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The Conclave has a number of powers to enable them to fulfil their constitutional role to support the proper use of magic by the Empire. These powers are grouped together as the Declarations of the Conclave. Declarations are used by the Conclave to determine policy and to appoint citizens to the Imperial titles appointed by the Conclave. They always require a vote by the assembled Imperial magicians to pass.  
 
The Conclave has a number of powers to enable them to fulfil their constitutional role to support the proper use of magic by the Empire. These powers are grouped together as the Declarations of the Conclave. Declarations are used by the Conclave to determine policy and to appoint citizens to the Imperial titles appointed by the Conclave. They always require a vote by the assembled Imperial magicians to pass.  
  
A declaration can generally be thought of as a short sentence beginning "''The Imperial conclave declares ...''" and then a single specific thing such as "''...that I am Archmage of Winter.''" or "''...that a state of Amity shall exist between Sadogua and the Empire.''"
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A declaration can generally be thought of as a short sentence beginning "''The Imperial conclave declares ...''" and then a single specific thing such as "''...that I am Archmage of Winter''" or "''...that Sadogua should be considered an ally of the Empire.''"
  
==Procedure==
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==Raising a declaration==
===Raising a declaration===
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A declaration is placed on the [[Conclave_session#Setting_the_Agenda|agenda]] for the next [[Conclave session]]. Placing a declaration costs a mana crystal, which must be paid when the declaration is raised. The civil servant records the name of the person raising the declaration and the specifics of what that declaration is about. For example "''Xavier i Guerra raises a Declaration of Sorcery against Pieter Vanderhooven''" or "''Lebannon of Haros Water raises a Declaration of Candidacy for the title of Archmage of Winter''".
A declaration is placed on the [[Conclave_session#Setting_the_Agenda|agenda]] for the next [[Conclave session]]. Placing a declaration costs a mana crystal, which must be paid when the declaration is raised with the Civil Service.
 
  
The civil servant records the name of the person raising the declaration, the type of declaration and its specific wording. Each type of Declaration has certain forms which are traditional, but small deviations are not unusual as long as the important information is included.
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The [[grandmaster]] of each [[Conclave order|order]] has a power called the [[Grandmaster#Veil of night|veil of night]] which allows them to raise a declaration to the agenda without revealing any specifics of that declaration, in which case it is recorded as either ''"The Grandmaster of (Order) raises a declaration''" or ""The Grandmaster of (Order) raises a declaration of candidacy''" as appropriate.
  
All declarations are visible in a public place - normally the Civil Service Hub - until the start of the next Conclave session - with one exception. The [[grandmaster]] of each [[Conclave order|order]] has a power called the [[Grandmaster#Veil of night|veil of night]] - which allows them to raise a declaration to the agenda without revealing any specifics of that declaration, in which case it is recorded as "''"The Grandmaster of (Order) raises a declaration''". They should, however, still provide the full text of the declaration to the Civil Service at the time when it is raise
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==Presentation==
 
 
===Presentation===
 
 
The format follows the approach used for an [[Conclave address|address]]. Each declaration in turn is announced by the civil service, in the order in which they were placed on the agenda. The individual who raised the declaration to the agenda then has one minute to present their position, they must [[Principle of Proportions|spend crystal mana]] if they wish to [[Conclave_session#Speaking_before_the_Conclave|speak]] for longer.
 
The format follows the approach used for an [[Conclave address|address]]. Each declaration in turn is announced by the civil service, in the order in which they were placed on the agenda. The individual who raised the declaration to the agenda then has one minute to present their position, they must [[Principle of Proportions|spend crystal mana]] if they wish to [[Conclave_session#Speaking_before_the_Conclave|speak]] for longer.
  
===Debate===
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==Debate==
 
After the declaration has been presented, those present may pay mana for the right to [[Conclave session#Speaking before the Conclave|discuss]] the subject, in order determined by the [[Principle of Precedence]].
 
After the declaration has been presented, those present may pay mana for the right to [[Conclave session#Speaking before the Conclave|discuss]] the subject, in order determined by the [[Principle of Precedence]].
  
