Wise and measured - Revision history

Hailmur at 10:55, 4 June 2026

2026-06-04T10:55:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 4 June 2026
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	Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.		Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.

	During the Spring Equinox, the Civil Service will raise an [[administrative motion]] during the ~~Sunday afternoon~~ Senate session to confirm that this is still their intent. This motion, if it passes, will be available for the Urizen assembly to veto, as it effectively involves the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|concedence]] of a region under their control.		During the Spring Equinox, the Civil Service will raise an [[administrative motion]] during the Friday evening Senate session to confirm that this is still their intent. This motion, if it passes, will be available for the Urizen assembly to veto, as it effectively involves the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|concedence]] of a region under their control.

	==The Last of Fintan Nighthaven==		==The Last of Fintan Nighthaven==

Responsible1: /* Sephals and Strategy */

2026-06-04T06:47:57Z

Sephals and Strategy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 4 June 2026
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	On a more downbeat note, Ambassador Skopos sadly reiterates the position of the Grand Council from last season. Axos is not prepared to take on the task of dealing with former Druj and their slaves. The orcs will be leaving Thornfen as soon as possible after the Axou take residence there because they cannot, and will not, make provisions for them. Again, Skopos stresses that what happens to them after they leave the region is of absolutely no concern to the Axou. The assumption remains that, given the eagerness with which they took in the [[Tamazi]], the Empire will simply sort it all out. It is they who insisted on this after all.		On a more downbeat note, Ambassador Skopos sadly reiterates the position of the Grand Council from last season. Axos is not prepared to take on the task of dealing with former Druj and their slaves. The orcs will be leaving Thornfen as soon as possible after the Axou take residence there because they cannot, and will not, make provisions for them. Again, Skopos stresses that what happens to them after they leave the region is of absolutely no concern to the Axou. The assumption remains that, given the eagerness with which they took in the [[Tamazi]], the Empire will simply sort it all out. It is they who insisted on this after all.

	The Ambassador politely requests that Hrafnar not taint the glorious moment of victory over the Druj in [[Sarangrave]] by attempting to complicate a simple situation. Now is the time for celebration! The grip of the Druj over the Mallum has been broken, a new citadel is being planned in Sarangrave, and the last thing anyone needs right now is an argument about orcs, many of whom are likely (in the eyes of Ambassador Skopos) Druj collaborators. Perhaps once the work on the new citadel has begun, there can be discussion about establishing an "international college of war" such as Ambassador ~~Hrafnir~~ has suggested? For now though, the Grand Ilarchs accept the concerns the Empire has about military security and withdraw their queries about the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy\|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]].		The Ambassador politely requests that Hrafnar not taint the glorious moment of victory over the Druj in [[Sarangrave]] by attempting to complicate a simple situation. Now is the time for celebration! The grip of the Druj over the Mallum has been broken, a new citadel is being planned in Sarangrave, and the last thing anyone needs right now is an argument about orcs, many of whom are likely (in the eyes of Ambassador Skopos) Druj collaborators. Perhaps once the work on the new citadel has begun, there can be discussion about establishing an "international college of war" such as Ambassador Hrafnar has suggested? For now though, the Grand Ilarchs accept the concerns the Empire has about military security and withdraw their queries about the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy\|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]].

	Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.		Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.

