Sentinel Gate - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T12:25:41Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 15 January 2026
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	The Gate is an ancient magical device, it was constructed long before the time of the Empire. The Gate was discovered by the Urizen mages and presented by them as a gift to the Empire when their nation joined. The Gate was then moved to Anvil and erected there, where it has remained since.		The Gate is an ancient magical device, it was constructed long before the time of the Empire. The Gate was discovered by the Urizen mages and presented by them as a gift to the Empire when their nation joined. The Gate was then moved to Anvil and erected there, where it has remained since.
	<!--fix-->		<!--fix-->
	The Gate allows the Empire to teleport people to critical locations in the Empire but only at a solstice or equinox. It is now a pivotal part of the Empire's military planning - the ability to strike against their enemies at critical locations has been so decisive that it influences the entire way the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] plan and conducts their wars.		The Gate allows the Empire to teleport people to critical locations in the Empire but only at a solstice or equinox. It is now a pivotal part of the Empire's military planning - the ability to strike against their enemies at critical locations has been so decisive that it influences the entire way the [[Military Council]] plan and conducts their wars.

	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==

Twiggy at 20:28, 31 July 2025

2025-07-31T20:28:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 31 July 2025
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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
	The power of the stars creates connections between times and places - referred to by Imperial magicians as ''conjunctions''. By using the Gate to access a conjunction a character can travel from Anvil to the site linked through the conjunction. The device is powerful and expensive, but not so powerful that it could not be replicated. However the Gate does not ''create'' conjunctions - it only provides the means to access them, so creating an additional Gate would not generate any additional conjunctions.		The power of the stars creates connections between times and places - referred to by Imperial magicians as ''conjunctions''. By using the Gate to access a conjunction a character can travel from Anvil to the site linked through the conjunction. The device is powerful and expensive, but not so powerful that it could not be replicated. However, the Gate does not ''create'' conjunctions - it only provides the means to access them, so creating an additional Gate would not generate any additional conjunctions.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Martel Battle.jpg\|caption=The Sentinel Gate gives Imperial heroes the chance to face their enemies directly.\|width=500\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Martel Battle.jpg\|caption=The Sentinel Gate gives Imperial heroes the chance to face their enemies directly.\|width=500\|align=right}}
	The Sentinel Gate at Anvil was bonded to the Empire centuries ago by Urizen magicians using a powerful Autumn ritual. Because of this, only Imperial citizens can use the Gate. Autumn magic can be used to create a link between the Empire and a barbarian or a foreigner to allow them to use the Gate - and Night magic can transform or disguise a target in such a way that they can pass through. In both cases, it requires that those using the Gate are accompanied by a greater number of Imperial citizens. In the opinion of Imperial magicians, the Gate is secure from intrusion - a belief supported by the last four centuries of use.		The Sentinel Gate at Anvil was bonded to the Empire centuries ago by Urizen magicians using a powerful Autumn ritual. Because of this, only Imperial citizens can use the Gate. Autumn magic can be used to create a link between the Empire and a barbarian or a foreigner to allow them to use the Gate - and Night magic can transform or disguise a target in such a way that they can pass through. In both cases, it requires that those using the Gate are accompanied by a greater number of Imperial citizens. In the opinion of Imperial magicians, the Gate is secure from intrusion - a belief supported by the last four centuries of use.
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	There is ''no'' expectation that the citizen who is identified by the civil service is required to go on a conjunction. There are many in-character reasons why a citizen might not consider themselves the best person to send, and many of our participants do not actively engage with conjunctions for out-of-character safety reasons. No-one should ever go on a conjunction unless they want to. Many nations have individuals who are highly experienced with planning for skirmishes and recruiting characters to go on them - so there is usually in-character help available on request.		There is ''no'' expectation that the citizen who is identified by the civil service is required to go on a conjunction. There are many in-character reasons why a citizen might not consider themselves the best person to send, and many of our participants do not actively engage with conjunctions for out-of-character safety reasons. No-one should ever go on a conjunction unless they want to. Many nations have individuals who are highly experienced with planning for skirmishes and recruiting characters to go on them - so there is usually in-character help available on request.

