Empire
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381YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune
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==Interlude==
==Overview==
The Winter Solstice winds of fortune will come out shortly before the next event (which is 27th April to 29th April incidentally). However, there are a number of significant events happening in the wake of the Autumn Equinox that may affect some players' Downtime actions - primarily effects on personal resources.
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 [[381YE_Winter_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 Winter 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 such as large-scale enchantments and curses. 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.
==Warfare==
Any players whose character controls a [[military unit]] can choose from a number of [[Military_unit#Downtime_Options|downtime options]]. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to [[Military_unit#Paid_Work|paid work]] guaranteeing an income of herbs, ingots or measures, money, or mana crystal. Otherwise, they may log into the downtime system and choose to [[Military_unit#Supporting_an_Army|support an army]] or [[Military_unit#Defending_a_Fortification|fortification]], or [[Military_unit#Assisting_a_Special_Project|assign to a special project]] such as a [[spy network]]. By browsing the available army options, the player can read the orders issued by the [[General|general]] of each before making their decision.


Likewise, a player whose character controls a [[fleet]] can choose from a number of options, one of which is to [[Fleet#Supporting_a_Navy|support]] the Freeborn Storm. Again, by browsing on the system the player can find out what orders the [[General#Admiral|Admiral]] has given to the Freeborn [[Imperial navy|navy]] before making their decision.
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.
===Imperial Guerdon===
==Winds of Fortune==
The Imperial Guerdon is a bursary set up by the [[Imperial Senate]] primarily to reward military units that support [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]], [[Imperial navy|navies]], [[spy network|spy networks]], and [[fortification|fortifications]]. The value of the Imperial Guerdon is divided between each military unit and fleet that supports an army in proportion to their effective strength. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has the power to exclude any or all navies from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such a navy will receive nothing for doing so.
===All Work Together===
* '''Imperial Synod'''
Following a period of turmoil and religious conflict, it may be time for cooler heads to prevail. A [[judgement]] by Nina of Cantiarch's Hold leads to several [[mandate|mandates]] that seek to find ways to encourage the Empire to embrace the Way... although there are various different ideas of exactly what that means. You can learn about these mandates [[All work together|here]].


This season, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_Announcement_by_the_Quartermaster_General|announced]] that shares of the Guerdon will be paid to captains supporting the following forces:
===Better World===
* Bounders
* '''Fleet captains, Imperial Synod, owners of mana sites'''
* Granite Pillar
Two major announcements have come out of the [[Principalities of Jarm]] over the last season. In [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_.28Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Rigia]], the provincial capital of the Eastern Alliance, Magician-Prince Barbara Radz has announced radical reforms to the treatment of slaves in her principality - and made membership of the alliance contingent on adopting these reforms among the other Princes. At the same time, a powerful cabal of princes from Northern Jarm have announced their intention to make a unique substance - ''beloye zerno'' - available to Imperial magicians which has significant implications for anyone who owns a [[mana site]]. You can learn about these international developments [[Better world|here]].
* Hounds of Glory
===Budded Roses===
* Quiet Step
* '''Dawn'''
* Wolves of War
Last season, having completed their conquest of the Barrens, the Druj struck deep into Semmerholm. They conquered Axmure and destroyed the Gate. With the fortification gone, the Druj were certain to press the advantage, and the nation collectively held its breath as the fate of Semmerholm hung in the balance. Dawn has never lost a territory to the barbarians - was this the moment that proud boast would fail? No. It was not. And you can learn about the fervour that has swept across Dawn in the wake of that boast being upheld [[Budded roses|here]].
The Guerdon has been [[Set_the_Imperial_Guerdon_II|raised]] to 175 Thrones. If you support an army that is not on this list, or you support a fortification or spy network, you will get no Guerdon shares.
===The Hordalant Spy Network===
The [[Jotun]] have uncovered the Imperial spy network in Hordalant. They are in the process of dismantling it. As such. you cannot assign your [[military unit]] to support the spy network this downtime.


