Seeds of discord
"The Plenum demands that Faraden answer for the unprovoked judicial murder of one of their citizens!" Each word was clipped, almost spat out, as if they were fleeing the cage of his teeth against his will.
Mistress Karadragha made a show of picking up the scroll on the table before her and perusing it carefully, although she knew its contents by heart. Over the top of the parchment she could see Master Azad clenching his fists tight enough to whiten his knuckles. The Plenum would be looking for someone to blame for this disaster. Singua wished the investigators had managed to find a clear link between Master Azad and his proxy but he had been very careful to ensure that there was nothing to find. Not in Faraden, at least.
"I'm sorry, Master Azad, but the evidence is overwhelming. There is no doubt as to their guilt, and the punishment for their crime is appropriate. There is no case to answer - Justice has been served. I don't know what more you want me to say to you, or to your Plenum?"
Azad actually growled, and leant forward, putting his hands on the desk. Ambassador Karadragha was very pleased at that moment that the sturdy furniture between them.
"The evidence is fabricated! The Empire are liars, and enemies of the Plenum, and I demand that everything they have said be stricken from your records."
"You demand? Or your Plenum demands?" Mistress Karadragha looked up at him properly for the first time, favoured him with her cool attention. "Master Azad, Tommasso Triusti was providing money and support to the Cinders. An organisation the Liege of the Five Winds, with the support of the priestly families, had proscribed. There is no mistake here, and no error, and there is no doubt that the Imperial witnesses were telling the truth. You are very fortunate that the evidence also points to the fact that Trusti was working alone, without the knowledge of the Plenum. Or its ambassador. Because otherwise the Flames of Justice would have spread considerably farther."
The Asavean ambassador removed his hands from her desk and stood up ramrod straight.
"You have not heard the last of this." He hissed.
Mistress Karadragha inclined her head in calm acknowledgement.
"Of course, and I will convey the concerns of the Plenum to the Liege of the Five Winds, along with your assurance that you were unaware of what your countryman was about, and your condemnation of their actions. Assuming the Plenum does condemn their actions?"
Azad took a step forward, and Mistress Karadragha felt her heart beating like rain, but then the Asavean Ambassador regained control of himself. He spun on his heel, and strode out of her office, slamming the door behind him hard enough to raise splinters from the frame.
The Faraden diplomat relaxed back into her chair, and not for the first time considered what an absolute toerag the Asavean Ambassador was. She rang the small silver bell on her desk, to call for one of her aides. Tea would not be sufficient this time; it would take a stout mug of airag to calm her nerves. Perhaps more than one.Overview
There are six great powers in the known world whose influence and reach rivals that of the Empire. There also innumerable lesser powers who do not have the might to shake the world, but who are nonetheless important to those with whom they share a border. The ambitions of these nearby nations are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point.
There are ambassadors to some of these nations - the Suranni, Axos, the Thule, and Faraden in particular. Other nations are dealt with by the Imperial Consul. Sometimes a neighbouring nation focuses on diplomacy with the Empire, and requires an in-depth discussion. Sometimes however there is less going on in a given season and diplomacy can be part of a wider, roundup. For example TBC covers nearly half a dozen of the orc nations that lie near the Empire.
Here we can read about several neighbouring nations to the Empire not covered in detail elsewhere - the Axou, the Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, and Tsark, as well as the folk of Marracossa, the exiles of the Asavean Archipelago who live in Madruga.
Axos
- Axos remains allied to the Empire through treaty and through the Liberty Pact
- They have taken ownership of the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
- The Imperial ambassador to Axos is Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark
Imperial relations with the Citadels of Axos remain steadily positive. Partly this is due to the Synod's work during the reclamation of Solokha, partly due to the ongoing alliance between Axos and the Empire in Sarangrave which has seen them gain custody of the massive fortification known as the Tower of the Skink. A new status quo has been established in the tiny nation following the upheaval that followed the rise of the ambitious Grand Ilarch Kyther. A formal Grand Council guides the nation, and the Unified Convocation works to bring Axos' disparate religious sects together in a similar way.
The ambassador cannot become complacent however; Axos is no less touchy about its independence that it has ever been, and relations could sour again very easily. For the moment, though, the Axos Ambassador to the Empire Ilarch Kario Skopos of Solokha remains cordial and sometimes even friendly. Skopos is a scion of an influential family from the Chambers of Issyk, who has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth at the instruction of the Grand Council for as long as he holds the post. This is intended to signify neutrality in the politics of the citadel, to make him a worthier intermediary through which the Axou can deal with their allies in the Empire.