	Combat is likely or highly likely on many conjunctions ~~with~~ will make them inaccessible for some participants. Our refs have access to standard [[accessibility]] advice for all conjunctions using our tablet system, so any participant can check the details with a referee at any time.		Combat is likely or highly likely on many conjunctions which will make them inaccessible for some participants. Our refs have access to standard [[accessibility]] advice for all conjunctions using our tablet system, so any participant can check the details with a referee at any time.

	Any character who is nominated to oversee a conjunction can always delegate the authority to another willing character if they wish to do so. This might be a proxy, but it can be any citizen. If you have been nominated to oversee a conjunction and do not want to be responsible for a Sentinel Gate conjunction and you don't want to nominate another character to take the responsibility for you, then please [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we will make the appropriate changes to the conjunction.		Any character who is nominated to oversee a conjunction can always delegate the authority to another willing character if they wish to do so. This might be a proxy, but it can be any citizen. If you have been nominated to oversee a conjunction and do not want to be responsible for a Sentinel Gate conjunction and you don't want to nominate another character to take the responsibility for you, then please [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we will make the appropriate changes to the conjunction.

Dre at 22:42, 10 September 2024

2024-09-10T22:42:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:42, 10 September 2024
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	* '''The Sentinel Gate conjunctions will often lead to situations that result in skirmishes or small battles so the magistrates will try to issue legal guidance where possible'''		* '''The Sentinel Gate conjunctions will often lead to situations that result in skirmishes or small battles so the magistrates will try to issue legal guidance where possible'''

	The nature of the Sentinel Gate is such that it often leads to situations where those Imperial heroes passing through the gate will be faced with a threat of some kind, often one that requires them to defeat it in battle to thwart a threat to the Empire. This can lead to problems - if ~~innocents~~ people are found to have been caught up in the violence and killed, heroes will face the legal consequences of their actions when they return to Anvil. To help citizens avoid these pitfalls, the magistrates work with the civil service to offer legal advice. Usually that will fall into one of three classes.		The nature of the Sentinel Gate is such that it often leads to situations where those Imperial heroes passing through the gate will be faced with a threat of some kind, often one that requires them to defeat it in battle to thwart a threat to the Empire. This can lead to problems - if innocent people are found to have been caught up in the violence and killed, heroes will face the legal consequences of their actions when they return to Anvil. To help citizens avoid these pitfalls, the magistrates work with the civil service to offer legal advice. Usually that will fall into one of three classes.

	* '''Against barbarians''' - Local magistrates have determined that this conjunction is against barbarians and is therefore part of the conduct of war. Accordingly lethal force is fully justified. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates about this, nor are any prisoners expected.		* '''Against barbarians''' - Local magistrates have determined that this conjunction is against barbarians and is therefore part of the conduct of war. Accordingly lethal force is fully justified. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates about this, nor are any prisoners expected.

Matt: /* Imperial Law */

2024-09-10T21:19:35Z

Imperial Law

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	* '''Against barbarians''' - Local magistrates have determined that this conjunction is against barbarians and is therefore part of the conduct of war. Accordingly lethal force is fully justified. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates about this, nor are any prisoners expected.		* '''Against barbarians''' - Local magistrates have determined that this conjunction is against barbarians and is therefore part of the conduct of war. Accordingly lethal force is fully justified. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates about this, nor are any prisoners expected.

	* '''No innocents present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there are no innocents present in the area, so it is reasonable to use lethal force to resolve the threat at the place of this conjunction. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates or militia about this, nor are any prisoners expected.		* '''No innocents present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there are no innocents present in the area, and it is reasonable to use lethal force to resolve the threat at the place of this conjunction. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates or militia about this, nor are any prisoners expected.

