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{{CaptionedImage|file=Empress Lisabetta.jpg|title=Paragons and Exemplars defend her! Long may she reign!|caption=Their Imperial Majesty, Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House<br/>of Seven Mirrors, twentieth Throne of the Empire |align=left|width=350}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
==Interlude==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Empress Lisabetta.jpg|title=Paragons and exemplars defend her! Long may she reign!|caption=Their Imperial Majesty, Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House<br/>of Seven Mirrors, twentieth Throne of the Empire |align=left|width=350}}
The Summer Equinox winds of fortune will come out shortly before the next event. However, there are a number of significant things arising from the Spring Equinox that will affect players' Downtime actions, primarily effects on personal resources.
==Overview==
Over the past three months, several events have occurred which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. You can also read about the progress of the Empire's military campaigns [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war|here]].


As a temporary measure we'll be outlining, and offering some context for, these various effects on this page. In each case, there will be further information in the Summer Solstice Winds of Fortune - once they're ready, they'll replace this content.  
In each case. we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.


As always, these are quick OOC summaries to explain effects you may not be expecting. We'll cover all these and more when we start to present the Winds of Fortune for next event.
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters 'should' know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months.


So without further ado ...
Many winds of fortune open with a short section of in-character text. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip. They're mostly just a bit of fun and they tend not to contain anything vital to the understanding of the wind of Fortune.


==Empress Lisabetta==
Without further ado then.
During the Spring Equinox, the Senate recognised [[the League]] citizen Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House of Seven Mirrors as the twentieth Throne of the Empire. The new Empress will be formally crowned during the Summer Solstice. This is as good a time as any to take a look at [[the Throne]] page, I suggest.


This, for me, is the second big milestone of the campaign - along with the [[Imperial Orcs]] [[Skarsind|homeland]]. If nothing else, it will shake up the political game dramatically having someone who can wield power in the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]], [[Imperial Senate|Senate]], [[Imperial Synod|Synod]], and [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] at the same time. Paragons keep you, your Imperial Majesty, and may you reign long and well ;)
===A Banner of Thorns===
* Navarr
The Black Thorns are in [[Liathaven]], fighting to reclaim the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] from the [[Jotun]]. Their presence suggests certain [[opportunity|opportunities]] for the Navarr, and perhaps for the Empire. You can learn about them [[A banner of Thorns|here]].


===Winds of War===
===Blackest Night===
As always, the orders given by the [[general|generals]] have been entered into the database. Any player with a [[military unit]] can check them out using the "support" action. Likewise, any [[fleet]] can check the order given by the [[General#Admiral|admiral]] for the Freeborn Storm. There's a lot of theatres this downtime, with Imperial forces mustering on three of the four borders in multiple territories so there's lots of options - and remember you can also assign military units to support fortifications and spy networks.
* Imperial Conclave; Varushka; inhabitants of Skarsind, Holberg, Necropolis, Bregasland, and Segura
The [[red star|nameless red star]] is getting larger in a deeply worrisome fashion. [[The Phoenix]] has faded so badly it is starting to get difficult to remember quite why it was so important; and over [[Skarsind]], [[Holberg]], [[Bregasland]], [[Segura]] and [[Necropolis]] the stars are going out ... You can learn about these three peculiar celestial phenomena [[Blackest night|here]].


===Sarvos===
===''O Rose Thou Art Sick''===
The [[Grendel]] have plundered [[Sarvos]]. The national assembly of the League has triggering a popular uprising against their forces encouraged by both Leopold Von Holberg, and by the [[Mayor of Caricomare]] Aria Notturno di Sarvos. These two events combine to mean that all personal resources in Sarvos except fleets and military units will suffer a three-quarters reduction in production for next event. Fleets and military units do not escape - they lose half their production or fighting strength as appropriate to the action they take.
* Inhabitants of Astolat, Casinea, Tassato, Redoubt
[[Curse|Curses]]. If you are an inhabitant of [[Astolat|Astolat]] (especially one with a [[military unit]]), [[Tassato]] (especially a [[magical skills#magician|magician]]), [[Casinea]] (especially a [[farm|farmer]]), or [[Redoubt]] (especially the owner of a massive [[Redoubt#The Court of the White Fountain|castle]]), you probably ought to read [[O rose thou art sick|this page]].


