383YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune

The fires are banked but every night breaks at dawn.

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

Some Heavenly Music

• Urizen

The inclusion of half-a-dozen rituals in Urizen lore - the newly created body of magical knowledge only available to Urizeni magicians - has caused great excitement in the nation of the high peaks. As awareness of its potential spreads, a number of groups within the nation have come forward to propose their own magical texts for conclusion in the corpus of Urizen lore. Adding a ritual to Urizen lore requires the ritual text be sent to the celestial library via the Gift of Knowledge ritual - a ritual that is not itself part of Urizen Lore. As a consequence these custodians of ritual grimoires must come to Anvil and find someone (ideally a fellow Urizeni) capable of working the magic required. Enthusiasm for the novel only goes so far however. A respect for Ambition and Prosperity mean that most of those who have proposed that their tomes become part of Urizen lore want something in return for their largesse...

You can learn about the groups who have rituals to add to the new body of Urizeni magical knowledge - and what they want in return - in Some heavenly music.

Cloud Waves Break

• Of special note for all Imperial citizens, but especially: storytellers, bards, and musicians; priests; members of Conclave orders; adepts of Night and Autumn lore; those seeking a new start in life.

A peculiar fog with memory-eroding qualities is seeping across the Empire. Many of those exposed to it find their recollection of the smaller details of their life have been lost, or altered slightly. Confusion spreads, but a few find the loss of memory inspires them to profoundly change their path through life.

Solutions to the eerie fog's effects have been found, and some of them suggest actions that can be taken during the Solstice to help mitigate its impact.

As is common with such magical events, there is also news of perturbations to the effects of certain rituals - especially those dealing with memory and identity - but more peculiarly there is also talk of odd figures in the mists - of tulpas with an unsettling taste for human and orc memories.

You can learn about this strange fog, the steps to counter its effects, and the perturbation of certain rituals in Cloud waves break.

A Horn Resounding

• Young citizens; parents; Gatekeepers

In the wake of the Autumn Equinox, young people all across the Empire have undergone uncanny growth spurts. It starts with a burst of energy and that lasts for a month or so, and when it ends they have visibly aged by between one and three years! Stories filtering out of Wintermark suggest that the change has been sparked by a combination of a mysterious magical horn and possibly ill-advised Summer magic intended to call forth heroes.

Whatever the cause, this unwarranted event offers its own opportunities. One Highborn chapter for example, eager to prove an esoteric theory about reborn heroes, offers a dose of True Liao to the most virtuous of these "Summer Children", with the intention they use it to receive a vision of their past-life that might explain their sudden maturiation.

At the same time, a whole bevy of eternals offer boons to any of these children prepared to commit themselves to their "heroic destiny" - whatever that means. Indeed, the eternals have very different ideas of what counts as a "heroic destiny" - and anyone tempted to accept their boons might give thought to what that might entail.

You can learn about the peculiar growth spurt, the Highborn offer, and the opportunities provided in A horn resounding.

Impossible Landscapes (Plenipotentiary)

• Archmages; the Silver Chalice; Master of the Koboldi; the Seer of the Gateway; Livia of the Spire of Celestial Cascade, Lord Colwynn de Rondell, and Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato; a whole gaggle of mystics, heroes, Winterfolk, Freeborn, and more

Five of the Imperial Archmages have invited eternals to attend a parley with them, as representatives of the Empire and the Conclave. Replies have been received, and arrangements have been made.

During the Winter Solstice, Lord Rain will hold court for the first time in over three centuries; favoured emissaries of the Walker on the Littoral and the Spiral Dancer will meet with very different groups of truth-seekers; and the City of Gold and Lead will arrange a meeting with emissaries of other cities to see what can be done about the Sanguine Market.

The King Beneath the Mountain has also responded enthusiastically to an invitation from the Summer Archmage, but has apparently made different arrangements, which do not include parley. Very public arrangements, in fact, which we will learn more about... very shortly.

As for the plenipotentiaries for the Winter Solstice, you can learn all about them in Impossible landscapes.

