If we never meet again

Latest revision as of 17:12, 6 September 2026

It could be a study anywhere in the world. The furniture is worn but has clearly been well cared for. Repaired, patched, repurposed rather than simply replaced. Something is a little off, though. All the books have been tidied away onto the appropriate shelf. Her desk is nearly clear of paper, only one slim pile weighted down with a misshapen lump of pig iron. The weapon racks are empty, and there is no sign of the oils and cloths and stones that could be used to maintain them. There are faded marks on the walls where pictures or parchments once hung, now folded away out of sight. The windows are open, letting the chill of a late summer night creep into the room. The scents of the city, of the bay, mingle with the almost overwhelming smell of polish.

A steel-haired woman stands by the desk. She wears her dress uniform – drab wool and leather, bright ribbons, polished medals. The hat is on the desktop, next to the papers. She is no fonder of that hat than she was when she first put it on her head, back before her tight curls turned to winter hues. She rests a hand on the back of her chair, and for a moment there is the hint of a sad smile as memories well up at the touch of that cracked leather.

"It's been a long time," she says quietly to nobody in particular.

Almost on cue, there is a knock at the door. Militärattache Ludkhannah raises her voice, bids whoever is outside to enter. She knows who is outside.

His uniform is the match for hers, ribbons and medals as well. He wears his hat proudly, cocked at a slight angle. One coat sleeve is pinned neatly against his breast. Anyone who knows how to read such things can tell exactly how and where Kapitän Otto sacrificed that arm, and how many lives he saved doing it. In contrast to the fine uniform and the honours he wears, the stick he leans on just enough to let him enter the office is simple weirwood, topped with mithril. It leaves slight indentations in the carpet as he crosses to stand before the desk.

They salute one another with the not-quite-informal nods of two officers of equal rank.

"I am sorry it has come to this," says Otto. He sounds sincere. "I understand you've agreed to stay on?"

She nods. "Until Obvlivion is dealt with at least. Or until you get tired of me judging your every decision and tell me to go home."

He doesn't laugh or smile, turns the words over carefully before replying.

"I am pleased you are not leaving immediately. Nobody knows the Empire like you do, and we will be glad of your insight. I want you to know that I will not expect you to be quiet if you think I am making a mistake. There can be no false courtesy between soldiers."

Again, he seems sincere. She has no reason to doubt him. But she still scoffs slightly.

"If I knew them as well as I thought I did, we would not be in this situation." She speaks with more bitterness than she meant to. He turns his full attention on her then - one eye bright and insightful, the other the dull yellow of ambergelt and tempest jade. He doesn't say anything but there is compassion on his face. Understanding. In some ways its worse than the recrimination she feels she deserves.

"I'll leave you to get acquainted with the place," she says. "I will come see you tomorrow and we can talk about the Giersan clusterfuck."

He jerks his head once in acknowledgement. There are no more words. She picks up the hated hat, and motions to jam it onto her head but at the last moment changes her mind. Does it matter if she wears it any more? Who is she meant to be serving as a good example to now? Who is going to quote the regulations of deportment to her today?

Ludkhannah Schöningen leaves the office, standing straight, head high. She does not look back. Militärattache Otto Fuchsbach has the grace to wait until his door closes behind her before he lowers himself into his high-backed leather chair, grunting a little in pain as he does so. He sits quietly for a moment, looking at the walls, and the bookcases, and the empty weapon rack.

Then, with quiet satisfaction, he reaches for the first of the papers piled neatly on his ancient desk.

Taken just as a moment, without the context of the hours to either side, who can truly claim to tell a sunrise from a sunset?

Overview

The Commonwealth and Jarm have signed a ceasefire until Cold Sun has been dealt with
Cold Sun has destroyed Lantir and threatens both the great powers and the smaller border nations

The Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm had been at open war for some time fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by Cold Sun, a major incursion began that saw armies of scions pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city.