Responsible1: /* Mask, Mana, Creation */

2026-06-04T06:47:18Z

Mask, Mana, Creation

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 4 June 2026
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	* '''Ambassador Skopos has assured the Halls of Maykop of the Bursar of the Conclave's interest		* '''Ambassador Skopos has assured the Halls of Maykop of the Bursar of the Conclave's interest
	* '''The Axou are not interested in Pathfinder Brog's request for access to Axou libraries		* '''The Axou are not interested in Pathfinder Brog's request for access to Axou libraries
	According to Ambassador ~~Hrafnir~~, heroes of the Empire recently intercepted a [[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper\|Druj raid on the Shield of Ipatavo]] during which one '''Robert Von Holberg''' recovered an Axou relic. Named the ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'', the mask is apparently a [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] and an [[Magic_items#Artefacts\|artefact]]. Ambassador Skopos is delighted to hear of the items recovery, and that it is safely in ~~Thranmir~~'s possession. They have vowed to track down the owner or owners, and arrange for a suitable escort to make a formal delegation to the Empire. During the Summer Solstice they will meet in the Senate and make the exchange - Skopos will see to it personally that the owner expresses an appropriate degree of gratitude for the recovery.		According to Ambassador Hrafnar, heroes of the Empire recently intercepted a [[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper\|Druj raid on the Shield of Ipatavo]] during which one '''Robert Von Holberg''' recovered an Axou relic. Named the ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'', the mask is apparently a [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] and an [[Magic_items#Artefacts\|artefact]]. Ambassador Skopos is delighted to hear of the items recovery, and that it is safely in Thanmir's possession. They have vowed to track down the owner or owners, and arrange for a suitable escort to make a formal delegation to the Empire. During the Summer Solstice they will meet in the Senate and make the exchange - Skopos will see to it personally that the owner expresses an appropriate degree of gratitude for the recovery.

	Then there is the matter of the [[Bursar of the Conclave]], and their interest in the [[The_circle_game#Axos_and_the_Bursars\|recent appraisal]] where the [[Axos#halls of Maykop\|halls of Maykop]] presented a proposal to trade crystal mana for a mixture of [[Materials#Natural_Materials\|natural materials]]. The Grand Ilarch is pleased to hear of this interest, but a little nonplussed. Everyone in Axos assumed this would be the case, which is why they made the offer. There's no requirement for anyone to ''do'' anything, other than for the [[Senate]] to approve the proposal. The [[opportunity]], and that related to trade with the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE.		Then there is the matter of the [[Bursar of the Conclave]], and their interest in the [[The_circle_game#Axos_and_the_Bursars\|recent appraisal]] where the [[Axos#halls of Maykop\|halls of Maykop]] presented a proposal to trade crystal mana for a mixture of [[Materials#Natural_Materials\|natural materials]]. The Grand Ilarch is pleased to hear of this interest, but a little nonplussed. Everyone in Axos assumed this would be the case, which is why they made the offer. There's no requirement for anyone to ''do'' anything, other than for the [[Senate]] to approve the proposal. The [[opportunity]], and that related to trade with the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE.

	Finally there is the matter of Pathfinder Brog. The [[Tamazi]] has written to Ambassador Skopos asking for access to Axou books related to the Creator, and to the history of the sept. Sadly, despite Ambassador ~~Hrafnir~~'s endorsement, there is little Skopos can do. Books of a religious nature are invariably held in the possession of religious sects or theological scholars who are not minded to make them available. Just as unfortunately, there ''are'' no histories of the Tamazi in Axos. The Tamazi were, regrettable as it might be, slaves and not citizens. As such, nobody felt moved to write anything about them, or if they did, it would hardly contain anything of use to their Imperial Orc descendants.		Finally there is the matter of Pathfinder Brog. The [[Tamazi]] has written to Ambassador Skopos asking for access to Axou books related to the Creator, and to the history of the sept. Sadly, despite Ambassador Hrafnar's endorsement, there is little Skopos can do. Books of a religious nature are invariably held in the possession of religious sects or theological scholars who are not minded to make them available. Just as unfortunately, there ''are'' no histories of the Tamazi in Axos. The Tamazi were, regrettable as it might be, slaves and not citizens. As such, nobody felt moved to write anything about them, or if they did, it would hardly contain anything of use to their Imperial Orc descendants.

