387YE Winter Solstice interlude

Overview

Downtime following the Autumn Equinox is now closed. It allowed players to process their character's downtime choices. Not all resources allow a player to make a choice about how they operate between events, but we've provided information about new opportunities for fleet and military unit owners in particular as well as a reminder about existing opportunities created at earlier events.

On this page, we've outlined and offered some context for various effects and events. As always, these include quick summaries, mostly out of character, to explain effects such as large-scale enchantments and curses.

In some cases, there may be further developments around the events listed here in the Winter Solstice winds of fortune. They may also be handled with a Resolution entry on the appropriate Wind, or a note in the Other Events section of next events Winds of Fortune page.

The deadline for Downtime submissions was midnight on Sunday the 19^th of October.

Choices

• During the Autumn Equinox, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders

Each summit the Imperial Senate raises and votes on motions, the Imperial Conclave debates declarations, the assemblies of the Imperial Synod discuss judgements, and the generals of the Imperial Military Council issue orders to their armies. You can find details of these many decisions here:

• Senate sessions
• Synod judgements
• Conclave sessions
• Military Council orders

The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends Anvil can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

Imperial Guerdon

The Imperial Guerdon is a bursary set up by the Imperial Senate primarily to reward military units that support Imperial armies, spy networks, and fortifications. The value of the Imperial Guerdon is divided between each military unit and fleet that supports an army in proportion to their effective strength. The Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has the power to exclude any or all Imperial armies and navies, fortifications, or special projects (such as spy networks) from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such an army, fortification, or special project will receive nothing for doing so.

The Guerdon has been changed to 500 Thrones.

This season, the Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has announced that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies:

• Drakes in Bregasland
• Golden Axe in Sarangrave
• Seventh Wave in Mareave
• Strong Reeds in Bregasland
• Summer Storm in Sarangrave
• Winter Sun in Mareave

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.

• 

  Drakes

• 

  Golden Axe

• 

  Seventh Wave

• 

  Strong Reeds

• 

  Summer Storm

• 

  Winter Sun

Military Units

• Players who control military units can choose from a number of downtime options
• Not every military unit is eligible to participate in every venture
• Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to the mercenary work option

Any player whose character controls a military unit can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to support an army, defend a fortification, or support a spy network. They can also choose one of the many ventures. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to mercenary work, guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

Players who want to support one of the Imperial armies can also read the orders issued by each general before making their decision. These orders are a matter of public record within the Empire and also available on the 387YE Autumn Equinox Military Council orders page. This new page makes it easier for players to read all the orders before making a decision; previously the only way to do this was to painstakingly click every army in turn. It's also possible for players without military units to see the orders, without waiting for the Winds of War (assuming the orders related to an area that produced a full write-up).

As always, the guidelines around discussing military matters online can be found here.

Drive out the Disciples

• Urizen military units can take a raiding action to hunt down the Disciples of Sulemaine
• If at least two thousand strength is assigned to the action, then the Disciples will be forced on the back foot
• Military units that take this action will receive no production

A call to action has been made; a mandate, raised by Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun and enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, urges all Urizen to strike at traitorous spires, citadels, and temples which harbour the Disciples of Sulemaine. The Imperial Senate also voted to criminalise membership of the Disciples of Sulemaine, ensuring no investigation from the magistrates on those who take the action.

If at least two thousand strength supports the action, then the Disciples of Sulemaine will be forced on the back foot. Dozens of them will be killed, and they will be faced with being driven out or wiped out if they do not find some way to respond.

For more information see the Climb every mountain wind of fortune

Fleets

• Players who control fleets can choose from several downtime options
• Not every fleet is eligible to participate in every voyage
• Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to the maritime escort option

Any player whose character controls a fleet can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to trade with a foreign port, engage in raiding barbarians, quest in search of glory or renown, scout either to support a smugglers cove or as part of another stealthy option, or commit to guarding a convoy of other ships.

Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to maritime escort, guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

Players who want to support the Red Wind Corsairs, the only Imperial navy, can read the orders issued before making their decision. These orders are a matter of public record within the Empire and also available on the 387YE Autumn Equinox Military Council orders page.

Map the Eastern Sea

• Imperial fleets can take a scouting action to map the eastern coastline
• There is an increasing scale of benefits, depending on strength assigned to the action
• Fleets that take this action will receive random herbs and money

Fleets can join an effort to map the coastline beyond the Salt Flats of Sanath. Fleets taking the action will not raid the Druj; the goal is to avoid encounters with the enemy and focus on gathering intelligence so that the majority of time can be spent on mapping the coastlines beyond. Nonetheless, there may be a few opportunities for plunder and even some chances to trade if the fleets can reach friendly ports.

