Loud and proud
"If it goes ahead, Magistrate Abraham, has said he'll prepare a legal paper on options for the restoration of the Inquisitorial Court!" The enthusiasm in Miriam's voice was obvious as she spoke. The young girl had made no secret of her Ambition to become an inquisitor one day.
Rebekah didn't want to shatter her daughter's dreams, but Ambition needed to be tempered with realism, like a blade needed to be quenched in oil, otherwise it would shatter the first time it struck steel. "Hmmmmm. And did Abraham say when he was going to produce this legal paper?" she asked innocently.
"Well after the Grand Inspiration is complete would be the right time. Assuming we can get the chambers built of course!"
"Of course. And I'm sure people will. But I wouldn't put too much stock in what Magistrate Abraham says dear..."
Miriam looked shocked, the fiery-indignation of youth flowering within her. "What do you mean?" she demanded.
Rebekah thought carefully, keen to pick her words carefully to avoid a fight. Mim was at that age - where every time you said the wrong thing it was fireworks before dinner and then tears before bedtime.
"Well it's just I remember going to Anvil with Abe, years back, and he was always the same... Full of Ambition - and no-one can fault his Prosperity. He loves his work. But... well... delivery was never his strong point darling... Look! I'm just saying not to get your hopes up is all!" Rebekah threw up her hands defensively. Apparently that was the wrong thing to say.
Overview
Despite the many demands on their time, the Highborn Assembly have continued to focus on completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way. It is a colossal effort, a commission on a scale unseen in the history of the Empire - but it is not yet complete despite work beginning more than three years ago. The renewed focus of the people of Highguard is reaping dividends however as they have begun to lay the foundations for how the grand edifice may be laid out and explore how it might be used.
Now in the beginning of 388YE, the Ambition Assembly have joined them with a sense of urgency; not just to complete the largest commission the Empire has ever attempted but to do so by the end of the year. Just the idea of declaring something to be your highest calling seems to embrace the Virtue of Ambition, but even so this is an extraordinary thing to attempt. There is still a vast amount of work to be done, but if the Assembly can achieve the impossible it will have a dramatic impact.
Loud and Proud
- Aspiring cantors have offered a donation of 6 thrones to the Maestro of the Cat's Graces if they will make the arrangements for a concert at the Winter Solstice
- If the concert goes ahead, a member of the Custodes Clavium plans to attend to discuss the nature of cantors, their aims and ambitions, after the concert is finished
Those who spread salvation with the inspirational beauty and power of their voices must come forth to take up their rightful place in the Grand Inspiration. We send Kish of the Flame Beneath the Earth with 50 doses of liao to encourage the cantors of our nation to congregate and sing the songs their souls yearn to share that all may hear them and know their destiny.
Kish of the Flame Beneath the Earth, Highborn National Assembly, Summer 388YE, Vote: Upheld with a Greater Majority 626-10Following the words of Kish of the Flame Beneath the Earth, the Senate agreed that the Cantors of Highguard should be encouraged and given a place to perform their beautiful compositions in the Grand Inspiration of the Way. Once the Grand Inspiration is complete, the Cantor archetype will become playable for Highborn characters. In the meantime, aspirant Cantors from across the nation have asked for the Cat's Graces to host a concert at the Winter Solstice, and will make a donation of 6 thrones to the Maestro to help pay for any supplies and labour required.
The Custodes Clavium are especially interested in this emerging Highborn tradition. While they normally focus on recording the lives of exemplars and paragons, their interest is in inspiration itself that obsesses them. They want to record the history of key figures so that they can continue to inspire generations to come. But few forces can inspire like music, so the Custodes are intrigued by the prospect of the cantors and eager to ensure that a suitable account of their purpose is prepared. If the Cat's Graces are able to ensure that the proposed concert is going ahead then he asks Maestro to inform the chapter (OOC Note: by email to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk). If the performance is confirmed then Malachi of the Custodes Clavium would like to attend as he is hoping for a chance to discuss inspiration with the cantors after the concert, to get their views on what it means to inspire others and how music can be used for that, so that he can make a record of their thoughts for the meticulous records that the Chapter keeps.
Straight and Narrow
The spiritual security of all people is sacrosanct to furthering the Way of Virtue. To this end, we declare the inquisitorial court be given the next set of rooms in the Grand Inspiration of the Way. Ensuring those who are converted do not become lost on their path is as important as converting them.
