Weaving tangled nets

Latest revision as of 21:11, 7 June 2026

"You must understand," said the Jarmish interpreter, "that whatever the political problems between the House and your Senate it is a matter of politics."

She pronounced "Senate" Sen-ah-tay but Guillermo did not see any reason to correct her. If he was any judge she spoke around five languages as well as fluent Imperial, and he did not feel in a position to criticise pronunciation until he could match that. Instead he made a noncommittal noise, motioning for her to continue.

"The intelligence gathering - the scouting - done by your Shuttered Lantern, it is top-notch. Some very nuanced use of Day and Night magic I am told, even a little of the Autumn. But it is well known that there are spies among their number and so...."

She made a helpless gesture.

"So you need to monitor them?" he asked, as if he didn't already know the answer.

"Quite," she said. "It is not an insult! Lord-Magister Trescher has been very clear about that. It is simply a precaution! I for one am grateful for every Imperial magician who has come to offer their magic in this time of tribulation. Especially in the light of the... politics."

He nodded sagely.

"They have a little bit of a reputation problem at home, as well." He spoke in a slight undertone as if confiding a secret. The guide smiled and nodded.

"I can imagine! Poking their noses into other peoples' business all the time. Spying is a fact of life, but here it is considered..." She cast around for the right phrase. "Impolite? A dirty necessity not something polite people do? You know what I am saying?"

"Oh of course, of course," he said, smiling and nodding in return.

"I am glad to have been assigned to your party, if I may be forward," she said, touching his arm. "The Celestial Arch are a very different matter - well spoken, insightful, polite and civil, and keen to offer their support in so many different ways. Very much our kind of wizard, if you follow me?"

Guillermo nodded, smiling wide enough to show his teeth.

"They are indeed. Very civil."

And that he finished silently is what makes them the perfect cover for asking innocent questions about the flow of prismatic ink through the city of Rigia.

By the time they reached the beautiful antique lodge where the Imperial visitors to the city were being quartered, Guillermo had already uncovered two promising sounding leads that would, hopefully, bear the kind of fruit that Grandmaster Tyburn would be interested in.

Overview

The Commonwealth and Jarm remain at war
Cold Sun has destroyed the minor nation of Lantir
The scions of Cold Sun threaten both larger nations

The Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the Cold Sun has risen and the scions seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of heralds pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

Commonwealth

The Commonwealth remains friendly to the Empire, and allied via the Liberty Pact
The Commonwealth is at war with the Principalities of Jarm
The Commonwealth has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
The Imperial ambassador to the Commonwealth is Finn Pridetalker of Wintermark

Commonwealth

Status: Foreigner
Ports: Leerdam and Volkavaar
Ambassador: Finn Pridetalker of Wintermark

The Commonwealth are one of the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world, thanks primarily to their shared membership of the Liberty Pact. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. Even if it the two great nations must eventually clash, nobody sees that happening any time soon. The Empire shared its mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the fall of Siroc.

Their ambassador to the Empire is Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, of Die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.

Future Good?

The Commonwealth is questioning the value of the Liberty Pact in its current form
Militärattache Schöningen has not challenged the Ambassador's claim that trade with Radosmo is a cover for espionage
Commonwealth merchants are unhappy to hear of Imperial ships trading with the Jarmish satellite state
The Commonwealth is concerned about their citizens who remain trapped in the Lyceum

Following the meeting during the Winter Solstice, the Commonwealth as a whole are questioning the purpose of the Liberty Pact. As discussed in the Forging links wind of fortune there is a feeling that, having broken the international slave trade, it may have achieved its goals and that further "tinkering" with its manifesto risks destroying its legacy. Militärattache Schöningen does not mince words; the proposal from Sumaah is seen as having merit by many of the universities, and several of the generals. They want to know what the Empire makes of it, given the pact was broadly their idea in the first place.

Ambassador Finn Pridetalker (Left) alongside Eska Crowspeaker, one of the signatories of the original Liberty Pact.

Militärattache Schöningen politely declines Ambassador Pridetalker's suggestion of a joint war college for the Liberty Pact. Both Empire and the Commonwealth have long history of successful mercenary work. The attacks on Chalonsio and Rachensgrab, and the Commonwealth soldiers who died in Siroc seem to demonstrate that there is no real need for a college to coordinate such things.

The aid the Empire has offered against Cold Sun has been well received, but there is still a thorn in the side of diplomatic relations with the Commonwealth. Militärattache Schöningen seems sceptical about the Ambassador's claims that trade with the port of Radosmo is a front for Imperial espionage. Rather than challenge the assertion directly; her diplomatic response is to say that the Commonwealth looks forward with enthusiasm to finding out what information Imperial spies are able to uncover about their rivals to the north. For now, at least, it seems the Commonwealth does not intend to petition for the Empire to be ejected from the Liberty Pact for breaching the provision requiring an embargo on trade with Jarm.

Unfortunately, the fact Imperial ships very clearly are trading with the tiny nation of Zemelslo has not gone unremarked in the wider Commonwealth. The little island nation is seen as being Jarm in all but name, and as such merchants and guilds who otherwise have welcomed Imperial ship captains enthusiastically are turning a little cold. There are questions about the Empire's decision to trade with the Principalities, and few are convinced by the polite fiction that it is not really Jarm they are trading with. As such, following the Spring Equinox, Imperial fleets trading with Volkavaar and Leerdam will have a -1 penalty to their effective rank for purposes of the goods they can secure. This penalty will persist for at least as long as the Empire's merchants are trading with Radosmo while simultaneously claiming to have embargoed trade with the Principalities.

