Sunrise over Livardz - Revision history

Kirkbride: /* Design Note */

2026-06-10T08:27:49Z

Design Note

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:27, 10 June 2026
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	By the time Highborn Assembly reach Volodmartz, it is clear that the work of Graciana in collaboration with the skills and experience of Varushkans is more than enough to deal with the legacy of Cold Sun. Eager not to waste their efforts, the assembly have turned their attention to a different problem afflicting Varushkan Prosperity, [[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question\|the missing bees]].		By the time Highborn Assembly reach Volodmartz, it is clear that the work of Graciana in collaboration with the skills and experience of Varushkans is more than enough to deal with the legacy of Cold Sun. Eager not to waste their efforts, the assembly have turned their attention to a different problem afflicting Varushkan Prosperity, [[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question\|the missing bees]].

	When players aim more than one "lever" in the direction of a situation, it rarely creates a solution that is ''more'' effective. We already write the best wind of fortune we can. However, the wording of the statement triggering the peerless kinship leaves space to turn the Highborn attention to a related problem - an even bigger threat to the Prosperity of Varushka - the matter of the missing bees (which was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_135\|also called out by the Varushkan Assembly last season]]) You can find more out about this in the '''[[Saint of ~~bees~~]]''' wind of fortune.		When players aim more than one "lever" in the direction of a situation, it rarely creates a solution that is ''more'' effective. We already write the best wind of fortune we can. However, the wording of the statement triggering the peerless kinship leaves space to turn the Highborn attention to a related problem - an even bigger threat to the Prosperity of Varushka - the matter of the missing bees (which was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_135\|also called out by the Varushkan Assembly last season]]) You can find more out about this in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

Kirkbride: /* The Shadow Ghosts */

2026-06-10T08:27:38Z

The Shadow Ghosts

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:27, 10 June 2026
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	* '''Their ghosts haunt the site and will need to be dealt with before the ashen residues can be safely disposed of'''		* '''Their ghosts haunt the site and will need to be dealt with before the ashen residues can be safely disposed of'''
	* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''		* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''
	* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at ~~TBC~~'''		* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at 18:15'''
	* '''The ''Grieftender of the Forgotten'' is responsible for the expedition'''		* '''The ''Grieftender of the Forgotten'' is responsible for the expedition'''
	{{NoInnocentsPresent}}		{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

Hailmur at 18:19, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T18:19:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:19, 7 June 2026
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	[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:~~Wind~~ of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]]		[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]]
	<ic>		<ic>
	Graciana stared at the vast lake of white ash that seemed to stretch all the way across the valley to the horizon. Beavers did all this, she thought to herself? It seemed impossible, just the sheer scale of it.		Graciana stared at the vast lake of white ash that seemed to stretch all the way across the valley to the horizon. Beavers did all this, she thought to herself? It seemed impossible, just the sheer scale of it.

Dre at 15:30, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T15:30:45Z

Hailmur: /* Iron & Wine */

2026-06-07T14:38:07Z

Iron & Wine

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:38, 7 June 2026
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	In fact Triosk's secure position offers a unique opportunity to deal with the wolves that now infest the outlying vales. Many of the Iron Roads meet at Triosk, so the trade that flows down them comes here before it goes south. For the most part, this vital trade is protected by members of the various warden companies that patrol the roads of Varushka. If the wardens could be persuaded to forego protecting the roads for a year, and instead focus on driving out the wolves of Livardz, then it would be possible to rebuild Livardz.		In fact Triosk's secure position offers a unique opportunity to deal with the wolves that now infest the outlying vales. Many of the Iron Roads meet at Triosk, so the trade that flows down them comes here before it goes south. For the most part, this vital trade is protected by members of the various warden companies that patrol the roads of Varushka. If the wardens could be persuaded to forego protecting the roads for a year, and instead focus on driving out the wolves of Livardz, then it would be possible to rebuild Livardz.

