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[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Book of the Empire.jpg|align=left|caption=Merlot's copy of the ''Book of the Empire'' hanging in the Hub for use by Imperial citizens.|width=500}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Book of the Empire.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Imperial elections|Merlot]]'s copy of the ''Book of the Empire'' hanging in the Hub for use by Imperial citizens.|width=500}}
==Interlude==
==Overview==
Downtime will be open shortly, allowing players to process their character's downtime choices. The Spring Equinox winds of fortune will come out shortly before the next event (which is 14th June to 16th June). However, there are a number of significant events happening in the wake of the Winter Solstice that may affect some players' Downtime actions - primarily effects on personal resources or options for characters with [[military unit]] or [[fleet]] 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 [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_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 Spring Equinox Winds of Fortune - once they're ready, they'll replace this content. 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.
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.


Downtime is due to close at midnight on Sunday 12th May.
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 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 crystals. Otherwise, they may log into the downtime system and choose to support an army or fortification, or assign to a special project such as a [[spy network]] or one of the unique [[opportunity|opportunities]] available this downtime. Players who want to support one of the [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] can also read the [[Army_orders|orders]] issued by each [[general]] before making their decision.


It's worth noting that we've recently tightened up our guidelines around discussing military matters online which you can find [[Online#You_may_not_post_Military_Updates|here]].
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===
__TOC__
The Imperial Guerdon is a bursary set up by the Imperial Senate primarily to reward military units that support Imperial armies, spy networks, and 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 Imperial armies and navies, fortifications, or special projects (such as spy networks) from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such a army, fortification, or special project will receive nothing for doing so.  
==Winds of Fortune==
===An Affirming Flame===
* '''Urizen; Highguard; the League; Varushka'''
The last few years have been a desperate struggle for the Urizen, with battle raging back and forth across Spiral; the grim conclusion to that campaign; the loss of Zenith; and the tragedy of Morrow. At various points during their ordeal they have received crucial support from other nations. Now the National Assembly recognises those whose aid has proven invaluable, and urges the people of Urizen to show their gratitude to the generals of Varushka, Highguard, and the League. In some cases, their people have responded enthusiastically. In other cases, the enthusiasm has been very much more muted.


The Guerdon stands at 175 Thrones.  
At the same time they reach out to other Imperial nations, the Assembly affirms a commitment to accepting any who truly wish to become part Urizen, even if they are [[orc|orcs]]. This [[statement of principle|statement]] proves itself quite contentious for the people of the beleaguered southeastern nation.


This season, the Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has announced that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the Green Shield, Quiet Step, Strong Reeds, Wolves of War, Hounds of Glory, and between military units and fleets supporting the [[Unleashing_the_storm#Beorath|raid to free Grendel slaves]] from Beorath.
You can learn about the repercussions of both these statements [[An affirming flame|here]].


===Raiding Beoraidh===
===Chaos, and the Stillness of It===
* '''Any character with a [[fleet]] or [[military unit]] [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] can choose to support the ''[[Unleashing_the_storm#Participation|Raid on Beoraidh]]'' action this downtime.'''
* '''Navarr; Highguard; Dawn; Imperial Conclave; Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield'''
* '''Characters who support the raid receive no production from their personal resource, but do receive a share of the [[#Imperial Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]] based on the strength of their resource.'''
The tide comes at the flood; the defence of Elerael and Boar's Dell against the greedy tendrils of the vallorn of Brocéliande continues. The assault continues to increase in strength as more and more of the vallorns power is brought to bear on driving the Navarr from its woods and reclaiming the land they have liberated. They are not without allies - from Dawn, from Highguard, from the orcs of the Great Forest, from the cold eternal Tharim - but will those allies be sufficient to protect their homes for another season?
Another opportunity has arisen for the [[fleet|fleet captains]] and [[military unit|small unit commanders]] to take the fight to the [[Grendel]]. The target of this raid is the frontier city of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] (or ''Beoraidh'') in [[Bay of Catazar#Mareave|Mareave]]. The option can be found in the [[Military unit#Paid Work|paid work]] dropdown for military units, or the [[Fleet#Privateering|privateering]] dropdown for fleets. Military units and fleets assigned to support the raid will not produce any wealth this downtime, but will receive a share of the [[#Imperial Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]]. Full details are available [[Unleashing_the_storm#Participation|here]].


===Slow the Vallorn===
If not there are other allies they might gather. Tharim has more strength to offer, if the Empire will meet his price. The General of Day likewise offers his assistance in matters of strategy, and seeks nothing in return.
* '''Any character with a [[military unit]] [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] can choose to support the ''[[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Slowing_the_Vallorn|Slow the Vallorn]]'' action this downtime.'''
The vallorn continues its slow expansion in [[Brocéliande]]. Warriors can help the steadings there to slow the green tide, and prevent it taking any land for the next season at least. Any military captain who wishes to support this action should select "Slow the Vallorn" from the [[Military unit#Paid Work|paid work]] dropdown menu. Payment is normal for the rank of your military unit. Full details are available [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Slowing_the_Vallorn|here]].


[[Dawn|Dawnish]] characters who support the action may receive additional rewards, provided Ranae de Rondell enacts the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_3|mandate]] they have been entrusted with by the Dawn [[Assembly#The National Assemblies|National Assembly]]. Similarly, if Josephine of Adina's Charge enacts the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_22|mandate]] they have been entrusted with by the [[Highguard|Highborn]] National Assembly, the project will receive additional support from the faithful of Highguard.
You can learn about how bad it has gotten in Brocéliande, as well as some details about Liathaven and Hercynia, [[Chaos, and the stillness of it|here]].
===Conduit to Destiny===
* '''Wintermark'''
When people talk of the magic of the Empire, they often think of the Urizeni magicians in their tall spires or the Dawnish weavers at work in Weirwater. In recent times there has been an increasing tendency to overlook the powerful magical heritage of the north and in particular the great tradition of Wintermark runesmiths. The runesmiths were the people who gave runes to the Empire, and some even claim that it was them who first taught humanity how to fashion magical items.


===Strike into Zenith===
When Skarsind fell to the Thule, they captured many of the greatest runesmiths in Wintermark, hauling them back to Otkodov in chains. Wintermark never truly recovered from this terrible blow, losing its place as the one of the most important sources of magical items in the Empire. Now after years of neglect, there is an opportunity for the Mark to try to reclaim its former prestige by attempting to construct a new rune forge to rival the The Spiral Sword
* '''Any character with a [[military unit]] [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] can choose to support the ''[[The_path_that_winds#Participation|Strike into Zenith]]'' action this downtime.'''
* '''Characters who support the raid receive ''half'' the normal production for their military unit weighted toward a combination of crystal mana, herbs, and valuable (money).'''
In conjunction with heralds of the [[eternal]] [[Phaleron]] and Highborn soldiers, the [[sentinel|sentinels]] of [[Urizen]] have hatched a daring plan to [[The_path_that_winds#Rage_against_the_dying_of_the_light|launch a series of stealthy raids]] into the lost [[territory]] of [[Zenith]] aimed at freeing as many prisoners as possible from the [[Druj]] occupation forces. Any military captain who wishes to support this action should select "Strike into Zenith" from the [[Military unit#Paid Work|paid work]] dropdown menu. The purpose of the raid is to rescue people, not to strike directly at the orcs, so each military unit will receive ''half'' of their normal production, weighted toward a combination of crystal mana, herbs, and valuables (money). Full details are available [[The_path_that_winds#Zenith|here]].


===Suppress Asavean Uprising===
You can learn more about this proposal [[Conduit to destiny|here]].
* '''Any character with a [[military unit]] [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] can choose to support the ''[[The_divide_between#Suppress_Asavean_Uprising|Suppress Asavan Uprising]]'' action this downtime.'''
* '''Instead of the normal production for paid work, a standard military unit would receive a payment of 11 crowns for taking the action, but a more powerful unit would receive an additional 52 rings for each rank of [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgrade]] or [[enchantment]].'''
Two satrapies in the Asavean Archipelago are in revolt against their government. The Nemorians are calling for Imperial mercenaries to help suppress the rebellion and have [[The_divide_between#An_Asavean_Rebuttal|been at pains to point out]] that this is ''not'' a slave rebellion but an internal dispute. The [[Imperial Senate]] has chosen to permit Imperial citizens to [[Legalise_Asavean_mercenary_work|support ''either'' side]] in the dispute. Anyone with a military unit will be able to find the action "Suppress Asavean Uprising" in the paid work dropdown.  


With the passage of a [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29|recent mandate]] by the Synod, the names of all the captains who take their forces to Asavea will be collected and given to the [[Cardinal]] of [[Vigilance]] and [[the Throne]]. ''However'', there is no way to distinguish between characters choosing this option, and those supporting the rebels.
===Double or Nothingness===
* '''Imperial Synod; Cardinal of Vigilance; Imperial Senate; Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy'''
The Imperial Senate has criminalised the trade of liao to the Iron Confederacy, albeit under somewhat narrow circumstances. The [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] the Dukes have placed on Imperial goods may make this law moot - but only if the liao is being transported by ''legitimate'' means. The Silent Bell - charged by the Assembly of the Nine with investigating the transport of liao across the border to the southern nation - say that their investigations suggest the trade is very far from legitimate indeed.


You can learn more about this opportunity [[The_divide_between#Suppress_Asavean_Uprising|here]].
At the same time, the Suranni magicians of Dumon's Hand have renewed their appeal to the Empire for assistance bringing down the Dukes of the Confederacy - although those appeals also raise more questions. Who ''are'' Dumon's Hand? Are they'' really'' fit allies for the Empire? And what do they ''actually'' believe?
===Support Asavean Uprising===
* '''Any character with a [[military unit]] [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] can choose to support the ''[[The_divide_between#Support_Asavean_Uprising|Support Asavan Uprising]]'' action this downtime.'''
* '''Instead of the normal production for paid work, a standard military unit would receive a payment of 7 crowns for taking the action, but a more powerful unit would receive an additional 36 rings for each rank of [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgrade]] or [[enchantment]].'''
The leader of the rebellious satrapies, Tementia Comasigne, is also [[The_divide_between#An_Insurrectionist_Petition|calling for Imperial mercenaries]] to help support the rebellion. As the [[Imperial Senate]] has chosen to permit Imperial citizens to [[Legalise_Asavean_mercenary_work|support ''either'' side]] in the dispute, it is possible for the commanders of military units to aid the insurrectionist cause. Anyone with a military unit will be able to find the action "Support Asavean Uprising" in the paid work dropdown.


