Empire - User contributions [en]

Dream on

2026-09-07T13:50:00Z

Hailmur: /* Messages */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<ic>
"They're calling it the City of Dreams now," Rhys said as she sat down, tankard in one hand and a bowl of freshly prepared cawl in the other. The broker had asked Kenda to meet her at the Turning Tide, her favourite wayhouse in Seren, because she wanted to get her old friend's thoughts on the latest developments. "Reckon it'll catch on?"

"Reckon it already has, if people are saying it." said Kenda drily, between two mouthfuls of stew.

"I don't suppose it'll make much difference?" suggested Reese.

If the broker's plan was to get their companion to sit up and take notice it worked. Kenda put their spoon down and stared at their friend with a look halfway between outrage and horror.

"Well if it did, they'd change the names of things all the time, wouldn't they?" he said, presenting his argument to fend off the vate's indignation.

Kenda shook her head and smiled at her friend's ignorance. "You can't just change the name of something like that. Names are important, they reflect the nature of a thing, they define it, a name is like a set of clothes, it has to fit. Otherwise, as you point out, it won't "catch on". A name only sticks if it adheres to the true nature of something."

"Well then how come the name has changed now? Folks used to call Seren the Garden City, when they called it anything at all. If the name is what the thing is, how can you change the name?"

"Simple" said Kenda, "You just have to change the nature of something. Change Seren, change its nature, and its name will change to match. That's why it's important - it means something has changed."

"But Seren changes all the time - there are always stridings coming through, people arriving, people leaving. Surely, the city is always changing." Rhys often struggled to understand hearth magic, but he always found it fascinating to have it explained, hence why he was paying for dinner.

"But that's not real change," explained Kenda. "You can change every part of something and still not change the thing itself. It's like the old riddle of the axe where you change the handle, and then you change the head, and then you change the shaft. But it's still the same axe, even though every part that makes it up has changed. Seren, the city of Seren is made up of thousands of people - and those people are changing all the time. But that doesn't change Seren, any more than it would any other great city."

"Ok, but then why is it important? Why does it matter?" challenged Rhys. "It's just a name."

Kenda laughed "Tell that to the Wintermarkers! They know the importance of naming something. A name reflects a thing's fate, it shapes the nature of something, just as the nature of something shapes the name it takes on. Fate can be powerful and dramatic like a crack of lightning, and it can be as subtle as a silverfish slipping through a net. You might never notice the effects of our home becoming the City of Dreams, sure as eggs are eggs they'll be there. Maybe not this week, maybe not this year, maybe not in our lifetimes. But this is the City of Dreams now... and that ''matters''..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rising Smoke.jpg|caption=The "Dream Harvest" - referring to the vivid dreams experienced by many involved in refining vinum sap into liao - has drawn the dreamspeakers together in Seren, City of Dreams.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
While much of the focus in the Empire has been on the construction of the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], the [[Navarr]] have been quietly working to complete an inspiration of their own.

In 383YE a judgement [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_88|was presented]] was presented to the General assembly by '''Enis''', calling for [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] in [[Miaren]] to be recognised as a city of equal standing to those of any other nation. To achieve that [[Ambition]], the construction of the serene [[Miaren#Temple of the Waking Dream|Temple of the Waking Dream]] was [[Comes a time|proposed]], but work didn't actually begin until [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_City_of_Dreams|three years later]] in Summer 386YE. The [[great work]] was huge, and for many years it looked like it might never be completed.

But all things that have a beginning have an ending, and all things that have an ending have a beginning, and so it is with the Temple. Now, with the encouragement of Seren's ''[[dreamspeaker|dreamspeakers]]'', the city has become a haven for those who dare to imagine a new future. The success of the Temple has inspired Navarr all across the Empire by demonstrating what can be achieved when dreams are made real. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren.

Seren has become the ''City of Dreams''.
{{SOP|statement=While the Ambition of the Navarr may seem to be mainly focused on eradicating the vallorn, we are also a people of great culture, history, and virtue. We move to recognise Seren, in Miaren, as a city of worth equal to those in other nations.|by=Enis, General National Assembly|when=383YE Spring Equinox|vote=587 - 238}}
==Sing With Me==
* '''The Navarr National Assembly can now appoint the Dreamspeaker of Seren'''
* '''The Temple provides every congregation in Miaren with a dose of Goosewhisper Infusion and one extra liao'''
* '''The Dreamspeaker archetype is now available to any Navarr character'''
* '''Seren has become the City of Dreams'''
The grand Temple of Waking Dreams is an impressive structure. Large enough to house great workshops where vinum sap is converted into [[liao]], the intoxicating aroma of which permeates everything and gives the Temple a strange dream-like quality. The building may not be as tall as [[Sarvos#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]], nor as physically imposing as the grand stone basilicas in [[Bastion#The White City|Bastion]], but the designers accept no rival for its majesty. They have taken full advantage of the space available in Seren to create something extraordinary - designing exquisite gardens that extend in every direction with the temple at their hub.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|width=250px}}</div>
Those who walk the gardens find it hard not to be inspired. Those who breathe in the mellifluous aroma that scents the air find their minds wandering, as their thoughts open to imagine new possibilities. The simple elegance of the Temple soothes the troubled mind, settling fears and making worldly concerns either feel like they are distant or filling the heart with the certainty that they can be overcome. The priests who have taken up residence there work to embolden visitors, encouraging them to embrace this unique opportunity to dream of what might be possible. These dreamspeakers seek to foster the imagination and the confidence of their audience, encouraging them to believe that they can achieve anything.

Once the new [[Dreamspeaker of Seren]] is appointed by the Assembly, they will be expected to take [[Dreamspeaker of Seren#Responsibilities|responsibility]] for the Temple, ministering to the needs of pilgrims who come to visit as well as ensuring that production of liao at the Temple is not interrupted. It will also fall to them to encourage the hopes and aspirations of the city and all who visit the Temple.

The new Temple has had a profound affect on the City of Seren, drawing visionaries and dreamers from across the nation to its doors. With the encouragement of the dreamspeakers, the city has become a haven for those who refuse to give up their dreams. Seren has become the ''City of Dreams'', a place where people dare to imagine what the world could become once it is free of the [[vallorn]]. The beauty of Miaren is a testament to what is possible. Freed of the taint of Spring's corruption the surrounding forests invite visitors to explore what it means to be Navarr once they are free of their responsibility to make restitution for the mistakes of the past.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''Becoming a Dreamspeaker'''</big><br>Any Navarr character who'd like to embrace the new [[archetype]] can email {{plot}} or [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] and request the change. It is important to read the [[dreamspeaker]] page first, to see what you are signing up for!</box></div>
===True Majesty===
* '''The Temple could be consecrated with True Liao'''
* '''This would require a writ of consecration sponsored by one of the virtue assemblies and support of the general assembly'''
Impressive as the Temple is, it won't rival the influence of the Capodomus Cathedral without a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true aura]]. The completion of the Temple has had a profound effect on Seren, and the wider territory, but if it were consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]], then it would become one of the foremost sites of pilgrimage in the Empire. Thousands would travel here to experience the Temple's grandeur and be exalted by its serene majesty, bolstering the importance of the site and its guardian.

To do that, the Navarr would need to acquire a dose of [[true liao]], arguably the rarest and most expensive substance in the Empire. Crucially they would also need the support of one of the seven assemblies of Virtue - to be allowed to perform a true liao consecration a citizen must have a [[writ of consecration]] from the [[Synod]]. The first step would be to determine which virtue assembly to approach to raise the writ, and then secure enough support in that assembly and in the general assembly to allow the writ to pass. The virtue chosen will affect the nature of the Temple, and of the inspiration it provides.

==The Past is Gone==
* '''The dreamspeaker archetype is now available to Navarr characters
* '''The dreamspeakers encourage the people of their nation to look to the future
There have been dreamers in Miaren for centuries, ever since the vallorn was driven out leaving the tranquil forests to became a haven. Now the completion of the Temple has encouraged the most passionate among them to come forth, eager to share their philosophy with others in the nation. These dreamspeakers are passionate advocates of the importance of aspiration and determination - they believe that the best way to follow the Way is to imagine everything that you might accomplish and to set yourself on the path to achieving that.

The dreamspeakers of Seren want to encourage all Navarr to dream of all the things ''they'' could accomplish. The banishment of the vallorn is a crucial element of that, but so is the destruction of the [[Druj]], the defeat of the [[Jotun]], or victory over the [[Grendel]]. For the dreamspeakers, the work done to free slaves in [[Axos]] and other lands is an example of a dream that is every bit as important as freeing [[Brocéliande]] from the taint of Spring magic run amok. The recent endeavours to free the [[Great Forest Orcs]] from the brutal grip of the Druj is a perfect example of what such a dream might look like. Something that looks impossible on the face of it, becomes possible when enough people pull together.

Many of them argue that the nation falls short of everything they could achieve because they focus too much on the vallorn and because they view it as a uniquely Navarr problem to deal with. They argue that the Navarr's true goal is ''not'' the destruction of the vallorn but the triumph of civilisation. According to the Navarr history, the [[Navarr_history#Origins_of_Navarr|oath sworn by Navarr and Thorn]] was to restore civilisation. For the dreamspeakers, the Empire is the true legacy of the Navarr - the vallorn is simply one problem of many that threatens its future.

Two amongst their number are not content only to dream. ''Deryn of Vision's End'' argues that the Navarr nation has suffered because they have become too focused on the vallorn and are losing crucial battles as a result. Contrarywise, ''Eirwen of Mountains Slumber'' in [[Hercynia]] seeks to encourage the Navarr to look for ways they could take up the legacy of their founders, not by destroying the vallorn but by building civilisation.
===Know How To Win===
* '''Deryn Vision's End says that the Navarr have sacrificed too much and should remind the rest of the Empire of their contributions'''
* '''The Navarr could cease to carry messages the length and breadth of the Empire'''
''Deryn Vision's End'' once lived in Liathaven, but since the loss of Vision's End steading has been in constant motion cross the Empire with the other survivors. His vision is that the Navarr be more proactive in engaging with the Empire, to fight for their dreams. He believes that the Navarr nation has sacrificed its own ambitions too often for the benefit of others. He cites recent events in [[Therunin]], where he says the [[Military Council]] made choices that ''allowed'' the territory to fall to the Druj and the vallorn. Thousands of Navarr died, Thornsong House and [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] were destroyed, the [[Thimble]] was lost first to the orcs and then to the vallorn. All the work that went into clearing the vallorn from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] was undone in a way that cannot be resolved without [[A thousand years of longing|uniting the vallornhearts]]. Deryn doesn't downplay the sacrifices made - the [[Under_eastern_skies|loss]] of [[Isaella's Dance]] and the [[Iron Helms]], the undoubted [[A_bright_cerulean_flame|courage]] of the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] - but he expresses bitterness that the Navarr armies always seem to be somewhere else when their lands are threatened.

Other nations have been much more successful at defending their interests. Deryn points to the example of the [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[general|generals]] who swore [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|mighty oaths]] to ''always'' stand ready to defend their home territory. Some might say that such oaths are madness - that they sacrifice strategic flexibility for uncertain gains - but Deryn disagrees. Marcher generals are forced by their oaths to stand and fight for their land... and every time they do, the Military Council and the people of the Marches stand with them. What might the world look like if the Navarr generals had sworn to die in the defence of [[Liathaven]]? Of [[Therunin]]? Why is there no drive to recover Liathaven, the way the Empire threw themselves into the fray every time the Jotun threaten Mitwold, Mournwold, or Bregasland?

Indeed, how might the future look if the Navarr people took inspiration from the Marchers and brought their own flavour of [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Rough_Music|rough music]] to bear when the Military Council disregards their interests? What if the Navarr, instead of sacrificing themselves every time, were inspired by those [[Varushka|Varushkans]] who refused to allow the Senate to take the Iron Roads from them? The Urizen prepared to tear the [[Citadel Guard]] apart if the Empire abandoned [[Zenith]]?

Does there not come a point, argues Deryn, where you have sacrificed so much that people simply take it for granted you will continue to do so without even being asked?
====Messages====
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><th style="background-color: White;">Brand</th><th style="background-color: White;">Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td>Amdyn Flint Kin</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Angela RavensOak</td><td>Ravens Oak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Avery Farkas</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Broderik</td><td>Driftwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brynmor Rootround</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Brynn Tendfallen</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Buck Tri'fol</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadfael Silentwatch</td><td>Sea Weasels</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadoc Thornwatch</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadwell Waystone</td><td>The Waystone Path</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caedria</td><td>Deadfall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dryn</td><td>Embercast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drysfa Broken Bough</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest</td><td>Bronwen's Rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eosffair Farwalker</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Esper Edgestalker</td><td>The Edgestalkers of Hercynia</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eurion "Mr Cambion" Firekeeper</td><td>The Hearth Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>face</td><td>Sea Weasels</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fallow</td><td>Whispering Leaves</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gaius Baranis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Gavynn Bellwood</td><td>The Stormwall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Genrick Nayvar</td><td>Embersworn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Geraint Bronwen's Rest</td><td>Bronwen's Rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grundfos Thorn's Rest</td><td>Thorn's Rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ioan Longshadow</td><td>Long Shadow</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jora Miroslava Rayne</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Juro</td><td>WinterSuns</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kelia Drifting Bough</td><td>Drifting Bough</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kiàine Thistleseeker</td><td>Sea Weasels</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kyffin Thornfield</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Madyn Bitterbark</td><td>Bitterbark Wayhouse</td></tr>
<tr><td>Malakili</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Mawb Strangers Song</td><td>The Thornborn of Entwined Paths</td></tr>
<tr><td>Morgoth SweetBlood</td><td>The Stormwall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Neasa</td><td>Silverhawks</td></tr>
<tr><td>Neirin Daggersbond</td><td>Thornfang Thornborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Niamh</td><td>Splintered Oaks</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nos Umbral Path</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Orinn Embracing Fold</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Olwyn Curlyute Mossglade</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhian Brighteyes</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhianon Waystone</td><td>The Waystone Path</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shiavek of Miaren</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sorrel</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Syn Truth-Walker Returned</td><td>Nighthaven</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taliesyn Songweaver</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Taren Summergleam</td><td>Summergleam</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tavvik Splintered Oak</td><td>The Stormwall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tomos Foxden</td><td>Foxden</td></tr>
<tr><td>Torin Swift Hart</td><td>Deadfall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tudalen</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Vaal</td><td>Thorn's Rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valeska Pathfinder</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wren Embercast</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Wynn</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Yana Balmwood</td><td>
<tr><td>Ynyr Rootround</td><td></td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Dreamspeaker Deryn argues that the Navarr must remind the rest of the Empire that the nations are meant to be equal
* '''He has asked the brands to make a decision about the shape of the future
Deryn's point is that the ''true'' fight against the vallorn is not a battle against horrors spawned by out-of-control [[Spring magic]]. Rather, it is a fight to convince the rest of the Empire of the ''need'' for that fight, of the dangers of taking the goodwill of the Navarr for granted. One day the war against the vallorn will be a matter for the [[thorn|thorns]], but that day cannot come until the political fight inside the Empire is won. To win that war, the Navarr must get better at fighting it. Political compromise is essential to the functioning of the Empire, says Deryn. Someone must always make a sacrifice, but it shouldn't be the Navarr ''every time''.

Deryn isn't blaming the Military Council or the Navarr generals for this situation. Rather he suggests that too many Navarr think in terms of what ''they'' can do to achieve an outcome. They think of their problems as ''Navarr'' problems, instead of thinking of them as ''Imperial'' problems. According to Deryn, what the Navarr need is some ''leverage''. Like the Marchers and the Urizeni before them, they need a weapon they can wield to fight for their dreams.

Two years ago, the Marchers [[Sound_the_bells#Turn_the_Other_Field|contemplated what would happen]] if their farmers stopped producing the grain that the Empire relied on to feed their armies. Many argued that it was foolish to even put words to such thoughts, given how significant the impact would be for the Empire. Indeed the Marchers soundly voted against the idea - but Deryn argues that they only sheathed their weapon, they did not throw it away, and there is power in knowing that weapon exists. And in ensuring the rest of the Empire is ''also'' aware of that weapon. It reminded everyone what the Marchers do for their fellow citizens that no other nation can. It sent a powerful message that the Empire should not take Marcher grain for granted.

Of course, the nation might not ''want'' such a weapon. The Navarr know better than anyone the danger of dreaming of weapons, and what happens when they are made real without thought to the consequences. With that in mind he has prevailed on the egregores of the nation to put his question to those he considers the best people to make the decision about whether to open a box of trouble or not. The [[Brand|brands]] have sworn oaths of service to their steadings, their stridings, their nation, and indeed the Empire.

The Navarr egregore has agreed to host a meeting at the Songs and Stories Henge in the Navarr camp on Saturday evening at 6:00pm. The question Deryn puts to them is whether they wish the Navarr to explore the ways they could show how important they are to the Empire if it were needed. If there is any support for the idea, then at the end of the meeting, the brands can take a simple vote on it and the egregores will make sure the nation knows of their decision. If this happens, then at the Winter Solstice there will be a wind of fortune detailing [[opportunity|opportunities]] for the Navarr to demonstrate why the Empire needs the Navarr, and to give voice to those angry at the way they feel they have been mistreated by their fellow Imperial nations.

'''OOC Note:''' Anyone who emails {{plot}} to change their archetype before 16:00 on Tuesday 8th of September will be added to the list of brands and eligible to vote in the meeting.

===Where It Goes===
* '''Eirwen Mountain's Slumber argues that the true destiny of the Navarr is to build up the Empire
* '''She dreams of a time when the Navarr are at the forefront of building connections between the Imperial nations
The [[Highguard|Highborn]] may claim that the Empire is their destiny, but ''Eirwen of Mountains Slumber'' argues that Navarr and Thorn swore to this cause centuries before the [[First Empress]] was born. The Empire is the legacy of the Navarr every bit as much as it is the Highborn. The focus on fighting the vallorn has blinded the Navarr to the fact that the founders of the nation didn't swear an oath to destroy the vallorn... they swore an oath ''to restore the civilisation of Terunael''. There is plenty of evidence it wasn't Terunael that Navarr and Thorn cared about - they were not blind to that nation's flaws - it was the idea of civilisation itself that they were pledging themselves to. Her point is that the fundamental focus of Navarri aspirations should be the Empire itself. She doesn't deny that the Navarr would benefit from fighting harder for their own cause, but they would also gain by proactively engaging with other nations, seeking out ways to work together and collaborate to achieve shared goals.

The Empire would simply not exist without the Navarr, says Eirwen. It was Navarr messengers who brought the leaders of the nations together at Anvil, who brought the First Empress to her first allies, helped her build her crucial alliance with Dawn. The Navarr created the [[trods]] that are so vital to allowing the Empire to grow and supporting its armies. It is the Navarr who to this day continue to bind the nations together, ensuring that even the most far-flung outposts still feel connected to the heart of the Empire. Without the Navarr, and their continued tending of the fire of civilisation, the Imperial dream would have guttered and gone out centuries ago.

Eirwen points to the Navarr's [[Every path you know|highest calling]] as an example where the Navarr nation has demonstrated such leadership recently. The Assembly embraced the dream to help other nations prepare for the coming war with the vallorn. Engaging with those nations that were ready to face the coming conflict enabled people to identify ways they could grow stronger together. The Navarr advanced their dream of finally defeating the vallorn not by strengthening the nation directly, but rather by strengthening the Empire itself.

The immediate effects of that highest calling may be coming to an end, but the Navarr have already established another way to collaborate with the other nations. At present there are five substantial [[Navarr_wayhouse|Navarr wayhouses]] in various parts of the Empire. The [[Keeper_of_the_Last_Battle#Last_Battle_Wayhouse|Last Battle]] in built in [[the Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]] in [[the Barrens]] on lands that the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]] claim as their own. The other four are on firmer ground, [[Keeper_of_the_Stand#Micah's_Stand_Wayhouse|Micah's Stand]] in [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], [[Reikos]]; [[Strategos_of_Navarr#Awstin's_Rest|Awstin's Rest]] in [[Ossium#Nearwald|Nearweald]] in [[Ossium]]; the [[Keeper_of_the_Ashen_Tears#Ashen_Tears_Wayhouse|Ashen Tears]] in the [[Skarsind#Skogei Glens|Skogei Glens]] in [[Skarsind]] and the [[Keeper_of_the_Splintered_House#The_Splintered_House|Splintered House]] in [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]], in [[Holberg]]. The number of stridings might be reduced, but there are still thousands of Navarr who pass through these wayhouses every year. Together they give the Navarr a unique opportunity to benefit from the relationship with the nation in question.
====Dreams====
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><th style="background-color: White;">Citizens operating a Navarr Wayhouse</th></tr>
<tr><td>Angela RavensOak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ciapek SplinteredOak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dax</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mouse Ddawnswraig</td></tr>
<tr><td>Muse Ashen Tears</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><th style="background-color: White;">Navarr Wayhouse Groups</th></tr>
<tr><td>Bronwen's Rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dreamsreach</td></tr>
<tr><td>Society of the Lute and Moon</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Star</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Hearth Guard</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The nation can build on the success of the wayhouses to bring strength to the Empire'''
* '''During the Autumn Equinox the wayhouses of Navarr can choose a single Navarr wayhouse to benefit from their combined efforts'''
The Navarr could take advantage of that to help strengthen a territory or nation hosting one of their wayhouses. They could dream up some way to work together to tackle common problems, or some aspiration to achieve something great together. At the moment, many Navarr are simply passing through these territories; Eirwen wants them to bring something to the table when they arrive.

A dream requires two things - it needs unity of effort and clarity of purpose. The Navarr will need to pick a single territory that contains one or more wayhouses and focus their efforts there. Vague notions of making things better are not something that people can aspire to; they are not a goal that people can strive to accomplish. To make the most of this [[opportunity]], the Navarr need to clearly identify what it is they want to achieve in that territory - what problem are they hoping to solve, or what goal are they seeking to accomplish. What is the dream?

If the Navarr can choose a single territory and define what their dream would be then it is guaranteed to create an [[opportunity]] to do something to pursue that goal. The only limitation is that this goal must be something other than "defeating the vallorn". That noble goal is already the highest calling of the Navarr and the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] - this is a chance for the Navarr to work with the other nations to identify some ''other'' dream that they have in common. Some other way that the Navarr can fulfil their oaths to restore civilisation.

Of course such high-minded ideas are all well and good, but someone is going to have to decide where and when and who and how. Eirwen has asked the Navarr egregore to host a meeting at the Songs and Stories Henge in the Navarr camp on Saturday evening at 17:00. This meeting will allow the assembled wayhouses to discuss which [[Navarr wayhouse]] to select and what the dream should be. Once that decision is made, then Eirwen and her colleagues will look to see what they can do to enable that dream. Given that this ambition depends on the wayhouses, Eirwen has asked those Navarr who have been appointed to run a [[Navarr wayhouse]], or who are from a [[steading]] that is a Navarr [[wayhouse]], to attend and decide the matter. If needed, a simple vote of those attending can take place.

A new wayhouse has recently been [[Construct_Wayhouse_in_the_Barrens|constructed in the Barrens]]. The [[Keeper of Caedwynn's Hold]] is due to be appointed by the Navarr senators at the coming summit. If a new Keeper is in place by 17:00 on Saturday, then they would be eligible to take part in the meeting with the other wayhouses.

===Many Dreams===
* '''Eirwen and Deryn's paths are not exclusive of each other'''
These two dreamspeakers are inspired by very different visions of the future for their nation and the Empire. Yet neither approach is exclusive of the other. The brands could vote to at least consider what lengths the Navarr might go to to force the Empire to take the nation's concerns more seriously, and the wayhouse keepers work to build ties with the other nations. There is no "one true vision" of the future - only the question of which ambitions will be made real and which will fade like dew in the morning sun.

==Further Reading==
* [[Miaren#Seren, City of Dreams|Seren, City of Dreams]]
* [[Dreamspeaker]]

Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 388YE

2026-09-07T13:05:55Z

Hailmur:

<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Support</th><th>Citizen</th><th>Nation</th><th>Territory</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td>Forest of Ulnak spy network</td><td>Alma Groves</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Heron Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Etheldreda Dunhorning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Finn ulson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Quintaras Halivor</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Ulfric Ursine</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aaro</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Bloodforge Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Tostig</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Corvenhal</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aelson Dunhearth</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aengel Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Bronn Dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Ghelwyn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Hagen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Horst Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Nerian Hererinc</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Rek Martinez Dunqueza</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Seht Ravenson of Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Björn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Eira Spire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Yorrick Frostmane</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Furia</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Fellstar Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Elgar Angusson Krakenring</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Black Feathered Kolnya</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Zbigniew Mrakovna</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Dark Water Vale</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Orva Pirittasdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Tyburn Natkysset</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Witgast Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Arja Riftweaver</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>House Gerís</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Gerrick Wind Ward's Guardian</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Oona</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Stormspire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Yrsir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Stormspire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Hahnmark</td><td>Ansel the Nameless</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Ana</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Snowperch Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Beorn Bjornson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Snowperch Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Stolak Terning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Hall of the Frozen Tern</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Artorix Ursan</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Ursus</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Iron Osric</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Kallavesa</td><td>Waegmund 'Toothless'</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>The Aesclings</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beacons of Sermersuaq</td><td>Determination of Ice Kaisa</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Saker</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Theodore Camofleur</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Bottom Brewer</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Maris Pipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Edwin de Warrenne</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Order of the Forgotten Word</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Jackin Aldreda Magnus</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Iago i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Shivana i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Godwin Tidgarsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Cynwulf Ashburh</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Darkwolves of Argonne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ivar Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Leif Dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Arnod Terning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Hall of the Frozen Tern</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Kari Terning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Hall of the Frozen Tern</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Renwaerd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Rane Shardbearer</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Liovani í Vella í Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td>Flames of the Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Theomer Leofricsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Brackenbeak Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>John a Woode</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Gerald Calvert</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Jim Cladpole</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ivan</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Kurstrozi Outpost</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Arlandria of the Sentinels Tower</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Felix</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lydia of Nakir's Haven</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Aracelis I Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Segura</td><td>Flames of the Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ethelfrith Sigeling</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Kellua Itsepainen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Alaric Primrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Mattorigus</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Therunin</td><td>Thornvale</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Stafford of Boarbridge</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>House Boarbridge</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>'Green' Jack Woodruff</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Aelfric Woodson</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Hyorin Hunt</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Alfred Houtman Fella</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Mildred of Mumford</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Amberlain P. Black</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Vesper Lucentia</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Lucentia</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lady Nymeria Mortére</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lord Daemon Mortére</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Arthur Beaumont</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Baz</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Guy Grimbold-Antenucci</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Logan Olivia de Havilland</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rikard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Robert de Laroc</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Galleron</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Martin De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nimue</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rhydian de Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Thomas De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>William de Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ector Meliora</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Meliora</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Amalchor "Hunter" Sepulchre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valdek</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Abathar</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Brother Isaiah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lucifer</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Moses</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nathaniel</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Raziel</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sarah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Titus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Shattered Tower Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Wildfyre of Balthazar’s Vineyard</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>The Blades of Balthazar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Zachariah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Synanthe Tiraz</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Woodwych Harts</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oola of The Proud Quill</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Yrhara</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Davinov Egorushkin Karevelov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nikolai Yaropolk Borislav</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sketchemi Justicast Mentyevik</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Zora Aleksanda Morozova</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Serafina Semenov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Pinewheels</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rumen Nowak</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>Wulfen Reavers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Anton Kohut</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Viktor Ostrostan</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Valakaulau</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Vale of Yarizov</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod)</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Vardovich</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Tommy Cardel</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Miaren</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Kalas Realm Reach</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Miaren</td><td>Realms Reach</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Iarovit Zorczek Przewałski</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Mishka Varkov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oksana Leszekovna Nadovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ekaterijna Nadyovna Gremani</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Family Gremani</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Wardens of the Grateful Hearth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>E'nareon</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Dae</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cassian Highwind</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valerian</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valerius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Bernard Dugdale</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>Mournwold Sappers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ananias</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Miriam Magdalene of the Cenotaph</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>Banner of the Cenotaph</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Velika Belharovich Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Den of The Forest Fox</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Mayra Zoronova Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Endless Eyes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vesna Borkovna Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Wolves Hearth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Czarek Madej</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oksana Volny</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sulivarova Sirota</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Edric of Urizen</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Arete's Promise</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Arete's Promise</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Atreus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus Stillwater</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Marcus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Argentus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Althaea Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Boagrius Stillwater</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Setir</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Esther of The Flame Beneath The Earth</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Issachar of Rebekah's Fall</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vardas Sentinels Tower</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus, of Ebon's Hall</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td>Ebon's Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Malachai of Steeplechase Toll</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td>The Outriders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Bartimaeus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Sarangrave</td><td>Scythe of The Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Sarangrave</td><td>Scythe of The Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Emeric Rosengard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Olek A'Hagen ne Ossium</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Elyan De Courtenay Wyldrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Thorns of Semmer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Floria Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Spiral</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa</td><td>The League</td><td>Tassato</td><td>Company of The Red Fox</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Brenard of House Ordraig</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lady Melissant de Renard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Earl Temperance of the Groves</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Galahad Wilym</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sebastián Fawnwood</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Adrianna Lysander</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Lysander</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lord Rodric Lysander</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Lysander</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Caladain de Renard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House de Renard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lleu Winter's Reach</td><td>Navarr</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>The Thornborn of Black Scar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Soběslava Soběslavna Sovová</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Volodmartz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lysander Maximón Alastair Reynauld</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Tristan Donatien Nicholas Reynauld</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Reynauld</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Saraniz</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Yarvi Swiftwind</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Aella</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Athenus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vespasian</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Linos</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Iñez i Azul-Mar i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td>Bloodgold Jackals</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Lazarus</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>John of Meade</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>mitwold exiles</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Fay Baker</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Myriad</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Duncan Weaver</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Goldvein</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Orias Sepulchre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Elio Sepulcre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lord Marcus Montrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Istevan Marshall</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>Winged Lions</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Roman</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Barachel of Adina's Charge</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Daintree Survivors</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ezekial of Adina's Charge</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Daintree Survivors</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Erlend Gunnulfsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hama</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Viggo Icebear</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aelthrik Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mertag dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sari</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Theomere Swiftstride</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Shield Wolves</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hildburg?</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Oberon Potter</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Utread Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vidor Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lucius</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Rædmund Horn-Tongue</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Artic</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Grymnir “Gallows”</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vincente i Zayden i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Madruga</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Fixxa</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Unna the Forager</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Brog</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Gaddak</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Kadd</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Karv</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sand Viper Ikk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sandviper Nid</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Stonesworn Atta</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Stonesworn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Branislav Vuk Strascovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Anthony Fenwick</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>David Talbot</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Donald Talbot</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Clerk</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Jericho</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kazan</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Auxillio Medica</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Chronos</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cyrus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ezerius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kwazii</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sicarius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Adamah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Benjamin</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dubidai</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Inigo</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Keziah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Yorden</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Abaddon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Almodis of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Decimus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Icarus of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Jack Flint</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Loken</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mathayus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Solomon of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Archer</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vojsuli Cherenkov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Cherenkov Outpost</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dragomihr Oskykov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cherith</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Giuliano Stefano Grimbold-Antenucci di Sarvos</td><td>The League</td><td>Sarvos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Earl Percival Summerstrong</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Amicia of the Semmerlak</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aneira Cadwalon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Olwyn Pickle</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mordred De L’icorne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>House de Licorne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Friþmær Sunhildsdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ragnhild "Honeytongue" "Thrice-Passed" Skaersdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Fellowship of the Broken Willow</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hilda</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Saker</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kali Keen-Eye</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Saker</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Seffra Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Karrak</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bloodcrow Gol</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bloodcrow Rasp</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>FLECK</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Rasputin Di Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Tassato</td><td>The Jolly Jackdaw Cartel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hildebrand Von Holberg, Of The Temple of Nine Fingers</td><td>The League</td><td>Temeschwar</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cassandra Du Creed</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Radzic Kobila of Skallitz</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bertrand Gardener</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aenar de Forteair</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Forteair</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Horatio "Hal" Drayton</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Du Froste</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Juniper Wainwright</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Du Froste</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Fierra Le Fey</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Taillefer</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vexille</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aiva Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cain Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sevarion Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sayl of Houndsgate</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Order of the Hounds Arisen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Watt of Lambrook</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>House Balston</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Avedon de Remourics</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Thorn</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dame Aurum De Castellan</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Leon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lady Olivia Lucentia</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Lucentia</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Sommer of The Forest Primaeval</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Circe Severyan Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Daugon Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Olias Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Richaerd</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Zoran De Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>sauda castella orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Reynard Griffinsong</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Grakulus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Herminius of the House of the Wanderer</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire of the South</td><td>Sigeferth Gunnulfsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire of the South</td><td>Mattias i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Axe</td><td>Towlen Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Hercynia</td><td>Deadfall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Axe</td><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Kain Sellbrand</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Caerleon</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Percival Uther Bomound Caerleon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Caerleon</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Loras Órdraig</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Olivier du Stanier</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Montrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lions of Adelmar</td><td>Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lions of Adelmar</td><td>Willow</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Wind Corsairs</td><td>Hiba i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sparrows Reckoning</td><td>Florian von Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Temeschwar</td><td>Chimera's Calling</td></tr>
<tr><td>Star Forged</td><td>Delora i Sol-Devorador i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Madruga</td><td>Krakenfire Armada</td></tr>
<tr><td>Strong Reeds</td><td>Rowan Gotts</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Hartell Household</td></tr>
<tr><td>Strong Reeds</td><td>Bill of Middleton</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Jack Ashton</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Riley Aspen</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Robin Blackthorn</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
</table>
<div style='font-size: 0.75em;'>Last updated 06/09/2026</div>
{{Template:HonourLinks}}
[[Category:RollOfHonour]]

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-07T12:38:31Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Gravenmarch, Graven Commons || [[Burning Falcon|General of the Burning Falcon]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Bregasland]]
|-
| 18:20 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mitwold, Oddmire, Sod's Spelunk || '''William Guildenstern''' || [[LINK|Recover the artifact]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Tercia's Bluff || [[Sarangrave|Senator for Sarangrave]] || [[LINK|Destroy the column]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Glade of the Rising Sun || [[Cat's Graces#Maestro|Maestro of the Cat's Graces]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing the Barrens]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, Gizzard's Meadow || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[LINK|Identify and execute the Druj spy]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kahraman, Braydon's Jasse, Uthman's Field || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Kahraman]]
|-
| 19:45 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Contained]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Weeping Glade|| '''Eskah Swift Hart''' || [[Accomplices#Child_of_Sacrifice|Meet with Dochas Weeping Glade]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Slatefair Cave || [[Strategos of Navarr]] || [[LINK|Rescue the hostages]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Sallow Plains || [[Black Thorns|General of the Black Thorns]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Huk'nar Skintwister'']]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Toadwater Catacombs || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[LINK|Stop the ritual]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Forsaken Shaft || [[Strategos|Strategos of Varushka]] || [[LINK|Interrupt the ceremony]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Hammerwright's Folly || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[LINK|Recover the Chain of the Hammerwright]]
|-
| 21:05 || 10 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Secluded Tomb || '''Danika Valentine''' || [[LINK|Investigate the mysterious tomb]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Westfore Tunnels || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj undermining the Tower of the Skink]]
|-
| 21:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Endsfell || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj poisoning wells]]
|-
| 21:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, Nikal's Redoubt || [[Strategos|Strategos of Highguard]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj]]
|-

|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Snaring Marsh || '''Solas of the Spire of the First Light''' || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Shifting Gulch || [[Warmage]] || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || TBC mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Garden of the Perfect World || [[Seeker of the Perfect World]] || [[LINK|Bring Prosperous inspiration to the people of Tsark]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Dismal Pit|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Fuliginous Burrow|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:15 || 50 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Sermersuaq, Tanikipari, Shaore of Atkonaroq || [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] || [[Hidden_inventory#Our_Friends_Beneath_the_Waves|Attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Mirksome Tunnel|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| ''' Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Caliginous Pocket|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Tenebrous Cave|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Twilight Cavern|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

Those memories of you

2026-09-07T12:05:17Z

Hailmur: /* Trade Matters */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Caleb of Crown's Quay stood his ground, feet firmly planted as if he was about to do battle against some Pakkad bruiser. He wished he had any of the wargear he would be bearing if he ''was'' facing a rampaging Druj warrior. Or at least a massive two-hander. Instead he had a quill pen behind one finned ear, a book of lists, and some paperwork.

The ship captain before him radiated anger like a fireplace at midwinter. Her pale draughir features had darkened in a way Caleb found he really didn't like. Narrowed red eyes literally blazed with fury. She dragged her sharp upper teeth across her lower lip in a way that caused it to blush an equally unpalatable shade of crimson.

"There is surely some mistake here," she said, slurring her Imperial slightly in that way the Delvesfolk so often did. She knew there was no mistake. He knew she knew there was no mistake. She knew he-

"I'm afraid not," he said. "Giuseppe Sanguineo von Temeschwar, Senator for Temeschwar, proposed the matter to the Senate during the Summer Solstice, and it was agreed by those there present. Civil service records indicate that you were made aware that this was coming, as per the records after the Spring Equinox 387YE. The Consul..."

She slapped her hands together, decisively. She furrowed her heavy brows. For a moment Caleb thought he was going to get bitten, or raked with her nasty looking claws. He braced himself, but she did not attack.

"Fine then," she snarled through gritted fangs. "We will take our medicinal herbs elsewhere then."

"I'm afraid you're going to have the pay the approved duty on them wherever you take them," said Caleb. "Sorry."

"Not at Alivetti we are not," she said. She spun on her heel and marched back down the quay to where her crew lounged against the half a dozen or so crates they had already unloaded. They were trading tobacco and sips with the Highborn stevedores. When they saw their captain, and the expression on her face, they straightened up and started to load the boxes back onto the ''Duizendjaarvalk''.

"Even if you do," Caleb called after her. "There'll still be a duty to pay before your goods can cross the border into the Empire, even if its not payable on the docks!"

"Not my problem!" the captain shouted back toward him without turning, making one of the universal gestures that indicated displeasure with an official just doing his job.

Caleb considered chasing after the captain and trying to reason with her, but he decided in the end to wisely conserve his energy. There were two other Sarcophan vessels approaching Crown's Quay and he knew in his bones they'd be no more happy to discover that ''everyone'' had to pay the new fees, yes even them, yes even though their families were very important. And, as the captain pointed out, what happened in Sarvos wasn't really his problem.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Buidelrats.jpg|align=left|caption=Sarcophan and Axos aren't exactly close but they are both used to living packed together in old, moribund cities.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. They have holdings all over the world, trading with nations great and small all over the Known World. Their recent announcement of the Pax Sarcophan, a commitment to keep the trade routes open in spite of the political machinations of other nations, has begun a slow reassessment of how much power these smiling, mercantile tomb-robbers wield on the grand stage. The [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] by contrast are a tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. They are a people of cities, it's true, with nine-tenths of their people dwelling in the five massive citadels built in the time of the semi-mythical sorcerer kings. Yet they wield an influence larger than their size might suggest, being founding signatories to the [[Liberty Pact]], and thanks in part to Imperial support welcoming traders from all the great nations to their docks.