Attempts to contain the incursion failed, despite the aid of Imperial soldiers and magicians. Last season the City of Bridges attempted to secure detente between the two nations, in a move sponsored by the Archmage of Autumn. The planned meeting quickly devolved into anger and recriminations in large part due to revelations from the Empire that the Jarmish felt strongly hinted at the Commonwealth having instigated the disaster.

Now, though, a ceasefire has been secured and while the two nations are not cooperating they are at least not working at cross-purposes in their efforts to deal with the incursion. Unfortunately, this temporary peace has been imposed, rather than reached as the result of diplomacy between the two nations, and may have come at a high price for the Empire in particular.

Principalities of Jarm

Jarm

Status: Foreigner
Ports: Kavor, Vezak, and Rigia (all closed)
Ambassador: Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll of Highguard
Counterpart: Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook

The Empire remains at peace with the Principalities of Jarm, but trade with that nation is embargoed
Jarm has turned its full attention on dealing with the Lantir breach
The Imperial ambassador to the Principalities is Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll, of Highguard

The magocracy of the Principalities of Jarm are not traditionally friends to the Empire. Ruled by the House of Princes, relations have been rocky for years and eventually lead to the closing of ports and a declaration of war. For a time, they supported the Grendel with their magic, but the Rod and Shield provided the Prospero with a favour in return for the eternal using their influence to persuade the House of Princes to pull back from conflict with the Empire. While they are no longer at open war, the Empire remains allied with their rivals in the Commonwealth via the Liberty Pact, and have reportedly made several attempts to interfere in Jarmish interests. Diplomatic relations have remained somewhat chilly as a consequence, with communications tending to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

For the last several months, however, some of the Conclave orders have been actively offering their assistance to the Principalities in their fight against Cold Sun. This aid has been greatly appreciated, and seems to have gone some way towards thawing the Jarmish attitude to the Empire. Coupled with the intelligence that revealed the role of the Commonwealth as the instigators of the Cold Sun incursion, relations with the eastern nations have rarely been more cordial in recent years.

Cold Sun

Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll, Ambassador to Jarm

The facts around the Lantir incursion have been spread far and wide by the Principalities of Jarm
The Commonwealth has been forced to accede to Jarmish demands for a ceasefire so they can focus their efforts on Cold Sun
There is no sign of cooperation between the two nations

The Imperial ambassador has confirmed that the Cold Sun was unleahed in Lantir by Commonwealth citizens. The Jarmish have lost no time both confirming the facts, and making them public knowledge across the Sea of Steel and beyond. According to their report of Ambassador Thaumiel's words. "The Cold Sun was conjured by a coven from the University of Volkevaar led by the late Professor Eva Giersan." The House of Princes has utterly condemned the Commonwealth, and now demand an immediate ceasefire so that they can "clean up the mess Commonwealth foolishness has created."

The Commonwealth have had no choice but to accept the ceasefire, which fixes the borders between the two nations until the threat of the scions is dealt with. Jarm has wasted no time offering its protection to neighbouring states that previously have striven to remain neutral in the fighting between their neighbours. Faced with potential annihilation at the hands of the scions of Oblivion, some have felt they have had no choice but to accept Jarmish aid. The civil service believe that the balance of power in the east has shifted in the direction of the Principalities; unless something dramatic changes they will have made major inroads into the border territories by the time Cold Sun is dealt with.

Aid Against Oblivion

The House of Princes invites Imperial mercenaries to help fight against Cold Sun in Jarm
They are especially keen to employ soldiers from the League, Dawn, and Urizen
The Jarm against Oblivion campaigning venture will be available after the Autumn equinox to Imperial military units

With a ceasefire in place, and following several months of support from Conclave orders, the House of Princes extends an offer to the Empire's mercenaries. Given that some of them no doubt have experience fighting Cold Sun, their experiences would prove valuable to the Principalities in their efforts to deal with the incursion of the scions.

Following the Autumn Equinox, any military unit commander can commit to support the Jarm Against Oblivion campaigning venture. This venture involves travelling to the Principalities of Jarm and fighting the scions of Cold Sun alongside Jarmish soldiers in a concerted effort to destroy the supernatural armies. A standard military unit that takes this venture will be well compensated - the Jarmish will pay four crystal mana and a golden apple. Warbands that are upgraded or enchanted will receive commensurately more reward. They are particularly keen to employ professionals from the League, and warrior-wizards from Dawn and Urizen. A military unit belonging to one of these three nations receives a +1 bonus to their effective rank if they take this venture.