Stone and Stone

• Master of the Koboldi; Archmage of Summer; Master of Ice and Darkness; Imperial Orcs; Urizen; people of Miekarova, Hahnmark, Mournwold, Weirwater, Miaren, Upwold, and Temeschwar

The eternal Adamant, He Who Sits on the Granite Throne, King Beneath the Mountain, the Deep Dragon with the Glinting Heart, has responded to a plenipotentiary from the Summer archmage by dispatching dozens of his koboldi servants to all corners of the Empire. Looking to share their enthusiasm for building impressive structures with Imperial citizens, they have identified a number of special opportunities, just in time for the appointment of the Master of the Koboldi by the Imperial Conclave.

In addition to opportunities to create, however, they've also identified an opportunity for terrible destruction. Namely, a great horde of monstrous trogoni gathering in the depths of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets in the north-western Empire. Don't worry though; they have a solution! There's not a hole so large that the koboldi can't plug it with a bit of mithril, a lot of hard work, and the help of a few hundred bold adventurers!

You can learn all about the opportunities for building presented by the koboldi, and about the threat in the north-west, in Stone and stone.

Apples from a Tree

• Wintermark, Varushka, the Marches, the Brass Coast; the Prosperity Assembly

The Empire has been wrestling with the contentious question of how the Empire's most precious resources - mithril, weirwood, white granite, and ilium - should be allocated for some time now. Details have been prepared outlining an opportunity to construct a trading hall in Wintermark, and a market in Varushka. The outstanding opportunities to take advantage of similar situations in the Marches and the Brass Coast have likewise been updated. The problem is, there's only so much to go around. Someone is going to lose out...

At the same time, all of these opportunities arguably began with the Prosperity Assembly. In recognition of this, a unique opportunity has been presented for the Cardinal of Prosperity to lead the way in blazing a trail away from the Bourse and toward a new, more Prosperous, Empire.

You can learn about these opportunities in Apples from a tree.

The Price of Wisdom

• Imperial Synod; the General, Wisdom, Loyalty, Urizen, and Freeborn assemblies; the Imperial Senate; sword scholars

Between them, the Assembly of Wisdom and the sword scholars of Urizen are obstructing anyone trying to enact a Synod mandate that has not been upheld with a greater majority. Several have failed as a result. A number of statements of principle and one mandate were upheld during the Autumn Equinox relating to the heirs of Sulemaine. There have been incendiary calls for action, and calmer voices urging debate and discussion rather than open opposition to the Synod. Decisions need to be made, some of which may have implications that go far beyond the questioning of the Synod authority by the Wise.

There are other considerations as well; the Urizen Assembly has expressed unequivocal support for the swords scholars, and the opportunity exists to solidify that support in Morrow. At the same time, the Freeborn Assembly has made its own statement of solidarity with the sword scholars, reminding the faithful of the Brass Coast of their own strained relationship with the Synod.

You can learn about this developing situation and the many ways it might be addressed in the price of wisdom.

From the Sieve of Your Hands

• Urizen, especially those in Spiral; Urizen Assembly; General of the Citadel Guard; Doyen of the Spires; Imperial Synod, Imperial Senate, Imperial Conclave

During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Senate ceded the regions of Ankra, Cinion, and Ateri in Spiral as part of the Grendel peace treaty. Provisions were made to allow citizens currently in those regions two seasons' grace to relocate to Imperial territory with all of their possessions. The new governor of Spiral, the Salt Lord Mahiri Kaliact, has a different proposition. Stay, and stay out of her affairs, and both sides might still find Prosperity.

This might include the sentinels of the Citadel Guard. With so much of their nation conquered by orcs, the only Urizen army has been on the verge of collapse for some time. The Grendel governor has a proposal to make, one that could secure its short-term survival... and perhaps lead to a longer lasting solution.

You can learn all about events in Spiral under the Grendel in From the sieve of your hands.

To Curb Those Raging Appetites

• The Brass Coast; Freeborn national assembly; Imperial Fleet Master; Keeper of the Spice Gardens;Celesti Lighthouse Keeper; Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel; Imperial Delegate to the Temple in Feroz

During the Autumn Equinox the Imperial Senate ratified a peace treaty with the Grendel orcs, ceding the regions of Morajasse and Afarjasse to the orcs of the Broken Shore. The rapacious governor Rahab already controls the eastern half of the territory, and the provisions for free movement only apply to those in the western regions.

The orcs of the Broken Shore have spent the last three months consolidating their hold on the territory and their control of Feroz is now uncontested. The remaining Freeborn populace - at least in Afarjasse and Morajasse - look to the Synod for guidance. Should they stay and cooperate with the Grendel? Remain behind but resist their new orc overlords? Or should as many people as possibly can flee the yoke of Grendel domination? Which course of action is most in keeping with Freeborn tradition - and what will the implications be for the Brass Coast, and for the Empire itself?

