Wish you were here
This wind is a roundup of magical events and effects. Normally, this would be one of the last winds to be published because it is heavily dependant on plots that are running at the event. This can be unsatisfying, because it often results in us presenting things that don't leave players enough time to consider them before heading to the event. To try and combat this, we're planning to publish it in an "unfinished" state - and add elements to it as they are developed. Once everything is on here that needs to be on here, we'll remove this box and the tag at the top of the page and let people know that it isn't going to change again.
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 Imperial Senate and 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, 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, as the new year begins and the old fades into the shadows.
Friday Arrivals
A Celebration of the Sea
- The Fellowship of Purple Sails invites all who regularly travel the seas to join them to share songs and stories of the sea in all its forms.
- They will be throwing a party at 20:15 in the Fijadoz family camp in the Brass Coast.
- There will be entertainment paid for by the Fellowship but others are invited to contribute.
- Those who have participated in Rhianos's race are especially welcome
- A Grendel Wind Lord is sending a delegate to meet with the Ambassador to the Grendel and Vossk of Zenith Ascendent at this party.
As part of their lobbying efforts, the Fellowship of Purple Sails have arranged with the Fleetmaster for several professional entertainers to attend Anvil on their behalf. They have planned to throw a small party on Friday evening of the summit. This "Festival of Nautical Life" will be a chance for storytellers, poets, actors, and songsmiths from across Anvil to come together and share songs and stories of life on the seas.
The Fellowship have splashed out on their hiring of performers. Miguel i Flores i Riqueza, an experienced sutannir of some renown in his home of Calvos, will be acting as the master of ceremonies. The Sarvossan troupe known as the Sailor-Players, who specialise in nautically-themed improvisational comedy, have been hired to perform some of their unique humour that relies on audience participation and quick thinking. Izyaslav of the Empty Heart, a Varushkan cabalist from Korotny, has volunteered his services as a storyteller telling uneasy tales of the sea. The Fellowship have been working with Tiny of the Three Refrains, who will be attending to share some of his songs. Miguel will also have some money available to reward other performances. Tales from the participants in Rhianos's Great Race are also particularly welcome.
All of this will take place from 20:15 in the Fijadoz family camp. The Fellowship would like to encourage everyone who attends to use the time between performances to discuss what a nautically-focused sodality might seek to achieve and hold as its highest principles.
There is one small addendum: the festival has received some interest from an unexpected quarter. Several days before the Spring Equinox, a solitary Grendel vessel, bearing a flag of parley, arrives at the docks of Sarvos. A Grendel magician, dressed in characteristically clashing colours, introduces himself to the guards as Hamish, apprentice to the Wind Lord Morath.
He says he has travelled here under a flag of peace and as the representative of the Wind Lord. Hamish explains that he is visiting Anvil to meet with Vossk of Zenith Ascendant and the Ambassador to the Grendel, Finna, and hopes that the three of them can have a private conversation at the soiree.
It is clear he is very familiar with the Empire's laws regarding safe passage for barbarians who come under a flag of peace and as official representatives, and he is scrupulously polite and conciliatory to those who interrogate him. The magistrates confirm that he has the protection of Imperial law - as long as he does indeed go to meet the people he has mentioned at the time and place they have suggested, and then immediately leave when the business is concluded - and so he is allowed on his way - albeit under a watchful eye. The ship, having discharged its passenger, returns to the waters of the bay.
Saturday Arrivals
Those Who Sail The Sea
- The Fellowship of Purple Sails is looking to those citizens who attend Anvil to form their next generation of leaders
- They are interested to see what a sodality that aims to promote foreign trade and support the activity of fleet-owners might look like
- They will be sending a scrivener to the Fleetmaster's office hours at 11:00 on Saturday to discuss the details of what they would and would not be willing to throw their support behind
The Fellowship of Purple Sails is a relatively young sodality. It was founded in 379YE by a group of primarily merchants and ship-captains from the League and the Brass Coast, supported by several Highborn benefactors. It is made up of a large number of minor trading houses with an interest in foreign trade, as well as independent ship captains. They have generally taken an arms-length approach to Anvil politics - they were founded to support and pay for the posting of civil servants on Imperial vessels to prevent piracy. This has been a dramatically effective tool in the last decade against captains who would abandon the law in search of profit. They have also never really been represented by those who attend Anvil, which goes hand in hand with explaining why their voice has been limited.
In light of the decision by the Senate to recognise the Imperial Apothecaries Guild, the Fellowship has held a meeting of their most influential members and benefactors. They have come to a decision: they would like to actively support a new Imperial sodality with a focus on maritime affairs: in particular, of course, they would like to see such a sodality support prosperous trade. The Fellowship are not fools, they expect that there will be other interest groups who will attempt to shape such a sodality, in the same way that the newly-founded Apothecary's Guild has different groups vying for influence. They essentially see it as prudent to "get in at the opening" - to push for the formation of some kind of sodality, and make clear what kind of principles it would have to commit itself to for the Fellowship to throw the weight of their influence and income behind them.
