The thing with feathers
"I'm sure wherever it is will be perfectly acceptable, now chuck me the spare pick."
"Brother, I love you. But there's more to life than mining rock, processing the ore, smelting it down into easily usable ingots, and then selling those ingots to the highest bidder."
"Really, sibling, tell me a single thing that is better than what you've just described. That sounds like the perfect day to me."
"Well, spending it afterwards?"
Overview
Six realms of magic align with the mortal world whose inhabitants are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.
The Empire can reach out to the eternals through the powers of the Archmages and the Conclave, but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of alignment allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of amity, some revel in the enmity they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.
It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the plenipotentiary missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the Ourselves and immortality wind of fortune.
Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, The tune without the words. There is also the Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom wind of fortune specifically on the renewed interest of Llofir in the Empire; and In the ground which has the response from Adamant to the Stone Smith, along with other eternals interested in the Marches.
Day
Rite of Way (Roshanwe)
- The heralds of the Elder Pharos will come to the Anvil Arena to host the promised challenge of ceremonies at 14:00 Saturday
- They expect the five teams that the volunteers have promised to organise, and as many spectators as wish to attend
- A small group of Sumaash präster will also attend - to participate, not to talk politics
The Finder of the Way, as the eternal of truth-seeking sometimes names herself, offered the Imperials the chance to win her boon at the last summit. The challenge was laid down for five teams to perform their most magnificent - or moving - religious ceremonies. Several Imperial volunteers gave their names to Miriam When The Rain Is Steel, an adventuresome herald, and promised to organise the teams and ensure they all knew the rules of the challenge, which the herald ensured the Imperials had multiple copies of.
One wet day, a few short weeks before the summit, Miriam When The Rain Is Steel returns to the Hub. There they discuss the details with Jorgen, the long-suffering civil servant with the unenviable task of talking to heralds. The dashing herald is fresh from fighting a many-headed monster deep in the inhospitable Desert of Sapphidy, and makes it clear that she is much keener to slay another than discuss timings and organisation, so the two quickly come to an agreement. Miriam also informs the rather harassed looking Jorgen that a delegation from the Sumaah Republic is on its way, by invitation of the Beachcomber, to participate. Miriam When The Rain Is Steel leaves at a run, but shouts over her shoulder that she will also attend to distribute the Wise Pioneer's gift to the participants.
The Day Came Slow (Ylenwe)
- Two heralds of Ylenwe will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 22:45 on Saturday
- Ylenwe has requested the Archmage of Day, or their representative, take them to experience dancing
- The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka of the Imperial Orcs
A herald with shimmering blue and silver scales steps out of the regio on a brisk, late-autumn day. The herald walks with a light grace towards the Hub, humming a soft melody in time with their step. They find the place surprisingly busy, with harassed-looking civil servants trying to placate an incandescent Highborn farmer whose wheelbarrow of cabbages had been overturned by an overzealous herald of Rhianos. Seemingly unaffected by the chaos they've walked into, the herald offers a gentle smile to the civil servant at the desk and waits for them to finish their paperwork.
Ylenwe is curious about the mortal view on movement and music. The herald explains Zie of the Perfect Morning believes that dance could serve as the harmony between music and mathematics. A pair of zie's heralds will journey to Anvil at the upcoming Winter Solstice, to partake in different types of music and to understand how people move to it. The Dove asks that Skywise Gralka, the Archmage of Day, or her chosen representatives, welcome the heralds and introduce them to a variety of music.
Winter
Heartbreaking (Agramant)
- A group of Navarr from Therunin have claimed that Agramant considers the territory to be "fair game"
- Agramant has made an offer to any military captains in Therunin who are the target of Unleash the Beasts Within
- Anyone performing Treacher's Quill asking for support in Therunin can also send 14 liao and receive a magical foci
On one particularly cold night before the winter summit, a haggard group of Navarr make their way across the border into Chalcis Mount, having managed to overcome the horrors of Therunin and escape into Imperial territory once again. The Mourningstone have slipped through the lines to warn the Empire what the Howler is up to.