As with thos choosing to side with the Nemorians, the passage of a [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29|recent mandate]] by the Synod, the names of all the captains who take their forces to Asavea will be collected and given to the [[Cardinal]] of [[Vigilance]] and [[the Throne]]. ''However'', there is no way to distinguish between characters choosing this option, and those supporting the government.
You can learn all about this additional Iron Confederacy business [[Double or nothingness|here]].


You can learn more about this opportunity [[The_divide_between#Support_Asavean_Uprising|here]].
===Home Fires===
* '''The Marches'''
When Friar John of the Mourn put forth a statement of principle calling on farm owners to show their support for the soldiers fighting for the Empire it aroused great interest and much discussion. People eventually decide that the idea of providing a night of food and rest a week is more of a romantic notion than an actual logistical plan that might work in practice, but the Marchers are nothing if not practical people. With a little work, a general could billet their troops in Marcher land and expect to receive support, food, and warm beds (or at least warm hay) for all their troops. They wouldn't even necessarily have to be Marchers... if the Synod decided that was for the best.  


==Trade Opportunities==
If it ''was'' for the best. After all, it's easier to look at a hill than go over it, as they say in the Marches.
The owners of [[fleet]] resource have a number of options this downtime - including the chance to support a [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Raiding_Beorath|raid against the Grendel]]. There are additional effects and opportunities in the [[Asavean Archipelago]], and any trader operating out of the [[Bay of Catazar]] should be aware of the ongoing pirate raids that threaten ships from [[the Brass Coast]], [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]] and parts of [[the League]].
===Grendel Pirates===
* '''During the coming season all fleets from [[Tassato]], [[Sarvos]], [[the Brass Coast]], [[Highguard]], or [[Urizen]] will suffer a 1 rank penalty to production if they engage in trade.'''
* '''The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] and Glass Point Cove gain no production this downtime.'''
If you are a [[fleet]] captain trading out of the Bay of Catazaar territories, the Grendel pirates continue to attempt to raid your ships. The magic that has been protecting the fleet faded with the start of the Autumn Equinox - its not clear at this time if it has been replenished or if traders are at the mercy of orc pirates.


Furthermore, raids against key locations by elite orc privateers during the Autumn Equinox have meant that neither the [[Broken Shore Bounty]] nor the [[Custodian_of_Glass_Point_Cove|Glass Point Cover]] mana [[sinecure]] will produce any materials this coming season.
You can learn about some of the practical suggestion of the Marcher folk [[Home fires|here]].
===Trading with Asavea===
* '''Every Imperial Fleet trading with [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] receives an additional measure of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and an additional ingot of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]]'''
* '''Imperial captains can visit the insurrectionist port of ''Maragladia'' or ''Timor'' to trade supplies and weapons to the rebels.'''
* '''Any citizen can contribute wains to support the insurectionist cause'''
Any Imperial captain that trades with the port of Nemoria continues to gain additional resources thanks to the existance of the [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Asavean temple in Feroz]] and the [[Liaison_to_the_Temple_in_Nemoria#The_Temple_of_the_Way_in_Nemoria|Impreial temple of the Way in Asavea]].  


Imperial [[fleet]] captains are also able to [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] with two insurrection-aligned ports in Asavea. Each will be found in the trade dropdown alongside the usual ports. Imperial captains are assumed to be trading weapons and supplies in return for money - both in the form of actual cash and in the form of valuables and ''objets d'art''. Each represents a different approach to that trade with different rewards. The actual impact of this trade is the same regardless - support for the rebels is the same whichever port an Imperial captain frequents.
===The Honey Offering===
* '''Varushka; especially Belakov, the Wolf of Karsk'''
[[Varushka]] is a prosperous land. It may be haunted by horrors, but there is great wealth to be found here if one is brave enough. With [[Ossium]] it is now the largest of the Imperial nations; can it once more become the richest?


The coastal fortification of '''Maragladia''' is hard pressed by the Nemorian legions and the people there are desperate. Imperial captains visiting this port will be able to engage in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_profiteering war profiteering]. A basic fleet trading with Maragladia will receive 12 crowns, with each rank of [[Fleet#Uprades|upgrade]] or [[enchantment]] adding a further 48 rings to this amount.  
While Bartimaeus tells people of all nations to consider how to benefit their people, Varushkan priests speak directly to the people of the forests and hills of wealth claimed, Prosperity wielded, and of how the Wolf of Karsk ensures that no threat will sneak into the vales under the shadow of compassion.


Well behind the insurrectionist lines, the situation in the port of '''Timor''' is less fraught. Imperial captains visting this port  will be able to get a good price for herbs and other medicines, or even basic necessities like blankets and bandages, but for significantly less profit than they would get selling weapons in Maragladia. A basic fleet trading with Timor will receive 7 crowns, with each rank of upgrade or enchantment adding a further 28 rings to this amount.
Now, then, it is a time of [[opportunity|opportunities]]. To build, to stretch, to encourage, and to secure the future by buying back the past.


If more than half a dozen fleets trade with the rebels, however, the Plenum ''will'' become aware that Imperial merchants are supporting the rebellion. It is impossible to predict how they will respond, but they are unlikely to be happy - and the more fleets trading with Maragladia and Timor the less happy they are likely to be.
You can learn about these opportunities [[The honey offering|here]].
===Honey and Vinegar===
* '''Imperial Conclave; Grandmasters (especially Silver Chalice); Warmage; Bursar of the Conclave; the Marches; Wintermark'''
In response to the news that the long standing bequests to the font have [[Rules_update_2019#The_Font|run dry]], a group of enterprising [[the League|League]] merchants have come up with some novel ideas for how the prosperity of the [[Conclave order|orders]] might be preserved.  


Finally, any citizen can [[The_divide_between#Participation:_Wains|send wains of mithril or weirwood]] to support the rebels. To take advantage of this oppotunity, you will need to ensure the wains are in your inventory and e-mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with instructions to transfer the wains to the Asavean insurrectionists. Likewise, although it would be possible to send other offers of support - [[materials]], [[liao]], [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|crystal mana]] or money - this will not effect the outcome of the war in Asavea and will be moral support not material support.
They are not the only folk thinking of mana, and some are motivated more by gratitude than by monetary concerns. In their own slightly odd way the [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]] of [[the Marches]] show their support for the Conclave [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Reconciliation_:_Rivers_Run_Red|decision]] to keep [[Rivers Run Red]] under [[interdiction]]. And in the north, the peculiar sealfolk known as the ''hylje'' seek to show their support for their single-natured [[Suaq]] cousins with crabs, fish... and crystal mana.
===Trading with Sumaah===
* '''The [[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Trade_with_Zemeh|port of Zemeh]] is now open to Imperial captains once more'''
Following an extensive building project, the port of [[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Trade_with_Zemeh|Zemeh]] has been reopened to Imperial captains to visit once again. Any [[fleet]] captain will be able to trade with the Sumaah Republic here. Visitors to Zemeh may also be able to make the pilgrimage to the capital city of Timoj - which the Sumaah claim is now the true heart of the Way.


==Major Effects==
You can learn more about these opportunities [[Honey and vinegar|here]].
Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Where possible we've summarized these effects here.
===The Pilgrim's Path and its Resolution===
* '''Every Highguard [[business]] and [[farm]] is suffering a two rank penalty to production, and every [[military unit]] a two rank penalty to its fighting strength.'''
* '''Every other business and farm in the Empire suffers a penalty of 36 rings, and every other military unit a one rank penalty to its fighting strength.'''
During the Summer Solstice, the Highborn Assembly upheld a mandate encouraging radical pilgrimage, with a significant impact on Highguard. Since then, priests from every nation of the Empire have shown solidarity with the Highborn, [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#Overview|helping to mitigate]] the effects of their monumental decision. For the coming season, however every farm, business, and military unit in the Empire will suffer a penalty to its production and fighting strength. By the Spring Equinox, however, all these penalties should have ended.


===Sumaah Missionaries===
===I Heard A Source===
* '''Every [[congregation]] in [[Sarvos]], [[Tassato]], [[Redoubt]], [[Spiral]], and [[Necropolis]] will provide 1 less liao and 2 fewer votes in the Synod'''
* '''Autumn Archmage; Imperial Senate; Imperial Bourse'''
The Imperial Synod has [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_20|supported]] a [[mandate]] by Jorma Steelhail to [[Will_you_believe%3F#A_Sea_of_Savagery|encourage Imperial and Sumaah citizens to view Timoj and Bastion as equals in the Way]]. The implications of this judgement depend entirely on whether it is enacted - and how Timoj responds. For the time being, the Sumaah missionaries continue to criticise the Synod, and the priests who support it, resulting in a small but noticable reduction in the size of congregations along the [[Bay of Catazar]] in coming months. You can learn more about this situation [[Will_you_believe%3F#Doing_Nothing|here]].
The [[Archmage]] of Autumn invited the [[eternal]] [[Ephisis]] to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]], but rather than meet with them, the City of Gold and Lead has sent heralds to present trades for the consideration of the Empire. These include an offer to let the Autumn archmage buy [[Vis#Warm_Ashes|warm ashes]]; a chance to arrange similar trades of other archmages; and a stronger connection to the Autumn realm paid for with the concept of national [[Imperial Bourse|Bourse]] seats.


===The Feast of Tharim===
The exchange has also prompted an unexpected fourth offer from the [[Prospero|Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges]] who has ''very'' different opinions on how the most valuable materials in the Empire should be distributed.
* '''Every [[herb garden]] iand [[forest]] in [[Miaren]], [[Therunin]], and [[Hercynia]] will suffer reduced production until the start of the Winter Equinox 383YE'''
The [[Imperial Conclave]] [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Tharim_and_the_Forests|chose to accept]] the [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#The_Aid_of_Tharim|aid of Tharim]] in defending [[Brocéliande]], giving permission for the [[eternal]] to feast on every [[herb garden]] and [[forest]] in [[Miaren]], [[Therunin]], and [[Hercynia]]. Each herb garden will suffer a loss of two random herbs and each forest will lose two resources for the next year (until the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE).


