of the Druj advance leaving their precious library of divination and magical theory behind to the merciless orcs. Quality: Hills This region boasts some

Order of the Unfettered Mind therefore exists to: Expand the body of magical lore, theory and practice throughout the Empire Challenge any constraints to the

to your heart's content. Likewise don't be afraid to create your own magical theories - stargazers encourage each other to come up with new ideas for magic

impressed with your own cleverness.” He expounded the theory that the vallorn was not the result of a magical accident, but a calculated attempt to achieve something

perhaps related to the spirit); mirrored realm theory (the theory that there are four 'spiritual and mental' magical realms that are counterparts to the 'physical'

wild and unpredictable nature of powerful Spring magic. The most infamous magical catastrophe known in the Empire - the creation of the Vallorn - is inextricably

formulaic ritual should make sure they read through the information on ritual theory. Imperial magicians can attempt any ritual that is in Imperial lore if they

astronomancy and the music of the spheres. These represent bodies of magical lore and theory that can be used to add depth and significance to all magic, and

magic. It is possible to create a magical effect without performing a formulaic ritual. Creating an impromptu magical effect is commonly referred to as

An enchantment is a persistent, beneficial magical effect, usually produced by a ritual, or less commonly by an eternal. Formulaic rituals that create

of a band of soldiers an observer will still be able to see the swirling magical mists that surround them. What Night can hide, it can also uncover. The

an arcane projection to divine the properties of a magical item would be useful only for that magical item. The magic of the realms is most effective on

Autumn magic resonates strongly in any ritual that attempts to create magical bonds between members of a band. The Realm claims mastery over all magics

painful degree. Without the precise will of the magician directing it, the magical power simply continues to build and build until the ritual magician can

say that the magic of Winter is innately dangerous. They claim that each magical effect ended, each portion of energy consumed, and each incident of destruction

them, but curses can also be caused by malign magical creatures and sometimes just by exposure to magical forces that have run amok. A target may be under

stature in many different ways. Rituals that enhance a character's raw magical strength fall soundly within the remit of Summer. Of the six realms of magic

specific ritual, item, material or magical practice to be interdicted The specific ritual, item, material, or magical practice must be explicitly named

the magical fortification does not absorb any casualties itself. A region may only contain one fortification, regardless of whether it is magical or mundane

core, astronomancy is a magical tradition that involves identifying patterns in the stars associated with fundamental magical and natural laws, and drawing

can benefit from bonding a magical implement to enhance their ability to work magic. Finally, some magicians focus their magical study towards battlefield

consecration, and will overcome even a strong aura created using such skills. In theory, a dose of true liao could be used to remove or supplant such an aura. However

The Sentinel Gate is an ancient magical device The Sentinel Gate is the massive archway that stands at one side of Anvil. It is used by Imperial citizens

approach to magic. As with all magical traditions, magicians do not have to use blood magic if they don't want to. This is a magical framework that magicians

part of the magical working they are performing. They challenge onlookers to guess which elements are significant, and to unravel the magical purpose of

sense of detachment and clarity. Zenith is well known for its abundant magical auras and many spires have experimented with arrays of metal mirrors that

the magical fortification does not absorb any casualties itself. A region may only contain one fortification, regardless of whether it is magical or mundane

several villages. Most vales have a leader called a boyar. Anyone can, in theory, become boyar – while it is common for the boyar to be a warrior, there

warriors of Urizen makes them an important element of the Imperial armies In theory, each Urizen spire maintains its own defences, but it is common for spires

be submitted. Each order can submit one declaration per session, but in theory the Imperial Senate could create any number of new Imperial titles that

obviously, with many others). In retrospect, there were accusations that some magical conspiracy had been responsible for his appointment, but there was never

the magical fortification does not absorb any casualties itself. A region may only contain one fortification, regardless of whether it is magical or mundane

cement the Lyceum as the heart of magical research in the Empire and inspired a wave of enthusiasm for codifying potent magical rituals. It is also credited

current leadership, then they are expected to find themselves a new leader. In theory the leadership of a Striding or Steading is totally fluid - in practice

attempt the Test of Mettle and most scions of noble houses attempt it. In theory any yeofolk child can take the test, a fact of which the Dawnish are inordinately