	Realistically, writes Ambassador Skopos, there is little to add to what Axos has already [[Axos_religion#Beliefs\|shared with the Empire]]. Most sects agree that the Creator is a cruel tyrant who hates and fears humanity. Death is the wicked tool that the Creator uses to ensure its power is never threatened. The malignancy of the Creator is obvious in the mortal world, which is full of pain, hardship, suffering, and pestilence. For the most part, the Axou do not waste time attempting to understand this entity, when they can instead resist its hateful hold on the world with every breath.		Realistically, writes Ambassador Skopos, there is little to add to what Axos has already [[Axos_religion#Beliefs\|shared with the Empire]]. Most sects agree that the Creator is a cruel tyrant who hates and fears humanity. Death is the wicked tool that the Creator uses to ensure its power is never threatened. The malignancy of the Creator is obvious in the mortal world, which is full of pain, hardship, suffering, and pestilence. For the most part, the Axou do not waste time attempting to understand this entity, when they can instead resist its hateful hold on the world with every breath.

	Ambassador Skopos politely suggests that if something is of interest to the Empire, then they expect their opposite number to raise it. If something is a matter of interest to a private citizen alone, it would be better if the Ambassador persuaded them to look for other avenues to realise their ambitions, rather than writing to Ambassador Skopos. They are confident that Ambassador ~~Hrafnir~~ will be every bit as busy as they are - there is never any shortage of people wanting the attention of an ambassador and their time.		Ambassador Skopos politely suggests that if something is of interest to the Empire, then they expect their opposite number to raise it. If something is a matter of interest to a private citizen alone, it would be better if the Ambassador persuaded them to look for other avenues to realise their ambitions, rather than writing to Ambassador Skopos. They are confident that Ambassador Hrafnar will be every bit as busy as they are - there is never any shortage of people wanting the attention of an ambassador and their time.

	In future, Skopos' office has agreed that, unless it seems of overwhelming importance or one they have requested, any letter from private Imperial citizens will be dealt with by one of the scribes with a polite rejection. Skopos is at pains to stress that they mean no offence by this; they simply want to ensure clear protocol that is agreed and understood by both parties. Crucially, they are keen to ensure that all communications come through the approved diplomatic channels, the better to ensure that there is no chance of any unfortunate misunderstandings of the kind that have marred relations in the recent past.		In future, Skopos' office has agreed that, unless it seems of overwhelming importance or one they have requested, any letter from private Imperial citizens will be dealt with by one of the scribes with a polite rejection. Skopos is at pains to stress that they mean no offence by this; they simply want to ensure clear protocol that is agreed and understood by both parties. Crucially, they are keen to ensure that all communications come through the approved diplomatic channels, the better to ensure that there is no chance of any unfortunate misunderstandings of the kind that have marred relations in the recent past.

	{{Axos Links}}		{{Axos Links}}

Responsible1: /* Sephals and Strategy */

2026-06-04T06:46:13Z

Sephals and Strategy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:46, 4 June 2026
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	On a more downbeat note, Ambassador Skopos sadly reiterates the position of the Grand Council from last season. Axos is not prepared to take on the task of dealing with former Druj and their slaves. The orcs will be leaving Thornfen as soon as possible after the Axou take residence there because they cannot, and will not, make provisions for them. Again, Skopos stresses that what happens to them after they leave the region is of absolutely no concern to the Axou. The assumption remains that, given the eagerness with which they took in the [[Tamazi]], the Empire will simply sort it all out. It is they who insisted on this after all.		On a more downbeat note, Ambassador Skopos sadly reiterates the position of the Grand Council from last season. Axos is not prepared to take on the task of dealing with former Druj and their slaves. The orcs will be leaving Thornfen as soon as possible after the Axou take residence there because they cannot, and will not, make provisions for them. Again, Skopos stresses that what happens to them after they leave the region is of absolutely no concern to the Axou. The assumption remains that, given the eagerness with which they took in the [[Tamazi]], the Empire will simply sort it all out. It is they who insisted on this after all.