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Towers of Kantor and Chambers of Issyk
- Ambassador: 'Shacklebreaker' Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark
Claiming Thornfen
- Axos has claimed the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
- They have removed the former Druj subjects who lived there
- The Axou are preparing to rebuild the Tower of the Skink
Ambassador Skopos thanks his opposite number in the Empire for their timely warning relating to vallorn, Druj, and Imperial enchantments. They wax lyrical about how this kind of cooperation between allies is a portent of the great things Axos and the Empire can achieve together when they put their minds to it. He even praises Imperial magicians - the Autumn magic laid on the territory made the task of removing the Druj subjects in Thornfen significantly easier. In return, the experts at the Halls of Maykop have been considering how to address the dangers presented by Druj armies supported by the shambling dead Ambassador Hrafnar has spoken of.
Over the last season however the Ipotavan forces in Sarangrave have been occupied by completing the task of claiming Thornfen. Their efforts were hampered a little by fallout from the vallorn expansion, and the need to eject several thousand people from the marshes around the Tower of the Skink. As the Summer Solstice dawns, the region as a whole is now in Axou hands. Imperial armies are free to move through it, as per their treaty with the Empire, but the civil service note that the Axou could theoretically remove this privilege at any time.
As they said they would, the Axou army has exiled all the former subjects of the Druj they can find in the region. They have been channeled primarily into the Whisperwood, with a few stragglers ending up in Kroll. The vast majority of these exiles are orcs but there are also humans among their number - only those former slaves of the Druj who could prove a connection to Axos were allowed to remain. The Axou have by all accounts made only minimal efforts to identify any actual Druj among these former inhabitants of Thornfen - they have simply thrown everyone out. Or at least, everyone they could find. The army is unable to focus its full attention on the wilder places of the region, and there are a number of organised groups of Druj guerillas in Thornfen who were once part of the garrison of the Tower, who continue to harass Axou soldiers.
This means that there are now a significant number of people whose legal status is very unclear loose in the Sarangrave, without supplies, shelter, or in many cases, any real idea what is going on. That, however, is a problem for Urizen and the Empire, not the Axou.
Most Imperial citizens in the territory are busy engaged with the vallorn, or fighting off the Druj this season, but there are some reports that the Axou are moving large amounts of white granite into the region through the Path of the Eye - the pass that links the Mallum with Axos. They've also brought in a large number of labourers, recruited at apparently ruinous expense from all the citadels of the nation. While some are being garrisoned at the Tower, an equally large number have begun establishing camps in the vicinity of the wrecked city of Sephals - and it doesn't look as if they are planning to rebuild it. Indeed, it looks a lot more like they are planning to tear it apart to salvage building materials. Presumably after looting it.
Armies of the Dead
| Garrison of Thornfen |
| Motion Type: Senate Motion or Treaty |
| Necessary Details: Must explicitly give the garrison of Thornfen the right to move around Imperial Sarangrave and deal with threats to the territory |
| Cost: None |
| Effect: Allows the garrison of Thornfen to operate outside of that region anywhere except Nesustak Forest or Bendol |
| Availability: Until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE |
| Special: Could be raised as part of a treaty |
- The Axou are struggling to establish a garrison at the Tower of the Skink
- Ilarch Skopos asks for the empire to donate up to 80 wains of mithril to help get the new Axou garrison established
- Before the garrison can protect Sarangrave it requires a Senate Motion granting it the explicit power to move around and fight threats
The Axou control the Tower of the Skink, and following negotiations with the Military Council are prepared to help protect Sarangrave from the threat of invasion or rebellion. With that in mind, Ilarch Skopos asks that the Senate make this arrangement clear with a Senate motion. If they are prepared to explicitly invite the Axou to defend Sarangrave (with the obvious current exceptions of Nesustak Forest and Bendol), then their garrison stands ready. Such a motion would provide the needed legal permission to go anywhere in the Imperial held regions of the territory and deal with threats to its people as they see fit. The freedom would apply to both the garrison of the Tower of the Skink and Axou armies - who would be free to move should they wish to in the same way Imperial armies can currently move through Thornfen. Without such a mandate to act, the garrison and the army will be restricted to defending Thornfen only.