Empress possessed no magical abilities; but this raises the prospect of how any occupant of The Throne who did not possess magical abilities might sit in

magic - primarily used in Dawn, witches draw on the symbolism of powerful magical creatures. Beast magic - primarily used in Wintermark and Varushka, but

were wealthy and well-connected but were essentially disenfranchised; in theory any of them might be inherit a seat on the Patrician Council but in practice

the nation consists of a number of subject states called "satrapies". In theory these satrapies are sovereign nations "advised" by Asavean satraps; in practice

identifying practical magical solutions to problems. If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They

reason. Lineage often comes through the blood, or from exposure to a strong magical aura when very young, but can also occur for other reasons, for instance

prominent magical traditions in the Empire are astronomancy, blood magic, dramaturgy, rune magic, and music of the spheres. The prominent magical traditions

usually encountered. Paradoxically however they are extremely vulnerable to magical venom (as well as substances such as Oil of Blackthorn). A 'husk that is

suggested that their magical abilities are much closer to the innate abilities of eternals and heralds, or the functions of magical items, than to true

spheres shatter but don't lose their magical abilities. Improved perception of mana, coupled with esoteric theory, provides opportunities to enhance certain

precisely this ritual does... what it does. Align the Celestial Net should in theory only transform a Night regio, or only allow a regio to be aligned to Night

Although the senators are chosen by followers of a single tradition, in theory it is possible for any of the Winterfolk to stand as a candidate for any

when the Imperial host laid a trap for the Jotun armies. With powerful magical support, an immense number of humans and orcs lost their lives and most

rune is associated with a concept, usually a single word that sums up its magical meaning. They are each tied thematically to one of the realms of magic.

ritual declined even further. However, in Summer 378YE following either a magical disaster or action by powerful Druj magicians, the trods in occupied Reikos

work, and studying magical phenomena, and significantly less good at defending themselves. Each of the scholars has their own theories, and their own experiments

caravan moved slowly west until it reached the city of Sarvos. Ruled in theory by the Highborn Saravos family, but in practice governed by a council of

sometimes their practice taps into some facet of the world resulting in a truly magical effect. You can learn more about hearth magic, what it is and how it works

easy business. The cost to replace so many mirrors is eye-watering, but in theory they could be borne by private citizens. Sarvos is one of the wealthiest

often steep sides of the valley. There are agricultural tools which could in theory be repurposed as weapons - but no signs of this happening. The people who

In addition, everyone moving along the trods helps contribute to their magical effect, but the Navarr stridings are the most significant, moving long distances

lose and the less likely it is to enter the ward if it has any choice. Magical scholars see no reason that the ward would not be equally useful against

Some Highborn sources claim Guerra possessed the merrow lineage, but this theory has largely been discredited. Its roots can be traced to the writing of

effect through the entire army but it also creates a web-like theoretical magical construct. Because the quartermaster is part of a group, and because that

little peculiar. Olic the Wanderer is no exception. A philosopher of magical theory known for their cheerful disposition, the peripatetic naga flouts Urizeni

The people Culture and customs Look and feel History Religious beliefs Magical traditions We have updated the character generation system to allow Brass

impossible. Instead, they simply spread the ashen blight wherever they go. In theory, if they could be contained for long enough they would become dormant -

of the Empire that the Gift of Kaela represents no magical threat to their soul. The Gift is a magical power granted to every Imperial citizen by the eternal

appears to have made the powerful magical working especially unpredictable. Additional information connected to this magical effect can be found in Inkpot

of Dawn is currently covered in a magical aura of its own. The eternal Meraud gave the enchanters of Dawn a magical scroll with which to draw down the

debate, but current theories tend towards a magical origin. Whatever the truth of it, the Storm Vault was built to harness the magical flows. It consisted

of the citizens of the twin cities. They also like to point out that no magical investigation of the Arratan Gamble has ever found the slightest trace of

aware that as a result of thousands of Marcher citizens being killed with magical curses, the Urizen General has been rebuked and the Warmage has lost their