There is one other serious matter that Militärattache Schöningen wishes to discuss. As of the Winter Solstice it has been two years since the Commonwealth magicians studying at the Lyceum were trapped behind walls of mist. Occasional missives reach their families, and the servants of der Zauber Vielfraß offer reassurances and can be prevailed upon to take "care packages" to imprisoned friends, but this is not enough. Nine months ago, the Ambassador offered assurances that steps were being taken to deal with the situation, and yet no progress seems to have been made? The Commonwealth requests that the Empire explain to them what is being done to help release their citizens, and why it is taking so long?

Principalities of Jarm

The Empire remains at peace with the Principalities of Jarm, but trade with that nation is embargoed
The Senate has approved trade with the tiny independent nation of Zemelslo that lies within the Jarmish sphere of influence
Jarm is at war with Imperial allies in the Commonwealth
Jarm has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
The Imperial ambassador to the Principalities is Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll, of Highguard

One of the six great powers, the Principalities of Jarm are not exactly friendly to the Empire. The magocracy, ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the Liberty Pact, the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the Commonwealth, and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook, who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.

Jarm

Status: Foreigner
Ports: Kavor, Vezak, and Rigia (all closed)
Ambassador: Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll of Highguard

Diplomatic Niceties

Lord-Magister Trescher greets the new Ambassador
Aid against Cold Sun is very welcome indeed

Lord-Magister Trescher's greeting to the new Imperial ambassador, Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll, is a little perfunctory. Not rude, just short. It is clear that like many high-ranking Jarmish citizens, the Lord-Magister's focus is on the disaster unfolding along their southern borders. There is some brief discussion of trade with the "free" port of Radosmo; the House of Princes continue to be pleased with the way Imperial traders are behaving and are not planning to use their influence to encourage Zemelslo to close its docks for the time being. For their part the Concillium of Zemelslo remain interested in purchasing a significant amount of weirwood. There has, apparently, been little interest in their offer so far.

A note of amusement, tinged with grudging respect, creeps in when Anton speaks of Asavean aid. As Ambassador Thaumiel might imagine, the Asaveans find themselves unable to offer significant aid against Cold Sun due to their engagements elsewhere. The Plenum has sent words of support, and reassured the House of Princes that they have instructed some of their magicians to research the problem and provide news of their findings. They have also suggested that Cold Sun itself might be related to the Imperial nation of Dawn, and perhaps the Jarmish might wish to interrogate the Empire on that matter. Thaumiel need not fear - there will be no issue with ensuring Imperial magicians are able to avoid Asaveans during their time in southern Jarm.

Against the Cold Sun

The Empire has offered aid to both Jarm and the Commonwealth to deal with Cold Sun

As detailed last season, a major incursion of the Cold Sun has erupted on the borderlands between Jarm and the Commonwealth. The tiny nation of Lantir, whose disposition had ultimately led to the war currently raging between the two great powers, has apparently been destroyed. Following the Winter Solstice, the Princes of Jarm and generals of the Commonwealth both, separately, strove to contain the threat of the deadly scions emerging from the powerful regio torn open at the heart of Lantir's capital. Centuries of rivalry, and the ongoing war between the two nations, meant that they were unable to reach anything like a coordinated plan of response to the forces of Oblivion. Both sought the aid of the Empire - who after all are the only folk up until now who have any experience with Cold Sun.

Six Conclave orders and one army offered their aid to the two great nations of the Sea of Steel.

Cold Sun and the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth welcomes the aid of the Granite Pillar, Rod and Shield, and Golden Pyramid

The Commonwealth as a whole is enthusiastic about the aid of the Granite Pillar, and only slightly less excited about the participation of Golden Pyramid and the Rod and Shield magicians in the fight against Cold Sun. The altruistic mission of the Silver Chalice is also noted by the Commonwealth, who heartily approve of the decision to try and help the people suffering the attacks of Cold Sun. There are some questions as to whether focusing on the injured, rather than fighting to ensure Cold Sun is defeated as swiftly as possible, is the most effective way to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people, but nobody faults the healers of the Silver Chalice for their commitment to saving lives.

We enact a strategic defence of Astolat and use this time to resupply. Re-form the ranks, tend the wounded, and set the Granite Pillar in order for the campaign to come. Discipline in Recovery is no less a virtue than discipline in battle. We send our Adjutant, Barachel of Adina's Charge, Adamah of the Cenotaph, and those officers and veterans that are able, to aid the Commonwealth as advisors against the Cold Sun. The Commonwealth is our ally in the Liberty Pact and that great document is more than just words on a page. When an ally calls, in loyalty we shall aid them! In this way we serve the Empire, so that when we march again, we do so having aided the common good, rather than merely watched the innocent bleed.