	* '''Innocent people present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there may be innocent parties present among those you encounter. Caution should be taken to avoid innocent casualties. If you are unclear on your responsibilities under the law you are recommended to liaise with Anvil magistrates for further advice and assistance.		* '''Innocent people present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there may be innocent parties present among those you encounter. Caution should be taken to avoid innocent casualties. If you are unclear on your responsibilities under the law you are recommended to liaise with Anvil magistrates for further advice and assistance.

Matt: /* Imperial Law */

2024-09-10T20:58:39Z

Imperial Law

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	* '''No innocents present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there are no innocents present in the area, so it is reasonable to use lethal force to resolve the threat at the place of this conjunction. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates or militia about this, nor are any prisoners expected.		* '''No innocents present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there are no innocents present in the area, so it is reasonable to use lethal force to resolve the threat at the place of this conjunction. You are not required to liaise with Anvil magistrates or militia about this, nor are any prisoners expected.

	* '''Innocent people present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there may be innocent parties present among ~~the people~~ you encounter. Caution should be taken to avoid innocent casualties. If you are unclear on your responsibilities under the law you are recommended to liaise with Anvil magistrates for further advice and assistance.		* '''Innocent people present''' - Local magistrates have determined that there may be innocent parties present among those you encounter. Caution should be taken to avoid innocent casualties. If you are unclear on your responsibilities under the law you are recommended to liaise with Anvil magistrates for further advice and assistance.

	Where that it is possible, the magistrates will publish this advice alongside the civil service briefing for each conjunction.		Where that it is possible, the magistrates will publish this advice alongside the civil service briefing for each conjunction.

Matt: /* Prognostication */

2024-09-10T20:57:54Z

Prognostication

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 The conjunction draws what it needs to it.</ic>
 {{CaptionedImage|file=Sentinel Gate Art.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
 ==Rules==

Hailmur at 04:41, 20 August 2024

2024-08-20T04:41:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:41, 20 August 2024
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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
			The power of the stars creates connections between times and places - referred to by Imperial magicians as ''conjunctions''. By using the Gate to access a conjunction a character can travel from Anvil to the site linked through the conjunction. The device is powerful and expensive, but not so powerful that it could not be replicated. However the Gate does not ''create'' conjunctions - it only provides the means to access them, so creating an additional Gate would not generate any additional conjunctions.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Martel Battle.jpg\|caption=The Sentinel Gate gives Imperial heroes the chance to face their enemies directly.\|width=500\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Martel Battle.jpg\|caption=The Sentinel Gate gives Imperial heroes the chance to face their enemies directly.\|width=500\|align=right}}
	The power of the stars creates connections between times and places - referred to by Imperial magicians as ''conjunctions''. By using the Gate to access a conjunction a character can travel from Anvil to the site linked through the conjunction. The device is powerful and expensive, but not so powerful that it could not be replicated. However the Gate does not ''create'' conjunctions - it only provides the means to access them, so creating an additional Gate would not generate any additional conjunctions.

	The Sentinel Gate at Anvil was bonded to the Empire centuries ago by Urizen magicians using a powerful Autumn ritual. Because of this, only Imperial citizens can use the Gate. Autumn magic can be used to create a link between the Empire and a barbarian or a foreigner to allow them to use the Gate - and Night magic can transform or disguise a target in such a way that they can pass through. In both cases, it requires that those using the Gate are accompanied by a greater number of Imperial citizens. In the opinion of Imperial magicians, the Gate is secure from intrusion - a belief supported by the last four centuries of use.		The Sentinel Gate at Anvil was bonded to the Empire centuries ago by Urizen magicians using a powerful Autumn ritual. Because of this, only Imperial citizens can use the Gate. Autumn magic can be used to create a link between the Empire and a barbarian or a foreigner to allow them to use the Gate - and Night magic can transform or disguise a target in such a way that they can pass through. In both cases, it requires that those using the Gate are accompanied by a greater number of Imperial citizens. In the opinion of Imperial magicians, the Gate is secure from intrusion - a belief supported by the last four centuries of use.