As it stands the garrison would certainly protect Thornfen from the Empire if they ever tried to claim it, or to move armies through it without the permission of the Grand Ilarchs. The civil service advise that as well as the obvious benefits, the declaration requested by Ilarch Skopos will give Axou troops to move around Sarangrave, which could in theory present problems if relations with Axos were to sour. Ultimately the key issue is one of control. With the garrison under the control of the Axou it will ultimately be down to them what it does.
That might not be a problem for a while as the new Axou garrison at Thornfen is taking a while toe establish itself. With vallorn and Druj alike in the territory this season, there has been no movement toward establishing the new. Ilarch Skopos informs Ambassador Thanmir that there is a recruitment drive taking place in Axos at the moment but that response has been slow. The Grand Ilarch of Ipotavo is frustrated by this state of affairs - it's not as if the Axou were unaware of this potential problem - and has demanded Ilarch Skopos find a solution.
The civil service estimate that it will take a minimum of two and a half years for the Axou garrison at the Tower of the Skink to reach its full strength, assuming there are no additional setbacks. Any season where there is fighting in Sarangrave will prevent the Axou from resupplying and could even see losses if the garrison is drawn into the fight; opposing forces prevent natural resupply even if the garrison is not directly involved.
The axou could use either mithril or weirwood to increase the speed with which the garrison would establish itself, but the Grand Ilarchs' Council seems loath to contribute their own comparatively limited wains to do so. Ilarch Skopos does not come straight out and ask Ambassador Thanmir to see if the Empire can be convinced to provide such support, but the implication is very clear. If the Empire wants the garrison to be ready for battle on a meaningful time-scale they will need to provide the wains to the Axou.
Lemuré
| Advice Regaring Lemuré |
| Motion Type: Historical Research |
Necessary Details:
|
| Cost: 50 liao |
| Effect: Produces a historical research document relating to lemuré and methods of dealing with them |
| Availability: Summer Solstice 388YE |
- The Ambassador has requested Axou assistance with matters relating to lemuré
- The Halls of Maykop are prepared to cooperate with historical research into the matter
While the Halls of Maykop are considering the matter of Druj armies supported by ghoulish horrors, Ilarch Skopos has also asked them for any guidance they can offer the High Exorcist Lord Belial de Courtenay Wyldrose in their work to combat one of the lemuré. Ambassador Hafnir mentioned former Ambassador Tarquinius Ankarien, and Ilarch Skopos has had some of his staff review the archives and found some information that his own predecessor Maxatios provided in the past. The libraries of Maykop are extensive, especially when it relates to ghosts and similar entities. Ilarch Skopos is confident that information exists; the challenge will be finding something specifically useful to the High Exorcist in their current endeavour.
After discussion with Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop, an agreement has been reached (ableit a little grudgingly). It is the request to study with masters of necromantia that has apparently swung Keloparia's opinion in favour of the proposal. The High Exorcist of the Empire wanting aid from the magicians of Maykop, rather than the Convocation of Faith apparently bodes well. Ilarch Skopos cannot quite conceal the fact that the popularity of "Theodosia Azesos' experiment" seems to have stalled a little, to the amusement of some of her political opponents.
Regardless, the Halls will make some members of the research staff and one of the necromantia librarians available to host an Imperial scholar should they wish to visit after the Summer Solstice to investigate necromantia relating to the lemuré. Unfortunately, due to the faculty schedules, the Empire would need to take this offer up during the Summer Solstice - after that it would need to be rearranged and there is no guarantee that anyone would be available to assist such a scholarly endeavour. Ilarch Skopos notes that the faculty at Maykop will be expecting a member of the Department of Historical Research; the invitation sadly cannot be extended to other scholars (explicitly this means the Lepidean Librarian cannot commission this research).
In return, Maykop will expect 50 doses of liao. As the ambassador proposed, this would be an ideal gift for the Grand Ilarch and the faculty staff to thank them for their time. Not because they intend to use it for any religious purposes, Ilarch Skopos clarifies, but because it is very useful in certain necromantia rites. (OOC Notes: The character who commissions the research should ensure they have to 50 liao in their inventory after the event and e-mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk so that we can remove it and confirm the opportunity).