Sychar of Ebon's Hall, General of the Granite Pillar

There is, predictably, some dissatisfaction that some of the Conclave Orders have gone to offer similar aid in Jarm, but Militärattache Schöningen indicates that most people are sensible enough to realise that allowing the Oblivion Sun to rampage across Jarm would result in tens of thousands of deaths of innocent people and leave the eternal with a foothold in the mortal realm that would make it that much harder to unseat. She is significantly more interested in Ambassador Pridetalker's claim that the Shuttered Lantern is "investigating the true cause of the incursion." She requests in the strongest possible terms that as soon as the Shuttered Lantern findings are known they be shared first with her office, before anyone else learns of them. She trusts the Ambassador can see the sense in this.

Granite Pillar

The aid of the Granite Pillar has helped the Commonwealth generals prepare their strategy against Cold Sun
The generals have made a gift and a pledge to provide the General of the Granite Pillar with a shipment of Soldier's Booze each season

The advice of Lofyn Bloodcloak, Imperial strategist who served during the Cold Sun War, is appreciated. The Commonwealth had broadly settled on similar strategies, but the words of the former General of the Bloodcloaks make them more confident in their own approach to the scions. In particular, the warning that the servants of Oblivion will target places of art and philosophy first allows for a quick reprioritisation of the Commonwealth's defensive strategies. The guidance on the observed capabilities of the armies that invaded the Empire - especially their peculiar abilities to travel and ravage the land - also proves helpful.

Sychar of Ebon's Hall, General of the Granite Pillar

Most useful of all, however, is the assistance offered by the Highborn army, the Granite Pillar. A number of officers and veterans of the fight against the scions make the journey to the Commonwealth where they are greeted and immediately brought to share their knowledge with the generals of the armies engaged along the border. Exhausting hours of interrogation, spirited discussion, and moving little ivory figures around on maps of the borderlands between Commonwealth and Lantir lead to a consolidation of Imperial experience and Commonwealth military acumen. As significant as the pure strategic impact is, there is also discussion of wider philosophical and political matters after the gruelling military meetings. Arguments about the role of the Liberty Pact, the value of spiritual auras, the meaning of liberty and free will, the concept of the Greater Good.

Die Stahlhalle - the office of Militärattache Schöningen - formally thanks the Military Council and the Empire for their aid. The actual generals, however, who have worked with the Granite Pillar soldiers in preparing their strategies make a less formal but perhaps more heartfelt gift. When the emissaries return from the Commonwealth to rejoin their army they bring with them a crate of Commonwealth Soldatentrunk. This mildly alcoholic tonic is very popular with Commonwealth soldiers, acting as both a powerful healing potion and an antidote to many forms of venom. It is only the first instalment of the shipment; as long as the Empire and the Commonwealth remain friends, the General of the Granite Pillar will receive five bottles of Soldier's Booze each season, one from each of the five Commonwealth provinces closest to Lantir; a gift of recognition between fighting folk.

Rod and Shield, to Arms! We lead the charge to Lantir, to the aid of the Commonwealth. The Cold Sun must be stopped

Declaration of Concord, Grandmaster Sakari Nightscale, on behalf of the Rod and Shield

Rod and Shield

The Rod and Shield have fought directly against Cold Sun
The zauberer of the Commonwealth show their gratitude with a gift of Hero Stones to the Order

The Rod and Shield have fought Cold Sun before. They are enthusiastically welcomed by the zauberer of the Commonwealth, not only for their experience but also because so many of them are war-wizards and battlefield mages. Unlike some of the other orders, they are able to deploy their assistance on the front lines, directly fighting against the scions and sharing the benefits of past engagements with their counterparts. There is a general camaraderie among all the fighting magicians whether Imperial or Commonwealth. Fighting directly with magic and force-of-arms is risky of course. Many members of the order who answer the call suffer significant injuries, not all of which can be treated effectively by Commonwealth physicks. There are repeated clashes between war-mages and scions, and while the individual fights are as often victories as not, it is clear to the veteran soldier-magicians that the Commonwealth is not winning against Cold Sun.

Sakari Nightscale, Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield

The zauberer of the Commonwealth are grateful to the Rod and Shield for fighting alongside them, risking their own lives to help fight the forces of Oblivion. Following the Spring Equinox, the Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield receives a casket holding five Heldenstein. These "Hero Stones" are a rare form of vis that is used specifically to empower personal enchantments of the kinds popular with Commonwealth battle-wizards. For the moment, the Rod and Shield remain committed in the Commonwealth, and the zaubrer will continue to send another gift of Hero Stones each season they remain engaged until Cold Sun is defeated. If the Rod and Shield stay in the Commonwealth - if their grandmaster does not guide the order to act elsewhere - until Cold Sun is driven off, this bequest will become a permanent gift to the order as part of their Vault.

That the order of the Golden Pyramid should support the Commonwealth against the Cold Sun. With victory comes rebuilding and the opportunity for magicians and artisans to find longstanding relationships. Let us beat back the Cold Sun and look to the future.

Declaration of Concord, Grandmaster Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato, on behalf of the Golden Pyramid

Golden Pyramid

The Golden Pyramid have offered assistance in the Commonwealth
They have identified trade opportunities

The Golden Pyramid are first and foremost concerned with the prosperity of the Empire's magicians, but they are also experts at deploying magical resources effectively. This expertise is surprisingly valuable in the Commonwealth; their magical resources are more limited than those of the Empire and while they are by no means ignorant of the best ways to use battlefield magic the generals can overlook less directly martial applications of some enchantments and magic items. The Pyramid offers their aid to the Commonwealth quartermasters and zauberer with one eye on the future. Their presence is not uncontroversial - the insistence of their members that "everyone involved is well paid for taking the dangerous trip east" raised the requirements in crystal mana for all the orders sent to the east at the Winter Solstice.

Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato (centre) Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid

They do, however, turn up opportunities to secure closer trade ties for the Empire with the Commonwealth, as well as an opportunity to acquire support for their own order. Imperial captains are familiar with Leerdam and Volkavaar, but they are by no means the only major ports the Commonwealth operates on the Sea of Steel. There are problems with Imperial trade in the east at the moment but the Golden Pyramid are confident they could be addressed with diplomacy. Regardless, they have identified an opportunity to secure a new trade port for Imperial captains that brings with it an opportunity for the Order itself.

Murolosch

Imperial fleet captains can visit the port of Murolosch following the Spring Equinox

Some members of the Golden Pyramid have worked tirelessly to persuade their fellows in the Commonwealth of the value of more opportunities to trade with the Empire. They point to the ships bringing Imperial goods into Leerdam and Volkavaar, and the potential for bringing in more goods required for the war effort against Cold Sun if they had access to a port closer to the front line. Shortly before the Spring Equinox, Militärattache Ludkhannah sends news to Ambassador Pridetalker that a decision has been made to prepare dedicated berths on the docks of Murolosch for visiting Imperial traders. There is a great need for healing herbs, weapons and amour, and crystal mana and the merchants of the port will pay well for them.

Murolosch lies in the shadow of the Unnachgiebig Mountains, a thriving port that transports mithril and magical metals down the coast to the rest of the Commonwealth. It is the closest city to the Jarmish border, and is known for its battle magicians as well as its talented smiths. Murolosch is also a trading hub for dealing with some of the independent borderland nations that lie between the two Great Powers. As such it provides plenty of opportunities for Imperial traders to acquire valuable goods.

A standard fleet that trades with Murolosch will receive one hero stone, one war amulet, a law stone, and a flask of Wizards Beer. Unfortunately, like the merchants of Volkavaar and Leerdam, the merchants of Murolosch are not best pleased with news that Imperial traders are trading with Jarm in Zemelslo, and until that situation is resolved (either by ceasing trade, amending the Liberty Pact, or finding a diplomatic resolution) Imperial merchants have a -1 penalty to trade here despite all their good work elsewhere in the Commonwealth this season.

Schema

The Grandmaster is invited to name eight Imperial artisans who can learn to make Commonwealth ritual foci

The smiths of Murolosch have made an offer to the Golden Pyramid for an almost unprecedented level of cooperation. In their smithies, they have a number of schema that they use to supply the zauberer of the Commonwealth, especially those who trained in the support of their armies. These are carefully secured secrets, with the Kriegschmide von Murolosch ensuring that only masters of the artisan arts are trusted to create them. In thanks for the Golden Pyramid's aid in helping secure additional materials for their forges, and in applying their expertise in the transport of crystal mana and vis to supply the zauberer working in the city, they will allow some of the Empire's own master-warsmiths to visit Murolosch after the Spring Equinox and study the schema.

The Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid - currently Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato but the title is up for re-election during the Spring Equinox - can choose up to eight artisans to gain the benefit of this study. Each will be able to master the creation of one of the War rings used by Commonwealth magicians. The Iron War Ring empowers Autumn rituals; the Golden War Ring empowers Summer rituals; the Bleachbone War Ring empowers Winter magic; the Sungold War Ring empowers Day rituals; the Oakamber War Ring empowers Spring rituals; and the Moongold War Ring, which is the least often created of the set, empowers Night rituals. In each case, they are foci that can be used to empower a ritual once each day with a 1 rank bonus, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. What these artisans do with this lore is up to them. Each artisan is free to decide which of the ring schema to study.

Furthermore, if the Golden Pyramid order is prepared to continue to offer their aid in the Commonwealth, in the fight against Cold Sun, the Kriegschmide are prepared to create a copy of one of the war rings and gift it to the Grandmaster. They'll do this as long as the order remains committed to the fight until Cold Sun is defeated, or until the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE.

OOC Note: After the Spring Equinox, the Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid can send a list of up to eight characters with the artisan skill to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk, before downtime closes. They'll need to include the name, CID, and the chosen ring that the character wants to learn. As long as that character has an empty item slot (such as through the purchase of an Extra item) then they will gain the knowledge of how to make the appropriate ring. Each costs around 18 ingots and measures to create and takes one month, with the exact ingots varying by the ring chosen. They won't be able to make a ring this downtime, but each named character will be given a ribbon for the ring they learned in their pack as an "apprentice piece" created during the trip.

Cold Sun and the Princes

The Principalities of Jarm are glad to receive the support of the Celestial Arch, Sevenfold Path, and Shuttered Lantern

While Lord-Magister Anton may have been largely unmoved by the new Ambassador's appointment, they wax eloquent in their response to news that four of the Conclave orders are dispatching expert help to aid the nation of magician-princes in the fight against Cold Sun. Magicians from the Sevenfold Path, Celestial Arch, and Shuttered Lantern are all to be made welcome, with translators and a small cadre of support staff assigned to them from Lord-Magister Anton's own offices. A smaller group is assigned by Trescher to support the Silver Chalice in what was once Lantir, working uneasily alongside the Commonwealth aides. For all that Jarm can come across as overwhelmingly arrogant, it has rarely been more apparent that they still respect Imperial magicians, and the Conclave in particular.