	Partly as a result of this bond, the Gate can only be used to travel to places the Empire is connected to - either inside the Empire, on the borders or to locations where significant numbers of Imperial troops are present. In theory, the bond could be broken but it would then need bonding to a new nation or power to be usable at all.		Partly as a result of this bond, the Gate can only be used to travel to places the Empire is connected to - either inside the Empire, on the borders or to locations where significant numbers of Imperial troops are present. In theory, the bond could be broken but it would then need bonding to a new nation or power to be usable at all.
	==Predestination==		==Predestination==
			Conjunctions only occur at a solstice or equinox but beyond this restriction they appear superficially to be random, defying attempts to explain or predict them using logic. [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Mages\|mages]] use the [[Net of the Heavens]] to explain the clear serendipity in the conjunctions that arise that allows the Empire to intervene at critical moments - but this may simply be the natural hearth magic of the underlying constellations that links them to fate.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=WandererIllustrationInk.JPG\|title=The Gate is governed by the stars\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=WandererIllustrationInk.JPG\|title=The Gate is governed by the stars\|align=right\|width=350}}
	Conjunctions only occur at a solstice or equinox but beyond this restriction they appear superficially to be random, defying attempts to explain or predict them using logic. [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Mages\|mages]] use the [[Net of the Heavens]] to explain the clear serendipity in the conjunctions that arise that allows the Empire to intervene at critical moments - but this may simply be the natural hearth magic of the underlying constellations that links them to fate.

	Any magician can detect the imminent presence of a conjunction by casting [[detect magic]] on the Gate. They can only detect the imminent presence of a specific conjunction in this matter - the caster must specify exactly what destination they are seeking to detect each time they cast the spell. If a conjunction for that location exists - then the spell will identify the approximate time and how powerful the conjunction is - expressed in terms of how many people can travel through the Gate when the conjunction occurs.		Any magician can detect the imminent presence of a conjunction by casting [[detect magic]] on the Gate. They can only detect the imminent presence of a specific conjunction in this matter - the caster must specify exactly what destination they are seeking to detect each time they cast the spell. If a conjunction for that location exists - then the spell will identify the approximate time and how powerful the conjunction is - expressed in terms of how many people can travel through the Gate when the conjunction occurs.

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	Detecting conjunctions in this way is a form of [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prognostication prognostication], and is affected by the same limits that apply to all attempts to make forecasts or predictions using Day Magic. The information is always correct - but only at the specific time that the spell is cast - and only for the magician casting the spell. The information may change at any time and very occasionally different casters get different results. It is ''exceptionally rare'' for a conjunction to disappear once detected, it is slightly more common for new conjunctions to appear. Some [[Wintermark]] [[Mystic\|mystics]] claim this is because the conjunctions are linked to an individual's [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein\|skein]] or perhaps the fate of a nation or even the whole Empire.		Detecting conjunctions in this way is a form of [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prognostication prognostication], and is affected by the same limits that apply to all attempts to make forecasts or predictions using Day Magic. The information is always correct - but only at the specific time that the spell is cast - and only for the magician casting the spell. The information may change at any time and very occasionally different casters get different results. It is ''exceptionally rare'' for a conjunction to disappear once detected, it is slightly more common for new conjunctions to appear. Some [[Wintermark]] [[Mystic\|mystics]] claim this is because the conjunctions are linked to an individual's [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein\|skein]] or perhaps the fate of a nation or even the whole Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GateOpening.jpg\|title=Any magician can activate the Sentinel Gate to allow their allies to travel to distant locations.\|caption=Savik Summerstorm [[operate_portal\|opens]] the Sentinel Gate\|align=right\|width=500}}
	==Operating the Gate==		==Operating the Gate==
	To access a conjunction to travel elsewhere in the Empire, the Gate must first be activated. The easiest way to do this is to perform the [[operate portal]] spell on the Gate - but any equivalent magic will work. Once opened the Gate remains open for a brief period, just long enough for those gathered to travel through it. After that, the outward gate closes and nothing further may pass through. It is impossible to access a single conjunction twice - the Gate can only be opened again if a second conjunction follows immediately after - an exceptionally rare event. Magic cannot restore access to a conjunction once the Gate has closed, no more than it can create new conjunctions.		To access a conjunction to travel elsewhere in the Empire, the Gate must first be activated. The easiest way to do this is to perform the [[operate portal]] spell on the Gate - but any equivalent magic will work. Once opened the Gate remains open for a brief period, just long enough for those gathered to travel through it. After that, the outward gate closes and nothing further may pass through. It is impossible to access a single conjunction twice - the Gate can only be opened again if a second conjunction follows immediately after - an exceptionally rare event. Magic cannot restore access to a conjunction once the Gate has closed, no more than it can create new conjunctions.