A number of their fellow Navarri have only managed to survive with the aid of Dream of Famine. Cut off, with dwindling supplies and surrounded by ettercaps, people are finding it hard to resist Howler's aid. The only price he is extracting is a promise to spread word of his generosity far and wide. Wastewalker claims that out of respect for the Navarr Assembly, the Howler waited for the Empire to reclaim Therunin. The people of the territory were told that aid was on its way... but that was a year and a half ago. And the Horned Manticore is done waiting when there are so many eager to be saved.
It seems that heralds of He who calls the Lost to Feast are now active in the territory. For the most part, they have been resolutely ignored - or beaten to death with extreme violence - but as time goes on, more Navarri are bound to be tempted. In an attempt to hasten that along, the Whisperer has made it known that any Navarr military unit based in Therunin that is enchanted with Unleash the Beasts Within at the coming summit will be supported further by his heralds. The ritual will provide an additional two ranks when supporting an army on campaign. Further, if the army is in Therunin, then the captain will also receive a Druj potion, taken from the Druj remnants in the territory. The presence of the heralds of Agramant would be known to every Imperial taking part in the campaign, but not who they were attached to. (OOC Note: It would be mentioned in the winds of war, but it would not be clear which military unit they were supporting.)
Obviously, the ritual is in Urizen lore, which means that any Navarri willing would need to convince a ritualist from that nation to help them. The Hunter in the Wastes offers a different gift to the Masters of the High Peaks; any Urizen magician who performs Treacher's Quill this season to ask for boons defending against the vallorn and reclaiming Therunin, can include with it 14 liao and a piece of jewellery. Old Bloody Teeth will return the jewellery as a boon, a foci that enhances a Winter ritualist's ability to perform the rituals in the Ceremonies of the Black Drop Society.
If a magician found a way to send a dose of true liao with their jewellery instead, they would receive an incomparable boon, a powerful relic from the Howler for the magician and a boon to invoke Agramant's aid in defence of a homeland when attacked. Of course, it's not only the Urizen who have the ways and means to cast that ritual, the Carnivore Concierge has friends in all nations, and the same offer is open to others too.
Moments of Silence (Sorin)
- The Basalt Citadel has been called to Eoradal every season for the last year
- The Sepulchral Pontifex, herald of Sorin, will be visiting the Imperial Orc camp at 22:45 on Saturday
For an entire year, the ruins of Eoradal have hosted the Basalt Citadel of the Empty One. Even when the Frozen Citadel was called from the demesne of the Immovable One, the Heralds of the Reaper drew the black stone fortress from the Silent Kingdom. This commitment to the defence of Mareave has drawn the grudging respect of the Monarch of the Silent Kingdom, who has dispatched the Sepulchral Pontifex to speak with the Imperial orcs to see what strength and wisdom they have gained over the conflict of the last year.
Should the answer please the Pontifex, and an appropriate level of respect and gratitude be shown, there is an offer the Tomb King wishes to make to the nation, though details of this were not shared with the civil service. The Sepulchral Pontifex has not visited the mortal realm in decades and will therefore be guided by an attaché, Noah of the Fallen Leaves.
Finally, the Sepulchral Pontifex requests the attendance of one of the Heralds of the Reaper and one of the Wolves of the Pale Raven, ideally Lenni Voittoson as their only whelpborn, to attend as well. There is some concern that the Heralds do not have a single whelpborn amongst them; they should find someone who is to speak on their behalf while they are there.
Spring
The Pride of Gryphons (Irra Harah)
- Irra Harah has asked the Gryphon's Pride to help the rebels build watchtowers in Nesustak Forest
- If supported by the Gryphon's Pride, the watchtowers will remove the under threat quality from the region
Two seasons ago, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, General of the Gryphon's Pride, met with heralds of Irra Harah to discuss how the people of Dawn understand the world. The outcome of that meeting is still unknown, but the general's orders from that season and the one following both make references to the children of Papa Otec. A few heralds of Shackle-Smasher were seen around the army last season in the Sarangrave, talking to the questing knights and war-witches of the army, and now Broadleaf, herald of Warrenwise, comes to the army with a request.