Bloodcrow Udoo sufficiently to provide a Greater Majority in what should in theory have been a straightforward expression of solidarity. It seems, says Stonecliff

urge all the people of the nation to identify ways that we might raise the magical might we need. Corey Wayfarer, Navarr Assembly, Autumn Equinox 383YE, Upheld

other wards, Retreat to the White Caves does not prevent a herald (or, in theory, an eternal) from entering the protected area. Rather, it robs them of their

the Wolf last year was no doubt partly inspired by the challenge of the magical College of Engineering overseen by the master of the Koboldi, and in turn

pillars of the Golden Causeway can be evoked by any Dawnish witch to cause a magical bridge to spring across the Semmerlak from Lacuve to the Druj territory

the Whisper Gallery the Dawnish enchanter Warwick de Alyons put forward a theory suggesting that Sung's real name may actually be expressed as music rather

the world, forming one side of the bridge across the Howling Abyss that in theory at least allows any orc to cross to the lands beyond. It is the memory of

creating a permanent magical fortress in the Drownbark Forest. We've made it clear that the "no upkeep" element of the permanent magical fortress is part of

-- FAQ Magic = Rules = Magical Skills Spellcasting Rituals Magic Items Herbs & Potions -- = Imperial Magic = Ritual Theory Magical Traditions Hearth Magic

ritualists draw on that regio - in theory Ambassadorial Gatekeeper would work as easily on a portal found outside of a magical aura. Some League mountebanks

very like it, to connect the wells together. Their aim was to channel the magical Spring energies into their armies, giving them enormous vitality and energy

certain citizens. As aberrant fruit, however, they require a certain level of magical energy to propagate, and it is not currently possible to establish new "colonies"

The towers and beacons would not count as a fortification for purposes of magical rituals. They would be maintained and garrisoned by the people of the halls

is important to note that the details of a conjunction are not fixed - in theory new conjunctions can appear and the destination or size of a conjunction

successors can be mysterious or sinister deep ones and play up the alien and magical elements. People who don’t like Lovecraft can emphasize the calm, focused

no metaphysical problems with that approach - the egregore already has a magical link to the people of the nation. Using an NPC also means that we should

to look into the theory. Primarily associated with the stargazers of Urizen, the omnihedron relates to the idea of harnessing magical resonances to influence

not gain any hits by donning a suit of armour, until you are healed. In theory it would be possible to use fractions to calculate how many hits you have

character had in life but no use of hero points, magical or priest skills, nor the ability to use magical items You are automatically killed by any successful

In Wisdom, I append to Lars’ theory two things: first, that while the above gels well with all the evidence and magical investigation we have been able

to be resting against the side of a hill near the immense, marvellous, magical Crucible of Fate. She held her breath to keep the hand holding the bottle

their efforts to spread the vallorn seemed mostly predicated on a series of magical effects that could exert only the minimum of dominion over the spawn themselves

territory would be halved as normal. The second are the rituals that create magical citadels in mountains, forest, or marshes. Again it will be difficult to

powerful magical site was once there, that drew first a crazed Druj Ghulai and later an eternal, is gone for good. It is not the only magical site that

produces a specific magical effect such as healing wounds or hurling an opponent away with magical force. Ritual magic draws on six magical realms to create

Semmerlak... last season work was completed on Kostjyas Respite, and in theory this should have prompted enthusiasm for expanding ports in the area or

certainly traded wood and amber to the Terunael. There is a hotly debated theory that the Song of Gold and Pine is a highly allegorical recounting of an

scholars who gathered to study and perfect the craft of these valuable magical constructs. The spire was split between two schools of thought - those who

faithful of the Empire and the faithful of Sumaah to mingle and could in theory lead to an increased understanding. Or possibly a disastrous deterioration

the most common theory is that the ritual in some way goes 'against the grain' of the transformation process ... although that theory is challenged by

the target regio is destroyed. This ritual ends a regio permanently. In theory, a regio might be recreated, but there is no guarantee of this. The circumstances

thing. After a query from one of the magicians, a herald confirms that in theory this boon could be used to move something from somewhere else in the Empire