Hailmur at 04:39, 20 August 2024

2024-08-20T04:39:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:39, 20 August 2024
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	==History==		==History==
	The Gate is an ancient magical device, it was constructed long before the time of the Empire. The Gate was discovered by the Urizen mages and presented by them as a gift to the Empire when their nation joined. The Gate was then moved to Anvil and erected there, where it has remained since.		The Gate is an ancient magical device, it was constructed long before the time of the Empire. The Gate was discovered by the Urizen mages and presented by them as a gift to the Empire when their nation joined. The Gate was then moved to Anvil and erected there, where it has remained since.
			<!--fix-->
	The Gate allows the Empire to teleport people to critical locations in the Empire but only at a solstice or equinox. It is now a pivotal part of the Empire's military planning - the ability to strike against their enemies at critical locations has been so decisive that it influences the entire way the [[Imperial Military Council]] plan and conducts their wars.		The Gate allows the Empire to teleport people to critical locations in the Empire but only at a solstice or equinox. It is now a pivotal part of the Empire's military planning - the ability to strike against their enemies at critical locations has been so decisive that it influences the entire way the [[Imperial Military Council]] plan and conducts their wars.

Dre at 23:36, 2 November 2023

2023-11-02T23:36:16Z

Dre at 23:34, 2 November 2023

2023-11-02T23:34:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 2 November 2023
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	* '''The Gate can ''only'' be opened at predestined times. It is not possible for anyone or anything in the game to open the Gate at any other time'''		* '''The Gate can ''only'' be opened at predestined times. It is not possible for anyone or anything in the game to open the Gate at any other time'''
	* '''[[Detect Magic]] can be used to check for the existence of a possible conjunction to a specific location and the region and territory it is in'''		* '''[[Detect Magic]] can be used to check for the existence of a possible conjunction to a specific location and the region and territory it is in'''
	* '''At the predestined moment, any Imperial citizen can use [[operate portal]] to activate the Gate, or an ~~Egregore~~ can do it using hearth magic'''		* '''At the predestined moment, any Imperial citizen can use [[operate portal]] to activate the Gate, or an egregore can do it using hearth magic'''
	* '''Only an Imperial character can use the gate, or someone who is the beneficiary of a ritual designed to fool the Gate'''		* '''Only an Imperial character can use the gate, or someone who is the beneficiary of a ritual designed to fool the Gate'''
	* '''Any Imperial magician who passes through the Gate can use a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying to sense how long remains before the Gate closes'''		* '''Any Imperial magician who passes through the Gate can use a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying to sense how long remains before the Gate closes'''
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	The Sentinel Gate only opens at predestined times and only to specific locations. There is no way for any character to create new conjunctions. The Gate is governed purely by fate, there is no power in the world of Empire that can act on the Gate to create or change conjunctions. Any character who can perform [[Detect Magic]] can use the spell to [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction\|check for the existence of a conjunction]], to a named location - but they must know the name of the destination as well as the region and territory it is in.		The Sentinel Gate only opens at predestined times and only to specific locations. There is no way for any character to create new conjunctions. The Gate is governed purely by fate, there is no power in the world of Empire that can act on the Gate to create or change conjunctions. Any character who can perform [[Detect Magic]] can use the spell to [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction\|check for the existence of a conjunction]], to a named location - but they must know the name of the destination as well as the region and territory it is in.