The rebels of the Sarangrave are busy consolidating their hold on Nesustak Forest, but the region lies in the shadow of the Last Battle Wayhouse in the Bleaks. The Bloodwater Spears have, with the support of the Prince of Beggars' heralds, drawn up plans for a series of watchtowers that will remove the ever-present threat imposed by the wayhouse on the region. However, the work will take years if the rebels have no outside help. Broadleaf has discussed the matter with Halyx Fireeyes, the young matriarch of the sept, and they have agreed to allow the soldiers of the Gryphon's Pride - and only the Gryphon's Pride - to help.
At the Winter Solstice, the General of the Gryphon's Pride can take a defensive order with wording to specifically support the rebels in building their watchtowers. If they do so, then the watchtowers will be completed by the Spring Equinox 388YE, and the under threat quality on Nesustak Forest will be removed. If there is no campaign during the season, then they will benefit from natural resupply, and emergency resupply if any.
The Stone Cried Out (Irra Harah again)
- A herald of Irra Harah has called for three landskeepers and smiths of Anvil to the Hare Stone
- Linley Weaver of Goatsbridge Coven is responsible for visiting the Hare Stone
- This conjunction is a combat unlikely encounter
- There may be innocent people present on this conjunction; magistrates advise caution must be taken to avoid innocent casualties
Shortly after the end of the Autumn Equinox, the alder of New Longstwick is approached by a distressed-looking briar, Margie o' the Woods. The greenscar explains that there's something strange going on at the Hare Stone, and that a herald of Prince with a Thousand Foes has told them to ask for smiths and landskeepers of Anvil to visit and "work out what's what". The briar asks that Linley Weaver, as representative of the coven that most recently performed Forge the Wooden Fastness on Alderly. Linley Weaver is asked to arrange for six to come, ideally an even mix of landskeepers and smiths.
Margie says the Price doesn't mind if Linley is in the number but they should include at least one attending their first summit, and someone who knows the history of the woods. Margie warns that the number shouldn't include any holders of Imperial titles, as that would apparently just make things worse; "the protectors won't stop fighting and, frankly, they're fucking me right off". Who the Protectors are and why they're fighting remains something of a mystery.
Midwinter, Was It? (Llofir)
- There is an opportunity to end the suffering of those fighting the vallorn
- The Speaker of the Vallornguard is responsible for ending the suffering of those in Eastring
- This conjunction is a combat contained encounter
- There may be innocent people present on this conjunction; magistrates advise caution must be taken to avoid innocent casualties
Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a herald of the Wisdom of Dead Wood carefully shuffles its way into the Hall of Worlds and starts to speak to one of the magicians there. The towering herald - almost human if not for the coned cap in place of a head - gills undulating as it speaks in a gentle whisper, asks that a message be passed on to vines and to the enders of the wellspring. The vines have made an oath to "heal all those who would stand against the vallorn", and the herald explains that the Rotlord is aware of some who are suffering after fighting vallornspawn husks. The Wisdom of Dead Wood asks that the Speaker of the Vallornguard journey through the Sentinel Gate with the vines to Eastring, Therunin, and end the suffering of those there.
The herald warns that there is a vallornspawn briar in the area acting strangely; it does not appear to be immediately aggressive. Indeed, it doesn't appear to care at all about the wounded folk, but the herald advises that anyone going close might cause it to lash out. The herald asks that Earl Percival Summerstrong, as Speaker of the Vallornguard, work with the vines and the sodality to ease the suffering of those who cannot be saved and cast Turns the Circle to allow them to die peacefully and painlessly.
Content Warning
This encounter contains themes of suicide and assisted dying, such as with Surcease of Sorrow, and will involve depictions of injuries. It is unsuitable for participants who might struggle with such themes.
Night
Can You Hear It? (Janon)
- Vanja Oddsbreaker, the former Shadowed Torchbearer, has vacated her position
- Janon has sent a Ring of the Oddsbreaker to the Prefect of the Conclave to be given to whoever is elected to replace her
- The Ring of the Oddsbreaker can be used to send a short missive to the Muse of Fire each season for a year
- Heralds of Janon have accepted an invitation to witness the Imperial Orc fighting pit for presumably unrelated reasons
Heralds of Shadowfire have been following the actions of the Shadowed Torchbearer over the past eighteen months, and those abroad in the Empire have spoken of Blazing Blade's joy in hearing their tales. When word reaches them that Vanja Oddsbreaker of Wintermark, the first Shadowed Torchbearer, has vacated her position, he is not perturbed. The Night Sword heaps effervescent praise on the work done by her friend. Yet The Pyre Of Hearts regrets that sie did not give zir representative a chance to speak with it. To prevent such a regrettable state of affairs from recurring in future, The Blazing Blade has dispatched the Ring of the Oddsbreaker to Abelard the Assiduous, Prefect of the Conclave, to be given to whoever is elected to the position at the upcoming summit.