==The Yaelian Schism==
===Chain Around My Leg===
* '''Highborn military units fighting alongside non-Highborn Imperial armies suffer a 60% reduction in their effective fighting strength.'''
* '''Imperial Orcs. Arguably Varushkans, Wintermark, and Temeschwari should not read this wind of fortune so it comes as a nice surprise.'''
* '''Non-Highborn military units fighting alongside Highborn armies likewise suffer a 60% reduction to their effective fighting strength.'''
The Winter Sun have spent the last season in Casinea, resupplying and seeking a stronger connection with their ancestors via an experimental ritual and the use of a unique relic called ''Defiance''. You can learn about the consequences of his action [[Chain around my leg|here]].
* '''The penalties to not apply when supporting, or supported by, an Imperial Orc unit or army.'''
===Dusty Old Dust (Trade Winds)===
The Highborn Assembly has chosen to bring the [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism|Yaelian Schism]] to an end. While Melchior of Adina's Charge has undertaken the [[mandate]] to refute the legacy of Yael, his influence is not instantaneous. Over the coming season, the distance between the Highborn and the rest of the Empire will diminish, but for now the situation is chaotic and divisive. The penalties are expected to have ended by the start of the Winter Solstice.
* '''Fleet captains, ambassadors, traders'''
The Empire does not exist in isolation; with four fractious neighbours and five great powers overseas, international trade and diplomacy is an ever shifting sea of opportunity and obstacle. You can read about current Imperial relations with foreign powers [[Dusty old dust|here]].
===The Flood and the Storm===
* '''Imperial magicians; WIntermark, Urizen, Navarr, Varushka.'''
The [[Pay in blood|difficulties]] Imperial magicians have been experiencing accessing the power of [[regio]] aligned with Spring have ended as abruptly as they began. Not only can magicians draw on regio to empower [[Spring magic]] again, but the magic seems to be in flood - leading not only to some [[opportunity|opportunities]] for new [[commission|commissions]] but also to the chance to make risky decisions when performing powerful rituals. You can learn about the situation [[The flood and the storm|here]].
===Foggy Mountain Top (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Magicians and Imperial Conclave primarily, but there is something for everyone here'''
The stars are back! This news, and a round up of magical effects and eternal-related activities, can be found [[Foggy mountain top|here]].
===Fly High===
* '''The League'''
Over the last season, three grand construction projects in [[the League]] have been completed: the [[Lorenzo's Legacy#Blood Red Roads|Blood Red Roads]], in all their glory; the long-delayed [[Holberg#Holmauer_Park|Grand Park]] of [[Holberg]]; and a series of red stone monoliths that now focus and enhance the flows of mana through each of the four League territories.- [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#The_Legacies_of_Virtue|magical monuments]] to the virtue of Lorenzo Macelliao von Temeschwar. These great works have quite inspired the people of the League, and opportunities abound! You can learn more about them - and about a potent new street drug - [[Fly high|here]].
===Froggy Went A'Courting===
* '''People interested in orc diplomacy'''
The [[Thule]] in [[Otkodov]], the [[Great Forest Orcs]] in [[Therunin]], and the [[Grendel]] on the Bay of Catazar. Three nations of [[orc|orcs]], each with their own relationship to the Empire. You can learn about recent developments with these orc nations [[Froggy went a'courting|here]].
===Hard Times===
* '''The Brass Coast, the Imperial Senate, potentially many others'''
Some two hundred people have appeared in southern [[Feroz]], revolutionaries fleeing from the lands of Duke Guiscard of the [[Iron Confederacy]]. Escaped slaves, they have built makeshift camps and are engaging in periodic raids across the border into Kalino. You can learn more about this complex diplomatic and political situation [[Hard times|here]].
===House of Earth===
* '''Marchers, especially Mournwolders; Imperial Orcs;; Senate, Synod, Military Council'''
Not all the [[Jotun]] have left the [[Mournwold]]. There remain significant numbers of [[orc]] former-thralls living throughout the Mourn. Large numbers of them fled west marching with the Jotun armies as they retreated before the Empire's advance, but many remained behind. And now the question is what to be done with them. The problems presented by this population of orcs - and some potential solutions - are outlined [[House of earth|here]].
===Poor Boy===
* '''the Brass Coast, magicians, and astronomancers.'''
Anvil is a bustling centre of commerce, as well as politics. Merchants, traders, entrepreneurs, and chancers alike are drawn to the Winter Summit looking for opportunities to buy and sell. A youth with a unique pearl; a seeker after celestial knowledge; a naval treasure; and a foreign jeweler are all described [[Poor boy|here]].
===Right Now (Conjunctions)===
* '''Lorenzo de la Lupe; Imperial champions, especially from Wintermark, Dawn, and the Marches'''
Late breaking news - a collision in Sarvos, drowned dead in Sermersuaq, and raiding Feni in Hahnmark and Upwold among others. You can learn about these tumultuous events, and the [[Sentinel Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] associated with them [[Right now|here]].