If at least 10,000 effective strength of military units is sent to Jarm this season, it will secure additional success for the armies fighting there. It won't end the war with Cold Sun outright, but it will help the Jarmish achieve a strategic win against the incursion into their lands.

There is no legal impediment to Imperial mercenaries serving in Jarm; mercenaries will be fighting the heralds of an eternal under the enmity of the Conclave rather than Commonwealth citizens. While trade from eastern merchants is embargoed there is no restriction on selling goods or services to the Jarmish beyond that placed by the House of Princes. Given that they are the ones originating the offer, its clear they don't see this as a problem.

Zemelslo

Imperial captains can no longer trade with the port of Radosmo in Zemelslo

During the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Consul Slawomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh announced an embargo on trade with the "independent" nation of Zemelslo. It is no longer legal for Imperial captains to trade with the Jarmish satellite state, or to visit the port of Radosmo. For the time being at least, the only access to Jarmish goods flows through the Jakhalsmarkt in the Sarcophan Delves, although continued access to that destination is apparently not to be taken for granted either.

Prince Mila, the ruler of the Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, was one of the main diplomats behind the move to encourage the port to open its quayside to Imperial traders, is said to be "very disappointed" by the move. Rather than give up entirely, however, they have announced a continuing commitment to helping Imperial citizens see the value of trade with the Principalities, for some reason calling out the wisdom of Ibiss Briarheart and the Urizeni in particular in this regard. Inspired by communication shared with him by Lord-Magister Trescher, Prince Mila has arranged for Imperial magicians to acquire unique trade goods from Jarm via the City of Gold and Lead - through the use of Ephisis' Scale at the Autumn Equinox.

A Celestial Arch

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

The Celestial Arch remain engaged in the Principalities of Jarm
The Grandmaster has the opportunity to seek out allies among the Magician-Princes

Two Conclave orders still remain active in Jarm; the Celestial Arch and the Sevenfold Path. While offering assistance against Cold Sun, both orders are also involved in pursuits that directly relate to the manifesto of their order. The Celestial Arch have been providing support behind the scenes to those Magician-Princes who see the value of an end to hostilities between the Principalities and the Commonwealth, at least until the incursion is dealt with. There are still loud voices in the House of Princes arguing that the treachery by the Commonwealth should be met with a renewal of hostilities across the board. Fortunately more moderate voices have prevailed. While they can't claim sole responsibility for the outcome, there's no doubt that Imperial magicians of the order have contributed toward making that ceasefire a reality.

As well as increasing the likelihood that the incursion can be contained before more catastrophic loss of life, the ceasefire between Jarm and the Commonwealth provides an opportunity to the Celestial Arch magicians still present in the east. They have established themselves as a relatively trustworthy group, awake to the often complex politics of the magocracy. While Imperial and Jarmish magicians certainly do not see eye-to-eye on all matters - religion, slavery, and the treatment of non-magicians being the most obvious points of conflict - the Celestial Arch have broadly cemented themselves as people the Jarmish can do business with.

During the Autumn Equinox the grandmaster may guide their order, urging its members to seek out contacts and potential allies among the Magician-Princes. This will have the usual costs - twenty crystal mana from the font.

As part of the declaration of Concord, the grandmaster must identify a single quality that the Order should prioritise. It will be taken as read that "willing to work with Imperial magicians" is a requirement; beyond that it might be any straightforward concept. Examples might include Princes interested in the abolition of slavery; those with an interest in a specific realm of magic; Princes with an interest in reopening free trade with the Empire; principalities with unique goods to sell; those with connections to a specific eternal; or Princes with an interest in increasing their house's stock of ritual texts. The one criteria that is not likely to produce a useful outcome would be looking for Magician-Princes with an interest in the Way; the Sevenfold Path are already dealing with the most Empire-friendly group of individuals with that quality.