	The Ambassador politely requests that ~~Hrafnir~~ not taint the glorious moment of victory over the Druj in [[Sarangrave]] by attempting to complicate a simple situation. Now is the time for celebration! The grip of the Druj over the Mallum has been broken, a new citadel is being planned in Sarangrave, and the last thing anyone needs right now is an argument about orcs, many of whom are likely (in the eyes of Ambassador Skopos) Druj collaborators. Perhaps once the work on the new citadel has begun, there can be discussion about establishing an "international college of war" such as Ambassador Hrafnir has suggested? For now though, the Grand Ilarchs accept the concerns the Empire has about military security and withdraw their queries about the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy\|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]].		The Ambassador politely requests that Hrafnar not taint the glorious moment of victory over the Druj in [[Sarangrave]] by attempting to complicate a simple situation. Now is the time for celebration! The grip of the Druj over the Mallum has been broken, a new citadel is being planned in Sarangrave, and the last thing anyone needs right now is an argument about orcs, many of whom are likely (in the eyes of Ambassador Skopos) Druj collaborators. Perhaps once the work on the new citadel has begun, there can be discussion about establishing an "international college of war" such as Ambassador Hrafnir has suggested? For now though, the Grand Ilarchs accept the concerns the Empire has about military security and withdraw their queries about the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy\|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]].

	Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.		Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion\|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.

Twiggy at 00:06, 4 June 2026

2026-06-04T00:06:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 4 June 2026
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	* '''The Scions of Cavan have been executed in Axos		* '''The Scions of Cavan have been executed in Axos
	* '''Navarr traders are still viewed with suspicion in Issyk and Kantor		* '''Navarr traders are still viewed with suspicion in Issyk and Kantor
	* '''~~Misterss Isaphenia~~ has begun researching the vallorn at the Great Library of Hacynian		* '''Mistress Isephenia has begun researching the vallorn at the Great Library of Hacynian
	After a lengthy trial, the [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Scions_of_Cavan\|Scions of Cavan]] in Axos have been executed. Those members of the extended family group that avoided the death penalty were heavily fined to the point of destitution. All their magical resources have been seized, and no living member of the clan is permitted to practice magic again. The Scions of Cavan, to all intents and purposes no longer exist.		After a lengthy trial, the [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Scions_of_Cavan\|Scions of Cavan]] in Axos have been executed. Those members of the extended family group that avoided the death penalty were heavily fined to the point of destitution. All their magical resources have been seized, and no living member of the clan is permitted to practice magic again. The Scions of Cavan, to all intents and purposes no longer exist.

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	At present, trading vessels from Navarr are still [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Navarr_Threat\|not fully welcome]] in Axou ports, but it is the opinion of Ambassador Skopos that this will subside once the people of the citadels realise that they do not pose a threat to the nation. Certainly any suggestion that Issyk or Kantor be closed to Navarr merchants is not endorsed by the Grand Ilarch Council.		At present, trading vessels from Navarr are still [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Navarr_Threat\|not fully welcome]] in Axou ports, but it is the opinion of Ambassador Skopos that this will subside once the people of the citadels realise that they do not pose a threat to the nation. Certainly any suggestion that Issyk or Kantor be closed to Navarr merchants is not endorsed by the Grand Ilarch Council.

	News that ''Mistress ~~Isaphenia~~'' is formally invited to visit and study at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] is likewise well received, with confirmation coming from both the Ambassador and the [[Singer of the Silence]] themselves. The Axou scholar, and counterpart to the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits\|Bursar of the Spirits]], has brought several promising students of history and magical theory with her, and they are by all accounts ensconced among the books and scrolls reviewing the research into the vallorn collected from Imperial and Thule sources. They have asked a number of probing questions that seem to show a genuine interest in learning everything they can about the entity, its creation, and [[A thousand years of longing\|the implications of linking the vallornhearts]].		News that ''Mistress Isephenia'' is formally invited to visit and study at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] is likewise well received, with confirmation coming from both the Ambassador and the [[Singer of the Silence]] themselves. The Axou scholar, and counterpart to the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits\|Bursar of the Spirits]], has brought several promising students of history and magical theory with her, and they are by all accounts ensconced among the books and scrolls reviewing the research into the vallorn collected from Imperial and Thule sources. They have asked a number of probing questions that seem to show a genuine interest in learning everything they can about the entity, its creation, and [[A thousand years of longing\|the implications of linking the vallornhearts]].