This also means that the Highborn continue to enjoy their [[Death_is_not_the_end#Manifest_Destiny|bonus rank]] to all resources except [[congregation|congregations]] for the coming season. The bonus will be permanently lost at the start of the Winter Solstice, however.
===Root Hog, or Die===
* '''Navarr, Bregas, Military Council'''
The vallorn of [[Liathaven]] is on the move, flexing and shifting. If nothing is done, it will consume all of [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] before its aberrant vitality subsides. At the same time, eerie mists bring the seeds of peculiar short-lived plants to the farmers of [[Bregasland]], rich with fecund power. You can read more about this situation [[Root hog, or die|here]].
===Sing Your Name===
* '''Highguard, Imperial Synod, potentially the Military Council'''
The [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus|Heirs of Lepidus]] have completed another significant piece of research that conclusively proves the [[Casinea#The Silent Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]], the oldest and ugliest [[fortification]] in the Empire, is also the likely habitation of the enigmatic paragon known as [[the Sentinel]]. If the [[Imperial Synod]] is interested there are opportunities to celebrate this new revelation in a way that aids the entire Empire - and the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|assembly]] of [[Vigilance]] as well perhaps. You can find more about this opportunity [[Sing your name|here]].


==Trade==
===Sowing on the Mountains===
* '''A detailed breakdown of trade opportunities can be found [[The_art_of_restraining_power|here]].'''
* '''Varushka primarily, but also some elements of interest to the Navarr, the Courage assembly, and potentially the Military Council'''
Relations with [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] remain good in the wake of the exchange of temples. Any fleet that trades with Nemoria receives an additional ingot of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]] and an additional measure of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]].
A once-in-a-century storm has raged across the northern mountains of Varushka, subtly shifting the terrain as torrential flood waters lead to mudslides and rockslides and all sorts of realignment of earth and water. As the storms abate, a quartet of intriguing opportunities to build from destruction present themselves. You can learn about these opportunities [[Sowing on the mountains|here]].
===Talking Sailor===
* '''Fleet captains, Imperial Senate'''
With the [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destruction of the Freeborn Storm]], the [[Grendel]] have effectively gained military domination of the Bay of Catazar, contested only by a handful of brave Imperial captains. With their efforts to [[Desperate_affairs,_desperate_measures#First_Gain_The_Victory|attack the fishing fleet]] stymied so effectively the pirates of the Broken Shore are looking for new prey. Urged on by the blood-thirsty [[eternal]] [[Siakha]], their next target is the trading fleet. At the same time, there has been an upswell of interest in finding out exactly where the Grendel ''are'' along the Bay, with an eye towards taking the battle to them in some way. You can find out about both situations [[Talking sailor|here]].


Likewise, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] retain their positive outlook on Imperial captains, although the effect is somewhat diminished. Any Imperial captain visiting [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_.28Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Vezak]] receives an additional [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystal]].
===This Land is Your Land===
* '''Marchers, especially in Mournwold; sections very relevant to Imperial Orcs, Senate, Military Council, and Synod'''
The Jotun have fled the [[Mournwold]], driven out by a combination of Imperial armies and Imperial magic. But lingering resentment remains in the hearts of many who dwell, a bitter legacy of the malevolent magic used to break the Jotun. Determined to seek amends, the people of the Mourn selected three representatives to take their concerns to Anvil in person. They were sent with a list of demands so see if they could get some recompense for the wrongs done. Nobody expected to get everything they had demanded - but "''Things turn up for one who digs''", as they say ... and you can learn about what has turned up [[This land is your land|here]].


==Winds of Fortune==
===What Did The Deep Say? (Plenipotentiary)===
Individual winds of fortune from last event (which you can find listed [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|here]]) now have their own "Resolution" section added at the end. A few have an impact on downtime, which is briefly summarized here.
* '''Imperial Conclave'''
===The Talented Koboldi===
Four [[eternal|eternals]] have requested formal parleys with an archmage, and one has agreed to a meeting but specifically ''refused'' to do so under its aegis. You can learn which eternals have responded, and the matters they wish to discuss [[What did the deep say?|here]].
The Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid, Arsenio Rezia di Tassato accepted [[Queens_and_kings#The_Talented_Koboldi|the offer]] of the [[eternals|eternal]] [[Adamant]] to send koboldi to aid the Empire. Any [[mine]] [[enchantment|enchanted]] with [[Delve Deep, Beneath the Mountain]] will be visited by Koboldi engineers and workers who will help to expand the mine in return for taking custody of any valuables they may discover in the process.