The civil service note that if the commission opportunity is taken up, whoever commissions it could include some guidance as to what kinds of things the High Exorcist would find useful. This would serve as a guideline for the researchers, who would do their best to find materials that related to those specific queries. Obviously, though, the final report will depend as much on what the Axou of Maykop are preapred to spare as anything else. There's also a note of caution that it is possible this research may retread some of that already shared with former ambassador Tarquinius - and expectations should be managed appropriately.
Faraden
- Faraden is at peace with the Empire, and trades freely with Imperial citizens
- The Liege of Five Winds appears to favour the Empire, but there are powerful factions in Faraden that prefer closer ties with Asavea
- Faraden is in the process of disentangling itself from Asavean interests
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Caitun
- Ambassador: Mina i Yashum i Riqueza of the Brass Coast
Faraden lies to the west of the Empire, across the Lasambrian Hills of Reinos. Trade is its lifeblood, but it is also a country of canny wizards, Courageous warriors, and Proud (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the Jotun and the Iron Confederacy, but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment, cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the Asavean Archipelago on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.
The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is Mistress Singua Karadragha. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.
Notes of Recognition
- Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, former Azure Sutannir, is the new ambassador to Faraden
- The Liege of Five Winds sends a note of thanks to former Ambassador Ebenezer of the Marches
Kistress Karadragha begins by sending greetings and congratulations to the new Ambassador Mina i Yashum i Riqueza. As former Azure Sutannir, their name is already known to the Faraden diplomat. She also sends a note on behalf of the Liege of the Five Winds thanking the former Ambassador, Ebenezer, for their work cementing the growing friendship between the two nations, along with wishes for a warm future full of Prosperity and Pride.
It is perhaps a shame that the first message to the new ambassador also contains confirmation that the Faraden will be signing a new peace treaty with the Jotun during the Summer Solstice. As discussed previously, without a major commitment from allies to support Faraden against the orcs the nation is not prepared to go to war. Reading between the lines, it seems that the Iron Confederacy invasion of Reinos is not going the way the Court of Five Winds would have hoped.
In response to the polite request of the new ambassador, however, Mistress Karadragha explains that the main concern for the Faraden at this moment is that their merchants are able to travel freely to the Empire, and trade with Imperial citizens. Ensuring that they retain the ability to do so is of paramount importance.
Ashes to Ashes
- Faraden authorities have executed an Asavean citizen accused of funding the Cinders
- The Asaveans have closed their embassy in Faraden, but have not broken off diplomatic relations
- The Liege of the Five Winds has made a public speech commending Imperial law enforcement
For some weeks after the spring equinox Faraden is abuzz over an intersection of international diplomacy and high criminality. Tommasso Triusti, an Asavean citizen caught up in the purge of the Cinders, has been publicly executed for conspiracy to commit treason. It was an undignified affair, so the rumour goes. Unlike the Cinders, who met their deaths with dignity, their foreign enabler wept with fear and alternated between pleading for a reprieve and haranguing both the crowd and the executioner. The Faraden have strong opinions as to how condemned criminals ought to act, and this cowardly display has earned opprobrium from all corners of society.
The Asaveans are, by all accounts, beside themselves with rage. After what was rumoured to be a tense stand-off in the Palace of Five Winds between the Liege and the head of the embassy staff, the entire Asavean embassy was vacated. Those citizens of Faraden who once spoke of a close alliance with the Asaveans now carefully step away from their prior convictions, or at least keep very quiet about them. There are apparently rumblings about trade sanctions, but for now diplomatic relations remain open.
Just before the summer solstice, an address by the Liege of the Five Winds is circulated throughout Faraden. While it mostly speaks to national concerns, the Liege makes a point of commending Imperial legal authorities for their recent cooperation in the destruction of the Cinders. The Imperial Magistracy and militia are praised for their diligence and attentiveness, and much is made of the benefits of cooperation between Faraden and the Empire. Despite all attempts to the contrary, the position of the Liege remains strong and relations between Faraden and the Empire have never been better.
Faith and Law
- Mistress Karadragha asks for clarification relating to a new proscription
Ambassador Mina has raised the matter of faith and religion, and Mistress Karadragha responds by expressing Faraden concerns. According to Faraden merchants the Empire has made it a crime to bear a dedication or anointing of Justice. This clearly refers to the recent proscription recent proscription raised by Brother Geoffrey Orchard at the Winter Solstice.
Obviously there are other prescriptions that are likely of concern (such as Judgement 72 given that the Faraden faith believes that Ambition, Wisdom, and Vigilance are not useful spiritual qualities). Yet it is this matter on which Mistress Karadragha seeks clarification from the Ambassador.