I'm not going to give you any more details at this time, apart from to say that the uprising kicks off shortly after the Spring Equinox; the fighting is vicious; and the whole thing is made more confusing by some sparkling, magical chaos fog. No, not the same fog as covers the rest of the northern Bay. Different fog.
===The Other Empress===
* the League, Highguard, Imperial Senate
When the [[Grendel]] launched their [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|cowardly sneak attack]] on [[Sarvos]], they looted many priceless treasures. One of their targets was the tomb of [[Empress Giselle]] at the Alvetti estates. They robbed the tomb, but the true prize - the body and personal effects of the Empress - were saved by Imperial heroes. Now, on the eve of the coronation of the twentieth Throne, a decision needs to be made about where the sixteenth will be laid to rest. You can learn more about this situation [[The other empress|here]].


===Reikos and Courage===
===The Prime Colour of the World===
Yael heads to [[Reikos]] with a very large sack of [[liao]] to denounce the teachings of prophet Golan (as detailed in Synod Judgement #9 - you can learn more about these and other judgements of the Synod [[380YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgments|here]]). This restores the spiritual status quo.
* Everyone in the Empire, especially briars and people from Holberg
The [[Hallow of the Green World]] has been raised over the Empire by the Sherard Hunters of [[Wintermark]]. Its touch is felt through all ten nations, but it has had a particularly profound effect on [[Holberg]]. You can learn about it [[The prime colour of the world|here]].


At the same time, Lucifer of [[Highguard]] heads up there with a sack of liao to offer [[courage]], comfort, and surcease of sorrow to the survivors of Reikos (as detailed in Judgement 29). This turns out to be fairly timely as at the height of the Spring Equinox Reikos explodes. Plants, animate mushroom people, and a swirling thick fog pour out of [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] and blanket the entire territory. Trees start growing. It's chaos! But it is a chaos that the people of Reikos are able to weather without difficulty thanks to the courage of the priests in their midst. The plants and toadstool people are not hostile to Imperials - quite the contrary, they are unfailingly polite and claim to have been invited - but they are very weird indeed and it looks like the whole map of Reikos is being reordered.
===A Question of Provenance===
* Imperial Synod, Highguard, Imperial Conclave
In addition to everything else going on in [[Reikos]], decisions about how to deal with the more esoteric plants and fungi growing in the [[territory]] need to be made. The onus falls on the [[Imperial Synod]], and you can learn more about the situation [[A question of provenance|here]]. You can also learn about the general situation in Reikos [[A season of mushrooms|here]], and about the influence of Golan and Yael [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]].


We'll learn more about both of these events come the next event, I should imagine. We're also planning a mild rewrite of the Reikos page to reflect the changes there.
===Raise A Glass===
* Imperial Senate, Throne
Traditionally, the coronation of an Empress is followed by Empire-wide celebrations. For many citizens, the most important part of those celebrations are the massive parties held throughout the nations - parties which need to be paid for. But for the more politically savvy, the most ''significant'' part of those celebrations is the Throne's celebratory message - the first formal address to the people of the Empire that often sets the tenor of their reign. You can learn more about these celebrations [[Raise a glass|here]].


===Roads and YTS Scehemes and such===
===Rebirth in Reikos===
The roads of [[Karsk]] are completed - every [[mine]] and [[forest]] owner in Karsk should be sharing a massive bounty of additional ingots and measures. These don't show up on your downtime as an effect, however - because of the way a [[great work]] operates, the bonus production is calculated and applied after downtime closes.
* Imperial Synod, Highguard
Yael and Brother Jared come to Reikos to counter the [[Conviction|teachings of the heretic Golan]], and to speak of the Land Without Tears. Their arrival coincides with what some are hailing as a [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracles|miracle]] that potentially has profound implications for the [[Imperial Synod]]. You can learn more about this event [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]]. You can learn more about the situation in Reikos [[A season of mushrooms|here]], and [[A question of provenance|here]].