As detailed in the opportunity, any mine owner whose mine has been enchanted with the ritual can upgrade their mine using white granite instead of mithril. A player eligible to do so, who wishes to take advantage of the opportunity, should make sure they have the wains of white granite in their inventory and e-mail us (plot@profounddecisions.co,uk). This offer only allows one rank of upgrade in the coming season, and cannot be combined with a normal upgrade using mithril. If the player attempts to do both, only the normal mithril upgrade will take place.
===You Know the Night===
* '''Imperial Orcs, Varushka, General Assembly'''
The debate between those who believe cruelty and fear are weapons the Empire should use, and those who mandate a more heroic path, continues. The [[Imperial Orcs]] have chosen the heroic path; the [[Varushka|Varushkans]] have the opportunity to remind the Empire once again that they are who they are. You can learn about the current stage of the disagreement [[You know the night|here]].


===Blessing of Hylje===
==Roundup==
* '''Wintermark fleet or farm owners in Sermersuaq receive a small bonus to production.'''
This section contains information that is potentially relevant, but doesn't merit its own Wind of Fortune.
The blessing of the hylje seems set to continue through until the start of Winter. Any Wintermark character who owns a fleet or a farm in Sermersuaq receives a small bonus to their production in the coming downtime. The bonus represents the aid of the magical seal people, the hylje, who are supporting farmers, hunters, and fisherfolk, as well as ships traveling through the cold northern waters. You can learn a little more about these magical shapechanging seal people [[Seals_and_stars#Blessing_of_the_Hylje|here]].
===Zemress Islanders===
===The Thimble===
Mazo i Zabala i Erigo of the the Freeborn Assembly raised a [[statement of principle]] that the exiles from the Isle of Zemress should settle in [[Segura]]. Since the Autumn Equinox they have been working to establish a home for their extended family in that territory. It is anticipated that they will have settled in by the Spring Equinox.
* '''The production of the Thimble has been reduced by 4 wains each season.'''
The [[Imperial Senate]] has voted to accept the [[The_place_you_called_home#The_Song_of_the_Great_Forest|offer]] of the Great Forest orcs in [[Therunin]] to take over the operation of the [[Thimble]]. This both removes the upkeep on the Bourse seat, and effectively reduces the production of the forest by 4 wains each season which are claimed by the orcs in payment.
===Missing College===
And finally ... The [[Zenith#The_Halls_of_Knowledge|Halls of Knowledge]] in [[Zenith]] have disappeared. Three nights after the end of the Autumn Equinox, a thick sparkling mist descended on the halls at sunset. When it dissipated with the first rays of the sun the next day. the mountainside where the halls stood was now an empty alpine meadow. Most of the scholars associated with the [[College of Magic]] are accounted for, but a handful are still missing.  
 
The current [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge|Provost]], Octavius of Auric Horizon, maintains his title but cannot make use of the [[Provost_of_the_Halls_of_Knowledge#Guidance|guidance]] or [[Provost_of_the_Halls_of_Knowledge#Mastery_of_the_Lore_of_Day|Mastery of the Lore of Day]] powers, nor access the [[Provost_of_the_Halls_of_Knowledge#The_Provost.27s_Apartment|Provosts apartment]] until the halls are restored.
 
==Round Up==


===Lorenzo the Builder===
===Lorenzo the Builder===
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Not content with the Blood Red Roads, work has also been completed on an extensive series of red stone monoliths in [[Holberg]], [[Temeschwar]], [[Tassato]], and [[Sarvos]] designed to focus and enhance the flows of mana through the League territories. There has been some controversy - the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] architect [[Those_who_worship#Almodin_Okt.C3.ADstis.2C_Priest_of_the_Builder|Almodin Oktístis]], priest of the Builder, has put his own unique stamp on the monoliths in Temeschwar and Tassato. Lorenzo watchers are waiting with interest to see what project the visionary designer will turn his hand to next.
Not content with the Blood Red Roads, work has also been completed on an extensive series of red stone monoliths in [[Holberg]], [[Temeschwar]], [[Tassato]], and [[Sarvos]] designed to focus and enhance the flows of mana through the League territories. There has been some controversy - the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] architect [[Those_who_worship#Almodin_Okt.C3.ADstis.2C_Priest_of_the_Builder|Almodin Oktístis]], priest of the Builder, has put his own unique stamp on the monoliths in Temeschwar and Tassato. Lorenzo watchers are waiting with interest to see what project the visionary designer will turn his hand to next.
 
