Apparently with no surprise
Overview
It is not just the great and the good of the Empire who come to Anvil each equinox and solstice. The tent-city that springs up around the the Forge attracts visitors from all over the known world, and beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of wealth, some by the need to find the wisest and the bravest to help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, and others come to celebrate and forge new relationships with those drawn to the heart of Imperial power.
Some who plan to visit Anvil are at pains to conceal their arrival, or their intentions. Others, though, make no secret of their intentions - indeed they often choose to send word ahead to ensure that those they hope to make contact with are prepared for them. Here, we talk about some of those who have been most public in their desire to meet those who throng to Anvil.
Friday
And to Dust You Shall Return
- The funerary procession of a Sarcophan notable is en route to Anvil
- Their journey has been delayed, and they expect to arrive at the Highguard Chapel at around 19.30 on Friday
Last summit, Sarcophan undertaker Bastiaan van Krommemuil attended Anvil to request hospitality and entertainment for a funeral they had been tasked with organising on Casinean soil. Highborn art and culture have become fashionable among a circle of Sarcophan socialites with unusual beliefs, since the construction of the Cathedral of the Navigators, and the influx of Imperial priests that it brought. Commonly called the 'Collectors' in Imperial, they have a particular interpretation of the Sarcophan faith and have begun to incorporate aspects of Highguard iconography - though there is no indication that they have any interest in following the Way.
A procession organised by Bastiaan has been spotted arriving on Imperial shores and making its long journey to Anvil. Rough seas have seen them dock a couple of days later than they would have hoped, but they are now en route. The procession is made up of friends, family and mourners of Hester van de Moerassen, an extraordinarily rich woman whose unexpected death came the very morning she was expected to take a seat at the great table of the palace of beggars.
Hester's loved ones, her preserved remains, and Bastiaan themselves expect to arrive at the Highguard Chapel at around half past seven on the Friday evening of the upcoming summit. Bastiaan has sent word ahead to request that those they discussed hosting the funeral party with could meet them there. They also remind those involved that Hester's gathered beloved would dearly love to speak to her one final time as part of the ceremony, and ask if it might be possible for Whispers through the Black Gate to be performed as part of the proceedings.
Additional information about the sect of the Collectors, and the problems surrounding Sarcophan funerals can be found in the A wild night and a new road wind of fortune.
Saturday
To Uncover a Reason
- Odd visitors are travelling to Anvil to attend the meetings of the Unfettered Mind and the Rod and Shield
- They plan to be at the Hub at 14:00 on Saturday
There are reports from across Casinea of folks even stranger than usual on their way to Anvil. There is, apparently, something about them that is a little off-putting although folk are seemingly unable to put precisely what it is into words. According to Abagtha, child of Mariam, a magister from Syrene, there's something decidedly "off" about the visitors and suggests that citizens should remain vigilant for any nefarious wrongdoings. Abagtha warns that they have claimed to be planning to visit the gatherings of the Rod and Shield and the Unfettered Mind on Saturday, though they reportedly refuse to give an answer on why, explaining to those who question them that they are simply travellers who are very interested in the two orders' recent actions and what they might have planned for the future.
Sour Grapes and Wilting Flowers
- A Sarcophan merchant who has an ongoing deal with the farmers of Hahnmark wishes to speak to them about their ongoing viezesmaak arrangement
- A rival merchant also wishes to speak to Hahnmark farmers about the draaikolkbloem some sold them during the Autumn Equinox
- Both merchants have independently asked to meet interested farmers at the Tree of Names in the Wintermark camp at 16:15 on Saturday
- It would likely be problematic if the two merchants spoke to each other about their business arrangements
The farms in Hahnmark have bloomed in pink for some seasons now, as farmers have given over patches of land to growing crops for the narcotic Viezesmaak in a business arrangement with Sarcophan merchants, the Kraft brothers. Although the brothers have sent associates to Anvil to speak to the farmers a few times over the past year, it has been some time since either brother has successfully made the journey themselves. They have promised to meet Hahnmark farmers this Anvil summit - though Gelder Kraft has sent word ahead that his brother Florian has suffered some injuries after a yellow lotus-fuelled altercation left him worse for wear, and is resting in a wayhouse some distance from Anvil. Gelder will finish the long journey himself and wishes to meet Hahnmark farmers at the Tree of Names to discuss their current business arrangement and whether it continues to serve the best interests of both parties. He expects to arrive at 16:15 on Saturday.