===Resolution===
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==Resolution==
 
After the discussion is complete, every Imperial magician present may vote in favour or against, or may choose to abstain. If more magicians vote in favour than vote against, the declaration is carried. In the case of a tie, the declaration is considered to have failed.
 
After the discussion is complete, every Imperial magician present may vote in favour or against, or may choose to abstain. If more magicians vote in favour than vote against, the declaration is carried. In the case of a tie, the declaration is considered to have failed.
  
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When a declaration is carried, the effects of that declaration come into effect at the ''end'' of the Conclave session. For example, if an [[Archmage]] loses their title due to a [[#Declaration of Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] they legally lose their powers and must surrender their regalia at the end of the session rather than in the middle.
 
When a declaration is carried, the effects of that declaration come into effect at the ''end'' of the Conclave session. For example, if an [[Archmage]] loses their title due to a [[#Declaration of Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] they legally lose their powers and must surrender their regalia at the end of the session rather than in the middle.
 
 
==List of Declarations==
 
==List of Declarations==
===Declaration of Candidacy===
 
The Conclave can declare someone to hold a specific title controlled by the Conclave. This is most commonly used to propose someone for the title of [[archmage]], [[Warmage]] or [[Dean of the Lyceum]], but there are a number of other temporary or permanent positions that might be allocated using this declaration. Occasionally, this declaration has been used to simply remove someone from their position, by declaring that their post should be filled with ''nobody''.
 
 
It is typical for the civil service to group all declarations of candidacy that effect the same position together at the point on the agenda where the last one was raised and conduct a single vote for the position. In this case, each individual who has raised that declaration makes a presentation in the order they raised their candidacy, then a single discussion takes place followed by a single vote. The candidate with the most votes takes the title. 
 
 
The incumbent does not automatically get to make a presentation - although there is nothing to stop them raising themselves as a candidate if they realise someone is challenging for their title. They may speak normally during the discussion period, and the incumbent is automatically presented as an option during the voting process without the need for a separate declaration.
 
 
It is the responsibility of the previous holder of the title to ensure that all regalia passes to the new title holder speedily and with the minimum of fuss.
 
 
===Declaration of Concord ===
 
The Conclave makes an agreed upon statement of belief, intent or support. It has no binding legal element but clearly expresses the intent of the Conclave. It is often used to decide that the Conclave agrees to bring a matter before the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]], and potentially to nominate someone responsible for liaising with the [[Senator|senators]] to raise a motion there.
 
 
Occasionally the Declaration of Concord is used in advance to declare that a specific magical act will not be considered sorcery. In 326YE for example, a number of [[Curse|curses]] were placed on individuals who had been identified by the [[Shuttered Lantern]] as supporters of the [[Briar|briars]] involved in the [[Freedom Heresy|Freedom heresy]]. Given the personal power of several of these individuals, the covens involved sought this Declaration immediately before placing the curses and used it (successfully) as a defence when magicians associated with the [[Imperial Senate]] and [[Imperial Synod]] tried to have them declared sorcerers in the aftermath.
 
 
The Declaration of Concord has also been used to set in motion the sequence of events that lead to the [[Conclave_order#Creation_and_Dissolution_of_an_Order|creation or dissolution of a Conclave order]].
 
 
===Declaration of Endowment===
 
Any mana or illium that the Conclave owns is automatically added to the Font - for distribution between the orders. Other property, such as [[Game_items#Materials|materials]], items, money and even resources, are not added to the Font - they remain the property of the Conclave until they are distributed by a Declaration of Endowment.
 
 
Anyone raising a Declaration of Endowment must state what property of the Conclave they wish to transfer and who to. The recipient may be any Imperial citizen - but it can also be one or more of the Conclave orders. Any resources, items or riches endowed on an order are added to that order's vaults, and distributed to the [[grandmaster]] either after the session or at the start of the next summit.
 