===Hordalant Spy Network===
==Imperial Lore==
Over the last three months, the [[Jotun]] orcs have dismantled the [[Hordalant]] [[spy network]]. It will no longer be possible to assign a [[military unit]] to it.
The rituals [[Combing the Beach]], [[Ride the Noble Steed]], and [[Aid Once More]] have been added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]] and any Imperial magician may master them following the normal rules.
===Mandates===
 
==Mandates==
Five [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the [[Imperial Synod]]. You can find the details of all the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].
Five [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the [[Imperial Synod]]. You can find the details of all the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].
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===Imperial Lore===
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE]][[Category:Recent History]]
The rituals [[Combing the Beach]], [[Ride the Noble Steed]], and [[Aid Once More]] have been added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]] and any Imperial magician may master them following the normal rules.
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]

Latest revision as of 22:49, 26 May 2023

Milestones.jpg

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.

Winds of Fortune

All Work Together

  • Imperial Synod

Following a period of turmoil and religious conflict, it may be time for cooler heads to prevail. A judgement by Nina of Cantiarch's Hold leads to several mandates that seek to find ways to encourage the Empire to embrace the Way... although there are various different ideas of exactly what that means. You can learn about these mandates here.

Better World

  • Fleet captains, Imperial Synod, owners of mana sites

Two major announcements have come out of the Principalities of Jarm over the last season. In Rigia, the provincial capital of the Eastern Alliance, Magician-Prince Barbara Radz has announced radical reforms to the treatment of slaves in her principality - and made membership of the alliance contingent on adopting these reforms among the other Princes. At the same time, a powerful cabal of princes from Northern Jarm have announced their intention to make a unique substance - beloye zerno - available to Imperial magicians which has significant implications for anyone who owns a mana site. You can learn about these international developments here.

Budded Roses

  • Dawn

Last season, having completed their conquest of the Barrens, the Druj struck deep into Semmerholm. They conquered Axmure and destroyed the Gate. With the fortification gone, the Druj were certain to press the advantage, and the nation collectively held its breath as the fate of Semmerholm hung in the balance. Dawn has never lost a territory to the barbarians - was this the moment that proud boast would fail? No. It was not. And you can learn about the fervour that has swept across Dawn in the wake of that boast being upheld here.

Chain Around My Leg

  • Imperial Orcs. Arguably Varushkans, Wintermark, and Temeschwari should not read this wind of fortune so it comes as a nice surprise.

The Winter Sun have spent the last season in Casinea, resupplying and seeking a stronger connection with their ancestors via an experimental ritual and the use of a unique relic called Defiance. You can learn about the consequences of his action here.

Dusty Old Dust (Trade Winds)

  • Fleet captains, ambassadors, traders

The Empire does not exist in isolation; with four fractious neighbours and five great powers overseas, international trade and diplomacy is an ever shifting sea of opportunity and obstacle. You can read about current Imperial relations with foreign powers here.

The Flood and the Storm

  • Imperial magicians; WIntermark, Urizen, Navarr, Varushka.

The difficulties Imperial magicians have been experiencing accessing the power of regio aligned with Spring have ended as abruptly as they began. Not only can magicians draw on regio to empower Spring magic again, but the magic seems to be in flood - leading not only to some opportunities for new commissions but also to the chance to make risky decisions when performing powerful rituals. You can learn about the situation here.

Foggy Mountain Top (Winds of Magic)

  • Magicians and Imperial Conclave primarily, but there is something for everyone here

The stars are back! This news, and a round up of magical effects and eternal-related activities, can be found here.

Fly High

  • The League

Over the last season, three grand construction projects in the League have been completed: the Blood Red Roads, in all their glory; the long-delayed Grand Park of Holberg; and a series of red stone monoliths that now focus and enhance the flows of mana through each of the four League territories.- magical monuments to the virtue of Lorenzo Macelliao von Temeschwar. These great works have quite inspired the people of the League, and opportunities abound! You can learn more about them - and about a potent new street drug - here.