Gelder Kraft is not the only Sarcophan merchant en route to speak to the farmers of Hahnmark, however. Renaten van Zuredruiven, a renowned vintner, has visited the farmers in previous seasons to discuss a unique flower which was found within their harvest for the Kraft Brothers. Those flowers have wilted and died, but Renaten's cousin Bramme van Zuredruiven has announced their intention to travel to Anvil to speak to Hahnmark farmers about potential future trade. Bramme won't be able to draw up any contracts without the input of their cousin, Renaten himself, but they can listen to the gathered voices and report back. This is their first visit to the Casinean Empire, and their unfamiliarity with the route has slowed them down somewhat. They expect to make it to the Tree of Names in the Wintermark camp at 16:15 on the Saturday of the Winter Solstice.
A few experts in Sarcophan trade have raised some concerns about the coming meetings. It is extremely unlikely that the Zuredruivens and the Kraft brothers have deliberately arranged to meet at the same time and place as each other. Indeed, there is nothing to suggest that the Kraft Brothers are even aware that the Zuredruivens have approached Hahnmark farmers. What is known is that Sarcophans tend to nip business competition in the bud rather swiftly and aggressively. It should be expected that both meetings will go much worse for everyone involved if the Zuredruivens and Kraft brothers meet each other in Anvil.
Voices of Authority
- Alders of Mitwold are travelling to Anvil to speak about the defence of the territory
- They are planning on arriving at 17:00 and will go first to the Community Hall in the Marches
The sudden and overwhelming assault by the Jotun on Mitwold has left some inhabitants of the territory in a state of shock. Not only is Mitwold teetering on the brink of being in Jotun hands, the city of Meade itself, the pride of the Marches, has been captured. Unsurprisingly, Mitwold folk are a bit anxious, so a group of alders have decided to take it upon themselves to make the great journey to Anvil to speak with folks there about what is being done to resolve the situation.
The alders are especially interested to hear from William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes, given that the army is oathsworn come to their defence next season. They understand that a single army stands a dandelion's chance in a hurricane with just how many Jotun are doing ox-work to their fields. This isn't some normal incursion into a border territory like the Mourn or Bregas; they've hit proper Marcher homeland now, even losing Upwold wouldn't be as bad as this!
The Alders are expected to arrive on Saturday at 17:00 to share in some good food and fine company and learn about what preparations the Empire plans for the defence of its most important and valuable territory. They look forward to hearing oaths from those who will commit to coming to Mitwold's aid, whether Marcher or not.
Far and further went the Fist of the Mountains in the service of the Empire. Easterly, southerly, to Urizen came they: beneath other mountains they fought to the last. And against that bulwark the Grendel faltered. Behind their bodies stand spires that would have fallen. Far-seeing, vision-guided, they were where they were needed, though none knew it until the hammer fell. Cold cannot compromise. They stood, as the mountain, until the end.
Yrkja Riansson Sigeing, Wintermark Assembly, Autumn 387YE, Vote: 284-0Urizen recognises the Virtue and the Heroism of the Fist of the Mountains. Umarth Winter’s Flame Kannask - Savior of Elos: you know the lesson of the Mountain, that things are not easy, and we honour for the sacrifice you have made. I offer this oath to you, and to the people of Wintermark: Urizen will forever remember the gift you have given us, and we will honour it with our Ambition. We will build a navy. We will not let the Grendel and Asavean scum cow us and make us afraid. You have stoked our Courage, our Ambition, and our Loyalty. You have forged a chain between our peoples. The gift of the Mountain will never be forgotten.