The Ring of the Oddsbreaker serves as a piece of jewellery that allows the person bonded to it to send a short missive of no more than one hundred words to Janon each season. The herald explains that this should include at least some details on what the Shadowed Torchbearer has been doing to further the concerns of Freedom's Call. Heralds of Shadowfire explain that whilst anyone could be bonded to the Ring of the Oddsbreaker, it is probably not a good idea for anyone other than the Shadowed Torchbearer to try using it to send a missive to the eternal.
OOC Note: The player of the character bonded to the Ring of the Oddsbreaker can email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk after each event before downtime closes with a missive of up to one hundred words to Janon.
Not everything is about Imperial politics. The Flame Of The Ancestors has apparently received an invitation to witness the passionate fire of the Imperial Orcs as they honour their ancestors in the fighting pit. The heralds will arrive in the Hall of Worlds at 17:00 on Saturday, and intend to go from there to the fighting pit as intended. The Voice Of Zorech has been very pleased with the reception that faer heralds have received in Anvil thus far. The Scribe Of Burning Names wishes it to be known that all those who desire blessings need only come to the heralds to have their innermost fires kindled. No clarification is offered as to what this mildly ominous statement might actually mean.
Victory Against the Night (Whisper Gallery)
- Attacks by heralds and agents of the Whisper Gallery against civil servants and researchers have fallen
- Attacks against the Magpies, and the sodality's supporters have risen
The Whisper Gallery have been a poisoned thorn in the side of researchers and civil servants since the summer of 379YE. For almost ten years, the eternal's agents and heralds have threatened, attacked, and taken out bounties on the department of historical research and other places of discovery and learning. Two years ago, Ris Steelfist urged urged people to hunt down the enemy and take the fight to them, launching the War of Whispers.
Perhaps the war has been successful? For the last six months, there have been no credible reports of attacks. At first some assume that the Court of the Shadowed Oracle have finally been silenced - at least, when not responding to a message from the Archmage of Night. Sadly that proves a little too optimistic - it seems the Concilium of the Perjured Throne now has bigger fish to fry.
Members of the Magpies have reported figures in dark robes, dusky shrouds, and inky cloaks following them. One member, a would-be explorer called Vanya Heartsworn looking for lost Avalanche, was found close to death from several knife wounds, by their associates. There was no sign of the assailant, Vanya survived, but claims to have seen nothing of their attacker.
When one front closes, another opens it seems. Still, the Empire has successfully protected what remains of the department of historical records from the Shadow Courtiers poison Has the Empire managed to root out the last cultists of the Concilium of the Perjured Throne? Definitely not, but maybe it is winning this shadow war.
Against a Threat
The Assembly of Vigilance REJECT the premise of a single threat or cause being "the most important". To only focus on the poison in one neighbours' field leaves us blind to the poison in another. We are all watchtowers, to build all our watchtowers in one place is the height of folly.
Irada Von Temeschwar, Vigilance Assembly, Autumn 387YE, Vote: 310-102- The Imperial Archivist has requested that the Vigilance Assembly consider encouraging the faithful to seek out the agents of other eternals under enmity
- Doing so could make it easier to counter threats from Agramant and other eternals under enmity
- The cost is giving the Whisper Gallery more leeway to attack the Magpies
Last season, the Vigilance Assembly upheld a statement of principle raised by Irada Von Temeschwar that rejected the notion of a single threat being the most important. The judgement did not manage to achieve a greater majority, but it piqued the interest of Leontes the Scribe, who has asked the assembly to consider encouraging the vigilant to go further. If a statement of principle that directs the vigilant to seek out heralds of other eternals under enmity is upheld with a greater majority, then the War of Whispers venture will expand after the Winter Solstice.
