The price is great
She will not stay long, but she needs this moment to herself, standing on the battlements of the Hedran Diplomatenschloss. A chance to smoke her pipe and mull over the events of the day so far. The wind rumbles and tumbles around the heavy stone walls, but she doesn't feel it. The Highborn climate suits her, closer to that of her beloved Camberschwick than many other places she has been posted in her long career. She is wearing her dress uniform, having just come from a briefing with the Imperial Ambassador to the Commonwealth. Her jacket is of dark green wool with golden buttons, and a discreet set of little badges across her left shoulder that mark her as the veteran of two dozen major engagements with the enemies of the Common Good, one whose courage in the face of the enemy can never be doubted.
She is gazing down to the river docks below the fortified embassy. She knows the ship that is painstakingly making its way upstream along the Couros is die Gefahrenmaus and among other things it carries missives from home, including orders for herself and her staff. It also bears her husband, who will have a trunk filled with victuals from the markets of Camberschwick. She is looking forward to dinner this evening as she has not in several months. The oars strain against the water, as die Gefahrenmaus struggles against the flow. There is a metaphor here, she muses, then smiles at her own pretentiousness.
Then her eyes narrow. There is another vessel on the Couros, gaining on die Gefahrenmaus. Where the Commonwealth vessel is a fine example of the shipwright's arts, engineering honed over centuries of trying and failing and trying again, this new ship looks as if a strong wind would capsize it. The sails shimmer with multicoloured silks, the prow looks carved of semiprecious stone, and the weirwood hull is decorated with polished mirrors of sungold and moonsilver. It glides effortlessly up the river, the sails billowed out in a way that is an affront to the actual winds blowing across the river. It leaves a trail in the water behind it, prismatic motes of light that swirl in its wake. Commander Kraul bites the stem of her pipe at the unnecessary ostentatiousness of this obvious enchantment. So like the Jarmish to waste magical energy on making a ship look like some spun-sugar ornament.
The new ship passes die Gefahrenmaus, easily adjusting its heading to give the Commonwealth ship a wide berth, slipping under the bridge that crosses between the two towns. Inka can easily imagine the captain offering an ironic, contemptuous salute to the sweating, straining sailors battling the elements to bring their ship to port. She clenches her teeth against the growl of anger rising in her chest. With a snap the pipestem gives way. She catches it before it falls, and curses. The soldier asks if there is something wrong; she waves them away.
Her good mood is ruined. It is surely no coincidence that the Jarmish vessel passed Hedra at this precise time, as die Gefahrenmaus was coming into dock. The enchantment feels like a studied insult to the Commonwealth, mocking the strength of their sailors and by extension their soldiers. She will speak to the Imperial Ambassador again about the dangers of the Principalities, but she knows in her heart it is likely to be useless. The Empire thinks they can handle the Jarmish, thinks them just another magocracy like little Axos or their Thule neighbours to the north. They'll learn their error in time, she supposes. Hopefully they will awaken to the threat before it is too late for everyone.
Overview
- The Commonwealth remains friendly to the Empire, and allied via the Liberty Pact
- The Commonwealth is at war with the Principalities of Jarm
- The Commonwealth has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
- The Imperial ambassador to the Commonwealth is Finn Pridetalker of Wintermark
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
Commonwealth
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Leerdam and Volkavaar
- Ambassador: Finn Pridetalker of Wintermark
The Commonwealth are one of the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world, thanks primarily to their shared membership of the Liberty Pact. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. Even if it the two great nations must eventually clash, nobody sees that happening any time soon. The Empire shared its mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the fall of Siroc.
Their ambassador to the Empire is Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, of Die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.
Matters of Diplomacy
- The Diplomatenschloss has been completed in Necropolis
- Concerns that Commonwealth zauberer might share secrets of Imperial Lore with enemies of the Liberty Pact are dismissed
- Ambassador Ludkhannah does not feel that organising a discussion about love would be a good use of her office
Ambassador Pridetalker has apparently expressed concerns that Commonwealth diplomats might sell or trade secrets of Imperial lore to the Asaveans. While Militärattache Schöningen understands why the concern was raised, she gives the matter short shrift. There is absolutely no reason to believe that any Commonwealth diplomat would ruin relations between the two friendly nations by aiding Asavean wizards. The nation is one of the two most egregious practitioners of slavery in the Known World, and allied to the Principalities of Jarm. Indeed, they are hardly likely to accept aid from the Commonwealth even if it were offered, given their enthusiastic participation in the destruction of Chalonsio.