===Feni in Hercynia===
You can read about these offers [[I heard a source|here]].
* '''Every [[farm]] and [[business]] in [[Hercynia]] suffers a 36 ring penalty to production, and every [[mana site]] produces one fewer crystal mana.'''
 
The Feni are still in [[Hercynia]]. As detailed [[Lethal_and_elusive#In_the_North|here]] this means farms, businesses, and mana sites in the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] will suffer penalties to their production this season due to Feni raids.
===Idle Hands Are The Devil's Playthings===
===Blood and Gold===
* '''Imperial Synod; Imperial Senate'''
* '''Every [[herb garden]] in Navarr receives 2 fewer random herbs until the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE.'''
The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] architect - [[A_force_to_be_reckoned_with#Almodin_Okt.C3.ADstis|Almodin Oktístis]] -  has spent the last two years building grand structures on behalf of the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]]. Now, not only has he been convicted of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] by the [[magistrates]], but he an his work have been roundly denounced by the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]].
The [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_52|mandate]] raised and enacted by Brat Umbral Path during the Autumn Equinox means every Navarr [[herb garden]] will suffer a loss of 2 random herbs per season for the next year. This comes as a consequence of the decision to support the creation of [[Steward_of_Good_Leaf_Gardens#Good_Leaf_Gardens|Good Leaf Gardens]] in [[Upwold]] in [[Blood_and_gold#A_Fitting_Testimony|recognition of the sacrifice]] made by the people of [[the Marches]] in fighting the [[vallorn]] of [[Liathaven]].
 
The architect is gone now - fled back to Asavea - but the buildings he built while he was employed by the Senate remain. Each one covered in icons and statues of the Asavean gods. Each one an affront to Imperial [[Pride]].
 
Two questions remain then. What is to be done about these offensive structures? And who, precisely, is to do it? Perhaps these questions can be answered [[Idle hands are the devil's playthings|here]].
===If the Wheel is Fixed===
* '''Imperial Synod; Ambassador to Sumaah'''
Jorma Steelhail has enacted a mandate that calls for greater understanding between the Sumaah Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Synod. The mandate encouraged Imperial and Sumaah citizens to view Timoj and Bastion as equals in the Way, with a shared single faith. The Sumaah have in turn discussed these words, and passed statements of principle of their own.
 
The immediate outcome is that the Sumaah präster have curtailed their missionary work in the Empire - for the moment at least. They seem prepared to listen, if the Synod priests are prepared to commit itself to the search for common ground. The situation is tense, but there is at least a chance for detente - assuming the Imperial Synod still ''desires'' detente that is...
 
You can learn about the situation [[If the wheel is fixed|here]].
===The Illusion of Majesty===
* '''High Bard of the Empire; Holberg guilds and free companies; Upwolders; Autumn Magicians; Gamblers;  Diviners'''
Anvil during the Solstices and Equinoxes is not just a place for politics, but for commerce and trade. It is also a place to come if you are looking for someone - either a specific someone or a specific ''type'' of someone. Here we collect together a number of disparate opportunities loosely connected by a notional thread of trade. Look more closely and you can learn about an offer from the Soverign-Lady of Shikal; mercenaries seeking direction; a prestigious bakery looking for a patron; the bearer of a peculiar bracelet looking for answers; and a gambler looking for <s>marks</s> fellow players for a unique game of cards.
 
Details of these opportunities are found [[The illusion of majesty|here]].
===The Long March===
* '''Highguard; Imperial Synod'''
Increasing numbers of grey pilgrims walk the trods that criss-cross the Empire. This simple act will help the Navarr in their great quest, though their numbers are still small compared to the number of stridings actively walking the trods. The Highborn are not content to simply walk, however. Rather it seems they envision a second great flowering of the Way. The mandates of the Highborn assembly shape the pilgrimage, but there are still question to answer. What  will be their attitude to the barbarian nations that surround the Empire? And does their mission come with the endorsement of the Synod itself?
 
You can learn about the current situation, and about opportunities presented, [[The long march|here]].
 
===Lost in Translation===
* '''Military captains; General of the Winter Sun; Imperial Synod; Imperial Conclave; Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies
During the raid on Dubhtraig, Imperial heroes freed some two thousand slaves from the yoke of the Salt Lords and brought them back to the Empire. They were each offered a home in Skarsind among their Imperial orc cousins.
 
Unfortunately, in the absence of support from the Imperial Senate, the refugees tried to make their own way north... during one of the worst winters in recent years. Imperial charity has gone some way toward seeing them through the cold months, but even that is beginning to run out. The refugees are now scattered across two-thirds of the Empire, and unless something is done soon their situation can only get worse.
 
You can learn about the refugees situation, and what steps can be taken to help them, [[Lost in translation|here]].
 
===The Mathematics of Tears===
* '''Imperial Senate; Varushka, the Brass Coast, and the League; the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, High Herbalist of Sybella, Master of the Clearing House, and Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel; the Northern Trade Network; and the Sarcophan Ambassador.'''
During their recent ''Banket van Vrijheid'', the leaders of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] finally outlawed the slave trade. While they did not sign the [[Ratify Liberty Pact|Liberty Pact]], several Sarcophan families and guilds are keen to strengthen their ties with the members, and present opportunities for mutual [[Prosperity]].
 
These include warehouses for bulk herb trade; foreign investment in a variety of existing herbal ministries; the purchase of white granite and weirwood; a one-off deal for a bulk order of white granite; and proposals to turn ruined locations in [[Karsk]] and [[Sarvos]] into large Sarcophan trading enclaves.
 
You can learn about these proposals [[The mathematics of tears|here]].
===Music of a Distant Drum (Orc Affairs)===
* ''' Highguard, Imperial Orcs; Marchers. Navarr, Varushka, Wintermark; Imperial Consul; Ambassador to Otkodov'''
Most of the Empire's immediate neighbours are [[orc|orcs]]. North, south, east, and west are the Thule, the Grendel, the Druj, and the Jotun, but they are not the only orcs with whom the Empire interact. The former Jotun thralls and the orcs of the Great Forest live among the Imperial nations in relative peace - but can that peace continue?
 
From the music of distant drums we can learn about the sudden frost that has fallen over Imperial relations with the Thule of Otkodov; about a request for a formal embassy; about a delegation seeking justice and wisdom; about the growing tension between neighbours; and about a spy network exposed.
 
You can learn more about relations with the Empire's orc neighbours [[Music of a distant drum|here]].
===One More Day's Light===
* '''Spring Archmage; General of the Winter Sun; General of the Seventh Wave; Imperial Military Units; Dawn'''
With the fall of Ossium, the Druj have sent an ultimatum; if the Empire continues to invade the Mallum they will slaughter the prisoners they hold in Dawnguard. Until now, the yeofolk children they have captured have been kept safe - insurance against the good behaviour of the nobles of Dawn - but that safety can be rescinded all too easily.
 
At the same time the ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' has completed preparations for a foray into the Barrens. With the aid of the golden hare, perhaps the children of Dawnguard can be snatched from the talons of the Druj. Indeed, with sufficient assistance, it may well be that the blessing of Papa Otec could bring even more opportunity in the Barrens - if the Empire is in a position to take advantage of it.
 
You can learn about the opportunity presented [[One more day's light|here]].
===Pitiless as the Sun (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Imperial Magicians;  Spring Archmage; residents of Weirwater and Reikos'''
Our world is a magical one. Mortal magicians wield powerful rituals, seizing their destiny through the power of their will. The eternal sovereigns of the six realms are magic incarnate, driven by strange passions and bound by complex bans. When the two collide, the earth shakes and the heavens tremble. When they work in harmony they can achieve great wonders. Yet there is always a price for such cooperation and sometimes it is more than either magician or eternal imagines.
 
Here we may learn about the sorceries, enchantments, and curses that have fallen across the Empire. Of a subtle curse on the Dawnishfolk of Weirwater, and of the glowing mists of Grimhold. Of the quiet discontent of the Ender of Empires, and of the machinations of the Summer Mage. Of the dark gift of Sorrowful One, and of the sorrow of the Toad King.
 
You can discover all these and more [[Pitiless as the sun|here]]
 
===The Price of Liberty===
* '''Imperial Senate; Imperial titles benefiting from foreign trade including Ambassadors; Imperial Synod'''
During the Winter Solstice the Imperial Senate [[Ratify Liberty Pact|ratified the Liberty Pact]]. As a consequence, [[Tariffs#Sanctions|trade sanctions]] were imposed on slaving nations - Asavea, Jarm, Faraden, Otkodov, and the Iron Confederacy. The Senate [[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|instructed]] the civil service to [[Appraisal|appraise]] the economic impact of those sanctions and ways they could be mitigated. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] has been assigned to oversee the appraisal, focusing on diplomatic opportunities that will both mitigate the effects of sanctions and prove acceptable to the foreign nations involved.
 
You can learn about both the impact of the sanctions and their potential mitigation [[The price of liberty|here]].
===Point of the Spear===
* '''Imperial heroes'''
Each summit the [[Sentinel Gate]] opens, allowing the heroes of the Empire to pass through. With its powerful magic, they can intercede in fateful events in any corner of the Empire  - and even sometimes beyond its borders if there is significant Imperial presence. Each season, the prognosticators examine the Gate with their spells and converse with egregores and astronomancers, and do their best to compile information about where the gate will open and the opportunities that may represent. The Gate always opens where something is happening, but it is not always clear what role the heroes can play in mastering those events and turning them to their own ends.
 
You can learn about the Spring Equinox conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate [[Point of the spear|here]].
 
===The Risk-All Point (Trade Winds)===
* '''[[Fleet]] captains; Ambassadors; [[military unit|military captains]]; citizens with [[mana site|mana sites]]; Mordecai of Zephaniah's Lament and accomplices'''
The Empire is powerful, but not without peer. In the months since the Winter Solstice, the complex web of international relationships has become tangled like never before. The Liberty Pact smashes the status quo like a rock through a pane of glass and the known world may never be the same again.
 