 
The Conclave cannot rescind a Declaration of Endowment; once passed the item or items become the full legal property of the recipient. The Conclave can indicate that they ''expect'' a magician to bequeath an item to the Conclave when they are finished with it, but they cannot create a legal obligation to do so as part of a Declaration of Endowment. If the Conclave is bequeathed a resource that provides an ongoing income then they may either pass a declaration to endow the resource - or instead endow some portion of the income accrued to date.
 
 
===Declaration of Sorcery===
 
The Conclave may declare someone to be a sorcerer. The most common reason for this declaration is as a result of an abuse of 'legal curses' against citizens or allies of the Empire, or against those engaged in suspect trade of magical resources (often in conjunction with a legal penalty assessed by an [[Imperial_law#Magistrates and trials|Imperial magistrate]]). If this Declaration is made:
 
 
* the sorcerer is prohibited from contributing to rituals.
 
* the sorcerer is prohibited from carrying or using crystal mana, ritual staves, foci, coven stones, crystalline mana, vis, items that have passed from a realm into the empire and potions whose primary purpose is to aid or enhance the performance of rituals.
 
* the sorcerer cannot hold any title within the Imperial Conclave.
 
* the sorcerer cannot use mana to raise an item to the conclave agenda.
 
* the sorcerer cannot use mana to speak before the conclave, although another individual may pay mana on their behalf.
 
* the sorcerer is prohibited from knowingly interacting with [[Eternals]] or their heralds.
 
 
All crystal mana and other prohibited items (bar regalia) owned by someone declared to be a sorcerer is legally forfeit to the Conclave. A sorcerer who violates these prohibitions will be subject to arrest and trial before a [[Imperial Law|magistrate]]. During the Spring Summit 378YE, the [[Imperial Senate]] voted to add a prohibition against interaction with eternals and their heralds to the declaration. During the Summer summit 380YE, the definition was  [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|further expanded]] to preclude possession of certain non-mana items that allowed ritual magic to be performed.
 
 
The declaration must name each specific individual who will be covered. A declaration may only name more than one individual if they are members of the same oathsworn band - either a  [[bands#banner|banner]], [[bands#Sect|sect]], or [[bands#coven|coven]] at the time the declaration is made. If there are multiple names on the declaration, then members of the Conclave must either vote for or against the entire list - they may not split their votes.
 
 
===Declaration of Reconciliation===
 
The Conclave may reconcile a sorcerer with the Empire. If this declaration is made, all rights that were taken from them are returned. They regain possession of any confiscated mana site, but not of any crystal mana it may have produced while they were sorcerers.
 
 
This declaration can also be used to remove or modify a ban placed by the [[#Declaration of Interdiction|declaration of interdiction]].
 
 
===Declaration of Amity===
 
The Conclave may declare a specific [[Eternals|eternal]] is an ally of the Conclave. Members of the Conclave are encouraged to demonstrate courtesy and even aid these Eternals, or their Heralds, where it is possible for them to do so. The Eternal, and any associated Heralds, gain the rights of [[Amity_and_enmity|Amity]]. This declaration overturns a [[#Declaration of Enmity|declaration of enmity]].
 
 
In some cases, the Empire has attracted the attention of an eternal they wished to initiate contact with through this declaration. The [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|Declaration of Concord]] has been used occasionally with some success, but the most effective way to get the attention of an eternal who is not currently interested in the Empire is through the Declaration of Amity.
 
 
Further information about the rights of Amity and a list of the Eternals who currently benefit from these rights is available [[Amity_and_enmity|here]].
 
 
===Declaration of Enmity===
 
The Conclave may declare a specific [[Eternals|Eternal]] to be an enemy of the Empire. If this declaration is made, it becomes dangerous for anyone to consort with the Eternal named in this declaration, or with their Heralds. Such an act usually results in the offender being declared a sorcerer, but they may also face investigation by a magistrate for treason. Having [[Amity_and_enmity|enmity]] from the Conclave brings with it a number of other drawbacks. It automatically overturns a [[#Declaration of Amity|declaration of amity]].
 