On a more positive note, the Commonwealth has an embassy once again. Work on the diplomatenschloss in Necropolis has been completed. A garrison of Commonwealth soldiers - finely dressed in traditional uniforms - has taken up residence there to protect both the embassy itself and Necropolis as a whole. Highborn guardians who have spoken with these visitors report that while they may look like a simple honour guard, they are in fact experienced veteran soldiers more than capable of fighting alongside the Highborn. The commander of these troops - Inka Kraul - has already taken a tour of the territory, and was by all accounts particularly impressed by Reumah's Rest. They have also, however, echoed the words of the engineer Poldi Hellebrant at the proximity of the Jarmish embassy in Cargo and the presence of Jarmish vessels on the river Couros alongside ships from the Commonwealth.
| Haros Riverpatrol |
| Commission Type: Sinecure |
| Location: Haros Water, Reikos |
| Cost: 15 weirwood, 45 crowns |
| Time: 3 Months |
Effects:
|
| Availability: Autumn Equinox 388YE |
| Coursguard |
| Type: Highborn National |
| Appointment: Tally of the Votes |
| Special: The Senate must grant the title the legal power to keep the peace on the Couros river |
| Powers: Receives 12 crowns each season paid for by tolls along the river |
| Responsibilities: To keep the peace on the Couros and Haros rivers, and to defend the bridges along their length |
This concern has lead to some discussion among the Highborn. The river Couros is a vital waterway. It serves as a border between Highguard and Urizen, and to a lesser degree between the Highborn heartlands and the vallorn of Therunin. Open conflict between Commonwealth and Jarm along the river would produce significant diplomatic fallout. For that matter, the Grendel have already demonstrated a willingness to attack the mouth of the river and the bridges vital to allowing Imperial armies to cross. If one takes the concerns of Inka Kraul and Poldi Hellebrant seriously it might be appropriate to secure the internal Imperial border a little. It would not require anything too serious; a river patrol established at Haros Water in Reikos would clearly be neutral with regards to Commonwealth and Jarm. It would patrol the river ensuring that threats to shipping along this increasingly vital trade route were minimized, and ensuring that neither the Commonwealth nor the Principalities were put in a position to start a tiny war away from home within the borders of the Empire. The Senate would need to agree that the Coursguard had the legal authority to keep peace along the Couros - in a manner not dissimilar to the powers of the Bailiff of the Grand Market to keep the peace in the markets of the Marches. The Coursguard would be appointed by the Tally of the Votes and receive a small stipend paid for by merchants using the river - a minor toll would easily maintain the offices and the ships needed to keep the peace.
| Haros Riverpatrol |
| Commission Type: Sinecure |
| Location: Couros Seat, Morrow |
| Cost: 15 weirwood, 45 crowns |
| Time: 3 Months |
Effects:
|
| Availability: Autumn Equinox 388YE |
| River Sentinel |
| Type: Urizen National |
| Appointment: Tally of the Votes |
| Special: The Senate must grant the title the legal power to keep the peace on the Couros river |
| Powers: Receives 12 crowns each season paid for by tolls along the river |
| Responsibilities: To keep the peace on the Couros and Haros rivers, and to defend the bridges along their length |
There is some contention on this matter; some of the architects of Cargo have questioned the idea that Haros Water is the most "obvious" place for a riverwatch and argued that Cargo itself would be a better bet. They have a point - the riverwatch could be built at the spire of Couros Seat in eastern Ravion just as easily and with the same outcome - except it would be appointed by the Urizen and held by an Urizen.
| Couros Patrol Quays |
| Commission Type: Sinecure |
| Location: Haros Water, Reikos and Couros Seat, Morrow |
| Cost: 20 weirwood, 60 crowns |
| Time: 3 Months |
Effects:
|
| Availability: Autumn Equinox 388YE |
| River Watcher |
| Type: Urizen and Highborn National or Vigilance Virtue |
| Appointment: Unanimous decision of Urizen and Highborn senators; alternatively Vigilance Assembly |
| Special: The Senate must grant the title the legal power to keep the peace on the Couros river |
| Powers: Receives 12 crowns each season paid for by tolls along the river |
| Responsibilities: To keep the peace on the Couros and Haros rivers, to defend the bridges along their length, and to ensure good relations between Highguard and Urizen |
A Navarr broker - who perhaps thought they were being helpful - proposes a compromise. Riverwatch quays and offices could be built in both Reikos and Morrow. Taking a leaf from the Spider's Tollkeep the title could be seen as more political in nature and appointed by unanimous agreement of the Highborn and Urizen senators especially if it were also charged with keeping the peace between the two neighbouring nations as well. Alternatively, given that the role of the title is to foresee potential danger and nip it in the bud, it could be made a Vigilance assembly virtue title. Either case would be more expensive, however, as compromises so often are.
The Commonwealth, whose concerns about the Jarmish have largely prompted this discussion, look on a little askance but perhaps wisely decide to keep their peace on the matter of who should guard the river.