Yet the world continues to turn, even as it is divided into two rival camps. Here you can learn of the civil war in Asavea and the Empire's role in it, and the seismic changes sweeping through Axos. Of the beauty of the Sumaah capital, and the enthusiasm of the Commonwealth. Of the disappointment of the Faraden, and of the apoplectic fury of the priests of Arav the Judge.
 
You can learn about the general situation in the wider world beyond Imperial borders [[The risk-all point|here]].
 
===Smash it Up===
* '''Assembly of Nine'''
Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato, the Cardinal of Pride, has sent out a clear, unambiguous message. The Assembly of Nine condemns the reverence of eternals, and in particular the egregious acts of idolatry demanded by these inhuman creatures. The message comes at an opportune time, and has proven particularly inspirational to one group of courageous pilgrims. The result is that the blatantly idolatrous statue of Janon in Temeschwar is now a pile of expensive rubble. The ringleader of this warden fellowship, Sobena Strogobor, has written an open letter to the Assembly of the Nine with an explicit offer that they are prepared to do a lot more than merely smash up little statues - if they are given the right encouragement.
 
You can learn about the Wardens of the Soul's Road and their offer [[Smash it up|here]].
.
 
===A Strange Land===
* '''Varushka; Dawn; Holberg; Imperial Orcs; Imperial Synod; Imperial Senate; Ambassador to Otkodov'''
[[Ossium]] - the first new territory to be conquered by the Empire in living memory - has become part of [[Varushka]]. Already Varushkan settlers are moving into the new territory, and the [[egregores|egregore]] has begun to find people who are ready to become Varushkan citizens.
 
There are still many questions looking for answers. What is to be done about the Ketsov? About the Sand Fishers? About the Crawling Depths? About the cloying miasma of terror that hangs over Ossium like a shroud? And what about the people who already live there? Can they be brought to the Way? And how best can that be achieved? The battle for Ossium may be won but the challenge of making the place truly a part of the Empire is only beginning...
 
You can learn more about the developing situation in the newest Imperial territory [[A strange land|here]].
 
===To Loose the Fateful Lightning===
* '''Imperial Fleet Captains; Imperial Fleet Master'''
While the Grendel armada is focused on the invasion of Feroz, the orc pirates of Attar continue to raid Imperial shipping. Recent raids on Dubhtraig and Mareave have enraged the Salt Lords; rumour has it that they are offering bounties for Imperial vessels captured or sunk. While their claim to have uncontested mastery of the Bay of Catazar seems less convincing that it once was, they still present a significant threat to merchant vessels operating out of Tassato, Sarvos, the Brass Coast, Highguard, and Urizen.
 
However... there is a fine line between confidence and overconfidence, between audacity and foolishness, and between ambitious pride and disastrous hubris. It may well be that the Grendel have strayed across that line... just as the Empire is ideally positioned to take advantage of it.
 
You can learn about this opportunity to ''dominate the Bay'' [[To loose the fateful lightning|here]].
 
===The Warmth of an Invisible Light===
* '''Urizen; Highguard'''
Imperial heroes have rescued more than half of the Urizen imprisoned by the Druj in Zenith. Now they are safe, one question remains. What to do with these people that have been saved? Their homes lie over the mountain passes in Zenith - but that land labours under Druj control and who knows when it will be freed? No-one would choose to move to Spiral, but are they better to wait until they can return, or consider settling own and starting new lives?
 
The decision ultimately depends on what the Urizen intend to do next. Will they seek to consolidate the recent gains made in restoring Morrow and look to blunt the Druj advance into Spiral. Or will they throw caution to the winds and commit everything to retaking Zenith?
 
You can learn about the two opportunities to help those Urizen liberated from Zenith [[The warmth of an invisible light|here]].
===What Will Be, Was Not===
* '''Highguard, Navarr, Wintermark, the Brass Coast; Imperial Synod; Imperial Bourse'''
The saga of the Cinderpath continues, but now it has expanded to involve the entire Empire. Following three powerful mandates, the public Bourse auction is in disarray and may yet end up following the old private auction into dissolution. Yet it is not by any means all bad news - quite the contrary. People from every nation are considering how best to show that virtue is more important than money, and that the strength of the ten nations is what really makes the Empire great.
 
In addition to the matter of the public auction, there are opportunities to harness the weirwood of Navarr; the ilium of Wintermark; and the philosophy of Guerra herself to demonstrate the Pride and Loyalty the people of the Empire feel toward their nations.
 
You can learn about these developments [[What will be, was not|here]].
 
===Who Benefits (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Magicians; the nation of Urizen; Wintermark and Dawn'''
The six [[archmage|archmages]] have the ability to [[archmage#Plenipotentiary|petition]] the denizens of the magical realms as representatives of the Empire. Those denizens are bound to respond - although their responses may not always take the form of a formal [[Archmage#Parley|parley]].
 
In the lead up to the Spring Equinox, six eternals have sent responses to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages; the [[Phaleron|Archives of Silence]]; the [[Lashonar|Host of the Caucus Forum]]; the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of the Amaranthine Glacier]]; the [[Ephisis|Lady of the Counting House]]; the [[Arhallogen|Queen of all Spiders]]; and the [[Sorin|Whelpmaster]].
 
You can learn about these plenipotentiary responses [[Who benefits?|here]].
==Other Events==
===Take Up Arms===
* '''Any character who controls a [[congregation]] may exchange it for a [[military unit]] with the same number of upgrades'''
* '''There is no monetary cost to make this change'''
Following the Winter Solstice, Severi Jarlmarison was charged by the Wintermark national assembly to urge any priest of Wintermark who does not make full use of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle. At the same time, the general assembly charged a priest named Rafe to spread the same mandate to all the people of the Empire.
 
As a consequence, during the Spring Equinox any Imperial citizen with a [[congregation]] personal resource will have the option to change resources to instead command a [[military unit]] without paying the required 2 crowns to do so. Furthermore, if their congregation is upgraded, their military unit will have the same number of upgrades. This transformation will only be possible one way, and will only be available during the Spring Equinox. In all other respects, the normal rules for [[Resource#Changing_Resources|changing resources]] apply.
 
===The Inquisition of Frederick di Sarvos===
* ''' Frederick di Sarvos has been called to inquisition; he will not work on any of his projects until the inquisition is resolved at the very earliest.'''
During the Autumn Equinox, Frederick di Sarvos offered an [[opportunity]] to the [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]], '''Viviane de Coeurdefer''' of [[Dawn]]. The talented architect offered to [[Think_of_the_children#Inspiration|design something impressive]] under the guidance of the Cardinal and present his proposals at the Winter Solstice. He duly presented proposals for [[Focused_and_methodical|four ambitious centres of learning]].
 
During the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate]] heard a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[Construct_Naval_Academy_of_Blood_and_Brass|construct the Naval Academy of Blood and Brass]] but ultimately that motion failed. While the [[Imperial Conclave]] considered a [[Concord|Declaration of Concord]] the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Support_for_Diora_University|supported the expansion to Diora University]], they ultimately rejected it. Meanwhile, the [[Imperial Synod]] saw a [[Statement of Principle]] in [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_88|support of the Lepidean Library]] from the [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] - but on the explicit understanding that the [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] it would produce would be assigned by the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]]. In the event, none of Frederick's proposals was actually commissioned by the Senate.
 
Also during the Winter Solstice, however, '''Ranae de Rondell''' raised a [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|call to Inquisition]], passed by the [[Ambition]] [[Virtue assembly|assembly]], requiring that Frederick attend the Spring Equinox to answer questions about the virtue of his actions. The Inquisition is scheduled to take place in the Glory Square in Dawn at four o'clock on Saturday.
 
While Frederick has confirmed he will attend, he has also made it absolutely clear that he will not work on any of these projects until after the resolution of that judgement has taken place. It will not be possible for the Senate to commission any of his college projects during the Spring Equinox; Frederick will inform the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] if he changes his mind in this matter.


==Mandates==
==Mandates==
Sixteen 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, [[382YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements|here]]. As always, these mandates only have an effect if the named priest provides the appropriate amount of liao and emails Profound Decisions.
Sixteen 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, [[382YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements|here]]. As always, these mandates only have an effect if the named priest provides the appropriate amount of liao and emails Profound Decisions (plot@profounddecisions.co.uk) to tell us to take the liao and complete the mandate.


Some of these mandates will have an effect this downtime; we'll update this page and adjust the Facebook and forum posts to reflect this once we have confirmation a mandate is happening.
Some of these mandates will have an effect this downtime, specifically those relating to the Brocéliande defence. We'll adjust this page and alert the appropriate nations when/if these mandates are enacted..


{|
{|
| '''Assembly''' || '''[[Mandate]]''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome''' || '''WoF'''
| '''Assembly''' || '''[[Mandate]]''' || '''Named Priest''' || '''Outcome''' || '''WoF'''
|-
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|Dawn National || The green forest of Brocéliande is a wilderness like few others; now the vallorn that lies at its heart rises against our friends among the Navarr. The opportunity for glory here cannot be ignored; nor should the people of Semmerholm and Astolat ignore the sacrifices the Navarr have made to protect them against the malign force of the power that dwells there. The Dawn assembly sends ''Ranae de Rondell'' with 50 doses of liao to encourage knights and witches to offer their aid to the Navarr fighting to stem the green tide of the vallorn. Let knights-errant and questing knights alike face the challenge of the dark forest, and show the abhorrent power of the vallorn the might of Dawnish steel! || Ranae de Rondell || Enhanced awards for Dawnish characters supporting the "[[#Slow the Vallorn|Slow the Vallorn]]" action || [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Dawn_:_The_Banners_of_Rucastle|here]]
|Dawn National || The green forest of Brocéliande is a wilderness like few others; now the vallorn that lies at its heart rises against our friends among the Navarr. The opportunity for glory here cannot be ignored; nor should the people of Semmerholm and Astolat ignore the sacrifices the Navarr have made to protect them against the malign force of the power that dwells there. The Dawn assembly sends ''Ranae de Rondell'' with 50 doses of liao to encourage knights and witches to offer their aid to the Navarr fighting to stem the green tide of the vallorn. Let knights-errant and questing knights alike face the challenge of the dark forest, and show the abhorrent power of the vallorn the might of Dawnish steel! || Ranae de Rondell || Enhanced awards for Dawnish characters supporting the "[[#Slow the Vallorn|Slow the Vallorn]]" action || [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Dawn_:_The_Banners_of_Rucastle|here]]
|-
|-