	Wardens are notoriously independent; they won't listen to the Senate, but they will pay attention to the [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]. If the Boyar uses their power to commission a forestry at Triosk, and appoints someone with a clear martial bent, then the wardens will rally round the Forester as they attempt to clear out the wolves. It will mean much less trade on the Iron Roads for a while - but people will accept that if the Boyar makes the call. Varushkans are ''always'' prepared for difficult choices. But after a year, the vales will be free of wolves and other monsters, or at least as free as anywhere in Varushka ever gets. It will take at least a year, but trade will return to normal after that time. If the Senate has ''also'' dealt with the work needed to create new buildings, then the challenge to rebuild Livardz is met.		Wardens are notoriously independent; they won't listen to the Senate, but they will pay attention to the [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]. If the Boyar uses their power to commission a forestry at Triosk, and appoints someone with a clear martial bent, then the wardens will rally round the Forester as they attempt to clear out the wolves. It will mean much less trade on the Iron Roads for a while - [[mine\|mines]] and [[forest\|forests]] in [[Miekarova]], [[Karov]], [[Karsk]], and Volodmartz would each lose one level of investment, and forests in [[Ossium]] would lose two levels of investment - but people will accept that if the Boyar makes the call. Varushkans are ''always'' prepared for difficult choices. But after a year, the vales will be free of wolves and other monsters, or at least as free as anywhere in Varushka ever gets. It will take at least a year, but trade will return to normal after that time. If the Senate has ''also'' dealt with the work needed to create new buildings, then the challenge to rebuild Livardz is met.

	The Warden of Triosk would need to be someone that the wardens would respect and follow into battle. Such skills are rarely required to hold high office in the Empire, but the Warden would be expected to personally take the lead. It has to be someone the other wardens are confident is an effective warrior. Thus, it will need to a [[martial title]] appointed each year by a clash of arms - a free tournament in which any Varushkan can participate. The winner would become the Warden of Triosk and gain the benefits - as well as taking on the responsibility to defend the prosperity of Volodmartz by driving out wolves and other fell creatures that threaten the vales of Volodmartz.		The Warden of Triosk would need to be someone that the wardens would respect and follow into battle. Such skills are rarely required to hold high office in the Empire, but the Warden would be expected to personally take the lead. It has to be someone the other wardens are confident is an effective warrior. Thus, it will need to a [[martial title]] appointed each year by a clash of arms - a free tournament in which any Varushkan can participate. The winner would become the Warden of Triosk and gain the benefits - as well as taking on the responsibility to defend the prosperity of Volodmartz by driving out wolves and other fell creatures that threaten the vales of Volodmartz.

Twiggy at 14:35, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T14:35:22Z

Twiggy: /* The Shadow Ghosts */

2026-06-07T14:24:08Z

The Shadow Ghosts

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 7 June 2026
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	* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''		* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''
	* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at TBC'''		* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at TBC'''
	* '''The ''Grieftender of the ~~Hearth~~'' is responsible for the expedition'''		* '''The ''Grieftender of the Forgotten'' is responsible for the expedition'''
	{{NoInnocentsPresent}}		{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
	In life, the Shadow Fellowship were a well-regarded warden fellowship that placed great emphasis on the Virtue of Vigilance. For most of them, their homes were in the Sunless Vale. This small community of hard-working Varushkans lived in the shadow of mountains so tall that the sun could only enter the valley for little more than a few hours each day in winter. When the ~~Shephards~~ of Ash moved to attack the vale, the Shadow Fellowship swore to stop them.		In life, the Shadow Fellowship were a well-regarded warden fellowship that placed great emphasis on the Virtue of Vigilance. For most of them, their homes were in the Sunless Vale. This small community of hard-working Varushkans lived in the shadow of mountains so tall that the sun could only enter the valley for little more than a few hours each day in winter. When the Shepherds of Ash moved to attack the vale, the Shadow Fellowship swore to stop them.