Previously, sensible Faraden travellers have avoided legal issues while visiting the Empire by simply keeping their belief in the Five Flames to themselves. By not preaching the Faraden faith, they have not been held guilty of blasphemy or heresy. Now it seems that simply being dedicated, or bearing an anointing, will be a crime in Imperial territory. Is this understanding of the situation correct?
Speaking candidly, Mistress Karadragha expresses the concern that the Liege of the Five Winds and many of the priestly families that support them have spent a lot of time talking about the "new tolerance" of the Empire - that as long as they avoid single-minded pursuit of Justice they will be able to trade freely in the Empire. If this is no longer the case, the Court of Five Winds needs to know so that they can decide how best to proceed when encouraging their people to travel to the Empire.
Iron Confederacy
- The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire
- They have recently taken both Cazar Straits in Feroz and Free Landing in Madruga from the Children of Wrecks
The Iron Confederacy
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Robec
- Ambassador: Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo
The lands of the Suranni people - the Iron Confederacy - lie directly over the Empire's south-western border. They do not welcome visitors from the Empire except in carefully selected enclaves such as the port of Robec. While they are currently at peace with the Empire, they are by no means allies. Courted by both the Empire and the Asaveans, the Dukes have been content to to play both interests off against each other. They made some concessions to the Liberty Pact by "redefining" their slaves as "serfs", but those who have actually visited Suranni lands say that the lives of the lowest class of their society have barely improved with this change in terminology.
The Suranni recently moved military forces into the territory of Feroz, attacking and defeating the Children of Wrecks and seizing the Cazar Straits. Most recently, they have done the same in Madruga, having claimed Free Landing as well. Both regions are made up of islands that are a traditional home of the corsair families for the Brass Coast. Their ambassador has been clear both that they intend to go further, having dealt with the Children of Wrecks, and that they have no intention of conceding the islands to the Empire.
The Suranni ambassador to the Empire is Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore, who operates from the Tour Lavasse in Chaubrette, a territory unknown to Imperial citizens that apparently lies to the west of Veroigne. A noble naga, she replaced the significantly more dogmatic Jeanne de Hibernat, a High Priestess of the Suranni god Evra the Smith, Maiden of the Forge. She has already indicated that she is very much more pragmatic than her predecessor and more interested in compromise. She still reports to the Dukes of the Iron Confederacy, however, and so her apparent goodwill toward the Empire cannot be relied upon.
Diplomatic Considerations
- The Iron Confederacy propose a meeting at the Autumn Equinox to discuss a potential treaty
- They would like the Empire to prohibit attempts to spread the Way to the Surrani
- They have no intention to return Free Landing and Cazar Straits, but it is clear they could be bought off, but it would require skilful negotiation
Last season saw diplomatic approaches from the Iron Confederacy that included a request to permit armies of the Iron Confederacy involved in their invasion of Reinos to resupply via western Segura. This request was ultimately refused. They also sought to purchase resources to protect the northernmost Suranni territory of Arbonne, which the Empire knows as Kalino, from an ongoing campaign of baleful curses. In this, the Ambassador was more able to provide the requested assistance.
Moving forward Ambassador Tethros has apparently been in negotiation with Baroness Katerine regarding a possible treaty. Now that the Suranni have taken retribution against the Wreckers, and dealt with the Hand of Dumon hiding among them, they seem more inclined to discuss such matters. The intent is to send a few diplomats to Anvil during the Autumn Equinox, to see if such a treaty can be prepared, and the points raised by the Ambassador so far have proved very useful. Baroness Katerine asks that this discussion continue between them, with the Ambassador continuing to help refine the matters that will be under discussion.
The first proposal presented by the Imperial Ambassador is apparently an offer to outlaw the preaching of the Way in Suranni Lands. Baroness Katerine indicates that this isn't of interest to the Dukes, because any Imperial citizen found preaching the Way in their lands would be arrested and executed as blasphemers. However what the Dukes are interested in is for the Senate to make it illegal to preach the Way to Suranni citizens in the Empire. Specifically, to make it illegal to target Suranni travellers when proselytising.