There are some factions of the House of Princes who are apparently a little disgruntled that the Empire is also supporting the Commonwealth, but Lord-Magister Anton says that wiser heads have prevailed and that those complaining about such matters are quickly silenced. More pragmatic magician-princes point out that it won't actually be good for Jarm if they defeat the Oblivion incursion, but the Commonwealth is transformed into a demesne for the destructive eternal. Replacing the "magically inept" enemy to the south with one that embodies devastating magic is a win only in the most short-sighted sense.

It is clear that Anton is a little disappointed that the Ambassador urged the Senate not to allow Imperial soldiers to fight alongside the Jarmish against Cold Sun, but acknowledges the diplomatic risks. The Lord-Magister is nothing if not practical, and agrees that the potential for misunderstandings, accidents, or loud-but-ill-informed factions complaining about Imperial soldiers fighting alongside the Commonwealth would be inconvenient. There is also the implicit suggestion that Lord-Magister Anton values military aid significantly less than he does magical aid - and in that he is clearly not alone.

The Cold Sun cares not for policy nor polity - only death. We send the Celestial Arch to the Principalities of Jarm to foster harmony across civilisation against the Cold Sun, a common foe.

Declaration of Concord, Grandmaster Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was, on behalf of the Celestial Arch

Celestial Arch

The Celestial Arch have persuaded Jarmish Magician-Princes of the need for detente with the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth must also be brought to the negotiation table

The Celestial Arch are warmly welcomed by Jarmish magicians facing the threat of Cold Sun. The political focus of the Conclave order is a reasonable fit for the Principalities, where magicians are very much in charge. While they are clearly able, offering direct support against the scions, the primary contribution of members of the order lies in smoothing the efforts of the other orders to work with the Jarmish. They also have a secondary goal - to encourage Jarm and the Commonwealth to put aside their open aggression to cooperate on dealing with the problem they are both facing. This goal must be pursued carefully - there is a real risk that the Jarmish will dig their heels in and refuse if they feel Imperial magicians are trying to manipulate them. The politics of the Magician-Princes are complicated - an intricate web of alliances and enmities that must be navigated slowly and cautiously - but it is clear as the Spring Equinox is approaching that their efforts are bearing fruit. The House of Princes is openly discussing the possibility of proposing a ceasefire, and a joint effort to deal with Cold Sun.

Xanthippe of the Lighthouse-That-Was, Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch

The problem they immediately encounter is that, given the ongoing rivalry between the two nations, Jarm will not be the first to propose a ceasefire or even a summit to discuss such a thing. The House of Princes will not appear "weak" before the Commonwealth. Worse, if the Jarmish did make the first move their is no guarantee the Commonwealth would accept it - they're more likely to assume a trap. The ideal situation is for the two nations to present the idea of a ceasefire to discuss Cold Sun at the same time. The Celestial Arch have laid the groundwork and nurtured the seeds in Jarm - now someone needs to do the same with the Commonwealth.

While the Celestial Arch remain committed to the fight against Cold Sun in Jarm, they can help keep Jarmish attention on the matter. If they are guided elsewhere by their Grandmaster, this will make the Jarmish much less likely to propose or accept a summit. As the magicians working with them see it, the Commonwealth must make their own suggestion of a ceasefire to the Jarmish, ideally at the same time Lord-Magister Anton Trescher makes his own approach on behalf of the House of Princes. This might be achieved through careful diplomacy by the Ambassadors involved, but there is also the possibility that an eternal such as Prospero could be prevailed on to use their influence in the Commonwealth to encourage such a thing.

Provided this can be achieved, Jarm and the Commonwealth will come to the negotiation table. The Empire is unlikely to be invited to attend - the Jarmish see them (correctly perhaps) as allies of the Commonwealth and insufficiently neutral. The outcome would depend entirely on the two nations choosing to be constructive - something that would be made a lot more likely incidentally if their meeting took places under the auspices of an eternal such as Prospero who encourages cooperation or Lashonar who encourages communication - but that would be significantly harder to arrange.

The cause of Lantir's fall must be brought to light. The Cold Sun is a threat to all living things, it does not care about nations or allegiances. The Shuttered Lanterns asks Conclave to send their order to Jarm to uncover the truth.

Declaration of Concord, Grandmaster Tyburn on behalf of the Shuttered Lantern

Shuttered Lantern

The Shuttered Lantern have gathered information in Jarm

The Jarmish are well aware of the reputation of the Shuttered Lantern, but have no way of identifying which of the magicians visiting their nation belong to it. A few arrive openly, enough to draw the attention of their Jarmish peers from their colleagues. It is perhaps a measure of their respect for the order that those members are carefully monitored, albeit with a surfeit of civility. Their help is appreciated - they just find that there is always a friendly and inquisitive Jarmish magician eager to answer their questions and serve as a guide.