Froggy Went A'Courting

  • People interested in orc diplomacy

The Thule in Otkodov, the Great Forest Orcs in Therunin, and the Grendel on the Bay of Catazar. Three nations of orcs, each with their own relationship to the Empire. You can learn about recent developments with these orc nations here.

Hard Times

  • The Brass Coast, the Imperial Senate, potentially many others

Some two hundred people have appeared in southern Feroz, revolutionaries fleeing from the lands of Duke Guiscard of the Iron Confederacy. Escaped slaves, they have built makeshift camps and are engaging in periodic raids across the border into Kalino. You can learn more about this complex diplomatic and political situation here.

House of Earth

  • Marchers, especially Mournwolders; Imperial Orcs;; Senate, Synod, Military Council

Not all the Jotun have left the Mournwold. There remain significant numbers of orc former-thralls living throughout the Mourn. Large numbers of them fled west marching with the Jotun armies as they retreated before the Empire's advance, but many remained behind. And now the question is what to be done with them. The problems presented by this population of orcs - and some potential solutions - are outlined here.

Poor Boy

  • the Brass Coast, magicians, and astronomancers.

Anvil is a bustling centre of commerce, as well as politics. Merchants, traders, entrepreneurs, and chancers alike are drawn to the Winter Summit looking for opportunities to buy and sell. A youth with a unique pearl; a seeker after celestial knowledge; a naval treasure; and a foreign jeweler are all described here.

Right Now (Conjunctions)

  • Lorenzo de la Lupe; Imperial champions, especially from Wintermark, Dawn, and the Marches

Late breaking news - a collision in Sarvos, drowned dead in Sermersuaq, and raiding Feni in Hahnmark and Upwold among others. You can learn about these tumultuous events, and the conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate associated with them here.

Root Hog, or Die

  • Navarr, Bregas, Military Council

The vallorn of Liathaven is on the move, flexing and shifting. If nothing is done, it will consume all of West Ranging before its aberrant vitality subsides. At the same time, eerie mists bring the seeds of peculiar short-lived plants to the farmers of Bregasland, rich with fecund power. You can read more about this situation here.

Sing Your Name

  • Highguard, Imperial Synod, potentially the Military Council

The Heirs of Lepidus have completed another significant piece of research that conclusively proves the Silent Sentinel, the oldest and ugliest fortification in the Empire, is also the likely habitation of the enigmatic paragon known as the Sentinel. If the Imperial Synod is interested there are opportunities to celebrate this new revelation in a way that aids the entire Empire - and the assembly of Vigilance as well perhaps. You can find more about this opportunity here.

Sowing on the Mountains

  • Varushka primarily, but also some elements of interest to the Navarr, the Courage assembly, and potentially the Military Council

A once-in-a-century storm has raged across the northern mountains of Varushka, subtly shifting the terrain as torrential flood waters lead to mudslides and rockslides and all sorts of realignment of earth and water. As the storms abate, a quartet of intriguing opportunities to build from destruction present themselves. You can learn about these opportunities here.

Talking Sailor

  • Fleet captains, Imperial Senate

With the destruction of the Freeborn Storm, the Grendel have effectively gained military domination of the Bay of Catazar, contested only by a handful of brave Imperial captains. With their efforts to attack the fishing fleet stymied so effectively the pirates of the Broken Shore are looking for new prey. Urged on by the blood-thirsty eternal Siakha, their next target is the trading fleet. At the same time, there has been an upswell of interest in finding out exactly where the Grendel are along the Bay, with an eye towards taking the battle to them in some way. You can find out about both situations here.

This Land is Your Land

  • Marchers, especially in Mournwold; sections very relevant to Imperial Orcs, Senate, Military Council, and Synod

The Jotun have fled the Mournwold, driven out by a combination of Imperial armies and Imperial magic. But lingering resentment remains in the hearts of many who dwell, a bitter legacy of the malevolent magic used to break the Jotun. Determined to seek amends, the people of the Mourn selected three representatives to take their concerns to Anvil in person. They were sent with a list of demands so see if they could get some recompense for the wrongs done. Nobody expected to get everything they had demanded - but "Things turn up for one who digs", as they say ... and you can learn about what has turned up here.

What Did The Deep Say? (Plenipotentiary)

  • Imperial Conclave

Four eternals have requested formal parleys with an archmage, and one has agreed to a meeting but specifically refused to do so under its aegis. You can learn which eternals have responded, and the matters they wish to discuss here.