	A dozen wardens against three thousand heralds of one of the most destructive eternals the Empire has ever encountered from the realms. It is unlikely that any of the wardens ever imagined that victory - or even survival - was possible. They died, as they lived, fighting to keep Varushka safe from supernatural threats. It is pleasing to imagine they gave their lives dearly, but there are no tales of their bravery because after the wardens fell, the ''scions'' wiped out every living thing in the valley.		A dozen wardens against three thousand heralds of one of the most destructive eternals the Empire has ever encountered from the realms. It is unlikely that any of the wardens ever imagined that victory - or even survival - was possible. They died, as they lived, fighting to keep Varushka safe from supernatural threats. It is pleasing to imagine they gave their lives dearly, but there are no tales of their bravery because after the wardens fell, the ''scions'' wiped out every living thing in the valley.

Hailmur: /* The Shadow Ghosts */

2026-06-07T14:14:22Z

The Shadow Ghosts

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:14, 7 June 2026
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	* '''They were completely wiped out by ''scions'' of Cold Sun trying to save their home, the Sunless Vale'''		* '''They were completely wiped out by ''scions'' of Cold Sun trying to save their home, the Sunless Vale'''
	* '''Their ghosts haunt the site and will need to be dealt with before the ashen residues can be safely disposed of'''		* '''Their ghosts haunt the site and will need to be dealt with before the ashen residues can be safely disposed of'''
	* '''Each ghost will require Voice of the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''		* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''
	* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at TBC'''		* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at TBC'''
	* '''The ''Grieftender of the Hearth'' is responsible for the expedition'''		* '''The ''Grieftender of the Hearth'' is responsible for the expedition'''

Hailmur: Created page with "Category:388YE SpringCategory:Wind of FortuneCategory:Appraisal Graciana stared at the vast lake of white ash that seemed to stretch all the way across the valley to the horizon. Beavers did all this, she thought to herself? It seemed impossible, just the sheer scale of it. Not the destruction, obviously. That was the work of Cold Sun. That terrible, inhuman force dedicated to "perfecting" the mortal world by eradicating every sapient being. A mindless..."

2026-06-07T14:05:47Z

Created page with "Category:388YE Spring Category:Wind of Fortune Category:Appraisal <ic> Graciana stared at the vast lake of white ash that seemed to stretch all the way across the valley to the horizon. Beavers did all this, she thought to herself? It seemed impossible, just the sheer scale of it. Not the destruction, obviously. That was the work of Cold Sun. That terrible, inhuman force dedicated to "perfecting" the mortal world by eradicating every sapient being. A mindless..."

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 7 June 2026
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	Nobody could answer that question now. Not the people who once lived in this vale. Not the beavers themselves. Local legend said the industrious creatures would answer a question if asked in the right way. Deeply improbable as these local legends often were, there was probably a grain of truth in it somewhere. Once. Not now. Now it was all gone. Gone to ash.		Nobody could answer that question now. Not the people who once lived in this vale. Not the beavers themselves. Local legend said the industrious creatures would answer a question if asked in the right way. Deeply improbable as these local legends often were, there was probably a grain of truth in it somewhere. Once. Not now. Now it was all gone. Gone to ash.

	She sighed to herself. She was Dust, Flame and Glass - nothing could immure her irrepressible spirit. But this? Who could have cast eyes on this extraordinary work and decided to destroy it all? Who could look on the patient little creatures who had devoted a hundred lifetimes to this great work and decide to annihilate them?		She sighed to herself. She was Dust, Flame, and Glass - nothing could immure her irrepressible spirit. But this? Who could have cast eyes on this extraordinary work and decided to destroy it all? Who could look on the patient little creatures who had devoted a hundred lifetimes to this great work and decide to annihilate them?