The same applies to the College of the Liberated in Sarvos - the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] [[orc]] ex-slaves are being taught Imperial, and bringing in opportunities for prosperity. Again, as a great work, this does not show up on your downtime and gets processed after downtime closes.
===A Season of Mushrooms===
* Highguard
A wave of transformation is sweeping across [[Reikos]] as the [[eternal]] [[Llofir]] is unleashed. You can learn about some of the extremely peculiar goings on in Reikos this season [[A season of mushrooms|here]]. You can learn more about related incidents [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]] and [[A question of provenance|here]].


Likewise, the [[Construct Pilgrim's Trail|Pilgrim's Trail]] in [[Kallavesa]] will provide additional liao and Synod votes to the congregations.
===Small Things and Large===
* the Marches
After the [[March on their belly|failure of the Autumn harvest]], after the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|defeat in the Mournwold]] ... the Spring planting fails as well. The situation is grim in the Marches, but sometimes it is when you are tested the most that your true mettle becomes clear. You can learn about the [[curse|curses]] - and [[opportunity|opportunities]] - available to the Marches [[Small things and large|here]].


===Curses===
===Spreading the Word===
I feel a little like a weather reporter but ... terrible weather hits [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], and [[Mitwold]] - and flattens the spring planting. Half the production of all [[farm|farms]], just as the [[the Marches|Marcher]] farmers try to get back on their feet. At the same time [[Casinea]] has very hot weather and little rain that kills large numbers of baby plants and makes people want to go sit in the shade with a cool pint of lager top, rather than plant fields. It's the same effect as in the Marches, but I don't want to jinx the weather for next event if I can avoid it (given Anvil is in Casinea).
* Imperial Synod, Torchbearers, historians and scholars
A team of [[Urizen_leadership#Torchbearers|Torchbearers]] led by Livia Cascade, the [[Seer of the Gateway]], has spent the time since the death of the [[Empress Britta]] recording accounts of past-life visions witnessed by citizens of the Empire. Recently, these accounts have been published across the Empire for the first time by a publishing-house in [[Redoubt]] named the Spider's Vantage Spire. You can learn about these publications [[Spreading_the_word|here]].


On the subject of hot weather ... the [[Snow and rain|potential floods]] that threatened [[Tassato]] have receded a bit, but now the weather has turned hot and malicious again - making magicians surly and sapping the production of every [[mana site]] in the territory.
===Sorrow and Death===
* Urizen
The [[spire|spires]] of [[Zenith]] are in significant danger from two supernatural threats. A former [[warmage]] and guest of the Spire of Twisting Shadows - Nazares by name - is binding the spirits of Winter into the corpses of the newely dead as part of a deranged "crusade" that appears to require the "recruitment" of every human on orc in the territory. at the same time, a pall of unendurable sorrow spreads slowly from the ruins of the devastated Spire ... with potentially disastrous consequences. You can learn more about the situation in Zenith [[Sorrow and death|here]].


Finally, someone has unleashed malignant spirits into [[Spiral]] - and everything that can go wrong will go wrong. All farms, forests, [[business|businesses]], mines, mana sites and [[herb garden|herb gardens]] in the territory provide only three quarters as much material as they would normally provide.  
===Symposium===
* Imperial Synod
The question of whether to hold a Symposium has been laid before the [[Imperial Synod]]. More than just a meeting, a Symposium could be an opportunity to freely and openly address questions of concern for the faithful, or a chance to reaffirm the orthodoxy of the Imperial Way; it could be a chance to learn more about heathen faiths, or a gathering of like-minded individuals wishing to forge stronger bonds in the face of heterodoxy and heresy. Assuming it takes place at all - and you can learn more about what that might mean [[Symposium|here]].