Yet for all their differences, there are some similarities. They are both nations with an uneasy relationship to death, for example. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

==Sarcophan Delves==
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]], [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]], and (temporarily) [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]].|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_the_Sarcophan_Delves#Sarcophan_Ambassador|Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike]]}}
* '''The Sarcophan Delves remain friendly to the Empire and enthusiastic about continued Imperial trade'''
* '''They are disappointed by the imposition of mercantilist tariffs on their merchants'''
The merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade, not only with the Empire but with everyone else in the known world. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery with few regrets, they refuse to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the so-called [[Thrones_and_principalities#The_Freedom_Accord|Freedom Accord]].

Their primary goal is to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, ideally with [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] agreements that allow their merchants to operate without onerous [[tariffs]]. A recent decision by the [[Senate]] to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_tariffs_of_Sarcophan_Delves|end free trade]] and impose [[Tariffs#Mercantilist|mercantilist]] tariffs on vessels visiting the Empire has clearly caused some dissatisfaction. It remains to be seen precisely how that will affect the assorted [[ministry|ministries]] that deal directly in Sarcophan goods.
{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=right|width=300}}
They recently declared the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a commitment to combat piracy and ensure that independent traders are free to sail [[the seven seas]] regardless of the politics of the great powers. Perhaps as part of this increased involvement in political affairs, they have also extended their protection to the independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]], ostensibly to help guarantee its neutrality.

The main locus of Sarcophan influence in the Empire is the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estates]] in [[Sarvos]], where ''Burgemeester Vandersaar'' oversees an enclave ceded to the Delves by the Senate. The estates have become a matter of concern for the Imperial magistrates due to the fact that Sarcophan merchants do not restrict the goods and services they offer in line with Imperial law. The change in the tariff structure for Sarcophan merchants also has some potential to create an additional headache. Goods coming to the Alivetti estates will not be evaluated by custom officials until they pass into Sarvos proper - and it is much easier for an Imperial or Sarcophan who wishes to do so to slip past anyone trying to inspect their goods when they are using a land border.

Some of their number have taken part in agricultural enterprises in [[Wintermark]], and they have made inroads into [[Varushka]] in recent years, and the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|deBruin family]] have recently entered into a lucrative agreement to provide [[weirwood]] to [[Urizen]]. There are also a number of warehouses and ''[[Kruidenkenner_Trademaster#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|Magazijn]]'' built to allow [[Kruidenkenner_Trademaster#The_Kruidenkenner|the Kruidenkenner]], an influential [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] guild to supply herbs to Imperial citizens at a bargain price. The Delves, in short, are quite invested in the Empire.
===Kraft Brothers===
* '''Wintermark farmers voted to end their association with the Kraft brothers
* '''Brenna's Gift returns to providing the standard benefit of 36 rings to each farm in Hahnmark
* '''Hahnmark farmers can no longer purchase doses of viezesmaak from the Kraft brothers
At the Spring Equinox, the farmers of Hahnmark [[Petals_in_the_snow#Making_the_Choice|voted nine to two]] to end their association with the Kraft brothers. These Sarcophan entrepreneurs had been involved in a mutually lucrative business arrangement for some time now, taking advantage of the alpine climate of central Wintermark to cultivate plants that don't prosper in the warm, marshy climate of the Delves. The brothers are philosophical about the decision; they have made a profit on their time being involved in the Wintermark ''viezesmaak'' trade, and there are apparently no hard feelings.

Following the Summer Solstice, [[Hahnmark#Brenna's_Gift|Brenna's Gift]] no longer provides doses of [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Flowers_in_Frost|viezesmaak]]. Instead it returned to its original purpose, providing 36 additional rings to each [[farm]] in Hahnmark. This also ended the ability of Hahnmark farmers to purchase viezesmaak from the Kraft Brothers.

The brothers have spent the last six months winding up their interests in Hahnmark, but they are apparently still keen to explore investment opportunities in the Empire. It remains to be seen what hare-brained scheme they will come up with next.

===Jakhalsmarkt===
* '''The House of the Jakhal want 70 thrones to enable Imperial fleets to continue to access the Jakhalsmarkt'''
For the better part of a year Imperial [[fleet|ship captains]] have been able to trade with the [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]]. The opportunity was arranged by ''Annabel de Gouden'' of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Jackal|House of the Jackal]], responding to the Imperial need for luxury goods and substances of use to ritual magicians. It seems that de Gouden and her House have made a canny investment; the number of traders from the Empire visiting the Jakhalsmarkt has only increased over the last four seasons.

It isn't clear what is the greater draw; the [[Vis#Golden_Apples|golden apples]], [[Vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]], and [[Vis#Prismatic Ink|prismatic ink]] ("Triumph Vis" in the parlance of some Urizen traders), the flawless [[tempest jade]] and fine jewellery, or the rare ''[[Trade_goods#Star_Jewels|star jewels]]'', [[magic items]] normally available only from the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. With [[Imperial Consul]] '''Slawomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' having [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Embargo_Zemelslo|announced an embargo]] on trade with the "independent" nation of [[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|Zemelslo]], the Jakhalsmarkt is the only place Imperial captains can legally purchase Jarmish goods.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Slawomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh.jpg|caption='''Slawomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''', Imperial Consul|align=right|width=250}}
Of course this was never meant to be a permanent arrangement. As mentioned during the Spring Equinox, access to the markets of the Jackal is a premium commodity, and continuing to benefit from the trade will require [[Chain_and_anchor#The_Business_of_Diplomacy|some investment]] from the Empire if the opportunity is to continue. ''Annabel de Gouden'' took a chance that Imperial merchants would want the valuable goods the Jackal are offering, but those goods still need to be sourced and brought to market.

''Mistress de Gouden'' has assessed the situation and puts forward an offer. She and her people will continue to keep Jakhalsmarkt open to Imperial traders, and commit to ensuring there are valuable goods for them to buy - [[vis]] and ''star jewels''. Nothing needs to change in that regard. However, to secure sources for these goods for the next year will require an up-front investment of 70 thrones from the Empire. She would prefer to receive that investment from the [[Senate|Imperial Senate]], but is equally happy to do business with Ambassador Dino (although actually she'd ''really'' prefer to work with a group like the [[In_the_Court_of_Far_Horizons|Court of Far Horizons]], with whom she imagines it would be possible to make a much better deal, but she understands politics do not always give one what one wants).

If the investment is forthcoming, the House of the Jackal will keep ''Jakhalsmarkt'' open for another year allowing Imperial fleet captains to visit and take advantage of the services on offer until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE. Without it, regretfully, access to the port will be lost as de Gouden will not be able to provide the volume of goods needed to make the arrangement profitable. One matter to bear in mind however is that ''de Gouden'' operates a no-refunds policy; if the Senate interferes in trade with the Jakhalsmarkt, the Empire will simply lose out.

===Draaikolkbloem===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Zuredruiven vintners are pleased to learn Hahnmark has given the Kraft Brothers the elbow
* '''They're still excited about encouraging cultivation of draaikolkbloem in Hahnmark
* '''Every Wintermark herb garden owner has received a dose of draaikolkbloem as a gift from the vintners
* '''Hahnmark herb garden owners can choose to cultivate draaikolkbloem
While Hahnmark has ended their association with the Kraft brothers, the ''Zuredruiven'' vintners remain interested in working with Hahnmark's herbalists to cultivate ''draaikolkbloem'', a fragile herb that also requires a cool alpine climate. As [[Petals_in_the_snow#The_Vintners_Option|mentioned]] recently, they have "cracked the puzzle of cultivating ''draaikolkbloem'' on a large scale". The opportunity to [[Petals_in_the_snow#The_Vintners_Option|build the Zuredruiven Benefice]] is still available (and will be until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE, or until a different [[great work]] supporting [[herb garden|herb gardens]] is built in Hahnmark).

With the Kraft brothers out of the picture, the vintners have cheerfully shared their techniques for cultivating the sensitive plant with anyone in Hahnmark who is interested in learning how to do so. They're also making seeds available, although the crops they yield seem to be sterile meaning that continued cultivation of ''draaikolkbloem'' is dependent on continued good relations with the vintners.

The vintners themselves are keen to continue their good relations with the people of Hahnmark. With that in mind, they have made a point of gifting a dose of prepared draaikolkbloem to everyone they can find with a herb garden in the alpine territory. ('''OOC Note:''' Every herb garden owner in Hahnmark who has booked for the Autumn Equinox will receive a dose of draaikolkbloem. If your character would not have accepted the gift of the Sarcophan herbalists, you can hand it back in to GOD when you pick up your pack.)

Following the Autumn Equinox, every Hahnmark [[herb garden]] owner has the ability to choose in downtime to ''Cultivate Draaikolkbloem''. This means their herb garden will produce two drams of draaikolkbloem that season, but lose production of three drams of [[true vervain]], and one dram of each of the other four herbs. This option is chosen in downtime in the same way that a [[military unit]] might choose a [[venture]], or a [[congregation]] choose to [[Congregation#Downtime Options|preach or lecture]].

As part of the arrangement, the ''Zuredruiven'' vintners claim a portion of every crop of ''draaikolkbloem'' for themselves. As well as using it to create herbal preparations, they use it extensively in the brewing of a particularly sought after wine back in the Delves. As far as they are concerned, this arrangement with the Winterfolk has the potential to make everyone rich.

===Using Draaikolkbloem===
* '''Draaikolkbloem can be used to brew variations of potions that are part of the Infusions of Feathers recipe sets
The ''Zuredruiven'' have also provided notes as to how draaikolkbloem can be refined and used in the creation of preparations. So far they have only shared this information with the apothecaries of Wintermark.

Any Wintermark apothecary who knows how to brew the [[Infusions of Feathers]] can now create two additional preparations.

* ''Blacksmoke Recall'' is similar in effect to [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Magpie Infusion|Magpie Infusion]], but creates lingering hallucinations that some find enjoyable. It requires one draaikolkbloem and one cerulean mazzarine.
* ''Whispered Quill'' provides visions in the same manner as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper Infusion|Goosewhisper Infusion]], but the visions it provides seem particularly portentous and serve as a source of insight or entertainment depending on how one engages with the effects. It requires a dose of draaikolkbloem, one bladeroot, and one marrowort.

Interestingly, it is not possible to recover draaikolkbloem from a preparation using [[Distillation of Diverse Parts]], just as that ritual will not recover [[liao]] or mana crystals from a potion. There is also no interest in these preparations from the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] - they are treated as [[Propensity_to_truck,_barter,_and_exchange#Common_Trade_Goods|common trade goods]] when submitted to [[Ephisis' Scale]].

The skill to make these new preparations have been added to Wintermark characters with knowledge of the [[Infusions of Feathers]] potion set who has booked for the Autumn Equinox. Following the event, any Wintermark character with the appropriate skill can email {{plot}} and ask to learn the recipes, as long as the ''Zuredruiven'' remain well disposed to the people of that nation. It isn't possible for anyone from another nation to learn these recipes without access to a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] - the vintners simply won't share the information. Unlike [[Runesmith's Law]] or [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen Lore]], knowledge of the recipes won't magically disappear if someone leaves Wintermark, but retraining the Infusions of Feathers recipe set will remove the recipes and they will not be automatically restored to a character who later learns how to make them.

===Questions of Virtue===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}
* '''Some people are concerned about whether draaikolkbloem is a good idea or not
* '''They've asked the Apothecary's Guild to take a look at the substance and the potions it creates
Not everyone is entirely happy with the cultivation of this foreign herb in Hahnmark. There is some concern as to the exact effects of these new preparations. Are they as innocent as they appear? For that matter, it strikes some students of herb lore as a little fishy that this herb that helps create potions that enhance perception ''doesn't'' seem to produce anything similar to [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Ravenwing Infusion|Ravenwing Infusion]] - or if it does that the ''Zuredruiven'' vintners have chosen to conceal that fact from their "friends" in Wintermark.

Insipred by a recent [[Lean_and_athirst#Elder's_Gift|Varushkan example]], those with a concern about ''draaikolkbloem'' look to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]]. Just as the Guild assessed ''Elder's Gift'' and [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Caution_On_Elder's_Gift|uncovered]] both its grim provenance and vile ingredients, so they could make an assessment of the Sarcophan herb and the preparations it makes. As before, the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Speaker]] can use their ability to make an [[Senate_announcement|announcement]] before the Senate to declare the findings of the Guild instead of [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Dissemination|disseminating]] a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]]. If the herb and the preparations are innocuous, then it will set these concerns to rest. If they aren't, then forewarned is forearmed and presumably the Senate can then take steps to make the material illegal.

As soon as they get wind of this concern the ''Zuredruiven'' vintners, never ones to miss a trick, have responded by endorsing the request for examination. They even make an offer to the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. They know for a ''fact'' that ''draaikolkbloem'' is safe to use, and that the preparations they have shared with the Empire are fundamentally harmless.

If the Imperial Apothecaries Guild confirms this, and ''endorses'' the ''Zuredruiven'' vintners, the Sarcophan will show their appreciation by providing them with a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] detailing the potion recipes, and discuss the opportunity for the [[Imperial Sodality]] to acquire draaikolkbloem for its members.

If the Guild declares draaikolkbloem and the potions brewed from it to be ''safe'', but doesn't endorse the vintners, it will have no impact either way. They will not receive the herbal, but the ''Zuredruiven'' will still be satisfied and remain enthusiastic about dealing with the Empire. Hahnmark herb gardens will continue to have the option to produce draaikolkbloem.

If the Apothecaries Guild gives a ''neutral'' response, then there will be no herbal but Winterfolk apothecaries and herb garden owners will treat the drug cautiously. It will not impact the ability for Hahnmark herb gardens to produce draaikolkbloem, and while the vintners will likely lose interest in dealing with the Guild they will continue to work with the people of Wintermark.

If the Apothecaries Guild declares draaikolkbloem ''unsafe'', then the ''Zuredruiven'' will be annoyed. They'll withdraw from the Empire, and look elsewhere for opportunities to cultivate the drug. The option to plant draaikolkbloem will be lost.

Obviously with multiple substances under discussion its impossible to offer advice on every permutation of what the Apothecaries Guild might say, but these responses should be enough to provide some guidance at least. Presumably any Wintermark apothecary with an opinion on ''draaikolkbloem'' and its preparations will work with the Imperial sodality to provide samples of the herb and the potions.

===Vallorn Exports===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
* '''A Sarcophan scholar is interested in acquiring consumables and magic items related to the vallorn
* '''She has made an arrangement with the City of Gold and Lead to trade these goods safely
<onlyinclude>''Catharina Gjullit'', a scholar from the influential [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Gjullit_Opportunity|Gjullit family]], has developed an interest in the [[vallorn]] and its creatures, especially the [[ettercap|ettercaps]]. They have corresponded with some of the scholars who attended the [[Great Library of Hacynian]], and developed a burning interest in the "fruits of the vallorn" but their poor health makes it impossible for them to visit the Empire. Having made an agreement with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]], they present an opportunity for those with access to such "fruits" to sell them for a reasonable price.

During the Autumn Equinox, anyone casting [[Ephisis' Scale]] can include a note indicating that the contents are intended for Catharina Gjullit. If they do so, the entire box will be evaluated ''only'' on its connection to the vallorn and its spawn. Offers will be made with that in mind. Catharina has laid out a basic list of the prices she is prepared to offer, but wishes to ensure that people know she is also prepared to make an offer on anything more esoteric. The known prices are:
* For a ''corpseblossom'', a plant associated with ettercaps, she offers 4 crowns or two doses of [[Apothecary_Potions#Feverfail_Elixir|Feverfail Elixir]]
* For each ''unique'' [[chaos fruit]] included in a box she offers 2 crowns, a single [[vis#golden apples|golden apple]], or a vial of [[vis#prismatic ink|primsatic ink]]. She is cautious about receiving too many chaos fruit of the same type and believes this is one way to ensure she gets a representative sample.
* She is also interested in any unique items with a clear connection to the vallorn, but given she doesn't know what they are it is hard for her to offer a price up-front
The offer is only available during the Autumn Equinox, after which Catharina will have secured everything she wants.</onlyinclude>

==Axos==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The Victorious Axis continue to go from strength to strength.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
* '''Axos remains allied to the Empire through treaty and through the Liberty Pact
* '''They have taken ownership of the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave
* '''The Imperial ambassador to Axos is Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark
Axos is enjoying a period of prosperity and even growth following the [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|upheaval]] prompted by the ambitious ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. A formal Grand Council guides the nation, and the [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] works to bring Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]] together under one roof. Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain steady. [[Synod]] efforts during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]], and the loose alliance with the Empire in [[Sarangrave]], continue to bear dividends.

It would be dangerous to take these kinds of thing for granted however. Axos remains sensitive to anything it sees as a threat to its sovereignty, and relations could sour again very easily. There are a number of potential cracks in the relationship with the Axou. The [[Liberty Pact]] (which Axos relies on to cement its status on the world stage) continues to fracture. The exaltation of the disgraced former Ambassador Fintan, traitor and heretic, offends those who found his crimes unforgivable. The Unified Convocation continues to bring together priests whose entire religion paints the Empire as footsoldiers of the hated Creator. There is still fear that the Empire plans to doom the entire nation by rousing the [[vallorn]] of [[Axos#Axou_Territories|Visokuma]]. But for now at least, things appear to be going well between the two nations. Mostly.
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Axos]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]] and [[Foreign_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]|ambassador='Shacklebreaker' Thanmir Hrafnar of [[Wintermark]]|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_Axos#Axou_Ambassador|Ilarch Kario Skopos of Solokha]]}}
===Thornfen===
* '''Axos controls the region of Thornfen in Sarangrave but Imperial armies may move through it freely
* '''They have removed the former Druj subjects who lived there
* '''The Axou are preparing to rebuild the Tower of the Skink
The Axou have claimed the region of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] in [[Sarangrave]], and command the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. This season, their forces there have been deployed to protect the northern regions of the territory against Winter spirits (as discussed in the '''[[Skull beneath the skin]]''' wind of war). Their efforts here were made possible by the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave|decision]] of the Senate to grant the Axou free movement across the Sarangrave. Meanwhile, the [[bastion#garrison|garrison]] of their newest citadel continues to grow slowly. Ilarch Skopos remains keen for the Empire to [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead|provide mithril]] to support the establishment of the garrison. There was fighting in the territory this season, so the only new soldiers defending the fortification are down to the effects of the Imperial [[enchantment]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar.jpg|caption=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar is Ambassador to Axos.|align=left|width=300}}</div>

While the [[army]] of the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' fights in the north, efforts to rebuild and redesign the Tower of the Skink continue. The Axou are moving large amounts of [[white granite]] into the region through the pass that links [[the Mallum]] with Axos (the [[Sarangrave#Path_of_the_Eye|Path of the Eye]]). They are also apparently involved in tearing apart the wrecked city of Sephals, both to loot it and to provide additional building materials.

It is notable that unlike the [[Urizen]] - most of whom still find the idea of establishing homes in Sarangrave [[Everything_is_trying_to_kill_us#A_Gift_Horse|deeply unappealing]], the Axou are showing no such reticence. Along with labourers and caravans of white granite, a steadily growing trickle of citizens from all five citadels travel up the Path of the Eye with the intent of settling in the shadow of the Tower of the Skink. The civil service estimate that the transformation of the Tower of the Skink makes it more appealing for Axou to settle in the marshes of Sarangrave. If it continues in the current vein, there may eventually be more Axou in Sarangrave than there are Urizen.

===Armies of the Dead===
* '''The Axou continue to struggle to establish a garrison at the Tower of the Skink'''
Ilarch Skopos indicates that the Grand Council is not entirely happy with the situation in Sarangrave. They agreed to help defend the territory but they are disappointed that in the face of a known threat - the [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unbound spirits]] drawn from the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realms]] by the [[Druj]] - the Empire chose to desert the territory to continue their war of conquest elsewhere. It seems that some of the Grand Ilarchs had assumed the defence of Sarangrave would be significantly more of a joint effort.

They will keep to their agreement with the Empire, of course, but the Winter spirits have not gone away and it seems clear they will be expected to squander yet more Axou lives in the defence of a tiny number of Imperial citizens. Given their [[Axos_religion#The_Eternal_Torture_Chamber|spiritual beliefs]] it is not surprising that they find the idea of "throwing away" the lives of their people to protect a rabble of orcs and Druj deeply unappealing.

One thing is clear - the Axou seem to have no interest in supporting the Imperial venture into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] - or at least not with their armies.
===Trade Matters===
* '''Navarr fleets visiting Axos continue to experience suspicion
* '''Blackened Key is no longer available from Kantor
[[Death_leaves_us_homesick#The_Navarr_Threat|Worries about the Navarr]], and the likelihood that they are planning to unleash the [[vallorn]] in Axos, are fading. After the Autumn Equinox Navarr [[fleet|ship captains]] visiting the ports of Axos will still encounter some suspicion (experience a -1 rank penalty to trade), but unless something dreadful happens in the meantime, things should be back to normal in time for the Winter Solstice.

There is also news of some shifting priorities on the docks at Kantor. Following the Autumn equinox, [[Trade_goods#Blackened_Key|Blackened Key]] will no longer be available to Imperial fleet captains visiting that port; instead they will receive additional [[Trade_goods#Axou_Luxuries|luxury goods]] (increasing the amount of money gained by a standard fleet from 24 to 36 rings). There's no indication as to why this change has taken place, but it seems to be an economic consideration rather than anything political.

{{Sarcophan Links}}
{{Axos Links}}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T11:24:54Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
| [[Value beneath the mountain]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Kespoena's Reach
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
* This wind was updated on 07/09/2026 to change the time of the [[Out_of_these_convertites#And_So_Am_Come_Abroad|Am So Am Come Abroad]] encounter to 18:30 on Saturday
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate and those able to announce commissions; people who like mithril; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel; and people who like the idea of fighting in caves'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' survived
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Out of these convertites

2026-09-07T11:22:23Z

Hailmur: /* And So Am Come Abroad */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<ic>The foe ran toward her, a broad grin on his face. Fion von Holberg was confident, though. She hefted the short wooden cudgel and prepared to swing. As she started to strike, feeling slightly guilty about hitting an unarmed opponent, her opponent suddenly dropped to his knee then launched himself upwards. His shoulder struck her in the stomach and she sailed backwards, landing in the soft mud with a squelch. Apparently ''that'' didn't count as fighting, she supposed.

Doirin lifted Fion to her feet and the two gave chase, running after the grinning orc. As she ran, she heard the voice. ''Get him! Thief! Catch the thief!'' She smiled. It had been years since she had heard Beoraidh the Vengeful. Not since those Freeborn marines boarded the ''Starfish'' near Bone Beach. She quickened her pace, giving everything she had to cut him off. With a last desperate burst of energy, she reached him. The cudgel connected with his knee, sending the orc sprawling in the dirt. She quickly used a foot to steady the ball and then kicked it hard toward Doirin. ''Yes! Now punish him! Break him!''. She ignored the voice, this time, and helped the Marcher to his feet. He was still grinning, if anything wider than before.

"Ulven tells me you have earned death now. I should kill you with honour." He laughed heartily and began to jog toward the other end of the pitch, limping slightly where she had hit him.

"Indeed?" She cocked an eyebrow. "Well Beoraidh tells ''me'' that you should be tortured for the crime of stealing the ball from me." In the distance, Doirin sent the leather orb sailing through the air with a powerful kick.

"I am glad," the lad sighed happily as she jogged along beside him "that we live in Wiser times." The human Marcher at the far end of the field dived to block Doirin's shot, which bounced back out into the field. Almost immediately Raphael was on it, sending it straight past the goaltender and in-between the two trees.

"'''''GOAAAL!'''''" The word echoed across the field, shouted by every Leaguer.</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=ApulianOrc.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{SOP|statement=We call upon the orcs and priests of the League to take pilgrimage to Mournwold. There, we will listen to the Marcher orcs, so we may better understand how the voices of their ancestors manifest. Through this, we seek to learn from their methods and discover the roles that hearth magic might play in that connection. We will - of course - ensure that the ledger remains balanced with our prosperity|by=Lorenzo von Apulian, League Assembly|vote={{GM}} 382-0|when=Summer 388YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] national assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Leaguish orcs and priests to [[Mournwold]] to learn from the Marcher orcs there. Over the subsequent weeks, citizens in fine doublets, intricate jewellery and delicate masks begin to arrive in the territory. Those from [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]] arrive first, of course, but they are followed soon enough by those from [[Temeschwar]], [[Holberg]] and [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. A few of them are orcs, former [[Grendel]] who now dwell within the cities of The League, but the majority are human priests, come to learn more about the beliefs of the former thralls.

As each one arrives, eager to speak with the learned and wise, they are handed tools and told to head into the fields. The harvest needs bringing in and many hands make light work, as they say. Across the Mournwold, it becomes a common sight to see a field being worked by a mixture of orcs and humans. In the warm autumnal sun, it is often difficult to tell Marcher and Leaguer apart at a distance. All are stripped down to their shirtsleeves as they toil in the heat, and only the style of hat truly tells the difference.

{{SOP|statement=Our allies in the League says in judgement #86, that they wish to make a pilgrimage to Mournwold, to listen to Marcher orcs and learn more of their ways. An extra pair of hands is always welcome at Harvest Time! Their coin is always welcome in our taverns. They have assured us they listen with respect. We urge all in Mournwold to welcome them with open arms, as they arrive with open purses.|by=Basil Goodbeard, Marcher Assembly|vote={{GM}} 160-0|when=Summer 388YE}}</div>

==The Beacon of the Wise==
* '''League orcs and priests have been speaking to the Mournwold orcs about ancestors'''
* '''Both groups have their own unique relationship to hearing the voices of their ancestors'''
* '''Neither group is inherently better or worse at receiving the voices than any other orc'''

The purpose of the visit, however, is not just to help with the harvest. In the evenings, sitting around the fire with a hearty stew and a mug of good cider, the visitors listen intently to the orcs of the Marches. They are here to learn all they can about the faith of these new citizens, but especially about their ancestors and how they hear them. Most orcs associate the heightened emotional state of combat with hearing their ancestors more clearly. There are other circumstances, of course, but they are often similarly vigorous and adrenaline-fueled activities. The League orcs are keen to learn how the orcs of the Marches, and indeed Jotun thralls more generally, nurture their connection to their ancestors when they are so culturally averse to combat.

Most League orcs, having grown up as Grendel, tend to have a laid-back approach to [[Grendel religion#Ancestors|their ancestors]]. They respect their ancestors, and few want to risk crossing them, but they don't revere them at all. The advice of the ancestors, usually heard in moments of tension, is sometimes useful - and sometimes useless. The ancestors can usually be heard the clearest in battle, when any help is valuable, but they may also offer guidance during tense negotiations, when someone is trying to manipulate the threads of some internecine political scheme or other. The Grendel view is that you must grow powerful to cross the Abyss; like the Virtues, the ancestors are useful, but only insofar as they help you to achieve that goal.

The Marcher orcs renounce violence, believing that if they refuse to fight, they will reincarnate, while only those who take up arms and fight with honour ''can'' become ancestors. They don't hear the voices of any peaceful thrall ancestors - which they see as evidence that thralls reincarnate. They do hear the voices of their warrior forebears, such as Ulven, Skaldi, and Raðljóst. Much like the League orcs, the advice these ancestors give is often of little use, urging them to fight and defeat their enemies. Despite this, they view the presence of their ancestors in their lives as reassuring - the fact that their ancestors still talk to them proves that when the time comes, and they are ready to fight, then the opportunity to cross the Howling Abyss will be there.

<box>'''OOC Note:''' It is important to note that League orcs are no less able to hear their ancestors than any other orc. An individual player-character may find it harder to hear their ancestors than others, but there is no limitation imposed by their culture, by the egregore bond, or by their past as Grendel which would prevent the ancestors speaking to them.</box>

===The Sport Is at the Best===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mestran Stadium'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Mestra</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' At least 10 white granite and 10 weirwood, and one crown per wain in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''Establishes a foot-the-ball team in Tassato Mestra, motion should name the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months per 25 wains</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mestran Team Captain'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives at least 20 crowns per season from ticket sales. </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the wellbeing of the stadium and the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Note:''' The title will be amended to match the team name</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Regarian Stadium'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Regario</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' At least 10 white granite and 10 weirwood, and one crown per wain in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''Establishes a foot-the-ball team in Tassato Regario, motion should name the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months per 25 wains</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Regarian Team Captain'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives at least 20 crowns per season from ticket sales. </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the wellbeing of the stadium and the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Note:''' The title will be amended to match the team name</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Foot-the-ball has proved a popular way for Mournwold orcs to hear their ancestors without breaching their taboo against weapons'''
* '''The game is enjoyed by League visitors, but is not easy to play on city streets'''
* '''Stadia could be built in Tassato to allow the Twin Cities to play matches against Marcher teams and each other'''
Sport is far and away the most reliable way the orcs of the Marches have to hear the voices of their ancestors. Regular games of foot-the-ball, which many of them have fallen deeply in love with, are held whenever there is a reprieve from the work of the harvest. The former thralls of the Mourn throw themselves into it with verve and enthusiasm. The specific rules of foot-the-ball vary from village to village across the Marches, particularly with regards to what weapons might be permitted on the field. Notably, though, even where their opponents might carry a stout club during a match, the orcs of the Mourn refuse to go armed. This makes them no less effective, however, and many a Leagueish spectator loses a few crowns betting against the unarmed orc team.

It is not long before a side of Leaguers is assembled for an impromptu game. For a team playing against avowed pacifists, it is truly astounding how high the physick's bill is at the end of the match. But none can deny that the game of foot-the-ball is an almost ideal way to hear the words of the ancestors. All the energy and emotion of a battlefield, with much less risk of death.

The results are the same for the visitors and their hosts. The League orcs who throw themselves into the match with abandon hear their ancestors talking to them, shouting words of advice and encouragement. Most hear [[Grendel_religion#Rucraic_-_The_Storm_Lord|Rucraic - the Storm Lord]] urging them to slaughter their opponents and loot everything, but a few hear wise words of strategy from [[Grendel_religion#Sheanduir_-_The_Wind_Lord|Sheanduir - the Wind Lord]]. One even claims to have heard shrewd warnings from [[Construct Curstag's Way|Curstag van Apulian]].

It is an exhilarating experience, and it's not difficult to see why the Marcher orcs enjoy it so much. In Grendel lands, a similar thing is often achieved with gladiatorial combat. In the colosseum, even the audience can be swept up in the atmosphere of aggression and excitement, and when the whole crowd is baying for blood, it is common for the ancestors to speak to them, even though they are not direct participants in the fighting.

Many more matches of foot-the-ball are played over the season, and the League orcs play well enough for newcomers, but the sport will not transfer easily to crowded city streets or winding lanes. It is a game of open fields and gentle rolling hills, not expensive shop fronts with glass windows (no matter how tempting it might be). However, several enterprising citizens think of ways it could be adapted to life in the cities. The first, and most direct, suggestion comes from ''Bishop Leonore Fidalgo di Mestra''. She suggests that, being so close to the Marches, her city could put together a team to play in foot-the-ball leagues hosted by their neighbours. Of course, not having acres of arable land in which to practice, they should build a small stadium for the team. It is perhaps not surprising that mere minutes after this possibility has been raised, ''Bishop Luis Calazan di Regario'' begins drawing up plans for a rival stadium on the ''other ''side of the river. There is simply no question that Tassato might have only one team, not when there is an opportunity to get one over on their rivals.

The competing proposals are fairly modest; after all, no one really knows if the people of Tassato will be keen to take up the sport, but the innate competitive spirit of the twin cities is a powerful force. Either stadium could be [[Edifice#Grandeur|grander and more impressive]], but that would require more white granite and weirwood in equal measure. If the city does embrace the sport, there will inevitably be arguments over which stadium is the most impressive. There is Pride to be had in the best stadium, undoubtedly, not to mention the increased revenue from ticket sales. Various guilds keen to do their city proud have offered to contribute to the construction in exchange for exclusive rights to sell food or merchandise. As a result, labour costs will be reduced to one-third of their normal level (that is to say, one crown per wain used in the commission)

Either or both of these stadiums may be commissioned for the next year, and will generate a flurry of interest in foot-the-ball across the city. After that, it is unlikely that the public interest will persist and any funding from the guilds will be negligible.

===When We Mean to Build===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Duellists Colosseum'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Spiral or Cigno, Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 45 wains white granite, 15 wains mithril, 180 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''
* Establishes a home for structured duelling contests
* Creates the League national title of ''Mistress of Duels''
* Creates a questing venture for League and Dawnish military units to compete in the Colosseum
* Reduces the cost to upgrade a military unit in the territory by one wain, to a minimum of one, for a year </td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress of Duels'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 3 thrones per season in ticket sales and gambling proceeds.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the well-being of the Colosseum and its competitors.</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Gladiatorial fights are a traditional activity in Grendel lands that allow them to hear their ancestors'''
* '''Duelling is popular throughout the League, but tends to be in informal public venues'''
* '''A grand colosseum could be built in Apulian or Sarvos to establish Duelling as a spectator sport'''

There is less interest in foot-the-ball across the other cities, at least at present. But talk of sport as a means to hear the ancestors has inspired some of the Apulian Orcs to think back on the gladiatorial fights of their erstwhile homeland. Obviously it would not do to set up a venue where slaves fight to the death for entertainment; that would break a vast number of Imperial laws, but it cannot be denied that watching such spectacles got the blood pumping and the ancestors roaring.

In the League, [[Bravo|Bridge duelling]] is a popular pastime. It often draws a crowd, but if more than a handful are gathered, it can be difficult to see the action, let alone feel truly part of it. And besides, when bravos duel in the plaza, only those quick enough to set up an impromptu book can make any serious coin from it. If there was a proper arena for duels, with famous names competing in structured tournaments, then a whole industry of trainers, vendors, scalpers and bookmakers could make a tidy profit from it.

And so Greumach von Apulian puts forward a proposal. He would build a grand arena in which to hold all manner of duelling contests. From bravos with rapier and dagger, through those with rod and shield, to contests between free companies - full teams in armour fighting it out in the sand to prove their worth and win a contract. He imagines the place hosting open nights, where any contender can show up and join the bouts, as well as prize fights between established champions hungry for fame. Perhaps even duels by appointment between bitter rivals or eager lovers might be held in the grand colosseum.

The design is focused on the cascading tiers of seating arranged so that every member of the audience can get a clear view of the bouts. The best, most expensive seats will be closest to the action of course but even those in the cheapest seats will be part of the eager crowd. Greumach is sure that the energy in the audience will be very similar to that of the gladiatorial arenas in the Broken Shore. He has fond memories of hearing the voice of [[Grendel religion#Dubhtraig - the Salt Lord|Dubhtraig the Builder]] roaring in his mind as he watched a gladiator bleed out on the sands.

The Duellists Colosseum would be a [[sinecure]] in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] which would host a wide variety of duelling contests and demonstrations, as well as housing a duelling academy to train aspiring bravos in the fighting arts. Once the Colosseum is complete, it would allow military units based in the territory to upgrade for one wain less than usual (to a minimum of 1) for the next year, as captains sent their fighters to practise and train at the Colosseum, or else recruited expert duellists from among the tournament champions.

If the Colosseum is completed within the next year, Greumach promises to arrange a tournament at Anvil to celebrate the opening. He will bring some of the most accomplished bravos from Apulian to test their mettle against the heroes of [[The League]].

While Greumach von Apulian is keen to see his home play host to the Colosseum, there is a thriving community of League orcs living in Cigno who argue that Sarvos would be a better home for it. It is more central, so League citizens could easily travel from all over the Empire to enjoy the spectacle. The city celebrates the arts - why not the arts of fighting? Who knows better how to please the crowd than the performers of the City of Masks? Sure, there may be more League orcs living in Apulian at the moment, but Sarvos is a much bigger, wealthier city, so there were just as many people interested in enjoying the show.

The League could build the Duellists Colosseum in Sarvos or Apulian, and it would have the same benefits in either territory. In theory, the League could build a colosseum in ''both'' cities. That would be expensive - both commissions would have to be paid for, and the income provided to each sinecure would be reduced to two thrones a season, reflecting the losses due to the competition. However, military units based in both territories would benefit from being able to upgrade more cheaply for a year.

==And So Am Come Abroad==
* '''Orc monks from the Boarsford Monastery are coming to Anvil at 18:30 on Saturday'''
* '''They wish to speak to Lorenzo von Apulian, and any citizens of the League who spent the season in the Mournwold'''
* '''They request not to talk about reincarnation'''

Intrigued by the conversations they have heard in the fields and taverns over the last few weeks, a party of [[The Marches religious beliefs#Monks and Friars|monks]] has set out from Boarsford Monastery in [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]]. Every member of the party is an orc and a devoted monk. They wish to come to Anvil and speak with any Leaguers who have spent the season in the Marches. They will arrive in the League Plaza at 18:30 on Saturday and would appreciate it if '''Lorenzo von Apulian''', the priest who passed the original statement, could arrange for somewhere out of the elements where they might enjoy a drink and talk of matters spiritual.

They have asked that discussion stay clear of [[Mournwold Orcs#Religion|reincarnation]], unless it be to announce that the synod has changed its tune and altered the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] to accommodate what the orcs of the Marches hold to be true. They are here to discuss ancestors with their kin in The League, not to be converted by zealots from across the Empire.

==Participation: League==
Any priest or orc character in The League is welcome to roleplay that they spent the season (or part of it) in the Mournwold helping to bring in the harvest. This will have involved hard work in the fields by day, followed by socialising and philosophical discussions by night. The Marcher orcs will have been candid and forthright about their [[The best soil#Marcher Orcs| heterodox beliefs]], although only if it was actively brought up, since that was not the purpose of the visit. They will mostly have focused on their relationship with their ancestors.

The four most common ancestors the Marcher Orcs discuss are the commonly known details about [[Elite_Jotun_troops|Raðljóst, Skjaldir, Ulvenwar, and Ulfur]].

Orc characters are welcome to roleplay that they heard the voices of their own ancestors whilst playing or spectating foot-the-ball.

==Participation: Marches==
Any character who has a farm in the Mournwold, especially if there are orcs living and working nearby, is welcome to roleplay that they have had League priests or League orcs helping to bring in the harvest. These visitors have applied themselves and worked hard, although they may have needed extensive guidance on what to do. They were unfamiliar with farm work, but did not shirk their duties.

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T10:50:51Z

Hailmur: /* Minor Conjunctions */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate and those able to announce commissions; people who like mithril; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel; and people who like the idea of fighting in caves'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' survived
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Urizen groups

2026-09-07T01:40:03Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Groups]]
==Overview==
There are many [[spire|spires]] in [[Urizen]], but only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil). The influence of a spire can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their influence within the nation itself. This page presents in-character information about the spires that attend, or have attended, [[Anvil]] — the kind of thing that someone who asked about the spire might uncover from talking to their peers. In each case, the information is provided by the players and edited before being put on the wiki.

