Say her name

"What did he mean?" Finn asked, kicking at the stone. Rather than wait for his mother to answer he pressed on "I thought the Fule were our enemy. And the Jotun. I thought they were our enemy."

"Thule" she corrected him. "Th-ule. Like Th-ursday".

Finn repeated the word trying to get it right. Twice more and he had it. Then he realised she'd changed the subject, so he quickly changed it back. "So what did Hefi mean?"

"Well I'm sure I don't know, you'd have to ask the stormcrow that. But perhaps if you'd paid more attention when he was preaching..."

Finn crossed his arms over his chest. "Hmff. I did too pay attention. He said our only enemy is ourself. But that's not true because the Jotun and the Cold Soup and the Thule are our enemies so it's not right."

Sanna reached down and swept her youngest son into her arms. Enjoy these moments she thought, they never last. Finn was old enough to walk all the way home, but she hoisted him onto her shoulders anyway.

"Hefi was talking about Courage. It's a very important Virtue. Some say it's the most important Virtue of them all because without the Courage to act, none of the rest of it matters." She paused for a moment to let her son speak, but he said nothing, a sure sign she had his attention so she pressed on.

"Courage is about sticking with what you know is right, even when everyone tells you its wrong. It's about not being afraid to act. People think it's about being brave in battles - and it is. But the real battle isn't fought with swords. It's fought in your heart. You might fall in battle, but that doesn't matter. Heroes die in battle all the time. What stops you being a hero is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of consequences. Fear of standing alone. That's what Hefi was trying to say I think. In the end the only enemy is yourself - because it is your own fears you must overcome to become a hero."

They walked for a while, while Finn kicked his heels and pondered on her answer. It was further than she'd thought but she didn't lift him down. These moments pass so fast. Finally he spoke up again.

"Are you ever afraid Mum?" he asked.

She thought of last summer when she'd heard that dreadful scream and turned to see him falling from the tree. How her heart had stopped beating and her blood run cold. She'd willed her legs to carry her across the glade, but limbs frozen with terror had refused to move.

"Never when I'm with you Finn Mackelson." she finally said. "You will always be my hero."

Yulia Kasimirova Voronov,and Eska Crowspeaker

Overview

Wintermark arranged for the Chronicle of Heroes to be created in Summer 383YE as a way to identify and record the deeds of the greatest heroes. It is no easy feat to be named a hero - only the names of those who gain the recognition of the greater majority of the Wintermark Assembly are considered worthy.

Now two names have been put forward have attracted attention from outside of Wintermark itself. And for the first time ever, one of the named heroes whose deeds are to be immortalised is not from Wintermark. And that rather dramatic development has brought interest from unexpected quarters.

The Dealmaker

• Yulia Kasimirova Voronov has been added to the Chronicle of Heroes
• The actions of the Wintermarkers have drawn the interest of the Dragons of Otkodov

Yulia Kasimirova Voronov was once one of the most powerful citizens in the Empire. A well-regarded senator for Miekarova in Varushka, there was even talk that she might one day take the Throne. That talk ended when the Thule approached the Empire and offered an alliance. In exchange for the return of lands they considered their own, the Thule would send three armies to help the Empire retake Sermersuaq from the Jotun. Yulia demonstrated Courage and Loyalty, sacrificing part of her homeland to enable Wintermark to reclaim theirs, but the decision was contentious to say the least.

We recognise Yulia Kasimirova Voronov "Hunger's Folly" as a hero to Wintermark, and their name shall be added to the Chronicle of Heroes. As Senator for Miekarova, Yulia acted with loyalty, courageously, sacrificing their homeland to enable Wintermark to take the steps needed to reclaim Sermersuaq. This act was instrumental to the victory of uniting Wintermark once more. As the last outsider to be given the honour, Sulkavaris recognises their Heroes' name "Hunger's Folly" as we shall all remember their heroism.

Cynerik, Wintermark Assembly, Winter Solstice 385YE, Vote: Greater Majority (269-0)

Her efforts earned her the respect of Wintermark - but outraged many Varushkans. Their Assembly revoked her, citing disloyalty in the strongest possible terms - "Varushka condemn the disloyalty of Yulia of the Red Ravens who exceeded their mandate to negotiate with enemies of the Empire, and conspired to enable the enslavement of Jotun thralls by the Thule." - and called on everyone to refuse her hospitality. Even as the Varushkans disowned Yulia, Wintermark took her to heart, admiring the the way she defied her nation to stand with Wintermark

The storm blew but Yulia Kasimirova Voronov did not break so Wintermark says. And so her deeds pass into legend, immortalised in the Chronicle of Heroes.