	Only Imperial characters can use the ~~gate~~. Magical creatures that are created or summoned cannot use the ~~gate~~, neither can heralds, foreigners, or barbarians. A character can carry their regular weapons and armour through the ~~gate~~, anything they can personally carry, including shared loads but beasts of burden - and their loads cannot ~~use the Gate~~. The only exception is a character who is the beneficiary of an item, boon or ritual such as [[the Cuckoo's Egg]] - which explicitly tricks the Gate into allowing the recipient to pass.		Only Imperial characters can use the Gate. Magical creatures that are created or summoned cannot use the Gate, and neither can heralds, foreigners, or barbarians. A character can carry their regular weapons and armour through the portal, and anything they can personally carry (including shared loads), but beasts of burden and their loads cannot pass through. The only exception is a character who is the beneficiary of an item, boon or ritual such as [[the Cuckoo's Egg]] - which explicitly tricks the Gate into allowing the recipient to pass.

	Characters can only leave Anvil through the gate when it first opens. Nobody may pass through the gate once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order. Sights and sounds perceivable through the portal can be perceived in-character by those at the other side. Characters can return at any time while the gate is still open - any Imperial magician who has gone through the Gate can sense how long remains before the Gate closes by using a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying and checking with a referee.		Characters can only leave Anvil through the gate when it first opens. Nobody may pass through the gate once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order. Sights and sounds perceivable through the portal can be perceived in-character by those at the other side. Characters can return at any time while the gate is still open - any Imperial magician who has gone through the Gate can sense how long remains before the Gate closes by using a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying and checking with a referee.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:36, 2 November 2023
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	Conjunctions only occur at a solstice or equinox but beyond this restriction they appear superficially to be random, defying attempts to explain or predict them using logic. [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Mages\|mages]] use the [[Net of the Heavens]] to explain the clear serendipity in the conjunctions that arise that allows the Empire to intervene at critical moments - but this may simply be the natural hearth magic of the underlying constellations that links them to fate.		Conjunctions only occur at a solstice or equinox but beyond this restriction they appear superficially to be random, defying attempts to explain or predict them using logic. [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Mages\|mages]] use the [[Net of the Heavens]] to explain the clear serendipity in the conjunctions that arise that allows the Empire to intervene at critical moments - but this may simply be the natural hearth magic of the underlying constellations that links them to fate.

	Any magician can detect the imminent presence of a conjunction by casting [[detect magic]] on the Gate. They can only detect the imminent presence of a specific conjunction in this matter - the caster must specify exactly what destination they are seeking to detect each time they cast the spell. If a conjunction for that location exists - then the spell will identify the approximate time and how powerful the conjunction is - expressed in terms of how many people can travel through the ~~gate~~ when the conjunction occurs.		Any magician can detect the imminent presence of a conjunction by casting [[detect magic]] on the Gate. They can only detect the imminent presence of a specific conjunction in this matter - the caster must specify exactly what destination they are seeking to detect each time they cast the spell. If a conjunction for that location exists - then the spell will identify the approximate time and how powerful the conjunction is - expressed in terms of how many people can travel through the Gate when the conjunction occurs.