	Fuck you, Cold Sun. ''Fuck. You''.		Fuck you, Cold Sun. ''Fuck. You''.
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	The prognosticator is assisted in her work by a number of Highborn volunteers, including several respected [[benefactor\|benefactors]], [[steward of the Dead\|stewards of the dead]], and [[magister\|magisters]]. A little to her surprise however, the bulk of these volunteers quickly peel off to pursue a matter of dire concern that is not directly related to Livardz but to "''support the pride and prosperity of Varushka''" in a more spiritual matter related to certain little black-and-yellow creatures.		The prognosticator is assisted in her work by a number of Highborn volunteers, including several respected [[benefactor\|benefactors]], [[steward of the Dead\|stewards of the dead]], and [[magister\|magisters]]. A little to her surprise however, the bulk of these volunteers quickly peel off to pursue a matter of dire concern that is not directly related to Livardz but to "''support the pride and prosperity of Varushka''" in a more spiritual matter related to certain little black-and-yellow creatures.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="387YE Winter Senate Motion raised by Ostrik Vulpe, Senator Volodmartz; seconded Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic, Senator Miekarova">The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="387YE Winter Senate Motion raised by Ostrik Vulpe, Senator Volodmartz; seconded Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic, Senator Miekarova">The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.</quote></div>
	{{SOP\|statement=Two years ago, the Cold Sun came to Varushka. Volodmartz was left two options: Burn in the light of the Cold Sun or condemn Livardz to ruin. Our cousins made this sacrifice for the ~~defense~~ of all Varushka. Now, let us aid the people of Livardz in their efforts to rise from ruin to prosperity.\|by=Kasmira Milankova Ygrev\|vote=Greater Majority 202-0\|when=Winter Solstice 387YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=Two years ago, the Cold Sun came to Varushka. Volodmartz was left two options: Burn in the light of the Cold Sun or condemn Livardz to ruin. Our cousins made this sacrifice for the defence of all Varushka. Now, let us aid the people of Livardz in their efforts to rise from ruin to prosperity.\|by=Kasmira Milankova Ygrev\|vote=Greater Majority 202-0\|when=Winter Solstice 387YE\|size=small}}
	==Rebuild Livardz==		==Rebuild Livardz==
	* '''The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash'''		* '''The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash'''
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	In the southern woodlands of [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]], a peculiar grove of trees once stood. Black-barked, their trunks were mottled with peculiar crystal outgrowths. This is the ''Sumisev Peegel''. It and the weak [[regio]] that lies at its heart are named for the two-centuries-dead [[volhov]] who discovered it and first tapped its weak magic to perform simple [[divination\|divinations]] for the folk of the surrounding vales. Few people bothered to visit. The crystals were nice but not worth the effort to gather them; their glow faded quickly when removed from the grove. When the [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths\|power of Day]] washed over the Empire in 385YE, the spark of light in the ''Sumisev Peegel'' roared up like a bonfire, and the invisible door at its centre gaped wide enough to allow three thousand ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] to come through to the mortal realm.		In the southern woodlands of [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]], a peculiar grove of trees once stood. Black-barked, their trunks were mottled with peculiar crystal outgrowths. This is the ''Sumisev Peegel''. It and the weak [[regio]] that lies at its heart are named for the two-centuries-dead [[volhov]] who discovered it and first tapped its weak magic to perform simple [[divination\|divinations]] for the folk of the surrounding vales. Few people bothered to visit. The crystals were nice but not worth the effort to gather them; their glow faded quickly when removed from the grove. When the [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths\|power of Day]] washed over the Empire in 385YE, the spark of light in the ''Sumisev Peegel'' roared up like a bonfire, and the invisible door at its centre gaped wide enough to allow three thousand ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] to come through to the mortal realm.