	==Sephals and Strategy==		==Sephals and Strategy==

Hailmur: Created page with "Category:Winds of FortuneCategory:388YE SpringCategory:Foreign Nations "''I don't understand why I have to keep telling you this; I'm a soldier, not a writer!''" Eleni paced in her chambers, throwing things seemingly at random into her pack. "''I know you think that now, but just wait until you've spoken to your tutor! The House of Spirits is supposed to be excellent, and with training in Highguard you'll be bapping away offers from sects. Think of the..."

2026-06-03T23:58:07Z

Created page with "Category:Winds of Fortune Category:388YE Spring Category:Foreign Nations <ic> "''I don't understand why I have to keep telling you this; I'm a soldier, not a writer!''" Eleni paced in her chambers, throwing things seemingly at random into her pack. "''I know you think that now, but just wait until you've spoken to your tutor! The House of Spirits is supposed to be excellent, and with training in Highguard you'll be bapping away offers from sects. Think of the..."

New page

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>
"''I don't understand why I have to keep telling you this; I'm a soldier, not a writer!''" Eleni paced in her chambers, throwing things seemingly at random into her pack.

"''I know you think that now, but just wait until you've spoken to your tutor! The House of Spirits is supposed to be excellent, and with training in Highguard you'll be bapping away offers from sects. Think of the prestige and the opportunity.''" Dimitris tried to avoid standing in the way; he knew this wasn't going to work.

"''I don't want the prestige or to learn from the Empire! I want to fight alongside them like mum wanted to! I want to make her proud...''" Eleni stopped and looked at the space on the shelf where she should have been, if not for the Druj. She paused and looked at her grandfather. "''Besides, I've already been accepted as an apprentice under Menoetius. I'm not passing up that opportunity.''"

Eleni finished packing and smiled sadly at her grandfather. "''It's just not right for me. I know who I am, and I want to be the one to drive a knife in the Creator's eye. I'm not going to get very far trying to do it with a pencil.''"

The joke was forced and honestly bad, but Dimitris still let out a chuckle. He'd already lost the argument - in a few hours he'd come to realise he was never going to win it - and it wasn't worth saying goodbye whilst angry. He smiled at his granddaughter and pulled her into a hug. "''I know. Go and make me proud. Bring death and destruction to the Druj, and come back and see me when you're guarding the Grand Ilarch.''"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The Victorious Axis continue to go from strength to strength.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year or so, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. Their internal politics are slowly settling down into a new status quo following the [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|upheaval]] partly caused by the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. A new Grand Council guides the nation, and the new [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] works to bring Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]] together in a similar way.

The ambassador cannot become complacent however; the little country to the south-east of Urizen is still very touchy about its independence and relations could sour again very easily.

For the moment, though, the new Axos Ambassador to the Empire ''Ilarch Kario Skopos of Solokha'' remain cordial or even friendly. Skopos is a scion of an influential family from the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]], who has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth at the instruction of the Grand Council for as long as he holds the post. This is intended to signify neutrality in the politics of the citadel, to make him a worthier intermediary through which the Axou can deal with their allies in the Empire.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]] and [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]|ambassador='Shacklebreaker' Thanmir Hrafnar of [[Wintermark]]}}
==Treason and the Vallorn==
* '''The Scions of Cavan have been executed in Axos
* '''Navarr traders are still viewed with suspicion in Issyk and Kantor
* '''Misterss Isaphenia has begun researching the vallorn at the Great Library of Hacynian
After a lengthy trial, the [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Scions_of_Cavan|Scions of Cavan]] in Axos have been executed. Those members of the extended family group that avoided the death penalty were heavily fined to the point of destitution. All their magical resources have been seized, and no living member of the clan is permitted to practice magic again. The Scions of Cavan, to all intents and purposes no longer exist.