The Vigilance Assembly could choose a specific realm to focus on, which would change the venture's production to 96 rings, a pawn of appropriate vis, one mana crystal.
Alternatively, and in keeping with the judgement raised by Irada, they could call on the vigilant to seek out the agents of all eternals under enmity. This would change the production to 96 rings, one mana crystal, and either a vial of vital honey, a vial of heart's blood, or a pouch of crystal fire (although Cold Sun is under enmity, its scions are few and far between in the Empire).
If the Conclave chose to change the alignment of other eternals, then it would also change the potential vis available in the venture. Of course, if the Assembly don't issue a call to action - or it doesn't pass with a greater majority - then the faithful will continue focussing their efforts on protecting the agents of the Whisper Gallery.
On the face of it, Leontes' proposal seems like a fair one - there is only one small drawback. Abraham points out that resources are limited, if the Vigilance Assembly refocus the War of Whispers away from the Whisper Gallery, it will help to counter threats from Agramant and other evils. But it will inevitably mean the Whisper Gallery has a freer hand than it has had to date. That means members of the Magpies will be at greater risk than they are now. Many of the Magpies are tough heroes of Anvil - not like the defenceless academics who report to Leontes - so they'll be fine right?
Knife In the Snow
- Servants of the Whisper Gallery have attacked a group of Magpies near Gulnar's Depths in Hahnmark
- This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
- The Magpie sodality is responsible for selecting someone to take responsibility for the conjunction during their formal session at 3pm Saturday
- This conjunction is for sixty people at 18:30 on Friday at the next summit
It appears the Empire may have an ally in their war against the Whisper Gallery. The Hunter of Tides has little time for what it regards as "the capricious wickedness of Rainbow Mask". Delphysius, herald of Zakalwe, has spent time studying the reports of the recent attack, almost certainly agents of the Whisper Gallery, on Vanya Heartsworn. After thorough divination of the Sentinel Gate, Delphysius believes they have identified a conjunction that could help, not this summit, but next.
It is rare, but not completely unknown, for the Sentinel Gate to give up such secrets. Scholars who study the Gate claim that the conjunctions are a reflection of fate, and since fate is not fixed, they rarely occur far into the future. But rare is not never and the prognosticators have confirmed that the conjunction is real - and fixed - at least for now.
Working with Delphysius, the evidence seems overwhelming that the conjunction concerns the murderous attack on Vanya and presumably is linked to his personal quest to recover Avalanch, the famed rune-forged two-handed hammer, that featured in so many of the adventures of Inga Tarn. Most credible scholars think Vanya was off his rocker hoping to find the hammer in the valleys near Gulnar's Depths. Still he must have found something, some secret, that provoked the Gallery to attack.
Given this is most definitely the business of the Magpies, the civil service have asked the sodality to take a vote during their formal session at 3pm Saturday to choose one of their number to take responsibility for the skirmish. Whoever the Magpies select will need to find sixty heroes of Anvil prepared to pledge to support them when they go through the gate at the Spring Equinox. If there is some clue that might lead people to Avalanche, then they will need to be ready to fight the Whisper Gallery's minions.
Summer
In the Fields of Glory (Eleonaris)
- Seven armies were enchanted with Knights of Glory at the Autumn Equinox
- Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
As has been previously stated, the reign of Empress Brannan saw armies becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, which saw exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer realm having an unlooked-for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more, the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies, especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.
Conclave witnesses the ongoing effects of the Summer realm on armies in the Sarangrave. We permit further castings of Knights of Glory, but will oversee the situation vigilantly
Sakari Nightscale, Grandmaster of the Rod and ShieldIt's been noted that Knights of Glory is having a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most clearly observed in Sarangrave. This may be because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory.
As per the Even darkness must pass wind of war, the Eastern Sky, Gryphon's Pride, Lions of Adelmar, Granite Pillar, Fire of the South, Citadel Guard, Golden Axe, and Northern Eagle cannot take the Cautious Advance or Give Ground orders. Following the past season in the Sarangrave, the Summer Storm are included in that number. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an entire year without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment.