	Unlike the [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle\|Tower of the Eagle]] in [[Hahnmark]], this regio does not ''appear'' to be in danger of opening any time soon. But Varushkans know better than anyone that appearances can be deceptive. The wise know that truth lies behind the eyes. What was open before can be open again. It would be foolish to settle so close to something so deadly. Cold Sun can ''never'' return to the Empire while the Conclave maintains ~~it's~~ enmity, but forever is a long time. How many years will pass before some meddling volhov finds a way to convince themselves and the Conclave that this time it will be different? Cold Sun is eternally implacable - all it would take is the Conclave to let its guard fall for a single day, and Cold Sun will be back in Livardz, in force.		Unlike the [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle\|Tower of the Eagle]] in [[Hahnmark]], this regio does not ''appear'' to be in danger of opening any time soon. But Varushkans know better than anyone that appearances can be deceptive. The wise know that truth lies behind the eyes. What was open before can be open again. It would be foolish to settle so close to something so deadly. Cold Sun can ''never'' return to the Empire while the Conclave maintains its enmity, but forever is a long time. How many years will pass before some meddling volhov finds a way to convince themselves and the Conclave that this time it will be different? Cold Sun is eternally implacable - all it would take is the Conclave to let its guard fall for a single day, and Cold Sun will be back in Livardz, in force.

	To remove that fear will take concrete action. It doesn't need complex wards, it doesn't need flocks of geese or a forestry. What it needs is a powerful team of cabalists with a mastery of winter magic to go to Sumisev Peegel and remove the threat ''permanently''. As fate would have it, there is a conjunction large enough to allow forty heroes to travel to the regio next season at 23:00 on the Saturday. That timing seems ideal; it gives the Conclave enough time to find a coven of Winter magicians prepared to accept the risk and travel to Varushka to perform [[Wind of Mundane Silence]], a magnitude 150 winter ritual - ''at the Summer Solstice''.		To remove that fear will take concrete action. It doesn't need complex wards, it doesn't need flocks of geese or a forestry. What it needs is a powerful team of cabalists with a mastery of winter magic to go to Sumisev Peegel and remove the threat ''permanently''. As fate would have it, there is a conjunction large enough to allow forty heroes to travel to the regio next season at 23:00 on the Saturday. That timing seems ideal; it gives the Conclave enough time to find a coven of Winter magicians prepared to accept the risk and travel to Varushka to perform [[Wind of Mundane Silence]], a magnitude 150 winter ritual - ''at the Summer Solstice''.
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	<p>Splinterstars are covered in more detail on the page for the [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars\|Brilliant Star]].</p></box></div>		<p>Splinterstars are covered in more detail on the page for the [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars\|Brilliant Star]].</p></box></div>
	The regio has been blanched by the touch of Cold Sun. A wan light seeps from it, day and night, bathing the area with a ~~palid~~ glamour and ensuring that ash remains potent. But tap the energy, contain it, and the ash would slowly become harmless, and the Wyrding Pond could produce a valuable supply of potent day magic. Who would foolishly meddle with fell powers in such a way - the job cries out for a [[volhov]].		The regio has been blanched by the touch of Cold Sun. A wan light seeps from it, day and night, bathing the area with a pallid glamour and ensuring that ash remains potent. But tap the energy, contain it, and the ash would slowly become harmless, and the Wyrding Pond could produce a valuable supply of potent day magic. Who would foolishly meddle with fell powers in such a way - the job cries out for a [[volhov]].