Any potential backlash against the Empire has apparently been headed off by what Ambassador Skopos describes as "wise and measured words" from Imperial Ambassador Hrafnar. Their reassurance that the Empire "''fully respects the Sovereignty of Axos and its legal system and formally condemns any group that would attempt to rouse the Vallorn...''" has been well received. There is also no sign of any response to the [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#A_Desperate_Plea|desperate plea]] from the Scions of Cavan to the [[Navarr]] nation.

In a similar spirit, Ambassador Skopos has seen to it that the small number of [[Climb every mountain|Disciples of Sulemaine]] who apparently sought refuge in Axos have been arrested and handed back over to Imperial magistrates for trial and execution for their crimes. Skopos waxes lyrical about this kind of cooperation seeming impossible even a few years ago and looks forward to further strengthening of ties between the people of the Victorious Axis and the Empire.

At present, trading vessels from Navarr are still [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Navarr_Threat|not fully welcome]] in Axou ports, but it is the opinion of Ambassador Skopos that this will subside once the people of the citadels realise that they do not pose a threat to the nation. Certainly any suggestion that Issyk or Kantor be closed to Navarr merchants is not endorsed by the Grand Ilarch Council.

News that ''Mistress Isaphenia'' is formally invited to visit and study at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] is likewise well received, with confirmation coming from both the Ambassador and the [[Singer of the Silence]] themselves. The Axou scholar, and counterpart to the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar of the Spirits]], has brought several promising students of history and magical theory with her, and they are by all accounts ensconced among the books and scrolls reviewing the research into the vallorn collected from Imperial and Thule sources. They have asked a number of probing questions that seem to show a genuine interest in learning everything they can about the entity, its creation, and [[A thousand years of longing|the implications of linking the vallornhearts]].

==Sephals and Strategy==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|align=right|width=400}}</div>
* '''The Axou reiterate that they have no interest in supporting the orcs of Thornfen in any way and will be evicting them once they take ownership
* '''They have withdrawn their queries about the Barossa School of Imperial Strategy
On a more downbeat note, Ambassador Skopos sadly reiterates the position of the Grand Council from last season. Axos is not prepared to take on the task of dealing with former Druj and their slaves. The orcs will be leaving Thornfen as soon as possible after the Axou take residence there because they cannot, and will not, make provisions for them. Again, Skopos stresses that what happens to them after they leave the region is of absolutely no concern to the Axou. The assumption remains that, given the eagerness with which they took in the [[Tamazi]], the Empire will simply sort it all out. It is they who insisted on this after all.

The Ambassador politely requests that Hrafnir not taint the glorious moment of victory over the Druj in [[Sarangrave]] by attempting to complicate a simple situation. Now is the time for celebration! The grip of the Druj over the Mallum has been broken, a new citadel is being planned in Sarangrave, and the last thing anyone needs right now is an argument about orcs, many of whom are likely (in the eyes of Ambassador Skopos) Druj collaborators. Perhaps once the work on the new citadel has begun, there can be discussion about establishing an "international college of war" such as Ambassador Hrafnir has suggested? For now though, the Grand Ilarchs accept the concerns the Empire has about military security and withdraw their queries about the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]].

Ambassador Skopos may be [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion|unaware of the current military situation]]. The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable, it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire's forces. The existing treaty indicates the intent to not contest the Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement of Sephals - but the Senate must now act to confirm the details of that treaty.

During the Spring Equinox, the Civil Service will raise an [[administrative motion]] during the Sunday afternoon Senate session to confirm that this is still their intent. This motion, if it passes, will be available for the Urizen assembly to veto, as it effectively involves the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concedence]] of a region under their control.