The Dukes are pleased to hear that imperial efforts to restore the bridges over the Scorrero proceed apace. They are also open to the idea of establishing a formal trading enclave in the Empire; the town of Bramar in Fortargenta is well known to Iron Confederacy merchants and some kind of market and a temple for the priests of Evra the Smith would be appealing. Either that or dedicated markets in Oran, Calvos, and Sarvos for use by ships travelling along the coast through the eastern islands.
Military cooperation against the Jotun has also been discussed, and Baroness Katerine understands the Ambassador's reticence to commit to anything. Candidly, the fact the Empire is fighting the barbarian orcs in Imperial territories already provides a measure of assistance. The Dukes are however prepared to agree that any Jotun land the Empire takes in Reinos is theirs to keep, without contest - provided the Empire is in turn prepared to offer the same recognition to the Iron Confederacy. Both nations, says the Baroness, would surely benefit from the extermination of the Lasambrian Hills bandits.
As to the matter of Free Landing and Cazar Straits, however, the Baroness is much less forthcoming. As the Dukes have said over and over, they plan to keep what they have taken from the Children of Wrecks. The Empire had every opportunity to destroy the pirates sheltering in those islands before the Suranni took charge of matters. Relinquishment of the islands is unlikely to be on the table during negotiations. In theory at least, it might be possible for the Empire to negotiate the Suranni withdrawing from Free Landing, but the Ambassador must be aware that the price for doing so is likely to be a great deal of money or truly eye-watering amounts of mithril, weirwood, and white granite. The islands of the Brass Coast represent significant economic and strategic benefits to the Suranni. They conquered the islands with the lives of their soldiers, and in the name of the Maiden of Battle, and any concession to the Empire is going to need to reflect that.
Hand of Dumon
- Baroness Katerine concedes the Empire had no role in the recent curses on Arbonne
After due consideration, the Iron Confederacy accepts that the Empire had no role in the cursing of Arbonne, and that they will ensure the organisation puts down no roots within their borders. Even the Duke of Arbonne is apparently satisfied with the Ambassador's assurances this time, and the Suranni lawkeepers engaged in assisting the magistrates as part of the Dumonist treaty have tempered their zeal a little.
With the provision of ilium to help create a warding temple in Arbonne to combat the malignancy of the Hand of Dumon it seems the matter is put to rest for the moment. The civil service are at pains to point out that if any Hand of Dumon agents or sympathisers were active in Imperial politics, and their identities were exposed, then it could potentially prove quite embarrassing for the Ambassador and the Empire. Having access to the magistracy, even in a limited capacity, means that the Suranni lawkeepers are aware whenever someone is prosecuted for membership of the Hand of Dumon. Obviously there's no evidence of such an individual or conspiracy, but Vigilance is clear about the need to prepare for malice, and to avoid becoming complacent.
Marko Siwarsbairn
- The well-regarded scholar has return to the Empire and is eager to return to work
Poor Marko Siwarsbairn! Their visit to the Iron Confederacy to research military history took significantly longer than expected and arguably at various points they were in fact imprisoned by their Suranni hosts. Worse, when they were finally given leave to return to the Empire, their research complete, they were attacked by the Hand of Dumon and narrowly avoided being sacrificed to the Suranni God of Lies . Thanks to the intercession of the Minister of Historical Research Watt Lambrook, and by all accounts the direct aid of Ambassador Thethros, the Wintermark scholar was safely rescued. They handed over the fruits of nearly a year of research and then... went straight back to work.
There has been some suggestion that Marko may wish to take a leave of absence to recover from their recent adventures, but the plucky scholar is having none of it. Given time to recover, they are of the opinion that if nothing else all this business has been exciting - even thought it may have been a waste of a year from a scholastic point of view it was never dull. They're furious with the Iron Confederacy about the way their freedom to explore the subject of Suranni military history was so closely monitored, and how their words were edited and reviewed by the Baroness Katerine and her priests. They also want to be clear that when the document said "area of industry in Arbonne" for example, they meant "mithril mine for supplying armies", as just one example.
There has been some suggestion Baroness Katerine may be required to pay some kind of compensation. Instead the Suranni diplomat merely sends her best wishes to Marko, invites them to visit if ever they are in the vicinity of her holdings, and that given they are now back in the Empire she considers the matter closed. After all, it was Hand of Dumon agents in the Empire who attacked Marko, and while the Minister of Historical Research may have needed to intercede, her knights still did their job by ensuring the scholar returned to the bosom of the Empire alive. Marko's response involves quite an amount of coarse language.