 
Further information about the effects of Enmity and a list of the Eternals who are currently enemies of the Empire is available [[Amity_and_enmity|here]].
 
 
===Declaration of Neutrality===
 
This declaration removes either amity or enmity from a specific target and returns them to a neutral legal status. Any benefits gained from, or penalties imposed by, the previous status are lost at the end of the conclave session.
 
 
===Declaration of Acceptance===
 
Rituals that are part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]] are widely available to any Imperial citizen. New rituals may be added to Imperial Lore by this declaration, allowing magicians all over the Empire to receive training in the ritual.
 
 
The form of the declaration should be as follows.
 
 
<ic>The Imperial Conclave accepts the ritual X into Imperial Lore. The Conclave names Y as the individual responsible for supplying the ritual text and the ten throne cost of its acceptance.</ic>
 
 
X should be the name of the specific ritual being added, and Y should be the person responsible for ensuring the ritual text and the cost of its acceptance. If Y is not explicitly named, it will be assumed to be the person who raised the Declaration.
 
 
Any player whose character is named in a Declaration of Acceptance, should put the coin and ritual text into the bag that they hand in at the end of the event. The coins and text must be in the inventory of the individual named in the mandate, but you can transfer coin and other resources between characters using the downtime system, once downtime opens. Please do not include a note when you hand in your coin as it is impossible to process these notes at the point where your bag is processed.
 
 
The named individual should email [mailto:empire.plot@profounddecisions.co.uk Profound Decisions] to make us aware that they intend to supply the items for the ritual's acceptance. We will remove the text from the named individual's inventory as soon as they confirm they wish to go ahead.
 
 
Once a ritual is added to Imperial Lore it is currently impossible to remove it. The best the Conclave can do is attempt to declare performance of the ritual to be sorcery with the [[#Declaration of Interdiction|Declaration of Interdiction]]. In the past, the Conclave has often approached the [[Imperial Senate]] for assistance paying the ten Thrones, but this requires a separate motion from the Senators.
 
 
===Declaration of Dissemination===
 
While rituals that are part of Imperial Lore are available to any Imperial citizen, there are circumstances where a magician might wish to share one of these rituals with someone else, or may simply desire a ritual text for their own personal library. Doing so invariably requires the creation of a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]], which can be handed over to the target. A magician who brings a declaration of dissemination before the conclave must name a specific ritual that is part of Imperial lore. They may also name a person or group who will receive the ritual text - for example "the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] house of [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_.28Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Radz]]" or "the [[Asavean_Archipelago|Asavean ambassador]]". If the declaration passes, the civil service will arrange to create a ritual text and deliver it to the individual by the start of the next solstice or equinox at the latest.
 
 
Creating a ritual text through the declaration of dissemination requires ten thrones, which are given to the civil service to pay for the codification of the ritual.
 
 
===Declaration of Interdiction===
 
The Conclave may censor specific rituals, items and materials that represent a significant magical danger to the Empire. In the case of rituals it doesn't prevent knowing the ritual, but it means that producing the magical effect that that ritual creates is [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|henceforth illegal]]. For magic items and materials it is illegal to use the interdicted items or materials and they should be handed in promptly to the civil service to be destroyed or placed out of reach, as appropriate.
 
 
====Interdicted Items====
 
The Conclave has interdicted the following as of the start of Summer 379YE.
 
 
 
{|
 
{|
| '''Item''' || '''Nature''' || '''Name of Declarer'''
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| '''Declaration''' || '''Effect'''
| [[Hallow of the Green World]] || ritual || Volfe of Ashenhall
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|-
 +
| [[Amity and enmity#Declaration of Amity|Amity]] || Propose that an eternal is an ally of the Empire.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Candidacy]] || Propose someone to hold an [[Imperial title]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Concord]] || Propose statement of belief, intent, or support by the Conclave
 +
|-
 +
| [[Dissemination]] || Propose that knowledge of a ritual be shared with someone
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| [[Endowment]] || Propose that someone receive something owned by the Conclave
 