They have reached out to the current Imperial Fleet Master to encourage them to lobby the Senate towards this end. Of course, the Fleet Master only has a responsibility for arranging the support of navies, but informally they are reckoned to be the head of a network of "fleet hubs" in Anvil. The Fleet Master position is due to be elected this season, so they're interested in talking to both the incumbent and any prospective successors. They are sending a hired scrivener, Maria i Garcia i Guerra, to attend the Fleetmaster's open hours at 11:00 in the Senate tent. Maria will be able to outline in more detail what kind of Imperial sodality the Fellowship would like to put their name and support behind.
The Wise Test What They Know
- A Freeborn Wisdom sect is coming to discuss Judgement 42
- They will be at The Spilled Tea in the Brass Coast from 13:00 on Saturday
A Freeborn sect by the name of Sular's Spyglass are apparently sending representatives to Anvil for the Spring Equinox. Currently based in Feroz, they are known to particularly appreciate the virtue of Wisdom. According to those who have encountered them on the road, they are especially keen to discuss the implications of Judgement 42 in the General Assembly last summit, and its ramifications for the study of so-called "False Virtues". As well as their fellow travellers, they are apparently keen to talk to priests and layfolk alike once they reach the beating heart of the Empire - so long as all are willing to engage with them in the true spirit of Wisdom (however they might define it).
The members of Sular's Spyglass have let it be known that they will be visiting The Spilled Tea, in the Brass Coast camp on Saturday from around one in the afternoon. They welcome anyone who wants to join them for a refreshing drink (ideally purchased on the premises), a sit down, and a discussion on the merits of auras as a tool for understanding the Way of Virtue. They will also be bringing some items of interest to religious scholars, which may be available to study - albeit for an honest price given they are Freeborn through-and-through.
Ketsov Business
- A representative of the Ketsov has remained in Anvil for the past season.
- They intend to address citizens interested in becoming the Burgher of Ketsov on what the position entails.
- They will arrive in the Varushkan camp at 14:30 on Saturday
Those leaving Anvil in the past season, or arriving early in the coming one might encounter Oligu Predborvana Ketsov who has remained in Casinea over the last two months. Not given to conversation, and a frequent customer of local apothecaries (she explains that the southern air does not agree with her), she only explains her presence when directly asked. This representative of the Ketsov family of Ossium has stayed in Anvil to brief the next of her fellow Varushkans intending to become Burgher of Ketsov next season on the current difficulties her family has been experiencing. She also intends to help any candidates understand the Ketsov's hope for the title going forward. She will make herself known in the Varushkan camp an hour before the Tally of the Votes is due to take place - around half-past two in the afternoon on Saturday - and hopes to speak with those planning to put themselves forward as the one with the responsibility for promoting the Prosperity of her family.
Pretty In Pink
- A number of pink & purple clad orcs from the independent city state of Beoraidh have been wandering the southern Empire between Mareave and Anvil
- They say they are members of the Diamant Drakes, a gladiator and gambling venture who are looking for connections in the Empire
- Some members of the group will be visiting Anvil late Saturday evening, around 9:30pm
- They intend to visit the League, then move on to Dawn, then spend some time visiting the sights of Anvil
The sight of purple-clad orcs within the Empire's borders has become much less common since the end of the Grendel Peace Treaty. It's thus something of a surprise to the citizens of Spiral, Redoubt, and Bastion to see an entourage of orcs in summery purple garb wandering from place to place. When stopped by vigilant citizens, they calmly point out their new pink accessories which they believe make it clear indicate that they are not in fact Grendel. Well not anymore; they are now residents of the independent city of Beoraidh in Mareave, and are looking to establish closer ties with their neighbours to the north.
For all their flamboyant garb, their mission is clearly one of business, not pleasure. The orcs say they are members of a consortium called the "Diamant Drakes", who focus on making money through entertainment. In their terms, that means gambling, gaming, and gladiators, with a healthy dose of luxury sprinkled through. They intimate they have already met some of the "Anvil crowd", and are on their way to the Spring Equinox summit with hopes of conducting some business, and making some connections. They mention to anyone who they encounter along the road that they hope to be "in the League around half-past nine and Dawn around ten on Saturday evening. After that we will see where the night takes us!" They are looking forward to making the acquaintance of anyone who shares their interests, and to seeing the sights of Anvil after their visits to the League and Dawn are completed.
Sunday Arrivals
The Stars, Their Destination
- Several Stargazers are heading to Anvil to debate on the topic of the constellations and other celestial objects.
- They are pursuant of the Astral Arcanist and hope to meet with practitioners of Astronomancy from many nations.
- The eclectic group will arrive in Urizen at 11:30 on Sunday.
A group of Urizeni Stargazers may be encountered as they follow the westward roads down from their arcane spires and put their faces towards Anvil. The somewhat dishevelled group seems unusually gregarious for Urizeni - or at the very least, they seem eager to talk the ears off anyone unfortunate to fall in with them on their journey. Between effusive debates about the nature of the heavens, the group reveal that they are heading to Anvil to discuss a series of revelations they each have divined through their shared research.