Tsark
- The people of Tsark have sent an adept to Occursion
- Adept Camilla invites letters on the subject of Prosperity
- Urizeni congregation will be able to take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark' after the Summer Solstice.
The Seeker of the Perfect World has written to Sage Kristoph, the Tsarkoi sage who has long been the primary diplomat of the Tsarkoi to the Empire, opening a conversation on the subject of Prosperity and the ways in which it might benefit Tsark. After a little deliberation, the Council of Sages appointed Camilla - as a senior adept - to be the primary representative to the Empire on this subject. They are - cautiously - interested in hearing more.
Camilla's parents were Urizeni who found a way to Tsark a generation ago and decided to stay, so she is a little familiar with the Empire and the Way as a result. However, the Tsarkoi do not make use of spiritual forces other than that of Peace - quite the contrary to their neighbours, the notoriously blasphemous and heretical Axou who make use of auras of every kind, and so she is not greatly familiar with the Seven Virtues of the Way except through her parent's stories.
Camilla says that she intends to stay a little while at the Garden of the Perfect World. There are other adepts and sages who intend to visit in the season that follows: she has been asked to prepare the way. The Council of Sages believes, from what it understands of Prosperity, that the Virtue may be one that fits in the perfect world that the Tsarkoi seek - in accordance with their esoteric beliefs - to bring about. Camilla says that she will make herself available for any Imperial citizen who wishes to write to her explaining what Prosperity means to them. In addition, she and the other adepts chosen for this initiative would be delighted to meet with Urizeni who wish to share their perspective on Prosperity.
After the Summer Solstice, holders of an Urizeni congregation may take the lecture 'Discuss Prosperity with the Adepts of Tsark'. This will represent the priest taking themselves - and possibly their congregation - to Occursion to meet with Adept Camilla and her fellows, to discuss Prosperity and demonstrate the auras associated with it. As such, the congregation will not produce its normal complement of liao, as it is assumed it will be used in the creation of auras. However, Camilla has promised that in return she offers a portion of zaboravi. Obviously, any priest who takes this lecture will end up in the Prosperity assembly as a result at the subsequent summit.
Maracossa
- The proscription against the Theist Heresy creates major problems for the Marracossans
- They are appealing to the Marracossa Sendito for help
Representatives of the Trajadozi Marracossans, came to Anvil for the Spring Equinox. They planned to meet with both the current Marracossa Sendito Karg i Estrico i Erigo and the former holder of the title, Hugo i Bamesh. By all accounts the meeting went well - the Marracossans returned to Trajadoz satisfied at least. Or rather... mostly satisfied. There is a great deal of concern among the former inhabitants of the Asavean Archipelago regarding the blanket criminalization of their religion.
The judgement of proscription raised by Frater Pontius of Adoniran’s Temple defines the "Theist Heresy" as the claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over or communion with sapient spirits." The Marracossans have never tried to hide their faith in their gods, and given that the town of Trajadoz has been ceded to them by the Senate they are not concerned that they will need to fend off zealous magistrates. What they are very concerned about is their relationship with their neighbours.
The Marracossans have over the last few years formed bonds of friendship and business with Freeborn folk in Torres in particular. Some of their number fought against the Grendel when they attempted to conquer Madruga, and indeed the Freeborn Assembly recognised and praised them for their Courage, Pride, and Loyalty. Now they're concerned that anyone who trades with them, visits them, or even speaks to them might face prosecution. Worse, they are concerned that they might face prosecution if they leave the environs of Trajadoz - effectively trapping them in the town for the foreseeable future.
They're very keen for the Marracossa Sendito to advise them on the situation. This is in line with the responsibilities of the post - given that this proscription may represent a threat to Trajadoz and involves a request for representation. The civil service indicate that Karg i Estrico i Erigo may wish to seek the advice of the Imperial Consul Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason on this matter. While Karg is responsible for dealing with the Marracossans they are legally foreigners with whom the Empire does not have a recognised ambassador, and any treaties for example would need to be prepared by the Consuls office. The advice of the magistrates might also be valuable in what exactly this new heresy means for the Marracossans.
The Marracossans are also keen for their friends in Madruga to speak on their behalf. Can the Freeborn Assembly offer any reassurance, for example? Or should they begin preparing for a siege? Can they truly be considered heretics when they do not follow the Way, or even pretend to, but likewise have no interest in proselytising their own religion to others?