If the Grandmaster does guide the order in this way, it will provide information about individuals or factions in Jarm that fit the criteria and at least one opportunity during the Winter Solstice to create a relationship with that group. Provided the situation does not change, and the Celestial Arch remain committed in Jarm, there is no reason the Grandmaster might not be able to guide the order again during the Winter Solstice to seek out another faction.

Participation : Celestial Arch

Any character who is a member of the Celestial Arch is free to roleplay that they had a part in working out the ceasefire that now exists between Jarm and the Commonwealth. They might have argued with magicians about the need for cooperation, shared horror stories of what Cold Sun did in the Empire, answered questions about the information provided by the Empire, or even appealed to the self-interest of undecided magicians. They can even have been present in the great viewing gallery of the House of Princes where the vote to demand the ceasefire fro the Commonwealth was taken and seen how close it was (there were barely twenty votes between success and failure).

On the Sevenfold Path

I send the Sevenfold Path to Jarm to meet once more with the Convocation of Virtue to discuss the following matter: Do you use magic to further your understanding of and connection to virtue? If so, what and how? If not, why not?

Grandmaster Elagabala, on behalf of the Sevenfold Path

The Sevenfold Path continue to cooperate with the Convocation of Virtue
A pilgrimage house has been constructed in the League city of Apulian and welcomed Jarmish pilgrims
The Sevenfold Path has received a gift of Jarmish star jewels to their vault
Imperial magicians have learned a little more about the Convocation - their attitudes to magic
There is an opportunity to continue to deepen ties with the Convication
If the Sevenfold Path remain engaged in Jarm until the start of the Spring Equinox it will cement a formal avenue of communication

Earlier in the year, the Sevenfold Path magicians in Jarm made contact with the Convocation of Virtue. This initial meeting lead to a major donation of liao to the Convocation, which was gratefully received. A guarded friendship between magicians of the Sevenfold Path and their counterparts in the Principalities is slowly being cultivated. Indeed during the Summer Solstice commissioned a pilgrim's house in the League city of Apulian to welcome Jarmish prepared to take the long trek to the Empire to visit the many sites of virtuous inspiration found there. Work was completed in a timely fashion, and the first Jarmish pilgrims to visit the Empire in some time have already made use of it. They brought with them a gift for the vault of the Sevenfold Path - a number of Jarmish "star jewels" - which talismans empower magicians to use their spells more frequently. This gift will continue each season as long as the Wayward House stands and welcomes travellers from the Convocation of Virtue.

Also during the Summer Solstice, Elagabala, the Grandmaster of the order, guided the Sevenfold Path to approach their new aquaintances on a specific matter - that of how they combine magic with virtue.

Elagabala , Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path

The magicians of the Convocation seem surprised by the question - they are magicians after all! Of course they use their magic in pursuit of virtue. What is it if not Ambition that drives a coven to attempt greater and greater works of magic? If Courage or Loyalty does not guide a work of magic, how can it be virtuous? What is Wisdom if not the search for, and application of, understanding? Like any other human endeavour, magic is a way to make virtue manifest. One of the topics of heated discussion among the Convocation is whether some rituals are innately more virtous, or more unvirtuous, than others depending on the effect they achieve and how it is achieved. Using magic that kindles feelings of fear or despair in others, for example, would seem to be a clear case of magic that cannot possibly be used in a virtuous way. The same for those Night magic and Autumn magic effects that specifically kindle feelings of disloyalty or flat-out anarchy. On the whole the Jarmish magicians are enthusiastic about the chance to debate with fellows from a nation where the Way is much more part of life than it is in Jarm.