Liberty
- The Commonwealth are sending a representative to the Liberty Pact meeting
- There are serious accusations regarding alleged Imperial trade with Jarm
The Commonwealth is of course sending an emissary to the Axou meeting of the Liberty Pact. They have submitted the issues they wish to discuss, and assume the Empire's Voice of Liberty has done the same. It is clear that the Commonwealth embassy is not happy with the meeting having been called by Axos, but they will abide by the stipulations of the treaty. Further details are in the My soul at liberty wind of fortune.
There is however a significantly more sensitive, matter that Militärattache Schöningen wishes to discuss with the Ambassador that relates to this matter. Troubling information has been received by Commonwealth magicians that seems to implicate the Empire in subverting the Liberty Pact. These accusations originate with the Surveyors' Cartel of the City of Locks. During a negotiation with a respected Zaubermeister and adept of the Lore of Autumn, the herald Aufseher Hook apparently divulged that the Empire has begun trading with the nation of Zemelslo. This a so-called "independent nation" is very much in the pocket of the Magician Princes. While it may be a sovereign nation in theory, in practice it is little more than a satellite of the Principalities.
The Commonwealth is under no illusion that the Empire has suddenly developed a taste for Bidderskit. The only reason to visit the port of Radosmo is to trade with Jarmish merchants. How is such trade not a breach of the spirit of the Summer 384YE amendment to the Pact? It is clear to the Commonwealth that the prohibition needs to be tightened up.
Rather than surprise their allies with presumable baseless accusations, Ludkhannah wishes to give Ambassador Pridetalker an opportunity to prepare a response, and brief the Voice of Liberty as needed.
Love
- A Dawnish troubadour has approached the Commonwealth expressing a desire to discuss love
- There is little opportunity for Militärattache Ludkhannah to organise anything official
- Philosophers and poets from Leerdam have expressed an interest in discussing the matter however
- The National Assembly of Dawn may wish to embrace the opportunity to host Commonwealth visitors
- If enough congregations embrace the opportunity it will lead to increased interest in the spiritual nature of love within Dawn
There is also the matter of a missive from Dawnish troubadour Lord Sable of the Twisted Rose. Militärattache Ludkhannah stresses that the Commonwealth has a great appreciation for love - both between individuals and between individuals and the state - and Commonwealth philosophers have done a great deal of work codifying what it is and defining the many different types. The gist seems to be that the academics of the Commonwealth recognise six classifications of love ranging from the love of the self (which Imperial scholars might define as the virtue of Pride), through romantic and platonic love, to love of the world itself (a form of altruism that underpins some of the deeper philosophies of the Common Good). Unfortunately, the Commonwealth is both at war with the Principalities, and being attacked by the scions of Cold Sun and while there are no doubt philosophers at the universities who would relish the chance to expound on their theories, Militärattache Ludkhannah cannot spare the resources to arrange anything.
The Hochschule der Seele is a college within Leerdam university that explores the nature of the spirit, and the philosophies of the self. Having been made aware of the interest Lord Sable has expressed, they are keen to visit the Empire and discuss the various forms of love with the troubadours of Dawn. If Militärattache Schöningen is frustrated that these academics are more interested in a small symposium than in the very real threat of war, she does not show it.
Obviously there are some obstacles to what should be a simple exchange of theories about love. The most pressing one is the visitors' attitude to auras; common in the Empire and treated as deeply suspect in the Commonwealth. Much as with last year's invitation for Commonwealth citizens to visit Holberg, the responsibility for ensuring a peaceful visit falls on the National Assembly. Specifically, they would need to uphold a statement of principle with a greater majority that urged the people of Dawn to welcome Commonwealth guests interested in exploring a shared understanding of love. To be appealing to the Commonwealth however, the statement also needs to either acknowledge that Dawn agrees that the search for the Common Good is glorious; that free will is vital to the pursuit of love and should not be clouded with powerful auras; or that the Commonwealth's war with the Principalities of Jarm is a righteous one. Or, indeed, all three.
If such a statement received a greater majority, and the sentiment approving of Commonwealth philosophy was clear, it would create an opportunity after the Winter Solstice for the priests of Dawn to host visiting Commonwealth philosopher-poets. This opportunity takes the form of a lecture: The Universality of Love. Any Dawnish congregation that undertakes this lecture after the Winter Solstice is assumed to host one or more Commonwealth visitors and - as is traditional - will receive a small gift in return - either a Draught of Clear Headedness, a dose of Soldier's Booze, or a pot of Soul Honey. They will however become part of the Assembly of the Way at the start of the Spring Equinox - a serious consideration for anyone with an Imperial title that depends on being part of a specific assembly (such as Cardinal or Gatekeeper).