For more information see the Kingdom by the sea wind of fortune

Raid Asavean Shipping

• Imperial fleets can take a raiding action to attack Asavean shipping
• If at least fifteen thousand strength is assigned, then one of the Plenum's warships will be destroyed
• Fleets that take this action will receive random materials and money

Fleets can join an effort to hunt down Asavean ships; both wealthy merchant ships and the pirates and privateers that have been attacking vessels sailing to and from the Empire. With enough fleets committed, the Plenum will be forced to respond by sending one of its warships to try to hunt down the ships. Their warships are not well-suited for attacking small fleets, and Imperial captains will be able to mob and sink one of the great vessels.

For more information see the Kingdom by the sea wind of fortune

Hunt Free Landing Kraken

• Imperial fleets can take a questing action to hunt juvenile kraken in Free Landing
• Freeborn fleets gain an additional rank, and corsairs gain a further additional rank
• Fleets that take this action will receive portions of Ambrellic

The shining beacons alight in Madruga last season forced some of the juvenile kraken into the open. Fleets can spend the season trying to hunt down one of the immature kraken in the waters of Free Landing. At minimum, Johann Van Basten, a wealthy Sarcophan trader, has promised to buy as much Ambrellic at two crowns a portion at the Winter Solstice. If there is enough of a supply in Anvil, then other interested traders might make themselves known before the summit.

For more information see the Kingdom by the sea wind of fortune

Trade with Jakhalsmarkt

• Imperial fleets can take a trading action to trade at the Jakhalsmarkt
• Fleets that take this action will receive vis, tempest jade, money and potentially star jewellery

The Jakhalsmarkt has been opened to Imperial fleet captains. The House of the Jackal have acquired a large volume of vis, tempest jade, luxury goods, and foci that allow magicians versed in spellcasting to perform a specific spell many more times each day (provided they already know it). The goods on offer have been purchased almost exclusively from the Principalities of Jarm, but it is clear that this - trading with independent traders for goods - is not a crime.

For more information see the All the night-tide wind of fortune

Trade Summary

• Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo
• Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments

Imperial fleets can trade with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend Anvil. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

• Axos: The ports of the Towers of Kantor and Chambers of Issyk welcome Imperial fleets. The production of Kantor has been altered.. You can find out more about the changes made in the Troop of echoes wind of fortune
• Commonwealth: The ports of Leerdam and Volkavaar welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the According to principle wind of fortune.
• Faraden: The port of Caitun welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the Wild is the wind wind of fortune.
• Iron Confederacy: The port of Robec is available for Imperial fleets.
• Sarcophan Delves: The usual ports of Sarcophan and Betovering welcome Imperial traders.
• Sumaah Republic: The port of Zemeh welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the Friend of mine wind of fortune.
• Zemelslo: The port of Radosmo welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to permit trade with the nation very close to the Principalities of Jarm

Congregations

• In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special lectures may be available

During downtime, the owner of a congregation can choose to take a preaching action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of the Way, allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Autumn Equinox, there are two lectures available.

Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus

• Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Ambition by encouraging pilgrims to visit Capodomus Cathedral
• A congregation that takes the Preach Ambition - Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual
• A congregation that takes this action will be in the Ambition Assembly at the next summit
• This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE

Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the liao they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the Capodomus Cathedral. Those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light; they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it with the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer liao each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Ambition Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the Golden light wind of fortune.

Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian

• Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library
• A congregation that takes the Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual
• A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit
• This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE

Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the liao they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the Great Library. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer liao each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Wisdom Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the Sing a song wind of fortune.

Arcane Projections

• Arcane projections must be submitted before the close of downtime
• It is not possible to submit arcane projections that create personal curses

The deadline for submitting an arcane projection is now the close of downtime. This is a significantly shorter window than previously. We've made this change to improve our ability to process arcane projections - an earlier deadline means that the game team have more time to consider each arcane projection, which will allow us to be more detailed and consistent in our responses.

As detailed in the The moth for the star wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a curse directed at a character.

Colleges and Forges

• We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions

It is important for characters responsible for a college of magic or runeforge to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You must use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

We've also made a small change there; the e-mail address to which such instructions should be sent is now plot@profounddecisions.co.uk rather than rules. The rules decisions about an arcane projection that is being codified, or a new item, have already been made and it is plot that deals with the creation of ritual texts, unique items, or schema.

Miscellaneous Effects

• After every event there will be a range of special effects that have an impact on downtime
• Each effect is automatically applied to the appropriate personal resources; this provides details of what has caused each effect

Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Some arise as the result of Synod judgements, Senate motions or Conclave declarations. Others are the results of winds of fortune or war, or magical effects such as enchantments or curses. Each such effect is mentioned in your downtime if it affects your personal resource, along with a brief summary of what is going on. This list provides more detail, and is also useful for knowing what is going on in the wider Empire.