Only one army, the Golden Axe, hosted the Knights of Glory again this season. Further information on how the general might take advantage of the situation to reforge the army can be found in the Fire and the floor wind of war.
Pilgrims of the Granite Pillar, your Assembly, supported by your general, now speaks. You have stood in battle beside the knights of Eleonaris, and your Courage is not in question for you fight for the Ambition of the Empire. Yet do not forget: these are beings from the realms, not of the Way. Do not disrespect them, but keep your distance, and do not mistake them for creatures of Virtue. Their purposes are not ours; do not allow their influence to determine your actions. Let your hearts turn evermore towards Virtue. Seek out the priests who march beside you; and use liao ceremonies, that you may overcome the temptations of the realms. Let Vigilance be your watchword and Courage your shield. For in the Mallum, danger hides everywhere, and the gifts of the realms often come with hidden chains. Trust not in power for its own sake, but in the Way alone.
Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament, Highborn Assembly, Autumn Equinox 387YE, Vote: 772-0 (Greater Majority)Standing in Defiance
- The Highborn Assembly can enact a mandate to call soldiers of the nation's armies to turn away from support offered by heralds
- If enacted, Highborn armies would once again be able to take the Give Ground and Cautious Advance orders for the coming year
- If the affected armies were supported by heralds as a result of an enchantment or boon they would have 1000 less strength for the coming year
At the Autumn Equinox, two statements of principle were raised that addressed the situation with Knights of Glory. One, raised by Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below in the Loyalty Assembly, issued a call for the "restoration of free mortal will". This was upheld, but without a greater majority, so it has received little attention outside of Anvil. The other, raised by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament in the Highborn Assembly, was upheld with a greater majority and so has received recognition across Highguard.
Be alert to all dangers; within and without. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to encourage our courageous soldiers to stand apart from these servants of eternals. Seek out falsehood and expose the truth.
Synod Mandate, Highborn Assembly
If this mandate is enacted, Highborn soldiers will deliberately keep their distance from any heralds or other servants of an eternal sent to fight alongside them. As a result, the General of the Granite Pillar (and other Highborn generals) will be able to issue orders to give ground or maintain a cautious advance for the coming year. Such distance comes at a price, however. Highborn armies that are enchanted with rituals Knights of Glory or Quickening Cold Meat, or supported by the Knights of Tharim will also lose a thousand effective strength for all purposes during that year. Any ritual or boon that calls on an eternal to send creatures to fight alongside an army will be affected.
Hope's Rest (Cathan Canae)
- The Phoenix Rising coven of Dawn is three-quarters of the way to receiving a boon from Cathan Canae
- They need to perform Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae one more time at Hope's Rest in the Barrens
For the last three seasons, the Phoenix Rising coven of Dawn has been raising the Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae over the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens. As well as offering protection to the territory, the enchantment is part of a test by Cathan Canae from whom the ritual draws power.
If a frozen citadel is raised in Hope's Rest during the Winter Solstice, then the task will be complete. At the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE, the Mistress of Blizzards will anchor a little of the essence of her domain in the hills of the southern Barrens. The region will gain the Rimebound quality - the weather there will always be slightly worse than in the rest of the Barrens, with regular snowfalls and even blizzards in winter. But any casting of Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae on the region - or any other similar Summer enchantments - will be empowered. The ritual already summons a battalion of heralds from the demesne of the Queen of Ice and Darkness; when cast at Hope's Rest she will provide one of her great captains and their warband to support the defence of the territory. The battalion will have a total strength of 3,000 towards determining victory and inflicting casualties, and take part in any military campaign in the territory, applying their fighting strength against invading enemies or fighting alongside friendly armies. At the same time, Stalwart Stand on Solid Ground will mean the fortification does not collapse until the ritual ends, no matter how much damage it takes.
The magicians of Dawn would also gain leave to use ilium to permanently summon a Frozen Citadel in Hope's Rest if they wish. Should they choose to do so, the Thane of the Rimebound Shore will petition his mistress to allow his personal castle to be summoned to the mortal world and bring his household to support it until such time as the Druj of the Mallum are permanently broken. The Citadel of the Rimebound Shore follows the rules for a fortification - the bastion would provide significant protection to Hope's Rest, and the Thane's personal retinue would garrison the territory, keeping guard against both the Druj and the vallorn, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the wilder places of the Barrens.