Eli of the Cenotaph, Highborn National Assembly, Summer 388YE, Vote: Upheld with a Greater Majority 430-0- The Grand Inspiration could be modified to incorporate an inquisitorial courtroom and chambers
- If the inquisitors are given chambers in the Grand Inspiration the Blade of Wisdom will provide a foci to the Imperial Inquisitor
- Once the Grand Inspiration is complete, Magistrate Abraham will endeavour to prepare a legal paper laying out options for the restoration of the Inquisitorial Court
| Inquisitorial Chambers |
| Motion Type: Amend commission |
| Necessary Details: Amend the designs for the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate a courtroom and chambers where interviews and interrogations may take place |
| Cost: 30 crowns |
| Availability: Until the completion of the Grand Inspiration |
Effect:
|
Much nodding of heads and stern approval meets the words of Eli of the Cenotaph regarding his words on the noble work of the Inquisitor. The Magisters of the Blade of Wisdom chapter have come forward to offer something useful for the work of the elected Inquisitors who guard the paths of those citizens who attend Anvil. The have offered to supply the Imperial Inquisitor with a useful foci of their own design (in conjunction with some guidance from Wise Rangara) each year that grants two ranks of lore to the casting of Freezing Brand of Irremais, Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown and Chastise the Foolish. They view these rituals as a valuable tool in the belt of the inquisitorial team and hope that they can be used to great effect by the Imperial Inquisitor and their team.
The Blades of Wisdom are not the only Highborn keen to show their approval. It is sometimes easy to forget that one of the members of the Constitutional Court, Magistrate Abraham is Highborn. The ageing magistrate is rarely called on to try cases any more, out of respect for his age, but he is technically still a magistrate. What is more, he is deeply concerned with matters of Virtue and The Doctrines of the Faith. Perhaps not surprisingly then, he also expresses deep approval for the idea of giving the inquisitors their own chambers in the Grand Inspiration. Putting them at the centre of the faith makes clear just how important they are to the preservation of the Way.
If that happens, if the plan is approved, then Magistrate Abraham has indicated that he will use Winter to prepare a legal paper laying out options for senators that would allow them to explore ways the Empire might restore the Inquisitorial Court. Of course the old man understands that it can be an uphill struggle to get the Senate to give the Synod the power to enforce their will and carry out their responsibilities sometimes, but having clear legal options that lay out what could be done are bound to help cardinals and others "bang heads together" as the magistrate puts it.
Bright and Beautiful
- The Assembly of Ambition have publicly committed to completing the Grand Inspiration by the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE
- If they achieve their Ambition, it will inspire the faithful all across the Empire
- Trade at businesses in Bastion are already booming in anticipation of the grand event
We shall ignite the flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send Micah of The Navigators of Virtue with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.
Sister Elysium, Ambition Assembly, Summer 388YE, Vote: Upheld with a Greater Majority 442-0Led by Sister Elysium, followers of Ambition have spread the news of the imminent completion of the Grand Inspiration across the Empire. They have ensured ensure that everyone knows that the great project will be completed by the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE. As long as the Grand Inspiration is completed by the start of 389YE, then it will spread a powerful confidence through the faithful, creating an opportunity for members of the Assembly of Ambition to see other great ambitions fulfilled.
There are already people setting aside provisions and planning a great pilgrimage to come and see the opening ceremonies, meaning places are already being booked up in inns and hostels across Bastion. As a result of this, each business in Bastion will operate at one rank higher following the Autumn Equinox, representing an increase in trade and tourism for the related industries that support it.
The First Test
For many years our Sumaah cousins in virtue have recognised Zemress, the Blade of the Isles, as a paragon. To the Empire, she is an exemplar, lacking proof of liberation, recognition and miracles. The Way Assembly ask the prasters of the House of Prosperity to demonstrate why Zemress stands alongside Tian, Korl, and Atun as a paragon of virtue.
Tisserande Griffinsbain, The Way Assembly, Summer Solstice 388YE, Vote: 388-0 Upheld with a Greater Majority- The Assembly of the Way have questioned the providence of Zemress, who the Sumaah believe is a Paragon of Prosperity
- The Sumaah have responded with what they believe is the evidence to support the belief that Zemress has escaped the Labyrinth
- They expect the Synod to act on this information
The Assembly of the Way have declared their highest calling to be testing what the faithful really know. They assert that "the Way is strengthened by questions, challenges, and revelations rather than being threatened by them". As a result they are in a position to question the authority and status of an exemplar and paragon - is the evidence really there to support their status? Doing so is not without risk - to test your faith, you must put it under pressure.