Clytemnestra, Urizen Assembly, Autumn 387YE, Vote: 264-12The Deconstruction of Falling Stars
- A group of Urizen are travelling to Anvil to speak with seers and illuminates, along with stormcrows and mystics
- The Spire of the Stallion's Volition plan to arrive in Anvil at 19:00 on Saturday and will go first to the Urizen camp
The National Assemblies of both Urizen and Wintermark noted the ultimate sacrifice made by the Fist of the Mountains to defend Redoubt. This has inspired members of a spire who were close enough to see the last charge of the farsighted army from their homes to visit Anvil. The Spire of the Stallion's Volition hope to see the chain forged between the heroes of the north-west and the masters of the high peaks.
The Spire of the Stallion's Volition are adept at the divinatory realms of Day, Night and Winter, who make great use of the tradition of astronomancy. The seers work with their illuminates to ensure that the information they glean from the stars is well-recorded and passed on to those who need to hear it.
A group of them intend to arrive at Anvil on Saturday at 19:00, and travel first to the Urizen camp to meet with interested seers and illuminates, and from there, make their way to the Wintermark camp. At the Wintermark camp, they wish to engage in a cultural exchange of the different methods of divination with stormcrows and mystics. They hope that experiencing other forms of divination might help those who seek a closer relationship between the nations. Some of the apprentices of the spire have let slip that they are rather excited to be taught how to partake in Goosewhisper Infusion, to the disapproving glares of their mentors.
Whatever Happened to Mendicant Garev?
Accessibility & Content Warning
- A Highborn priest is stuck in a treacherous cave system near Casca's Fall
- This conjunction is a combat unlikely encounter
- The incumbent Speaker of the Highborn Assembly is responsible for rescuing Garev
Many people come to Anvil, including mendicant priests who enjoy partaking in the local brews and ales. A few nights before the Winter Solstice, Garev, a wayfarer returning from time spent in the Marches, was taking part in one of the gatherings that often occur in settlements close to Anvil as traders and the like prepare to receive visitors from across the Empire and beyond. Unfortunately, whilst returning from relieving himself, he managed to fall down a crevice. When his companions noticed his disappearance, they reached out and managed to inform a nearby host of Escon, who confirmed that Garev is indeed still alive, apparently under Casfall, in some distress, and rather badly injured.
A hasty effort was made to rescue Garev, but the attempt had to be abandoned due to the treacherous nature of the caves and the utter darkness within. Garev's companions have asked that Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, the incumbent Speaker of the Highborn Assembly, organise a small group of up to four Naga whose keen senses will allow them to find their way in and out of the caves without getting lost. Woefully, the caves will still be very treacherous. Whoever goes will need to be able to get in, provide whatever medical attention the poor mendicant needs, and get back out again, all the whilst avoiding anything that might trigger a collapse.
Sunday
A Decrepit Flower
- Owners of herb gardens in Highguard are travelling to visit the Apothecaries' Guild
- They plan to arrive at 10:00 on Sunday and will journey first to the Freeborn camp
A collection of Highborn herbalists is growing concerned with the amount of Winter magic being used to enchant herb gardens. The group, made up of several small chapters from across Highguard, are worried that potential overuse of Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop might have unforeseen consequences. They believe that a potential replacement ritual could be found using Spring magic, pointing at Woven Strands of Life in Urizen lore as a clear example. There are even rumours that one of the arcane projections tied to Ossegrahn that were gifted to the Silver Chalice and the landskeepers of the Marches, relates in some way to improving the bounty harvested from a herb garden, and that will still work even if Cupbearer has turned away from the Empire.
They plan to bring their concerns to the Apothecaries Guild, and find out if there's any appetite within the sodality to search for change. If a new ritual can be found - or even codified - and a declaration raised to add it to Imperial lore, then the Highborn would be able to fund the cost of ten thrones. The magisters' chaptermates have been complaining about the lack of good-quality flavouring for their food, and the benefactors have offered to cover the cost on the understanding that the resultant ritual text won't kill off basil and rosemary.