With the willing support of the Thane and his mistress, this feat could be achieved with "only" 100 rings of ilium rather than the usual requirement of 300 rings. Furthermore, until the Druj are defeated or the Imperial Conclave declares enmity against Cathan Canae, the presence of the Thane and their warriors will mean the citadel has no upkeep unless the Empire chooses to improve it in some way. This offer of a permanent citadel remains until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE.
Broken Fist
- The Fist of the Black Glacier can no longer be cast
- The assurance on the ritual was broken at the Summer Solstice 387YE
Two years ago, at the Winter Solstice 385YE, three generals were invited by a castellan of the Queen of Ice and Darkness to discuss the strategies behind the conquest of Ossium, Sermersuaq, and Zenith. Nicassia of Phoenix Reach, as the General of the Citadel Guard, won the competition and was rewarded with a ritual text to call on the Fist of the Black Galcer. The Castellan of the Spire of Unbroken Notes visits the Hall of Worlds following the Autumn Equinox with the sad, but firm, news that with the decommissioning of the Eastern Guard, the assurance on the ritual has been broken.
It is unclear how the Lady of the Frost feels about the situation: clearly, the Senate must have had a reason for decommissioning the fortification, but it is a demonstration that the Empire does not share the same concerns as the Immovable One. If the Archmage of Summer wants to explain the reasoning to the eternal, then their power of plenipotentiary is available.
Champions of a Champion (Hayaak)
- Those who championed Hayaak during the Icy Crag tourney have received their rewards from Hayaak
- Hayaak remains as the patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
During the Summer Solstice 387YE, the Peregrine Knight became the patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun. The Outlaw Prince had to delay providing rewards to his champions, but has dispatched his heralds to Nimue de Rondell; Arlen Foreman-Smith; and the Master of Ice and Darkness himself, Alexander Tallstag.
To Nimue, he has sent a set of blades taken from an overthrown queen. The blades are similar to the Earthquake Drummers known to Imperial artisans, and the corrupt queen of an unknown realm used them to slaughter her own people until she was overthrown.
To Arlen, he has sent a set of mage armour taken from a twisted king. The armour is similar to the Twilight Pauldrons known to Imperial artisans, and the deceitful king of an unknown realm used them when spreading malice and suffering to his people until he was cast down.
To Alexander, he has sent a piece of jewellery taken from a fallen monarch. The jewellery is similar to the Abraxus Stone known to Imperial artisans, and the crooked monarch of an unknown realm used it to swindle their way into power, until he was deposed.
Hayaak has exerted his will to infuse the items with fresh power; their restored enchantments will last a year.
Autumn
Hope is a Subtle Glutton (Callidus)
- The Prince of the Argent Tontine has arranged a special auction for high-end goods
- All bids must be in ingots and measures
- Anyone who deposited ingots and measures for the auction must meet Goldentongue in the Hall of Worlds at 20:30 on Friday
- The auction will take place at 21:30 on Saturday in the Hall of Worlds
As the Winter Solstice nears, the sun is low in the sky as a herald steps out of a regio onto the darkening path. Clad in robes embroidered with fanciful script, they are short with golden labyrinthine lines running over their face and neck. Barely pausing, the herald walks briskly towards the Hub to deliver a letter from the Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains. They inform the civil servant that, following the visit of Multitudo last season, the Prince of the Argent Tontinue has dispatched Goldentongue to host an auction for several treasures.
Though some of the requested items are available, some are sadly impossible to provide. There are several exceptionally important citizens who have been invited: Bartimaeus, of Urizen; Leofric “Leo” d’Apulian, of the League, and a mystery individual. These three are considered the "Princes" of the auction, and may place a bid on an item before any other. These Princes are guaranteed the ability to peruse the items before any other, by means of a prospectus. All bidding is to take place using ingots and measures as the currency, and if any item does not meet its (hidden) reserve price, it will be withdrawn and dispatched back to the vaults of Callidus.