You can learn all about the situation in Feroz under the Grendel - and the implications for several Imperial titles - in To curb those raging appetites.

Everything Has A Price

• Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Master; fleet captains

The peace treaty with the southern orcs has had a major impact on Feroz and Spiral, but it also has implications for the entire Empire. The Empire now considers the orcs of the Broken Shore to be foreigners, able to trade with and visit each others lands. The Grendel pride themselves on their mercantile expertise, and claim that they view war as something not to be pursued until all other avenues for profit are exhausted. They are unsurprisingly eager to take advantage of the new treaty.

Since the Grendel are slavers, the Empire imposed the sanctions required under the Liberty Pact, and the Grendel swiftly responded in kind, but this move doesn't seem to have dented their interest in trade in the slightest. They appear to regard the inevitable taxes as just a regular part of the costs of doing business with the Empire. Merchants and messengers have all arrived at the borders of the Empire with various different proposals for trade. Now it remains to be seen if any part of the Empire wants to trade with the Grendel...

You can learn about the general situation with regards to the Grendel, and the opportunities the peace treaty presents, in Everything has a price.

Bones in the Ocean

• Brass Coast, Freeborn Assembly, Imperial Senate

As part of the Grendel treaty, a contract was signed between the Grendel ambassador and a Freeborn priest. Intended as a codicil to the main treaty, it secured certain provisions relating to the Isle of the Osseini in Feroz. A contingent of priests from the Brass Coast has visited the island - deep in Grendel territory - and reported on the situation there. Opportunities are presented, especially around the agreement that a small enclave might be established here for the use of priests interested in the arts of exorcism. While there, they made contact with a representative of the corsair families of nearby Shantarim - who offered an opportunity all their own that may have special appeal to the privateers of the Brass Coast.

You can learn about the situation with the Isle of the Osseini, and the offer of the corsairs of the Cazar Straits, in Bones in the ocean.

All Lift Together

• Wintermark; Imperial Senate

The Wintermark Nation Assembly has sent out a call for more healing herbs, desperately needed to support the heroes of the 'Mark. Some elements have caused confusion, but the virtuous in Wintermark understand that there is a grievous need, and propose ways that need can be met. Much of the conversation takes place among the grimnir, who combine the study of the healing arts with practical experience of the battlefield. The solutions they suggest are equally practical and include redefining unfocused sinecures; rebuilding the healing house of Wittal's Grove; helping the warrriors to help themselves; and raising the profile of Asny of Stormspire whose name inspires the opportunity.

You can learn about the situation, and the practical solutions put forward by the healers of Wintermark, in All lift together.

An Unexpected Alignment

• Wintermark; potentially Varushka, the Imperial Orcs, the Military Council, and the Imperial Senate

The situation in Sermersuaq remains dire, and attempts to retake the Suaq homeland have been rebuffed by the Jotun. Diplomatic overtures have failed. The Empire clings to a foothold in Sealtoq, but the sands run swiftly through the hourglass and soon the arrangement that keeps the Jotun from retaking that ancient town will have run its course.

The Jotun are not the only orcs in Sermersuaq of course. The Thule control the Silver Peaks in the north-east of the territory, and seem to have made their own accord with their western cousins. Now, though, something has changed. The Thule are no longer content merely to watch. A small delegation has approached Sealtoq, under a white flag of truce - it seems the Thule have a proposition for the people of Wintermark...

You can learn about the Thule offer, and its potential repercussions, in An unexpected alignment.

Seize the Moments

• Imperial Orcs, Dawn, potentially Navarr; Ambition, Vigilance, and General assemblies

During the Autumn Equinox, Bloodcrow Udoo announced the ambition of the Imperial Orcs to claim the Barrens for their nation, a call to arms that received the backing of the Imperial Orc Assembly. The Druj hold the territory, and show no signs of letting it slip through their talons, but with the orcs of the Mallum defeated in Ossium and on the back foot in the Forest of Ulnak, now might be the moment to take action and drive them out of the Barrens as well.