Likewise it will cure many mundane poisoning, provided that poison could in theory be treated with magic. Its ability to cure those fatal substances created

material to change from one to another and that such a process could in theory occur naturally. Others suggest that there are core similarities between

sacrifice of more protective garb in favour of these robes. While other magical robes are often long and dramatic, these vests tend to be shorter to prevent

additional resources to empower their divination to penetrate (in theory) any magical concealment or obfuscation. In practice though, its value is limited

as well as having the broadest possible scope of plot that we can run. In theory we could allow players to travel to a location we have not prepared any

that would normally resist a simple incantation provided that it could in theory be removed by a dose of bladeroot. The precise workings of the talisman

obvious resonance to the behaviour of a business owner). As with all the magical masks, these foci are used to grant additional power to perform ritual magic

its behaviour, but rather why it is predictable at most times. All the magical inquiries that have been made on the device suggest that there are few limits

facility it offers with magical auras it cannot be used to examine conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate. While there are many theories, none have proved more

of materials such as orichalcum or Dragonbone - no minor feat given the magical properties of those precious substances. This ritual by contrast works on

months. The effect is permanent, and in theory this should be very difficult without the use of ilium. Magical scholars point to the necessity of performing

in the Empire, and provides them with access to the finest magical tomes available. In theory a coven could codify a new ritual by themselves, but working

Followers of this method acknowledge that all magical workings have an element which is outside mortal control. No magical intention can be perfectly translated

master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that

Winter on three separate occasions during her life. She proposed the radical theory that vallorn energies were nothing more than the manifestation of a massive

least that is one explanation; examination has revealed no discernible magical qualities in the silt and mud itself. A different explanation for why the

historically declared war on the Freedom Heresy forces in 325YE, and in theory the Montanians are still covered by that declaration. They apparently claim

a college of magic, it just happens to specialise in Summer magic. So in theory almost anyone could be a "patron" for it. Probably?" "But how would it work

most obvious sign of the enchantment is the appearance of several dozen magical golden lions - denizens of Meraud's realm. These lions are intelligent,

an odd experience. The palace itself defies mapping - not because of any magical quality but because it appears to have been built by a madman, or a succession

motion, the cycle couldn't be interrupted and continued to run forever (in theory). The cycle was begun during the Winter Solstice 379YE, appropriately enough

who take on physical forms drawn from the material of a mana site. The magical flows of the mana site are used to bind the spirit and the material together

side-effect of whatever magic the ghulai used in Proceris to reinforce their magical fortifications; others wonder if the Twisted Basilisk's ravaging of mana

Imperial Magus, Autumn Equinox 385YE A declaration of interdiction against the magical practice of weaving an enchantment across the entire Empire. We cannot risk

any quarter from the Dawnish knights, the Druj expended the last of their magical power to raise the forests of Weirwater against the Empire – they unleashed

amount of magical power. The crown is very old, and has been passed down through generation after generation of Winterfolk. While it is a magical artefact

no reason to believe it was anything more than the usual Thule greed for magical knowledge … until Ana Barrand and her four companions literally fell into

ritual cannot send anything to an eternal or herald, to a creature in a magical realm, to a ghost, or to the inhabitant of a regio chamber. Any attempt

liaison would have the ability to purchase up to three pieces of their rare magical jewelry each season at a bargain price. The liason could be appointed by

to help with the preparation of the vows and the wedding celebrations. In theory a noble may marry a yeofolk, but the yeofolk is not ennobled by the marriage

their magicians. However they have some concerns that any attempt to share magical lore between signatories could - at present - result in that learning falling

Click for audio version The Empire has been hit with a terrible drought A magical conjunction causes rituals dealing with rain, water, and storms gain additional

quietens the tempest. Ahead of the armies comes a great flooding sea of magical mist, thicker than any that has been seen in Kahraman in living memory.

part. The egregores intend to ask the weavers of Dawn to create a suitable magical item with which to crown the winner of the tourney as the territory's champion

wishes to change the economic relationship with any of its neighbours. In theory, all that would be required would be for the Voice of Liberty to answer

their usefulness to ethical Imperial apothecaries, even though they are in theory easier to prepare than the equivalent Tonics of the Deep Forest. Still,

allows them to exchange two doses of any common magical herb for a single dose of another common magical herb required to mix the potion once per preparation

to any one magical realm - the Prince of Ties may favour Autumn magic but his spiders are able to assist in codification in all six magical lores. Working

similarities of the designs with Navarr designs lend some credence to the theory. Unfortunately there are no records of the Military Council's decision regarding