===Hallow of the Green World===
===Temple of the Bull===
It's not all bad news however ... the Empire is also under the effect of the awesomely powerful [[Hallow of the Green World]], a potent enchantment that enhances all growth. The mechanical, personal effect is a bonus of three herbs (in this case Cerulean Mazzarine) to ''every'' herb garden in the Empire - and because the target is the Empire it stacks with any smaller-scale enchantments as well.
* Imperial Synod, Brass Coast
The Imperial Senate has given permission for the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] priests of Balo of the Foam and the Black Bull to build a temple in the Empire. Construction is underway, and now the Asaveans wait with interest to see if the Synod will accept their invitation to build a temple in Nemoria. You can learn about this - and about certain opportunities of dubious legality available to the Synod - [[Temple of the bull|here]].


In addition, fertility increases across the Empire for animals, plants and people. While this is not immediately noticeable, in coming seasons there will be many more healthy children born. So now is the perfect time to start thinking about an IC family ;)
===The Twentieth Empress===
* Everyone
There is a new [[the Throne|Throne]]! Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg was appointed during the Spring Equinox, and will be formally crowned during the Summer Solstice. You can learn more about her, about The Throne, and about the upcoming coronation [[The twentieth empress|here]].


On a related note, a [[Rivers of Life]] effect has been placed on [[Kahraman]]. With the high waters and the conjunction, the waters that flow out of the Cinnabar Peaks into the Bay are bringing extra life-giving power with them. This means that every farm and herb garden in Kahraman, [[Segura]] and [[Madruga]] receives extra production - more than might have been expected thanks to unforseen synergy between the Rivers of Life and the Green World.  
==Ongoing Events and Resolutions==
===Golden Trumpets===
* Imperial Conclave
The eternal [[Meraud]]'s challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about [[Golden Trumpets|here]]) has ended. The Summer Magician is expected to announce the victor, and deliver the promised boon - a powerful magical staff - during the Summer Solstice. There is also talk of an "enchantment on the Imperial regio" but the details of quite what that will entail are unclear.


There may be more effects than this, obviously - especially if all the "spring magic causes [[Briar]] children!" hysteria has any grounding. We'll find out more about that in one or more Winds of Fortune I suspect.
===The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun===
* Imperial Conclave
Work on The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, the [[Summer magic|Summer]] [[College of Magic|college]] built near [[Miekarova#Srodkoja|Volchitrava]] in [[Miekarova]] has been completed. Infused with the power of the eternal [[Cathan Canae]], who serves as its patron, it has already begun recruiting theorists, scholars, and students from across the Empire. The first [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] will almost certainly be selected during the coming summit - any Imperial citizen can present a [[Declaration#Declaration of Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] to the [[Imperial Conclave]] in an attempt to secure the position.


===Across the Seven Seas===
===Fog on the Brine===
First off ... all [[Urizen]] [[fleet|fleets]] that engage in privateering or trade in the coming season receive a small bounty of extra resources, and the opportunity to tell tall tales of how they got it. You should take a look at [[Across the seven seas|this page]] for more explanation about what is going on.  
* Brass Coast, Highguard, the League, Urizen, Fleet owners
The [[Handful_of_magic#Fog_on_the_Brine|eerie fog]] that clings to the waters of the northern Bay of Catazar persists - save in [[Sarvos]] where it has been seared away by potent [[Day magic]].  


Now let's talk about international relations.
===Veils of Night===
 
* Brass Coast, Urizen, the League
* Zemeh ([[Sumaah Republic]]) remains closed to Imperial fleets.
The night skies above [[Madruga]], [[Zenith]], and [[Tassato]] have continued to [[Handful_of_magic#Veils_of_Night|appear strange]] for the last three months. Magicians agree that this is caused by [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]]. Shortly before the Summer Solstice, however, the eerie effect of the shrouds over Madruga and Zenith begin to fade, with several nights of normal skies until eventually the shrouds have disappeared entirely. The shroud over Tassato persists - for the moment at least.
* Nemoria ([[Asavean Archipelago]]) remains very friendly, enthused about news of a temple in Feroz (you can learn about that [[Construct_Asavean_Temple|here]]), and generally happy to see Imperial captains.
* Rigia (Eastern [[Principalities of Jarm]]) is doing very well - there's talk of an Imperial temple even - and there continue to be opportunities for Imperial captains to get extra green iron - although less than there were last season.
* Kavor and Vezak (Northern and Southern [[Principalities of Jarm]]) are warming up to the Empire again - or distracted by shinier scandals, whichever. This means that production from these ports is nearly back to normal and expected to normalise by the Summer Solstice.
* Leerdam and Volkavaar (East and West [[Commonwealth]]) are also warming up to the Empire - the appointment of a Commonwealth ambassador has had an immediate positive effect. The penalties for Imperial fleets trading with these ports have both dropped - although there are still a few remaining problems to be addressed. More relevantly. the port of Volkavaar has ceased providing crystal mana to captains who visit - instead it is providing vials of [[artisan's oil]].
* The [[Sarcophan Delves]] remain at status quo.
* No new ports have been opened.