|General ||The Way binds us together, guiding all citizens on a virtuous path. We send ''Eska Crowspeaker'' with 50 liao to spread the Way to those we have rescued from Dubhtraig to allow them to find a place for themselves in the Empire.|| Eska Crowspeaker || Encourages slaves liberated from Dubhtraig to embrace the Way || [[A_hero's_welcome#The_Way_and_the_Virtues
|General ||The Way binds us together, guiding all citizens on a virtuous path. We send ''Eska Crowspeaker'' with 50 liao to spread the Way to those we have rescued from Dubhtraig to allow them to find a place for themselves in the Empire.|| Eska Crowspeaker || Encourages slaves liberated from Dubhtraig to embrace the Way || [[A_hero's_welcome#The_Way_and_the_Virtues|here]]
|-
|-


|General||All members of the Synod have a duty to represent their congregations. Those who are neither raising judgements in pursuit of their goals, nor voting in support of their understanding of Virtue, shame themselves. We send ''Rafe'' with 100 doses of liao to urge any priest in the Empire who does not make full use of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle.|| Rafe || Characters with [[congregation]] resources will be easily able to exchange them for [[miitry unit]] resources ||  [[Without_a_plea_for_mercy#Priests_of_All_Nations|here]]
|General||All members of the Synod have a duty to represent their congregations. Those who are neither raising judgements in pursuit of their goals, nor voting in support of their understanding of Virtue, shame themselves. We send ''Rafe'' with 100 doses of liao to urge any priest in the Empire who does not make full use of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle.|| Rafe || Characters with [[congregation]] resources will be easily able to exchange them for [[military unit]] resources ||  [[Without_a_plea_for_mercy#Priests_of_All_Nations|here]]
|-
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|Highguard||The purpose of our Pilgrimage is to save souls; certainly those who have fallen to the Vallorn, but also those who are in danger of being lost to false beliefs. We the Highborn Assembly acknowledge that no citizen follows the Way perfectly. We all have room to grow, and faults to address. We send ''Lilith of the Chantry'' with 25 liao to urge the Grey Pilgrims to act as guides for all the human nations of this great Empire. As they walk the trods in the years to come, let there be no dark corner into which they cannot shine the light of Virtue.|| Yarona of the Chantry || All human nations will suffer penalties to their congregations || [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#This_Great_Empire|here]]
|Highguard||The purpose of our Pilgrimage is to save souls; certainly those who have fallen to the Vallorn, but also those who are in danger of being lost to false beliefs. We the Highborn Assembly acknowledge that no citizen follows the Way perfectly. We all have room to grow, and faults to address. We send ''Lilith of the Chantry'' with 25 liao to urge the Grey Pilgrims to act as guides for all the human nations of this great Empire. As they walk the trods in the years to come, let there be no dark corner into which they cannot shine the light of Virtue.|| Lilith of the Chantry || All human nations will suffer penalties to their congregations || [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#This_Great_Empire|here]]
|-
|-
|General ||The Way was founded in Bastion, and the Sumaah were among the first to follow in our footsteps. For so long Bastion has been a single light in sea of savagery and ignorance - the Imperial Synod is heartened to learn there are now two with Bastion's counterpart in Timoj. Rather than seek division through political pettiness, the Imperial Synod has a grander vision and so sends ''Jorma Steelhail'' with 150 doses of Liao to urge the citizens of the Empire and the Sumaah Republic to seek common ground and focus on our shared Ambition in spreading the Way to the world.  || Jorma Steelhail || Seeks reconciliation with the Sumaah Republic || [[Will_you_believe%3F#A_Sea_of_Savagery|here]]
|General ||The Way was founded in Bastion, and the Sumaah were among the first to follow in our footsteps. For so long Bastion has been a single light in sea of savagery and ignorance - the Imperial Synod is heartened to learn there are now two with Bastion's counterpart in Timoj. Rather than seek division through political pettiness, the Imperial Synod has a grander vision and so sends ''Jorma Steelhail'' with 150 doses of Liao to urge the citizens of the Empire and the Sumaah Republic to seek common ground and focus on our shared Ambition in spreading the Way to the world.  || Jorma Steelhail || Seeks reconciliation with the Sumaah Republic || [[Will_you_believe%3F#A_Sea_of_Savagery|here]]
|-
|-
|Highguard ||The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. The walking of the trods will weaken the vallorn, but we must not be blind to the danger it poses to humanity. The time has come to raise sword and brand against it in defence of our allies - and to strike at the horror in Brocéliande before it becomes a threat to our own people. We send ''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'' with 50 doses of liao to urge the vigilant faithful of Highguard to aid the Navarr in the defence of Brocéliande.|| Josephine of Adina's Charge || Congregations of Highguard will help support the defenders of Brocéliande || [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Highguard_:_The_Blade_of_the_Pilgrims|here]]
|Highguard ||The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. The walking of the trods will weaken the vallorn, but we must not be blind to the danger it poses to humanity. The time has come to raise sword and brand against it in defence of our allies - and to strike at the horror in Brocéliande before it becomes a threat to our own people. We send ''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'' with 50 doses of liao to urge the vigilant faithful of Highguard to aid the Navarr in the defence of Brocéliande.|| Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower || Congregations of Highguard will help support the defenders of Brocéliande || [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#Highguard_:_The_Blade_of_the_Pilgrims|here]]
|-
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|Prosperity ||As Edna has declared, the building of the Cinderpath Exchange is a virtuous endeavour that both increases the Prosperity of the Empire as a whole, and ensures that those who sell white granite receive a fair and virtuous reward for their labours. We send ''Edna'' with 100 doses of liao to urge those Prosperous citizens who have white granite to refrain from auctioning it through the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed.|| Edna of the Chantry || Citizens will withol white granite from the public auction until the Cinerpath Exchange is built. || [[Moving_mountains_is_no_easy_task#Escalation|here]]
|Prosperity ||As Edna has declared, the building of the Cinderpath Exchange is a virtuous endeavour that both increases the Prosperity of the Empire as a whole, and ensures that those who sell white granite receive a fair and virtuous reward for their labours. We send ''Edna'' with 100 doses of liao to urge those Prosperous citizens who have white granite to refrain from auctioning it through the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed.|| Edna of the Chantry || Citizens will withhold white granite from the public auction until the Cinderpath Exchange is built. || [[Moving_mountains_is_no_easy_task#Escalation|here]]
|-
|-
|Highguard || Highguard were those who founded The Way and first spread it to the peoples of the Empire's nations. They have now shown their Loyalty in kind for this great enlightenment Highguard gave to them, and it is time to spread The Way further afield through the people of foreign nations. We send ''Able of the Shattered Tower'' with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to convert travelling foreigners to The Way, so that they may go back to their lands and pass on the truth.
|Highguard || Highguard were those who founded The Way and first spread it to the peoples of the Empire's nations. They have now shown their Loyalty in kind for this great enlightenment Highguard gave to them, and it is time to spread The Way further afield through the people of foreign nations. We send ''Able of the Shattered Tower'' with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to convert travelling foreigners to The Way, so that they may go back to their lands and pass on the truth.|| Able of the Shattered Tower || Urges Grey Pilgrims to convert foreigners to the Way.|| [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#Those_who_Founded_the_Way|here]].
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (511 - 25)|| Dinah of Jeremsah's Welcome || Urges Grey Pilgrims to convert foreigners to the Way.|| [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#Those_who_Founded_the_Way|here]].
|-
|-
|Highguard||As Bartimaeus has already vouchsafed, virtuous people set prices for things which are fair, and buy and sell them accordingly. The Senate disagrees; it denies the virtue of engaging in trade in a virtuous manner. We send ''Raziel of the Shattered Tower'' with 25 doses of liao to urge those Highborn citizens in possession of white granite to refuse to deal with the greed embodied by the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed.|| Raziel of the Shattered Tower || Highborn citizens will withold white granite from the public auction until the Cinderpath Exchange is built || [[Moving_mountains_is_no_easy_task#Escalation|here]]
|Highguard||As Bartimaeus has already vouchsafed, virtuous people set prices for things which are fair, and buy and sell them accordingly. The Senate disagrees; it denies the virtue of engaging in trade in a virtuous manner. We send ''Raziel of the Shattered Tower'' with 25 doses of liao to urge those Highborn citizens in possession of white granite to refuse to deal with the greed embodied by the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed.|| Raziel of the Shattered Tower || Highborn citizens will withhold white granite from the public auction until the Cinderpath Exchange is built || [[Moving_mountains_is_no_easy_task#Escalation|here]]
|-
|-
|General||Skarsind offers a welcome home for the slaves liberated from the Broken Shore. Just as we once fought for our freedom, so you will have a chance to fight against those who once enslaved you. Those who do not fight, will still have a place, working to support our legions. We send ''Skywise Tulva'' with 50 liao to encourage the slaves to settle in Skarsind and let them know that those who choose to adopt our ways will be able to become Imperial Orcs in time.|| Skywise Tulva|| Orc slaves freed from Dubhtraig will be urged to move to Skarsind || [[A_hero's_welcome#Imperial_Orcs|here]]
|General||Skarsind offers a welcome home for the slaves liberated from the Broken Shore. Just as we once fought for our freedom, so you will have a chance to fight against those who once enslaved you. Those who do not fight, will still have a place, working to support our legions. We send ''Skywise Tulva'' with 50 liao to encourage the slaves to settle in Skarsind and let them know that those who choose to adopt our ways will be able to become Imperial Orcs in time.|| Skywise Tulva|| Orc slaves freed from Dubhtraig will be urged to move to Skarsind || [[A_hero's_welcome#Imperial_Orcs|here]]
|-
|-


