Promising light - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T14:53:30Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 15 January 2026
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	==Breath-taking Celebrations==		==Breath-taking Celebrations==
	* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''		* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''
	The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].		The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].

	Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The stzena regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.		Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The stzena regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.

Dre at 11:41, 25 March 2025

2025-03-25T11:41:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:41, 25 March 2025
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
	<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a ~~women~~ garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.		<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a woman garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.

	"Speak, Shade of the Dead." she commanded, her voice reverberating with all the authority that the crown possessed. "Whatever Wisdom pulls you back from the Labyrinth, share it with my court, and then return to your slumber, I command you."		"Speak, Shade of the Dead." she commanded, her voice reverberating with all the authority that the crown possessed. "Whatever Wisdom pulls you back from the Labyrinth, share it with my court, and then return to your slumber, I command you."
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	The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].		The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].

	Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The ~~Stenza~~ regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.		Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The stzena regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.

	Obviously the celebrations are not confined to Varushka. The ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] might seek to stamp out all joy from the Empire, but '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' bears the words of the [[Pride]] assembly across the Empire, [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29\|reminding everyone]] how vital it is to recognise and exalt the achievements of the Empire and its citizens. For many, spiting the forces of oblivion is as important as marking the ascension of the new Throne.		Obviously the celebrations are not confined to Varushka. The ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] might seek to stamp out all joy from the Empire, but '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' bears the words of the [[Pride]] assembly across the Empire, [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29\|reminding everyone]] how vital it is to recognise and exalt the achievements of the Empire and its citizens. For many, spiting the forces of oblivion is as important as marking the ascension of the new Throne.

Rafferty at 13:47, 20 August 2024

2024-08-20T13:47:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 20 August 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
	<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.		<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.

Dre at 10:51, 20 July 2024

2024-07-20T10:51:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 20 July 2024
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	The message seems quite clear on two crucial points. The first is that the Empire must be united, that Loyalty to the Empire and to each other is what makes the Empire what it is. She calls on all citizens to reach out to their neighbours to put aside division and find ways to heal the wounds that have spread strife and rebellion. The clarion call to put aside differences and reach out to those who are disaffected creates new opportunities to address the strife [[New port, old wine\|in Bregasland]] and [[The three pillars\|in Spiral]].		The message seems quite clear on two crucial points. The first is that the Empire must be united, that Loyalty to the Empire and to each other is what makes the Empire what it is. She calls on all citizens to reach out to their neighbours to put aside division and find ways to heal the wounds that have spread strife and rebellion. The clarion call to put aside differences and reach out to those who are disaffected creates new opportunities to address the strife [[New port, old wine\|in Bregasland]] and [[The three pillars\|in Spiral]].

	But the key point that moves citizens in every nation is the conclusion in which the Throne starkly insists that it is the Empire's destiny to unite the World under [[the Way]]. She reminds everyone ~~that~~ that there is Virtue in fighting for the Way and ~~virtue~~ in making the hard choice and makes clear that the Empire must go forwards together.		But the key point that moves citizens in every nation is the conclusion in which the Throne starkly insists that it is the Empire's destiny to unite the World under [[the Way]]. She reminds everyone that there is Virtue in fighting for the Way and Virtue in making the hard choice and makes clear that the Empire must go forwards together.

	Inevitably this call to the Way reminds the virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale\|of the grand plan to transform the White City of Bastion]] to create a new Holy City that will outshine any ziggurat built in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj\|Timoj]] and demonstrate unequivocally that the Empire is not just the birthplace of the Way, but the centre of the faith throughout the world.		Inevitably this call to the Way reminds the virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale\|of the grand plan to transform the White City of Bastion]] to create a new Holy City that will outshine any ziggurat built in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj\|Timoj]] and demonstrate unequivocally that the Empire is not just the birthplace of the Way, but the centre of the faith throughout the world.