When it comes to specific rituals, they confirm that some of them know rituals that empower a priest to create or remove powerful auras, or deal with dangerous malignancies more effectively. Given the dearth of liao or anything similar in Jarm, its rare for a group of priests to have enough of the precious material to perform stronger ceremonies. They have not yet cracked the secret of being able to perform ceremonies without a substance that opens one to spiritual forces, using magic alone. While most have given it up as a lost cause, the more ambitious among them are convinced it is just a matter of time despite decades of failure. Interestingly, they do not see much of a difference between a ritual such as Chamber of Pallas and a consecration - both influence the behaviour of those within their environs. It is not uncommon for the Convocation to make use of a ritual shared among its members that they call Hall of Virtue that encourages those in an area to consider spiritual matters. This ritual is especially useful to those who are too poor or lack the influence to acquire liao.

They also make some use of magic items that empower priestly skills, but bemoan the fact that they are tricky to get hold of. Outside of the Convocation itself it's unheard of for Jarmish artisans to be able to make any Icons, Vestments, or Regalia.

There is some mention of a rare Jarmish plant called miodopłynna skórka, which roughly translates as "honeyed crust" - a rainbow orchid that provides small amounts of powder that when consumed by one trained in religious ceremonies allows them to reach the right spiritual state of awareness. It is expensive, hard to cultivate, and does not travel well. The Sevenfold Path magicians who have been honoured with a chance to experience it report that it is about as effective as liao in using ceremonial skills, but much sweeter and with a tendency to give the one who uses it vivid symbolic dreams. Interestingly, it does not seem to be usable to create dedication dreams as liao is. There is no Jarmish equivalent of true liao, and as a result true auras that are not spontaneous are unknown. The Convocation further mentions a general taboo against using ilium to make their spiritual enchantments permanent.

After more general discussion on this topic, some of the Convocation mention that they would very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with some of the leaders of the Sevenfold Path, and other magicians of the Empire that share their virtuous interests. Making the journey to the west is not something many of them will countenance, but they propose that the eternal known as Mellifluent Words is known to provide a place for those of like minds to meet and talk in person. Is the Sevenfold Path capable of arranging such a thing?

With the war against Cold Sun continuing, the Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path is free to again Guide their order, to further delve into spiritual matters with the Covocation of Faith. Regardless of what question is asked, or even if a question is asked, if the Sevenfold Path remain active in Jarm until the Spring Equinox they will have cemented ties with the Convocation sufficiently that they will be in a position to open up a more formal avenue of communication - likely via Call Winged Messenger - once the order turns its attention elsewhere.

Potential for Problems

Lord-Magister Anton Trescher has suddenly started asking questions about the Sevenfold Path presence in the Principalities

While at first it seems everything is going swimmingly, around the start of Autumn agents of Lord-Magister Anton start asking some apparently innocent questions of the Sevenfold Path magicians. The questions relate as to their personal motivations for helping against Cold Sun, visiting the Principalities, and the like. The real purpose however seems to be apparently innocent queries as to whether the religious magicians have had much to do with others among the Jarmish who share their faith. The Convocation of Virtue is not mentioned directly, but some of the more insightful magicians are left with the distinct impression it is intentionally not being mentioned.

As the civil service have pointed out, reaching an accord with the Convocation of Virtue will only continue for as long as the Jarmish establishment remain ignorant. Political enemies of Imperial involvement in Jarm will seize on any suggestion that the Conclave is trying to suborn their magicians through shared faith; it will be all too easy for the Convocation to be painted as traitors planning to undermine the traditions of the Principalities.

So far everyone involved has been almost painfully discreet. There is no reason that Lord-Magister Trescher should be sending agents to ask this kind of question. About the only thing that would trigger it would be if someone with a credible claim to represent the Empire had mentioned the matter directly to him. It's unlikely to have been Ambassador Thaumiel themselves given that it just seems Trescher is suspicious rather than moving to decisively sever ties between the two groups. But likewise it can't just be something that has come from a random citizen. It's possible the civil service briefing may have some additional guidance or information.

To put it bluntly though, if these suspicions are not defused quickly it will certainly end the Sevenfold Path involvement in Jarm and likely inflict significant harm on the Convocation of Virtue and the position of its supporters. Any tentative connection between the Empire and the pilgrims of the Principalities will not survive exposure at this point.