Goldentongue will be in the Hall of Worlds from 20:30 on Friday. They need to meet with the Princes and others who are taking part in the auction. Anyone who submitted ingots and measures last season will need to meet Goldentongue in the Hall of Worlds to continue their involvement with the auction. The herald will need each patron to identify themselves, the sums they deposited and the item they wished for, so that they can be identified, and given a sigil to grant them access to the auction. Anyone who does not meet Goldentongue in the Hall of Worlds on Friday (or sends a proxy) will not be able to take part in the auction the following day.
Goldentongue will return to the Hall of Worlds from 21:00 on Saturday to start organising the auction and to answer any questions. Though nothing about the lots available, unless from one of the three Princes. The herald of the City of Chains does drop a few hints at two of items available; there is a chance to purchase a rare Moonsilver Scarf from the Palace of the Azure Sky and a key to the Myriad Market of the City of Gold and Lead.
OOC Note: An early version of this entry discussed an altogether different auction to the one that was previous promised. We have changed this to honour the previous wind and will look to run something resembling the different auction in the future.
Sashes and Shields
- Multitudo, herald of Callidus, will visit the Hall of Worlds at 18:10 on Friday
- Multitudo wishes to meet the Champion of Ambition and the ambassadors to both Jarm and the Grendel
Finally, Multitudo intends to watch the Mariner play at the Anvil Arena. They hope that Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo, incumbent Ambassador to Jarm; Starlight Starchaser, Ambassador to the Grendel; and Eldrid 'Phoenix Flame' Vestardottir, Champion of Ambition will accompany them, alongside two other guests, then afterwards they can retire somewhere more private to discuss "sashes and shields".
Fire and Stone (Estavus)
| Office of Fire and Stone |
| Commission Type: Edifice |
| Location: Iteri, Zenith (at the Crucible of Fate) |
| Cost: 10 white granite, 20 mithril, 10 rings of ilium, 90 crowns labour costs |
| Time: 3 months |
| Availability: Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE |
Effects:
|
| Architect of Hammers |
| Type: Urizen or Imperial |
| Appointment: Tally of the Votes or Declaration of Conclave |
Powers:
|
| Responsibilities: Oversee the Office of Fire and Stone; liaise with heralds of Estavus on behalf of Urizen or the Empire as a whole, depending on appointment method |
| Investigated resource | Produces |
| Brilliant Star | Mithril |
| Pride of Ikka's Tears | Mithril |
| Vigilant Swan | White granite |
- The Architects of Iron and Stone have finalised their proposal for a permanent office in Zenith
In the Autumn, draft proposals were set forth by the City of Fire and Stone regarding offices built at the Crucible of Fate. As per the previous request, the intent of the offices is for them to serve as a legacy for the long and productive partnership between the denizens of the Autumn realm and Edmundo of Damakan's Forge's. A title is to be created to oversee the offices, the Architect of Hammers - but as of the Autumn Equinox, this was as far as planning had progressed. Representatives of the Architects of Iron and Stone , the faction within the City that put together the proposal, met with the Archmage and associates at the last summit to discuss the exact purpose to which the offices can be put.
Having completed their consultation, the expanded proposal for the Architect's powers is as follows. Once per season, the Architect will be able to announce either of the following to the Senate:
They may invite the Coalition of Stone and Struggle to repair or upgrade an existing commission. This will not count against the existing limitation on commissions as the labour will be provided by the Coalition, one of the greatest collections of labourers in the City of Fire and Stone. This can be any upgrade - either a standard one or one available due to an opportunity - with the exception that the Coalition refuse to work on projects sponsored or designed by eternals of other realms. Labour costs will need to be provided at the ordinary rate, though it is possible that the Coalition might occasionally request alternate forms of payment.
They may invite the Architects of Iron and Stone to assess a bourse resource that produces mithril or white granite, which has not already been assessed in this manner, and at the cost of five thrones. The Architects of Iron and Stone will send their representatives to investigate how the resource might be improved. The following season, the heralds will present plans for an upgrade of that resource. This could be a straightforward plan to improve production, or the discovery of a hitherto-unexploited opportunity for side profit. It is even possible that, on rare occasions, there may be unexpected additional opportunities associated with the resource. The cost per assessment is set at five thrones until at least the Winter Solstice 388YE. The Architects will assess what profits they have made from the relationship after that point, and may change the price.