The majority of spires listed here represent player-character groups. You should not create a character who is part of a spire, or has personal history with one, without first clearing it with the appropriate players. You should also check before including other players' spires in your background. The background team are unlikely to approve a background that significantly impacts or involves another player character spire without their permission. There are also a handful of prominent NPC spires included for completeness, but they are not intended for use by player characters.

==Spires of Morrow==
The spires of Morrow are some of the oldest in Urizen.
===Phoenix Reach===
*'''Purpose:''' Citadel
*'''Region:''' Ravion
*'''Master:''' Ioseph
Phoenix Reach is an ancient citadel that was rediscovered and partially excavated a few years before Empress Britta's death. The first explorers found caves with scenes depicting [[astronomancy]], bewildering blood-red mana crystals, and deep rich soils able to grow plentiful food and herbs.

The citadel benefitted from an influx of surrounding spires looking for new challenges. Positions of responsibility are reviewed each year allowing everyone within the new family to develop their leadership skills.

At Anvil, the citadel prides itself in welcoming new citizens to their large, well lit tent and offering counsel to help identify where they can be pivotal. Heroes from the Reach usually fall into two camps - those who take the field, and those that empower them to return victorious. There is a strong favouritism towards the Summer realm within the citadel.

===Temple of the Red Scroll Bearers===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Red Scroll Bearers.png|caption=Red Scroll Bearers}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Sword Scholar Temple
*'''Region:''' Peregro
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Interrogate the world with your blade and with your mind.''
*'''Master:''' Aspar
The exact details regarding the founding of the temple have long since been lost, burnt away by centuries of persecution by the sentinels of Urizen, but the Temple and its adherents remain.

A sect of sword scholars often seen as decadent and libertine to those outside of the temple, the Red Scroll Bearers consider the experience of all sensations to be important in understanding the world - including those of pleasure and pain.

They believe that it is important to be knowledgeable about the myriad ways in which humanity can exist and how human experiences affect the nature of Wisdom. The Red Scroll Bearers walk this path of varied outlook, and through means of magic, anointing and alchemy they strive to gain a thorough understanding of the world through direct experience. Simply learning about something is not enough, you must test what you learn.

Above all, the Red Scroll Bearers revere Sulemaine and her teachings, and strive to hone their martial and mental arête through duels and debates. They despise untruths and conjecture and believe that all things must be questioned. This of course leads to heated discussions, varied outlooks and fierce rivalries within the temple itself.

===Skylark Spire===
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Operus
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.''
A very old spire dating from the origins of the Urizen nation, Skylark is an arcane spire that was created to place great emphasis on day and night magic, thus creating a significant number of Seers, stargazers and Torchbearers throughout the ages. Due to the emphasis on divination magic, its martial prowess is seen a lacklustre, requiring aid from nearby citadels throughout the years. However, due to the constant cost of repairs of the ancient structure of the spire, there has been an increasing appearance of Architects among the populace in recent years to help raise funds for the community.

There has been a significant tradition of this Spire accepting Freeborn orphans with the merrow lineage throughout the years, believing that more minds will benefit the spire (and in turn Urizen as a whole) in the future.

This spire is known for the various eagles that inhabit the surrounding landscape and its beautiful waterfall that has been constructed to fall through the different levels of the spire out into a small lake that the Merrow inhabitants use to meditate.

===Wise Citadel===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wise Citadel.png|caption=Wise Citadel}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Citadel
*'''Region:''' Peregro
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Marked by scars of Wisdom, Urizen stands united and strong.''
*'''Arbiter:''' Octavus and Alios of the Wise Citadel
Formerly known as Smokeshield Spire, the Wise Citadel has a legacy that apparently spans back to the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Historically the spire served as a marshalling ground for sentinels who would go on to serve in the Citadel Guard. Much of the history of the citadel was lost during the Druj invasion of 382YE with what remained of the garrison choosing to fight against the orcs of the Mallum. They were joined by a sect of sword scholars who fled the attack on the Temple of the Four Winds. Once the territory was liberated and the time came to rebuild the two groups came together to reforge the spire in a new, shared vision.

The Wise Citadel today is a hotbed of different ideas and people, home to hopeful survivors of all walks of life and for now represented by two arbiters. The Wise Citadel has close ties to the "Fountain's Whisper" coven who grant the Wise Citadel magical assistance when deemed necessary.

==Spires of Redoubt==
Redoubt is still a little wild; the spires here have a strong martial tradition.
===Celestial Cartographers===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Celestial Cartographers.jpg|caption=Celestial Cartographers}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane
*'''Region:''' Naris
*'''Apothegm:''' ''From the seas to the stars, the path to your Ambition is to chart your course''
*'''Arbiter:''' Xenia
The Spire of the Celestial Cartographers is a new spire founded out of an old one, at a troubled moment for Redoubt.

The original spire (known as Ephemeris) was created in pre-Imperial days as an offshoot of the settlement of Elos. It lived up to its name by virtue of the instructional maps of the constellations picked out in light stones on the central tower. The scholars of Ephemeris had been known for developing navigational star charts used by Urizen fleet captains. Its small library was based on this, diversifying into political texts after Nicovar’s reign. In more recent times, the spire had become a haven for those interested in becoming magi, although fleet owners and those interested in trade have always been well represented.

The events of 387YE proved a turning point for the Spire. Migrations out of Zenith and Spiral had created changes in the population’s focus over time, and plans had been made to form a new spire with the completion of the Rhianos' Great Race and subsequent publication of the purported "map of the known world". This crystallised into tumultuous change with the invasion of Naris and the evacuation of Ephemeris. This left behind a band of fleet captains and their allies operating out of Cargo, calling themselves the Celestial Cartographers, with their sights firmly set on resettling the star-studded towers when the opportunity arises.

Current expertise within the spire includes fleet operations, trading, and historical research. Magical skills focus chiefly on Autumn with some expertise in Day lore.

===The Citadel of Stillwaters===
*'''Purpose:''' Citadel
*'''Region:''' Siluri
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Stillwater leaves no ripples''
*'''Arbiter:''' Narses Stillwater
Originally coming from different spires all over Urizen, after the battle of Solen’s Doubt a group of veterans sought refuge in a small ruin near the towering mountains in the Siluri hills. The natural spring from the lake aiding their meditation, the herons that hunt there inspiring their training and the gardens a source of comfort from the horrors they had witnessed. And so in rebuilding their new home, they rebuilt themselves.

They began a program of cascade training in order to provide Urizen with constant supply of effective sentinels that embody all of the benefits of the old and new, comprising modern fundamentals with a unified philosophy, using this they contributed to current Urizeni theatres that they themselves could not attend due to their convalescence.

Due to the nature of the formation of the citadel, it’s members are more aware than most of the threats to their home, this shows itself in a more easy going nature to which some Urizeni are not accustomed. This nature only comes from knowing intimately that each breath could be their last and that they should live it fully.

With the citadel’s original reason for returning to Anvil (reconquering Zenith) resulting in a swift victory, they have now set their gaze on further conquerable shores on which to test their ambition.

===The Crystal Skies===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crystal_Skies.JPG|caption=The Crystal Skies}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Former Arcane Spire - now a Citadel
*'''Region:''' Tomari
*'''Apothegm:''' ''The ends do not justify the means.''
*'''Arbiter:''' Lanius of the Crystal Skies
The once arcane spire of Spiral, now military encampment in Redoubt, sits at the foot of the mountain that is the home to Netherwatch Spire. With most of the spire being sentinels, trained up from a young age, not by choice, but as a necessity, many of the sentinels that are experienced tend to be on the younger side. Even with all that has happened to their home in Spiral, they always believe and push for a way to win, without sacrifice. Whether this is due to naivete or courage, a nation built upon trying to be perfect, surely can find a way to win without compromise.

Even though most of the original spire still remains, most of its current members are refugees from other spires from Zenith and Spiral. As an encampment, the spire finds it easy to let people move in and stay till we can organise proper places for them in nearby spires. Many members of the group seen today are those that chose to stay in the encampment to help others that require it, and assist with the reclamation of fallen territory, whether it be Zenith, Spiral, or another nation's home.

===Ember's Wake===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EmbersWake.png|caption=Embers Wake}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Optarion
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Through travel, we gain Knowledge. Through knowledge, we gain Wisdom. Through Wisdom, we enlighten the World.''
*'''Arbiter:''' Marcellus of Ember’s Wake
Carved into the towering walls of a narrow-mouthed bay amidst the mighty cliffs of Optarion, the heavily fortified port spire of Ember’s Wake is a populous, outward looking one with a focus on trade and the gathering of knowledge on a large scale. There are several tales which tell of its founding, but the only certainty is that the core was built long before its current inhabitants arrived. Regular raids on the spire by the Grendel, and various other pirates, as well as the beasts that prowl the area, has meant that every member of the spire has some modicum of martial training, even if this is not their focus.

Ember’s Wake is notable for its eclectic mixture of aretes, its many torchbearers and a larger-than-average population of briars.

Though formally led by an arbiter, the running of the spire falls to the Spire Council, a body of seven individuals, which includes the arbiter, who oversee all aspects of the spire’s day-to-day operations.

In spite of its outward looking nature, members of the spire have only begun to attend Anvil since Winter 382YE, and live up to the spire’s reputation for an eclectic array of foci.

===The Lighthouse at Nikephoros===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Lighthouse at Nikephoros.png|caption=Nikephoros Lighthouse}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Naris
*'''Apothegm:''' ''I will be better''
*'''Arbiter:''' Telemachus
The foundations of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros were laid before Urizen joined the Empire. It was founded as a citadel from which Urizen mariners patrolled the coasts, pirating barbarian shipping and repulsing orc raids on the shipyards at Elos.

After joining the Empire - and with its naval importance diminished following the creation of the first imperial navy - centuries of slow decline began. The discovery of a potent Winter regio in a deep tidal cave beneath the spire changed the focus of the Lighthouse, and over generations, it transitioned from a decaying citadel into a decaying spire. But within the stagnant heart of the spire, the influence of the Winter ritualists grew, and the Circle of the Drowned was formed.

At a recent coven symposium, the Circle of the Drowned enacted a political coup, seizing leadership from the passive old guard in favour of the new.

Now dedicated overwhelmingly to Ambition, the spire is ascendant. They embody the principles of the Wasteland strongly, holding close to their oaths and using any and all tools to achieve their ambitions. The Circle and the spire care more about magic as a tool to achieve their goals than as an end in itself, practising both astronomancy and blood magic. When they gather at Anvil, they do so with a singular purpose, pushing for the reunification of Urizen and the defeat of its myriad foes. The Lighthouse at Nikephoros was [[On southern sands|collapsed]] in 386YE during battle with the Grendel.

===Netherwatch Spire===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Netherwatch.png|caption=Netherwatch Spire}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Spire
*'''Region:''' Delving
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Where this is darkness, Let us bring light.''
*'''Arbiters:''' Thalia and Galene
Melded into the mountains of Redoubt it overlooks, Netherwatch Spire was originally an arcane spire involved with mining and craftsmanship; like their neighbours in Delving. Supposedly the spire was built with the aid of the eternal Adamant though the true history of has long since been forgotten and the covens focus moved to Day and Spring over Summer.

Now the spire boasts the twin pronged aretes of Wisdom and Prosperity with the co-arbiters Thalia, Convenor of the National Fund, and Galene, the [[Imperial Inquisitor]] and Convenor of the National Assembly. A large contingent of the Anvil Militia calls the spire their home, promoting their commitment to truth and Wisdom.

===Spire of Quaykeep===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Quaykeep.png|caption=Spire of Quaykeep}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Spire
*'''Region:''' Tomari
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Knowledge wielded wisely can strengthen the Empire, in the wrong hands bring it to its knees.''
*'''Arbiters:''' Marcellus Otho
Over the last 80 years, citizens from across Urizen have come together to build the Spire of Quaykeep. Created with the ambition of being the greatest repository for knowledge and wisdom in the Empire. A haven for anyone seeking to consult their archives for knowledge or lost wisdom.

The Grand Athenaeum at the spire is filled as merchants scour the various markets, including those at Anvil, for any written work that could be of use. Teams of scribes regularly seek to create new works to add to the library.

Citizens of Quaykeep hold the virtues of Wisdom & Vigilance above all others, false knowledge only serves to weaken the Empire.

===Serpents Rest===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Serpents Rest.png|caption=Serpents Rest}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Spire
*'''Region:''' Limus
*'''Apothegm:''' ''We bring the peaceful light, To the chaos of the dark ocean''
*'''Arbiter:''' Captain Marinus
The spire formed as a result of a dramatic rescue from sea for the lone survivor; Captain Neptune. When rescued he couldn’t tell anyone what had happened or how he survived, all he could say was that seen a “Great Serpent”. He and other captains decided to set up the Serpents Rest, named after the mysterious creature he saw, as a sanctuary for those feeling lost or seeking safety. It wasn’t long before Serpents Rest became a spire dedicated to fleets and the sea. The spire itself was originally a docking area and warehouse in Cargo and in time some of the space was converted into private lodgings or expanded to accommodate guests.

Although the magically inclined members of Serpents Rest have no specific focus, they typically prefer the realms of Spring, Autumn, and Day due to the rituals in Imperial lore that can support [[fleet|fleets]].

==Spires of Sarangrave==
Those spires that have moved to Sarangrave do so in a territory where almost every facet is anathema to Urizen.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sarangrave Reforged.png|caption=Sarangrave Reforged}}</div>
===Sarangrave Reforged===
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Bloodwater Marsh
*'''Apothgem:''' The fires of the forge bring light to the darkness.
*'''Arbiter:''' Esteban Ezmara of Sarangrave Reforged
The spire formed in 387YE after Zenith Ascendant declared their oaths complete and moved to Sarangrave with a new purpose.

The spire is formed around a significant number of Autumn magicians, and although individuals follow their own virtues the spire as a whole is a Prosperity sect, with those who join swearing an oath to work hard and bring prosperity to the Sarangrave after the darkness of the Druj.

The spire values its architects highly; artifice and construction are held in as much esteem as magic by many members. Indeed, all the efforts of the spire focus on the enlightenment and improvement of Sarangrave. Urizen will be the crown of the Empire, and Sarangrave will be the jewel in that crown.

==Spires of Spiral==
Those spires that remain in Spiral do so in a territory assigned to the League and that has a malign force that squats at the centre of the territory
===Academy of the Southern Shore===
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Apulus
*'''Arbiter:''' Letho Southshore
The Academy of the Southern Shore is a prominent teaching institution aimed towards young magicians of Urizen. Its students range in ages from the youngest children to young imperial citizens, who spend time at the Academy in order to refine their arete. The spire itself is built on the slopes overlooking Apulus. The spire has been known to take in refugees, sometimes those of other nations who arrive from the seas.

The Academy specialises in the magic of the Night realm, though all ritual arts are studied there. Teachers encourage students to pursue religious and martial skills if desired. The academy is well known for an unusual pedagogy which emphases the use of the ritual [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory|Cast Off the Chain of Memory]]. Through the use of this ritual the students and the teachers of the Academy seek to remove “distracting” experiences that cause them to suffer a loss of poise or divert attention from their Arete.

The spire has also become well-known, particularly within Anvil for its unconventional approach to the tradition of astronomancy, notably calling on the constellation of [[The Oak]] as The Palm. For this reason a Palm Tree has become a more identifiable symbol of the Spire (especially in Anvil) than the official Sigil.

The Spire closed its public doors following the awakening of the {{Black Plateau}} and lost many of its students. In the wake of this tragedy members of the Spire first travelled to Anvil, since this fateful step the Academy has slowly been returning to strength.

<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ankarien_banner.jpg|caption=The Great Library of Ankarien}}</div>
===The Great Library of Ankarien===
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane spire
*'''Region:''' Ankra
*'''Apothegm:''' ''The light of a single flame may illuminate a thousand steps along the way''
*'''Arbiter: ''' Maximillian Ankarien
Ankarien is one of the largest and most venerable spires in Spiral, with the date of its founding lost in pre-Imperial history. It is traditionally organised around its Great Library, which was once one of the most significant centres of learning and education in Urizen. It has long been politically active, sending delegates to the Grand Conclaves for as long as they have existed and eventually giving rise to Emperor Nicovar Ankarien. Unfortunately, Ankarien was one of Nicovar’s most prominent targets and suffered terrible destruction at his hands, its collections of books decimated.

After Nicovar’s fall, the Library dedicated itself to rebuilding, restoring some of its former glory, but when the Grendel invasion of Spiral came, Ankarien found itself unprepared and the inhabitants fled with what volumes they could carry to Endsmeet while the sentinels bought time with their lives. Since then, Ankarien has been a prominent voice for the exiled spires of Spiral, pushing for the reclamation of the lost territory. After a brief spell leading the resettlement of the territory, they now find themselves in exile once again.

Ankarien is mostly focused on politics and learning, with a strong tradition of both magi and stargazers. It has a slightly unusual leadership structure, with the arbiter responsible for the internal affairs of the spire and a maester responsible for wider leadership. It sees itself as leading the reclamation of Spiral and this underpins its entire philosophy, along with a strong sense of its own history and tradition.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Myriad Stream.png|caption=Temple of the Myraid Stream|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Temple of the Myriad Stream===
*'''Purpose:''' Temple
*'''Region:''' Apstrus
*'''Apothegm:''' ''The Many in The One, The One in The Many''
*'''Arbiter: ''' Halkyon
An ancient temple hidden among forested canyons on the remotest fringe of Apstrus, spire tradition holds that the temple was founded by a group of questors who departed Solen’s Doubt over a debate on the question of the One and the Many. Secluded as it was, the temple remained a hidden sanctuary during the Grendel occupation, its surface structures dismantled to avoid detection and its sentinels becoming adept scouts, skilled at moving unseen through the rugged landscape of Spiral.

The temple is centred on its ‘Mirrorspire’, an inverted tower formed from a cavernous sinkhole. Its chambers and halls are carved from its walls, making skilful use of the geology and extending deep into the spectacular karst caverns that honeycomb the rock. These lead to the spiritual heart of the temple, a huge cavern named the ‘Great Gallery’, filled with the natural music of several converging underground waterfalls.

The philosophy of the Myriad Stream emphasises dialogue, within the self, and between the self and creation, as a core practice towards cultivating poise, arête and virtue. Thus, they focus on contemplation of the [[Net of the Heavens]] to produce efficacious and flowing action. Now home to a mix of spiritual seekers, grizzled veterans of the long war for Spiral and refugees from fallen spires, the temple seeks to recover its legacy as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual education, to preserve the Urizen heritage of Spiral, and to fortify all of Spiral’s people against the influence of the {{Black Plateau}}.

<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Whitestork.jpg|caption=The Temple of the White Stork|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Temple of the White Stork===
*'''Purpose:''' Temple
*'''Region:''' Apulus
*'''Apothegm:''' ''There is no greater teacher than experience, no greater experience than the duel.''
*'''Arbiter:''' Calgacus Apulian
Originally a school of swordplay, the White Stork is defined by its members' odd ideals, viewing single combat as the ultimate expression of, and metaphor for, every aspect of a soul's Way. To engage another in such a manner is to both see and show the essence of those involved without guile or shame. This clear lens held appeal for some, though the Temple's brutal regime, disdain for convention, and anything it considered frivolous - as well as socially manipulative methods - made many more Urizeni wary. A small and elitist group nestled in the mountains of Apulus, just north of the ruins of Apulian, they suffered over this past decade, losing their holdings and retreating over some years to Morrow. Constant battles in defence of refugee caravans in their slow retreat filled their numbers with a curious and grateful mix of souls from across the nation as their laity, and the few surviving scholars continue to pass to them their ideal of a purely logical, perfectly poised paragon of skill.

When this eclectic band of itinerants gathers at Anvil, they seem to focus on providing tuition and guidance to individuals from other nations, functioning as instructors, advisors and confidantes to many influential persons. Some say this allows them to influence others positively towards Urizen as well as identify those who threaten it. The Stork watches, and chooses when to strike.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sunshaper_Design_7.png|caption=Sunshaper Citadel}}</div>
===Sunshaper Citadel===
*'''Purpose:''' Citadel
*'''Region:''' Ossuary
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Excellence serves''
*'''Arbiter:''' Eridion Sunshaper
Summer blossoms, white stone arches. Sentries adorned in the graceful hues of fuchsia. Bright, vibrant gardens etching spires that reach to the stars nestled amongst the mountains. A testament of endurance against its land's black heart.

Sunshaper Citadel was founded by the first Urizeni settlers traversing the mountains from Morrow to watch over the Twilight Gate. Over the centuries, it has been damaged and rebuilt again and again, reconstituting much of its original foundations in every recasting. Historically and in the present day, the citadel has engaged with the emergent philosophies of its times, whilst retaining an enduring set of principles around service and excellence.

In the shadow of the {{Black Plateau}}, the Sentinels here understand that the reality of one's duty cannot be ignored. This philosophy bears forth a culture of sentinels that know well the realities of war, committed to excellence in its tactics, strategy and execution. Housed near a Summer regio, the arete of its people often bears a passionate devotion. The citadel draws its net of heavens wide in the application of military strategy, encouraging people from all walks of life to excel in their fields and direct their efforts towards Urizen's strategic objectives. They see themselves as the immovable protectors of Spiral and seek enlightened perspective, drawn from the deep roots of the earth and lived experiences to the furthest stars and mysteries.

==Spires of Zenith==
===Hope's Cultivar===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hope's Cultivar.png|caption=Hope's Cultivar}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Proceris
*'''Apothegm:''' What we sow today shall be reaped tomorrow as a brighter future
*'''Arbiter:''' Valantinian Hope-Tender
The spire was founded in 384YE immediately after the expulsion of the Druj from Zenith. Hope's Cultivar is built from the ruins of a small citadel constructed right at the peak of a mountain in northern Proceris. Chosen for its high location and reservoir fed by fresh snow melt to try avoid the very worst of the region's poisons and curses.

The Spire attracts architects, herbalists and those whose arete lies in agriculture. Their goal is to play a part in the restoration of Zenith and apply the pillar of reason to the growing of plants. Five towers rise into the sky, each intended to try to maintain a different climate. Within the towers trials are run in an attempt to try to understand agriculture better.

===Lapis Heights===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lapis Heights.jpg|caption=Lapis Heights}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Occursion
*'''Apothegm:''' Question what is known completely, to stop searching is to never know what was missed
*'''Arbiter:''' Juno of Lapis Heights
Nestled among the hills of Occursion, the Lapis Heights spire guards a humble yet proud history. Originally named for the mana crystal deposits at its base that drew in settlers with their rich blue colouring, it later became known for its production of high quality parchment. The lotus trees that thrive in the area create a durable, delicate paper which is much sought after. The art of papermaking survives, and it is traditional for members of the spire to give gifts and letters in the form of folded paper flowers and animals.

Lapis Heights overlooks the lakes of Bountiful Autumn and benefits from its magic through its small collection of Autumn mages. This combined with its history of cultivating mana crystal and artisanship has steeped the spire in the business of production and trade. Despite this display of Prosperity, Lapis Heights does not lean heavily towards any one virtue, having been founded by philosophers of the Way among others.

During the Druj invasion Lapis Heights suffered devastating losses and was considered lost or disbanded for a time. A group of survivors have begun the effort to return to and rebuild the spire, and are taking the opportunity to reinvent its values. Calling back to their philosopher ancestors, the new Lapis Heights strives to discover new ways of experiencing Virtue and hearth magic, and support the exploration of experimental magics.

===Pioneer's Peak===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pioneer's Peak.png|caption=Pioneer's Peak}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Proceris
*'''Apothegm:''' Together, we find everything we need.
*'''Arbiter:''' Isaac of Pioneer's Peak
Pioneer's Peak was founded during the Winter of 384YE, after the Imperial reclamation of Zenith from the Druj, in an effort to build on the legacy of the Arch of the Sky, after its loss.

This arcane spire is now home to those who pursue the understanding of magic and astronomancy as the highest form of arete. They endeavour to study and use magic - primarily, but not exclusively, Autumn magic - to accomplish ideals of mutual aid, aiming for magic to be used for the improvement of the lives of all.

Those who study at Pioneer's Peak are mostly stargazers - with some mages or seers - who hold a mutual belief in the power of the collective. A pioneer stands on the shoulders of giants - likewise, the path to improvement (be it arete, virtue, or truth) is never walked alone, with the magic they study reflecting this. They are less interested in individual power or singular great acts, than they are in small actions, amplified and replicated by scope and time.

===Starsong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Starsong Spire.png|caption=Starsong Spire}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Arcane Spire
*'''Region:''' Proceris
*'''Apothegm:''' To the songs that guide us, and the stars that light the way
*'''Arbiter:''' Serenus Starsong
Starsong is known for its stargazers, bards and artists, all of whom share a passion for the constellations and astronomancy, using the essence of the stars to achieve their goals.

The spire was formed to focus arete in the creative arts and combine the knowledge of the stars as a muse for their creative works; whether that’s in a painting, a song, a performance, a poem or even just thinking outside of the box.

Starsong had a small spire hidden away amongst the collection of spires in the Arch of the Sky until the Druj came and razed it to the ground. The few members that managed to survive are now active in Anvil, and work on rebuilding the spire to its former glory.
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=HouseoftheWanderer.png|title=House of the Wanderer}}</div>

===Temple of the Wanderer===
*'''Purpose:''' Sword Scholar Temple
*'''Region:''' Occursion
*'''Apothegm:''' ''Greater knowledge equals greater precision. Find more locus points, gather more strings of influence and perfect your net of prediction.''
*'''Arbiter:''' Cato Hypation
Once a secretive temple dedicated to The Wanderer and to understanding the inexorable powers of Fate. The few privileged enough to be invited tell tales of a central chamber that was home to a never-ending great tapestry which was carefully added to and edited daily. With the critical analysis of Sulemaine's legacy, and the sundering of the Sword Scholar movement, came more inner reflection.

“If you love a thing, be prepared to destroy it. Only then are you strong enough to protect it.”

Having played a part in sundering their movement their Abriter Nemo has declared; “It is time to prove we are strong enough to protect true Virtue from false.” Shortly before the Winter Solstice 385YE the House of the Wanderer decamped from their temple in Morrow and set up a new temple in a haunted old ruin on the Zenith side of the Mislitel Pass. Whilst they still have a keen interest in Fate, for now they are focusing their attention on [[Tsark]].

===Tropaion Citadel===
<div style="float:right; width: 200; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tropaion_Citadel.png|caption=Tropaion Citadel}}</div>
*'''Purpose:''' Citadel
*'''Region:''' Proceris
*'''Apothegm:''' Utopia, no matter the cost
*'''Arbiter:''' Plinius
Tropaion Citadel sits in Proceris, astride the Twilight Gate, peering into Spiral. Built at the earliest opportunity following the scourging of Druj from Zenith, its two imposing towers sit on each side of the pass. Connected by thin wooden bridges, the residents of each tower use these areas to practice against each other, resulting in a jocular internal rivalry.

At Anvil, the Tropaion mission is clear. To espouse and extol the arete of the sentinel in all of its forms. To advance the utopic mission of Urizen. To assist their magic using counterparts to the best of their ability. To eradicate weakness and vulnerability from their nation, lest it ever fall to barbarian hands again.


==Contributing==
Any Urizen [[spire|arcane spire, citadel or temple]] can submit an entry for this page. The entry should come from the out-of-character group leader and be emailed to [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk]. It should contain the following information:

* Name of the spire
* The kind of spire (arcane spire, citadel, temple)
* Your spire's ''apothegm'' assuming it is public knowledge
* Territory and region where the spire is physically located. If you are a spire in exile that has fled Zenith or Spiral you can mention that here
* If the spire has a sigil a description of that sigil or an image if one is available
* The name of your [[arbiter]] if you have one

You should also include up to 250 words of description, detailing the kind of things that other characters might know about your spire. Have a look at the description for an [[Spire#Arcane_Spires|arcane spire]], [[Spire#Citadels|citadel]], or [[Spire#Temples|temple]] for ideas on the kind of information that is useful. For example, if you are from an arcane spire, then what kind of magic are you known for? You must also include a few sentences of history, especially around the reasons for the spire's [[Spire#Formation|formation]].

Some other questions to consider include:
* Does your spire have an interesting geographical feature associated with it?
* Are there one or more particular archetypes it is associated with?
* Does your spire have a particular philosophy or goal which helps unify your members?

Things to avoid include:
* Too much [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldbuilding worldbuilding] detail — this represents information other characters may know about your spire. It's not a place to define elements of the game world
* Lists of character names — this isn't a place for getting your name on the wiki
* Too much emphasis on the past — while it's useful to have a few lines of history, what matters in Empire is what your spire does on the field at events

It's possible to update the information on this page over time (for example if your arbiter changes) with an e-mail to [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk].

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T01:37:07Z

Hailmur: /* Value Beneath the Mountain */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate and those able to announce commissions; people who like mithril; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel; and people who like the idea of fighting in caves'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T01:32:57Z

Hailmur: /* Value Beneath the Mountain */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate and those able to announce commissions; people who like mithril; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T01:32:22Z

Hailmur: /* Value Beneath the Mountain */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate and those able to announce commissions; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Value beneath the mountain

2026-09-07T01:29:06Z

Hailmur:

[[Category: 388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">By the grace of Conclave, this season we train our new recruits! A mortal army would rest and recover, tell the stories of their actions and their virtue, and prepare for the seasons to come. Virtue is the Ambition of the soul, the currency of the exemplar, and the eternity of the paragon. A season of virtuous discussion would see me well fed - but children of the Autumn realm, you are not like me! This season, while we are not fighting, we will be doing something you will enjoy. Under Mount Polus, the great mountain we call Kaspoena's Reach, there are riches to be found! This season let us sniff out the value beneath the mountain, within the crevasse at its feets. My foxes, lead the way! My minotaurs bring your picks! My spiders, be ready to evaluate what we find! We are bound by common cause - to seek the unspent coin of our mountain, to rejoice in the Prosperity of our industry, to enrich our tomorrows with the work of today.</quote>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cavern's Edge.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
During the Spring Equinox 387YE, the Golden Chalice received an arcane projection from [[Meraud]], the ''King of the Twilight Sun'', that would dramatically and permanently elevate one of the largest peaks in a region. The ''Hand that Shakes the Heavens'' was performed by the '''Ashen Flame''' coven of [[Urizen]], targeting [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] in Zenith. Tremors began to be felt across the territory as one of the mountains, Mount Polus, [[Sound_and_vision#A_Mountain_Rises_(Zenith)|began to rise]]. Shortly before the Summer Solstice, an overwhelming crunch was heard as a crevasse opened at the base of the mountain, beckoning those seeking adventure. Preliminary investigation by the ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'' suggested that an army could be used to explore the crevasse.

Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', issued orders to the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''", and they have done so with all the propensity expected of creatures of the [[Realm#Autumn|Iron Labyrinthe]]. They have found a previously undiscovered vein of [[mithril]] in the series of caverns, which go even deeper than previously believed.

Unfortunately, the crevasse and the caverns it leads to are dark, and there are strange, hostile creatures that dwell in the depths.
==The Treasure of Kespoena's Reach==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kespoena's Nadir'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Bourse Seat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Occursion, Zenith</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 300 thrones in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 10 thrones a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the ''Kespoena's Nadir'' bourse seat that produces 12 wains of mithril a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be announced by the [[Master of the Koboldi]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The General of the Argent Sword has received three wains of mithril from the expedition'''
* '''The mithril vein could be worked, establishing a new mithril seat in Occursion'''
* '''Further exploration will uncover more of the vein, leading to an opportunity for the mine to be expanded'''
The mithril vein could be established as a bourse seat, ''Kespoena's Nadir'', by either Senate motion or by an announcement from an appropriate title. Interestingly, the ''koboldi'', heralds of [[Adamant]], have expressed an interest in being the ones to work on the project and have made clear they consider it to be of appropriate [[Master_of_the_Koboldi#Commission_stone_construction|grandeur]] even if it doesn't involve white granite.

What's more, once complete, an appropriate army could explore even deeper into the cavern. Either the [[Boyar's Hasta]] (hiring the appropriate sell swords), the [[Narwhal's Spear]], the [[Seventh Wave]], the [[Wolves of War]] (employing the appropriate mercenaries), or a different army enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]] could take a defensive order to uncover more of the vein, leading to an opportunity for the mine to be expanded.

==Under Kespoena's Reach==
<div {{float}}><quote by="Gancio di Catazar, Citizens' Voice">To rename Mount Polus in Zenith, the highest mountain in the Empire, to "Kespoena's Reach", after the astronomancer for whom that mountain was raised. Her dream, to rebuild her spire atop the tallest mountain in Zenith, was rendered impossible by the Arch of the Sky quarry - but with Ambition, and love, nothing is beyond our reach. Dare to do the impossible. Dare to dream.</quote></div>
* '''There are six conjunctions to various pockets in the chasm under Kespoena's Reach'''
* '''Each successful conjunction will reduce the cost of establishing ''Kespoena's Nadir'' by eight thrones if commissioned this season'''
* '''If all six are successful, then it will reduce the time to establish ''Kespoena's Nadir'' to three months if commissioned this season'''
The caverns that the crevasse leads to are long and winding; it will cost three hundred thrones to establish routes to and from the vein and establish all the necessary equipment within. There are six opportunities to reduce the cost of the work, and potentially even speed it up if the

The creatures are unknown. The reports from the soldiers of the army have been that they are humanoid, but beyond that it is anybody's guess. Certainly, they are aggressive; one golden spider of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] was bludgeoned in the back of their cephalothorax whilst carefully checking the width of a tunnel.
<div {{float}}><box>
'''OOC Note:''' The following restrictions apply for all participants in these encounters for safety reasons:
*It is not possible to use bows or crossbows
*It is not possible to use a weapon or implement over three feet
*It is not possible to use a shield other than a buckler
</box></div>
One word of warning the prognosticators have been able to provide is that the caverns and tunnels are far too small for shields or long weapons or implements. Anyone who attempts to take such an item into the caverns risks quickly becoming stuck, making themselves and their colleagues vulnerable. As a result, they have advised that nobody take a weapon or implement longer than three feet into the cavern nor any shield larger than a buckler.

===Dismal Pit===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''A small band of Disciples of Sulemaine ventured into the cavern when it first opened'''
* '''''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer'' is responsible for killing the Disciplies'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Disciples of Sulemaine, those who clung to the teachings of the [[Sulemaine|Paragon of Blades]] have been encountered in the tunnels of the cavern. Nothing suggests that these Disciples of Sulemaine are the [[To_fight_aloud#Fallen_Hero|widely known]] disciples. Indeed, scouts suggest that this band ventured into the cavern when it first opened and have eked out an ascetic existence ever since. They missed the call to action from the Urizen Assembly and the subsequent war in the mountains that followed. Now, they have found out what happened and have taken to launching ambushes on the Autumn soldiers of the Argent Sword as they pass through winding tunnels, and there is nothing to suggest that they would not do the same to mortal labourers. If they can be dealt with, then it will reduce the need for guards for the labourers passing through this part of the caverns.

If successful, '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' will receive ten crowns from grateful families of the few citizens who lost their lives to the Disciples of Sulemaine before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Fuliginous Burrow===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''A small band of bandits fled ahead of the heralds into the cavern and are holed up'''
* '''The burrow has the potential to be harvested for lightstones for the efforts'''
* '''The ''Architect of Illumination'' is responsible for defeating the bandits'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Some loathsome folks choose to spend their lives taking from others and denying them the [[Prosperity|fruits of their labour]]. A small band of bandits, "''The Nightwoven''", were forced to flee ahead of the army into the caverns and are now holed up. As luck would have it, the burrow the bandits have chosen to make camp in has high potential to be harvested for [[Technology#Lightstones|lightstones]]. If the bandits can be defeated, then keen crafters will journey to the burrow to claim some of the lightstone.

If successful, both the [[Architect of Illumination]], '''Felix of the Wise Citadel''', and whoever is appointed as the [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market]] at the upcoming summit will receive six crowns in thanks from merchants keen to make use of the influx before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Mirksome Tunnel===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''Sentinels who supported the efforts are injured'''
* '''They will need to be treated so they can map their way out'''
* '''The ''Gardener of Pallas'' is responsible for ensuring the sentinels are treated'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
There are several routes from the foothills of Occursion through to the discovered mithril vein. Sentinels from the ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'' were travelling to patrol along the borders of Zenith when the enthusiasm of the Argent Sword led to them joining the efforts to explore the crevasse. The sentinels have done well, but two of their number have been injured, and they face a perilous slog back through the tunnels. Word from the heralds suggests that the sentinels may have uncovered a more efficient route to the vein; if they can be treated, they will be able to map their way out, allowing the labourers to take the much more expedient path.

If successful, the [[Gardener of Pallas]], '''Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel''', will receive a bounty of sixteen herbs from the grateful families of the sentinels before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Caliginous Pocket===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''Creatures are in the way of an underground lake which could be used for supplies'''
* '''If the creatures in the pocket can be defeated, the labourers will be able to use it for water and food'''
* '''The ''Arbiter of the Four Winds'' is responsible for defeating the creatures to make use of the underground lake'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The discovery of the underground lake was perhaps more surprising than the mithril vein. Strange luminescent shapes have been spotted moving under the water, and the bones of fish were found before the golden spiders that stumbled upon the lake were driven away by creatures. The Caliginous Pocket serves as a key chokepoint between wherever the creatures came from and the lake. If the creatures can be defeated, then a cache could be established, allowing the efforts to make full use of the lake.

If successful, both the [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]], '''Donato of the Crucible''', and the [[Keeper of the Study]], '''Annie Webster''', will receive six crowns in thanks from curious gourmands before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Tenebrous Cave===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''Creatures in the cave are preventing a herald from claiming a cache of gemstones'''
* '''If the creatures in the cave can be defeated, the herald can retrieve the valuable gemstones'''
* '''The ''General of the Argent Sword'' is responsible for defeating the creatures'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
One of the fox-like scouts of the army has uncovered a cache of valuable gemstones. Unfortunately, there is a small pack of the strange creatures in the way of the herald of [[Callidus|Callidus of the Coin]]. The herald has no way of defeating the creatures, and time is running out for the vulpine herald to get its fill of precious gemstones. If they can be recovered, then <s>all</s> <s>most</s> some of them will be put towards the establishing of Kespoena's Nadir.

If successful, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', will receive gemstones worth ten crowns from the herald before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Twilight Cavern===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''A scout has uncovered the ideal place to place a location aura to restore heroic will'''
* '''''Herthfire's Hospitality'' or ''Leonine Pavilion'' could be performed in the area to steady the will of labourers'''
* '''The ''Oblivion Sentinel'' is responsible for seeing one of the rituals performed and helping the malaised sentinels'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
If the choice is made to begin establishing Kespoena's Nadir this season, then one of the two rituals that allow the restoration of [[Heroic skills|heroic will]] would be excellent for the work in the Twilight Cavern; an enclosed area near the mithril vein. Unfortunately, those who spend too long in the Twilight Cavern are beset by a strange malaise; some form of [[Roleplaying_effects|miasma]] that saps the sufferer's will and encourages them to simply rest. If that can be dealt with, the cavern will serve as an excellent intermediate resting point; performing either [[Herthfire's Hospitality]] or [[Leonine Pavilion]] here would allow the labourers to rest and recuperate without falling to the miasma. There are a small band of weakened sentinels who will need to be treated, either with an appropriate [[anointing]], or by talking them through the situation whilst the ritual is performed.