|Varushka||Vasili Zoryakovich Zverokaz reminds us that slavery is unacceptable; Eska Crowspeaker urges us to open out homes to those who have found freedom. Yet in Varushka we cannot simply accept a stranger at face-value, and must be certain of the nature of those we invite into our homes. We send ''Belikov the Wolf of Karsk'' with 150 doses of liao to examine each of these strangers and determine whether each one is friend or foe.|| Dovbravka Nadjaovna Vanek || Slaves freed from Ossium by the Druj will be inividually assessed to ensure they are human. || [[Between_peace_and_hate#What_to_do_about_Ivarsgard|here]]
|Varushka||Vasili Zoryakovich Zverokaz reminds us that slavery is unacceptable; Eska Crowspeaker urges us to open out homes to those who have found freedom. Yet in Varushka we cannot simply accept a stranger at face-value, and must be certain of the nature of those we invite into our homes. We send ''Belikov the Wolf of Karsk'' with 150 doses of liao to examine each of these strangers and determine whether each one is friend or foe.|| Belakov the Wolf of Karsk || Slaves freed from Ossium by the Druj will be individually assessed to ensure they are human. || [[Between_peace_and_hate#What_to_do_about_Ivarsgard|here]]
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|Highguard||The purpose of our pilgrimage is to save souls, those who have fallen to the vallorn, but also those who are lost to malign forces and who bend the knee to eternals. We send ''Shadrach'' with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to preach the rejection of False Virtues and idolatrous behaviour.|| Sharach|| Grey Pilgrims will be urged to root out and oppose falsee virtues and eternal cults || [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#Mute_Mouth.2C_Broken_Tongue|here]]
|Highguard||The purpose of our pilgrimage is to save souls, those who have fallen to the vallorn, but also those who are lost to malign forces and who bend the knee to eternals. We send ''Shadrach'' with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to preach the rejection of False Virtues and idolatrous behaviour.|| Shadrach|| Grey Pilgrims will be urged to root out and oppose false virtues and eternal cults || [[Years_of_an_inch_and_a_step#Mute_Mouth.2C_Broken_Tongue|here]]
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* [[Madyn's Gift]] raised by Simargl
* [[Madyn's Gift]] raised by Simargl
Once payment has been made, these rituals will be available to be mastered by Imperial magicians.
Once payment has been made, these rituals will be available to be mastered by Imperial magicians.
==Other Media==
Autumn Bailey has recorded audio version of many of the Winds of Fortune: [https://youtu.be/zghB1Bmi7T0?list=PLQwK6c0BZocxIWlXfZwWnmynUiFgXHQxv Who benefits?], [https://youtu.be/tIGg7iEXDlg The Mathematics of Tears], [https://youtu.be/_IHX3s068WY The Honey Offering], [https://youtu.be/Faj2Iexy8K8 Honey and Vinegar], [https://youtu.be/8pJzuc_kfYM Idle Hands are the Devil's Playthings], [https://youtu.be/n6_3JlzacZI Double or Nothingness], and [https://youtu.be/bex0_XIaBQI I Heard a Source].
There is also audio for [https://youtu.be/h9zJcHf3UV0 Synod mandates].

Latest revision as of 22:32, 20 January 2022


Book of the Empire.jpg
Merlot's copy of the Book of the Empire hanging in the Hub for use by Imperial citizens.

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

An Affirming Flame

  • Urizen; Highguard; the League; Varushka

The last few years have been a desperate struggle for the Urizen, with battle raging back and forth across Spiral; the grim conclusion to that campaign; the loss of Zenith; and the tragedy of Morrow. At various points during their ordeal they have received crucial support from other nations. Now the National Assembly recognises those whose aid has proven invaluable, and urges the people of Urizen to show their gratitude to the generals of Varushka, Highguard, and the League. In some cases, their people have responded enthusiastically. In other cases, the enthusiasm has been very much more muted.

At the same time they reach out to other Imperial nations, the Assembly affirms a commitment to accepting any who truly wish to become part Urizen, even if they are orcs. This statement proves itself quite contentious for the people of the beleaguered southeastern nation.

You can learn about the repercussions of both these statements here.

Chaos, and the Stillness of It

  • Navarr; Highguard; Dawn; Imperial Conclave; Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield

The tide comes at the flood; the defence of Elerael and Boar's Dell against the greedy tendrils of the vallorn of Brocéliande continues. The assault continues to increase in strength as more and more of the vallorns power is brought to bear on driving the Navarr from its woods and reclaiming the land they have liberated. They are not without allies - from Dawn, from Highguard, from the orcs of the Great Forest, from the cold eternal Tharim - but will those allies be sufficient to protect their homes for another season?

If not there are other allies they might gather. Tharim has more strength to offer, if the Empire will meet his price. The General of Day likewise offers his assistance in matters of strategy, and seeks nothing in return.

You can learn about how bad it has gotten in Brocéliande, as well as some details about Liathaven and Hercynia, here.

Conduit to Destiny

  • Wintermark

When people talk of the magic of the Empire, they often think of the Urizeni magicians in their tall spires or the Dawnish weavers at work in Weirwater. In recent times there has been an increasing tendency to overlook the powerful magical heritage of the north and in particular the great tradition of Wintermark runesmiths. The runesmiths were the people who gave runes to the Empire, and some even claim that it was them who first taught humanity how to fashion magical items.

When Skarsind fell to the Thule, they captured many of the greatest runesmiths in Wintermark, hauling them back to Otkodov in chains. Wintermark never truly recovered from this terrible blow, losing its place as the one of the most important sources of magical items in the Empire. Now after years of neglect, there is an opportunity for the Mark to try to reclaim its former prestige by attempting to construct a new rune forge to rival the The Spiral Sword

You can learn more about this proposal here.

Double or Nothingness

  • Imperial Synod; Cardinal of Vigilance; Imperial Senate; Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy

The Imperial Senate has criminalised the trade of liao to the Iron Confederacy, albeit under somewhat narrow circumstances. The embargo the Dukes have placed on Imperial goods may make this law moot - but only if the liao is being transported by legitimate means. The Silent Bell - charged by the Assembly of the Nine with investigating the transport of liao across the border to the southern nation - say that their investigations suggest the trade is very far from legitimate indeed.

At the same time, the Suranni magicians of Dumon's Hand have renewed their appeal to the Empire for assistance bringing down the Dukes of the Confederacy - although those appeals also raise more questions. Who are Dumon's Hand? Are they really fit allies for the Empire? And what do they actually believe?

You can learn all about this additional Iron Confederacy business here.

Home Fires

  • The Marches

When Friar John of the Mourn put forth a statement of principle calling on farm owners to show their support for the soldiers fighting for the Empire it aroused great interest and much discussion. People eventually decide that the idea of providing a night of food and rest a week is more of a romantic notion than an actual logistical plan that might work in practice, but the Marchers are nothing if not practical people. With a little work, a general could billet their troops in Marcher land and expect to receive support, food, and warm beds (or at least warm hay) for all their troops. They wouldn't even necessarily have to be Marchers... if the Synod decided that was for the best.

If it was for the best. After all, it's easier to look at a hill than go over it, as they say in the Marches.

You can learn about some of the practical suggestion of the Marcher folk here.

The Honey Offering

  • Varushka; especially Belakov, the Wolf of Karsk

Varushka is a prosperous land. It may be haunted by horrors, but there is great wealth to be found here if one is brave enough. With Ossium it is now the largest of the Imperial nations; can it once more become the richest?

While Bartimaeus tells people of all nations to consider how to benefit their people, Varushkan priests speak directly to the people of the forests and hills of wealth claimed, Prosperity wielded, and of how the Wolf of Karsk ensures that no threat will sneak into the vales under the shadow of compassion.

Now, then, it is a time of opportunities. To build, to stretch, to encourage, and to secure the future by buying back the past.

You can learn about these opportunities here.

Honey and Vinegar

  • Imperial Conclave; Grandmasters (especially Silver Chalice); Warmage; Bursar of the Conclave; the Marches; Wintermark

In response to the news that the long standing bequests to the font have run dry, a group of enterprising League merchants have come up with some novel ideas for how the prosperity of the orders might be preserved.

They are not the only folk thinking of mana, and some are motivated more by gratitude than by monetary concerns. In their own slightly odd way the Landskeepers of the Marches show their support for the Conclave decision to keep Rivers Run Red under interdiction. And in the north, the peculiar sealfolk known as the hylje seek to show their support for their single-natured Suaq cousins with crabs, fish... and crystal mana.

You can learn more about these opportunities here.

I Heard A Source

  • Autumn Archmage; Imperial Senate; Imperial Bourse

The Archmage of Autumn invited the eternal Ephisis to parley, but rather than meet with them, the City of Gold and Lead has sent heralds to present trades for the consideration of the Empire. These include an offer to let the Autumn archmage buy warm ashes; a chance to arrange similar trades of other archmages; and a stronger connection to the Autumn realm paid for with the concept of national Bourse seats.

The exchange has also prompted an unexpected fourth offer from the Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges who has very different opinions on how the most valuable materials in the Empire should be distributed.

You can read about these offers here.

Idle Hands Are The Devil's Playthings

  • Imperial Synod; Imperial Senate

The Asavean architect - Almodin Oktístis - has spent the last two years building grand structures on behalf of the Senate. Now, not only has he been convicted of idolatry by the magistrates, but he an his work have been roundly denounced by the Synod.

The architect is gone now - fled back to Asavea - but the buildings he built while he was employed by the Senate remain. Each one covered in icons and statues of the Asavean gods. Each one an affront to Imperial Pride.

Two questions remain then. What is to be done about these offensive structures? And who, precisely, is to do it? Perhaps these questions can be answered here.

If the Wheel is Fixed

  • Imperial Synod; Ambassador to Sumaah

Jorma Steelhail has enacted a mandate that calls for greater understanding between the Sumaah Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Synod. The mandate encouraged Imperial and Sumaah citizens to view Timoj and Bastion as equals in the Way, with a shared single faith. The Sumaah have in turn discussed these words, and passed statements of principle of their own.

The immediate outcome is that the Sumaah präster have curtailed their missionary work in the Empire - for the moment at least. They seem prepared to listen, if the Synod priests are prepared to commit itself to the search for common ground. The situation is tense, but there is at least a chance for detente - assuming the Imperial Synod still desires detente that is...

You can learn about the situation here.