Tyburn Natkysset (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern

The rest of the Shuttered Lantern, are able to take advantage of the cover their colleagues provide to avoid scrutiny. During the fight against Cold Sun there are opportunities to slip away and engage in investigations on the battlefield, and in the Jarmish settlements near the front line. A few magicians even manage to subvert their "guards" and pump them for information. Over the course of several weeks, the adept information gatherers of the Shuttered Lantern begin to put together a picture of the incursion in Lantir, and the events of the days leading up to it, with the Jarmish largely none-the-wiser to the full extent of their operation.

A summary of these findings will be presented to the Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern at the Spring Equinox. For the moment, members of the Order remain engaged in Jarm and will continue to support the fight against Cold Sun until they are directed elsewhere by the Conclave, or until the eternal's forces are driven out of the mortal realm. This costs no additional mana, and puts them in a position to potentially be able to enact a stratagem if the Grandmaster uses another guide the orders declaration to instruct them how to proceed.

The Sevenfold Path of the Imperial Conclave shall travel to Jarm to combat the forces of Oblivion. We shall bear with us the legacy of the paragons and exemplars who have come before us and demonstrate to the magicians of Jarm the mettle of our souls, forged in virtue. As we display our virtue, let us also uplift the pride of the Jarmish people.

Declaration of Concord, Albrecht von Holberg on behalf of the Sevenfold Path

Sevenfold Path

The Sevenfold Path has made contact with the Jarmish Convocation of Virtue
There is an opportunity to cement ties with the Convocation in Jarm

The Sevenfold Path cannot help but be seen as representatives of the Imperial Synod. Fortunately, to many of the Jarmish, the fact they are magicians first and foremost helps to reduce scepticism and suspicion of their motives. The carefully chosen words of Albrecht von Holberg helps to reduce friction further. Rather than proselytising, the magicians of the Sevenfold Path demonstrate their faith by fighting hard, doing their best to appear as inspirations.

It's after one of the engagements with the scions that a trio of Jarmish magicians approach members of the Sevenfold Path and engage them in philosophical discussion about the virtues, the Doctrines of the Faith, and the Imperial Synod. Only one of them speaks Imperial, but the others are making use of Autumn magic to give them the ability to speak with and understand their guests. It's also pretty obvious from the start that they know a lot more about the topics they have raised than most Jarmish, even if their understanding of the Synod is two hundred years or so out of date.

Eventually they come clean - they are members of something they call the Convocation of Virtue. The Convocation is a loose, informal fellowship of scholars dedicated to the seven virtues. Some of them trace their roots back to the early days of the Empire, to Highborn wayfarers and Urizeni illuminates who visited Jarm. Others have more recent origins - Sumaah missionaries from fifty years ago, a three-generations-old contact with Sarcophan pilgrims, personal conversations while visiting Crown's Quay or Sarvos on mercantile matters. They came to the Way in disparate ways, and members regularly disagree with each other, but they are drawn together by a fundamental belief in the power of the virtues, and the exaltation of the human spirit.

Elagabala , Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path

Faith in Jarm is seen as a personal matter, and organised religion is comparatively rare. There are however small congregations scattered across the Principalities who meet to discuss what it means to embody the virtues, and the nature of reincarnation and the Labyrinth. They are not merely scholars however; many among them do their best to live their lives by the tenets of the Seven, especially Pride and Ambition. This approach has led to some achieving a small measure of success in Jarmish politics. From the discussion it becomes clear that this Convocation of the Seven is very much a "home-grown" version of the Way, but for the most part they are in agreement with the six "original" doctrines - Human Destiny, Reincarnation, the Seven, Paragons, Creator, and Labyrinth. There has been a lot of discussion of the new doctrine of Enlightenment, but while most of the Convocation have adopted it in place of the Doctrine of Human Destiny, others argue that it is not relevant to them because there are no orcs among their number. They're fascinated to hear the opinions of the Sevenfold Path priests on the matter.

At the end of the discussion, there is some cautious talk of what the Sevenfold Path could do to support or aid them. The trio are fairly up front about the problem - they are Jarmish, not Imperial. They don't recognise the "authority" of the Imperial Synod - or the Sumaah Synod for that matter. They aren't interested in becoming spies or traitors to their people. They may not always approve of the way their nation is run - a higher-than-average proportion of the Convocation are abolitionists but it is by no means universal - but they are Proud to be citizens of the Principalities. They don't actively proselytise, preferring instead to recruit through good example and engaging curious folk forthrightly and honestly in debate and discussion. Any suggestion that they are "working for the Empire" will see many magician-princes take steps to shut down their meeting houses or even imprison their members. Freedom of religion is ingrained in Jarm, but only to the point where it does not cross over into politics. There are a few references to the failure of the Limitu Principality House of the Way, and the problems it caused for them in its wake.

What they need right now, more than anything else, is liao. There is no reliable alternative to the substance in Jarm. Attempts to cultivate vinum have met with limited success, and while tiny amounts are processed the procedure is expensive and time consuming. Previously they quietly bought liao from the Empire and Sumaah - from those congregations that sold their allocation on the open market - but the recent trade war between the two nations has made this impossible.

If the Sevenfold Path wishes to support the Convocation of the Seven, they could do so by providing their members with a significant amount of liao, and by continuing to offer their good example in Jarm against Cold Sun. A dramatic gift of liao will provide major support to the priests of this informal network, and their congregations. Some of it will be used to create virtuous auras to help in the fight against Cold Sun but their impact will be relatively minor. What they will do though is help the Convocation to consecrate their meeting houses, dedicate more priests, and spread the inspirational touch of the Way to their fellow pilgrims.