civil service have confirmed that the stone is the centre of a conflux of magical tides, and the heart of a rare dual-natured regio that shifts between the

it would not need the entire territory to be under Imperial control. In theory it might be possible to negotiate with Salt Lord Kaliact, the governor of

not - as the experience with the Jotun thralls in the Mournwold shows. In theory they might emigrate elsewhere in the Empire. If Ossium is assigned to another

republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen Principalities

would see any sharing of magical knowledge with the Magician-Princes as a clear sign of Imperial favour for Jarm. However in theory the Conclave could solve

developing new understanding of the interactions between the human soul and the magical realms. These Revelations, and other matters of the Faith, demand debate

Summer Mage, Meraud of the Island-Lake. This discovery added credence to the theory that the dreamscape “visited” as part of the enchantment created with Sift

army consists of a large number of trained physicks, apothecaries, and magical healers. Many of these healers follow the grimnir tradition – facing danger

codification of magical rituals. With the aid of the eternal Phaleron, the Urizeni have begun the creation of a national body of magical knowledge that

Starstrong, the magicians of Storms End, and anyone involved in a certain fatal magical experiment at the Autumn Equinox; innovative healers; Freeborn; entrepeneurs

the vallorn. Boar's Dell can only be reached safely from Semmerholm (or in theory Drycastle, but the presence of the Druj makes that much less feasible).

unsubtle as a lightning strike or an earthquake. Click for audio version Magical fortifications have been raised in Hahnmark, Bregasland, and Kallavesa During

glittering mages in their battle panoply, and champions carrying finely crafted magical weapons and clad in shimmering plate. It appears that following the raid

the vallorn. Boar's Dell can only be reached safely from Semmerholm (or in theory Drycastle, but the presence of the Druj makes that much less feasible).

is important to note that the details of a conjunction is not fixed - in theory new conjunctions can appear and the destination or size of a conjunction

martial tactics (OOC note: they do not suffer the effects of combat or magical calls, although they still take damage from any blows struck to deliver

speculate that, in theory, a team could present itself in the name of an eternal without actually being selected by that entity. In theory, if that team were

is important to note that the details of a conjunction is not fixed - in theory new conjunctions can appear and the destination or size of a conjunction

greatest display of Night magic and provided a surefire protection against magical espionage by enemies of the Empire - although both claims are somewhat debatable

all-covering robes causes confusion at first, but it is soon clear that their magical skills are a valuable addition to the college. As a result, when the Master

focused along the trods, which serve as channels for the energies of the wild magical realm. Everywhere there are flowers, a great profusion of natural Spring

form of a suit of mage armour. You must be wearing this armour to use its magical properties. Requirement: You must have both the magician and battle mage

for example reveals no information about small-scale magical effects such as Vale of Shadows. In theory, on a tactical level, it might be possible to unshroud

resources for virtuous magical works. We believe that priests should raise and consider judgements endorsing specific, detailed magical acts to guide the grandmaster

very negative, without them being aware that that is what will happen. In theory it was previously possible to use true liao in downtime without any reference

in the area, making conception more difficult if not impossible without magical assistance. The exact definition of "a lot of time" is very hard to determine

is important to note that the details of a conjunction are not fixed - in theory new conjunctions can appear and the destination or size of a conjunction

materials that represent a significant magical danger to the Empire. It has always been a crude tool, but in theory it is does forbid the casting of a ritual

souls, the occasional Druj guerrilla band, or Winter husks that might in theory threaten the people of Zenith. These threats exist primarily to allow us

border from Grey March into Graven Marsh. Many of them are Marchers only in theory - children grown up under the Jotun who have known no other way of life

trade. Her heralds often demonstrate the ability to quickly evaluate the magical properties of an object offered for trade. She is known to share this ability

solstice, those vates traveling through Liathaven report an unexpected magical disruption. It is not the vallorn, nor the effect of the Winter curse. Something

will mean that the ability of the Lyceum to codify magical rituals that enchant armies (and in theory navies) has been improved, so most people pay their