One of the heralds of [[Sung]], ''Singer of the Silent Melody'' has asked whoever is appointed as the [[Oblivion Sentinel]] by the Urizen generals this season to intercede and ensure that the ritual, preferably the [[Herthfire's Hospitality|better one]] is performed. If successful, the Oblivion Sentinel will receive three pawns of [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]] from the herald of the Rainbow Serpent before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

Value beneath the mountain

2026-09-07T01:14:48Z

Hailmur: Created page with "Category: 388YE AutumnCategory:Winds of Fortune <quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">By the grace of Conclave, this season we train our new recruits! A mortal army would rest and recover, tell the stories of their actions and their virtue, and prepare for the seasons to come. Virtue is the Ambition of the soul, the currency of the exemplar, and the eternity of the paragon. A season of virtuous discussion would see me..."

[[Category: 388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">By the grace of Conclave, this season we train our new recruits! A mortal army would rest and recover, tell the stories of their actions and their virtue, and prepare for the seasons to come. Virtue is the Ambition of the soul, the currency of the exemplar, and the eternity of the paragon. A season of virtuous discussion would see me well fed - but children of the Autumn realm, you are not like me! This season, while we are not fighting, we will be doing something you will enjoy. Under Mount Polus, the great mountain we call Kaspoena's Reach, there are riches to be found! This season let us sniff out the value beneath the mountain, within the crevasse at its feets. My foxes, lead the way! My minotaurs bring your picks! My spiders, be ready to evaluate what we find! We are bound by common cause - to seek the unspent coin of our mountain, to rejoice in the Prosperity of our industry, to enrich our tomorrows with the work of today.</quote>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cavern's Edge.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
During the Spring Equinox 387YE, the Golden Chalice received an arcane projection from [[Meraud]], the ''King of the Twilight Sun'', that would dramatically and permanently elevate one of the largest peaks in a region. The ''Hand that Shakes the Heavens'' was performed by the '''Ashen Flame''' coven of [[Urizen]], targeting [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] in Zenith. Tremors began to be felt across the territory as one of the mountains, Mount Polus, [[Sound_and_vision#A_Mountain_Rises_(Zenith)|began to rise]]. Shortly before the Summer Solstice, an overwhelming crunch was heard as a crevasse opened at the base of the mountain, beckoning those seeking adventure. Preliminary investigation by the ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'' suggested that an army could be used to explore the crevasse.

Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', issued orders to the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''", and they have done so with all the propensity expected of creatures of the [[Realm#Autumn|Iron Labyrinthe]]. They have found a previously undiscovered vein of [[mithril]] in the series of caverns, which go even deeper than previously believed.

Unfortunately, the crevasse and the caverns it leads to are dark, and there are strange, hostile creatures that dwell in the depths.
==The Treasure of Kespoena's Reach==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kespoena's Nadir'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Bourse Seat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Occursion, Zenith</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 300 thrones in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 10 thrones a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the ''Kespoena's Nadir'' bourse seat that produces 12 wains of mithril a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be announced by the [[Master of the Koboldi]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The General of the Argent Sword has received three wains of mithril from the expedition'''
* '''The mithril vein could be worked, establishing a new mithril seat in Occursion'''
* '''Further exploration will uncover more of the vein, leading to an opportunity for the mine to be expanded'''
The mithril vein could be established as a bourse seat, ''Kespoena's Nadir'', by either Senate motion or by an announcement from an appropriate title. Interestingly, the ''koboldi'', heralds of [[Adamant]], have expressed an interest in being the ones to work on the project and have made clear they consider it to be of appropriate [[Master_of_the_Koboldi#Commission_stone_construction|grandeur]] even if it doesn't involve white granite.

What's more, once complete, an appropriate army could explore even deeper into the cavern. Either the [[Boyar's Hasta]] (hiring the appropriate sell swords), the [[Narwhal's Spear]], the [[Seventh Wave]], the [[Wolves of War]] (employing the appropriate mercenaries), or a different army enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]] could take a defensive order to uncover more of the vein, leading to an opportunity for the mine to be expanded.

==Under Kespoena's Reach==
<div {{float}}><quote by="Gancio di Catazar, Citizens' Voice">To rename Mount Polus in Zenith, the highest mountain in the Empire, to "Kespoena's Reach", after the astronomancer for whom that mountain was raised. Her dream, to rebuild her spire atop the tallest mountain in Zenith, was rendered impossible by the Arch of the Sky quarry - but with Ambition, and love, nothing is beyond our reach. Dare to do the impossible. Dare to dream.</quote></div>
* '''There are six conjunctions to various pockets in the chasm under Kespoena's Reach'''
* '''Each successful conjunction will reduce the cost of establishing ''Kespoena's Nadir'' by eight thrones if commissioned this season'''
* '''If all six are successful, then it will reduce the time to establish ''Kespoena's Nadir'' to three months if commissioned this season'''
The caverns that the crevasse leads to are long and winding; it will cost three hundred thrones to establish routes to and from the vein and establish all the necessary equipment within. There are six opportunities to reduce the cost of the work, and potentially even speed it up if the

The creatures are unknown. The reports from the soldiers of the army have been that they are humanoid, but beyond that it is anybody's guess. Certainly, they are aggressive; one golden spider of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] was bludgeoned in the back of their cephalothorax whilst carefully checking the width of a tunnel.

===Dismal Pit===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''A small band of Disciples of Sulemaine ventured into the cavern when it first opened'''
* '''''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer'' is responsible for killing the Disciplies'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Disciples of Sulemaine, those who clung to the teachings of the [[Sulemaine|Paragon of Blades]] have been encountered in the tunnels of the cavern. Nothing suggests that these Disciples of Sulemaine are the [[To_fight_aloud#Fallen_Hero|widely known]] disciples. Indeed, scouts suggest that this band ventured into the cavern when it first opened and have eked out an ascetic existence ever since. They missed the call to action from the Urizen Assembly and the subsequent war in the mountains that followed. Now, they have found out what happened and have taken to launching ambushes on the Autumn soldiers of the Argent Sword as they pass through winding tunnels, and there is nothing to suggest that they would not do the same to mortal labourers. If they can be dealt with, then it will reduce the need for guards for the labourers passing through this part of the caverns.

If successful, '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' will receive ten crowns from grateful families of the few citizens who lost their lives to the Disciples of Sulemaine before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Fuliginous Burrow===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''A small band of bandits fled ahead of the heralds into the cavern and are holed up'''
* '''The burrow has the potential to be harvested for lightstones for the efforts'''
* '''The ''Architect of Illumination'' is responsible for defeating the bandits'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Some loathsome folks choose to spend their lives taking from others and denying them the [[Prosperity|fruits of their labour]]. A small band of bandits, "''The Nightwoven''", were forced to flee ahead of the army into the caverns and are now holed up. As luck would have it, the burrow the bandits have chosen to make camp in has high potential to be harvested for [[Technology#Lightstones|lightstones]]. If the bandits can be defeated, then keen crafters will journey to the burrow to claim some of the lightstone.

If successful, both the [[Architect of Illumination]], '''Felix of the Wise Citadel''', and whoever is appointed as the [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market]] at the upcoming summit will receive six crowns in thanks from merchants keen to make use of the influx before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Mirksome Tunnel===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''Sentinels who supported the efforts are injured'''
* '''They will need to be treated so they can map their way out'''
* '''The ''Gardener of Pallas'' is responsible for ensuring the sentinels are treated'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
There are several routes from the foothills of Occursion through to the discovered mithril vein. Sentinels from the ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'' were travelling to patrol along the borders of Zenith when the enthusiasm of the Argent Sword led to them joining the efforts to explore the crevasse. The sentinels have done well, but two of their number have been injured, and they face a perilous slog back through the tunnels. Word from the heralds suggests that the sentinels may have uncovered a more efficient route to the vein; if they can be treated, they will be able to map their way out, allowing the labourers to take the much more expedient path.

If successful, the [[Gardener of Pallas]], '''Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel''', will receive a bounty of sixteen herbs from the grateful families of the sentinels before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Caliginous Pocket===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''Creatures are in the way of an underground lake which could be used for supplies'''
* '''If the creatures in the pocket can be defeated, the labourers will be able to use it for water and food'''
* '''The ''Arbiter of the Four Winds'' is responsible for defeating the creatures to make use of the underground lake'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The discovery of the underground lake was perhaps more surprising than the mithril vein. Strange luminescent shapes have been spotted moving under the water, and the bones of fish were found before the golden spiders that stumbled upon the lake were driven away by creatures. The Caliginous Pocket serves as a key chokepoint between wherever the creatures came from and the lake. If the creatures can be defeated, then a cache could be established, allowing the efforts to make full use of the lake.

If successful, both the [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]], '''Donato of the Crucible''', and the [[Keeper of the Study]], '''Annie Webster''', will receive six crowns in thanks from curious gourmands before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Tenebrous Cave===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''Creatures in the cave are preventing a herald from claiming a cache of gemstones'''
* '''If the creatures in the cave can be defeated, the herald can retrieve the valuable gemstones'''
* '''The ''General of the Argent Sword'' is responsible for defeating the creatures'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
One of the fox-like scouts of the army has uncovered a cache of valuable gemstones. Unfortunately, there is a small pack of the strange creatures in the way of the herald of [[Callidus|Callidus of the Coin]]. The herald has no way of defeating the creatures, and time is running out for the vulpine herald to get its fill of precious gemstones. If they can be recovered, then <s>all</s> <s>most</s> some of them will be put towards the establishing of Kespoena's Nadir.

If successful, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', will receive gemstones worth ten crowns from the herald before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

===Twilight Cavern===
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''A scout has uncovered the ideal place to place a location aura to restore heroic will'''
* '''''Herthfire's Hospitality'' or ''Leonine Pavilion'' could be performed in the area to steady the will of labourers'''
* '''The ''Oblivion Sentinel'' is responsible for seeing one of the rituals performed and helping the malaised sentinels'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
If the choice is made to begin establishing Kespoena's Nadir this season, then one of the two rituals that allow the restoration of [[Heroic skills|heroic will]] would be excellent for the work in the Twilight Cavern; an enclosed area near the mithril vein. Unfortunately, those who spend too long in the Twilight Cavern are beset by a strange malaise; some form of [[Roleplaying_effects|miasma]] that saps the sufferer's will and encourages them to simply rest. If that can be dealt with, the cavern will serve as an excellent intermediate resting point; performing either [[Herthfire's Hospitality]] or [[Leonine Pavilion]] here would allow the labourers to rest and recuperate without falling to the miasma. There are a small band of weakened sentinels who will need to be treated, either with an appropriate [[anointing]], or by talking them through the situation whilst the ritual is performed.

One of the heralds of [[Sung]], ''Singer of the Silent Melody'' has asked whoever is appointed as the [[Oblivion Sentinel]] by the Urizen generals this season to intercede and ensure that the ritual, preferably the [[Herthfire's Hospitality|better one]] is performed. If successful, the Oblivion Sentinel will receive three pawns of [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]] from the herald of the Rainbow Serpent before the Winter Solstice 388YE.

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T01:14:20Z

Hailmur: /* Value Beneath the Mountain */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "''sniff out the value beneath the mountain''".

You can find out what they found, and what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach, in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T01:12:44Z

Hailmur: /* Wayfaring Strangers */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run-up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Value Beneath the Mountain===
* '''General of the Argent Sword; ''Kespoena Archsky''; Members of the Senate; ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''; Architect of Illumination; Gardener of Pallas; Arbiter of the Four Winds; Oblivion Sentinel'''
Almost eighteen months ago, an arcane projection raised Kespoena's Reach (formerly known as Mount Polus) to be the highest mountain in the Empire. This, unexpectedly, led to a crevasse opening at the base of the mountain. Last season, the [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]], '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', ordered the heralds of her army to "sniff out the value beneath the mountain".

You can find out more about what lies beneath Kespoena's Reach in the '''[[Value beneath the mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-07T01:12:34Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Gravenmarch, Graven Commons || [[Burning Falcon|General of the Burning Falcon]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Bregasland]]
|-
| 18:20 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mitwold, Oddmire, Sod's Spelunk || '''William Guildenstern''' || [[LINK|Recover the artifact]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Tercia's Bluff || [[Sarangrave|Senator for Sarangrave]] || [[LINK|Destroy the column]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Glade of the Rising Sun || [[Cat's Graces#Maestro|Maestro of the Cat's Graces]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing the Barrens]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, Gizzard's Meadow || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[LINK|Identify and execute the Druj spy]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kahraman, Braydon's Jasse, Uthman's Field || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Kahraman]]
|-
| 19:45 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Contained]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Weeping Glade|| '''Eskah Swift Hart''' || [[Accomplices#Child_of_Sacrifice|Meet with Dochas Weeping Glade]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Slatefair Cave || [[Strategos of Navarr]] || [[LINK|Rescue the hostages]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Sallow Plains || [[Black Thorns|General of the Black Thorns]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Huk'nar Skintwister'']]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Toadwater Catacombs || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[LINK|Stop the ritual]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Forsaken Shaft || [[Strategos|Strategos of Varushka]] || [[LINK|Interrupt the ceremony]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Hammerwright's Folly || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[LINK|Recover the Chain of the Hammerwright]]
|-
| 21:05 || 10 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Secluded Tomb || '''Danika Valentine''' || [[LINK|Investigate the mysterious tomb]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Westfore Tunnels || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj undermining the Tower of the Skink]]
|-
| 21:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Endsfell || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj poisoning wells]]
|-
| 21:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, Nikal's Redoubt || [[Strategos|Strategos of Highguard]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj]]
|-

|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Snaring Marsh || '''Solas of the Spire of the First Light''' || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Shifting Gulch || [[Warmage]] || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || TBC mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Garden of the Perfect World || [[Seeker of the Perfect World]] || [[LINK|Bring Prosperous inspiration to the people of Tsark]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Dismal Pit|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Fuliginous Burrow|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:15 || 50 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Sermersuaq, Tanikipari, Shaore of Atkonaroq || [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] || [[Hidden_inventory#Our_Friends_Beneath_the_Waves|Attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Mirksome Tunnel|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Caliginous Pocket|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Tenebrous Cave|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Value_beneath_the_mountain#Twilight Cavern|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

File:Cavern's Edge.jpg

2026-09-07T01:00:56Z

Hailmur: {{Wikimedia}} Original work by [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Teame01 Teame01] CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ via Wikimedia Commons

== Summary ==
{{Wikimedia}} Original work by [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Teame01 Teame01] CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ via Wikimedia Commons

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-07T00:02:01Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
| [[Wayfaring strangers]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2026/09/07"| 07/09 || Visitors
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season, in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Wayfaring strangers

2026-09-07T00:00:19Z

Hailmur: Created page with "Category: 388YE AutumnCategory:Winds of Fortune <div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seeking profit.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div> ==Overview== It is not just the great and the good of the Empire who come to Anvil each equinox and solstice. The tent-city that springs up around the the Forge attracts visitors from all over the known world, and beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of wealth, some by t..."

[[Category: 388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seeking profit.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
It is not just the great and the good of the Empire who come to [[Anvil]] each equinox and solstice. The tent-city that springs up around the [[Anvil#The_Forge|the Forge]] attracts visitors from all over the known world, and beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of wealth, some by the need to find the wisest and the bravest to help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, and others come to celebrate and forge new relationships with those drawn to the heart of Imperial power.

Some who plan to visit Anvil are at pains to conceal their arrival, or their intentions. Others, though, make no secret of their intentions - indeed, they often choose to send word ahead to ensure that those they hope to make contact with are prepared for them. Here, we talk about some of those who have been most public in their desire to meet those who throng to Anvil.

<span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>

==Friday==

==Saturday==
===Forge and Furnace Fellowship===
{{SOP|statement=The League National Assembly recognises that negotiations between the Forge and Furnace Fellowship and the Senators of the League have begun in good faith over the Tassatan Hills ilium mine. We recognise that the Senators have immediately acted to protect the prosperity of the Tassatan workers through an initial recompense. We urge all parties to be patient, allow negotiations to conclude, and avoid taking any precipitous actions|by=Fabio Costas d'Apulian, League Assembly|vote={{GM}} 334-0|when=Summer 388YE|size=small}}
* '''Representatives of the Forge and Furnace Fellowship visited Anvil last season but were unable to agree on a deal with the Senators for Holberg and Tassato'''
* '''Robert Stewart will be visiting Anvil at 10:30 on Saturday to discuss the matter with the incumbent senators and a representative of the League Assembly'''
Four years ago, the [[Light upon the water|Great Storm of '84YE]] raged, bringing widespread flooding across the Empire. The [[Light_upon_the_water#The_Good_News|good news]] was that it revealed a previously unknown [[ilium]] deposit in the hills of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]], which was [[Exploit Tassatan Hills|established]] as a Bourse seat the following summit.

''Gemma Stewart'', representative of the Forge and Furnace Fellowship, put forward the aid of the mining guild to provide most of the labour and expertise for the project on the proviso that it be made a League position appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. The Senate agreed, and the [[Tassatan Hills]] was established, with the ilium being delivered a year after the storm, at the Autumn Equinox 385YE.

Eleven seasons after it was first elected, during the Winter Solstice 387YE, the seat was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Relinquish_Tassatan_Hills|relinquished]] as a national seat, and then [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Allocate_Tassatan_Hills|allocated]] as an Imperial seat, with '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' winning the seat for 85 thrones.

Last season, representatives met with '''Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg''', [[Holberg|Senator for Holberg]], and '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''', [[Tassato|Senator for Holberg]], to discuss the situation in an attempt to come to an agreement. Talks stalled during the summit, though the Forge and Furnace Fellowship have received 175 thrones in recompense from the Senator for Holberg. During the summit, a [[388YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 111|judgement]], raised by '''Fabio Costas d'Apulian''', which called on all parties to be patient, was upheld with a greater majority by the League Assembly. People have heeded the words of their Assembly, but their patience won't last forever...

Gemma has dispatched her cousin, ''Robert Stewart'', to Anvil to speak with the incumbent senators and a representative of the League Assembly on "''making things right''". Their starting positions remain the same as last season, where they suggested the Tassatan Hills be returned to the League and elected by [[Tally of the Votes]] of League business owners - and the 85 thrones from the auction disbursed to them; ''or'' the [[Arratan Gamble]] being made a League seat, appointed by Tally of the Votes; ''or'' a total of 300 thrones - minus the 175 already paid - in lost earnings over the past eleven seasons (averaging slightly over a five percent interest rate). Robert is keen to negotiate, however and try to find a solution that leaves nobody happy. But if he is unconvinced that there is a plan to settle the matter, then he will return to Tassato and, over the next season, encourage labourers to strike. By the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE, any new commissions in the territory will see their labour cost increased by three crowns per wain until the matter is resolved.

If the matter is not resolved by the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE, then the movement will spread to the other territories of the League, increasing labour costs for new commissions by two crowns per wain.

===Bittersweet me===
<div style="float:right; width: 225px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Reynard of De Gauvain.png|caption='''Reynard of De Gauvain''', Envoy to the Karass|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Anka Karass and two other Karass are making their way to Anvil'''
* '''She is hoping for a private meeting with Reynard of De Gauvain, the Envoy to the Karass, at noon on Saturday in a room near Anvil'''
With little fanfare, Anka Karass and two of her inner circle have slipped across the Barrens and headed for Anvil shortly before the summit begins. The sept are loathed by their peers in the Barrens, and they're not much more popular with the Dawnish, so most people give them a wide berth. Still, news of their involvement in the raid on the [[Forest of Ulnak]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] has spread far. The Rahvin repeatedly warned the Empire that the Karass were treacherous and not to be trusted. But when the long-anticipated betrayal was finally revealed... it appears to have been directed at the Druj. Their assistance was pivotal on the raid - without their aid the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs simply could not have achieved what they did.

Despite that, the situation remains murky - somewhere along the line, [[A_greater_darkness#The_Treachery_of_the_Karass|the Karass split from the main body of the rescue party]] and somehow they have made their own way back to the Barrens. Now it seems that Anka Karass wants to come to Anvil, for the first time ever. Her usual shadow, the herbalist ''Tannuk'' is not with her, but she is bringing ''Lenna'', the sept's shaman and ''Peyo'', the leader of their scouts.

She has made arrangements for a private meeting-room to be prepared at noon on the Saturday of the summit in Outer Anvil, a short distance beyond the Urizeni camp. She's asked '''Reynard of De Gauvain''', the [[Envoy to the Karass]], to meet Lenna at midday at the entrance to the Hall of Worlds - it being as good a landmark as any - and retire with her for a meeting, to discuss the future of the relationship between the Karass and the Empire.

It's all somewhat secretive - which is about what anyone expects from the Karass. She has written to Reynard in advance of the meeting - if Reynard intends to take the meeting, it will be up to the Envoy to decide who he takes with him.

===Fear and Looting in the Sarangrave===
<div style="float:right; width: 225px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=The sodality exists to ensure accountability, protection, and suitable reward for the artefact hunters of the Empire.|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough''', Speaker of the Magpies|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''An Urizeni spire from Sarangrave has discovered a terrible Druj artefact'''
* '''It bears a curse which will be unleashed if it is destroyed without due care'''
* '''They have asked the Magpies to examine it, and will be near the sodality tent from 13:30 on Saturday'''
Members of the Marsh Lantern Spire, a newly established Urizeni settlement in Sarangrave, have been working to understand the areas surrounding their new home. One of the number, a seer by the name of Joanides, uncovered the ruins of an old structure, presumably originally built by the Druj. Within it, the magician found a strange object which exuded a powerful aura of fear.

Together with other members of the spire, they sought to destroy the object with a casting of [[Words of Ending]], however they performed some basic divinations first and discovered that it also bears some additional effects. If destroyed without being properly treated first, it will unleash a powerful curse on the surrounding area, affecting everyone nearby. This, in and of itself, might be manageable. The larger problem is that there is a shroud upon the object, concealing it's history. If it were destroyed without removing the shroud then nothing could be learned from it.

The shroud is too powerful for the spire to remove on their own, and the effects of it too unpleasant for them to leave it in place and await aid, so they have brought the item to Anvil. They would like the [[Magpies]], as the Imperial body with relevant expertise and jurisdiction, to examine it. As such they will be in Anvil Centre around half-past three on Saturday afternoon, where they hope that the [[Magpies|Speaker of the Magpies]], Morgan Drifting Bough, will be able to take them somewhere safe to untangle the web of effects on the item and learn its secrets. They warn that the item may need an assortment of magical and spiritual effects removed. The magpies may wish to ensure they know where to find powerful sects and covens at short notice.

Last season the General Assembly agreed [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|''not'' to investigate the skills, the techniques, and the actual potion recipes that the Druj use to create fear auras]]. They judged it wise to let the art of creating fear die with them and encouraged people to destroy whatever items or learning existed. It's a sensible enough precaution, but it's not needed for people with the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]] and the [[arete]] of the Urizeni.

Joanides will bring the cursed item to the sodality tent for 13:30 on Saturday and look for the Speaker or members of his sodality there.

==Sunday==

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-06T23:51:23Z

Hailmur: /* Not From the Benevolence */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Commonwealth|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[If_we_never_meet_again#Principalities_of_Jarm|If we never meet again]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

===Wayfaring Strangers===
* '''Senators for Tassato and Holberg, and the League Assembly; Envoy to the Karass; Magpies;'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
People visit Anvil for all kinds of reasons. Trade, wonderment, and a chance to meet with the movers and shakers of the Empire. It is no surprise that Anvil is seen as the place to be if you want to get anything of importance done.

You can find out more about some of the folk coming to Anvil this season, in the '''[[Wayfaring strangers]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Little Things===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Senate; Military Council; Folk of Ossium'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. A magocratic nation is ruled by five allegedly immortal orc wizards called the Dragons they were at war with the Empire for much of its history. Now though, they are at peace. An uneasy peace to be sure, secured with the consedence of northern regions claimed as part of Otkodov. But peace nonetheless. For the last year or so, the Thule have been waging war on [[the Mallum]], conquering western [[Forest of Ulnak|Ulnak]] and occupying the northern Druj. They have also been engaging in active negotiations with the representatives of the Empire, arranging deals and agreements that might against all the odds so this peace last longer than perhaps it has any right to.

You can read about recent diplomatic developments, and in particular some upcoming events in [[Ossium]], in the '''[[The little things]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

File:Seeking profit.jpg

2026-09-06T23:51:06Z

Hailmur: {{MBetts}}

== Summary ==
{{MBetts}}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-06T23:10:07Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Gravenmarch, Graven Commons || [[Burning Falcon|General of the Burning Falcon]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Bregasland]]
|-
| 18:20 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mitwold, Oddmire, Sod's Spelunk || '''William Guildenstern''' || [[LINK|Recover the artifact]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Tercia's Bluff || [[Sarangrave|Senator for Sarangrave]] || [[LINK|Destroy the column]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Glade of the Rising Sun || [[Cat's Graces#Maestro|Maestro of the Cat's Graces]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing the Barrens]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, Gizzard's Meadow || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[LINK|Identify and execute the Druj spy]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kahraman, Braydon's Jasse, Uthman's Field || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Kahraman]]
|-
| 19:45 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Contained]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Weeping Glade|| '''Eskah Swift Hart''' || [[Accomplices#Child_of_Sacrifice|Meet with Dochas Weeping Glade]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Slatefair Cave || [[Strategos of Navarr]] || [[LINK|Rescue the hostages]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Sallow Plains || [[Black Thorns|General of the Black Thorns]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Huk'nar Skintwister'']]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Toadwater Catacombs || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[LINK|Stop the ritual]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Forsaken Shaft || [[Strategos|Strategos of Varushka]] || [[LINK|Interrupt the ceremony]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Hammerwright's Folly || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[LINK|Recover the Chain of the Hammerwright]]
|-
| 21:05 || 10 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Secluded Tomb || '''Danika Valentine''' || [[LINK|Investigate the mysterious tomb]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Westfore Tunnels || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj undermining the Tower of the Skink]]
|-
| 21:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Endsfell || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj poisoning wells]]
|-
| 21:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, Nikal's Redoubt || [[Strategos|Strategos of Highguard]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj]]
|-

|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Snaring Marsh || '''Solas of the Spire of the First Light''' || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Shifting Gulch || [[Warmage]] || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || TBC mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Garden of the Perfect World || [[Seeker of the Perfect World]] || [[LINK|Bring Prosperous inspiration to the people of Tsark]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[LINK|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:15 || 50 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Sermersuaq, Tanikipari, Shaore of Atkonaroq || [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] || [[Hidden_inventory#Our_Friends_Beneath_the_Waves|Attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[LINK|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[LINK|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-06T23:07:34Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Gravenmarch, Graven Commons || [[Burning Falcon|General of the Burning Falcon]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Bregasland]]
|-
| 18:20 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mitwold, Oddmire, Sod's Spelunk || '''William Guildenstern''' || [[LINK|Recover the artifact]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Tercia's Bluff || [[Sarangrave|Senator for Sarangrave]] || [[LINK|Destroy the column]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Glade of the Rising Sun || [[Cat's Graces#Maestro|Maestro of the Cat's Graces]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing the Barrens]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, Gizzard's Meadow || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[LINK|Identify and execute the Druj spy]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kahraman, Braydon's Jasse, Uthman's Field || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Kahraman]]
|-
| 19:45 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Contained]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Weeping Glade|| '''Eskah Swift Hart''' || [[Accomplices#Child_of_Sacrifice|Meet with Dochas Weeping Glade]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Slatefair Cave || [[Strategos of Navarr]] || [[LINK|Rescue the hostages]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Sallow Plains || [[Black Thorns|General of the Black Thorns]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Huk'nar Skintwister'']]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Toadwater Catacombs || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[LINK|Stop the ritual]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Forsaken Shaft || [[Strategos|Strategos of Varushka]] || [[LINK|Interrupt the ceremony]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Hammerwright's Folly || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[LINK|Recover the Chain of the Hammerwright]]
|-
| 21:05 || 10 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Secluded Tomb || '''Danika Valentine''' || [[LINK|Investigate the mysterious tomb]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Westfore Tunnels || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj undermining the Tower of the Skink]]
|-
| 21:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Endsfell || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj poisoning wells]]
|-
| 21:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, Nikal's Redoubt || [[Strategos|Strategos of Highguard]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj]]
|-

|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Snaring Marsh || '''Solas of the Spire of the First Light''' || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Shifting Gulch || [[Warmage]] || [[Metamorphosis#Pupate|Interact with the sac of Kroll]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[LINK|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:15 || 50 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Sermersuaq, Tanikipari, Shaore of Atkonaroq || [[Mediator of Hyljehal]] || [[Hidden_inventory#Our_Friends_Beneath_the_Waves|Attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[LINK|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[LINK|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

Goodwill

2026-09-06T22:10:30Z

Hailmur: /* Restriction */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Highest Calling]]
<ic>"You know the problem with some people?" Gavyn was once again in a mood. The new boots he had just finished embroidering with sigil of the Black Thorns as a present for his wife had just been completely vaporised by the scales of a coiled shrike. Myfanwy was also in a mood having just had an unpleasant encounter with a coiled shrike.

"That all they do is moan?", she snarked.

"Yes, that", replied Gavyn, missing the sarcasm completely. "People think that putting someone in charge of something is as good as solving the problem."

"Having people working on a problem ''is'' usually a requirement", sighed Fan.

"Yes, but I mean, giving someone a fancy title is all well and good, but without the actual, you know, power to do something they couldn't do before, how it can make a difference?"

"Things take time," Fan countered, "you can't walk a trod in an afternoon. You need to be patien-"

"I'm sick of being patient! There are folk dying in Therunin right now! We should be there - fighting the vallorn, fighting to save our people. Instead we've got Conclave interdenting rituals meant for fighting the enemy!"

"Inter-dicting, and don't interrupt me, dickhead."

"Sorry love. I just don't understand why we're not doing anything. Why we seem to be going backwards instead of forwards. It makes my blood boil."

"Sounds like ''you'' should run for something then, if you'd do such a good job"

"Fuck no, do you know how much they charge for a slice of cake at Anvil? I've got boots to buy."</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Blood for Poppies.jpg|caption=The final battle against the vallorn looms ever closer.|align=left|width=600|alt=""}}</div>
==Overview==
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations.
==Glorious Blossom==
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send Lord Reynard Griffinsong with 75 liao to urge citizens of the Empire to come to Greenwood Manor to venture forth against the enemy. Let the Vallornguard lead us to glory!|by=Earl of Fools, Dawnish Assembly|vote=242-118|when=Summer 388YE}}
The Dawnish Assembly have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers who might seek to quest against the Vallorn, rather than focusing Dawnish efforts. If the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Knight_of_the_Greenwood|administrative motion]] is passed by the Senate, then military units from across the Empire will be able to undertake the '''Quest Against the Vallorn''' [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|venture]].

More remains to be done, however, and thanks to the skilled negotiation of Dawnish enchanters and their enthusiastic patrons, new opportunities have been negotiated with ''The Lone Swordsman'' while the weavers of Astolat have identified a way to help Dawnish magicians take the fight to the vallorn.

===Silverfire Steam===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Effervescent Brook'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: Ministry''' </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Grovesyard, Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 4 weirwood, 4 ilium and 12 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' One season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Provides an additional ministry to the Tender of the Phoenix Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year </td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Vials of Whitesmoke'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>12 tempest jade</td><td>1 vial</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 tempest jade</td><td>2 vials</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 tempest jade</td><td>3 vials</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Whitesmoke Brook could be diverted to flow through the regio upon which the Flame of the Phoenix is built'''
* '''Doing so would allow the Tender of the Phoenix Flame to purchase vials of Whitesmoke'''
[[Meraud]], or more specifically his herald ''Gwinthav who speaks with Majesty'' has come forward with an offer to the Dawnish in order for them to better combat the threat of the Vallorn. ''Gwinthav'' has an interest in rituals that turn the tide of battle, and knows how to create consumables that boost those that unleash devastating effects on multiple enemies, such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]]. The herald is keen to support their friends in Dawn in getting more of these rituals cast and seizes this opportunity to reach out. They note that [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]] and [[Grave's Treacherous Edge]] are rituals of this kind that are extremely potent when facing the ''Green Tide'', and ''Gwinthav'' is willing to provide vials of the dense mist that rise from the waters of Meraud's lake that can empower magicians to make it easier for them to perform the rituals.

In order to enable the agreement, Whitesmoke Brook would need to be diverted to pass through the regio upon which the [[Astolat#Flame_of_the_Phoenix|Flame of the Phoenix]] is built. The Brook is well known for its natural effervescence, but it is not large. It's much smaller than a river, so diverting it isn't difficult, but it does require some engineering and a touch of magic to bind it all in place. Once done, that would allow ''Gwinthav'' and their apprentices to help the staff of the [[Tender of the Phoenix Flame]] harvest the effervescent water into a strange potion that would boost a magician's ability to cast rituals that invoked the venomous properties of Spring over a large area.
<div style="max-width: 900px;">
<box>'''Vial of Whitesmoke'''<br>
If inhaled, a vial of whitesmoke provides three additional ranks to the next ritual that performed within ten minutes that allows the target to call [[Calls#Mass_Calls|MASS VENOM]] ([[The Grave's Treacherous Edge]] or [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]]), subject to the normal rules for effective skill. The caster regains all expended hero points and mana if they perform an appropriate ritual in the time allowed. This is a tonic, so the effect of any other tonic the magician has drunk immediately ends. Anyone who consumes whitesmoke will experience a heady rush of energy and confidence that leaves most eager to test their ability to push the limits of magic to see how much they could accomplish.</box></div>

===The Outlaw Prince===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Swear to oppose oppressors'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Acceptance</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' The wording must be as follows: "Tyrants can never know Love or Glory. The Eastern Sky swears to overthrow tyrants wherever they are and oppression wherever it may appear."</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows the Eastern Sky to call upon Hayaak's aid when fighting monstrous enemies such as the vallorn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Regardless of who raises the declaration, the oath must be sworn by Dame Aurum or the new General of the Eastern Sky before the Conclave</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Hayaak has offered to support the Eastern Sky to help them to fight the vallorn'''
* '''The General of the Eastern Sky would need to swear a sacred vow before Conclave to oppose tyranny to gain the benefits'''
* '''The general could embrace the eternal to the exclusion of one or more existing patrons of the army'''
The [[Eastern Sky]] is [[Army qualities#Favoured|favoured]] by five eternals of Summer Realm, but not [[Hayaak]], the ''Peregrine Knight''. At one time the ruler of the Forest of Arden, the ''Outlaw Prince'' is now a lone warrior who has made a home of the Badlands. No longer one of the Monarchs of Summer, ''Sharptalon'' now prefers to focus his attention on those individuals who catch his eye, those with promise and the fire to better themselves in their belly.

The ''Hawk Lord'' remains defiant and Proud in his new role, and quick to act over any perceived injustice. He resents that he was unable to offer the Eastern Sky a chance to win his favour as a patron, as if that might imply that he is somehow ''less'' important an ally than those tyrants in their gilded castles. Thus he is eager to take his rightful place as one of the army's patrons, and demonstrate his strength. What's more, while he has changed, his desire to hunt monsters endures, and the great aberrations of the vallorn seem like a worthy challenge for those who would seek his favour.

Thus, he makes an offer to the General of the Eastern Sky. Should they swear an oath to commit themselves to standing against the acts of tyrants wherever they may appear, he will offer them his aid in fighting the Vallorn. This will allow the Eastern Sky to take a new attacking order called '''Slay the Monsters'''.

<box>'''Slay the Monsters'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army against the vallorn are increased by three tenths'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army is increased by one tenth'''

The strength and fury of Hayaak flows through the soldiers of the army, driving them to risk everything to defeat monstrous foes such as the Vallorn. The army's discipline breaks down somewhat, as individuals gloriously engage the largest and most dangerous beasts they can find. The soldiers of the Sky are driven to seek out and test themselves against the greatest fecund creatures that the vallorn's twisted chaos has spawned. Taking down these creatures quickly reduces the strength of any force of the vallorn present, but increases the risk to the soldiers taking on the most dangerous fights.

If a general issues an order to Slay the Monsters while not engaging the Vallorn (the only monstrous threat the Empire faces at this time), then the army will instead make an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|overwhelming assault]].</box>
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">[[file:EasternSky_Colour.png|link=Eastern Sky]]</div>
Hayaak demands that this oath be sworn publicly by one whom people will know can speak with the voice of the Sky - either the current general of the Eastern Sky, '''Dame Aurum De Castellan''', or their successor. Their most recent [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern_Sky|orders]] imply that they do not intend to stand again as general, but Hayaak will accept either them as the long-standing general, trusted by the nation to be the voice of the people's army, or their successor, to start a new chapter in the army's story. Should that oath ever be broken in the eyes of the ''Hunter of Beasts'', however, not only will this support be withdrawn, but his wrath will fall on the Eastern Sky and whoever leads them.

Hayaak does still wish to be clear that he stands ''against'' the Tyrants of the Summer Lands, and so makes a further offer. The General of the Eastern Sky can draw on each of their patrons but once a year - that would include the Peregrine Knight, so they can only use an order to slay the monsters once a year. However, if the Eastern Sky ''renounces'' their patrons by name when they take their vow, the ''Masterless Warrior'' will grant them an additional annual use of this order for each patron renounced.