The Grandmaster would need to guide the order to continue to fight in Jarm (with the usual costs). They would need to instruct their members to seek out the Convocation of Virtue and gift them with the liao they need to perform ceremonies. The liao would need to be provided to the Herald of the Conclave after the Conclave session where the declaration guiding the aura was approved by the Conclave. At least 100 doses would be required to have a measurable effect. The outcome would be an opportunity for members of the Sevenfold Path to secure contact with the Convocation of Virtue, allowing them to offer further guidance and help promote the Way in Jarm.

The General Assembly

The civil service are quick to manage expectation. Religious freedom in Jarm means that faith is generally kept separate from politics. The Convocation are in no position to cause rebel uprisings, or dismantle the traditions of slavery, even if they were united in the belief these were goals they wanted to achieve. As with every interaction on this matter, they believe that change in Jarm can only come from within - but if these people are sincere about their beliefs then a grass roots organisation guided by virtue and the doctrines of the Way cannot help but make these changes a little more likely.

OOC Note: The opportunity to guide the order in this way is only available at the Spring Equinox, after which the Convocation of Virtue members who have made contact with the Sevenfold Path will have turned to different areas in their fight against Cold Sun. If it is taken up, it will result in a wind of fortune at the Summer Solstice similar to those created around the various factions in Asavea, detailing more about the Convocation of Virtue and presenting at least one opportunity to further cement ties with them.

What Happens Next?

The Nation of Lantir is no more
The Scions of Cold Sun have not been contained
Armies of scions are pressing into Jarm, the Commonwealth, and the independent nations bordering Lantir

The tiny nation of Lantir, where this incursion of Cold Sun began, is no more. Its capital city is broken ruins, glowing with a baleful blue light that never dims. During the day it is hard to see but at night, its sickly radiance is visible for many miles. As the scions strike outwards, into the neighbouring nations, that malignant glow begins to take hold in other places.

The Commonwealth and Jarm both fight to contain Cold Sun, but even with the assistance offered by the Empire their disparate efforts are not enough. Step by step, the scions push the forces trying to contain them back. They claim the entirety of what was once Lantir, and they now press outwards in all directions. The front line is now simply too large to be easily policed, with scions pressing into southern principalities of Jarm and northern provinces of the Commonwealth. Their attention is not solely on the two great powers - they also launch assaults into the independent countries lying to the east and west of Lantir. These borderlands served as a buffer zone between the two great powers, and the attacks of the scions add whole new levels of political complexity to the situation in the far east. Arguments erupt over moving troops from Jarm or the Commonwealth into these neutral areas; soldiers do their best to follow their orders but there are several diplomatic incidents.

As the scions influence increases, the practicalities of fighting Cold Sun overwhelm diplomatic wrangling (and the presence of the Celestial Arch exerting subtle influence on their peers in Jarm helps speed this process along). Troops begin to move to protect the borderlands, but there is no trust between Jarm and the Commonwealth and on at least one tragic occasion observed by the Rod and Shield, their efforts are at odds with one another resulting in the loss of an entire riverport full of desperate refugees. Behind the raiding groups of scions come the armies. They move with purpose, but slowly, looking to overwhelm an entire region before moving on. They target places of culture and pride, but also regio and sources of mithril and ilium. Where they seize a regio aligned with the Day realm, they begin to construct gateways. Fortunately, the experience of the Empire comes in useful here and the local soldiers know to target these sites in preference to any others. So far, the scion raiders have been prevented from establishing a second incursion point meaning all the armies of Cold Sun originate from the capital of Lantir.

As the Spring Equinox dawns, though, the effort to contain Cold Sun has clearly failed. The armies of the scions are spreading, and any hope of preventing a full-scale invasion of the forces of Oblivion has gone. Hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk, and the danger is growing daily.

Silver Chalice

The Silver Chalice offers aid to all those suffering as a result of the Cold Sun in Lantir with a focus on reducing loss of life to save lives.

Declaration of Concord, Grandmaster Fausta Ankarien, on behalf of the Silver Chalice

The situation would have been even more dire if not for the efforts of the Silver Chalice. The magicians of this order are healers, and their experience dealing with the destructive curses the scions unleash is currently unparalleled anywhere in the world. They have committed their aid not to one side or the other - not to the Commonwealth or Jarm - but to the people of Lantir. At great personal risk they delve into the ruins left behind by Cold Sun to rescue and heal as many folk as possible. Many hundreds of lives are saved directly, and the treatments they use to deal with the curses of Cold Sun quickly spread through healing magicians and mundane doctors alike throughout the region. Even if they cease helping, the loss of life in engagements with Cold Sun will be less than it could have been, especially among those common folk who seek to flee rather than fight.

Fausta Ankarien, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice

Remaining clear of politics, focusing on the victims of the Cold Sun directly, has won little actual favour with either the House of Princes or the Commonwealth. It is not that their aid is not appreciated, simply that its altruistic nature does not lead to rewards or recognition. Among the battered populace of Lantir, most of them now in exile, however they are seen as angels of mercy, ministering to wounds both physical and mental. As the war against Cold Sun spreads, as the incursion expands, their aid is called on more and more by soldiers from both great nations, to offer succour to the suffering and to share their knowledge with rooms full of exhausted healers. Perhaps, in the long run, their efforts will prove more durable and more important than those of any other Imperial order. Once Cold Sun is vanquished, hundreds of people who might otherwise have died will remain to live out their lives and who knows what their presence will mean?