Hailmur: /* Further Reading */

2024-06-11T15:46:42Z

Novemberalice at 09:28, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T09:28:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:28, 6 June 2024
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	Given he'd seen the play three times already, Nicole couldn't see why he was that bothered, but she shut up anyway. Empress Vesna was speaking again and she wanted to hear what she was saying.</ic>		Given he'd seen the play three times already, Nicole couldn't see why he was that bothered, but she shut up anyway. Empress Vesna was speaking again and she wanted to hear what she was saying.</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPR2CTcbOGo}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Following the coronation of [[The Throne\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedevilling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.		Following the coronation of [[The Throne\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedevilling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.

Rafferty: /* Formal Title */

2024-05-19T17:21:16Z

Formal Title

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 19 May 2024
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	* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''		* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''
	Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. The previous incumbent chose Imperatrix Lisabetta as her formal title. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are presumably free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service.		Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. The previous incumbent chose Imperatrix Lisabetta as her formal title. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are presumably free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service.

			The Throne has further indicated that their pronouns are she/they.

	==Breath-taking Celebrations==		==Breath-taking Celebrations==
	* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''		* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''

Hailmur at 15:09, 19 May 2024

2024-05-19T15:09:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 19 May 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:~~385YE Winter~~]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.		<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.

Dre at 11:20, 19 May 2024

2024-05-19T11:20:55Z

Rafferty: /* Overview */

2024-05-19T10:28:05Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 19 May 2024
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	<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Following the coronation of [[The ~~Thrones~~\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedeviling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.		Following the coronation of [[The Throne\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedeviling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.

	Accompanied by breath-taking celebrations, the address is a cause for celebration across the Empire. People are delighted to have a new Throne, and eager to hear what they have to say. The clear, determined tone of the speech leaves little room for doubt and creates a burgeoning sense of optimism - the idea of uniting the World under the Way speaks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] ideal of a grand destiny for the Empire, but couples it with the traditional iron-will of the [[Varushka\|Varushkans]]. The obvious determination not to shirk the hard choices invites people to have faith that while the road ahead may be difficult, the Empire's triumph is truly inevitable.		Accompanied by breath-taking celebrations, the address is a cause for celebration across the Empire. People are delighted to have a new Throne, and eager to hear what they have to say. The clear, determined tone of the speech leaves little room for doubt and creates a burgeoning sense of optimism - the idea of uniting the World under the Way speaks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] ideal of a grand destiny for the Empire, but couples it with the traditional iron-will of the [[Varushka\|Varushkans]]. The obvious determination not to shirk the hard choices invites people to have faith that while the road ahead may be difficult, the Empire's triumph is truly inevitable.
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	</quote>		</quote>
	</div>		</div>

	==Formal Title==		==Formal Title==
	* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''		* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 11 June 2024
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	* [[New port, old wine]] - a chance to address some of the current strife in Bregasland		* [[New port, old wine]] - a chance to address some of the current strife in Bregasland
	* [[The three pillars]] - the impact of the Empress Vesna's address in Spiral		* [[The three pillars]] - the impact of the Empress Vesna's address in Spiral
	* [[~~See this land~~]] - the latest developments in the Barrens		* [[Little mercy]] - the latest developments in the Barrens

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:20, 19 May 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering ~~specter~~ of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.		<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a women garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.

	"Speak, Shade of the Dead." she commanded, her voice reverberating with all the authority that the crown possessed. "Whatever Wisdom pulls you back from the Labyrinth, share it with my court, and then return to your slumber, I command you."		"Speak, Shade of the Dead." she commanded, her voice reverberating with all the authority that the crown possessed. "Whatever Wisdom pulls you back from the Labyrinth, share it with my court, and then return to your slumber, I command you."
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	<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Coronation Address.jpg\|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Following the coronation of [[The Throne\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently ~~bedeviling~~ the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.		Following the coronation of [[The Throne\|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire\|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring\|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedevilling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.