Participation: Sevenfold Path

As with the Celestial Arch, characters who belong to the Sevenfold Path are free to roleplay that they have been involved in the negotiations with the Convocation of Faith. Activities likely include debating virtue and the Doctrines of the Faith - especially the recent changes to the Doctrine of the Seven; fighting Cold Sun together with virtuous Jarmish; and exploring questions of how magic and virtue work together and clash. More details on the Convocation and their beliefs can be found in last seasons Full circles wind of fortune.

It's also possible that your character was one of those approached by the agents of Lord-Magister Trescher, and you're free to talk about that conversation if you wish. It's clear that the agents suspect something, but are sounding out Imperials before they act on those suspicions.

Commonwealth

Commonwealth

Status: Foreigner
Ports: Leerdam and Volkavaar
Ambassador: Cyrus of Ebon's Hall of Highguard
Counterpart: Militärattache Otto Fuchsbach

The Commonwealth remains allied to the Empire via the Liberty Pact
The Commonwealth has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
The Imperial ambassador to the Commonwealth is Cyrus of Ebon's Hall of Highguard

The Commonwealth have in recent years been 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 so far their rivalry with the Empire has remained relatively amicable. Even if 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. They battled together against the slave trade, bringing down Chalonsio and the Lords of Rachensgrab together, and for the most part have dealt with one another respectfully and with an eye to the bigger picture.

Like the Principalities of Jarm, their close neighbours and eternal rivals, the Commonwealth is engaged in a battle against the scions of Cold Sun that seek to destroy everything. The absolute antithesis of the Common Good, the Commonwealth resists the forces of Oblivion with every fibre of its being. Previously, this was complicated by the ongoing state of war with Jarm, but with the new ceasefire they are free to focus their entire efforts on dealing with the supernatural threat. Not that they are exactly happy about how that state of affairs came about, nor the Empire's role in it.

Resignation

Ludkhannah Schöningen has resigned as Commonwealth Ambassador
She has been replaced by Otto Fuchsbach

Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen has been the Commonwealth representative to the Empire for a little over thirty years, but following the Summer Solstice has announced her resignation. She will stay on until the end of the year, to advise her replacement. Taking over is Militärattache Otto Fuchsbach, about whom the civil service know comparatively little beyond the fact that they are a decorated military veteran (as is typical for Commonwealth diplomats) who sustained life-changing injuries fighting the scions of Cold Sun in the first weeks of the Lantir incursion.

For the time being, all opportunities relating to the Commonwealth are on hold. Militärattache Otto Fuchsbach intends to review each such agreement and assess whether they still provide a benefit or not. They welcome any proposals from Ambassador Cyrus as to which ones are of interest to the Empire and which are not.

In one of her last actions as ambassador, Militärattache Schöningen warned that if the Empire shared their claim that the Commonwealth was responsible for the attack on Lantir with anyone else, then it would mark the end of the current friendship between the two nations. As she predicted, it has done considerable damage to the Commonwealth and let the Jarmish claim the high ground. It has undermined Commonwealth diplomacy with many smaller nations in their orbit. She said that the generals would have no choice but to view the Empire as at best untrustworthy, and at worse as a force opposed to the Common Good. Sadly for all involved, it appears that her warnings are coming true.

The Cold Sun Clusterfuck

The facts around the Lantir incursion are now widely known
They have severely damaged the diplomatic standing of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth has been forced to accede to Jarmish demands for a ceasefire so they can focus their efforts on Cold Sun
There is no sign of cooperation between the two nations

Ambassador Cyrus has confirmed that Imperial sources identified the source of the Lantir incursion as citizens of the Commonwealth. They apparently expressed regret, but it has come as cold comfort to the Commonwealth. With Jarm in possession of the same information, they have been unable to deny that it was their people who brought the devastating wave of destruction to Lantir.

While they formally deny that the Commonwealth government had any knowledge of Professor Eva Giersan and her activities, that denial tends to fall on deaf ears. In some ways, the Commonwealth are the victims of their own success. Their commitment to the Common Good has long left their critics assuming their claims of moral superiority covered a deep well of underhand activities and this "attack on Jarm" provides all the evidence they need that the Commonwealth are hypocrites - and no better than anyone else in practice.