===The Fool's Council===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td>'''Earls and Enchanters Attending Anvil'''''</tr>
<tr><td> Adela </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adrianna Lysander </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aenar de Forteair </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aeron Rhoswen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aiva Vortekar </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alara Me'drazi </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alaric Primrose </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alexander Tallstag </td></tr>
<tr><td> Althea Lacvaugn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaranth </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aneira Cadwalon </td></tr>
<tr><td> Barbus Hart </td></tr>
<tr><td> Beorn Alaric Valkonen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cain Culrose Veridaine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caladain de Renard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cedric Of Camris </td></tr>
<tr><td> D'Eon </td></tr>
<tr><td> Don Tonberry </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dorian Gryphontale </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Adel de Òrdraig </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Beauregard Summersend </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Ector of House Medwood </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Slava Goranin Du Beste </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Temperance of the Groves </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Xaden Hammerfall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl-Enchanter Ciagan de Rhys </td></tr>
<tr><td> Edvin </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés </td></tr>
<tr><td> Englebert R Angleburr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Guissart Vexille </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwendoline de Morvae </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Ailsa Tamerlaine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Griffinsbain </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Renata de Lagriffe </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lamorak Lacvaugn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilian Goldvein </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Olivia de Havilland </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Tallstag </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Dorian De Licorne </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Edmund the Enchanter of House Torawyr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Loria Sepulchre </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lucien Belmont </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lyr du Charlataine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lyra de Stanton </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mal` Lassal Scethos of House Cordraco </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marrianne of House Elyan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Martin De Rondell </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirella of the Twisted Rose </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morien de Carsenere </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olivier du Stanier </td></tr>
<tr><td> Perrin Syrenus </td></tr>
<tr><td> Reynard Du Vulpe </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rillian De Gauvain </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rosalind du Alle </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ruskin Maddox </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabine Angleburr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seidon Kendaii </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seraphine De Sarroi </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sir Eggbert Ovum </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sir Valstrax Crimsonglow </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sophia Ivarovich Orzel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sotha Me'drazi </td></tr>
<tr><td> The Earl of Fools </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torag Meliora </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tristan Donatien Nicholas Reynauld </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tristan duLac </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulpin de Boarwood </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valentin Ivarovich Orzel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valgrim Ursandir Du Vol </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesenia Hall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesper Lucentia </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''If the Earl's Council officially supports the highest calling it will create a further opportunity to prepare for the fight against the vallorn'''
* '''If the Earl's Council backs a different cause then people will look for an opportunity to advance that goal instead'''
* '''One of the hosts of the Dawnish egregore will be on hand to record if a vote is upheld'''
It was the Earl of Fools who put forward the judgement to the Dawnish Assembly to make the fight against the vallorn Dawn's highest calling. That focus [[Love and monsters|produced a slew of opportunities]] to devote resources to fight the vallorn, which remain available until the end of the Spring Equinox next year. There is more that might be done, potentially, but it's not fully clear that everyone is committed to this cause.

During the conquest of the Barrens, the Dawnish Assembly took a very different view of the struggle than that of some Dawnish generals. It's impossible to know how deep those differences ran, but to many outside Anvil it seemed like the Assembly and their generals were not always on the same page. Perhaps as a result, some nobles and yeofolk, particularly those less inclined to follow the guidance of their Assembly, haven't committed to this cause as strongly as they might.

What would help now would be for the Earl's Council to put their own voice behind that of the Assembly. If they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Assembly and officially agreed that the fight against the vallorn was the nation's highest calling, then that would be bound to generate at least one additional [[opportunity]] for Dawn to prepare for the coming war.

Of course, such a decision implies that Dawn would be making the war with the vallorn a priority over other conflicts, such as the current war with the [[Druj]], or even the battles in the west and the south against the [[Jotun]] and the [[Grendel]]. If you decide something is your ''highest'' calling, then by extension, everything else is less important. The Council could ask those who look to their earls for leadership to make a different issue their priority and find some [[opportunity]] to pursue that cause instead.

To help the council with their determinations, the civil service has provided a list of earls and enchanters who have indicated they are attending Anvil this season.
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Corey Wayfarer with 50 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the Highborn to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Corey Wayfarer, Navarr Assembly|vote=126-50|when=Summer 388YE}}
==Vows==
It is Highguard's turn to receive visiting Navarr, eager to share everything they know that can help undo ''Terunael's Folly'' and provide opportunities for the Vallornguard to prosper across the Empire. Many Navarr are well known to the grey pilgrims from their time walking the trods together in recent years, and they receive a warm welcome in chapter houses across the nation.

The grey pilgrims are eager to discuss the Vallornguard and the fight against the enemy, even as they encourage the Navarr to take advantage of the nation's hospitality. Weary Navarr who have been travelling the Empire are encouraged to [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Unburdening|unburden]] themselves so that they can put aside old responsibilities and prepare to take on new ones as they lead the Empire to war against the vallorn.

===Convergence===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Vallornguard Office'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Riverwatch, Reikos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of white granite and 48 crowns </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Establishes a central headquarters for the Vallornguard
* Grants an income of 15 crowns to the Speaker of the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Vallornguard Chancery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Appraise the construction of a chancery in Reikos or Casinea for the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could commission offices for the Vallornguard in Tabernacle in Reikos'''
* '''The Senate could appraise the possibilities to build a grand chancery for the sodality in either Reikos or Casinea'''
* '''If the resulting commission was successful, then the Senate could order similar appraisals for the other sodalities'''
The Highborn have looked to what new support they might offer the Vallornguard, and they note that there is no central headquarters as yet for the sodality. The [[Vallornguard#Speaker_of_the_Vallornguard|Speaker]] has no offices to occupy, no place to receive delegations, no home to house supporting staff - somewhere those across the Empire can come to offer other aid. The Highborn would be honoured to host the Vallornguard in Highguard, and believe the [[Reikos#The_Unbound_Steel_Hall_(Ruined)|Unbound Steel Hall]] in [[Reikos#Riverwatch|Tabernacle]] would be ideal. It has remained a ruin since the ''scions'' of the [[Cold Sun]] razed it some years ago. The foundations remain, however, and it could be rebuilt as a formidable chapter house for '''Corwyn Heartsbane''' and his successors to situate themselves. The estates in the grounds of the chapter house would provide a valuable income to help the fund of the office of Speaker, helping them to lead the sodality.

The proposal is fine, but they don't go far enough to satisfy everyone. With the backing of the Senate, a much more ambitious structure in Highguard would facilitate a deep well of support for the Vallornguard, which could be transformational for the sodality. ''Exarch Solomon of the Epistemological Architects'', who has recently been helping out with the plans for the Sevenfold Path in the Necropolis, points to the example set by the [[Golden_Pyramid#Grand_Lodge|grand lodge]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] or the [[In_harmony_and_unison|proposal for the Sevenfold Path]] as examples of what can be achieved when the Empire invests the necessary time and resources to create something extraordinary. The Vallornguard is a sodality; in theory, it is as important in its own right as the Conclave - it is every bit as significant as the Golden Pyramid. Why shouldn't support for it match theirs?

Of course that begs the question of what this "chancery" might do and how big it would need to be? The grander the scale, the more impact it will have; such is the way of things. To answer either of those questions, the Empire would need to appraise the possibilities of constructing a chancery for the Vallornguard in Highguard. The appraisal would have to explicitly instruct the prognosticators to look at the others in either Reikos ''or'' Casinea to see what possibilities exist.

If the appraisal was a success and the Senate adopted the commission, then similar appraisal options would be available for the other sodalities - looking to find a suitable chancery to provide a firm base of support for each extension of the Imperial government and to help them uphold their responsibilities and further their goals.

===Reinforcement===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Elect Pilgrim's Defiance via Vallornguard'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion:''' Change the title of General of the Pilgrim's Defiance to be elected by a simple vote of the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The General of the Pilgrim's Defiance is elected by vote of the Vallornguard rather than Highborn Senators
* The title would remain a Highborn position open to any member of the nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Indefinite</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Senate could amend the Pilgrim's Defiance to have it be elected by the Vallornguard'''
* '''With the support of the Vallornguard, the army would gain the ability to preach the end of the vallorn while resupplying, generating liao for the general'''
The Highborn have been committed to the fight against the vallorn for much of the last decade. First, those who felt the calling to be a [[grey pilgrim]] joined the stridings of Navarr to walk the trods. Then, when the call went out for the pilgrimage to end, they came home and formed the core of the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]]. An army whose core purpose is to stand against any horrors the vallorn they may face and now be cowed. Surely, say many grey pilgrims, the general of this army should be elected by the Vallornguard?

Virtue is shown by the unity of word and deed, and so if the Senate show their commitment to the cause by changing the election method of the Defiance to be done by vote of the Vallornguard, the army will be able to spend its time while resupplying preaching and encouraging the citizens of the territory they find themselves in to believe that the Empire is all-in and that the centuries old foe can be defeated in this lifetime. As a consequence, the civil service would supply the general with a commensurate amount of liao as they would for any congregation.

Changing the title to be appointed by the Vallornguard wouldn't change the nation of the title - it would still be a Highborn national position. That means it would be elected by a simple vote of members of the sodality, but the title would be open to any Highborn citizen (even if they weren't a member of the sodality).

<box>'''Preach the end of the Vallorn'''
* '''The army generates liao based on the number of victory points generated'''
* '''Does not change army strength, casualties inflicted or casualties suffered'''
The army spends the the season bolstering the faith of Imperial citizens to stand against the Vallorn, and that the ultimate achievement of its destruction is soon to pass. If the army is not attacked during the season, then a regular army will generate thirty-five liao at full strength, or proportionally less if the army is depleted.</box>

===Cursed Tool===
The Stewards of the [[Necropolis]] have spent the season with the aid of Navarri historians looking through their collections and the various tombs of figures from shortly after the founding of the Empire. After much effort, they have recovered and analysed a relic that appears to have been the property of Rhonwen, the archmage who famously sacrificed herself as part of the [[Reclamation of Seren|reconquest of Seren]]. Seren was recently reborn, but this piece of history may give the Navarri one last look at where that story began, and the Vallornguard some insight into the killing of the first heart.

After careful recovery (and a little restoration), this wand has been found to be capable as acting as a focus for [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to speak with the shade of Rhonwen herself; however, there are some "small" issues that need to be resolved.
*It's cursed. Really, really cursed. This makes it a truly ''awful'' item to handle, but also means that using it for a person who died over three centuries ago is an incredibly volatile and frankly, outright dangerous undertaking. The Stewards are ''pretty'' sure it will call forth the shade of Rhonwen, but cannot vouch for the state of her shade or if anything else might try to come through with her.
*Who should they give it to? The [[Imperial Necromancer]]? The Senator for [[Miaren]]? The Speaker of the [[Vallornguard]]? The [[Archmage of Winter]]? The Stewards ask that the Highborn Assembly guide them as to who, if anyone, care of this item should be given to, in order to arrange the casting. The judgement with the highest margin will tell them who to deliver it to for the Winter Solstice.

The Stewards advise that there was a rather excellent [[On_Rhonwen%27s_Fall|piece]] of [[historical research]] done recently that would be a worthwhile read for any who take an interest in the matter.

==Restriction==
<div {{Float}}>
{{SOP|statement=The Great Forest Orcs see Surut as the Ancestor Slayer - the one who burns down their family in Weirwood Groves. We swear an oath to not use Surut's power in the Vallorn War for deforesting of their ancestral groves. The weirwood protects against the Vallorn. Remember your oaths for the Great Forest Orcs, Navarr. We do not burn our familys souls.|by=Brynmor Rootround, Navarr Assembly|vote=146-80|when=Summer 388YE}}
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Interdict Magical Deforestation'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Interdiction</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Makes it illegal for Imperial magicians to deforest regions using magic</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Declare Enmity on Surut of the Thrice-Cursed-Court'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Alignment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Places Surut under Enmity, making it illegal for Imperial citizens to make deals with the eternal
* The raising order or the Archmage will gain a bequeathment from the Great Forest Orcs while Surut remains under enmity
* If the declaration is raised by the Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration, the bequeathment will go to the individual while Surut remains under enmity</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Imperial Conclave could interdict the practice of destroying areas of forest with magic to improve relations with the Great Forest Orcs'''
* '''If the Conclave places Surut under enmity, the Great Forest Orcs will bequeath three wains of weirwood each season to the order or the archmage that raised the declaration'''
'''Brynmor Rootround''' took it upon themselves to action the [[Survival#Hercynia|request]] made by the orcs of the Great Forest, offering to help defend Imperial infrastructure from the vallorn with regard to their great foe; the [[Surut|Ancestor Slayer]]. It did not achieve a greater majority and thus did not circulate far beyond the priests of Anvil, but the orcs have been in discussion with the vates of Navarr to learn how the Imperial powers of state might be used to achieve their aims. The aegis to determine the fit and proper use of magic falls to the Conclave after all, not the Synod.

This season, the orcs have made an appeal to any who have influence in the Conclave to [[Interdiction|interdict]] the act of magical deforestation. If done, they will follow through with their offer of aid to help fortify the heartwood. Instead, if the Conclave are willing to [[Alignment#Enmity|turn away]] from the ''Silencing Flame'' completely, they will offer a bequeathment of three wains of [[weirwood]] for the order that raises it, or to the office of the [[Archmage of Winter]] if they use their declaration to do so for as long as the declaration stands.

Template:HonourLinks

2026-09-06T21:14:58Z

Hailmur:

==All Rolls of Honour==
===388YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 388YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 388YE|Spring Equinox]]

===387YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 387YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 387YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 387YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 387YE|Spring Equinox]]

===386YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 386YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 386YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 386YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 386YE|Spring Equinox]]
===385YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 385YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 385YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 385YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 385YE|Spring Equinox]]
===384YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 384YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 384YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 384YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 384YE|Spring Equinox]]
===383YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 383YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 383YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 383YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 383YE|Spring Equinox]]
===382YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 382YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 382YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 382YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 382YE|Spring Equinox]]
===381YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 381YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 381YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 381YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 381YE|Spring Equinox]]
===380YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 380YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 380YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 380YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 380YE|Spring Equinox]]
===379YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 379YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 379YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 379YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 379YE|Spring Equinox]]
===378YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 378YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 378YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 378YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 378YE|Spring Equinox]]
===377YE===
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 377YE|Winter Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 377YE|Autumn Equinox]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 377YE|Summer Solstice]]
* [[Archive:Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 377YE|Spring Equinox]]

Imperial Roll of Honour

2026-09-06T21:14:09Z

Hailmur:

==Overview==
The Imperial Roll of Honour is a list of [[military unit|military units]] that have supported the Empire's [[Army|armies]] each season. The lists are compiled by civil servants following [[Commission_roll_of_honour|a motion]] passed by the [[Senate]].

==388YE Summer Solstice==
{{Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 388YE}}
[[Category:Roll of Honour]]
[[Category:Military Council]]
__NOTOC__

Archive:Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 388YE

2026-09-06T21:14:06Z

Hailmur: Created page with " <table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Support</th><th>Citizen</th><th>Nation</th><th>Territory</th><th>Banner</th></tr> <tr><td>Forest of Ulnak spy network</td><td>Alma Groves</td><td>Dawn</td><td>..."

<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Support</th><th>Citizen</th><th>Nation</th><th>Territory</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td>Forest of Ulnak spy network</td><td>Alma Groves</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Heron Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Etheldreda Dunhorning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Finn ulson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Quintaras Halivor</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Ulfric Ursine</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aaro</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Bloodforge Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Tostig</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Corvenhal</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aelson Dunhearth</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Aengel Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Bronn Dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Ghelwyn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Hagen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Horst Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Nerian Hererinc</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Rek Martinez Dunqueza</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Seht Ravenson of Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Björn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Eira Spire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Yorrick Frostmane</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Furia</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Fellstar Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Elgar Angusson Krakenring</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Black Feathered Kolnya</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Zbigniew Mrakovna</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Dark Water Vale</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Orva Pirittasdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Tyburn Natkysset</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Witgast Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Arja Riftweaver</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>House Gerís</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Gerrick Wind Ward's Guardian</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Kraken's Vanguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Oona</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Stormspire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tsirku spy network</td><td>Yrsir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Stormspire</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Theodore Camofleur</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Bottom Brewer</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Maris Pipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Edwin de Warrenne</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Order of the Forgotten Word</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Jackin Aldreda Magnus</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Iago i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Shivana i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Godwin Tidgarsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Cynwulf Ashburh</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Darkwolves of Argonne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ivar Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Leif Dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Arnod Terning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Hall of the Frozen Tern</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Kari Terning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Hall of the Frozen Tern</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Renwaerd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Rane Shardbearer</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Liovani í Vella í Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td>Flames of the Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Theomer Leofricsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Brackenbeak Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>John a Woode</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Gerald Calvert</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Jim Cladpole</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ivan</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Kurstrozi Outpost</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Arlandria of the Sentinels Tower</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Felix</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lydia of Nakir's Haven</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Aracelis I Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Segura</td><td>Flames of the Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Ethelfrith Sigeling</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Kellua Itsepainen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Alaric Primrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Mattorigus</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Therunin</td><td>Thornvale</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Stafford of Boarbridge</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>House Boarbridge</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>'Green' Jack Woodruff</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Aelfric Woodson</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Hyorin Hunt</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Applewood Levy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Alfred Houtman Fella</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Mildred of Mumford</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Amberlain P. Black</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Vesper Lucentia</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Lucentia</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lady Nymeria Mortére</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burning Falcon</td><td>Lord Daemon Mortére</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Arthur Beaumont</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Baz</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Guy Grimbold-Antenucci</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Logan Olivia de Havilland</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rikard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Robert de Laroc</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Galleron</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Martin De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nimue</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rhydian de Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Thomas De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>William de Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ector Meliora</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Meliora</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Amalchor "Hunter" Sepulchre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valdek</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Abathar</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Brother Isaiah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lucifer</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Moses</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nathaniel</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Raziel</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sarah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Titus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Shattered Tower Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Wildfyre of Balthazar’s Vineyard</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>The Blades of Balthazar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Zachariah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Synanthe Tiraz</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Woodwych Harts</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oola of The Proud Quill</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Yrhara</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Davinov Egorushkin Karevelov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Nikolai Yaropolk Borislav</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sketchemi Justicast Mentyevik</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Zora Aleksanda Morozova</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Hearth & Honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Serafina Semenov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>The Pinewheels</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Rumen Nowak</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karov</td><td>Wulfen Reavers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Anton Kohut</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Viktor Ostrostan</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Valakaulau</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Vale of Yarizov</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod)</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Vardovich</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Tommy Cardel</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Miaren</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Kalas Realm Reach</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Miaren</td><td>Realms Reach</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Iarovit Zorczek Przewałski</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Mishka Varkov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oksana Leszekovna Nadovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ekaterijna Nadyovna Gremani</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Family Gremani</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Wardens of the Grateful Hearth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>E'nareon</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Dae</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cassian Highwind</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valerian</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Valerius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Bernard Dugdale</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>Mournwold Sappers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Ananias</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Solomon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Miriam Magdalene of the Cenotaph</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>Banner of the Cenotaph</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>Cohort of the Winter Bear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Velika Belharovich Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Den of The Forest Fox</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Mayra Zoronova Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Endless Eyes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vesna Borkovna Prochnost</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>The Wolves Hearth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Czarek Madej</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Oksana Volny</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sulivarova Sirota</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Vale of Luminous End</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Edric of Urizen</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Arete's Promise</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Arete's Promise</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Atreus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus Stillwater</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Marcus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Argentus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Althaea Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Boagrius Stillwater</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Setir</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Redoubt</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Esther of The Flame Beneath The Earth</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Issachar of Rebekah's Fall</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vardas Sentinels Tower</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Cyrus, of Ebon's Hall</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td>Ebon's Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Malachai of Steeplechase Toll</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td>The Outriders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Bartimaeus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Sarangrave</td><td>Scythe of The Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Sarangrave</td><td>Scythe of The Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Emeric Rosengard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Olek A'Hagen ne Ossium</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Elyan De Courtenay Wyldrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Thorns of Semmer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Floria Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Spiral</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa</td><td>The League</td><td>Tassato</td><td>Company of The Red Fox</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Brenard of House Ordraig</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lady Melissant de Renard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Earl Temperance of the Groves</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Rondell</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Galahad Wilym</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Sebastián Fawnwood</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Adrianna Lysander</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Lysander</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lord Rodric Lysander</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Lysander</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Caladain de Renard</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House de Renard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lleu Winter's Reach</td><td>Navarr</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>The Thornborn of Black Scar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Soběslava Soběslavna Sovová</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Volodmartz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Lysander Maximón Alastair Reynauld</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Tristan Donatien Nicholas Reynauld</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Reynauld</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Saraniz</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Yarvi Swiftwind</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Aella</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Athenus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Vespasian</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Tropaion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Citadel Guard</td><td>Linos</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Iñez i Azul-Mar i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td>Bloodgold Jackals</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Lazarus</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>John of Meade</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>mitwold exiles</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drakes</td><td>Fay Baker</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Myriad</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Duncan Weaver</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Goldvein</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Orias Sepulchre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Elio Sepulcre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lord Marcus Montrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Istevan Marshall</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>Winged Lions</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Roman</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Bastion</td><td>Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Barachel of Adina's Charge</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Daintree Survivors</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ezekial of Adina's Charge</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Casinea</td><td>Daintree Survivors</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Erlend Gunnulfsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hama</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Viggo Icebear</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aelthrik Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mertag dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sari</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Theomere Swiftstride</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Shield Wolves</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hildburg?</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Oberon Potter</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Utread Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vidor Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lucius</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Rædmund Horn-Tongue</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Artic</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Grymnir “Gallows”</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Karsk</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vincente i Zayden i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Madruga</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Fixxa</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Unna the Forager</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Brog</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Gaddak</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Kadd</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Pathfinder Karv</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Pathfinders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sand Viper Ikk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sandviper Nid</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Stonesworn Atta</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Mareave</td><td>Stonesworn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Branislav Vuk Strascovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Miekarova</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Anthony Fenwick</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>David Talbot</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Donald Talbot</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Clerk</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Jericho</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kazan</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Auxillio Medica</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Chronos</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cyrus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ezerius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kwazii</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sicarius</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Morrow</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Adamah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Benjamin</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dubidai</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Inigo</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Keziah</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Yorden</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Abaddon</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Almodis of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Decimus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Icarus of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Jack Flint</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Loken</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mathayus</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Solomon of the Silent Tide</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Archer</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Necropolis</td><td>The Steel Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Vojsuli Cherenkov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Cherenkov Outpost</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dragomihr Oskykov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td>Grimhold Guard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cherith</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Reikos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Giuliano Stefano Grimbold-Antenucci di Sarvos</td><td>The League</td><td>Sarvos</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Earl Percival Summerstrong</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Amicia of the Semmerlak</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aneira Cadwalon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Olwyn Pickle</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Mordred De L’icorne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Semmerholm</td><td>House de Licorne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Friþmær Sunhildsdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ragnhild "Honeytongue" "Thrice-Passed" Skaersdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Fellowship of the Broken Willow</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hilda</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Saker</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Kali Keen-Eye</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Saker</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Seffra Broadmeadow</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>The Winter Wolfborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Karrak</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bloodcrow Gol</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bloodcrow Rasp</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>FLECK</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Rasputin Di Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Tassato</td><td>The Jolly Jackdaw Cartel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Hildebrand Von Holberg, Of The Temple of Nine Fingers</td><td>The League</td><td>Temeschwar</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cassandra Du Creed</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Radzic Kobila of Skallitz</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Bertrand Gardener</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aenar de Forteair</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Forteair</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Horatio "Hal" Drayton</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Du Froste</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Juniper Wainwright</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Du Froste</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Fierra Le Fey</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Taillefer</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vexille</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Aiva Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Cain Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sevarion Vortekar</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Vortekar</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Sayl of Houndsgate</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Order of the Hounds Arisen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Watt of Lambrook</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>House Balston</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Avedon de Remourics</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Thorn</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Dame Aurum De Castellan</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Leon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Lady Olivia Lucentia</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Lucentia</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>William Sommer of The Forest Primaeval</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Mortére</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Circe Severyan Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Daugon Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Olias Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Richaerd</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Zoran De Orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>sauda castella orzel</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>House Orzel</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Reynard Griffinsong</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Grakulus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern Sky</td><td>Herminius of the House of the Wanderer</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire of the South</td><td>Sigeferth Gunnulfsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire of the South</td><td>Mattias i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Kahraman</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Axe</td><td>Towlen Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Hercynia</td><td>Deadfall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Axe</td><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Kain Sellbrand</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Caerleon</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Percival Uther Bomound Caerleon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Caerleon</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Loras Órdraig</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Olivier du Stanier</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House De Montrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lions of Adelmar</td><td>Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lions of Adelmar</td><td>Willow</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td>House Cordraco</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Wind Corsairs</td><td>Hiba i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Feroz</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sparrows Reckoning</td><td>Florian von Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Temeschwar</td><td>Chimera's Calling</td></tr>
<tr><td>Star Forged</td><td>Delora i Sol-Devorador i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Madruga</td><td>Krakenfire Armada</td></tr>
<tr><td>Strong Reeds</td><td>Rowan Gotts</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Hartell Household</td></tr>
<tr><td>Strong Reeds</td><td>Bill of Middleton</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Jack Ashton</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Riley Aspen</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tusks</td><td>Robin Blackthorn</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Fire of the Marches</td></tr>
</table>
<div style='font-size: 0.75em;'>Last updated 06/09/2026</div>
{{Template:HonourLinks}}
[[Category:RollOfHonour]]

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-06T19:24:50Z

Hailmur: /* Friday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Gravenmarch, Graven Commons || [[Burning Falcon|General of the Burning Falcon]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Bregasland]]
|-
| 18:20 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mitwold, Oddmire, Sod's Spelunk || '''William Guildenstern''' || [[LINK|Recover the artifact]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Tercia's Bluff || [[Sarangrave|Senator for Sarangrave]] || [[LINK|Destroy the column]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Glade of the Rising Sun || [[Cat's Graces#Maestro|Maestro of the Cat's Graces]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing the Barrens]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, Gizzard's Meadow || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[LINK|Identify and execute the Druj spy]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kahraman, Braydon's Jasse, Uthman's Field || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[LINK|Prevent Janon heralds from cursing Kahraman]]
|-
| 19:45 || 4 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Contained]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Weeping Glade|| '''Eskah Swift Hart''' || [[Accomplices#Child_of_Sacrifice|Meet with Dochas Weeping Glade]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Slatefair Cave || [[Strategos of Navarr]] || [[LINK|Rescue the hostages]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Sallow Plains || [[Black Thorns|General of the Black Thorns]] || [[LINK|Kill ''Huk'nar Skintwister'']]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Toadwater Catacombs || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[LINK|Stop the ritual]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Echofell, Forsaken Shaft || [[Strategos|Strategos of Varushka]] || [[LINK|Interrupt the ceremony]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Lower Saarnath, Hammerwright's Folly || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[LINK|Recover the Chain of the Hammerwright]]
|-
| 21:05 || 10 || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Secluded Tomb || '''Danika Valentine''' || [[LINK|Investigate the mysterious tomb]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Westfore Tunnels || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj undermining the Tower of the Skink]]
|-
| 21:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Endsfell || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj poisoning wells]]
|-
| 21:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, Nikal's Redoubt || [[Strategos|Strategos of Highguard]] || [[LINK|Stop the Druj]]
|-

|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[LINK|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[LINK|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[LINK|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

Technology

2026-09-06T19:00:56Z

Hailmur:

==Overview==
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lightstones.jpg|align=right|caption=Lightstones are just one of the discoveries that sets Empire apart from the real world.|width=600}}</div>
While the basic technology of the game is aimed at a magical-medieval tone, there are a few things that go beyond the historical equivalents in the setting. This page lays out some of the important elements of common technology in the Empire that distinguish the setting from historical Europe. Most of these additions are designed to provide in-character explanations for real world technology - to make the setting fit the game better.

It is important to note that Empire is ''not'' a game of technological exploration - technological advancement and invention are not themes of the game. This means that you cannot invent binoculars by putting two spyglasses together - this is against the spirit of the game and would fail if you tried it. Substances like gunpowder are not part of our setting and cannot be researched or discovered.

==Lightstones==
Lightstone is an uncommon crystalline mineral mined primarily in the peaks of [[Urizen]], although there are also small deposits in the mountains of [[Kahraman]], [[Wintermark]], and [[Varushka]]. In its natural state, it is translucent and may be mistaken for a form of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. When properly cut and polished, however, the unique property of the lightstone is revealed; the stone glows, producing light without heat.

The size, shape, and quality of the stone affect the amount of light given off. The Urizen have discovered that the best shape for worked lightstone is a sphere - dramatically increasing the amount of light given off. In almost all cases, they have noted an inverse relationship between the size of the stone and the amount of light given off - smaller stones tend to produce more light than larger stones. There are exceptions, of course - but any lightstone larger than a few inches across that provides significant light is rare enough to be practically unique.
__TOC__
The Urizen are masters of working with and using lightstone. For example, they pioneered a process whereby lightstone can be treated with a carefully prepared solution of beggar's lye, iridescent gloaming, and ambergelt that causes the light of the stone to become tinted - most commonly blue, green, or red. Likewise, they are adept at combining lightstone with polished mirrors to focus or direct the light the stone provides. Urizen lanterns are very much in demand by miners (they are much safer to use underground than naked flames) and by sailors (no amount of water extinguishes a lightstone). Properly cared for, they can provide light for decades or (in rare cases) centuries without dimming.<br><br>
'''Lightstones in play'''<br>
Lightstones are a justification to use modern lighting in the field. Modern LED lights, in particular, are particularly useful in LRP, and while a modern torch isn't appropriate in the setting, you can buy cool looking LED lanterns or make your own. The ideal phys-rep for a lightstone will have something to diffuse the light, to further hide its modern character.

==Printing Press==
In the Empire, the first printing presses were designed and built in [[Tassato#Tassato Regario|Tassato Regario]] and the first presses were employed here printing religious tracts, scholarly treatises and political manifestos. Today, the device is known throughout the Empire and beyond (it is popular in the [[Commonwealth]], while other foreign nations largely view it as an amusing novelty). Many presses, especially the smaller ones, still use the original woodcut block [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw_press screw-press], but in the last thirty years or so a handful of printers (mostly in the League) have begun to explore the miracle of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movable_type movable type].

The art of printing is still closely associated with [[the League]] in many minds. Easily three-fifths of all printing in the Empire takes place in [[Tassato]], where rival printing houses compete for customers and work to explore new innovations such as colour, and the recreation of line drawings (although as to the latter several houses are now experimenting with acid etching and similar techniques to reproduce images - the innovative spirit of the League in action). Printing houses allow for a volume of trade that helps to keep the actual costs involved relatively low - it is reasonably common for visitors to Anvil to encounter printed pamphlets, fliers, posters, and the like. By comparison, printed books are uncommon - and even then they tend to be on the short side.
<br><br>'''Printing presses in play'''<br>
The printing press exists to allow players to use word processors and printers rather than doing everything by hand. Producing a pile of pamphlets, fliers, or posters is something anyone can do; there are also player groups who roleplay that they run printing houses, and are usually happy to let a player add their "stamp of approval" to any printing they might do. Printed books, on the other hand, are not common - they exist but they tend to be slim volumes rather than thick novels, and tend to have a limited print run. This reflects the fact that it is much easier for players and plot-writers to produce a short pamphlet than an entire book.

==Literacy and Numeracy==
Since the time of [[Emperor Giovanni]], the Empire has prided itself on providing every citizen with access to education in reading, writing, and numeracy. Not everyone is literate to the same degree; conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia are well-known in the Empire. This level of education is not the standard for the entire world - while the Commonwealth matches the Empire in its commitment to basic education, other nations are a lot more haphazard in their approach. In many parts of the world, the ability to read and write is rare outside the privileged classes.

In terms of mathematics, the Empire is quite advanced compared to the medieval world. Algebra and geometry are well understood, and some scholars (especially in Urizen) explore the world of numbers with a similar fervour to that with which wizards study the realm of magic.
<br><br>'''Literacy and numeracy in play'''<br>
Illiteracy of Imperial citizens is not a significant theme of roleplay at Empire. Dyslexia is included in our setting as a way for dyslexic players to play dyslexic characters if they wish to do so (and likewise for dyscalculia and similar). We would ask players who are not themselves dyslexic to be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who experiences literacy difficulties.

Books should be phys-repped with an actual book, but that isn't always possible and there are accessibility reasons why someone might need to use an alternative. There are no "magic books" in Empire, but a player who needs to use a tablet to access the wiki or help with things like ritual calculations can do so. Players should make every effort to disguise it as a physical, mundane book. Be aware that while nobody will have any in-character reason to take the item, it [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil|may be inadvertently taken]] if it is stored in an in-character bag with other belongings.

Because these devices represent physical books in character, we ask that players only use them where there is an access need and check them as briefly and discreetly as possible. If you need to store documents and information that is not on the wiki then please also provide a printed copy for other players who need to read the information. This ensures that another character can flick through the text and discover any secret or hidden information contained therein - which is not possible with another participant's electronic device.

==Medicine==
The world of Empire has significant magical healing. The five magical [[herbs]] and spells such as [[heal]], [[purify]], and [[restore limb]] mean that many injuries or illnesses that might otherwise be fatal or life-changing can be healed quickly and usually without lasting consequences. At the same time the mundane medical sciences - the arts practiced by [[Surgical_skills#Physick|physicks]] - have been refined and developed over centuries. Even without herbs a skilled physician can heal injuries, repair broken limbs, provide effective pain relief, and diagnose complex conditions. The Empire takes the health of its citizens seriously, with senators and priests alike regularly arguing that ensuring "''prosperity and dignity''" begins with ensuring freedom from ill health. Physicks and magical healers alike are treated with respect throughout the Empire. People still die of sickness, accidents, or violence - and death remains untreatable. There is nothing in the world of Empire that can save a character who is terminal or bring them back to life.

Imperial medicine is especially effective in the care of pregnant people and infants. Death in child birth, miscarriage, and infant mortality are rare, but not unknown, tragic events. A [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]] will treat any issues during childbirth using herbs and be successful most of the time. Pregnant people are assumed to make their own decisions about what risks they want to undertake; it is considered egregious to try and tell them what they should or should not do.
<br><br>'''Medicine in Play'''<br>
By the nature of the game, most of the rules for healing are centred around treatment of wounds sustained on the battlefield. Of course, illness, disease, ageing and death are facts of life in the Empire world, just as they are in our own, but it is unlikely that a character will die from a mundane infection or illness. There are sicknesses that cannot be treated with herbs or healing magic, but they are comparatively rare, and more akin to a [[curse]] than a mundane ailment. When thinking about medicine in the Empire world, the assumption is that the average Imperial citizen enjoys a similar level of access to healthcare as a citizen of the United Kingdom in the 21st century - not a peasant in the 12th century. Some discussion of medicine in the Empire world can be found on the [[healing in Empire]] page.

This is especially true of healthcare related to pregnancy and childbirth. Miscarriage and death in pregnancy are not themes of the game - they exist in the setting so that players who need to refer to them for real world reasons can do so. Players who have not themselves had a miscarriage should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has experienced any kind of difficulty with childbirth. Out of character our [[combat_safety#Battle_Safety|event safety rules]] make clear that any player who is advised by a medical professional to avoid strenuous physical activity - should not participate in fighting. This means that an OOC decision to participate in any part of Empire is a matter for the player based on the medical advice they have received and is not a matter for other participants to comment on.

Bear in mind that permanent life-changing injuries are not a theme of our game because we don't want our game mechanics to trivialise these injuries. We never want a situation where someone with an out-of-character disability is asked in-character why they don't use a ritual such as [[Blood of the Hydra]] to remove their disability. This is one of the reasons our existing [[healing in Empire]] page talks about [[Spring magic]] speeding up natural healing processes rather than regenerating lost limbs or the like. Disabilities and long-lasting or permanent injuries exist in the setting but players who are not themselves disabled should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has any kind of long-term disability.

==Bitterweed and Contraception==
Bitterweed grows throughout the Empire and beyond, a hardy herb that seems to flourish equally well in most climates. Visually similar to fennel, it has distinct orange-red flowers and stout, succulent stems. The flowers themselves have no particular properties, but the juicy stems are extremely valuable. Bitter to the taste, they render anyone who consumes them temporarily infertile - and are equally effective on humans, orcs, and animals such as sheep and cows.

Chewed raw, a bitterweed stalk will render anyone regardless of anatomy infertile for about a week. Properly prepared and steeped in hot water, it produces an exceptionally bitter tea that can induce infertility for a season. Some apothecaries know the trick of brewing it with [[bladeroot]] to create a potent infusion that can induce infertility on a permanent basis - at least until an antidote brewed of [[Imperial Roseweald|Imperial roseweald]] and [[marrowort]] is administered. The effects of bitterweed can be washed away completely by relatively straightforward ritual magic as well - [[Fan the Flame of New Life]] for example will burn away infertility caused by using bitterweed.

While many users choose to add honey or sugar to their bitterweed tea to make it more palatable, it is effectively impossible to administer the herb to anyone without their knowledge. The unique bitter, slightly nutty taste is instantly identifiable to any adult and they can easily spit it out before swallowing it.
<br><br>'''Bitterweed and contraception in play'''<br>
In Empire, it is uncommon for someone to become pregnant or to sire a child without intending to, due to the wide availability of cheap and effective methods of herbal contraception. As a result, no player-character is ever considered to be fertile unless they want to be - the assumption is that anyone who wishes to opt out has simply been using bitterweed to ensure they are not fertile. This means that no player can be involved in baby-related plot without their explicit permission
{{CaptionedImage|file=Varushkan Spectacle.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The herb itself is based fairly obviously on stories of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silphium silphium] - and is included mostly as an example of several similar herbs. Other forms of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_contraception medieval contraception] are also in use in the Empire world.

==Spectacles, Spyglasses, and Lenses==
Spectacles are known throughout the Empire. The best spectacles come from Urizen, but the most commonly used are produced in the League. They are a widespread, comparatively inexpensive, method of aiding poor sight. Their origins are lost in antiquity; they are known worldwide and the common belief is that they were invented in the Asavean Archipelago centuries ago.

The spyglass, by contrast, is more easily nailed down; it was invented in the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. Urizen and [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] ship captains first brought the spyglass to Imperial shores, and helped popularise it, and in conjunction with the League natural philosophers made several advances on the original design. Spyglasses are expensive, and fragile, but almost anyone who can afford a ship can afford to equip themselves with one. They are also occasionally used on battlefields, or by scouts exploring enemy positions. There are also a very few rare examples built in the mountains of Urizen that are used in the exploration of [[astronomancy]] (although even an Urizen astronomancer is just as likely to make use of an enchanted [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] bowl to study the heavens as an expensive system of lenses and prisms). They are largely seen as a practical device used by practical people rather than a tool for natural philosophers.

Magnifying glasses are also known, but they are even rarer than spyglasses due to their relative fragility. They are commonly used by scholars and natural philosophers, although anyone who performs fine work (jewellers and locksmiths for example) may make use of one. Some lens makers have experimented with making magnifying glasses out of tempest jade - properly shaped, a thin sheet of that volatile material tends to be more durable than even the finest glass.{{CaptionedImage|file=RhiSpecced.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
'''Spectacles, spyglasses, and lenses in play'''<br>
Anyone can wear glasses or spectacles. Aspirationally, something that looks a little archaic is ideal but modern glasses are a suitable phys-rep for Empire spectacles. There are even a few pairs made with smoked glass or tempest jade, designed to protect sensitive eyes from bright light. Likewise, anyone can own a spyglass or magnifying glass - although such items are not common in the general population, people who attend Anvil are assumed to be rich or influential enough to bring what they please with them.

Contact lenses do not exist - but there is a simple herbal treatment (involving eye drops) that can provide a short-lived improvement in vision that may be used to explain how someone who wears glasses is able to operate without them for short periods of time if they are OOC using contact lenses.

There are no microscopes or binoculars in Empire - such things do not exist in the setting and should not be used.