	Detect magic can ''only'' detect the imminent presence of a conjunction to a precisely specified location. It is not possible to use detect magic or rituals to detect all possible conjunctions for a wide area. Attempts to do this always fail. The spell is only as effective as the description of the location provided - ambiguous or unclear descriptions usually result in failure but may sometimes give erroneous answers.		Detect magic can ''only'' detect the imminent presence of a conjunction to a precisely specified location. It is not possible to use detect magic or rituals to detect all possible conjunctions for a wide area. Attempts to do this always fail. The spell is only as effective as the description of the location provided - ambiguous or unclear descriptions usually result in failure but may sometimes give erroneous answers.
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	As a result, all Imperial magicians are taught a minor cantrip that usually allows them to calculate how long a conjunction they have used will last. Any magician that has used a conjunction to travel from Anvil can perform this cantrip without cost. It takes a few seconds to perform and if successful, lets them know approximately how long remains before they must return. The cantrip is not reliable, sometimes the influence of the stars is hard to detect and the spell fails.		As a result, all Imperial magicians are taught a minor cantrip that usually allows them to calculate how long a conjunction they have used will last. Any magician that has used a conjunction to travel from Anvil can perform this cantrip without cost. It takes a few seconds to perform and if successful, lets them know approximately how long remains before they must return. The cantrip is not reliable, sometimes the influence of the stars is hard to detect and the spell fails.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=You Shall Pass.jpg \|title=Heroes use the ~~gate~~ to fight the enemies of the Empire\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=You Shall Pass.jpg \|title=Heroes use the Gate to fight the enemies of the Empire\|align=right\|width=300}}

	==Major Conjunctions==		==Major Conjunctions==
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	* '''If you're nominated to oversee a conjunction and would prefer someone else to have that option, then contact us and we will move it to another title holder'''		* '''If you're nominated to oversee a conjunction and would prefer someone else to have that option, then contact us and we will move it to another title holder'''

	Each season, the Imperial Civil Service use a range of divinations to find conjunctions and identify what opportunities those conjunctions offer. This information is presented in reports issued before each summit, as part of the Winds of War and the Winds of Fortune. The civil service briefing describes the size and time of the conjunction and provides all information available to the Empire on what the heroes of Anvil might expect when they pass through the ~~gate~~ as well as the objectives of the expedition.		Each season, the Imperial Civil Service use a range of divinations to find conjunctions and identify what opportunities those conjunctions offer. This information is presented in reports issued before each summit, as part of the Winds of War and the Winds of Fortune. The civil service briefing describes the size and time of the conjunction and provides all information available to the Empire on what the heroes of Anvil might expect when they pass through the Gate as well as the objectives of the expedition.

	The civil service use this information to identify a single Imperial citizen who will be responsible for overseeing the conjunction. To do this, they will first look for the Imperial title whose remit the conjunction falls under, with the narrowest possible focus. For example, a conjunction to protect the mines in north Kahraman would be part of the responsibilities of the Senator for Kahraman - but the Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills would be selected by preference because they are also responsible for that area but have a narrower focus. In some situations, where no suitable title-holder with a narrow focus is identified, the civil service may chose a prominent citizen from the Synod who has taken an interest in the matters at hand.		The civil service use this information to identify a single Imperial citizen who will be responsible for overseeing the conjunction. To do this, they will first look for the Imperial title whose remit the conjunction falls under, with the narrowest possible focus. For example, a conjunction to protect the mines in north Kahraman would be part of the responsibilities of the Senator for Kahraman - but the Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills would be selected by preference because they are also responsible for that area but have a narrower focus. In some situations, where no suitable title-holder with a narrow focus is identified, the civil service may chose a prominent citizen from the Synod who has taken an interest in the matters at hand.
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	Combat is likely or highly likely on many conjunctions with will make them inaccessible for some participants. Our refs have access to standard [[accessibility]] advice for all conjunctions using our tablet system, so any participant can check the details with a referee at any time.		Combat is likely or highly likely on many conjunctions with will make them inaccessible for some participants. Our refs have access to standard [[accessibility]] advice for all conjunctions using our tablet system, so any participant can check the details with a referee at any time.