Latest revision as of 08:23, 3 February 2022


Paragons and exemplars defend her! Long may she reign!
Their Imperial Majesty, Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House
of Seven Mirrors, twentieth Throne of the Empire

Overview

Over the past three months, several events have occurred which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. You can also read about the progress of the Empire's military campaigns here.

In each case. we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters 'should' know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months.

Many winds of fortune open with a short section of in-character text. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip. They're mostly just a bit of fun and they tend not to contain anything vital to the understanding of the wind of Fortune.

Without further ado then.

A Banner of Thorns

  • Navarr

The Black Thorns are in Liathaven, fighting to reclaim the Navarr territory from the Jotun. Their presence suggests certain opportunities for the Navarr, and perhaps for the Empire. You can learn about them here.

Blackest Night

  • Imperial Conclave; Varushka; inhabitants of Skarsind, Holberg, Necropolis, Bregasland, and Segura

The nameless red star is getting larger in a deeply worrisome fashion. The Phoenix has faded so badly it is starting to get difficult to remember quite why it was so important; and over Skarsind, Holberg, Bregasland, Segura and Necropolis the stars are going out ... You can learn about these three peculiar celestial phenomena here.

O Rose Thou Art Sick

  • Inhabitants of Astolat, Casinea, Tassato, Redoubt

Curses. If you are an inhabitant of Astolat (especially one with a military unit), Tassato (especially a magician), Casinea (especially a farmer), or Redoubt (especially the owner of a massive castle), you probably ought to read this page.

The Other Empress

  • the League, Highguard, Imperial Senate

When the Grendel launched their cowardly sneak attack on Sarvos, they looted many priceless treasures. One of their targets was the tomb of Empress Giselle at the Alvetti estates. They robbed the tomb, but the true prize - the body and personal effects of the Empress - were saved by Imperial heroes. Now, on the eve of the coronation of the twentieth Throne, a decision needs to be made about where the sixteenth will be laid to rest. You can learn more about this situation here.

The Prime Colour of the World

  • Everyone in the Empire, especially briars and people from Holberg

The Hallow of the Green World has been raised over the Empire by the Sherard Hunters of Wintermark. Its touch is felt through all ten nations, but it has had a particularly profound effect on Holberg. You can learn about it here.

A Question of Provenance

  • Imperial Synod, Highguard, Imperial Conclave

In addition to everything else going on in Reikos, decisions about how to deal with the more esoteric plants and fungi growing in the territory need to be made. The onus falls on the Imperial Synod, and you can learn more about the situation here. You can also learn about the general situation in Reikos here, and about the influence of Golan and Yael here.

Raise A Glass

  • Imperial Senate, Throne

Traditionally, the coronation of an Empress is followed by Empire-wide celebrations. For many citizens, the most important part of those celebrations are the massive parties held throughout the nations - parties which need to be paid for. But for the more politically savvy, the most significant part of those celebrations is the Throne's celebratory message - the first formal address to the people of the Empire that often sets the tenor of their reign. You can learn more about these celebrations here.

Rebirth in Reikos

  • Imperial Synod, Highguard

Yael and Brother Jared come to Reikos to counter the teachings of the heretic Golan, and to speak of the Land Without Tears. Their arrival coincides with what some are hailing as a miracle that potentially has profound implications for the Imperial Synod. You can learn more about this event here. You can learn more about the situation in Reikos here, and here.