==Clocks, Clockwork, and Time==
The Grand Clocktower in [[Holberg]] - a mechanical time-keeping device on a massive scale and a unique wonder in the Empire - was built by the founders of the famous [[Holberg_spoils_of_war#Wunderkind|Wunderkind]] guild. Significantly less impressive clocktowers are found in all [[the League]] cities, and in places such as [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] and the [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|White City of Bastion]]. As understanding of clockwork has slowly advanced, smaller and smaller clocks have begun to appear. When most people think of a clock they imagine the grand mechanical devices overlooking busy squares; wealthy individuals can also afford a personal clock that they keep in their own homes. Indeed, within the last few years even smaller clocks - clocks that can be kept in a pouch or pocket - have become fashionable (although they remain quite expensive). These "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_watch pocket clocks]" are especially prevalent at Anvil, where the richest and most influential people gather.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueClock.jpg|Caption=The League plaza clock in Anvil.|align=right|width=450}}
During summits, clocks are used to help regiment the day. Meetings are organised using an agreed on sequence of hours based on the Grand Clocktower in Holberg. An hour is sixty minutes, and for most people progresses in "half hour" increments - anything smaller is generally unnecessary. Only the [[Conclave]] really worries about partitions of time smaller than half an hour. Indeed, most people tell the time by looking at the sky, and judging whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night.

Clocks are not the only method of measuring the passage of time, and they are not cheap. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Sundials Sundials], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Candle_clocks candle clocks], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hourglass sand clocks], and water clocks (especially [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock#Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman versions]) are all common devices used throughout the Empire to measure the passage of time.

Clockwork has also found other applications; clockwork music boxes and mechanical toys are popular, if expensive, diversions for the wealthy. They tend to be unique items, patiently created by skilled crafters, and are by no means common. They often incorporate gears and springs made from alloys of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], and mithril.
<br><br>'''Clockwork in Play'''<br>
Clockwork is mostly employed for making clocks and one-of-a-kind, luxurious toys. Ideally, clocks should be bulky and try to capture the aesthetic of the appropriate nation - for example a Wintermark clock may bear runes, an Urizen clock might include mirrors or lights, and a Varushkan clock may be kept carefully in a locked wooden box. Pocket clocks (pocket watches) likewise should ideally look more archaic than the traditional Victorian or Edwardian model. Wristwatches as not appropriate for in-character use at Empire.

Appropriate toys include music boxes, and the occasional wind up model that moves or performs a simple action. In the Empire setting, clockwork is utterly incapable of providing motive power to large moving objects, nor can it be used to make complex machinery; this remains a medieval fantasy setting so elements of steampunk or brasspunk are not permitted.

==Runeboxes and Runebound Chains==
Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. Developed recently in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such boxes and chains are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.
<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>
The [[Stealing|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal a gold-ribboned item. If a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.

Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, and we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.

==Flashpowder and Fireworks==
Flashpowder, and similar theatrical substances, are used across the Empire in stage-shows, especially in the League and Brass Coast. It is often used to great effect in rituals - and not just those employing [[dramaturgy]]. It is not cheap, but neither is it a great expense - most professional stage magicians, actors, or ritualists can lay their hands on a quantity.

Fireworks also exist - from sparklers to rockets that create short-lived, glowing flowers in the night sky. The best fireworks in the Empire are made in the Brass Coast, and employ a fine dust made from ground [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. Fireworks come in a variety of forms and colours, but they are expensive - they are a luxury item used on special occasions. Fireworks are useless as weapons - experiments have proved that the material in fireworks provides a lot of sound and light, but almost no force and relatively little heat.
<br><br>'''Flashpowder and fireworks in play'''<br>
Fireworks exist, but gunpowder does not. There are no rockets or guns in the Empire world.

There are strict rules governing pyrotechnics at events, as detailed in our rules for [[Weapon_checking#Banned_items|banned items]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=WoodlandPath.jpg|align=right|title=A trod rarely travels in a straight line for long.|caption=Some trods are roads, others winding paths.|width=250}}

==Trods, Roads, and Ox-carts==
The Empire world lacks [[horse|horses]], but traders and travellers alike make use of [[Mundane_beasts#Oxen|oxen]] to pull wagons and carts. Riding is largely a forgotten, semi-mythical art. Outside of creatures of the realms, people don't really entertain the idea of riding animals. In particular, mounted cavalry is unknown in the modern Empire world (and even in the past were mostly unknown outside of the Empire). Some nations such as the barbarian orcs and the Jarmish princes make use of elephants, dire rhinos, and similar large creatures as mobile siege engines, but such things are rare, and large creatures expensive to raise, train, and maintain.

The Empire is covered by a network of roads, haphazardly built up over centuries to connect population centres. Their quality varies extensively from the carefully laid and hearth magic enhanced [[Varushkan Road|highways]] of [[Varushka]] to the partially paved roads of the Marches. A [[great work]] begun in Spring 380YE called the [[Construct_the_Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] seeks to link all four [[the League|League]] cities with major highways - although they are not due to be completed until 382YE at the earliest.

When people travel from one part of the Empire to another, they are just as likely to make use of the [[trods]] for part or all of their journey. These magical routes are a side effect of [[the Dance of Navarr and Thorn]], a potent Spring ritual used by the [[Navarr]] to weaken the [[vallorn]]. These routes are useful because the energy that thrums through them provides strength that allows them to be walked continuously for many hours without a break, and quickly revitalize resting travellers. Their drawback is that they are even more haphazard than the roads, and their layout cannot be dictated. Trods meander and twist, irrespective of the location of towns or villages, and a traveller must weigh the advantages of moving quickly against the difficulty of finding a trod that goes where they want to go. It is more common for someone undertaking a journey to take advantage of trods that are moving them in the right direction and then break off and use a mundane road the rest of the time.

Even if they did go in straight lines, due to their magical nature it is very difficult to build roads along trods - the energies infuse local vegetation that quickly reclaims any attempt to create a flat road using crushed stone or rock. Fortunately the magic usually means this is not necessary, the magic of the trods ensures they rarely become impassable with mud except in the most treacherous of conditions. Instead, where a trod sees heavy traffic by wagons, the focus is on keeping the way clear, removing any trees that begin to sprout and cutting back the undergrowth.

On the large Empire maps, major trods are usually depicted as a low of footsteps. Where a road runs along a trod, it represents a wide cleared route suitable for ox carts rather than anything a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] for example would recognise as "a road". The Navarr (and now the Grey Pilgrims) often devote part of their day walking a trod to ensuring it is free from vegetation that might impede travellers.
<br><br>'''Trods and transport in play'''<br>
We assume that anyone attending Anvil can do so regardless of where they live in the Empire - that it takes no more than perhaps a fortnight of travel to get there and back again. How precisely this happens is below the abstraction layer, but the trods provide one potential explanation. The trods are of great importance to the Navarr nation, and are covered in more detail [[trods|here]].

It is worth noting that, aside from the [[Sentinel Gate]] which has a specific role to play in the game, [[Ritual_theory#Teleportation|instantaneous travel]] is essentially impossible in the Empire world.

==Groveblossom and Changing Gender==
Some people in the Empire do not call themselves male or female - a historical example is [[Empress_Mariika#Tekupala|Tekupala]], who is recorded in various sources as a man or a woman or as neither. Others, like [[the Little Mother]], choose to change the gender they express themselves as during their lifetime, and often the fact of this change is not much remarked upon in history compared to such important facts as the [[glory]] of their deeds or the [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue|virtue]] they demonstrated. When celebrating a new child, a family often chooses to assign a gender to the newborn; but this is never at the expense of the child’s right to express themselves as they wish throughout their life.

Some individuals who choose to change their gender expression also decide they wish to pursue physical changes. The herb ''groveblossom'' is often used to aid in this. Native to the groves of [[Kallavesa]], it can now be found across the Empire. It is easy to prepare properly, in a variety of ways, and so it is never hard for those who want to benefit from it to do so.

Depending on how it is prepared, groveblossom can cause an increase in conventionally male attributes like hair growth across the body, a deepening of the voice and a sharpening of facial appearance, or an increase in conventionally female attributes such as breast growth, softer skin and a reduction in body hair. The herb is taken regularly over a period of time, and changes occur gradually - the exact effects of groveblossom are unpredictable in pace and scale, and are very dependent on the particular physiology of the person taking it. When they do occur, the changes caused by groveblossom are long-lasting and difficult to reverse.

'''Groveblossom in play'''<br>
Empire by intent is a setting which excludes any form of gender discrimination. Characters in the world of Empire do not make assumptions nor treat differently other characters based on their gender expression. Groveblossom is intended to help give some IC context for the hormone therapy that, in the real world, many (although by no means all) trans people undergo as part of their transition. The effects of them are unpredictable because in the real world, hormone therapy can be hard to access and have quite different results from person-to-person.

It is easy for characters in Empire to access groveblossom treatment with these herbs, and it is assumed that any character who wants to can do so. However, they are included in our game as a way for trans people who wish to play characters who are also trans to do so; we would ask players who are not themselves trans to be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who expresses gender variance. In addition, there is no requirement for a trans player to play a character who is trans; for this reason, please do not comment on other character’s use of these herbs unprompted, especially if you have some assumption about the player of that character.

Many trans people in real life also undergo one or more forms of gender confirmation surgery. Such surgeries are also available within the world of Empire, but are outside the scope of what should occur in uptime; in the game world as in real life, they are a personal, private matter.

==Further Reading==
* [[Healing in Empire]] talks about the practice of medicine in the Empire world
[[Category:The Game]]

The little things

2026-09-06T18:09:04Z

Hailmur: /* Outstretched Hands */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"She wants what? Your notes? Yes, yes, fine. Why are you bothering me with this?" Runa sighed heavily. The scribe was exceptionally helpful, but more than a little irritating.

"Ah, well it will include ''all'' of my notes from that portion of the meeting." the scribe looked deeply embarrassed. But Runa did not wish to try and puzzle out the meaning from allusions and blushing.

"What, specifically, are you worried about? I don't recall anything from your report which would jeopardize our relationship with the Empire."

The scribe appeared to be unable to say whatever it was that was bothering him. Instead, he flicked through the sheaf of notes to the last page and circled an exchange, then handed it to Runa. The Speaker looked at it for a few moments, confused.

"But," he said, exasperated. "Those are ''her words''! Of course you can send them!"</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
* '''The orcs of Otkodov remain at peace with the Empire'''
* '''The Thule are expanding their domain into the Forest of Ulnak, and are at war with the Druj'''
* '''Kindra Surefoot of Wintermark is the Ambassador to Otkodov'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] live in cold lands to the north of the Empire. They share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], [[Imperial Orcs|the Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. Their magocratic nation is ruled by the five Dragons; allegedly immortal orc sorcerers. For much of Imperial history, they were at war with the Empire. In recent years, a series of treaties have secured peace - mostly by ceding parts of the northern Imperial nations. It is not a universally popular peace.

For now, though, peace endures. [[Dawn]] and [[Navarr]] send shipments of food north to help feed the people of Otkodov and support their armies. It is illegal to preach [[the Way]] of Virtue in Otkodov to their citizens. For their part the Thule agree to share the white granite of the [[Night Quarry]]; pay for the food delivered to them; and ensure Imperial access to the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]] (while sending their own warlocks to study at the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]). And, of course, to maintain their current policies for the reasonable treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands.

The official ambassador to the Empire is Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided. He is still somewhat new to his post, and something of an unknown quantity, but he speaks with confidence as the voice of the rulers of Otkodov.
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Thule]]|status=Foreigner|port=None|ambassador=Kindra Surefoot of [[Wintermark]]|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_Otkodov#Thule_Ambassador|Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided]]}}
==Outstretched Hands==
* '''The Thule propose a joint effort to coordinate magical opportunities'''
* '''The civil service could extend this to all Imperial territories where foreigners hold land'''
* '''Tathenon the Gyre asks the Empire not to interfere with a Summer enchantment in Ossium, or else to give ample warning.'''
The Thule have expressed interest in working with the Empire to coordinate the casting of large-scale magic on the territories which the two powers share. They are especially keen that neither party miss out on special opportunities, where such magic may be affected by the stars or the actions of eternals, whilst not adversely affecting one another unnecessarily. Scribes from the office of the Speaker-for-the-Dragons-Undivided have been working closely with their opposite numbers in the [[civil service]] over the past few months, and have come up with a proposal.

<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Approach resident Foreigners about relevant opportunities'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Administrative </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Wording:''' Instruct the civil service to consult all foreign powers that control land in an Imperial territory whenever there is an opportunity to employ beneficial magic on that territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Would allow the civil service to incorporate a full assessment of the consequences and reactions by any foreigners living in Imperial territory to a briefing on Imperial magic used on that territory
* Would make all affected foreign powers fully aware of any opportunity that could affect them, even if it was not pursued</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' </td></tr>
</table></div>

They suggest that when any such opportunity is identified, the prognosticators office would contact the Thule for input on it. This would allow for discussions about the benefits and drawbacks ''before'' the casting of the rituals, something which is currently next to impossible. It would therefore enable the civil service to prepare information about the Thule response to the opportunity, as well as any additional options which might be presented by cooperation.

The prognosticators office have indicated that, whilst this proposal is workable, they would rather generalise the principle. As such, if the [[Senate]] wishes it, they will approach ''all'' foreigners who hold land in an Imperial territory if a specific opportunity arises related to that territory. This assessment would provide information on the likely reactions of the foreigners, as well as any additional effects which might be available by coordinating with them. They caution, however, that preparing such a report necessarily involves informing the foreign party about the opportunity. If this motion is passed then it will not be possible to conceal such an opportunity from any foreign power holding land in an affected territory, regardless of whether it is actually acted upon.

The civil service would prefer an approach where they have the permission of the Senate to approach every foreign power in a territory that is being considered for enchantment as that will ensure that there is no possibility for error. The civil service could operate this system ''just'' for the Thule, if the Senate prefer that - but they could not guarantee to avoid errors if there was a list of approved foreign powers and a list of unapproved foreign powers. The chance of error in that case would be too great. As a result, the Senate could grant this benefit to a single foreign power - such as the Thule - or to all foreign powers - or to nobody.

An administrative motion will be put before the Senate on the Saturday afternoon session at the next summit. If passed, it will instruct the Civil Service to liaise with all foreigners holding land in a territory if an opportunity arises to employ magic which affects the whole territory.
{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|align=right|width=300}}
===The First Foray===
* '''Tathenon the Gyre has informed the Empire they intend to cast ''Three Blasts Upon the Horn of Victory'' on Ossium'''
* '''The ritual will make it easier for heralds of the Summer realm to enter Ossium and easier for eternals to be employ their power there'''
* '''The Dragon will accede to a request from the Thule Ambassador, the Throne or the Senator for Ossium to ''not'' cast the ritual if delivered before 6pm Saturday'''
* '''The Conclave could disrupt the ritual by placing enmity on Meraud'''
* '''Any coven could disrupt the ritual by putting an enchantment on Ossium after 7pm on Saturday'''

In the case of the Thule, if the motion is passed they will prepare their own team of [[Thule lore#Bonded|bonded scribes]] to inform the Empire of any opportunities they encounter to affect the Imperial territories in which they hold land. Fortuitously, one such has presented itself this season, so they have put together a report as an example.

Tathenon the Gyre has struck a deal with one of the Lords of Summer which will empower the casting of an enchantment upon Ossium this season. This enchantment, apparently called ''Three Blasts Upon the Horn of Victory'' is of a form familiar to Imperial magicians. It infuses the territory with the energies of the Summer Realm, making encounters with heralds and regio from that realm more frequent and bringing with it a variety of unpredictable effects. In this instance [[Meraud|the Lord of the Aurorae]] has offered a chance for the Jaws of Winter Lightning to improve their quality. They will be camped in Ossium this season, training and resupplying. They will be able benefit from the eternal's patronage gaining a superior quality if the ritual is cast this season in Ossium. Notably the Thule have ''not'' provided details of what that gain might be - only that it will happen.

The effects of such rituals are hard to predict. They can bring a variety of small side effects to the territory, in addition to the increased presence of heralds of the realm. There are occasionally positive benefits, rarely there can be drawbacks as well, but it is almost impossible to know in advance what they will be. Since the Empire still enjoys dominion over the territory, the conclave's decisions on [[Alignment|the alignment of eternals]] will still hold sway, although at present no eternals of Summer are under enmity so no heralds will be barred from entering.

If the Empire is happy for warlocks of Tathenon the Gyre to enchant the territory, they need do nothing. At 7pm on Saturday, the ''Unbounded Tower of Feresh'' coven will cast the enchantment at a regio near the Silent Pines in Bonewood. If the Empire is not happy for the Thule to enchant the territory, then they should ensure that a winged messenger is sent to Runa Who-Speaks-for-the-Dragons-Undivided '''before''' 6pm on Saturday by either the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]], [[the Throne]] or the [[Senator]] for [[Ossium]]. The Dragons will obviously be disappointed to lose out on this opportunity, and it will no doubt affect their response on future enchantments cast by the Empire, but they will abide by the Empire's request on this matter.

If the casting goes ahead, and Ossium is enchanted with this effect, but then a subsequent enchantment cast by Imperial citizens overwrites it then the Thule will be ''very'' angry. They have offered the Empire the option to decline, and will abide by that, but if the Empire accepts the offer and then reneges on it then that will be seen as a great affront, not to mention a waste of resources. If [[Meraud]] were placed under enmity before 7pm on Saturday, then the Thule will be unable to benefit from the ritual they have cast. As skilled magicians they are certain to know what has caused the failure, and will respond accordingly.

===The Parting Shot===
* '''The Dragons are not displeased by the casting of Regrow the Lands Heart on Sermersuaq'''
* '''Ossium has been wreathed in darkness, cause travellers to become lost in the deep places'''
* '''The Dragons ''are'' concerned by this turn of events and insist that they are not responsible for this ill-advised enchantment'''

On the subject of rituals cast upon shared territory, though, Runa has less pleasant news to discuss. Two enchantments were laid over territories the Empire shares with the Thule at the summer solstice; Regrow the Lands Heart in [[Sermersuaq]] and an unknown [[Night]] ritual in Ossium, likely of a similar type to the Summer ritual discussed above.

The Dragons are grateful for the warning they received about the enchantment on [[Sermersuaq]]. They are, as the Ambassador predicted, comfortable with this effect. They have not been able to make any particularly potent use out of it, but a little more vitality in the earth is no bad thing and what scars remain from the coalition against the Jotun are being gently washed away.

In Ossium, however, the situation is more serious. Runa would like to reassure the Ambassador that this working of night magic is nothing to do with the Thule. Presumably an Imperial coven is responsible for the decision to wrap the territory in concealing darkness, and cause travellers to become lost in the deep places. Given the dangers naturally present in the territory, particularly the [[Varushkan Monster#Wolves|wolves]] and other foul creatures, they feel that it is a particularly ill-advised use of spellcraft. Indeed, were it not for the fact that most of the territory is Imperial, this might be considered an almost hostile act. If the Empire is able to identify and deal with these reckless individuals, or at the very least prevent similar malfeasance in future, then the Thule will be most appreciative.

==A Matter of Law==
* '''The Dragons do not anticipate any problems with Imperial citizens breaking their laws'''
* '''Thule society is ordered by the oaths that every Thule swears'''
During the [[Myth makers#An imperfect forum|ambassadorial meeting]] last summit, there was some discussion of Thule legal structures, with the Ambassador requesting information on the laws of Otkodov so that Imperial citizens might be able to avoid accidentally breaching any such laws. The Thule do not have a consistent set of legal edicts that cover all their lands. Instead their use a set of oaths to order their society. Runa has compiled a brief primer on Thule law, which can be found on the [[Thule lore#Thule law|Thule Lore]] page.

In Otkodov, life is governed by a series of solemn oaths, sworn to those above or below them in the strict hierarchies of Thule society. Visitors are required to obey any instruction given to them by any warlock, so long as it does not contradict one given by a person of higher status. Most warlocks will recognise the status of their foreign counterparts who hold an Imperial title.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ulnak Military Map.png|caption=Northern Mallum areas of control (artist impression)|align=right|width=400}}

==Long march to victory==
* '''The general of the White Mountain Fire has sent a message to the Empire regarding aid against the Druj in Ulnak'''
* '''The option to support Thule armies in Ulnak is no longer available'''
It appears the Thule have claimed [[Forest of Ulnak#Bonewall|Bonewall]] from Druj domination, and with it the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#The_Great_Pit|Great Pit]]. The warlock messengers announce that victory was hard fought, and hard won, but it is nonetheless victory. The cowardice of the Mallum was heightened by the presence of a potent [[Spring magic|Sping]] [[curse]] laid on the orders of the Gyre, and it has left the opposing armies routed, and seriously damaged.

The ''Earthquake Drummers'' withdrew from Ulnak this season, yet they were swiftly replaced by the ''White Mountain Fire''. This fresh force of orcs clad in blue marches under the command of ''Stürmherra''. This general also led the ''Fire'' [[A wandering fire|during the recapture of Sermersuaq]], and remembers fighting alongside Imperials in northern Wintermark. Those of the Empire's soldiers who assisted the Thule army this season report an even warmer welcome than when they fought with the 'Drummers. The Thule are still a little standoffish, but there is noticable, apparently genuine appreciation even for this limited Imperial support. Thule warriors despise the Druj just as much as their Imperial counterparts do, and that shared hatered goes a long way towards establishing common ground.

It appears that Stürmherra has been given overall command of the forces in Ulnak by Tarthenon. Following the victory in Bonewall, she has chosen to cease military cooperation with the Empire. Stürmherra has asked Runa to pass along a message of thanks to the Empire for the support provided by a handful of military units in their shared war against the Druj, but it will not be required after the Autumn Equinox. As a result the opportunity to support Thule armies in Ulnak is no longer available.

Although the Thule had hoped for more, they have noted the response that the Dragons had not given the Empire sufficient cause to fight alongside their allies and taken steps accordingly.
{{Thule links}}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-06T17:30:51Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:30 || tbc || tbc mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || TBC || TBC || TBC
|-
|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[LINK|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || colspan="6" | No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[LINK|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[LINK|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war

2026-09-06T17:29:49Z

Hailmur: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Three_Flags.jpg|align=left|caption=Banners flutter as the winds of war begin to blow.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide-ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of War and the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason, we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online, particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said, we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==The Heavy Skies of Autumn==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Mud, blood, and manacles]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Salt lions]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[The dose makes the poison]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Skull beneath the skin]]
|-
| [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] || [[Forward into depthless dark]]
|-
| [[The Mallum]] || [[A greater darkness]]
|-
|}
</table>
After the height of Summer, we take the slow road toward Winter. Green leaves shade to yellow and red; bright blossoms swell and undergo that magical transformation from flower to fruit. The sun stays abed a little longer each morning, retires a little earlier. The gulfs of night yawn, whispering the promise of snow and rain and the end of things. Summer is the season of war, blades bright in the noonday sun, shields raised against the sharp arrows of the foe, horns and voices alike raised in praise of battle. The crows circle lazily in the azure sky, though. They know that after every fight there will come a harvest, and they are eager to sup the bounty that spills out on the sodden soil.

This year is no different; the Empire's [[army|armies]] march proudly to war against their enemies. In the east, the west, and the south they fight, and even the north is not entirely spared the glorious rhythm of steel on steel as Imperial soldiers fight alongside the blue-swaddled warlocks of Otkodov who battle in pursuit of their own inscrutable goals.

Where to begin?

The [[Jotun]] have held [[Bregasland]] now for long enough that they might think it is part of their domain, might be considering placing their own stamp on it as they have [[Liathaven|Ashvale]]. The [[Strong Reeds]] have a different thought, and this season they rise, and with their allies, fight to change the status quo. It is a season of '''[[mud, blood, and manacles]]'''.

Or perhaps we should start almost as far away from [[the Marches]] as it is possible to get while still being in the Empire? In [[Mareave]], the opposing strategies of Imperial and Grendel armies clash and flow around one another, while the neutral city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] looks on. A clash of pride and retribution, of wisdom and cunning, of courage and audacity, of loyalty and fidelity, of sea and stone. The '''[[salt lions]]''' roar, and the long slow fight for the land that was once Mahal drags on another season.

Maybe look instead to [[Therunin]], where the [[Golden Axe]] venture into the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] ruin that is the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Tarn Valley]]. The reside of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|Sephals Cauldron]] has tainted the marshes, killing plants and animals and people with equal indifference. The [[Druj]] hold the valley, but they are isolated from [[the Mallum]] by the [[vallorn]] and the loss of the [[Sarangrave]]. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a reminder that it is '''[[the dose makes the poison]]'''?

And speaking of the Sarangrave... the victorious Imperial armies have not rested on their laurels. As Summer fades, the Empire sends its soldiers deeper into the Mallum. It falls to the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] to protect the territory, the [[Urizen]] and rebels and former slaves alike, from the depredations of Winter spirits [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_Trap_the_Spirits|unleashed]] by the collapsing armies. Who better understands the '''[[skull beneath the skin]]''' than the ''necromantia'' of Axos?

==Battle opportunities==
{{stub}}
Imperial prognosticators have identified three possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment, the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.

===Battle participation===
If you have your own [[orc]] mask please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field forces predominantly comprised of barbarian orcs. If you are unable to wear a mask, then all battle opportunities have limited roles for human barbarian combatants and low-combat roles such as healers, support mages, artisans, messengers and attendants. Player [[Monstering_a_battle#Elite_Monster_Units|elite monster units]] (EMUs) are expected to monster as their barbarian orc units regardless of the battle opportunity, and should not include human combatants.

'''IMPORTANT''' - we will '''not''' be reusing any orc masks to players for these battle opportunities. Our orc masks will only be used once this event and then washed ready for the next event. We are continuing the provision of battle opportunities with non-orc enemies until such a time as we have sufficient masks to run two fully orc-masked battles.

==Conjunctions==
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:30 || tbc || tbc mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || TBC || TBC || TBC
|-
|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Potter's Beach || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[LINK|Find out what happened to the missing scouts]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Old Jill's Fallow || [[Blackroot Broker]] || [[LINK|Intercept the Jotun supplies]]
|-
| 15:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Westerhal Fens || [[Raven Seer]] || [[LINK|Investigate the strange coral husks]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Short New South Road || [[Red Wind Corsairs|General of the Red Wind Corsairs]] || [[LINK|Claim the wealth of the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Freja's Rest || [[Remembrancer of Blood and Salt]] || [[LINK|Hunt down and destroy the lurking coral husks]]
|-
| 16:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Ottermire, Bella's Bluff || [[Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison]] || [[LINK|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Holstein's Vale || [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 17:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable for Cadets]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Whisper Copse || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 18:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Bittershore, Zhokhov's End || [[Vale of the Sunless Depths|Custodian of the Sunless Depths]] || [[LINK|Aid the injured patrol]]
|-
| 19:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Dismal Pit || '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' || [[LINK|Kill the Disciples of Sulemaine]]
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Butcher Glade || [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Fuliginous Burrow || [[Architect of Illumination]] || [[LINK|Defeat the bandits]]
|-
| 20:25 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Mirksome Tunnel || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[LINK|Treat the injured sentinels]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest Of Ulnak, Ghul'thak Forest, The Razor Thicket|| [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 20:40 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Caliginous Pocket || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 20:55 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Tenebrous Cave || [[Argent Sword|General of the Argent Sword]] || [[LINK|Defeat the creatures]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karsk, Moresvah, Mirky Vale || [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] || [[LINK|Kill the Mirk Lizards]]
|-
| 21:10 || 6 || 10 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely or Contained|Unlikely]] || Zenith, Occursion, Twilight Cavern || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[LINK|Perform Herthfire's Hospitality or Leonine Pavilion and help the malaised sentinels]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Winter Solstice.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Brass Coast'''
** Freeborn armies can take the '''''[[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Burn_Brightly|Burn Brightly]]''''' order if they are in a Freeborn territory. [[Stand_proud,_you%27re_strong#To_Contest_Domains|Link]]
** The [[Burning Falcon]] can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|Leonine Rampage]]''''' order if they have been enchanted by [[Knights of Glory]] until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE.
** The [[Fire of the South]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Winter Solstice 387YE.
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Dawn military concerns#Army Orders|Link]]
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Steady Conquest|Steady Conquest]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** Dawnish armies can take the '''''[[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]]''''' order against Druj until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Charge!|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
** The [[Lions of Adelmar]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.
* '''Highguard'''
** Highborn armies can take the '''''Protect the Innocent''''' order. [[Highguard_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** Highborn armies enchanted with rituals or targeted by a boon that calls an eternal to send heralds to fight alongside the army will lose a thousand effective strength until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE as a result of a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|mandate]] enacted by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament
** Any Highborn army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
** Any Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
** The [[Golden Axe]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]
** The [[Green Shield]] cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order until have spent an entire year without the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment. They last hosted the heralds of Eleonaris after the Summer Solstice 388YE.

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

Arbiter of the Four Winds

2026-09-06T17:06:02Z

Hailmur:

<div style="float: left; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Aspar-Watercolor.jpg|caption=The first Arbiter of the Four Winds was appointed during the Summer Solstice 383YE|align=left|width=250}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|caption=This title is appointed by the Urizen Assembly|width=250px}}</div>
The Arbiter of the Four Winds is an [[Imperial title]] awarded to a citizen of [[Urizen]]. The motion to convert the Temple of the Four Winds into the Monastery of the Four Winds was [[Convert the Temple of the Four Winds|passed]] by the [[Senate]] in Autumn 386YE. The Arbiter of the Four Winds is expected to facilitate the discussion of the Way, encouraging debate and inquiry into spiritual matters across the Empire. The title was created as a result of an opportunity presented in the '''[[Thresher%27s_summer#A_New_Monastery|Thresher's summer]]''' wind of fortune.

Originally created when the Temple of the Winds was [[Construct_Temple of the Winds|commissioned]] in Summer 382YE, construction was delayed during the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Lost_in_the_Echo_.28Morrow.29|invasion of the Druj]] the next season. The [[orc|orcs]] sacked the building site, slaying a great many [[Sword scholar|sword scholars]] in the process. The project was halted, and did not resume until the following year, following the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Morrow|liberation of Peregro]]. The reconstruction was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice 383YE.
__TOC__
During the Spring Equinox 386YE, the Senator for [[Kahraman]], '''Delara i Fijadoz i Guerra''', raised a [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Temple_of_the_Four_Winds|motion]] to abrogate the original motion to construct the temple and create the title, which was upheld by the Imperial Senate. More information on the circumstances leading up to the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogation]] can be found in the '''[[Broken_sword#Shadow_of_the_Temple|Broken sword]]''' wind of fortune.

==Responsibilities==
The Arbiter of the Four Winds serves to ensure the safety of the monastery and its guests and facilitate the discussion of the Way, encouraging debate and inquiry into spiritual matters. If the Monastery of the Four Winds, or those visiting the monastery, were to be threatened then it would be the responsibility of the Arbiter to deal with those threats.

==Powers==
===A Portion of Liao===
The sinecure provides twelve doses of [[liao]] to the Arbiter of the Four Winds each season.

===Prosperous Gardens===
The Monastery of the Four Winds has extensive orchards and gardens tended by Marcher monks drawn to the monastery by vigorous debate. Fruit crops as well as flowers and herbs from the gardens are sold across Peregro, and the Arbiter receives eight crowns a season from the profits.

The Monastery of the Four Winds benefits from a synergy with the [[Keeper of the Study|Landskeeper's Study]]. For as long as the study remains in good standing the income from the orchards and surrounding gardens is increased by four crowns, included above.

==Appointment==
The Arbiter of the Four Winds is [[appointment|appointed]] at the Winter Solstice by the Urizen [[National assembly]].

The title can be held by any Urizen citizen. The Arbiter of the Four Winds serves until the next election, or until they die, step down, or are revoked. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Urizen [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].


{{RecentElections|Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds}}

[[Category:Urizen]]
[[Category:Synod]]
[[Category:Title]]

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-06T16:58:46Z

Hailmur: /* Minor Conjunctions */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 06/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| General Diplomacy || [[So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Asavean_Archipelago|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Axos|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Marracossa|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Grendel|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Those_memories_of_you#Sarcophan Delves|Those memories of you]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[So_little_I_wanted,_so_little_I_got#Sumaah_Republic|So little I wanted, so little I got]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
* This wind was updated on 06/09/2026 to add some additional paragraphs to the end of the [[Here_you_come_again#End_of_Empire|End of Empire]] section
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>

===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

===Those Memories of You===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Ambassador to Axos; Senate; Wintermark farmers, herb garden owners, and apothecaries; Imperial Apothecaries Guild; collectors of vallorn relics; fleet captains trading with Issyk; Navarr traders'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are a great power, a cosmopolitan nation centred around an immense city that sprawls out across the banks of the Umshalla river. [[Axos]] is tiny nation on the outskirts of the Empire, controlling a little over two territories. For all their differences they have similarities, though. Both are a people of cities, and both have an uneasy relationship to death. The Axou ''necromantia'' are acknowledged masters of the cold magic of the grave, while the Sarcophan base much of their industry on the use of the ''ongelukkig'' living-corpses. They are both nations made more powerful through trade, and both would like to see themselves as friends to the Empire... and in both cases that friendship can prove to be something of a mixed blessing.

You can learn about Sarcophan and Axou diplomacy, and some trade opportunities, in the '''[[Those memories of you]]''' wind of fortune.
===If We Never Meet Again===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Senate; Imperial mercenary soldiers (especially the League, Dawn, Urizen, and Highguard); Imperial fleet captains; Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path; Rod and Shield and Golden Pyramid; Granite Pillar; friends of Professor Emmanuel Gelberg'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] had been at war, fighting for control of the borderlands between their two great nations. When the tiny country of Lantir was annihilated by [[Cold Sun]], a major incursion began that saw armies of [[Cold_Sun#Heralds|scions]] pouring through a breach in what remained of the capital city. Now they have a common enemy, but it has given them little ''else'' in common. Revelations as to the cause of the incursion have set the balance of power in the east swinging wildly - and not just between the two nations. The Empire is in the middle of a war of words and recriminations, and a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of collapse while the attitude of bitter rivals appear to be improving.

You can learn about the chaos in the east, and its significant to Imperial citizens, in the '''[[If we never meet again]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been kidnapped
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Here you come again

2026-09-06T15:16:06Z

Hailmur: /* End of Empire */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"I am very worried," said Orin. "There is definitely something wrong. The thorns and the roses are not right, there's odd noises, and I swear that when I was down by the western arbour yesterday I heard one of the thorntrees ''growl'' at men."

Naomi shared his worry. "Apparently one of the gardeners has been talking about seeing what she swears is Queen Ygraine and..."

Their whispered conversation was interrupted by a thunderous deluge of horns blaring. Orin startled, dropping his tankard of strong, sweet tea. The gates of the Castle of Thorns are always open, closed only when invaders are literally visible from the walls. A symbol of the openness of the civil service, and a reminder that the folk of Dawn do not fear strangers. Through them now marched an entire warband of knights and courtiers, attired in bright crimson and shimmering gold.

The warriors' plate helms were styled in the aspect of roaring lions, and each of the courtiers had a glossy mane of golden hair. Pointed ears were very much on display, and there was something about these invaders that made Orin profoundly aware of how long it had been since he had last bestridden the battlefield like a lord of war. At the back of his head he made a mental note to start jogging around the battlements again, starting tomorrow.

There was another thunder of trumpets, and the visitors stopped and fanned out dramatically across the open courtyard. Their polished armour caught the late afternoon Summer sun, glinting and casting motes of gold across the courtyard walls. Orin could not shake the vague suspicion they were ''posing'', attempting to intimidate the two civil servants - who they outnumbered by a factor of ten - with their glorious mien.

"Oh for virtues sake," muttered Naomi under her breath, rolling her eyes.

"Hail and well met, servants of the Imperial Throne!" The speaker was one of the courtiers, a statuesque woman who towered over both Orin and Naomi. She had come forward, trailing a scarlet garment that looked like a cross between a formal suit and a Dawnish marriage dress. "Take heart, for we are here to bring the words of our beloved mistress, that you may recount them to beloved Mirella, Archmage of Glory!"

Orin's eyes slid sideways. Naomi met his gaze and imperceptibly shrugged one shoulder.

"Welcome?" said Orin, not meaning it to come out as a question. He rallied. "Are you here to help with this garden's business?"

The courtier laughed, putting her hands on her hips as she did so in a way Orin did not think people actually did outside of stories and bad mummery. The laugh spread quickly, rippling through the ranks of the elfin knights like fire across a dry field. For some reason, this display of hilarity unsettled Orin more than any amount of braying horns. As the courtier's mirth faded, and she theatrically wiped a tear from here eye, she was suddenly all business. The civil servant could have sworn she became another few inches taller, and that as fierceness settled over her face a chill swept across the courtyard as if a cloud had briefly obscured the sun.

"Oh no!" she said, a widening grin spreading across her face that showed her sharp ivory teeth. "We are here to help you murder the Druj!"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regio Stones.jpg|align=left|caption=The [[regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]] connects, somehow, to all [[realms]] and is a common source of messengers sent by [[eternal|eternals]] to respond to [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Five have agreed to meetings of one kind or another, either in person or via emissaries'''
After a [[Ambassadors of death|mild hiccup]] last season, six [[eternal|eternals]] have sent emissaries in response to the [[archmage]] [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages from the Summer Solstice. All is right with the world! Ha, no, but anyway. Each archmage is of course empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Sometimes that response borders on the rude, but there is ''always'' a response.

Often a plenipotentiary results in a [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] - a formal meeting between the eternal and the archmage. Usually the archmage is afforded all due respect, treated as an equal who also represents a great power (the Empire). Sometimes things are handled more informally, with a smaller meeting or a large-scale free for all. Occasionally the eternal eschews a meeting altogether, and instead extends their assistance to the people of the Empire through boons and bargains.

This season five of the eternals have agreed to a meeting of one kind or another, either in person or with favoured lieutenants.
==That Which Lies Above All (Day)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralka1693.jpg||caption=Gralka, Archmage of Day|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sinokenon002.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Sinokenon cannot help the Archmage with the matter they requested'''
* '''They have declined parley but offer a proposal to send heralds to help with a project Sinokenon has an interest in'''
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka of the Imperial orcs'''
The being that emerges from the regio which speaks on behalf of ''[[Sinokenon|Singular Point]]'' is a creature of light, a focused mote that emanates brilliant rays in all directions. The beams of illumnation move with geometric regularity as it speaks. It identifies itself as the ''Junior Minister of the Silver Directorate to the Unbound''. After a little conversation, it makes clear that by this it means it is charged with dealing with the the [[Imperial Orcs]] nation.

The Junior Minister reveals that ''That Which Lives In Its Name'' is not able to help the [[Archmage of Day]] locate or acquire black lotus. Finding things that are lost or hidden, is simply not a concern of the ''Turning Mirror''. An attempt to assess the situation was made - the minister known as the ''Chief Vizier of the Eternal Mountain'' was instructed to speak with the [[Thule_lore#Dragons|One of the Orb]], but the discussion came to nothing. The Archmage might make their own approach to the [[Thule lore#Dragons|Dragons]] of [[Otkodov]] but the Minister is not confident they will have any better success. For its part, ''Turning Mirror'' is not especially concerned about black lotus. Rather than caring about the profound spiritual meaning it has for many orcs, the eternal instead is more interested in the ways the Buruk Tepel use access to it to control their nation.