And that might have been the end of it, but someone happened to mention the Chronicle to one of the warlocks at the Trading Hall at Wreck. It soon became clear that the Thule were very interested in the whole affair and their merchants began asking questions about the matter.

The Thule also have an interest in Yulia. As they see it, when they came to the Empire with an honest offer of an alliance that would benefit both parties, Yulia was one of those who gratefully accepted and helped to steer the deal through the Imperial Senate. For many years the Thule have considered the Varushkans to be their closest allies in the Empire and have acted accordingly. But it soon became clear to the Dragons of Otkodov that the Varushkans resented their offer. They appeared to oppose it at the time, and have worked tirelessly to see it overturned ever since - as far as the Dragons can tell. Meanwhile Wintermark, with whom the Thule have never enjoyed much mutual respect, worked hand-in-glove with the Thule to the benefit of both parties, accepted the loss of the Silverpeaks with good grace, and now immortalise one of those who helped to make the deal happen.

The last straw appears to have been the decision of the Imperial Senate to pass a carefully worded Senate motion that recognises Thule dominion over the regions they have claimed as payment for their alliances with the Empire. That motion seems to have angered the Dragons of Otkodov, rather than placating them as might be expected. Having considered their relationship with the Varushkans over the last few years carefully, it seems the Dragons are beginning to re-evaluate who they should extend their hand of friendship towards.

A Change of Tune

• The Thule have indicated they would welcome a decision by the Imperial Senate to appoint a Wintermark mediator as Ambassador to Otkodov
• If the Senate appoints a Wintermarker, the Thule will permit Wintermark military units to hunt for Agramant cultists in the Silver Peaks

The Thule have no power or right to choose who the ambassador to the Thule will be. However, when the embassy was constructed on the banks of the Coldmere, they made it clear that they expected a Varushkan to be appointed to the position. That request had no legal weight at all, but the Senate has never appointed a citizen from another nation to the position.

Now it appears that the Thule are singing a different tune. The Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak-Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, makes it plain that his masters in Otkodov would warmly welcome any decision by the Imperial Senate to appoint a citizen of Wintermark to the position when the title is re-elected this summit. Moreover, if some wise mediator does step forward to offer their services and the Senate sees fit to appoint them, then the Thule would be prepared to allow Wintermark warbands to enter the Silver Peaks to hunt for Maarik the Golden Tongue.

Mediator

The Thule make repeated references to Wintermark mediators, but when questioned it is clear the only thing they actually care about is that a Wintermarker be appointed. It appears they are deliberately referring to mediators to demonstrate to everyone that they know that Wintermark has an entire profession of people who are trained and dedicated negotiators.

The Thule claim that having a Wintermark mediator in the role will ensure that any problems caused by the nations warriors roaming the Silver Peaks can be quickly dealt with, but the conceit fools few. It is clearly an attempt by the Dragons to put their thumb on the scale of Imperial politics and pick an ambassador who might be more inclined to support their interests than recent incumbents. Those who know about such things point out that the Thule appear to be trying to have their cake and eat it, sticking to the letter of the law of the deal they have apparently made with Agramant, while keeping their hands clean by allowing the Empire to rid them of the threat from Blood-on-the-Snow.

If the Imperial Senate appoint a Wintermarker as Ambassador to Otkodov then it will create an adventure for Wintermark military units (and only Wintermark) allowing them to "Hunt for Maarik the Golden Tongue" - travelling to the Silver Peaks to seek out this dangerous Agramant cultist and her followers. The action will generate no loot: the Silver Peaks are rich but there is little opportunity for profit in Thule lands. The Senate could however apply the Guerdon to this military action if they wished, to ensure that those who pursued the Empire's enemies were suitably rewarded. If at least a thousand military force is assigned to the action in any season, then it will lead to an opportunity for Wintermark heroes to bring Maarik herself to justice.

Know your heart and what commands its devotion above all else. Shacklebreaker Eska Crowspeaker known as Liberty's Song has spent her life championing the causes dear to her heart. From speaking to the plight of the Skarsind Loyalty Congregation and the need to preserve the traditions of Winterfolk in Skarsind to her role in the success of the Liberty Pact and the Empire wide paradigm shift in how we perceive the harm slavery does to the pursuit of Virtue. She is an inspiration to those who choose impassioned words over sharpened steel to win their battles. A grimnir, a diplomat, and a true friend, Wintermark is proud to add their tale to the Chronicle of Heroes.