	[[Tempest jade]] exposed to the odd radiance here quickly denatures but around one time in three the crumbled crystals reassemble into a [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars\|splinterstar]]. These weird pseudo-mana crystals are only produced in one other place in the Empire - by the terrible radiance of the [[Brilliant Star]]. It takes a lot longer here, and is a bit more wasteful, because the radiance is not the same but it ''works''.		[[Tempest jade]] exposed to the odd radiance here quickly denatures but around one time in three the crumbled crystals reassemble into a [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars\|splinterstar]]. These weird pseudo-mana crystals are only produced in one other place in the Empire - by the terrible radiance of the [[Brilliant Star]]. It takes a lot longer here, and is a bit more wasteful, because the radiance is not the same but it ''works''.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:35, 7 June 2026
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	The prognosticator is assisted in her work by a number of Highborn volunteers, including several respected [[benefactor\|benefactors]], [[steward of the Dead\|stewards of the dead]], and [[magister\|magisters]]. A little to her surprise however, the bulk of these volunteers quickly peel off to pursue a matter of dire concern that is not directly related to Livardz but to "''support the pride and prosperity of Varushka''" in a more spiritual matter related to certain little black-and-yellow creatures.		The prognosticator is assisted in her work by a number of Highborn volunteers, including several respected [[benefactor\|benefactors]], [[steward of the Dead\|stewards of the dead]], and [[magister\|magisters]]. A little to her surprise however, the bulk of these volunteers quickly peel off to pursue a matter of dire concern that is not directly related to Livardz but to "''support the pride and prosperity of Varushka''" in a more spiritual matter related to certain little black-and-yellow creatures.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="387YE Winter Senate Motion raised by Ostrik Vulpe, Senator Volodmartz; seconded Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic, Senator Miekarova">The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="387YE Winter Senate Motion raised by Ostrik Vulpe, Senator Volodmartz; seconded Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic, Senator Miekarova">The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.</quote></div>
	{{SOP\|statement=Two years ago, the Cold Sun came to Varushka. Volodmartz was left two options: Burn in the light of the Cold Sun or condemn Livardz to ruin. Our cousins made this sacrifice for the defense of all Varushka. Now, let us aid the people of ~~Livards~~ in their efforts to rise from ruin to prosperity.\|by=Kasmira Milankova Ygrev\|vote=Greater Majority 202-0\|when=Winter Solstice 387YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=Two years ago, the Cold Sun came to Varushka. Volodmartz was left two options: Burn in the light of the Cold Sun or condemn Livardz to ruin. Our cousins made this sacrifice for the defense of all Varushka. Now, let us aid the people of Livardz in their efforts to rise from ruin to prosperity.\|by=Kasmira Milankova Ygrev\|vote=Greater Majority 202-0\|when=Winter Solstice 387YE\|size=small}}
	==Rebuild Livardz==		==Rebuild Livardz==
	* '''The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash'''		* '''The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash'''
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	* '''Both must be effectively dealt with to remove the Silent Menace'''		* '''Both must be effectively dealt with to remove the Silent Menace'''

	~~Livardrz~~ is threatened by two supernatural dangers: the Star Caverns, into which an entire army of Cold Sun disappeared - and presumably could reappear at any moment. And the Sumisev Peegel, the strange Day regio from which the Shepherds of Ash, the fanatical ''scions'' of the eternal first emerged. Both would need to be dealt with to remove the silent menace threatening the Prosperity of Livardz.		Livardz is threatened by two supernatural dangers: the Star Caverns, into which an entire army of Cold Sun disappeared - and presumably could reappear at any moment. And the Sumisev Peegel, the strange Day regio from which the Shepherds of Ash, the fanatical ''scions'' of the eternal first emerged. Both would need to be dealt with to remove the silent menace threatening the Prosperity of Livardz.

	===Wall it Up===		===Wall it Up===
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	</table>		</table>
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Murupan Goose-herd'''</tr>		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Murupan Goose-herd'''</tr>
	<tr><td>'''Type:''' ~~Varushnkan~~ National</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan National</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Varushkan Assembly</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Varushkan Assembly</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 11 crowns and 8 doses of liao each season</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 11 crowns and 8 doses of liao each season</td></tr>
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	* '''The Varushkan Assembly will need to identify a citizen to take responsibility for the expedition'''		* '''The Varushkan Assembly will need to identify a citizen to take responsibility for the expedition'''