Instead, suggests the Junior Minister, the Archmage may have more luck speaking with the ''[[Kimus|Grand Vizier of the Thousand Eyes]]'' or possibly the ''[[Roshanwe|Seeker of the Star]]''. In either case, the Archmage should manage their expectations. While they may be on the brink of ruin, the Druj are masters of the wicked arts of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation|obfuscation]]. That rare herb that the [[Druj_lore#Buruk_Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] value above all else will be concealed with wards and shrouds that might challenge even the illimitable gaze of the ''Glass of the Heavens''. So far it has only been when the desperate masters of the Mallum have been forced to move their prizes that there has been any chance to capture them at all. If a Day eternal could tell a magician where black lotus could be found, then it would ultimately be impossible to hide anything, and Druj society would not have developed in the way that it did.

The Junior Minister then turns to other matters. The ''Argent Mantra'' did not expect the Archmage to seek parley with it given the attitude of the Conclave, and of Imperial magicians in general. While the Empire may be "loyal", it has not given much indication that it welcomes the aid of ''Diamondmind''. If the Conclave wishes, though, they could still engage the support of the eternal on a matter it feels it ''can'' give some assistance to. There are three possibilities:
* In less than a century ''the Imperial Orcs'' they have gone from thralls, to rebels, to wandering nomad warriors, to the masters of their own small nation. Such things are of interest to the ''Friend of All''. If the Conclave chooses this path forward, Sinokenon will send ministers to Skarsind and Mareave to find ways to help the Unshackled build their nation.

* The '''[[The highest calling#Highest calling|highest calling]] of [[the League]]''' is to bring more people into the Empire. The ''Unifying Ponticex'' is always happy to see steps taken to end the dissonance of large numbers of people living within Imperial borders who are not themselves citizens. If the Conclave chooses this option, it will send diplomats to support the bishops of the League in their endeavour.

* The '''[[:Category:Grand Inspiration|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]''' is a monumentally ambitious endeavour, but one that ''Pinnacle Point'' finds intriguing. As the "capstone" of the Way, it will provide a unifying force not only within the Empire but potentially across the Known World. If the Conclave chooses this option, Sinokenon will send viziers versed in [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] to find ways to support the project.

To take advantage of one of these proposals from ''Turning Mirror'' requires a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] raised before the Conclave and endorsed by that august body. It will only help with ''one'' of them however and only if the Conclave clearly communicates its preference. Alternatively, says the Junior Minister, the Conclave may choose to word the acceptance in such a way that they make it clear they do not want the assistance of ''That Which Lies Above All'' on this or any other matter. In this case, Sinokenon will accept their judgement and retire from making offers to Imperial citizens for the next year - a ''cooling off'' period as it were.
==Lady of Pennants (Summer)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eleonaris001aa.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Eleonaris accepts the invitation to parley sent by the Summer Archmage
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose
Almost as soon as the [[civil service]] have returned to the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] following the Summer Solstice, a full delegation of dignitaries from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] arrives at the gatehouse. A band of elfin heralds in elaborate formal wear, accompanied by a half-dozen soldiers in full plate bearing lion heraldry, request admittance and hospitality. The ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of the Pennants]]'', it seems, is well pleased to receive the missive from the [[Archmage of Summer]]. It has been far, far too long since the ''Young Lioness'' has reached out to the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' say the heralds. If Eleonaris ever felt felt she was being ''ignored'' then that would likely result in consequences no-one would enjoy. The two and a half years it's been may be the cause of some minor misunderstandings in the Archmage's missive, but it is a simple matter to correct them and move on to more important matters.

Firstly, the ''Lion of Summer'' does not have much interest one way or another with the workings of the [[Synod]]. She's sure they do important work in the Empire, but while their opinions surely matter a great deal to the citizens of the Empire they do not matter to ''her''. Nor should they matter to any who might be inspired to offer their service to her. To be associated in any way with the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' is a profound honour, and she is sure they respect that and will exalt any who achieve such a feat. Secondly, neither the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'' nor any of the other (lesser) [[Archmage_of_Summer#The_Eternals_of_Summer|regents of the Summer Realm]] are lowly merchants, and do not engage in "bargains" for their boons. They receive tribute and offer gifts and aid where it pleases them to do so.

With those points quickly made by the lead [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]], they launch into the topic they are clearly far more interested in.
===Honour===
* '''Eleonaris requests that the sutannir of the Brass Coast receive her heralds at the Autumn Equinox
* '''A seat of honour, ideally a throne, must be set aside for Eleonaris herself (who cannot attend in person due to being an eternal)
* '''The heralds will report back to their mistress how eager the Freeborn are for an alliance with the Queen of the Brightening Skies
* '''The soiree should begin at 17.15 on Saturday
The ''Lady of Pennants'' is delighted to hear of the ambitions of [[General]] '''Velasco i Guerra''', and of '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'''. It is a fine thing to seek to spread [[glory]] across the Empire as her friends in [[Dawn]] do, and so she is keen to render her assistance. However proper courtly decorum, custom, and formality must be observed when arranging a meeting. Her courtiers love visiting the grand balls in the castles of [[Astolat]] and [[Semmerholm]], yet they are also keen to enjoy the festivities thrown by the famous [[Sutannir]] of [[the Brass Coast]]. Thus a gathering is proposed, to delight and amuse the ''Leonine Empress'' and her representatives, and to put everyone in a good mood before formal parley might commence.

The Heralds propose that the Brass Coast camp at Anvil host a soiree at the Autumn Equinox, which these heralds intend to attend. They will then report back to their Mistress on just how fond the Freeborn are of their would-be patron in the matters the Archmage has raised. One key feature of the festivities, whatever form they take, must be a seat of honour set aside to represent the Queen herself (ideally a throne). Regretfully the ''Queen of the Brightening Sky'' cannot enter the mortal world herself. If she did so, the fabric of reality would no doubt tear itself asunder, ashamed that it is unable to appropriately manifest her full awe-inspiring majesty. Or so the elfin diplomats suggest.

The heralds will arrive at Anvil on Saturday at around seven in the evening. The question of who else will attend, the ''Lady of the Pennants'' leaves entirely to the discretion of the sutannir. At the end of the day, the success of the party will set Eleonaris' mood for the parley.

===Words===
<div style="float:right; width: 25px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheFireoftheSouth_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''A formal parley will take place for six people after the party, at 22.00 on Saturday
* '''The outcome of the celebration in the Brass Coast will surely influence Eleonaris' mood for the parley
* '''The Archmage is invited to bring several folk and there is one "mystery guest" who knows who she is
* '''The parley will begin with a discussion of the frieze celebrating victory in the Sarangrave
* '''After that there will be a chance to discuss the Fire of the South and magic circlets
As to the parley itself, it will take place in an appropriate chamber reached via the [[Hall of Worlds]] later that same night - at ten o'clock at night. Archmage Mirella is welcome to bring '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo''', '''Velasco i Guerra''', and '''Arturo''' the [[Imperial Warcaster]]. The ''Greatest General in the Empire'' (who knows who she is) is also invited and should bring the [[troubadour]] who promised to compose a song befitting the stature of Eleonaris for a personal performance.

Before anything else is discussed, there will be a chance for the Archmage to explain the delays to the [[Love_and_monsters#Lions|celebratory frieze]] that the Queen's heralds were told would be built in the [[Sarangrave]] by the Empire following their joint victory there.

After that, there will be ample chance to talk about the Fire of the South, magical circlets, and the calling of more [[Knights of Glory]] to fight alongside the Empire.

==The Brass Magistrates (Autumn)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ashborn Trosk.jpg|caption='''Ashborn Trosk''', Archmage of Autumn|align=right|width=300}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lictors001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Lictors have agreed to a parley at the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will also provide certain bargains to Imperial magicians via an arrangement with the City of Gold and Lead
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Ashborn Trosk
As the civil service begin setting up the various pieces of infrastructure again for the Autumn Equinox, a trio of manacled-carrying heralds approach the civil servant ''Jorgen'' at [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] in [[Anvil]]. While still clearly heralds, they are garbed in manner reminiscent of that of an [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] [[thief-taker]], a [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[beater]], and a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[warden]]. Their appearance is made all the more jarring by the full-face iron masks and ever-present chains favoured by the denizens of the [[Lictors|City of Bar and Bond]].

They waste no time getting down to business. The ''[[Lictors|Gaolers of the Green Iron Prison]]'' approve of the agenda proposed by the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. They have investigated each of the matters '''Ashborn Trosk''' brought before the ''Brass Magistrates'' for review.

===Jurisdiction===
* '''The Lictors do not judge the quoted proscription against sacrifice to represent a jurisdictional overstep'''
* '''They propose the Senate clarify that "human" in laws predating there being orc citizens be amended'''
The [[proscription]] proposed by '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''' during the Spring Equinox 388YE [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_66|criminalising sacrifice]] seems to be a cut and dry case defining idolatry. In the opinion of the ''Brass Magistrates'', the sacrifice of a mortal as an offering to an inhuman power is a perfectly valid example of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] as defined by the Senate when they created the law. It would be very difficult to argue that such a sacrifice does not constitute "''worship''" or "''veneration''." The Imperial magistrates have further interpreted the law to say that ''offering is likely to only encompass ritual acts of killing, not merely killing upon the instruction of an inhuman entity'' which matches the interpretation the ''Chainbound'' would make. As such, they do not see any overstep by the Synod in this matter.

Of course, it is clear that this proscription intrudes into the domain of the Conclave - but that is to be expected, given the unusual nature of the [[Imperial Constitution]]. There will always be situations where the authority of two or more parts of the Imperial government come into conflict. The Brass Magistrates provide a ''completely hypothetical'' example in which the Red Eyed Reaper finds a way to double the output of the [[Flaxen Pillars]] by encouraging the workers to engage in acts of worship of the [[Dho'uala]]. That would be a case where the authority of the Bourse to control weirwood production in the Empire would be in conflict with the Synod's responsibility to prevent blasphemy. That doesn't mean a proscription forbidding worship of the sovereigns would violate the Constitution.

Still, such conflicts are flaws inherent in the Imperial system and it would be better if they were removed. One of the heralds helpfully suggests that if the Empire were to disestablish the Conclave, the Military Council, the Bourse and the Synod, then all these conflicts would immediately vanish, since all authority would be vested in the Senate. In practice there are slightly less controversial changes to the Imperial Constitution which might be possible, such as removing the explicit protection of the Conclave and the Bourse from the interference of the Synod. That might be possible, although it's not clear the Constitutional Court would allow it (members of the Court apparently seem to disagree on this issue). Alternatively the Senate could amend the Constitution to make clear that deals with eternals were explicitly excluded from any restrictions under Imperial law - that would likewise be very difficult for the Court to accept, but from the perspective of the Lictors it would be more consistent, coherent law.

In the end there is little more that the Lictors can do to help on this point - they are always happy to provide specialised advice on the most correct interpretation of written law, but they do not have the power to make rulings on Imperial law after-all. Ultimately what is or is not constitutional comes down to a matter of rulings made by the Constitutional Court, it's not something that the Lictors can arbitrate on. They Lictors help catch law-breakers, but the Senate has not given them the dominion over the Empire that they would need to give binding rulings or pass judgement on those who broke the law.

===Bonds===
* '''The Archmage has invited the Furious Ones to host an Autumn market'''
* '''The Lictors are prepared to offer three bonds to hunt down criminals from the Autumn realm who are believed to be somewhere in the mortal world'''
* '''They intend to cooperate with the City of Gold and Lead to make more practical tools available to the Empire'''
* '''The Lictors have asked Berilo i Erigo to ensure everything runs smoothly'''
In response to an offer by the Archmage, the Lictors have agreed to engage in a degree of commerce with the Empire. They have negotiated with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] to serve as go-betweens to provide Imperial magicians the means to purchase some practical tools crafted in the City of Bar and Bond. This will be done through the auspices of the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual and handled exclusively by the merchants of the trading city. These offers are covered in more detail in the '''[[The bargain store]]''' wind of fortune.

There is another element to their response however. The Lictors themselves will host a "bond auction" in the Hall of Worlds at 14:00 on Saturday. There are a number of criminals of the Iron Labyrinth who are attempting to evade capture and imprisonment by hiding in the mortal plane with their accomplices and some hired constructs who need to be apprehended. As the Lictors enjoy the Amity of the Conclave, they are capable of tracking and capturing these reprehensible miscreants themselves, but is is established precedent to offer these bonds to imperial citizens when desired.

Not ''all'' Imperial Citizens, mind you. In line with the Archmage's suggestion the ''Binders'' wish to hire professionals rather than anyone who might lob in a bid and not have the experience to action the contract, and thus bidding will be restricted to [[the Marches|Marcher]] '''[[Beater|Beaters]]''', [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] '''[[Thief-taker|Thief-Takers]]''' and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] '''[[Warden|Wardens]]'''. All bidding must be done in ingots of green iron. The winner will be charged with gathering a combat-ready group to deal with the target, and will be the one who receives the reward from the ''Brass Magistrates'' assuming the contract is successfully discharged.

Once the contracts have been sold, the Lictors will investigate the winning bidders to ensure they have not misrepresented themselves. Any who are found to have done so will be in breach of contract. Their green iron will be confiscated, and the Lictors will enquire with the magistrates as to what legal redress is be available to them.

The three bonds are:
* '''Golden Almozulo''' - In breach of a supply contract with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. Reward: 30 pawns of [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]]
* '''Stonecutter''' - Criminal damage to the property of the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]]. Reward: 30 ''grasping whetstones''. These are small items that can be applied to a weapon to allow the wielder to [[entangle]] a foe provided they strike quickly.
* '''Ringsnap''' - Attempting to break into the prison of the ''Chainbound'' in order to free prisoners. Reward: A [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus|mystic scroll]] detailing an Autumn ritual that summons a cohort of ''Furious Warders'' from the City of Bar and Bond to aid a [[military unit]], enhancing their ability to succeed at [[Military_unit#Guarding|guarding]] actions. The ritual draws on the power of the Lictors, and has an assurance that will terminate its power if anyone who has mastered this ritual is convicted of a crime by Imperial magistrates. ('''OOC Note:''' if you have this ritual mastered and are convicted of a crime, you must let PD know). As with most mystic scrolls, this reward allows up to a dozen magicians to master the ritual.

Rather than the Archmage, interestingly, the Lictors have specifically asked '''Berilo i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]] to ensure everything runs smoothly. It is not clear what the relationship between this Freeborn and the Lictors might be. One of the reasons given is that, during the auction, the Archmage will be otherwise engaged - discussing another matter with a carefully selected representative of the ''Advocates of the Rod''. No details of what that matter might be are revealed.

==Conscience-of-Kings (Night)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Brat Umbral Path.jpg|caption='''Brat Umbral Path''', Archmage of Night|title=One in six Night eternals thing he's pretty neat|align=right|width=300}}

{{CaptionedImage|file=Lashonar001b.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Lashonar is hurt by the Conclave's rejection and accusations of collaborating with its enemies
* '''It has agreed to a parley in the Hall of Worlds
* '''The current Archmage of Night is Brat Umbral Path
Around halfway between Summer and Autumn, a tiny herald of the ''[[Lashonar|Conscience-of-Kings]]'' appears at Anvil. No larger than a medium-sized cat, they are in form akin to a kingfisher, albeit one with three-fingered hands as well as jewel-bright wings. They have a tightly curled scroll that unfurls to surprising length, and a thin-stemmed silver trumpet no longer than a pencil which they parp enthusiastically before breathlessly delivering the message of their master in a piping little voice.

The ''Guardian of the Southern Skies'' thanks the new [[Archmage of Night]] for their invitation. They will send representatives to parley in the Hall of Worlds. It is thankful also to '''Grandmaster Xanthippe''' for removing the unfair and unjust [[alignment#enmity|enmity]] under which he had been placed. Before she will attend the parley however, she wants the Empire to understand that she has been the victim of slander and lies. The ''Speaker in Dreams'' would never knowingly share secrets that might harm their friends. It exists to bring folk together so that they can speak, and if those people sometimes engage in conspiracy and plotting that is ''their'' responsibility, not the responsibility of the ''Lady of the Southern Skies''. Indeed, the ''Mediator of the Moonshy'' knows for a fact that in the past Imperial citizens have met with secret-spillers under the shelter of its wings without opprobrium to their own benefit. All speech is sacred, and if there are consequences they are for the speakers not those who give them a forum to speak. And so on.

''Eater-of-Silence'' does not demand an apology from the Conclave - it is not that petty - but it was wounded by the decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Lashonar,_Enmity|enact enmity]] without any Imperial magician first speaking with it. Two folk meeting in good faith can build a bridge of words to cross any chasm; this the ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'' fundamentally believes.

That is water over the weir for now though, and it does not do to dwell too much on the past. A mistake has been rectified, and so to the business of speech.
===More Words===
* '''Lashonar agrees to an informal parley to take place in the Hall of Worlds at 23.15 on Friday night'''
* '''They still would like the ritual text of ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds'' returned to them'''
After the tumble of words, the wee herald takes a breath that swells its delicate little chest out like a balloon, and launches into a discussion of the meat of the matter; the parley itself. There is one requirement however; at the beginning of the parley the Archmage of Night must formally free anyone and everyone who wishes to do so to speak as they like, without having to wait their turn. That is, they must surrender their ability to determine who speaks. If this is not done, the parley will end immediately.

Assuming Brat Umbral Path wishes to go ahead, there are three things that ''Everchatter'' wishes to see discussed.

The first is an explanation as to why the Conclave enacted sudden enmity against it and what can be done to ensure that does not happen again. At the moment, the ''Voice of the Gloaming Sky'' has taken the almost unprecedented step of removing access to the Caucus Forum from the Empire, something which has already caused mild distress to those wishing to speak to Imperial citizens. Before the ''Liege of the Forum'' is prepared to restore access, never mind to allow the Empire to use that place of communication, it will require assurance that this will not happen again next time someone arbitrarily decides the ''Mellifluous Magpie'' has said "too much".

Then there is the matter of its ritual ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds''. Lashonar has withdrawn her support, so that any message an Imperial magician tries to send with it will be returned to the coven involved alone. That is her right to do so but it is still a bone of contention that when she asked for the ritual text to be returned, nobody would even discuss it with her. He can only assume it has been stolen, which is why they asked the Imperial magistrates to [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)|investigate]]. This situation cannot continue and must be resolved one way or another before trust between the Conclave and ''Words of Initiation'' can be restored.

Lastly, they will speak of Night eternals. '''Brat Umbral Path''' hints that they are seeking communion with the bright spirit of the endless deeps, ''Foam Dancer'', the ''One Who Leaps From The Waves For Purest Joy''. The ''Concierge of Consequence'' knows that they will not speak to Imperial magicians because of the ''Lantern Shark'' who swims the night-dark ocean of the Empire's dreams. As with anyone else, the ''Bringer Together'' could be prevailed upon to arrange a meeting with some of the mortals who know ''Wondersnake'' via the Caucus Forum. For now, however, ''Whispershout'' is still nursing their injured feelings over the Conclave's recent decisions and is not inclined to go to any extra effort until wounded pride can be sutured.

As to the spreading of words and songs across the Empire... The ''Laughing Herald'' has sung with the Navarr recently. Indeed it was just after it provided its aid in [[Brocéliande]] that the Conclave declared enmity against it. If the Archmage wishes to discuss this kind of thing it will require a show of faith from the Empire. Grant Lashonar [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]. Allow him and his servants to travel freely throughout the Empire, carrying the words of any and all who would ask for their help. Let them see to it that no voice is silenced. The ''Roaring Cadence'' has already sent its servants to [[Therunin]] to ensure that those fighting against darkness there can speak to one another. Let the Empire offer it the freedom to go where it wishes, guarantee there will be no censorship or restraint on the words that must fly free, and ''Storysmith'' will consider how it can address the Archmage's request.

The little herald, exhausted by the long speech, is revived with a small cup of sugar water provided by the Civil Service, and after effusive thanks, flutters erratically off toward the Imperial Regio, trumpet and crumpled scroll grasped firmly in its little three-fingered hands.

==Knight of Swords (Winter)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bloodcrow Arora.jpg|caption='''Bloodcrow Arora''', Archmage of Winter|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Surut001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Surut has agreed to parley with the Archmage of Winter
* '''They will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds at 23.45 on Saturday
* '''The Archmage may bring two others with them to meet Lord Cam Lech the Masked, a favoured henchman of Surut
* '''Lord Cam Lech has suggested some guests, most of whom are currently dead
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Bloodcrow Arora of the Imperial Orcs

It has been [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|quite a while]] since the ''[[Surut|Burned Prince]]'' was approached by an Archmage of Winter as an individual. Their messenger is a lone knight, wrapped in rusted and ruined chain, who leaves footprints of charred, dead grass and ashes wherever they tread during their menacing walk from the Imperial regio to the Hub. When they arrive, a hush falls over the busy tent, and more than one person who has been waiting to speak to a civil servant suddenly remembers pressing business elsewhere. In a voice like cracking bone and tearing skin, the knight launches into their spiel without preamble.

The ''Duke of the Clenched Fist'' commends the Conclave on rescinding its weak [[interdiction]] of [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Savage_Army_Enchants|effective war magic]]. That alone inclines him to look kindly on the requests of the Archmage. As such, the ''Gauntlet of Flame'' accedes to a request for parley. At around a quarter to midnight on Saturday during the summit, he will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds to bring the Archmage of Winter into the presence of ''Lord Cam Lech the Masked'', one of his favoured henchmen, to discuss matters military.

The ''Harbinger of Spikes'' will receive the Archmage and no more than two others. It is up to the Archmage who they wish to bring, but Lord Cam Lech has expressed an interest in meeting '''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka''', the General of the [[Northern Eagle]], the last general of the [[Iron Helms]] '''Alderei the Fair''', the former General of the [[Gryphon's Pride]] '''Archavion Wolfborne''', ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' the commander of the [[Dance_of_Blood_and_Jotun_consequences|Dance of Blood]], and ''General Anke Carsten von Temeschwar'' of the [[Wolves of War]]. Jorgen, the civil servant with most experience dealing with these kinds of matters, tries to point out that of those five, four are dead - in at least one case for a century and a half - but the herald waves this aside as an irrelevancy.

There is one matter that the ''Knight-Commander of the Bleak Parade'' wants to be clear about however. He has no intention of withdrawing support from the [[Druj]]. Every time an Archmage asks, he will provide the Druj with ''more'' support. This doesn't mean he won't help the Empire - quite the contrary - but it is up to ''him'' who he provides his boons to and he will not be dictated to. Candidly, says the messenger just before they depart, if the servants of the ''Ashen Heart'' are not among the Druj when the Mallum finally burns, how will he be able to feast on their anguish and despair?

==Wisdom of Dead Wood (Spring)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Arwydd Clearbramble.jpg|caption='''Arwydd Clearbramble''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Llofir001d.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Llofir has responded to the plenipotentiary of the Archmage of Spring
* '''It is concerned that the Empire has abandoned its ambition to destroy the vallorn
* '''It offers assistance to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''It proposes a parley in the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the Arcane Colloquium (16.30 on Saturday)
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Arwydd Clearbramble of Navarr
The looming mushroom creature that visits the Hub shortly after the Summer Solstice arrives on the gloomiest and dampest evening of the year so far. It slouches through Anvil, drawing quite a bit of attention, but when spoken to it is delicately polite and regrets that it is on a mission for the ''[[Llofir|Rotlord]]'' and so cannot delay its business. Whenever it stops for more than a few moments, little toadstools sprout around its "feet" which prove to have disturbingly hallucinogenic qualities - as several foolish citizens find to their chagrin. The ''End of Empires'' offers greetings to the [[Archmage of Spring]], '''Arwydd Clearbramble'''.

Arwydd has asked about the [[Sound_and_vision#Something_Stirs_(Coral_Husks)_(Conjunctions)|peculiar coral husks]] haunting the Gullet between [[the Marches]] and [[Wintermark]], and regretfully the ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'' does not have much it is can say on that matter. The origin of the creatures is in the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]], as the Archmage may have surmised. They are nothing to do with the ''Quiet One'' itself, but it bears them no particular ill will. They are not endless; they are living creatures and individuals that will fall and rot in their time. They will prosper or fail, as will those who are threatened by them, and the ''Long Thinker'' has no especial urge to interfere one way or another.

As a result, ''Rotlord'' is not minded to place their hand on the scales. They do not mind whether the Empire destroys the coral husks or the husks destroy the Empire; either outcome is acceptable to the ''Lady of Spores''. What they will do is look to see what opportunities they can engineer for the heralds of the Empire to come into contact with the coral husks - that way one or the other can triumph.

All that said... the herald does provide a warning however. There is a danger in underestimating these beings. As time goes by, each of their iterations is more complex than the last. The first husks the Empire encountered were... templates. Simple meat bodies infused with the parasitic coral. With each generation, the innate [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] of Spring creates new strains and variants and while most of them fail, some will thrive. These strains, tailored to surviving and overcoming opposition, will present new challenges. Tactics that have proven effective before will not necessarily remain effective - the Winterfolk, the Marchers, and the Jotun will need to adapt or they will be subsumed.

The eternal ''is'' interested in the [[vallorn]] and the [[Druj]]. It wishes to speak with the Archmage about the curious decision to [[interdiction|interdict]] the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction:_Last_Vallornheart|completion of the trod network]]. Given this is a step required to bring the end of the vallorn, why has '''Silk Farkas''' made it illegal to do so? Why has the [[Conclave]] that has claimed in the past to seek the destruction of the Doom of Terunael turned aside from the path? What does this mean for the magicians of [[the League]], [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], and [[Navarr]]? What does it mean for Llofir?

As such, the eternal intends to extend a portion of its consciousness into the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the [[Arcane_Colloquium#Format|Arcane Colloquium]] to speak to the Archmage about this confusing development. If it can be resolved to the satisfaction of ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'', there may be time to discuss the "developing relationship", but that will depend on the Archmage.

===End of Empire===
* '''Llofir offers aid to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''During the Autumn Equinox, it seeks the Hallow of the Green World for the Mallum
* '''The ritual would be magnitude 100 if cast on the Mallum this season
On the matter of the [[Druj]], though, the ''Despoiler of Grain'' is much more inclined to offer assistance. It bears no particular enmity for them - it is simply that they are clearly falling into ruin. If they are too sickly to survive, they should perish, and let new life rise from their remains. ''That Which Cannot Be Killed In Any Way That Matters'' has a similar proposition to the one it [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#End_of_Empire|offered the Navarr]] a year ago. If the Empire evokes [[Hallow of the Green World]] during the Autumn equinox, either from a [[regio]] in the Mallum or using the general of the Citadel Guard [[Army_qualities#Magic|as the focus]], that [[enchantment]] will settle over the crumbling Druj Empire. The [[Citadel Guard]] are in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], and while ''Ruination'' has not forgotten their role in [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Our_Neighbour's_Field|attacking its garden]], it cannot help but approve their [[Forward_into_depthless_dark#What_Brings_Their_End|use]] of [[Spring magic]] as part of the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Transcendent_Claw|Technique of the Transcendent Claw]]. So it will not question if the magicians of the Empire deploy them as a tool for bringing further destruction to the Druj.

The effects will be concentrated in the Salt Flats, but will be felt everywhere the Druj have dominion - specifically also in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. The ritual will allow Llofir to focus his "gifts" on the failing Druj nation as part of his identity as ''Ender of Empires''. With the tools at its disposal, it will act to hasten the collapse of the Druj, bringing [[Spring_magic#Venom|sickness]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]].

The enchantment will offer some support to the Druj, given it promotes the growth of [[herb|healing herbs]], but the ''Inevitable Circle'' doubts that will be of much comfort given how bad their situation is. Furthermore, the enchantment will ''also'' free the other Spring eternals to act directly in the Druj Empire. [[Yaw'nagrah]] and [[Arhallogen]] already have a fair amount of freedom there, and support the Druj. On the other hand, [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] is chomping at the bit to be able to act freely in the Mallum, and thanks partially to former Archmage '''Ibiss Briarheart''', [[Siakha]] has lost interest in the Druj and revels in ''any'' chance to devour the weak. For that matter, there are other Spring eternals with no interest in the Empire who might be goaded to intervene if the doors were opened for them to do so. At the end of the day, the ''Turner of the Wheel'' believes the chaos caused by these competing eternals will, in the long term, speed the fall of the Druj even if it provides them a little aid in the short term.

To cast the ritual on the Empire would require significant effort, but the Druj nation is very much smaller than it used to be. It could be cast on the Mallum at magnitude 100 at the coming Autumn Equinox. At least, thanks to the [[Unfettered Mind]], it is [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Empire-Wide_Enchantments|no longer illegal]] to cast the ritual, which should be some consolation to those who are more concerned with law and order than with the unbridled energies of life and death and regrowth.

It isn't normally possible for the Citadel Guard to serve as the focus for an [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial Enchantment]] of course. During the performance of the ritual, each of the contributors must call on Llofir by one of its many names, a different name for each contributor, and it must be obvious to everyone nearby that they are channeling the power of the eternal. The ritual will also require the use of four rings of [[ilium]], which will be consumed in the casting. Provided both criteria are met, the magic will pass from the Imperial Regio to the Citadel Guard - who the herald points out are already resonating strongly with the magic of Ruin - and thence to the Mallum.


==Timetable==
The times, the locations, and the eternals involved in meetings related to specific plenipotentiary responses are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 23:15 || [[Lashonar]] || Night || Informal Parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 14.00 || [[Lictors]] || Autumn || Auction of bounty hunting contracts
|-
| Saturday || 16.30 || [[Llofir]] || Spring || Formal parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 17.15 and 22.00 || [[Eleonaris]] || Summer || A celebration in the Freeborn camp and parley in a chamber respectively
|-
| Saturday || 23:45 || [[Surut]] || Winter || Parley; a chamber reached from the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Not from the benevolence

2026-09-06T11:49:41Z

Hailmur: /* Cruelty To the Innocent */

[[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
Jorgen sucked on the boiled sweet the herald had brought with him, even as he eyed the elaborately painted bowl full of them on the desk. They were quite delicious, and the bowl looked like very expensive china. Was that part of the present he wondered? Not that he needed it, but it looked like it was worth a ring or two. ''Say one thing for the Autumn realm,'' he thought to himself, ''they knew how to grease the wheels of commerce...''

"So that one will need twenty white granite and forty wains of weirwood as well as the ilium of course." The excitable Autumn herald was pacing up and down as he spoke, clearly animated, even as his assistant sat on one of the seats he'd offered them both.

"Ten rings of ilium, check. I can assume it's a fane then?" It was an important point; he was confident that it would get raised on the Senate floor if he didn't clarify it now. He'd suggested it three times already, and each time the herald had corrected him and said it was a plaza, a wareroom, a whatever. But Jorgen had read the briefings... ten rings of ilium, and it needed to be ceded to the eternal. That's a fane, no matter what this herald claimed.

The gold-faced herald looked aggrieved. "You keep saying that... this is a plaza. What's a fane? It doesn't sound like somewhere you can conduct profitable business."

Jorgen smiled, pleased to have an opportunity to explain. "A fane is a commission that allows heralds of an eternal to come and go. Once it's built and dominion is granted to the eternal, then their heralds can come and go as they please."

"Well, if you want to call it that, that's fine - but what I have described is very clearly a plaza. Look at these sketches - see, it's got a large open area for people to trade herbs and other goods. It's a ''plaza''."

"Fane." said Jorgen firmly and pointedly wrote the word down. The sweet was gone now, but he was still enjoying this.

"Pla.... za..." said the herald with a clear hint of condescension. "Look what difference does it make? Of course we can come and go from the plaza. How in the name of the Iron Labyrinth are we going to trade with you if we can't turn up? We have to be able to come and go, otherwise it can't work, can it? It stands to reason."

Jorgen was not about to let it drop. "The difference it makes," he said, "is that once you control a fane you could bring an entire army through if you wanted." Hah! No Autumn herald was going to pull the wool over his eyes, not even with a bowl full of boiled sweets.

"But we haven't got an army. We haven't got ''any'' armies. What would anyone possibly want an army for? Unless... unless you want to ''buy'' an army...?" The last point seemed to come out of nowhere, but he noticed the bored-looking assistant perk up and reach for their notebook.

"No, look, the point is that your heralds could attack people - those of them that can fight."

"But nobody from my City knows how to fight." protested the herald. "If we need that sort of thing, we pay someone else to do it."

"You don't know how to fight? Nobody from the... ", he looked down and checked his notes, "from the City of Gold and Lead knows how to fight? Not a single one of you?"

"I know the pointy end goes in the other person. But I'm assured it's more complicated than that. It all seems like a lot of fuss. Nobody has time to waste on that sort of thing. So yes, if we need to 'fight'" - the herald stopped speaking for a second to make little air gestures around the word fight - "then we employ a construct from the City of Fire and Stone."

"So you could use the... plaza... to bring war constructs of Estavus into the Empire?" Hah, got the weaselly little bastard, he thought.

"Of course we could! If that's what people want to buy! Now, can we get back to the important points? We need to discuss the responsibilities of the people you appointed to run the Autumn markets."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its inhabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual, with payment delivered a few days after the summit.

Last season, the City [[Propensity_to_truck,_barter,_and_exchange#The_Merchant_of_Rhodes|published guidance]] aimed at helping those making use of ''Ephisis' Scale'' avoid common missteps. It laid out the kinds of things the ''Lady of the Counting House'' is interested in, and tries to establish an approximate baseline for the level of prices that different merchandise might fetch. Of course nothing is certain until the goods are examined, but the City hope that this will help mortals to better tailor their offers to their expectations.

==Cruelty To the Innocent==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Sell Remember Exile to Ephisis'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Concedence</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis offered to purchase Remember Exile in exchange for 100 wains of white granite'''
* '''The arrangements have been made by the Senator for Reikos, but it requires the Senate to approve the motion'''
* '''The Senator for Bastion has the opportunity to offer a commission up for sale this season'''
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Solomon of Reikos.jpg|caption='''Solomon''', Senator for Reikos|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Merari Navigators of Virtue.jpg|caption='''Merari Navigators of Virtue'''<br>Senator for Bastion|align=right|width=200}}</div>
In order to help pay for the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], Highborn magisters and [[Ephisis]] agreed that each season, a [[Lay_the_foundations|Senator could propose a trade]] with the ''Hidden Prince'' for some feature of each of their territories. While the [[Senator]] for [[Necropolis]] chose to pass on their turn, the Senator for [[Reikos]] has not. Through their representative '''Eli of the Cenotaph''', a deal in principle was agreed that the [[fortification]] of [[Reikos#Remember_Exile|Remember Exile]] would be given to the ''Invisible Hand'' in exchange for one hundred wains of [[white granite]], on the condition that it would not then be sold to the [[Druj]] nor the [[Grendel]].

The City of Gold and Lead is more than happy to agree to the terms. Since then, a number of heralds from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] have been seen setting up at the site of the castle with measuring equipment and excavation tools in readiness to complete the sale. All that remains is for the [[Senate]] to agree.

Normally, it is the responsibility of the [[Conclave]] to accept a deal with an [[eternal]]. However, as the Senate is yet to endow it with the power to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] Imperial property, this deal must be agreed by [[Senate motion]]. Should the [[senator|senators]] wish to accept, they will need to pass the motion to cede the fortification to the ''City of Gold and Lead''. If that happens, then the City will take full possession of the fortification and provide the wains agreed to the Senator for Reikos for the start of the next Senate session.

The only relevant assembly that can [[veto]] is the General Assembly. As it is not a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment| territory, region or national bourse seat]], the Highborn National Assembly are unable to do so. Notably, if for whatever reason the ''Lady of the Counting House'' were under [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]] by the end of the summit, the exchange could also not be completed. If this were to happen after the wains had been provided, the City of Gold and Lead would require them returned in full or else the Empire would be in default and the [[Lictors]] would become involved.

A visiting herald also reminds the Empire that it will be the turn of [[Bastion]] this summit, should they wish to sell anything from the White City or elsewhere in the territory. The current senator for Bastion is, of course, '''Merari Navigators of Virtue''', in whose hands the decision about whether to trade, and if so what to offer, now lies.

==The Poison of Enthusiasm==
<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 [[dragonbone]]</td><td>35 [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 [[weirwood]] </td><td>600 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>800 thrones</td><td>100 [[mithril]], 100 [[white granite]], and 100 weirwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 ilium</td><td>Schema for Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities</td></tr>
<tr><td>70 thrones</td><td>Deed to "Rootha's Exports", a level seven business in Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 [[herbs]] (any ratio of the standard five)</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 thrones</td><td>Map of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar|Tathar]] (Detailed, verified, and suitable for scrying)</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis is making seven contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

Just as they did [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange|last season]], the heralds of Ephisis are offering a set of contracts for large orders of goods. Most of these contracts reflect requests for bulk purchases that come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down. The City of Gold and Lead rarely reveals who the counter-party is when acting as an intermediary in this way, but shrewd merchants can probably make an informed guess that things like a Map of Tathar can only really come from one source... The offered schema for the "''Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities''" allows the artisan to create a set of [[:Category:Mage_Robes|mage robes]] that can be used once per day to gain three additional ranks of Autumn Lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the normal rules for effective skill.

This season the City is able to offer seven significant contracts. The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids must be in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. Following the failure of one notable merchant who took two contracts last season and redeemed ''neither'', the City have instituted a reserve price of one throne. They would also like the Empire to be aware that they are keeping a list of those merchants who take contracts but do not complete them - if it becomes a recurrent problem then they will look to take steps to exclude citizens from the auction if they have a proven track record of introducing illiquidity into the market.

Whoever wins a contract may do with it as they will - including trading it to others. To complete the contract, a citizen need only bring the paperwork and the goods required to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Worlds the following day. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are reminded that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at and only for the full amount. Partial payments will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}} </div>
==Mercy To the Guilty==
* '''Ephisis invite Dorys Delgorokov to submit two contracts for execution by the City'''
* '''The City invites Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo and Terentia of Sarangrave to each submit a single contract for execution by the City'''
* '''The cost to submit a contract is one throne'''
* '''If a buyer can be identified, the City will settle the contract at the balancing of the scales at the next summit'''
* '''The City of Gold and Lead has proposals for fanes in Hercynia, Kallavesa, and the Barrens'''

Pleased with the apparent success of the contract scheme, Crown is already looking for ways to enhance it further. The obvious next step is to offer the City's best customers a chance to submit offers to the market place themselves. To that end, the ''High Merchant'' is inviting three citizens to submit contracts of their own. The city will accept up to two contracts from '''Dorys Delgorokov''', one from '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and and one from '''Terentia of Sarangrave'''.

A contract ''must'' stipulate the exact goods that the citizen is looking to purchase and the minimum payment that they are promising to offer. In effect it must have the same form as the contracts that Ephisis offers. The heralds will accept the contract and look to fulfil it in barbarian and foreign markets surrounding the Empire. They will not accept less than the offer price set on the contract, but they will return 80% of any excess payment, if the goods offered yield more than the offer price.