The Illusion of Majesty

  • High Bard of the Empire; Holberg guilds and free companies; Upwolders; Autumn Magicians; Gamblers; Diviners

Anvil during the Solstices and Equinoxes is not just a place for politics, but for commerce and trade. It is also a place to come if you are looking for someone - either a specific someone or a specific type of someone. Here we collect together a number of disparate opportunities loosely connected by a notional thread of trade. Look more closely and you can learn about an offer from the Soverign-Lady of Shikal; mercenaries seeking direction; a prestigious bakery looking for a patron; the bearer of a peculiar bracelet looking for answers; and a gambler looking for marks fellow players for a unique game of cards.

Details of these opportunities are found here.

The Long March

  • Highguard; Imperial Synod

Increasing numbers of grey pilgrims walk the trods that criss-cross the Empire. This simple act will help the Navarr in their great quest, though their numbers are still small compared to the number of stridings actively walking the trods. The Highborn are not content to simply walk, however. Rather it seems they envision a second great flowering of the Way. The mandates of the Highborn assembly shape the pilgrimage, but there are still question to answer. What will be their attitude to the barbarian nations that surround the Empire? And does their mission come with the endorsement of the Synod itself?

You can learn about the current situation, and about opportunities presented, here.

Lost in Translation

  • Military captains; General of the Winter Sun; Imperial Synod; Imperial Conclave; Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies

During the raid on Dubhtraig, Imperial heroes freed some two thousand slaves from the yoke of the Salt Lords and brought them back to the Empire. They were each offered a home in Skarsind among their Imperial orc cousins.

Unfortunately, in the absence of support from the Imperial Senate, the refugees tried to make their own way north... during one of the worst winters in recent years. Imperial charity has gone some way toward seeing them through the cold months, but even that is beginning to run out. The refugees are now scattered across two-thirds of the Empire, and unless something is done soon their situation can only get worse.

You can learn about the refugees situation, and what steps can be taken to help them, here.

The Mathematics of Tears

  • Imperial Senate; Varushka, the Brass Coast, and the League; the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, High Herbalist of Sybella, Master of the Clearing House, and Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel; the Northern Trade Network; and the Sarcophan Ambassador.

During their recent Banket van Vrijheid, the leaders of the Sarcophan Delves finally outlawed the slave trade. While they did not sign the Liberty Pact, several Sarcophan families and guilds are keen to strengthen their ties with the members, and present opportunities for mutual Prosperity.

These include warehouses for bulk herb trade; foreign investment in a variety of existing herbal ministries; the purchase of white granite and weirwood; a one-off deal for a bulk order of white granite; and proposals to turn ruined locations in Karsk and Sarvos into large Sarcophan trading enclaves.

You can learn about these proposals here.

Music of a Distant Drum (Orc Affairs)

  • Highguard, Imperial Orcs; Marchers. Navarr, Varushka, Wintermark; Imperial Consul; Ambassador to Otkodov

Most of the Empire's immediate neighbours are orcs. North, south, east, and west are the Thule, the Grendel, the Druj, and the Jotun, but they are not the only orcs with whom the Empire interact. The former Jotun thralls and the orcs of the Great Forest live among the Imperial nations in relative peace - but can that peace continue?

From the music of distant drums we can learn about the sudden frost that has fallen over Imperial relations with the Thule of Otkodov; about a request for a formal embassy; about a delegation seeking justice and wisdom; about the growing tension between neighbours; and about a spy network exposed.

You can learn more about relations with the Empire's orc neighbours here.

One More Day's Light

  • Spring Archmage; General of the Winter Sun; General of the Seventh Wave; Imperial Military Units; Dawn

With the fall of Ossium, the Druj have sent an ultimatum; if the Empire continues to invade the Mallum they will slaughter the prisoners they hold in Dawnguard. Until now, the yeofolk children they have captured have been kept safe - insurance against the good behaviour of the nobles of Dawn - but that safety can be rescinded all too easily.

At the same time the Prince with a Thousand Foes has completed preparations for a foray into the Barrens. With the aid of the golden hare, perhaps the children of Dawnguard can be snatched from the talons of the Druj. Indeed, with sufficient assistance, it may well be that the blessing of Papa Otec could bring even more opportunity in the Barrens - if the Empire is in a position to take advantage of it.

You can learn about the opportunity presented here.

Pitiless as the Sun (Winds of Magic)

  • Imperial Magicians; Spring Archmage; residents of Weirwater and Reikos

Our world is a magical one. Mortal magicians wield powerful rituals, seizing their destiny through the power of their will. The eternal sovereigns of the six realms are magic incarnate, driven by strange passions and bound by complex bans. When the two collide, the earth shakes and the heavens tremble. When they work in harmony they can achieve great wonders. Yet there is always a price for such cooperation and sometimes it is more than either magician or eternal imagines.

Here we may learn about the sorceries, enchantments, and curses that have fallen across the Empire. Of a subtle curse on the Dawnishfolk of Weirwater, and of the glowing mists of Grimhold. Of the quiet discontent of the Ender of Empires, and of the machinations of the Summer Mage. Of the dark gift of Sorrowful One, and of the sorrow of the Toad King.

You can discover all these and more here

The Price of Liberty

  • Imperial Senate; Imperial titles benefiting from foreign trade including Ambassadors; Imperial Synod

During the Winter Solstice the Imperial Senate ratified the Liberty Pact. As a consequence, trade sanctions were imposed on slaving nations - Asavea, Jarm, Faraden, Otkodov, and the Iron Confederacy. The Senate instructed the civil service to appraise the economic impact of those sanctions and ways they could be mitigated. Naomi of Virtue's Rest has been assigned to oversee the appraisal, focusing on diplomatic opportunities that will both mitigate the effects of sanctions and prove acceptable to the foreign nations involved.

You can learn about both the impact of the sanctions and their potential mitigation here.

Point of the Spear

  • Imperial heroes

Each summit the Sentinel Gate opens, allowing the heroes of the Empire to pass through. With its powerful magic, they can intercede in fateful events in any corner of the Empire - and even sometimes beyond its borders if there is significant Imperial presence. Each season, the prognosticators examine the Gate with their spells and converse with egregores and astronomancers, and do their best to compile information about where the gate will open and the opportunities that may represent. The Gate always opens where something is happening, but it is not always clear what role the heroes can play in mastering those events and turning them to their own ends.

You can learn about the Spring Equinox conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate here.

The Risk-All Point (Trade Winds)

The Empire is powerful, but not without peer. In the months since the Winter Solstice, the complex web of international relationships has become tangled like never before. The Liberty Pact smashes the status quo like a rock through a pane of glass and the known world may never be the same again.

Yet the world continues to turn, even as it is divided into two rival camps. Here you can learn of the civil war in Asavea and the Empire's role in it, and the seismic changes sweeping through Axos. Of the beauty of the Sumaah capital, and the enthusiasm of the Commonwealth. Of the disappointment of the Faraden, and of the apoplectic fury of the priests of Arav the Judge.

You can learn about the general situation in the wider world beyond Imperial borders here.

Smash it Up

  • Assembly of Nine

Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato, the Cardinal of Pride, has sent out a clear, unambiguous message. The Assembly of Nine condemns the reverence of eternals, and in particular the egregious acts of idolatry demanded by these inhuman creatures. The message comes at an opportune time, and has proven particularly inspirational to one group of courageous pilgrims. The result is that the blatantly idolatrous statue of Janon in Temeschwar is now a pile of expensive rubble. The ringleader of this warden fellowship, Sobena Strogobor, has written an open letter to the Assembly of the Nine with an explicit offer that they are prepared to do a lot more than merely smash up little statues - if they are given the right encouragement.

You can learn about the Wardens of the Soul's Road and their offer here. .

A Strange Land

  • Varushka; Dawn; Holberg; Imperial Orcs; Imperial Synod; Imperial Senate; Ambassador to Otkodov

Ossium - the first new territory to be conquered by the Empire in living memory - has become part of Varushka. Already Varushkan settlers are moving into the new territory, and the egregore has begun to find people who are ready to become Varushkan citizens.

There are still many questions looking for answers. What is to be done about the Ketsov? About the Sand Fishers? About the Crawling Depths? About the cloying miasma of terror that hangs over Ossium like a shroud? And what about the people who already live there? Can they be brought to the Way? And how best can that be achieved? The battle for Ossium may be won but the challenge of making the place truly a part of the Empire is only beginning...

You can learn more about the developing situation in the newest Imperial territory here.

To Loose the Fateful Lightning

  • Imperial Fleet Captains; Imperial Fleet Master

While the Grendel armada is focused on the invasion of Feroz, the orc pirates of Attar continue to raid Imperial shipping. Recent raids on Dubhtraig and Mareave have enraged the Salt Lords; rumour has it that they are offering bounties for Imperial vessels captured or sunk. While their claim to have uncontested mastery of the Bay of Catazar seems less convincing that it once was, they still present a significant threat to merchant vessels operating out of Tassato, Sarvos, the Brass Coast, Highguard, and Urizen.

However... there is a fine line between confidence and overconfidence, between audacity and foolishness, and between ambitious pride and disastrous hubris. It may well be that the Grendel have strayed across that line... just as the Empire is ideally positioned to take advantage of it.

You can learn about this opportunity to dominate the Bay here.

The Warmth of an Invisible Light

  • Urizen; Highguard

Imperial heroes have rescued more than half of the Urizen imprisoned by the Druj in Zenith. Now they are safe, one question remains. What to do with these people that have been saved? Their homes lie over the mountain passes in Zenith - but that land labours under Druj control and who knows when it will be freed? No-one would choose to move to Spiral, but are they better to wait until they can return, or consider settling own and starting new lives?

The decision ultimately depends on what the Urizen intend to do next. Will they seek to consolidate the recent gains made in restoring Morrow and look to blunt the Druj advance into Spiral. Or will they throw caution to the winds and commit everything to retaking Zenith?

You can learn about the two opportunities to help those Urizen liberated from Zenith here.

What Will Be, Was Not

  • Highguard, Navarr, Wintermark, the Brass Coast; Imperial Synod; Imperial Bourse

The saga of the Cinderpath continues, but now it has expanded to involve the entire Empire. Following three powerful mandates, the public Bourse auction is in disarray and may yet end up following the old private auction into dissolution. Yet it is not by any means all bad news - quite the contrary. People from every nation are considering how best to show that virtue is more important than money, and that the strength of the ten nations is what really makes the Empire great.