	In the southern woodlands of [[Volodmartz#~~Livards~~\|Livardz]], a peculiar grove of trees once stood. Black-barked, their trunks were mottled with peculiar crystal outgrowths. This is the ''Sumisev Peegel''. It and the weak [[regio]] that lies at its heart are named for the two-centuries-dead [[volhov]] who discovered it and first tapped its weak magic to perform simple [[divination\|divinations]] for the folk of the surrounding vales. Few people bothered to visit. The crystals were nice but not worth the effort to gather them; their glow faded quickly when removed from the grove. When the [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths\|power of Day]] washed over the Empire in 385YE, the spark of light in the ''Sumisev Peegel'' roared up like a bonfire, and the invisible door at its centre gaped wide enough to allow three thousand ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] to come through to the mortal realm.		In the southern woodlands of [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]], a peculiar grove of trees once stood. Black-barked, their trunks were mottled with peculiar crystal outgrowths. This is the ''Sumisev Peegel''. It and the weak [[regio]] that lies at its heart are named for the two-centuries-dead [[volhov]] who discovered it and first tapped its weak magic to perform simple [[divination\|divinations]] for the folk of the surrounding vales. Few people bothered to visit. The crystals were nice but not worth the effort to gather them; their glow faded quickly when removed from the grove. When the [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths\|power of Day]] washed over the Empire in 385YE, the spark of light in the ''Sumisev Peegel'' roared up like a bonfire, and the invisible door at its centre gaped wide enough to allow three thousand ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] to come through to the mortal realm.

	Unlike the [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle\|Tower of the Eagle]] in [[Hahnmark]], this regio does not ''appear'' to be in danger of opening any time soon. But Varushkans know better than anyone that appearances can be deceptive. The wise know that truth lies behind the eyes. What was open before can be open again. It would be foolish to settle so close to something so deadly. Cold Sun can ''never'' return to the Empire while the Conclave maintains it's ~~emnity~~, but forever is a long time. How many years will pass before some meddling volhov finds a way to convince themselves and the Conclave that this time it will be different? Cold Sun is eternally implacable - all it would take is the Conclave to let its guard fall for a single day, and Cold Sun will be back in Livardz, in force.		Unlike the [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle\|Tower of the Eagle]] in [[Hahnmark]], this regio does not ''appear'' to be in danger of opening any time soon. But Varushkans know better than anyone that appearances can be deceptive. The wise know that truth lies behind the eyes. What was open before can be open again. It would be foolish to settle so close to something so deadly. Cold Sun can ''never'' return to the Empire while the Conclave maintains it's enmity, but forever is a long time. How many years will pass before some meddling volhov finds a way to convince themselves and the Conclave that this time it will be different? Cold Sun is eternally implacable - all it would take is the Conclave to let its guard fall for a single day, and Cold Sun will be back in Livardz, in force.

	To remove that fear will take concrete action. It doesn't need complex wards, it doesn't need flocks of geese or a forestry. What it needs is a powerful team of cabalists with a mastery of winter magic to go to Sumisev Peegel and remove the threat ''permanently''. As fate would have it, there is a conjunction large enough to allow forty heroes to travel to the regio next season at 23:00 on the Saturday. That timing seems ideal; it gives the Conclave enough time to find a coven of Winter magicians prepared to accept the risk and travel to Varushka to perform [[Wind of Mundane Silence]], a magnitude 150 winter ritual - ''at the Summer Solstice''.		To remove that fear will take concrete action. It doesn't need complex wards, it doesn't need flocks of geese or a forestry. What it needs is a powerful team of cabalists with a mastery of winter magic to go to Sumisev Peegel and remove the threat ''permanently''. As fate would have it, there is a conjunction large enough to allow forty heroes to travel to the regio next season at 23:00 on the Saturday. That timing seems ideal; it gives the Conclave enough time to find a coven of Winter magicians prepared to accept the risk and travel to Varushka to perform [[Wind of Mundane Silence]], a magnitude 150 winter ritual - ''at the Summer Solstice''.
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	The Wyrding Pond was a vast artificial pond in the Riversway Vale on the northern limits of Livardz. Built by a colony of Prosperous beavers, every year the dam would grow a little larger and the pool a little deeper. According to local history, there was once a quixotic regio here that enjoyed a mixed reputation amongst masters of the Day realm. Over a century ago, the Conclave chose ''not'' to stop a colony of beavers intent on moving in. It was a prudent decision; the beavers dammed the river and quickly drowned the regio, but the resulting pond teemed with life-providing fish, eels, and mussels to the inhabitants of the vale. And legend had it, that if you caught the beavers at the right time, they would answer a question put to them. Nonsense, of course, but the pond and the beavers who built it were a source of Prosperity for the whole vale.		The Wyrding Pond was a vast artificial pond in the Riversway Vale on the northern limits of Livardz. Built by a colony of Prosperous beavers, every year the dam would grow a little larger and the pool a little deeper. According to local history, there was once a quixotic regio here that enjoyed a mixed reputation amongst masters of the Day realm. Over a century ago, the Conclave chose ''not'' to stop a colony of beavers intent on moving in. It was a prudent decision; the beavers dammed the river and quickly drowned the regio, but the resulting pond teemed with life-providing fish, eels, and mussels to the inhabitants of the vale. And legend had it, that if you caught the beavers at the right time, they would answer a question put to them. Nonsense, of course, but the pond and the beavers who built it were a source of Prosperity for the whole vale.