Hujaani Forgebairn, Wintermark Assembly, Winter Solstice 385YE, Vote: Greater Majority (274-0)

The Shacklebreaker

• The name of Eska Crowspeaker has been added to the Chronicle of Heroes

Hujaani Forgebairn asked the Wintermark Assembly to consider if the name of Eska Crowspeaker was worthy to be recorded in the Chronicle of Heroism. The Assembly agreed, voting to acknowledge the virtue and heroism of the Shacklebreaker's actions. Hujaani singled out many deeds for which she has won renown, but the achievement she is most famous for is the creation of the Liberty Pact, along with Highborn Ianthe, of the Suns of Couros. Together they forged an alliance of the great powers of the world, bringing entire nations together in the fight against slavery.

Eska's achievements in creating the Liberty Pact ultimately resulted in the assault on Rachensgrab, when the Empire worked with their Commonwealth and Sumaah Republic allies to smash the power of the slave lords. The attack was a triumph, the fortress destroyed, the slavers killed, and the people freed. Many of those former slaves liberated from Rachensgrab have found new homes in the Commonwealth or the Empire, but ever since that day some have worried that too little has been done to help those the slave lords once preyed upon. At the Winter Solstice, the Prosperity Assembly supported a judgement raised by Creighton Blackewater calling "for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab get even a fraction of their stolen prosperity returned to them". This followed a judgement by Hembeneth i Guerra passed a year earlier which sought to "encourage Imperial citizens to investigate how to help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."

The sentiments are admirable, but it is far from clear what could be done. To help these people, who live thousands of miles away from the Empire, would be a difficult and expensive undertaking. So exactly the sort of challenge a hero like Eska might approve of! Inspired by Eska's accomplishments being recognised and guided by the Synod's judgement, more than a few stormcrows are suggesting that Wintermark - indeed the whole Empire - could rise to the challenge.

Far From These Shores

• Any Imperial fleet or military unit can travel to the Sea of Steel to aid those who dwell near Rachensgrab
• The Provide Prosperity to Rachensgrab adventure is available for two seasons
• It would require a force with a military strength of at least two thousand to make a meaningful difference

After discussion with the civil service it is clear that something could be arranged, but it would be costly. It would require deep sacrifices from those who committed themselves to the endeavour. It would also need significant logistics and an investment of people. Imperial vessels and warbands would need to travel to the Sea of Steel to see what could be done. There is a burst of fervour to help now that Eska has been recognised, but it will not last long.

For the next two seasons, any fleet or military unit can take the action to "Provide Prosperity to Rachensgrab". Those involved will set sail for the Sea of Steel and seek out opportunities to offer their support, providing essential supplies for any who need it. The adventure will be found in the trade dropdown for fleets, and enchantments that add extra ranks when trading will make a fleet more effective at this adventure. For a military unit, the adventure will be found in the independent action dropdown and any enchantments that add extra ranks will make a military unit more effective at this action.

Such compassion rewards the soul, but not the purse sadly. There are no returns for those who depart to help in this way, although the Imperial Senate could choose to apply the Guerdon to the endeavour if they wished. The Imperial Synod could also act if they wished; they could use the Virtue fund to reward those who seek to spread Prosperity in this way.

It is impossible to say what the outcome might be - it is difficult to provide Prosperity to people to an unknown group of disparate people who live on the other side of the world. But if the Empire manages to send a force with a military strength of at least a thousand then that would be enough to get a short report of what was there, and if it was double that then it would make some meaningful impact.

Cold Winters

• The inspirational influence of the Loyalty Assembly has boosted the heroism of the people of Sermersuaq
• As a result every resource in Sermersuaq produces 22 extra rings for the next three seasons

These inspirational tales of heroism have come at a timely moment for Wintermark. It has been a difficult winter for the people of Sermersuaq, made stranger by the unexpected growth of new plants. The Empire may be focussed on the threat of Cold Sun, but the dangers posed by the Hunter in the Wastes. and the Prince-in-Exile have been a constant problem in the far north since the territory was liberated from the Jotun.

Fortunately this season, people are inspired to rally round and help each other by the wise words of their priests, the respected stormcrows Veikko Bondforger and Vauraus "Prosperity's Force" Korppitkotka. All of Wintermark has benefitted as a result, banding together to face the challenges of the harsh weather together. But in Sermersuaq the effects are deep and profound. Inspired by the mandate spread by Sabella of the Silent Tide, Wintermarkers are reminded of the great bonds of Loyalty they owe each other. The names of Eska Crowspeaker and Yulia Kasimirova Voronov may be written in the Chronicle of Heroes, but in the Mark anyone can be a hero. As the temperatures drop and the winds bring fresh falls of snow; as the monsters sent by Wintermark's enemies howl outside the doors; the words are on the lips of every Wintermark in Sermersuaq. "“The storm can never break us.”.