	Accompanied by breath-taking celebrations, the address is a cause for celebration across the Empire. People are delighted to have a new Throne, and eager to hear what they have to say. The clear, determined tone of the speech leaves little room for doubt and creates a burgeoning sense of optimism - the idea of uniting the World under the Way speaks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] ideal of a grand destiny for the Empire, but couples it with the traditional iron-will of the [[Varushka\|Varushkans]]. The obvious determination not to shirk the hard choices invites people to have faith that while the road ahead may be difficult, the Empire's triumph is truly inevitable.		Accompanied by breath-taking celebrations, the address is a cause for celebration across the Empire. People are delighted to have a new Throne, and eager to hear what they have to say. The clear, determined tone of the speech leaves little room for doubt and creates a burgeoning sense of optimism - the idea of uniting the World under the Way speaks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] ideal of a grand destiny for the Empire, but couples it with the traditional iron-will of the [[Varushka\|Varushkans]]. The obvious determination not to shirk the hard choices invites people to have faith that while the road ahead may be difficult, the Empire's triumph is truly inevitable.
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	==Formal Title==		==Formal Title==
	* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''		* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''
	Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. The previous incumbent chose Imperatrix ~~Lizabetta~~ as her formal title. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service, that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are presumably free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service.		Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. The previous incumbent chose Imperatrix Lisabetta as her formal title. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are presumably free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service.
	==Breath-taking Celebrations==		==Breath-taking Celebrations==
	* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''		* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''
	The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].		The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation\|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations\|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].

	Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread ~~leveaned~~ with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The Stenza regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.		Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula\|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration\|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom\|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The Stenza regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.

	Obviously the celebrations are not confined to Varushka. The ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] might seek to stamp out all joy from the Empire, but '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' bears the words of the [[Pride]] assembly across the Empire, [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29\|reminding everyone]] how vital it is to recognise and exalt the achievements of the Empire and its citizens. For many, spiting the forces of oblivion is as important as marking the ascension of the new Throne.		Obviously the celebrations are not confined to Varushka. The ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] might seek to stamp out all joy from the Empire, but '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' bears the words of the [[Pride]] assembly across the Empire, [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29\|reminding everyone]] how vital it is to recognise and exalt the achievements of the Empire and its citizens. For many, spiting the forces of oblivion is as important as marking the ascension of the new Throne.

	There are masked balls in every city in [[the League]], even the newest. One Merchant Prince commissions a troupe of actors to write a daring play that imagines the new Throne receiving advice from ghosts of Thrones past which tours to packed audiences and critical reviews. There is feasting and storytelling in the halls of [[Wintermark]] and the steadings of [[Navarr]], and while the celebrations are more restrained in nature in [[Highguard]] and [[Urizen]], they are no less well-attended. There are banquets in [[the Marches]] and great feasts in [[Skarsind]]. In the ~~beleagured~~ [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] there is a certain extra edge to the wild parties, filled with music and dancing and roaring flames, and the hope that the new Throne will see the Grendel driven from their lands once and for all.		There are masked balls in every city in [[the League]], even the newest. One Merchant Prince commissions a troupe of actors to write a daring play that imagines the new Throne receiving advice from ghosts of Thrones past which tours to packed audiences and critical reviews. There is feasting and storytelling in the halls of [[Wintermark]] and the steadings of [[Navarr]], and while the celebrations are more restrained in nature in [[Highguard]] and [[Urizen]], they are no less well-attended. There are banquets in [[the Marches]] and great feasts in [[Skarsind]]. In the beleaguered [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] there is a certain extra edge to the wild parties, filled with music and dancing and roaring flames, and the hope that the new Throne will see the Grendel driven from their lands once and for all.

