The keys of blood
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 Ambassadors of death wind of fortune, while TBC deals with magic of an astronomantic, mortal, or mysterious provenance.
Autumn
An Unexpected Ally (Basileia)
- A Grendel mercenary company are threatening the Grove of Wittal
- The Grendel leader wishes to defect but can't do it openly
- This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
- The Grimnir of Wittal Grove is responsible for defeating the Grendel and potentially rescue the Iontach
- This conjunction is against barbarians; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified
Organising and funding Grendel mercenary groups is a challenging market. With the chaotic presence of the wrecksers, naval superiority in the Bay of Catazar isn’t a given for fledgling mercenary companies. Enterprising mercenary paymasters have, in recent years and with encouragement from their allies, started to probe other waters for opportunity. The Gullet passes from the Sea of Snow past Jotun shores to the very heart of Kallavesa. One ship has managed to avoid the monsters of the Sea of Snow, the ships of the Fjorknae, and the Winterfolk and Marcher fleets to land close in Wittal Grove. Now, they march on Wittal itself, intent to raid the Healing House of Wittal Grove. However, Iontach Meddool Miniog has something even more audacious planned.
A representative of the Matchmaker's Forum, of the City of Locks travelled to Anvil with a message just a week before the Summer Solstice. It appears that Iontach Miniog wishes to defect, referencing a cousin living in luxury in Apulian. They have arranged for their mercenary band to accompany them into Kallavesa under the understanding that they are going to raid the Healing House of Wittal Grove. From discussion with the herald, Guise believes they would certainly be able to accept the oath of Meddool; if Meddool is able to be rescued they will be able to join the League.
The herald of the City of Locks, therefore, offers the following contract to Theowold Vakarsson, the Grimnir of Wittal Grove:
Escort the Iontach to Anvil a free orc. In exchange, the Iontach will provide a sum of six thrones after the summit.
The mercenary company should be defeated to ease the rescue of Meddool, but the company's continued survival is not a factor.
Failure to secure the Iontach will see the mercenaries go ahead with raiding the Healing House, preventing the great work from providing herbs until after the Autumn Equinox 388YE.