Ill-fated boats

Some strange misfortune seems to have befallen a portion of the Silver Chalice who travelled to Lantir to provide aid this past season.
A small number of the Order who are particularly under the weather are travelling to Anvil to seek treatment.
They wish to meet members of the Order at the Tree of Names at 1730 on the Saturday on the Spring Equinox.

Some members of the Silver Chalice returning from Lantir seem to be suffering a similar collection of symptoms. What began as a few cases of physical discomfort, have developed into a strange curse unfamiliar to the Order. It is difficult to separate rumour from fact, as suddenly every stubbed toe and bout of seasickness among the travelling mages has been met with suspicion and fear. And gossip about symptoms has spiralled out of control, including reports of vomiting ingots and weeping mana. Certainly, a number of those afflicted are quick to point fingers at the magicians of Jarm. Perhaps Imperial aid has ruffled the feathers of a Prince?

What is known, is that some sickness, malady or indeed arcane curse does seem to afflict some of those who took the journey to Lantir.

A handful of the Order are suffering particularly badly. Their journey home has been slowed down by their condition, and they hope to stop at Anvil for treatment before returning home. They wish to meet with members of the Order who might be able to help them, and expect to arrive at the Tree of Names in the Wintermark camp at 1730 on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox.

There is a very tight window for any member of the Silver Chalice who undertook the journey to Lantir in downtime to opt into being one of those cursed. If you wish to do this, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk - the email must reach us before midnight on Monday 8th June.

Imperial Options

Freeborn artist Doratea i Jovita i Riqueza's painting of the servants of Cold Sun attempts to capture their utterly implacable, inhuman nature.

There is no realistic way for the Empire to directly affect the war against Cold Sun now that the scions have broken containment
An appraisal might determine ways to assist one side or the other, but would be time consuming

Fight Cold Sun

Motion Type: Appraisal

Availability: Until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE

Limitation:

The chosen Prognosticator will be unavailable for at least six months

Effect:

Examines the possibility of Imperial assistance in the war against Cold Sun in the east
The motion would need to select a single topic from the list below
The chosen appraiser would be unavailable for at least six months

Possible Appraisal Topics:

Identify ways to help the Commonwealth fight Cold Sun
Identify ways to help Jarm fight Cold Sun
Identify ways for the Silver Chalice to help the people of the borderlands survive Cold Sun

Right now, the orders dispatched to help against Cold Sun are still focused on doing so. Members will continue to help battle Cold Sun until the eternal's marshalled forces are defeated or their Grandmaster indicates they are needed elsewhere by guiding the order. In some cases outlined above, there are opportunities to continue to develop their goals in the nations they are helping.

It is now too late to try containing Cold Sun. Imperial aid, as a result, is significantly less valuable than it was at the early stage of the invasion. Even sending mercenaries to fight with one side or the other will make little impact on the situation. It falls now to the Jarmish and Commonwealth armies to systematically deal with the armies of scions before they can overwhelm the borderlands.

The single biggest obstacle to the defeat of Cold Sun seems to be the Commonwealth and Jarm themselves. Their refusal to seriously discuss a ceasefire - the Pride that prevents them from wishing to appear "weak" to their rivals - prevents anything like a coordinated response. Together Jarm and the Commonwealth could overwhelm Cold Sun. Separately, they can only mitigate the damage - and then only be sacrificing the folk of the borderlands between them. If the Empire is to have any further role to play in the fight against Cold Sun, it will likely need to be diplomatic in nature.

There is one other possibility; both the Commonwealth and Jarm have accepted the Empire's aid, and show no signs of wanting to refuse anything else they might offer. The civil service believe it would be possible to find other ways to assist either or both nations through the auspices of the Prognosticator's Office. The Senate could commission an appraisal of ways to help one or the other of the foreign nations; the chosen prognosticator would work with their counterparts in the other nation and try to find ways the Empire could continue to help.

A single appraisal could not examine ways to support both sides - and as usual support to either one will cause diplomatic problems with the other. The only way to use the power of appraisal to help both sides would be to order two appraisals and send two prognosticators. The exception would be if the Empire were to focus its efforts on helping the people of the borderlands - the folk who are neither part of the Commonwealth or Jarm - and finding ways for them to survive the onslaught of the scions. This would provide little benefit to either side - but it would build on the work the Silver Chalice have done to further reduce the loss of life and leave the borderlands nations in a much better state than they will be if their powerful neighbours continue squabbling.

Commonwealth Further Reading

About the Commonwealth

Winds of Fortune

The price is great - 387YE Winter wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
My passions from a common spring - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the Lantir war
Beat of your drum - 387YE Summer wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
Germinating a city - 387YE Spring wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
According to principle - 386YE Winter wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
Beneath mithril spires - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
For the Common Good - 386YE Summer wind of fortune concerning diplomacy

Titles Associated with the Commonwealth

Patron of the Beurteilung - This Imperial title can instruct Commonwealth scholars to carry out an appraisal

Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Commonwealth.

Jarm Further Reading