In addition, representatives of the Hochschule der Seele will visit Dawn to discuss love and perhaps other elements of philosophy and art. While the visiting philosophers would learn a great deal about attitudes to love in the Empire, they would also provide an insight into the way the Commonwealth views that element of the soul. (OOC Note: We would add a few paragraphs to the Commonwealth page detailing the general attitude of the nation to love, and the role played by Lord Sable in discovering that information). The visit would also help build good relations between the Empire and the Commonwealth universities, adding to the good work already done with the Lyceum Schloss and the acceptance of Professor Gelberg. A nebulous benefit at best, but one that cannot hurt Imperial-Commonwealth relations.
Stars and Crystal
- The opportunity to build the Sternemetal Tower is no longer available
- Trade of mana for bulk supplies is also no longer available
At the same time the Diplomatenschloss was suggested, the Commonwealth also proposed the construction of a Sternemetal Tower. This would have allowed the Empire to trade crystal mana - vital to the war effort in the east - for rings of ilium. Despite assurances from the previous ambassador Lucia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato last year, there was no sign of work beginning on the tower. Militärattache Schöningen regretfully informs her opposite number that this opportunity is no longer available. The Commonwealth has made alternative arrangements to secure the crystal mana they were looking for, and the star metal that had been earmarked for the Sternemetal tower is now being traded elsewhere. The Militärattache reassures the Empire that this won't cause problems for future deals of this kind.
This also means that the Commonwealth declines the kind offer of Ambassador Pridetalker to provide more crystal mana in return for trade goods. Militärattache Ludkhannah is at pains to express her gratitude to the Ambassador for their role in previous arrangements, and how valuable they were in providing a bridge while the Commonwealth sorted out its mana deficiencies. Her office has also determined that the energies spent securing large amounts of trade goods would be better focused elsewhere especially in this time of chaos. There are of course more reliable ways for Imperial citizens to secure these trade goods - through Imperial merchants visiting Commonwealth ports to trade.
Further Beurteilung Discussion
- The Prognosticator's Office could be sent to the Commonwealth to perform an appraisal but its benefits to the Empire would be minimal
- Dawnish interest in Commonwealth attitudes to love could be explored through die Beurteilung
- Volkavaar university has taken custody of the sungold tablet from the Advisor on the Vallorn
In response to enquiries from the Ambassador, Ludkhannah reiterates that Professor Immanuel Gelberg and his fellow academics are in the Empire on their own recognisance as representatives of the University of Volkavaar. The funds raised by die Beurteilung are welcome but Ludkhannah's office has no particular sway over how or where their talents are deployed. If on the other hand citizens of Highguard wish to arrange a visit to the Commonwealth from a member of the Prognosticator's Office it would be gratefully received. Militärattache Schöningen suggests that an appraisal into ways that Imperial expertise can be used to help Commonwealth soldiers fighting the scions of Cold Sun might be useful. The Commonwealth would obviously meet any costs involved.
The Civil Service believe that while such an appraisal might be invaluable to the Commonwealth, it would be much less useful to the Empire. Just as with a standard appraisal, it would focus on resolving a problem and in the event it offered any opportunity to the Empire, it would revolve around ways they could help the Commonwealth. Should the Senate wish to commission the Prognosticator's Office to provide such an appraisal, the choice of appraiser would be key to determining how useful the visit is to the Commonwealth. They should also be aware that the chosen appraiser would be unavailable to the Senate for a minimum of six months, given the travel involved.
Lastly, following discussions at the Autumn Equinox, the Advisor on the Vallorn Seren Embercast has arranged for Doktor Lola Kunz to take possession of the so-called Sungold tablet recovered from the depths of the northern sinkhole. The Doktor claimed the artifact on behalf of the University of Volkavaar, and arrangements have been made to meet the price requested. Any material or applications that arise from a study of the tablet available to the Empire before any other world power. Furthermore, when Therunin is liberated from the Druj, the University offers their assistance in appraising how the territory might be most quickly and effectively restored. If the Ambassador to the Commonwealth requests that the University makes good on its promise, they will dispatch experts to the Empire to explore ways to put their expertise at the disposal of the people of the territory (whoever they end up being).
Accounts from those working with Professor Gelberg say this arrangement has lead to a public falling out with Doktor Kunz. Gelberg stresses that the Volkavaar delegation is here to raise money for the war against Jarm, not so that individual members can pursue their own research and prestige. Doktor Kunz allegedly told him he could stick his money in a very uncomfortable place and made it clear she will not be returning after escorting the tablet back to Volkavaar.
Commonwealth Further Reading
About the Commonwealth
Winds of Fortune
- The price is great - 387YE Winter wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
- My passions from a common spring - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the Lantir war
- Beat of your drum - 387YE Summer wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
- Germinating a city - 387YE Spring wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
- According to principle - 386YE Winter wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
- Beneath mithril spires - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
- For the Common Good - 386YE Summer wind of fortune concerning diplomacy
Titles Associated with the Commonwealth
- Patron of the Beurteilung - This Imperial title can instruct Commonwealth scholars to carry out an appraisal
Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Commonwealth.