==The Last of Fintan Nighthaven==
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven's life has ended, and his spirit has returned to the Labyrinth. The delegation from Axos who wish to collect his body are welcome to do so. This in accordance with the Nighthaven family's wishes.|by=Tabris, Son of Armisael, Assembly of the Way|vote=Upheld 76-58|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size = small}}
Following confirmation from the Ambassador, and the judgement of the Assembly of the Way, a small group of Axou priests visited the Empire after the Winter Solstice and collected the physical remains of the former ambassador Fintan Nighthaven. The body was collected from the corpse glade where it lay and sealed inside a simple box of black stone. In a dour procession, during which all participants wore black or white funeral cerements, the box was transported to Crown Quay by wagon and loaded onto a black-sailed Axou ship. Presumably it reached Axos safely, and is being [[Death_leaves_us_homesick#Regarding_Fintan|interred with honours]] as proposed by ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'', but further information is not a matter of public record.
==Mask, Mana, Creation==
* '''The return of the Rebuker of the Unwanted has been discussed with the Ambassador
* '''Ambassador Skopos has assured the Halls of Maykop of the Bursar of the Conclave's interest
* '''The Axou are not interested in Pathfinder Brog's request for access to Axou libraries
According to Ambassador Hrafnir, heroes of the Empire recently intercepted a [[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|Druj raid on the Shield of Ipatavo]] during which one '''Robert Von Holberg''' recovered an Axou relic. Named the ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'', the mask is apparently a [[:Category:Foci|magical focus]] and an [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]]. Ambassador Skopos is delighted to hear of the items recovery, and that it is safely in Thranmir's possession. They have vowed to track down the owner or owners, and arrange for a suitable escort to make a formal delegation to the Empire. During the Summer Solstice they will meet in the Senate and make the exchange - Skopos will see to it personally that the owner expresses an appropriate degree of gratitude for the recovery.

Then there is the matter of the [[Bursar of the Conclave]], and their interest in the [[The_circle_game#Axos_and_the_Bursars|recent appraisal]] where the [[Axos#halls of Maykop|halls of Maykop]] presented a proposal to trade crystal mana for a mixture of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]]. The Grand Ilarch is pleased to hear of this interest, but a little nonplussed. Everyone in Axos assumed this would be the case, which is why they made the offer. There's no requirement for anyone to ''do'' anything, other than for the [[Senate]] to approve the proposal. The [[opportunity]], and that related to trade with the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE.

Finally there is the matter of Pathfinder Brog. The [[Tamazi]] has written to Ambassador Skopos asking for access to Axou books related to the Creator, and to the history of the sept. Sadly, despite Ambassador Hrafnir's endorsement, there is little Skopos can do. Books of a religious nature are invariably held in the possession of religious sects or theological scholars who are not minded to make them available. Just as unfortunately, there ''are'' no histories of the Tamazi in Axos. The Tamazi were, regrettable as it might be, slaves and not citizens. As such, nobody felt moved to write anything about them, or if they did, it would hardly contain anything of use to their Imperial Orc descendants.

Realistically, writes Ambassador Skopos, there is little to add to what Axos has already [[Axos_religion#Beliefs|shared with the Empire]]. Most sects agree that the Creator is a cruel tyrant who hates and fears humanity. Death is the wicked tool that the Creator uses to ensure its power is never threatened. The malignancy of the Creator is obvious in the mortal world, which is full of pain, hardship, suffering, and pestilence. For the most part, the Axou do not waste time attempting to understand this entity, when they can instead resist its hateful hold on the world with every breath.

Ambassador Skopos politely suggests that if something is of interest to the Empire, then they expect their opposite number to raise it. If something is a matter of interest to a private citizen alone, it would be better if the Ambassador persuaded them to look for other avenues to realise their ambitions, rather than writing to Ambassador Skopos. They are confident that Ambassador Hrafnir will be every bit as busy as they are - there is never any shortage of people wanting the attention of an ambassador and their time.

In future, Skopos' office has agreed that, unless it seems of overwhelming importance or one they have requested, any letter from private Imperial citizens will be dealt with by one of the scribes with a polite rejection. Skopos is at pains to stress that they mean no offence by this; they simply want to ensure clear protocol that is agreed and understood by both parties. Crucially, they are keen to ensure that all communications come through the approved diplomatic channels, the better to ensure that there is no chance of any unfortunate misunderstandings of the kind that have marred relations in the recent past.

{{Axos Links}}