violating the Thule peace treaty by sending military captains and their units into Thule land. Any Highborn soldier travelling north should be turned back with a drink for the road; the wardens will deal with those who to continue on.\|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}

	If this mandate is enacted it will prevent the Highborn talking to the Thule residing in [[Karsk]] and [[Ossium]]. It would not prevent the Highborn from talking to the Thule of [[Miekarova#Miechernya\|~~Mierchernya~~]] as they are able to reach that region through [[Skarsind]]. It would definitely result in fighting between Varushkans and Highborn in Ossium and Karsk.		If this mandate is enacted it will prevent the Highborn talking to the Thule residing in [[Karsk]] and [[Ossium]]. It would not prevent the Highborn from talking to the Thule of [[Miekarova#Miechernya\|Miechernya]] as they are able to reach that region through [[Skarsind]]. It would definitely result in fighting between Varushkans and Highborn in Ossium and Karsk.

	==Tolerance and Acceptance==		==Tolerance and Acceptance==