	Empress Vesna's address is particularly well received in [[Dawn]], where many are already engaged in grand celebrations of their own. Most of the season's [[Dog_days_are_over#The_Grand_Tour\|tourneys]] for the Grand Tour are given over to festivities in recognition of the new Throne, with [[earl\|earls]] eager to award laurels to those who claim to champion Vesna's cause. New fairs are arranged in [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], [[Astolat#Coombe\|Coombe]], [[Weirwater#Culwich\|Culwich]] and [[Semmerholm#Ferrond\|Auvanne]]. [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|Yeofolk]] and nobles alike charge their goblets to the Throne, some even pledging to achieve [[glory]] in her name.		Empress Vesna's address is particularly well received in [[Dawn]], where many are already engaged in grand celebrations of their own. Most of the season's [[Dog_days_are_over#The_Grand_Tour\|tourneys]] for the Grand Tour are given over to festivities in recognition of the new Throne, with [[earl\|earls]] eager to award laurels to those who claim to champion Vesna's cause. New fairs are arranged in [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], [[Astolat#Coombe\|Coombe]], [[Weirwater#Culwich\|Culwich]] and [[Semmerholm#Ferrond\|Auvanne]]. [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|Yeofolk]] and nobles alike charge their goblets to the Throne, some even pledging to achieve [[glory]] in her name.
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	Inevitably this call to the Way reminds the virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale\|of the grand plan to transform the White City of Bastion]] to create a new Holy City that will outshine any ziggurat built in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj\|Timoj]] and demonstrate unequivocally that the Empire is not just the birthplace of the Way, but the centre of the faith throughout the world.		Inevitably this call to the Way reminds the virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale\|of the grand plan to transform the White City of Bastion]] to create a new Holy City that will outshine any ziggurat built in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj\|Timoj]] and demonstrate unequivocally that the Empire is not just the birthplace of the Way, but the centre of the faith throughout the world.

	The [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way\|plan for the Holy City]] requires a thousand wains of [[white granite]], an unfathomable sum, greater than any individual citizen might imagine or indeed acquire. The only practical hope of completing the project this century comes if citizens in every nation work to support it. The virtuous people of Highborn have committed themselves to the project, until it is complete. Other nations have offered aid, but Dawn, the Marches, the Brass Coast, Wintermark, Navarr, and the League have only promised support for a single year. The nations of Urizen, Varushka, and the Imperial Orcs have declined to focus on support of the grand project.		The [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way\|plan for the Holy City]] requires a thousand wains of [[white granite]], an unfathomable sum, greater than any individual citizen might imagine or indeed acquire. The only practical hope of completing the project this century comes if citizens in every nation work to support it. The virtuous people of Highborn have committed themselves to the project, until it is complete. Other nations have offered aid, but Dawn, the Marches, the Brass Coast, Wintermark, Navarr, and the League have only promised support for a single year. The nations of Urizen, Varushka, and the Imperial Orcs have declined to focus on support of the grand project.

	Following Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost's inaugural address, any nation in the Empire that is not currently committing their support to the Holy City can enact the following mandate.		Following Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost's inaugural address, any nation in the Empire that is not currently committing their support to the Holy City can enact the following mandate.
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	==Participation==		==Participation==
	Regardless of your character's personal opinion of the new Throne, it is difficult to avoid the festivities. Even the armies on campaign make a point of encouraging soldiers to mark the occasion. Everyone is encouraged to create stories of the celebrations they've seen, attended, or thrown to mark the coronation. For many, there is a sense that the new Throne, and the new year, ~~mnight~~ represent an opportunity for a new start. The most optimistic look to Vesna's address as a call to put aside the things that divide them from their fellows, to lay down their grudges, and to reach out to their fellow citizens in a spirit of unity. Even those who aren't fans of the Throne themselves might still partake of this spirit, or be inspired by the message of a grand destiny for the Empire to ultimately unite the world within the Way.		Regardless of your character's personal opinion of the new Throne, it is difficult to avoid the festivities. Even the armies on campaign make a point of encouraging soldiers to mark the occasion. Everyone is encouraged to create stories of the celebrations they've seen, attended, or thrown to mark the coronation. For many, there is a sense that the new Throne, and the new year, might represent an opportunity for a new start. The most optimistic look to Vesna's address as a call to put aside the things that divide them from their fellows, to lay down their grudges, and to reach out to their fellow citizens in a spirit of unity. Even those who aren't fans of the Throne themselves might still partake of this spirit, or be inspired by the message of a grand destiny for the Empire to ultimately unite the world within the Way.

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