A Thule Warlock presents an opportunity to trade herbal knowledge for magical knowledge For reasons unknown, the Thule emissary, the Warlock Lirk, chooses

diplomatic incident if the Iron Confederacy discovered its existence. In theory, the Arcane Architect could also commission such a structure. Although there

also wish to be involved. Several theories have been suggested to help deal with these killers - handing out magical items to quell the rage in their minds

problems or situations relating to the past or present, but might also in theory provide unreliable information about the immediate future. Obviously, given

archmages can send a plenipotentiary message each season to an eternal of the magical realm they represent. Sometimes the eternal responds with a formal parley

still experience the roleplaying effect at least until Saturday morning. Magical fortifications have been raised in the hills of Semmerholm and Spiral, and

the ritual could easily align the net to either Spring or Summer - and in theory multiple castings could align it to allow several rituals of both realms

important to note that the details relating to a conjunction are not fixed - in theory, new conjunctions can appear, and the destination or size of a conjunction

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

ritual curse. The Semmerlak is not a territory itself so any magical investigations could in theory target any one of the territories along the shore of the

the Empire as steel; each season it seems sees new wonders and horrors. Magical castles, unearthly shrouds, and the whims of the eternals all combine to

of course, of the importance that their Navarr hosts placed on the thee magical paths but the role of the stridings in relation to them was a little less

the Crystal Crown" is to warn against the dangers of being too reliant on magical resources, or about the perils of allowing ones Ambition and Pride to overwhelm

folk. Others represent small covens or isolated wizards who offered their magical services to a rural community in return for money or favours. A few however

from the Druj. An opportunity exists to repay the League generals with a magical commission providing Prismatic Ink. The League came late to the fight against

appears to be one of those peculiar embassies the Jotun maintain to the magical realms – places Imperial spies have seen in Hordalant, and whose existence

that it moved easily in her hands. She wondered for a moment if it were magical in some way. But no, the arete was purely that of the crafter, there was

and his wife fighting back to back near the cookhouse, rods dripping with magical venom, desperate to protect the children. She'd been trying to make her

concentrate on a single task, applying their entire focus to the act of weaving magical energies. Some magicians using this enchantment speak of a greatly increased

which they understand is composed of dark, ancient forests. There is a theory among the Great Forest orcs that the Druj intentionally kept them away -

that they do not particularly like the human warriors. While they accept in theory the neccessity of foreign aid, reports of interactions between Imperials

anything valuable to be learned using a divination effect - whether that's a magical ritual or the insight ceremony. Previously, a character had to actually

destroy it, you control it." Nobody is doing anything rash right now but, in theory at least, he Senate might be more inclined to restore the Hunt and the Quarry

the effect is magical, and debate ensues. Either this ritual was performed at Anvil - perhaps by those some forces that have laid magical curses on the

several of the animal-totem necklaces have shown signs of being long-depleted magical items. Examination of a boar pendant found in Therunin discovered that at

shivering Citizens but a thin fabric camp bed is probably not ideal – my working theory is though you are off the ground you have maximum circulation beneath you

Jeanne de Hibernet no longer wishes to hear from Imperial citizens. Any magical messengers dispatched to her will be burnt, unopened. Baroness Katerine

such as Peace, Anarchy, and Vengeance. At the absolute outside, it might in theory be recognised as a spiritual power that does not hinder the passage of the

approved by the Imperial Synod with a formal judgement of recognition. In theory that makes it impossible for any virtue assembly to pass an effective statement

offer their expertise to yeomen who wish to supplement their crops with magical menhirs. Only the most optimistic believe this will be anything like enough

free him from his curse. She is often aided in these stories by a trio of magical animals - guided by the brave hound Pale Illya, advised by the clever squirrel

incidentally that this is exactly the kind of project that might benefit from magical assistance - perhaps an enchanter might find a way to speed the construction

using their Changeling lineage by becoming extremely angry Are bonded to a magical item or have a ritual enchantment that mitigates effects like these Note

exert an unnatural influence over those who suffered from certain types of magical ailment, especially those with a mental or emotional component. It also

The Sentinel Gate is an ancient magical device that allows Imperial heroes to travel to specific locations around the Empire to intervene in events at

than simply popping a filter on. I love tapping into my knowledge of colour theory, and looking at film production stills and illustrations to figure out how

to the Empire has asked the Imperial Senate to made it illegal to trade magical lore with the Princes of Jarm The growing Lantir problem appears to be threatening