In addition to the matter of the public auction, there are opportunities to harness the weirwood of Navarr; the ilium of Wintermark; and the philosophy of Guerra herself to demonstrate the Pride and Loyalty the people of the Empire feel toward their nations.

You can learn about these developments here.

Who Benefits (Plenipotentiary)

  • Imperial Magicians; the nation of Urizen; Wintermark and Dawn

The six archmages have the ability to petition the denizens of the magical realms as representatives of the Empire. Those denizens are bound to respond - although their responses may not always take the form of a formal parley.

In the lead up to the Spring Equinox, six eternals have sent responses to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages; the Archives of Silence; the Host of the Caucus Forum; the Queen of the Amaranthine Glacier; the Lady of the Counting House; the Queen of all Spiders; and the Whelpmaster.

You can learn about these plenipotentiary responses here.

Other Events

Take Up Arms

  • Any character who controls a congregation may exchange it for a military unit with the same number of upgrades
  • There is no monetary cost to make this change

Following the Winter Solstice, Severi Jarlmarison was charged by the Wintermark national assembly to urge any priest of Wintermark who does not make full use of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle. At the same time, the general assembly charged a priest named Rafe to spread the same mandate to all the people of the Empire.

As a consequence, during the Spring Equinox any Imperial citizen with a congregation personal resource will have the option to change resources to instead command a military unit without paying the required 2 crowns to do so. Furthermore, if their congregation is upgraded, their military unit will have the same number of upgrades. This transformation will only be possible one way, and will only be available during the Spring Equinox. In all other respects, the normal rules for changing resources apply.

The Inquisition of Frederick di Sarvos

  • Frederick di Sarvos has been called to inquisition; he will not work on any of his projects until the inquisition is resolved at the very earliest.

During the Autumn Equinox, Frederick di Sarvos offered an opportunity to the Cardinal of Ambition, Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn. The talented architect offered to design something impressive under the guidance of the Cardinal and present his proposals at the Winter Solstice. He duly presented proposals for four ambitious centres of learning.

During the Winter Solstice, the Imperial Senate heard a motion to construct the Naval Academy of Blood and Brass but ultimately that motion failed. While the Imperial Conclave considered a Declaration of Concord the supported the expansion to Diora University, they ultimately rejected it. Meanwhile, the Imperial Synod saw a Statement of Principle in support of the Lepidean Library from the Assembly of the Nine - but on the explicit understanding that the true liao it would produce would be assigned by the Gatekeepers. In the event, none of Frederick's proposals was actually commissioned by the Senate.

Also during the Winter Solstice, however, Ranae de Rondell raised a call to Inquisition, passed by the Ambition assembly, requiring that Frederick attend the Spring Equinox to answer questions about the virtue of his actions. The Inquisition is scheduled to take place in the Glory Square in Dawn at four o'clock on Saturday.

While Frederick has confirmed he will attend, he has also made it absolutely clear that he will not work on any of these projects until after the resolution of that judgement has taken place. It will not be possible for the Senate to commission any of his college projects during the Spring Equinox; Frederick will inform the Master of the Imperial Mint if he changes his mind in this matter.

Mandates

Sixteen 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. As always, these mandates only have an effect if the named priest provides the appropriate amount of liao and emails Profound Decisions (plot@profounddecisions.co.uk) to tell us to take the liao and complete the mandate.

Some of these mandates will have an effect this downtime, specifically those relating to the Brocéliande defence. We'll adjust this page and alert the appropriate nations when/if these mandates are enacted..

Assembly Mandate Named Priest Outcome WoF
Dawn National The green forest of Brocéliande is a wilderness like few others; now the vallorn that lies at its heart rises against our friends among the Navarr. The opportunity for glory here cannot be ignored; nor should the people of Semmerholm and Astolat ignore the sacrifices the Navarr have made to protect them against the malign force of the power that dwells there. The Dawn assembly sends Ranae de Rondell with 50 doses of liao to encourage knights and witches to offer their aid to the Navarr fighting to stem the green tide of the vallorn. Let knights-errant and questing knights alike face the challenge of the dark forest, and show the abhorrent power of the vallorn the might of Dawnish steel! Ranae de Rondell Enhanced awards for Dawnish characters supporting the "Slow the Vallorn" action here
General The Way binds us together, guiding all citizens on a virtuous path. We send Eska Crowspeaker with 50 liao to spread the Way to those we have rescued from Dubhtraig to allow them to find a place for themselves in the Empire. Eska Crowspeaker Encourages slaves liberated from Dubhtraig to embrace the Way here
General All members of the Synod have a duty to represent their congregations. Those who are neither raising judgements in pursuit of their goals, nor voting in support of their understanding of Virtue, shame themselves. We send Rafe with 100 doses of liao to urge any priest in the Empire who does not make full use of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle. Rafe Characters with congregation resources will be easily able to exchange them for military unit resources here
Wintermark Those Winterfolk who are members of the Synod have a duty to represent their congregations. Those who are neither raising judgements in pursuit of their goals, nor voting in support of their understanding of Virtue, shame themselves. We send Severi Jarlmarison with 50 doses of liao to urge any priest of Wintermark who does not make full us of their powers to take up arms and lead their congregations in heroic battle. Severi Jarlmarison Wintermark characters with congregation resources will be easily able to exchange them for military unit resources here
General The virtuous build up their fellows, and take pride in their people. Rather than looking to line their own pockets, Imperial citizens should seek ways to strengthen their own nations - and by doing so strengthen the Empire as a whole. We send Bartimeus with 75 liao to urge Imperial citizens to consider how best the bounty of their nations might be used for the benefit of their people. Bartimeus Nations will present proposals to make use of their own Bourse resources here
Highguard The purpose of our Pilgrimage is to save souls; certainly those who have fallen to the Vallorn, but also those who are in danger of being lost to false beliefs. We the Highborn Assembly acknowledge that no citizen follows the Way perfectly. We all have room to grow, and faults to address. We send Lilith of the Chantry with 25 liao to urge the Grey Pilgrims to act as guides for all the human nations of this great Empire. As they walk the trods in the years to come, let there be no dark corner into which they cannot shine the light of Virtue. Lilith of the Chantry All human nations will suffer penalties to their congregations here
General The Way was founded in Bastion, and the Sumaah were among the first to follow in our footsteps. For so long Bastion has been a single light in sea of savagery and ignorance - the Imperial Synod is heartened to learn there are now two with Bastion's counterpart in Timoj. Rather than seek division through political pettiness, the Imperial Synod has a grander vision and so sends Jorma Steelhail with 150 doses of Liao to urge the citizens of the Empire and the Sumaah Republic to seek common ground and focus on our shared Ambition in spreading the Way to the world. Jorma Steelhail Seeks reconciliation with the Sumaah Republic here
Highguard The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. The walking of the trods will weaken the vallorn, but we must not be blind to the danger it poses to humanity. The time has come to raise sword and brand against it in defence of our allies - and to strike at the horror in Brocéliande before it becomes a threat to our own people. We send Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower with 50 doses of liao to urge the vigilant faithful of Highguard to aid the Navarr in the defence of Brocéliande. Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower Congregations of Highguard will help support the defenders of Brocéliande here
Prosperity As Edna has declared, the building of the Cinderpath Exchange is a virtuous endeavour that both increases the Prosperity of the Empire as a whole, and ensures that those who sell white granite receive a fair and virtuous reward for their labours. We send Edna with 100 doses of liao to urge those Prosperous citizens who have white granite to refrain from auctioning it through the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed. Edna of the Chantry Citizens will withhold white granite from the public auction until the Cinderpath Exchange is built. here
Highguard Highguard were those who founded The Way and first spread it to the peoples of the Empire's nations. They have now shown their Loyalty in kind for this great enlightenment Highguard gave to them, and it is time to spread The Way further afield through the people of foreign nations. We send Able of the Shattered Tower with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to convert travelling foreigners to The Way, so that they may go back to their lands and pass on the truth. Able of the Shattered Tower Urges Grey Pilgrims to convert foreigners to the Way. here.
Highguard As Bartimaeus has already vouchsafed, virtuous people set prices for things which are fair, and buy and sell them accordingly. The Senate disagrees; it denies the virtue of engaging in trade in a virtuous manner. We send Raziel of the Shattered Tower with 25 doses of liao to urge those Highborn citizens in possession of white granite to refuse to deal with the greed embodied by the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed. Raziel of the Shattered Tower Highborn citizens will withhold white granite from the public auction until the Cinderpath Exchange is built here
General Skarsind offers a welcome home for the slaves liberated from the Broken Shore. Just as we once fought for our freedom, so you will have a chance to fight against those who once enslaved you. Those who do not fight, will still have a place, working to support our legions. We send Skywise Tulva with 50 liao to encourage the slaves to settle in Skarsind and let them know that those who choose to adopt our ways will be able to become Imperial Orcs in time. Skywise Tulva Orc slaves freed from Dubhtraig will be urged to move to Skarsind here
Varushka Vasili Zoryakovich Zverokaz reminds us that slavery is unacceptable; Eska Crowspeaker urges us to open out homes to those who have found freedom. Yet in Varushka we cannot simply accept a stranger at face-value, and must be certain of the nature of those we invite into our homes. We send Belikov the Wolf of Karsk with 150 doses of liao to examine each of these strangers and determine whether each one is friend or foe. Belakov the Wolf of Karsk Slaves freed from Ossium by the Druj will be individually assessed to ensure they are human. here
Highguard The purpose of our pilgrimage is to save souls, those who have fallen to the vallorn, but also those who are lost to malign forces and who bend the knee to eternals. We send Shadrach with 25 liao to urge the grey pilgrims to preach the rejection of False Virtues and idolatrous behaviour. Shadrach Grey Pilgrims will be urged to root out and oppose false virtues and eternal cults here

Imperial Lore

One ritual is being entered into Imperial lore, presuming the money to distribute them across the Empire is forthcoming.

Once payment has been made, these rituals will be available to be mastered by Imperial magicians.

Other Media

Autumn Bailey has recorded audio version of many of the Winds of Fortune: Who benefits?, The Mathematics of Tears, The Honey Offering, Honey and Vinegar, Idle Hands are the Devil's Playthings, Double or Nothingness, and I Heard a Source.

There is also audio for Synod mandates.