	Any character who is nominated to oversee a conjunction can always delegate the authority to another willing character if they wish to do so. This might be a proxy, but it can be any citizen. If you have been nominated to oversee a conjunction and do not want to be responsible for a ~~sentinel gate~~ conjunction and you don't want to nominate another character to take the responsibility for you, then please [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we will make the appropriate changes to the conjunction.		Any character who is nominated to oversee a conjunction can always delegate the authority to another willing character if they wish to do so. This might be a proxy, but it can be any citizen. If you have been nominated to oversee a conjunction and do not want to be responsible for a Sentinel Gate conjunction and you don't want to nominate another character to take the responsibility for you, then please [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we will make the appropriate changes to the conjunction.

	Some conjunctions are discovered in play, or found through mechanisms other than the civil service prognostication. In these cases, anyone who is aware of the conjunction can attempt to go, and characters must decide by themselves who gets to go in cases where there are too many volunteers.		Some conjunctions are discovered in play, or found through mechanisms other than the civil service prognostication. In these cases, anyone who is aware of the conjunction can attempt to go, and characters must decide by themselves who gets to go in cases where there are too many volunteers.
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	* '''[[Detect Magic]] can be used to check for the existence of a possible conjunction to a specific location and the region and territory it is in'''		* '''[[Detect Magic]] can be used to check for the existence of a possible conjunction to a specific location and the region and territory it is in'''
	* '''At the predestined moment, any Imperial citizen can use [[operate portal]] to activate the Gate, or an egregore can do it using hearth magic'''		* '''At the predestined moment, any Imperial citizen can use [[operate portal]] to activate the Gate, or an egregore can do it using hearth magic'''
	* '''Only an Imperial character can use the ~~gate~~, or someone who is the beneficiary of a ritual designed to fool the Gate'''		* '''Only an Imperial character can use the Gate, or someone who is the beneficiary of a ritual designed to fool the Gate'''
	* '''Any Imperial magician who passes through the Gate can use a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying to sense how long remains before the Gate closes'''		* '''Any Imperial magician who passes through the Gate can use a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying to sense how long remains before the Gate closes'''
	* '''No character or object may travel out through the Gate once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order'''		* '''No character or object may travel out through the Gate once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order'''
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	Only Imperial characters can use the Gate. Magical creatures that are created or summoned cannot use the Gate, and neither can heralds, foreigners, or barbarians. A character can carry their regular weapons and armour through the portal, and anything they can personally carry (including shared loads), but beasts of burden and their loads cannot pass through. The only exception is a character who is the beneficiary of an item, boon or ritual such as [[the Cuckoo's Egg]] - which explicitly tricks the Gate into allowing the recipient to pass.		Only Imperial characters can use the Gate. Magical creatures that are created or summoned cannot use the Gate, and neither can heralds, foreigners, or barbarians. A character can carry their regular weapons and armour through the portal, and anything they can personally carry (including shared loads), but beasts of burden and their loads cannot pass through. The only exception is a character who is the beneficiary of an item, boon or ritual such as [[the Cuckoo's Egg]] - which explicitly tricks the Gate into allowing the recipient to pass.

	Characters can only leave Anvil through the ~~gate~~ when it first opens. Nobody may pass through the ~~gate~~ once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order. Sights and sounds perceivable through the portal can be perceived in-character by those at the other side. Characters can return at any time while the ~~gate~~ is still open - any Imperial magician who has gone through the Gate can sense how long remains before the Gate closes by using a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying and checking with a referee.		Characters can only leave Anvil through the Gate when it first opens. Nobody may pass through the Gate once the assembled citizens have passed through in good order. Sights and sounds perceivable through the portal can be perceived in-character by those at the other side. Characters can return at any time while the Gate is still open - any Imperial magician who has gone through the Gate can sense how long remains before the Gate closes by using a few seconds of appropriate arcane roleplaying and checking with a referee.

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