|-
 
|-
| The Ancient Vallorn Ritual || Ritual || ?
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| [[Amity and enmity#Declaration of Enmity|Enmity]] || Propose that an eternal is an enemy of the Empire
 +
|-
 +
| [[Imperial lore]] || Propose that a ritual text be added to the body of Imperial lore
 
|-  
 
|-  
| Vallorn Seeds || Item || ?
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| [[Interdiction]] || Propose that a magical practice be proscribed within the Empire
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| [[Amity and enmity#Declaration of Neutrality|Neutrality]] || Propose that a declaration of amity or enmity be overturned
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sorcery#Declaration of Reconciliation|Reconciliation]] || Propose that a declaration of interdiction or sorcery be overturned
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sorcery]] || Propose that someone is a sorcerer
 
|}
 
|}
 
+
{{Conclave further reading}}
 
[[Category:Conclave]]
 
[[Category:Conclave]]

Revision as of 18:10, 5 April 2019

Grace Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato of the Gilded Horn carta appears skeptical.
Declarations are the political tools - or weapons - of the Conclave.

Overview

The Conclave has a number of powers to enable them to fulfil their constitutional role to support the proper use of magic by the Empire. These powers are grouped together as the Declarations of the Conclave. Declarations are used by the Conclave to determine policy and to appoint citizens to the Imperial titles appointed by the Conclave. They always require a vote by the assembled Imperial magicians to pass.

A declaration can generally be thought of as a short sentence beginning "The Imperial conclave declares ..." and then a single specific thing such as "...that I am Archmage of Winter" or "...that Sadogua should be considered an ally of the Empire."

Raising a declaration

A declaration is placed on the agenda for the next Conclave session. Placing a declaration costs a mana crystal, which must be paid when the declaration is raised. The civil servant records the name of the person raising the declaration and the specifics of what that declaration is about. For example "Xavier i Guerra raises a Declaration of Sorcery against Pieter Vanderhooven" or "Lebannon of Haros Water raises a Declaration of Candidacy for the title of Archmage of Winter".

The grandmaster of each order has a power called the veil of night which allows them to raise a declaration to the agenda without revealing any specifics of that declaration, in which case it is recorded as either "The Grandmaster of (Order) raises a declaration" or ""The Grandmaster of (Order) raises a declaration of candidacy" as appropriate.

Presentation

The format follows the approach used for an address. Each declaration in turn is announced by the civil service, in the order in which they were placed on the agenda. The individual who raised the declaration to the agenda then has one minute to present their position, they must spend crystal mana if they wish to speak for longer.

Debate

After the declaration has been presented, those present may pay mana for the right to discuss the subject, in order determined by the Principle of Precedence.

Resolution

After the discussion is complete, every Imperial magician present may vote in favour or against, or may choose to abstain. If more magicians vote in favour than vote against, the declaration is carried. In the case of a tie, the declaration is considered to have failed.

The civil servants supporting the meeting may choose to count votes on a general aye or nay where the outcome is very clear. If voting is required, magicians normally vote by raising their hands and are counted out by order with civil servant counting independents and verifying any counts.

When a declaration is carried, the effects of that declaration come into effect at the end of the Conclave session. For example, if an Archmage loses their title due to a Declaration of Candidacy they legally lose their powers and must surrender their regalia at the end of the session rather than in the middle.

List of Declarations

Declaration Effect
Amity Propose that an eternal is an ally of the Empire.
Candidacy Propose someone to hold an Imperial title
Concord Propose statement of belief, intent, or support by the Conclave
Dissemination Propose that knowledge of a ritual be shared with someone
Endowment Propose that someone receive something owned by the Conclave
Enmity Propose that an eternal is an enemy of the Empire
Imperial lore Propose that a ritual text be added to the body of Imperial lore
Interdiction Propose that a magical practice be proscribed within the Empire
Neutrality Propose that a declaration of amity or enmity be overturned
Reconciliation Propose that a declaration of interdiction or sorcery be overturned
Sorcery Propose that someone is a sorcerer

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information