Rivers Run Clear (Redoubt/Sarangrave)

• Rivers of Life has been cast on the Urizen territories of Redoubt and Sarangrave
• As well as reducing casualties to armies in the territories, the magic infuses all water there with life-giving Spring power

The Imperial territories of Redoubt and Sarangrave have had Rivers of Life woven over them. This potent magic preserves life, healing all save the most grievous wounds overnight and infusing water across the territory with restorative powers. This powerful effect has been created by the Urizen coven, Convocation of the Mistral. As well as the typical effect of reducing losses to any armies fighting in the territory, the magic has other, more narrative effects. Wounds heal, animals and plants are healthy and fertile, and people find it easier to start or expand their families.

The Skarsind Wayhouse (Navarr)

• Any Navarr character can take a new resource in Skarsind for free until the end of downtime
• Any Navarr character with a resource in Skarsind counts as being in Hercynia for voting in senatorial and similar elections

The Ashen Tears wayhouse has been built in Skogei Glens. The wayhouse was completed shortly before the Autumn Equinox, and this season, Navarr can take a new personal resource in Skarsind without the usual two crown cost.

Stone, Branch, Fen, and Ice

• The Basalt Citadel has been cast on one region
• Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on one region
• Forge the Wooden Fastness has been cast on two regions
• Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on seven regions

Ritual	Region	Coven
Basalt Citadel	Eoradal, Mareave	Heralds of the Reaper
Dripping Echoes of the Fen	West Marsh, Kallavesa	Sussivari Frost Coven
Forge the Wooden Fastness	Eastring, Therunin	Voice of the Quiet Forest
Forge the Wooden Fastness	Lustri, Zenith	Goatsbridge Coven
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Braydon's Jasse, Kahraman	Voices of the Unbound Storm
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Nadir, Mareave	Voices of the Unbound Storm
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Icarion, Mareave	Voices of the Unbound Storm
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Eoradal, Mareave	Voices of the Unbound Storm
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Hope's Rest, The Barrens	Phoenix Rising
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Siluri, Redoubt	Ashen Flame
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Tomari, Redoubt	Ashen Flame

Twisting Shadow Branches (Madruga)

• The Freeborn territory of Madruga has been flooded with Night magic
• It is clear to anyone in the territory that this is the result of Night magic

The Freeborn territory of Madruga has been enchanted with an arcane projection. Inhabitants of the Night realm find it easier to enter the territory.

Many inhabitants of the territory experience vivid dreams of dark forests filled with strange foliage, which seems to shift in size, shape and colour.

Players creating or attending sanctioned events set in Madruga should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a plot event. Any further effects of this ritual will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

Rain and Thunder (Feroz/Madruga/Sarvos)

The Children of Wrecks batter Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos with terrible storms.

• Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos suffer the effects of terrible thunderstorms and torrential rain
• Farms and businesses based in those territories produce 72 rings less over the coming season
• It is clear to anyone in the territories that this is the result of Spring magic

Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the Children of Wrecks in Feroz and Madruga unleashed tumultuous storms on the territories. Then, during the summit, wreckers were able to make use of the Circle of Savagery in Sarvos to unleash the same on that territory.

Any further effects of these rituals will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

Land of Luck (The Barrens)

• The Dawnish territory of the Barrens has been flooded with Autumn magic
• It is clear to anyone in the territory that this is the result of Autumn magic

The Dawnish territory of the Barrens has been enchanted with an arcane projection. Inhabitants of the Autumn realm find it easier to enter the territory.

Travel within the Barrens feels easier, and negotiations often feel more fruitful for those involved. Tools seem better suited to their task and are less likely to need sharpening or repairing. Dawnish citizens, in particular, are likely to benefit from some stroke of luck; finding a once-lost memento, agreeing to a deal, or stumbling across a small treasure.

Players creating or attending sanctioned events set in the Barrens should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a plot event. Any further effects of this ritual will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

Magical Lore

• Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens
• Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law

During the Autumn Equinox, three rituals were put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:

• Rule of Risk and Reward was raised and funded by Fiorente Vicente d'Apulian on behalf of the Unfettered Mind
• Remember the Fallen was raised by Syl the Dean of the Lyceum and funded by Brother Luke of the Marches
• Emulsion of Lye and Lightning was raised by Grandmaster Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the Unfettered Mind and funded by Bakar i Riqueza of the Brass Coast

No new rituals became part of Urizen lore, and no new magic items were added to Runesmiths Law.

Further Reading

• Downtime
• Personal resource
• Autumn Equinox recent history