And so it proves. People rally round and share what they have - no-one is left to face the storm alone. If Agramant sought to tear Sermersuaq apart and set one Wintermarker against another, then this winter the Howler has failed badly. United by common adversity people work harder than ever to support each other.

The burst of camaraderie is more than sufficient to carry everyone through the cold winter together. People live well, even during the coldest nights, knowing that their neighbours are looking out for them. But what is surprising is that the heroic spirit does not abate when Winter gives up its dominion over the land. As the first signs of Spring emerge from the ice, people are more enthused than ever to work together and ensure that everyone in Sermersuaq is helped and defended. What has kept the wolf from the door during the harsh seasons of winter, is now more than enough to provide for all, and heralds a bounty to come. The Loyalty and Prosperity demonstrated by the heroes of Wintermark will not last forever - but for the next three seasons every resource in Sermersuaq will gain a bounty of 22 rings to reflect the benefits to everyone in the territory.

This winter will be harsh, and the whole of Wintermark faces terrible threats from the monsters of Blood-on-the-Snow, the beasts of Hayaak, and the scions of Cold Sun. We must remain vigilant, and we must fight these threats wherever we can. We are scions sired by a storm and shall weather whatever winter brings. We send Ironvigil Rikke the Relentless with 75 doses of liao to urge the people of Wintermark to look after each other, and to protect our people, no matter what the Winter brings.

Veikko Bondforger, Wintermark Assembly, Winter Solstice 385YE, Vote: Greater Majority (320-0)

I use the power of Eyes of Loyalty to send Eevi with 25 liao to support "This winter will be harsh, and there are monsters in Sermersuaq, both beasts of the wilds and those who walk in human guise. We must remain vigilant, but more importantly we must remain kind. Share with your neighbours, keep each other warm, remind each other that this is not forever. We are scions sired by a storm and shall weather whatever winter brings. We send Isolde Hannasdottir with 25 doses of liao to urge the people of Wintermark to look after each other, no matter what the Winter brings."

Sabella of the Silent Tide, Loyalty Assembly, Winter Solstice 385YE, Vote: 253-0

This winter will be harsh, and there are monsters in Sermersuaq, both beasts of the wilds and those who walk in human guise. We must remain vigilant, but more importantly we must remain kind. Share with your neighbours, keep each other warm, remind each other that this is not forever. We are scions sired by a storm and shall weather whatever winter brings. We send Isolde Hannasdottir with 25 doses of liao to urge the people of Wintermark to look after each other, no matter what the Winter brings.

Vauraus "Prosperity's Force" Korppitkotka, Wintermark Assembly, Winter Solstice 385YE, Vote: Greater Majority (256-0)

A Curious Omission

• There is no opportunity to visit with the Mystics of Ishal this season
• The mystics claim to be pursuing other avenues, in search of a mystery a year ago by Sung

In recent seasons the Sentinel Gate has regularly opened to the Kallavesa Marshes, affording the mystics of Anvil the chance to ceremonially imbibe goosewhisper infusion in their most sacred of sites. This ceremony has been overseen by their fellow Mystics from the Aviary of Ishal, and has produced reports of vivid shared visions that have posed questions, revealed secrets of ancient history, and seemingly shown a strange perspective on current events. But this season the Sentinel Gate offers no such conjunction. This is not surprising – the Sentinel Gate responds to the whims of fate not the wishes of mortals. Perhaps this is a brief pause, perhaps it is the end of a new tradition. The Sentinel Gate does not offer easy answers.

In the mean time, the Mystics of Ishal are acting in a stranger manner than usual. Those who drink Goosewhisper like water are not noted for their mundane and business-like conduct, but this season there seems to be more to it. Deep conversations are being had, and an air of uncertainty pervades the Aviary. Those who ask what is going on get vague responses. Apparently the Raven Seer has said something that has driven the Mystics of Ishal to a period of deep introspection. The current Raven Seer is the enigmatic Naga known only as The Shaman. Perhaps they would know more.

At the same time, shimmering beings of strange light, feathers, and scales, have been seen around the Aviary. While they are hard to pin down by any people currently seeing the world without the aid of potent hallucinogens, many observers believe them to be Heralds of Sung. Could this be something to do with an offer made to the Mystics some time ago? Perhaps. Clear answers are hard to come by from the Feather on the Breeze.