A Season of Mushrooms

  • Highguard

A wave of transformation is sweeping across Reikos as the eternal Llofir is unleashed. You can learn about some of the extremely peculiar goings on in Reikos this season here. You can learn more about related incidents here and here.

Small Things and Large

  • the Marches

After the failure of the Autumn harvest, after the defeat in the Mournwold ... the Spring planting fails as well. The situation is grim in the Marches, but sometimes it is when you are tested the most that your true mettle becomes clear. You can learn about the curses - and opportunities - available to the Marches here.

Spreading the Word

  • Imperial Synod, Torchbearers, historians and scholars

A team of Torchbearers led by Livia Cascade, the Seer of the Gateway, has spent the time since the death of the Empress Britta recording accounts of past-life visions witnessed by citizens of the Empire. Recently, these accounts have been published across the Empire for the first time by a publishing-house in Redoubt named the Spider's Vantage Spire. You can learn about these publications here.

Sorrow and Death

  • Urizen

The spires of Zenith are in significant danger from two supernatural threats. A former warmage and guest of the Spire of Twisting Shadows - Nazares by name - is binding the spirits of Winter into the corpses of the newely dead as part of a deranged "crusade" that appears to require the "recruitment" of every human on orc in the territory. at the same time, a pall of unendurable sorrow spreads slowly from the ruins of the devastated Spire ... with potentially disastrous consequences. You can learn more about the situation in Zenith here.

Symposium

  • Imperial Synod

The question of whether to hold a Symposium has been laid before the Imperial Synod. More than just a meeting, a Symposium could be an opportunity to freely and openly address questions of concern for the faithful, or a chance to reaffirm the orthodoxy of the Imperial Way; it could be a chance to learn more about heathen faiths, or a gathering of like-minded individuals wishing to forge stronger bonds in the face of heterodoxy and heresy. Assuming it takes place at all - and you can learn more about what that might mean here.

Temple of the Bull

  • Imperial Synod, Brass Coast

The Imperial Senate has given permission for the Asavean priests of Balo of the Foam and the Black Bull to build a temple in the Empire. Construction is underway, and now the Asaveans wait with interest to see if the Synod will accept their invitation to build a temple in Nemoria. You can learn about this - and about certain opportunities of dubious legality available to the Synod - here.

The Twentieth Empress

  • Everyone

There is a new Throne! Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg was appointed during the Spring Equinox, and will be formally crowned during the Summer Solstice. You can learn more about her, about The Throne, and about the upcoming coronation here.

Ongoing Events and Resolutions

Golden Trumpets

  • Imperial Conclave

The eternal Meraud's challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about here) has ended. The Summer Magician is expected to announce the victor, and deliver the promised boon - a powerful magical staff - during the Summer Solstice. There is also talk of an "enchantment on the Imperial regio" but the details of quite what that will entail are unclear.

The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun

  • Imperial Conclave

Work on The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, the Summer college built near Volchitrava in Miekarova has been completed. Infused with the power of the eternal Cathan Canae, who serves as its patron, it has already begun recruiting theorists, scholars, and students from across the Empire. The first Master of Ice and Darkness will almost certainly be selected during the coming summit - any Imperial citizen can present a Declaration of Candidacy to the Imperial Conclave in an attempt to secure the position.

Fog on the Brine

  • Brass Coast, Highguard, the League, Urizen, Fleet owners

The eerie fog that clings to the waters of the northern Bay of Catazar persists - save in Sarvos where it has been seared away by potent Day magic.

Veils of Night

  • Brass Coast, Urizen, the League

The night skies above Madruga, Zenith, and Tassato have continued to appear strange for the last three months. Magicians agree that this is caused by Drawing the Penumbral Veil. Shortly before the Summer Solstice, however, the eerie effect of the shrouds over Madruga and Zenith begin to fade, with several nights of normal skies until eventually the shrouds have disappeared entirely. The shroud over Tassato persists - for the moment at least.