Strange Relations
- Representatives of the Charnel Lord are visiting Anvil to participate in the Feast of Looms
- They expect to arrive at 12:30 on Sunday and will journey to the Varushkan camp
Now that the 'feast' of the Iron Helms has concluded, the Charnel Lord appears to be turning its attention back to matters at home in Karsk. Boyars across Varushka have reported receiving messages from the Raven that he has dispatched a delegation to Anvil to take part in the Feast of the Loom. It would seem from the missives that The King Beneath the Hill also wants to make sure that the citizens of Karsk, especially those who make their homes close to Broken Barrow, still value him as their protector. Battlefed is seeking a collection of magic items, especially those fuelled by the power of an eternal, and has said that he will consume their power to produce "something" to benefit the people of Karsk. Or, at least, those true children of Karsk who chose to stay rather than rush off into Ossium for the promise of riches.
The representatives of Irontooth are expected to arrive at 12:30 at the border of the Varushkan camp, to be welcomed in and led to the Loom.
OOC Note: If anyone agrees to offer items to these representatives, they will claim the ribbon from the item, leaving the phys-rep with the owner.
Sular's Spyglass Inquisition
I call the sect of Sular’s Spyglass to inquisition and request the presence of Oradora, Teresa and Apprendio at the next summit of Anvil. As I am to understand, Azir i Shartha i Riqueza - the predecessor of my new position as Inquisitor of Ambition - tried to offer the sect a way to conclude their investigations without inquisition which has been refused. As such, it is my duty to investigate the alleged activity of the false virtue of vengeance within this sect
Abreya de Lagriffe, General Assembly, Autumn 387YE, Vote: Automatically upheld- Sular's Spyglass will attend their inquisition at 13:00 on Sunday, at The Hub.
At the Autumn Equinox, the Inquisitor of Ambition, Abreya de Lagriffe, raised a judgement of inquisition to call the Freeborn sect Sular's Spyglass to Anvil, alleging that they had refused other remediation. The sect has responded to say that they will come to the Hub at 13:00 on Sunday. Though they are intending to meet Abreya at the Hub, they would appreciate it if the inquisition itself could be held in more comfortable quarters.
Theresa i Regalos i Riqueza assures the inquisitor that she will be there, and hopes to bring Oradora i Mentirosa i Riqueza and Malevola i Mentirosa i Riqueza with her. Regrettably, Apprendio i Veridad i Riqueza may not be able to attend Anvil at the moment, due to injuries sustained fighting the wreckers.
Even though the Constitutional Court has announced its review of religious crime, the changes will not take effect until the end of the Winter Solstice. As such, the Synod has all the power available to it that it has employed for decades to shine a light on the sect's activities and potentially convince them to change course before any further crimes might be committed.
New Season, Same Loom Of Spells
- Access to the Loom of Spells will be auctioned at 14:00 on Sunday at the Imperial Regio
- The Loom of Spells continues to be controlled by the Church of The Little Mother
Ritual codification is a complex process, usually undertaken by experienced specialists with long years of training and access to the finest reagents and tomes of recondite knowledge. Yet it seems that with a little help from the Autumn realm, a precocious child can achieve similar results! The Loom of Spells, a bizarre magical contraption owned by the Prince of Ties but temporarily leased to the Church of the Little Mother, can weave arcane projections into rituals with surprising ease. Such is the power of the realms of magic. It's certainly giving the orphans of the Little Mother a strong magical education.
The Church continues to auction the services of the Loom of Spells to the great and the good (and the wealthy) of Anvil. As such, they will be sending a Bishop to the Imperial Regio at 14:00 on Sunday to take bids from those who wish to see their rituals codified. The Loom of Spells can only codify rituals of the tenth magnitude or lower, though Quick Study in Urizen lore can enhance this. The Church reminds people that they take bids in quantities of ingots and measures, and that they are willing to accept bids in mixtures of different materials, caring only about the amount of raw materials handed over.