You Know the Night

  • Imperial Orcs, Varushka, General Assembly

The debate between those who believe cruelty and fear are weapons the Empire should use, and those who mandate a more heroic path, continues. The Imperial Orcs have chosen the heroic path; the Varushkans have the opportunity to remind the Empire once again that they are who they are. You can learn about the current stage of the disagreement here.

Roundup

This section contains information that is potentially relevant, but doesn't merit its own Wind of Fortune.

Zemress Islanders

Mazo i Zabala i Erigo of the the Freeborn Assembly raised a statement of principle that the exiles from the Isle of Zemress should settle in Segura. Since the Autumn Equinox they have been working to establish a home for their extended family in that territory. It is anticipated that they will have settled in by the Spring Equinox.

Lorenzo the Builder

The Blood Red Roads will connect the people of the Empire and make them stronger. This project is one of the most Ambitious in Imperial history. It demonstrates the Benevolence of Lorenzo “La Volpe” Macelliao von Temeschwar, and will stand as a lasting Legacy. We send Jonah Yakovitch with 25 liao to encourage the faithful to aid in this endeavour.

Jonah Yakovitch, League Assembly, Autumn 381YE, Upheld 508-165

Thanks to the inspirational preaching of Jonah Yakovitch, supported by the League Assembly, the Butcher's Benevolence - the Blood Red Roads are complete. The four cities of the League have been connected by a series of broad highways, and the roads extended to Stockland, Kalpaheim, Delev, Siroc, and Holt in Miaren. The roads will bring prosperity to each territory they pass through, and there is already a plan afoot to extend the south-western roads to include the Freeborn trade town of Anduz.

Not content with the Blood Red Roads, work has also been completed on an extensive series of red stone monoliths in Holberg, Temeschwar, Tassato, and Sarvos designed to focus and enhance the flows of mana through the League territories. There has been some controversy - the Asavean architect Almodin Oktístis, priest of the Builder, has put his own unique stamp on the monoliths in Temeschwar and Tassato. Lorenzo watchers are waiting with interest to see what project the visionary designer will turn his hand to next.

Hordalant Spy Network

Over the last three months, the Jotun orcs have dismantled the Hordalant spy network. It will no longer be possible to assign a military unit to it.

Mandates

Five mandates were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod. You can find the details of all the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, here.

Assembly Mandate Priest Outcome
Wintermark A hero's tale ends with a good death - for us or our enemies. We send Gunnbrand Ironwill with 25 liao to urge our warriors to face the Jotun on the battlefield as heroes, and strive with every sinew for victory, not for slaughter. Thus will we let the grimnir of either side treat their fallen Gunnbrand Ironwill The tactics of the Wintermark armies will be changed for the next four seasons.
Highguard We cannot prove for certain if Yael was the first Empress reborn or not. Regardless of this and no matter who Yael was, the Land without Tears is not part of doctrine and preaching it as such is Heresy. We refute the claim of the Land without Tears and encourage our citizens to look to only those Doctrines which have been debated and agreed upon by the Synod rather than allowing one figure to tear our faith and our Empire apart. We the priests of Highguard send Melchior of Adina's Charge with 250 Liao to spread this message to the citizens of Highguard. Melchior of Adina's Charge Will heal the effects of the Yaelian Schism
Navarr The Navarr assembly send Tynan Lonestriker with 25 Liao to urge Navarr apothecaries, physicks and brokers to share what herbs they can spare with our guests and allies. Tynan Lonestriker Grants aid to the orcs of Therunin
Brass Coast All things can have a price. We send Gonzalo i Riqueza, known as “Lupo” with 25 liao to remind people of their prosperity as well as their courage and to take a ransom from those foes we defeat rather than count their bodies. We will fill our souls with virtue and our pouches with coin. Gonzalo i Riqueza The quality of the Red Wind Corsairs will be improved.
General The Blood Red Roads will connect the people of the Empire and make them stronger. This project is one of the most Ambitious in Imperial history. It demonstrates the Benevolence of Lorenzo “La Volpe” Macelliao von Temeschwar, and will stand as a lasting Legacy. We send Jonah Yakovitch with 25 liao to encourage the faithful to aid in this endeavour. Jonah Yakovitch The Blood Red Roads will be completed at the start of the Winter Solstice.

Imperial Lore

The rituals Combing the Beach, Ride the Noble Steed, and Aid Once More have been added to Imperial Lore and any Imperial magician may master them following the normal rules.

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