The Commonwealth has had no choice but to accede to the Jarmish demand for a ceasefire. There is no talk of cooperation - the two sides will both deal with the incursion on their own territories. There is still negotiation as to how the smaller independent nations that lie between the two great powers will be handled.

Against The End of All

The Commonwealth offers mercenary opportunities to Imperial soldiers
They are particularly interested in soldiers from the League and Highguard
The Commonwealth against Cold Sun campaigning venture will be available after the Autumn equinox to Imperial military units

In previous seasons, the Commonwealth has carefully not solicited Imperial military aid in fighting in the east. In part, former diplomat Ludkhannah Schöningen did so out of recognition that the Empire was embroiled in their own fight against their enemies, and would not draw away Imperial soldiers without the express approval of the Senate. It appears that her replacement has no such qualms. An invitation has been presented to the Empire's warriors to join the battle against Cold Sun in the Commonwealth if they wish to accept it.

Following the Autumn Equinox, any military unit commander can commit to support the Commonwealth Against Cold Sun campaigning venture. This venture involves travelling to the Commonwealth and fighting the scions of Cold Sun alongside the armies of that nation. A standard military unit that takes this venture will be well compensated - the Commonwealth will provide three doses of Soldier's Booze, a War Amulet, and 36 rings. A military unit that is enchanted or upgraded will receive more rewards. In particular the Commonwealth are interested in securing professionals from the League and disciplined soldiers from Highguard, and anyone of that nation who answers the call will receive a +1 rank bonus to the rewards they receive.

If at least 10,000 effective strength of military units is sent to the Commonwealth this season, it will secure additional success for the armies fighting there. It won't end the war with Cold Sun outright, but it will help the Commonwealth achieve a strategic win against the incursion into their lands.

As with fighting in Jarm, there is no legal impediment to Imperial mercenaries serving in the Commonwealth. They will be fighting the heralds of an eternal under the enmity of the Conclave rather than Jarmish citizens. The civil service does note that this willingness to deal directly with Imperial soldiers rather than go through the Senate to do so may mark a change in the Commonwealth's attitude to their friends in the Empire.

Exiled Orders

The Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid have been thanked for their aid and asked to leave the Commonwealth
This ends several opportunities both ongoing and for the future

The Rod and Shield and the Golden Pyramid have been thanked for their efforts to support the Commonwealth fight against Cold Sun, but they will no longer be required. Their help has been valuable, but with the immediate threat of a battle on two fronts ended by the ceasefure, the Commonwealth can take matters from here. Individual magicians are of course welcome to stay, especially if they are prepared to take mercenary contracts but there is no more need for magical advisors from the Conclave.

This unfortunately puts and end to opportunities to gain hero stones or acquire a schema from the smiths of Murolosch. One final casket of hero stones is gifted to the vault of the Rod and Shield. The Golden Pyramid are welcome to stay in Mursloch a little longer if they wish but there is no further talk of acquiring schema.

Highguard Discipline

The Commonwealth appear to still value the support of Highguard
The Highborn have a chance to cement this fraying relationship

As Fuchsbach has intimated, opportunities related to Imperial and Commonwealth cooperation have been put on hold. This includes those identified through the Beurteilung in Spring. The chance to build a Hexenjäger Academy is on hold. There is still a narrow window to begin the commission if Highguard wishes, but only if the Commonwealth lifts their moratorium before the Winter Solstice. There is also no further suggestion of the kind of cooperation proposed by Professor Gelberg - of Highborn armies being invited to study in the Commonwealth.

Yet it is not all bad news. While the Commonwealth has politely asked the Rod and Shield and the Golden Pyramid to leave, there have been no moves to end their association with Highguard - not at this time at least. For now the General of the Granite Pillar continues to receive five bottles of Soldatentrunk each season; a gift of recognition between fighting folk that suggests a respect that endures the vagaries of politics (even, it seems, politics ultimately driven by the Commonwealth generals).