One matter still to be resolved is what form an assault against the Barrens should take; a direct assault to destroy the Druj, or something more focused around uniting the remaining orcs that live under the thumb of the cruel tyrants. There are also allies to consider; perhaps they could be found among the virtue assemblies? Perhaps the orcs of the Great Forest, or even the briarborn who live among them? This is no simple undertaking after all.

And of course there is also the matter of Dawn. The glorious nation has a long history of conflict in that sprawling wilderness, and has attempted to conquer the territory many times, but implacable opposition from the Druj has always stymied them. How will they react to this ambitious claim by the Imperial Orcs?

You can learn about the opportunities for the Imperial Orcs to press their claim to the Barrens in Seize the moments.

Between Wind and Water

• Dawn, especially the national assembly, the troubadours, and the knights both questing and errant; Lady of the Proffered Hand

The role of the troubadour in Dawn is to use poetry, storytelling, and song to recount the deeds of glorious heroes, both the living and the dead. There are plenty of priets in Dawn, but it is often the troubadours that lead the way. During the Autumn Equinox, three statements of principle in particular resonate with their calling. Three opportunities have arisen as a consequence. In Weirwater and Semmerholm, the legacy of storytellers and musicians is discussed, and a chapel for the troubadours is proposed. On the borders of Brocéliande, the threat of the vallorn is on everyone's tongues, and ways to support the knights who quest against it are discussed. And in the far west, in the Freeborn lands, the plight of ancient cousins is made clear and new homes amidst the splendor of Astolat are offered.

You can learn all about these opportunities in Between wind and water.

Beyond the Light

• Varushka, Imperial Orcs, Dawn, the League, especially their national assembly and generals; military units

It has been almost exactly a year since Ossium became part of Varushka, and there are ample opportunities for ambitious settlers to carve out new vales.

Three challenges remain however, preventing the territory reaching its full potential. The territory is Underdeveloped - lacking all but the most basic infrastructure. It is underpopulated - there are few Imperial citizens here. It is under threat by the Druj - it would be an easy matter for the orcs of the Mallum to return.

Still, the Varushkans have a great deal of experience dealing with rich, perilous lands, and for many of them Ossium is just another challenge to be understood and overcome - one that promises rich rewards. Now the national assembly calls for the wagon raiders, sellswords, and wardens of Varushka to head east, and with axe and torch bring these wild, dark lands to heel.

You can learn about the opportunities presented in Ossium in Beyond the light.

Thousands or More

• Varushka; Imperial Senate, Synod, Bourse, Conclave; potentially any Imperial citizen, especially from Dawn or League territories bordering the Semmerlak

It's taken a while but the Civil Service have finally completed their survey of the wealth of Ossium. They confirm the wealth of the forests, and the paucity of minerals in territory, but they also catalogue the spoils of war seized from the Druj. These include valuable opportunities; the Palace at Orieb; the Stinking Market; Marshstand Skerry; the Bonehives; the Fields of Glory. It will fall to the Imperial Senate to determine who will made custodians of these unique sinecures and ministries.

They've also presented a report on ways to make Ossium more hospitable. On the wider benefits offered by a new port on the Semmerlak; a barracks-armoury in Nearwald to defend the new vales; and an extension to the Iron Roads already in progress. It seems the future may be bright for Varushkan settlers in the Empire's newest territory - if they're able to capitalise on these opportunities!

You can read about these opportunities in Ossium - to assign new titles and build new things - in Thousands or more

Other Events

There are a number of other events and situations which are noteworthy, but which for whatever reason have not lead to a full Wind of Fortune in their own right.

Mandates

A number of mandates were upheld at the Autumn Equinox Solstice and enacted in the months that followed. You can find a complete list here.

Some mandates were upheld by their respective assemblies but failed due to the intervention of the Wisdom assembly and the sword scholars. Judgement 7 (encourage Imperial citizens to find opportunities for cooperation with the eternals), Judgement 17 (encourage citizens to travel to Zenith and offer aid there), Judgement 52 (encourage Marcher pilgrims to make a pilgrimage to Holberg), and Judgement 82 (encourage the virtuous to undertake a pilgrimage of dreams) were all ineffective as a consequence.

Imperial Lore

No new rituals were added to Imperial lore during the Autumn Equinox.

Urizen Lore

Five new rituals became part of Urizen lore during the Autumn Equinox: Swords in the Noonday Sun, Good Green Oak, Eyes of the Hills, Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian, and Ethereal Courier.

Other Media

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