Initially, the Assembly have elected to turn their attention to the beliefs of the Sumaah. A statement in the Assembly called on the Prasters of the House of Prosperity to demonstrate why Zemress is a paragon. It was not clear whether any response would be forthcoming, but it seems that the Sumaah Pride simply would not allow them to ignore it.
Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, a short letter is received at the Sumaah Embassy in Necropolis. Written by a präst who appears to be an adjunct to the Cardinal of Prosperity, it acknowledges the request by the Imperial Assembly of the Way to clarify why Zemress is recognised as a Paragon by the High House of Prosperity.
Präst Stelltus conveys the impression of being more than a little bemused as they write that Zemress is considered a Paragon because she has met six of the necessary signs. In no particular order, the signs recognised by the Sumaash are:
- Salvation - Zemress is credited with the conversion of the entire pirate nation of Frieøyer to the Way, swaying them with powerful rhetoric and beautiful songs. Whilst she also converted various other smaller groups she came across, this pales in comparison to a whole nation.
- Benevolence - Zemress defended the Sumaah Republic from a significant Asavean naval invasion, saving countless lives from slavery and the crushing yoke of satrapy. In addition, whilst in Sumaah she made dozens of significant investments, enriching each community she visited.
- Inspiration - Zemress provides a constant role model for Sumaash willing to brave the seas in defence of the Republic’s shores, as well as for many within the High House of Prosperity who look to her example of reinvesting the profits of war in the communities most harmed by it.
- Pilgrimage - Zemress famously travelled all the way from the Empire to Timoj, and it was there that she found a passionate zeal for waging war against the threat of the Asavean satraps.
- Ascension - the Empire of course knows that famously, Zemress’ ship the Kraken’s Bane was found drifting empty of its crew near to its home port of Calvos after her last quest. Knowing that Zemress was a fearless and determined warrior, along with her crew, the Sumaash hold that the only reasonable explanation for the lack of any trace of them must be that at the peak of her successful hunt, she and her crew ascended straight into the Labyrinth, leaving the ship to drift back home.
- Legacy - The Sumaash recognise that the Kraken’s Bane might be a legacy in itself, but they place more stock in the Storm Temple in Xeier, which by all accounts was designed and funded by Zemress as a sign of her commitment to spreading the Way to the Frieøyer. Some also credit her with providing the design and resources for the flagship of the Sumaah navy - the Tyrannbane.
| Historical Research |
| Necessary Details: To travel to Sumaah to research the life and history of Zemress in those lands |
| Cost: 5 thrones |
| Effect: Provides historical research on the details of Zemress life and exploits while in Sumaah lands |
| Availability: Available until the end of Summer Solstice 389YE |
| Special: The Summah have indicated that they would support this historical research |
If the Empire truly desires to learn more about Zemress' virtuous and heroic actions in Sumaah, then the High House of Prosperity would welcome a delegation from the Department of Historical Research (or the Lepidean University). There would be some costs involved - 5 thrones should cover the costs involved for the Summah - but it would need the Senate to authorise the work, either them or the Lepidean Librarian.
Even without that, the Prosperity Assembly could decide to rule on the matter, given the Sumaah seem very confident of their facts. They could uphold a statement of principle with a greater majority, asserting that Zemress is merely an Exemplar. Alternatively, they could uphold a judgement of recognition for her to be recognised as a paragon. If that achieved a greater majority, it would be raised for the attention of the General Assembly by the Tribune of the Synod at the following summit. That would require another greater majority to be successful - but if the Prosperity Assembly can make its case, it would be the first new recognition of a Paragon in the Empire in over 300 years.
Ultimately, the Sumaah expect the Synod to do something with this information. Virtue lies in the unity of both word and action. The Synod needs to either refute Sumaah and insist she is merely an exemplar; or accept their reasoning and elevate her to Paragonhood; or send in a historical research to learn more, leading to one of the two prior outcomes. In any case, simply leaving it here would be insulting to the Houses of Prosperity. As they see it, the Synod has demanded answers - the Sumaah have provided them. The ball is now firmly in the Synod's court - they will have to respond one way or the other to avoid a diplomatic faux-pas.
In the meantime the Assembly of the Way still have other fish to fry. Three seasons remain for them to look for other paragons or exemplars whose provenance they decide is in question. Whatever happens, the Sumaah won't respond again, so that avenue of investigation is now close.