This last suggests a possibility. A well-worded statement of principle in the Highborn Assembly that receives a greater majority might present a chance to salvage Highborn relations with the Commonwealth at least. To be effective, it would likely need to denounce the decision to provide the Jarmish with information about the Lantir incursion as unvirtuous. Obviously, this would be a contentious decision for the Highborn assembly to make, but the legacy of Professor Gelberg and the Granite Pillar at least leaves a small chance that something may be reclaimed from what looks a lot like a disastrous collapse of Imperial-Commonwealth friendship.

Trade Matters

Imperial fleets are no longer welcome in Murolosch
The -1 penalty to fleets visiting Volkavaar and Leerdam caused by Imperial trade with Radomoso has been removed
There is now a -2 penalty to fleets visiting Volkavaar and Leerdam caused by Commonwealth anger

Imperial fleets are no longer welcome on the docks of Murolosch, the city of smiths, although they can continue to trade with Volkavaar and Leerdam. While the Empire has ended its trade with Radosmo, it has done so at the same time the Ambassador was informing the Jarmish that the Commonwealth was responsible for the incursion of Cold Sun. A bitter combination of shame and anger means that Commonwealth merchants remain leery of visiting captains on Imperial vessels. The -1 penalty to the production of fleets visiting Volkavaar and Leerdam caused by Imperial trade with Jarm has been removed; it has been replaced ith a -2 penalty to production caused by Commonwealth unhappiness at what some see as a betrayal of the friendship between the two nations.

A Tragic Loss

Professor Gelberg remains a prisoner of the Grendel
The Commonwealth are grateful for the attempts by Imperial citizens to rescue the respected academic
The ambassador has been asked to help Gelberg's friends discover what debts were incurred during the failed rescue attempt

Last season, a band of Grendel assassins snuck into the Empire to murder Professor Gelberg. It's not clear why, or how they even knew who he was. There was an opportunity for Imperial heroes to rescue the professor, but for once the magic of the Sentinel Gate worked against them and they ran head-first into a trap. As a result, it was impossible for them to rescue the professor and the party were only able to retreat without loss through the skilled negotiations of those leading the expedition.

The original prognostication was that failure would see Gelberg murdered by the Grendel, but the opposite appears to have happened. Imperial interest in rescuing Gelberg seems to have made the Grendel aware of how valuable the Professor could be. It appears they were given the impression that he was no-one of significance and that disposing of him would be a matter of little consequence. The fact that ten Imperial heroes were prepared to risk their lives trying to get him back has exposed the truth - proving Gelberg's claims that he was worth more to the Grendel alive than dead.

The Commonwealth thank the Empire for their timely intervention that saved the life of this valuable and highly respected academic. They're aware that the Empire shed blood to stop the assassins and of the losses they incurred in doing so. While overall relations with the Commonwealth may have turned sour, Gelberg's friends (and he has many) are still deeply grateful and have asked the Ambassador if they could find out what it cost the Empire to save Gelberg's life in this rather unorthodox way. Of course they can't do anything for those who died, although they would like the names of those who passed trying to save the Professor, but they would like to try and pay people back if they can.

Sadly Professor Gelberg is still a prisoner of the Grendel, but better that than dead. There is always a chance to ransom him back, but knowing the Grendel that will be expensive. In the meantime, the prognosticators remain alert to any new chance to rescue him in the future.

Jarm Further Reading

Winds of Fortune

War games - 388YE Summer wind of fortune about diplomacy with Jarm
Full circles - 388YE Summer wind of fortune about the Convocation of Virtue
Weaving tangled nets - 388YE Spring wind of fortune about diplomacy with Jarm
When peace was far away - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about diplomacy with Jarm
Cold war - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about the incursion of Cold Sun into Jarm
My passions from a common spring - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the Lantir war
Strangers when we meet - 387YE Summer Wind of Fortune in which Lord-Magister Anton speaks candidly
Authority and acceptance - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune relating some Jarm diplomatic matters
Thrones and principalities - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune discussing Jarmish diplomatic matters

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Commonwealth Further Reading

About the Commonwealth