The group is not making amazing speed, pausing often to visit intriguing distractions along the road, but they are still keen to catch the end of the festivities. As such they anticipate arriving on Sunday morning at around half past eleven. When they get there, they're hoping to chat with those who look to develop "mastery through the stars" - and intend to make Serenus Starsong, the Astral Arcanist, their first port of call upon arrival at the Urizen encampment.
Savra Struggles In
Let us welcome our neighbours, the Great Forest Orcs who have settled in Hercynia and those beyond. Spread the word that our hearths are open to them. Let us share our stories of heroism and hear their own. At the Autumn Equinox, Elik and Savra of the Great Forest Orcs met with the Ravenseer and a small number of Kallavesi mystics, in a meeting facilitated by Navarr. I had the privilege to sit in attendance. We spoke of our swamps, of Wintermark's heroism, and of our weirwood groves. We all left with more questions than answers and it was clear we could learn more from each other if we have the courage to ask. In this storm of conflict and treachery in the wider Empire, let us seize this opportunity to forge a new bond - To build up our fellows so that we may both benefit from each other's culture and knowledge.
Eevi of the Gadrai, Wintermark Assembly, Winter Solstice 386YE, Vote: 266-0- A small number of Great Forest Orcs will be visiting Wintermark to share stories
- They expect to arrive at around 13:30 on Sunday
During the Autumn Equinox Savra and several other Great Forest Orcs visited the Navarr in Anvil and met with representatives of Wintermark. That season, Savra and her friends made a promise that the Great Forest Orcs would offer a cultural sharing with the 'Mark, if a statement of principle was raised showing that the nation truly wished for this friendship. Savra is tired following the retreat from Therunin, and her people are struggling, but they also insist on keeping their oaths, and so they will come to Anvil. They will do their best to share something of the stories and songs they have told over time. They hope that the people of the 'Mark will understand that this may not be the vibrant occasion it might have been were events in the world not what they are.
They also have some things they hope to speak of beyond the sharing:
- How, in time, with their strength regained, they might be able to help with the defences of Kallevesa, and what Wintermark might offer in return
- The legend of the tree of swords
- What reason did the Wintermark Assembly have to decide against rallying against the vallorn
Corsairs Seek Solidarity
- Najih and Timoa i Malazine i Guerra are corsair siblings coming to speak to corsairs from Feroz on Sunday
- They'll head to the Freeborn camp around 13:30 on Sunday
The Malazine siblings are proud corsairs of Feroz who remained behind when the Freeborn Assembly called on the population to evacuate. The siblings have sent a letter to the civil service that they are hoping to meet with other corsairs of Feroz to discuss the Wharfage in Oran, and that they are as incredulous as everyone else at the intervention of the Grendel, and want to know what it means. Their real interest is in talking with other corsairs about the heart of their traditions and beliefs. They mention a need to make sure that the Wharfage, when it is built, represents the true spirit of Freeborn corsairs.
They haven't picked a particular hostelry; instead, they hope to find corsairs from Feroz already gathered somewhere - trusting that their counterparts are interested in what they have to say and will organise a meeting place.
Enigmatic Arrivals
Dreams from the Deep Woods
- Several owners of herb gardens in the Brass Coast, the League, and Varushka have reported strange dreams of being hunted
- Players whose characters are in one of these three nations and have a herb garden can opt to receive one of these dreams - and an accompanying curse
- There is an enigmatic messenger coming to Anvil to talk about the dreams but their time and place of arrival is not common knowledge
In Varushka, the League, and the Brass Coast a number of people who oversee herb gardens speak of disturbing dreams that have wracked their sleep since shortly after the end of the Winter Solstice. The dreams are different in their specifics, but have several features in common. Those prepared to talk of their odd dreams faintly remember dark forests, and a feeling of profound separation from a place of safety. Even awake, they seem more skittish than usual, and there are a few wise folk and arcane scholars who wonder if they have somehow become cursed with something akin to Dreamscape of the Endless Hunt. As the Spring Equinox draws closer, the dreams escalate and become more vivid, more powerful, and more unsettling.
At the same time, the civil servant Jorgen who often accepts messages from supernaturally inclined beings on behalf of the Empire reports that they’ve found barely legible messages written on scraps of paper turning up on their desk, and in one memorable occasion stuffed into their shoes while they slept, telling them that a messenger is intending to come to Anvil to talk of the "dreams of the wild forest" which presumably are to do with this odd occurrance. it's not clear who this messenger is, and the messages are in a number of different hands and written with different implements. Jorgen tentatively suggests the messenger is probably a herald but he can't be sure, and if they are has no idea who they might represent.
Participation
Any Freeborn, Varushkan, or League character whose personal resource is a herb garden may be one of those who have experienced the dream. If you choose to be one of those suffering, you will need to email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk and request a copy of the dream and the curse that goes with it, along with your CID. The email will need to reach us by midnight on Wednesday 4th June, so the window to participate is short.