	All that ended when the ~~Shephards~~ of Ash came to Riversway. The inhabitants of the vale tried desperately to protect the Wyrding Pond, but they were overpowered and annihilated by the ''scions''. But Cold Sun's hatred was not sated by these callous murders, and his servants destroyed the beavers, the pond and every living thing in it, leaving nothing but a deep pool of toxic ash. When the wind blows hard, it sweeps the loose ash from the surface and spreads the curse all across Livardz. The destruction did, however, expose the regio at the bottom of the pond. In doing so, it created a way to deal with the curse at its source.		All that ended when the Shepherds of Ash came to Riversway. The inhabitants of the vale tried desperately to protect the Wyrding Pond, but they were overpowered and annihilated by the ''scions''. But Cold Sun's hatred was not sated by these callous murders, and his servants destroyed the beavers, the pond and every living thing in it, leaving nothing but a deep pool of toxic ash. When the wind blows hard, it sweeps the loose ash from the surface and spreads the curse all across Livardz. The destruction did, however, expose the regio at the bottom of the pond. In doing so, it created a way to deal with the curse at its source.
	<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><box>'''Splinterstars and Sunbleach'''		<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><box>'''Splinterstars and Sunbleach'''
	<p>Sunbleach is a lumpy, powdery residue created from beggar's lye exposed to the wan radiance of the region in the Wyrding Pond. It can cause mild burns if it touches naked skin, and is normally sealed in leather pouches and handled with gloves. It contains captured [[Day magic]], however, allowing it to be used during the performance of any ritual of that realm. The magician dusts their cheeks and hands with the caustic residue (which counts as the use of a tonic), and they gain a +2 bonus to their Day lore for the next ritual they perform within ten minutes, subject to the [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks\|normal rules]] for additional ranks. Unfortunately, after thirty minutes, they suffer an unpleasant malady, similar to a [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds\|traumatic wound]], which must be treated by a [[surgical skills#Physick\|physick]] using [[marrowort]] before they can perform ''any'' magic again.</p>		<p>Sunbleach is a lumpy, powdery residue created from beggar's lye exposed to the wan radiance of the region in the Wyrding Pond. It can cause mild burns if it touches naked skin, and is normally sealed in leather pouches and handled with gloves. It contains captured [[Day magic]], however, allowing it to be used during the performance of any ritual of that realm. The magician dusts their cheeks and hands with the caustic residue (which counts as the use of a tonic), and they gain a +2 bonus to their Day lore for the next ritual they perform within ten minutes, subject to the [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks\|normal rules]] for additional ranks. Unfortunately, after thirty minutes, they suffer an unpleasant malady, similar to a [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds\|traumatic wound]], which must be treated by a [[surgical skills#Physick\|physick]] using [[marrowort]] before they can perform ''any'' magic again.</p>