The contract can be for ''anything'' - if something is available anywhere in this world or the realms, then it can be had in the market-place for the right price. But that final part is crucial. A citizen is welcome to submit a offer to buy 600 wains of mithril with a promise to pay 1 ring for it, but should be assured that it will get exactly the same response from the Empire's neighbours that it would receive if the City offered it to the Empire. Stupid offers will just be ignored by the Empire's neighbours and will ultimately cause the City to abandon the scheme. Likewise a contract can be for any amount, but the City advise that asking for two thousand mithril or something similar is going to fail because there is no customer anywhere in the world who can meet those terms by themselves.

The City has chosen three customers who they believe have good credit. There is obviously a degree of risk involved, so they will only deal with people who have proven that they can meet terms. If Dorys, Damiàn, or Terentia do not wish to take advantage of this opportunity they are welcome to sell it on so that someone else can submit an offer on their behalf. However, they must understand that anyone who submits an offer is trading on their credit - with all the attendant risks thereof.

If the City of Gold and Lead are able to find a trustworthy counterparty to complete the contract they will announce confirmation of the offer in the run up to the next summit - and then settle the deal at the balancing of the scales on the Sunday.

It will cost one throne for each contract submitted.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisk, Wittal Grove, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 white granite, 30 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Fisk giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 7 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Wintermark title Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom
* Increases personal income of Kallavesa characters by 12 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Fisk Wareroom must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more doses of tradesoil from the Autumn realm (a tonic that provides two additional ranks to the next Autumn ritual that you perform within ten minutes, subject to the normal rules for effective skill)
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Mediator must be either a [[mediator]] or a [[maggot]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Fisk Wareroom and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Kallavesa and across all of Wintermark
* To increase investment in Wintermark, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Wintermark and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>130 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Tradesoil'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>180 Rings</td><td>1 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>2 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>240 Rings</td><td>3 Tradesoil</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Drycastle Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Drycastle, Dawnguard, the Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 35 white granite, 25 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Drycastle giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 5 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Dawnish title Seneschal of the Drycastle Emporium
* Increases personal income of Barrens characters by 10 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Drycastle Emporium must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Seneschal of the Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more Pauper's Keys each season
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Seneschal must be a yeofolk in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Drycastle Emporium and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in the Barrens and across all of Dawn
* To increase investment in Dawn, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Dawn and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>65 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>135 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>215 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>310 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>415 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Pauper's Keys'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Pauper's Key</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
<tr><td>1100 Rings</td><td>3 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Treji, The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 40 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Treji giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 4 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for herb gardens in the territory
* Creates the Navarr title Broker of the Treji Plaza
* Increases personal income of Hercynian characters by 9 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Treji Plaza must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Broker of the Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and Rings of the Golden Market
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Broker must be a [[broker]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Treji Plaza and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Hercynia and across all of Navarr
* To increase investment in the Navarr lands, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Navarr and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>205 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>295 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Rings of the Golden Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Ring of the Golden Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Rings of the Golden Market</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

==For Merriment and Diversion==
* '''Ephisis has provided plans for three fanes, one each in Hercynia, Kallavesa and the Barrens'''
* '''Each of these market places boosts local trade and commerce providing a level of investment in the territory'''
* '''The fanes must be ceded to Ephisis to provide any benefits - they permit heralds of Ephisis to enter the territory freely'''
* '''Each fane boosts taxation in the territory and provide a ministry for whoever is appointed to oversee it'''
* '''If two fanes are built they will both increase taxation by one throne less'''
* '''If all three fanes are built they will all increase taxation by two thrones less'''
The [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#One-Hahaha,_Two-Hahaha_(Ephisis)|scheme]] dreamed up between the herald, ''Crown'' and '''Erlend Gunnulfsson''', a wealthy merchant of Wintermark, seems to have finally born fruit. In Spring the City proposed that the Empire construct three large fanes, in [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] or [[the Barrens]]. These grand structures would be dedicated to commerce, letting money flow like water turning the wheels of trade and creating Prosperity across the land. Rather than build them in the great Cities of the Empire - already bustling hubs of mercantile activity, the eternal sought more out of the way locations. The goal of the City is not profit per se, but the promotion of trade - and so it makes sense to start far from the Empire's heart - at least it makes sense as far as the City of Gold and Lead is concerned.

A declaration of acceptance was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_House_in_Fisk|raised]] by '''Kaapo Kingfishering''' on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] that specified that the investment should be in Fisk, in south-western Kallavesa. This was superseded by a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_Houses|declaration]] raised by the newly elected [[Golden Pyramid|Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid]], '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''', which accepted the proposal for all three territories, [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] ''and'' [[the Barrens]].

Finding suitable locations in three different territories has taken some time, but the work has now been completed and the proposals handed over to the [[civil service]]. In each case, the heralds have been careful to devise arrangements in ways that support the local economy, providing ways for people to benefit. In Kallavesa and the Barrens, members of [[military unit|military units]] will find that the Emporium and the Wareroom are set up to provide them with a market place to dispose of unwanted goods acquired while questing in the area, or while working to guard caravans and properties from bandits and other threats. The Plaza is a very different arrangement, since it is intended to work with the many [[herb garden|herb gardens]] scattered across the territory, providing them with a ready market to dispose of unwanted herbs in return for the kind of tools and equipment employed by herbalists who tend a garden.

The proposals provided by the City of Gold and Lead are for market places where citizens of the Empire can come to trade their wares with heralds from the City. In some ways they are not so very different to the balancing of the scales that takes place on the last day at Anvil. It is clear that each is the equivalent of a [[fane]] - they all require ilium to complete the construction and must be ceded to the eternal to function. Each would allow heralds of the eternal to come and go freely at that location. In theory, an entire army of heralds could pour forth from the regio in each of these market places. The heralds of Ephisis pour scorn on that idea, insisting that they don't have any armies (although they can go and get one if the Empire is looking to buy).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Freebornflamecartel.jpeg|align=right|caption=The sigil of the Freeborn Flame Cartel of the Brass Coast|width=250}} </div>
There is, however, another more practical consideration that the Senate will need to consider. Each of the Autumn markets proposed by Crown and his associates helps to boost taxation in the territory by creating a place where people can buy and sell goods they need. They will support commerce across the territory and beyond, as people travel there to use the market and buy the unique goods it can provide. But the more of them there are, the less benefit to taxation each one will provide. If the Empire builds two of the three, then each of the markets will provide one throne less taxation than planned; if the Empire builds all three, then they will ''all'' provide two thrones less taxation than planned.

Each of the markets gives whoever is appointed to run it the opportunity to purchase [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]] and unique goods that Crown hopes will be valuable. He claims to have "market-tested" the prices for these goods with the help of the '''Freeborn Flame Cartel''' - whatever ''that'' means. However, he appreciates that it is hard to know in advance what goods might actually be in demand so he promises that if the markets are built, and the citizens find the goods they offer are not in demand, then the City will try to open negotiations to try to find something more marketable to replace the tradesoil, pauper's keys, and rings.

Each of the proposed titles has a lengthy list of responsibilities - and some requirements on who must be appointed to the position to access the full powers of the post. It is clear that the City of Gold and Lead is deadly serious about these responsibilities - their heralds insisted on them during discussions and were adamant that without mortals positively committing to actively pursue these issues, they would not be prepared to agree the deal.

Gardener of Pallas

2026-09-06T03:14:53Z

Hailmur:

==Overview==
The Gardener of Pallas is an [[Imperial title]] appointed by the senators of Urizen, announced during the [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reconstruct_Gardens_of_Pallas__II|Summer Solstice 385YE]]. The original Gardens of Pallas were originally commissioned by '''Juliana of Phoenix Reach''' as the [[Civilian commissioner|Civilian Commissioner of Urizen]] during the Autumn Equinox 380YE and overseen by the [[Head Gardener of Urizen]]. The gardens were destroyed during the [[Druj]] invasion of [[Zenith]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE and were left ruined until an [[appraisal]] was requested under the guidance of [[Appraisal#Lutomysla Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]. Lutomysla presented their [[Restoration and renewal|findings]] before the Summer Solstice 385YE that suggested a radical overhaul, including making use of [[Urizen_economic_interests#Ushabti|ushabti]] and support from [[Some_heavenly_music#Beneath_a_Bleak_Spire|Fountainhome Spire]]. Work on the Gardens of Pallas was [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reconstruct_Gardens_of_Pallas__II|announced]] by the '''Nikolai''' as the [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]] during the Summer Solstice 385YE and completed shortly before the Autumn Equinox 386YE.

==Responsibilities==
The Gardener of Pallas receives a substantial income in [[herb|herbs]] each season. There is some expectation that they will use their herbs to benefit the people of Zenith, and more widely Urizen, and if anything were to threaten the Gardens of Pallas it would be their responsibility to deal with the threat.

==Powers==
===Bounty of the Garden===
The Gardener of Pallas receives an income of herbs each season: 7 drams of [[True Vervain|true vervain]] and 5 drams each of [[bladeroot]], [[Imperial Roseweald|Imperial roseweald]], [[marrowort]] and [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]].

===Specialised Ushabti===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Additional Herbs'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 crowns</td><td>2 drams each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, Imperial roseweald, marrowort, bladeroot, and 6 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>17 crowns</td><td>4 drams each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, Imperial roseweald, marrowort, bladeroot, and 13 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 crowns</td><td>6 drams each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, Imperial roseweald, marrowort, bladeroot, and 20 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>46 crowns</td><td>8 drams each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, Imperial roseweald, marrowort, bladeroot, and 27 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>65 crowns</td><td>10 drams each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, Imperial roseweald, marrowort, bladeroot, and 34 random herbs</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Gardener of Pallas has access to a [[ministry]], allowing them to hire skilled magicians and artisans to oversee the specialised ushabti in order to get more herbs. The Gardener makes their decision on how much money to spend during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and herbs are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.

===Boon of the Nightwoven===
The Gardener of Pallas receives four drams of [[realmsroot]] each season from the nine mithril-infused monoliths in the shape of [[the Fountain]] [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] that take advantage of the [[Region_qualities#Nightwoven|magical changes]] wrought by the Druj.

===Botanists from Bleak Spire===
The Garden of Pallas serves as a base of operations for several horticulturists from Bleak Spire. These herbalists were some of the workers at the original Gardens of Pallas before the Druj destroyed it. Fleeing to [[Morrow]], they were [[You%27ll_recognise_yourself#Poise|instrumental]] in the establishment of the [[Custodian_of_the_Bleak_Tower#The_Bleak_Tower|Bleak Tower]] where they remained until '''Galene Netherwatch''' was sent by the Urizen Assembly to enact a [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_90|mandate]] to encourage them to face their fears and return to the rebuilt Garden. Now, the botanists support the herb gardens of Zenith in the form of a great work producing three drams of random herbs each season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel.jpg|caption='''Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel''', Gardener of Pallas|align=left|width=250}}
==Appointment==
The Gardener of Pallas is appointed during the Autumn Equinox each year. It is chosen by unanimous decision of the [[Urizen]] [[senator|senators]]. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#National_Position|may be appointed]] by the [[Senate]] instead.

The title can be held by any Urizen citizen. The Gardener can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Urizen [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Gardener_of_Pallas}}

==History==
===Fountainhome Support===
The Garden of Pallas was once home to a dedicated greenhouse for Fountainhome Spire. Their magical aid, and the excellent location of the Gardens of Pallas, improved the general standard of life across the territory, with good-quality fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices supplementing the more mundane provender grown in Proceris. The support of Fountainhome Spire also meant the Gardens of Pallas served as a [[great work]], providing every mana site in Zenith with three drams of random herbs each season.

This stopped following the declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] against [[Ossegrahn]] at the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Enmity:_Ossegrahn|Spring Equinox 388YE]]. The magician-healers of Fountainhome Spire are clear that they have a great deal of respect and affection for [[Ossegrahn]], and some of their advanced techniques relied on aid from the heralds of the eternal. With Lord Rain now considered an enemy of the Empire, they are no longer prepared or able to support the Gardens of Pallas or the people of Zenith.

==Further Reading==
* [[Restoration and renewal]] - 385YE Summer Solstice wind of fortune with results of the [[appraisal]]
* [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Cascade_.28Zenith.29|Cascade]] - 382YE Spring Equinox wind of war detailing the destruction of the original gardens by the Druj
[[Category:Title]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Reikos

2026-09-06T01:01:47Z

Hailmur: /* Tamarbode */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofReikos.png|caption=A peaceful place, once home to pleasure gardens and country estates, riven by war.|title=Regions of Reikos|align=left|width=540|height=300}}
== Overview ==
Reikos was once composed of sweeping plains with occasional patches of deciduous woodland or raised elevation. The only major woodlands outside of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]] were in [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]], while only the south-eastern downs around [[#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]] really counted as being hills.

There have been settlements in [[#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]] and [[#Haros Water|Haros Water]] for over 400 years. While Reikos was only conquered in 56YE, the Highborn had established settlements along its southern borders long before the foundation of the Empire. The chapters along the banks of the Haros were known as some of the hardiest and best-versed in the arts of war; during the civil war they played a major role in helping the Virtuous Assembly plan individual engagements against the forces of the Patricians.

Before the [[Druj]] invaded, this formerly peaceful stretch of the Couros river was home to pleasure gardens, parks, and country estates. A [[Prosperity|prosperous]] [[territory]], the wealth of Reikos traditionally came from four places. Firstly, the [[#The Vigilant Swan|Vigilant Swan]] and the [[#The Great Forest at Reikos|Great Forest at Reikos]] produced quality stone and wood respectively, as well as highly sought after white granite and weirwood. Second, the [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|Gardens of High Chalcis]] produced herbs sold all over the Empire. Third, the wide roads helped connect the [[Navarr]] in [[Therunin]] and the [[Urizen]] in [[Morrow]] with the rest of the Empire and several towns grew up to cater to the needs of merchants and pilgrims. Fourth, the beauty of Reikos itself made the territory wealthy - the great gardens, sweeping estates and peaceful surroundings made it a favourite place for Imperial citizens from across the Empire to convalesce after illness, or to spend time away from the cares of everyday life.

For centuries, the only real threat to the peace of Reikos came from the abominable inhabitants of the dark forest of [[Brocéliande]]. All of this changed in 367YE with the arrival of the Druj.

==Recent History==
The downfall of Reikos came from its border with the Great Forest of Peytaht. At its edges, the Great Forest is an abundant source of lumber; but its heart is wild and untamed. The long border with the dark forest was notoriously hard to defend, despite the efforts of [[Vigilance|vigilant]] [[Chapter|chapters]] such as the ''[[Highguard groups#Grey_Watchers_of_Peytaht|Grey Watchers of Peytaht]]'', but at least the forest was equally hostile to human and orc alike. When the [[Druj]] barbarians launched a surprise attack through the forest in 367YE, the Highborn were woefully unprepared for it. Those chapters on the edge of the forest that did not retreat were overwhelmed in the first few months of the attack.

The Druj quickly spread south, overwhelming the disorganised Imperial defences. The focus of the [[Military Council]] was elsewhere, and by the time the [[general|generals]] could coordinate their [[Army|armies]], the territory had already fallen. [[Emperor Hugh]] is said to have taken the loss of Reikos particularly badly, and campaigned to focus all Imperial resources on recovering it - unsuccessfully. The Military Council and the [[Senate]] had more pressing concerns facing a major mobilization of the [[Thule]] and the [[Jotun]].

Many [[Benefactor|benefactors]] were ruined in the attack, and many more are still struggling to restore their fortunes. The gardens, parks and pleasant villages of Reikos were largely unprepared to face the onslaught of the Druj, and hundreds died in the initial attacks before they were able to take refuge in the fortified [[Chapter|chapter houses]]. The presence of refugees complicated matters severely; several northern chapters fell prey to disease and starvation. The malicious tactics of the Druj served to make the situation even words - they regularly poisoned supplies; publicly tortured and displayed the horribly abused corpses of captured [[Highguard_military_concerns|guardians]] and [[Highguard_religious_beliefs|priests]]; crippled and maimed Highborn refugees then allowed them to flee so that their presence would further damage morale and absorb valuable medical supplies. Slowly but surely they pressed their advantage and drove the Highborn defenders southward.

Finally, in Autumn 377YE the Druj mounted a major offensive against the surviving Highborn chapters in [[#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]], [[#Haros|Haros]] and [[#Tabernacle|Tabernacle]]. The last regions of the territory fell beneath this assault, leaving only a scattered handfuls of fortified chapters as guttering beacons of hope in a sea of dread. it took some time for the Empire to rally after this defeat, but in Winter 378YE a combined Highborn and [[Navarr]] force [[378YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_garden_of_Highguard|crossed back into Reikos]] to begin the liberation. It was here that the Imperial soldiers gained first-hand experience of something that would later be referred to as the ''[[Druj miasma]]'' or the '' shroud of dread''.

After a few skirmishes and the [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Blood_and_Stone|liberation of the Vigilant Swan]], the Druj forces in the area - represented by a single clan referred to as the Stone Toads, withdrew into the massive fortification they had built in the ruins of [[#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]]. They left guerrillas, traps and ambushers to harry the Imperial troops while they remained secure behind the great white granite walls of Urith Barath.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ShatteredGuardians.png|caption=Guardians of the Shattered Tower keep a watch on the borders of Highguard.|align=right|width=350}}
The territory was rejuvenated - and reconfigured - by a [[a season of mushrooms|wave of Spring magic]] that swept Reikos in early 380YE. The magic saw the restoration of great swathes of forest, and the eradication of much of the lingering taint of Druj occupation - but it was not without cost. Drawing on the power of the eternal [[Llofir]], the magic tore apart damaged and ruined structures without concern as to who had built them. The Highborn were able to protect some of their most valuable relics, but a great many damaged buildings were destroyed - including many chapterhouses. As the magic ebbed away, the eternal claimed the region of [[#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] as its own demesne, until it was ultimately [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|forced to withdraw]] back to its own realm in the Summer of 383YE thanks to the combined efforts of the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Wolves of War]], and the garrison at ''Remember Exile''.

The establishment of the [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|Gardens of High Chalcis]], coinciding as it did with the [[Iron_and_wine|coronation message]] of [[Empress Lisabetta]], has seen an influx of healers and doctors into the territory - triggering a drive to see Reikos established as the centre for the healing arts in the Empire.

In Summer 384YE a network of roads, tentatively dubbed "the Virtuous Roads" were [[Construct_White_Roads|commissioned]] by the Imperial Senate. Now the White Roads serve to link Reikos with both [[Necropolis]] and [[Reikos]]. They also provided a major boon to the [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] of the territory. In the Winter of 386YE, however, the Imperial Senate determined to [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Levy_Tolls_on_White_Roads|levy tolls]] on traffic using the road, meaning they no longer increase the income of individual citizens but provide a significant boost to the Imperial Treasury, in part to pay for the war against the [[vallorn]].

==Major Features==
{{anchor|Urith Barath (High Chalcis)}}{{anchor|Urith Barath}}{{anchor|High Chalcis}}
===High Chalcis===
Prior to the Druj invasion, '''High Chalcis''' was one of the largest settlements in Highguard. Built on the hills of [[#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], and famous for its beautiful gardens, the town was a centre for healing and the study of the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] arts where the medical knowledge of the Empire was codified and expanded. The settlement fell to surprise attack in 367YE, the storehouses of knowledge raided, and the great Stone Toad fortress of '''Urith Barath''' built among the ruins. The Druj citadel fell to Imperial forces in Autumn 379YE, but little remained of the original town in the wake of the destruction. The [[A season of mushrooms|powerful Spring magic]] that washed away signs of Druj occupation devoured most of the remaining ruin.

In the wake of this destruction, [[Construct_Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|extensive work]] was undertaken to restore the town, and especially the Gardens that once surrounded it. New chapterhouses were established around the one structure still standing - the miraculously restored '''Shining Towers'''. These four beautiful towers appeared shortly after the destruction of the Druj citadel on the site of the old chapterhouse of the [[Highguard groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Returned at last from exile, the Shattered Tower claimed the towers as their new chapterhouse. They report that not only do the towers surround a weak Summer [[regio]], but that they seem to be composed of the legendary magical material [[Stalwart_Stand_on_Solid_Ground#The_Nature_of_Adamant|adamant]]. In some parts of the territory has become a symbol of the unbreakable will of the people of Reikos. In the gardens around the towers stands the [[Keeper of the Cox#Grove of Golden Cox|Grove of Golden Cox]], famed for its unique apple tree that produces [[vis#Golden Apples|Golden Apples]] rich with Summer [[vis]].

In the year since, the settlement has seen a remarkable spate of growth, heavily supported by Highborn exiles returning from [[Therunin#Peakedge_Song|Peakedge Stead]] in neighbouring [[Therunin]] and their [[Navarr]] allies. One of the more important structures is the beautiful [[Claviger_of_the_Basilica_of_Cora_Holdfast#Basilica_of_Cora_Holdfast|Basilica of Cora Holdfast]], completed shortly before the Autumn Equinox 381YE. Given that the [[Cora Holdfast|exemplar]] was of the [[Navarr]], it is perhaps only fitting that the basilica be built in High Chalcis.

While a great deal of work has gone into restoring the town, attention was also focused on restoring the bountiful [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|Gardens of High Chalcis]] that once surrounded the settlement. Today, the [[great work]] they represent has been restored, and the Chalcis Hills once again bloom with a great bounty of healing herbs, providing a great boon to the physicks and apothecaries of Reikos.

=== The Sign of Tamar ===
This vast sigil incised into the plain in northern Reikos predates the first human settlements in Reikos. Created by digging long trenches in the earth, scholars have never been sure who constructed it, what purpose (if any) it served, or when precisely it was built. Scholars have paced out the sigil and drawn it, and declared it a humanoid figure that matches the constellation called [[The Drowned Shepherd]]. There is some evidence that the sign was part of, or contained, a very potent Spring [[regio]], possibly with an affinity for the darker and more destructive uses of [[Spring magic]]. If this is the case, its proximity to [[Brocéliande]] can surely be no coincidence.

Even before the coming of [[Llofir]] to [[#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] there was no viewpoint nearby where the entire figure could be seen clearly. There has been a great deal of speculation as to who placed this sigil here, and whether there is any connection with the chalk figures of [[the Marches]]. Historians have also speculated extensively about how Tamar may have been, and why the region as a whole is called Tamarbode - it is assumed they were connected in some way with the original conquest of Reikos during the early Empire, but there are no records to support this or details of exactly who they may have been.

The eternal [[Llofir]] claimed the Sign of Tamar, as it claimed the whole of Tamarbode. The sigil itself disappeared beneath the enchanted forest that now covers the entire region. Even with the liberation of Tamarbode in 383YE, the earthworks that made up the sign continued to be overgrown and there is every chance it will simply be reclaimed by nature. When Llofir was driven back to the Spring realm, whatever powerful Spring magic was focused here disappeared. You can read more about the battle for the Sign of Tamar in the ''[[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|Destroying Angels]]'' wind of war. In the Winter of 383YE, the Imperial Senate instructed the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the Sign for potential use now that Llofir's hold over Tamarbode was broken. The results of that appraisal are detailed in the '''[[Signs and sigils]]''' wind of fortune.

=== The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] ===
The Great Forest at Reikos is a Bourse resource that covers the eastern hills of [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]]. Custodianship of the weirwood groves is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Bourse]]. It produces 25 Imperial wains of weirwood every season; control is allocated to any Imperial citizen by open auction during the Winter Solstice.

=== The [[Vigilant Swan]]===
The Vigilant Swan is a Bourse resource located in [[#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]]. Custodianship of the Vigilant Swan is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Bourse]]. It produces 25 Imperial wains of white granite every season. It is assigned to the [[Highguard|Highborn]] candidate who receives the most support from the Highguard owners of [[congregation]] resources.

During the Summer Solstice 386YE, the Senate [[Fortify Vigilant Swan|voted]] to fortify the Vigilant Swan as a result of an [[Metal_and_stone#Alabaster_and_Onyx_Swans|opportunity]] requested by the [[Archmage of Autumn]], '''Edmundo of Damakan's forge''', and the [[Conclave]]. The Swans of Alabaster and Onyx, handcrafted by the ''Manse of the Lionsmith'', are seven warrior-constructs in the shape of swan-like humanoids; one for each of the Virtues. They are armed, armoured, and infused with the spirit of a herald of Estavus, which allows them to think, talk, and wield battlefield magics. They serve as unceasing watchers, protecting the quarry, and prepared to fight to defend it when called upon.

===The Grand Ossuary===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Long Walk Home.jpg|title=The statue of Brother Gideon that stands in the Grand Ossuary is said by some to be his actual body, preserved forever by potent ritual magic.|caption=Not all those who fought to liberate Reikos lived to see it freed.|width=450|align=right}}
The Grand Ossuary stands in [[Reikos#Haros Water|Haros Water]], not far from the place where the settlement of Haros once stood. A square, stocky building of white stone, it is surrounded by a quiet park laid out with every attempt made to create a quiet atmosphere of contemplation and reflection. Within the structure itself, the dead of Reikos are interred or memorialised, and many relics of the past history of Reikos are kept here - primarily those from before the Druj invasion, but with at least a few connected to heroic deeds performed during the conquest, the occupation, and the later liberation. In particular, the top floor of the Ossuary contains a library where stories from the occupation are stored. Harrowing tales of despair and courage, they include many journals written by those who fell to the orcs.

Work on the Ossuary was already underway when the [[A season of mushrooms|great wave of Spring magic]] swept over the territory - magic that destroyed the remains of the dead as easily as it expunged the lingering mark of the Druj occupation. Only the desperate action of a dozen independent captains and their [[military unit|retinues]] prevented the Ossuary from being overwhelmed. Their names are all immortalized on a simple white granite plinth that stands just inside the main gates of the park. Without their intervention, the (apparently well-meaning) servants of Llofir would have completely devoured the history of Reikos alongside the lingering Druj taint.

Another monument of particular note stands in the Ossuary, and has become a point of pilgrimage for new settlers in Reikos. A statue of Brother Gideon of the Suns of Couros stands in the entrance hall of the Ossuary building proper. Gideon was instrumental in the creation of the Grand Ossuary of Reikos, but died before the work was completed. His memory will forever be linked to this great work, and to the [[Prosperity]] and [[Pride]] of the people of Reikos.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><quote by="Ianthe, Highborn Assembly, Winter 380YE (greater majority)">Our assembly recognises the benevolent and saving Ambition and Loyalty of our departed Brother Gideon of the Suns of Couros in the creation of the Great Ossuary of Reikos. May his memory be forever linked to this Great Work and to the Prosperity and Pride of Reikos.</quote></div>
The Ossuary is a [[great work]]; donations are made by visitors which are distributed to the priests of Reikos to help them with their work guiding the future, and commemorating the past. Every [[Highguard|Highborn]] priest who operates a [[congregation]] in [[Reikos]] receives money from the donations. The ossuary is overseen by the [[Steward of the Ossuary]], especially when situations call for the [[Steward_of_the_Ossuary#Distribution_of_the_Grand_Ossuary|distribution]] of the bounty.

===Seminary of the Swan===
Raised a short distance from the [[#Vigilant Swan|Vigilant Swan]], this seminary stands on a small island in the middle of a shallow lake. Waters from the lake feed into the washing pools of the great white granite quarry, and were once the main breeding grounds for the swans that gave the Bourse seat its name. Poisoned by the Druj, the waters were slowly purified until they were safe to support life once again. New swans were brought to live in the waters, the previous birds having been butchered by the orc conquerors.

The Seminary of the Swan itself serves as a school for the training of [[magister|magisters]]. Built in a classical Highborn style, a number of smaller white granite buildings surround a single tall tower - Obadiah Spire - which provides the best view of the surrounding countryside. The Seminary ensures that students of a priestly background understand magic, while those of a more magical bent have a sufficiently Orthodox understanding of the Way.

It is an austere place of study, that demands much of its students and provides little in the way of comfort. To remove distractions the students are forbidden to set foot on the mainland while they are engaged in their studies. The most common diversion for bored students is to take shallow boats out onto the lake. Eight boats are moored at a small quay beneath the seminary, each named by one of the "[[benefactor|benefactors]] of Highguard" who helped complete the seminary.

The training of new magicians requires a regular supply of crystal mana, thus creating a steady stream of income for the mana sites of Reikos.
===Remember Exile===
Completed just before the Autumn Equinox 381YE through the use of a potent enchantment, this fortification is built in [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]]. The massive citadel is positioned so as to keep a close watch on both the Great Forest, and on the threat of [[Brocéliande]] to the north-west - and to guard against any potential danger coming out of [[#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]].
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Micah's Stand Wayhouse===
A beautiful [[wayhouse]] built on [[#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], this [[Navarr]] stronghold is named for [[Keeper_of_the_Stand|Micah's Stand]], a Navarr [[steading]] that works closely with the Highborn of Reikos. It is surrounded by gardens where both healing herbs and mundane plants from across the Empire are cultivated. The Navarr who dwell here provide not only the usual benefits of a [[Navarr wayhouse]], but also a place for practitioners of medicine from across the Empire to meet and share their expertise.

Several refugees from the fall of [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Song]] have taken residence here and it is common to see Navarr, Highborn, and [[Great Forest Orcs]] walking the gardens or talking about this or that development in the Empire over a mug of something wholesome.
===The Unbound Steel Hall (Ruined)===
Built shortly after Reikos was liberated from the Druj, the Unbound Steel Hall of Lost Chapters stood in [[#Riverwatch|Tabernacle]]. It was a place of pilgrimage, dedicated to the history of [[Chapter|chapters]] who had fallen in service of the Empire and the nation. It was a place of pilgrimage seeking lessons of the past. Unfortunately, it was an early casualty of the war against [[Cold Sun]], [[To_the_last_syllable#In_Bastion_and_Reikos|ruined]] by the [[eternal|eternal's]] ''[[Cold Sun#Scions|scions]]''.

It was commissioned by '''Ella, Daughter of Zemira,''' of Reumah's Redoubt, using an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]] and financed by the Beneficent Order of Steel Chain in conjunction with several Highborn [[benefactor|benefactors]]. The [[opportunity]] to construct the Hall arose as a result of the [[In_brightest_day#The_Power_to_Exalt|inspiration]] following in the wake of powerful magic that washed across the Empire prior to the Winter Solstice 380YE. Built in the newly reborn town of [[#Riverwatch|Tabernacle]], the hall was located on the original high street in Tabernacle, covering multiple lots that were reduced to rubble during the invasion. The Unbound Steel Hall was for a time the largest structure standing on the site of the old settlement, and helped drive the rebuilding of the town.
<ic>'''At the Hall of Lost Chapters'''<br>Pilgrims seeking solace in the lessons of the past first walk through a covered colonnade that winds through a park of a labyrinthine design. In the middle of the park stands a tall granite bell tower. The bells do not tell the time, but instead are sounded the time and day when each chapter had fallen to the Druj. Arriving at the main building, the visitors are greeted by an imposing portico with massive columns, giving weight to what lies beyond. Passing the entrance, the pilgrims enter a cloister dominated by a huge statue of a basilisk - the protector of the place.

On the north side, the cloister lies against a basilica that serves as a place for contemplation and meditation. The vast space inside is filled with large banners of all the chapters' symbols bound into a greater whole by the single endless steel chain that gives the hall its name. On the east side of the cloister, the Wing of Memory preserves the chapter relics and memorabilia that were recovered after Llofir’s season of mushrooms. Very little sound filters through from the outside, as if the building itself demands a quiet respect for the fallen. The wing also houses a large collection of scrolls, cared for by the archivists. The scrolls contain stories of the chapters, both grand and subtle, their culture and teachings, and their legacies. Opposite, in the Chamber of Murmurs, the stewards recite the names of the dead, without pause, day and night, and they do not repeat themselves for many days. The Hall of Lost Chapters safeguards the Pride of the nation; here the fallen chapters forever remain a part of Highguard.
<small>Original text contributed by Tomáš Zdeněkovič Pilař</small></ic>
==Regions==
===Broken Ride===
*'''Quality:''' Forest
The rolling woodlands of Broken Ride were regularly used for hunting and for training [[Unconquered]] recruits. Only a few scattered chapters were built here, such as [[Highguard groups#Grey_Watchers_of_Peytaht|Beacons Rock]] which stood on the very northernmost borders of Reikos. These isolated chapters were easy prey for the Druj when they invaded.

In 369YE, the woods were the site of the massacre at '''Exile'''. Built round a chapter of Unconquered who trained in the solitude provided by the deep woods, Exile was a hard place, and the Highborn there embraced many trials designed to harden the soul. They held out for three years before they were finally overrun. The Druj desecrated the dead, and used their remains to construct one of their grim shrines of fear and despair, responsible for helping to spread a foul [[Druj miasma|miasma]] over the entire territory.

In the last days of the siege, the choice to hold against overwhelming odds or leave with honour was given to all of the recruits, not a one of whom chose to leave. In battle, the Unconquered used to say: “Remember Exile. We will return” in memorial of fallen friends and mentors. Since the liberation, many have instead begun to say "Remember Exile. We will always return."

Today, the region is sparsely populated. The [[Great_Forest_at_Reikos|weirwood groves]] are still worked, and a [[#Remember Exile|fortification]] has recently been completed here. [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Broken_Ride_Blooms|Broken Ride Blooms]] still provides a bounty of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] to those brave enough to work the forest. A few scattered chapters have returned, many of them dedicated to keeping a [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] eye not only on the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]] to the north, but also on [[Brocéliande]] and [[#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] to the west.

Nestled in the heart of the forest, a white granite [[Construct Monument to Silent Bell|pillar]] stands, crested with a bell missing its clapper. Engraved at its base are the words, "''To the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Sodality of the Silent Bell]], for their tireless work defending this Empire and furthering our knowledge of the Way''."

===Chalcis Mount===
*'''Quality:''' Hills
The gentle hills of Chalcis Mount are the site of [[#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]], and its eponymous [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|garden]]. In some poems, they are called the ''Red Downs'' due to the distinctive hue of the [[Imperial Roseweald]] that grew profusely on their slopes - although in the wake of the Druj occupation the name has taken on sadder connotations. The Stone Toad clan built their citadel of Urith Barath here, and it was from that citadel that they ruled Reikos with an iron fist; the citadel is gone now.

Chalcis Mount has a noticeably high population of [[Navarr]] residents. Primarily inhabitants of [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Stead]] in [[Therunin]], the Navarr came to help establish the Gardens to show their gratitude for Highborn support in dealing with a threatened Druj invasion, but many have chosen to stay - at least for the time being. They have established a small settlement on the edge of the region no more than a days march from the border with Therunin. This is also the location of the beautiful [[#Micah's Stand Wayhouse|Micah's Stand Wayhouse]].

Outside High Chalcis, the physicks and apothecaries are beginning to return. The [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Fields_of_Remembrance|Fields of Remembrance]] in particular stand as a reminder of the [[Courage]] of those who fought to defend, and to free, Reikos. Perhaps just as significantly, the [[mine]] known as the [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#The_Wound_of_Chalcis|Wound of Chalcis]] is in business once again, drawing up fine quality [[materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] from the dark stone cliffs overlooking Therunin.

===Grey Charge===
*'''Quality:''' Forest
The wide plains of Grey Charge were avoided by the Druj themselves, but given over to the control of one of their brutal subject nations. The scattered chapterhouses were turned into twisted orc settlements, and the human populace reduced to the status of field slaves. After the liberation, the Spring magic devoured all the ruined chapters, villages, and [[farm|farms]] that once stood here leaving behind untouched forest. New chapters are being established here by the survivors, looking to the trees as a source of [[Prosperity]]. Already, farmland has been liberated from the clutch of the magically inspired woodlands - [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Grey_Watch_Grasses|Grey Watch Grasses]] weathered the storm of Spring magic reasonably untouched, and leads the way in providing food to the people of Reikos. The [[congregation]] known as [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Never_Again|Never Again]], formed by refugees in Bastion, is based here. They actively support rebuilding efforts across the entire territory.

===Haros Water===
Haros Water takes its name from the tributary of the Couros that runs through it. Similar to neighbouring [[#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]], Haros Water was made wealthy by a combination of prosperous farms and regular trade passing along the road and the river. The town of '''Haros''', once a major stopping point for trade passing through Reikos, was effectively destroyed during the liberation, and the [[a season of mushrooms|tide]] of [[Spring magic]] that followed after it. Most of the damage had already been done by the time the magic spread over the ruins - following a three day battle in the streets during Winter 378YE, the Druj [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Blood_and_Stone|fired the town]], creating a conflagration that lasted through the night and saw the entire settlement reduced to ruins. The beautiful river gates of Haros, which once allowed daring forays by expert boatmen supporting the defenders, were reduced to broken fragments, standing as mute testimony to the loss of the last Imperial foothold in the territory.

Not everything is lost. A brave effort by several chapters managed to protect some remnants of the former town from the voracious appetite of [[Llofir]] and its agents. The ruins of the river gates in particular still stand, providing a memorial to those who died fighting to protect their homes. The only other structure still standing is now the tallest in the new town; the tower of [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Echoes_of_Wisdom|Echoes of Wisdom]] bell-makers business survived the fall of Haros, the Druj occupation, and the wave of [[Spring magic]] entirely untouched. A new town is beginning to flourish around it, taking advantage of the influx of lumber from the new woodlands of [[#Grey Charge|Grey Charge]] and [[#Longshire|Longshire]]. The [[Highguard groups#The_Suns_of_Couros|Suns of Couros]] in particular have been active in re-establishing Haros. The [[Draughir]] chapter have established a new chapterhouse - a dim reflection of its previous splendour - and are encouraging other Highborn to participate in the rebuilding of Haros as a staging point for the settlement of western Reikos.

===Longshire===
*'''Quality:''' Forest
The plains of Longshire were not heavily settled even when Reikos was at its height; now that they are densely wooded this has not noticeably changed. During the occupation, the scattered chapters here were reduced to ruins and claimed by various barbarians. These unruly gangs of orcs squabbled among themselves, occasionally causing the Druj themselves to step in and make an example to restore order. Of particular note is the attack in 370YE when the Druj slaughtered every member of the clan living in the ruins of the old Granite Chain chapterhouse.

An ambitious band of Unconquered soon took residence in the ruins, exploiting the superstitious dread of the local orcs to maintain a hidden chapterhouse that helped coordinate the resistance in the western territory. Today the chapterhouse has been rebuilt by the surviving Unconquered. Working closely with the [[Master_of_the_School_of_Exorcism#The_School_of_Exorcism|School of Exorcism]] in [[#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]], the chapter works to help lay to rest the remaining wraiths that haunt Longshire and to provide support to new chapters establishing themselves amidst the new grown forests.

===Riverwatch===
The [[Vigilant Swan]] was the source of a great deal of prosperity for Riverwatch, but a significant amount also came from the [[farm|farms]] that sprawled across the wide, fertile plains north of the Haros river. As with [[#Haros Water|Haros Water]], the region was also made wealthy by trade passing along the road between [[Casinea]] and [[Sarvos]] in the east and the [[Navarr]] [[steading|steadings]] of [[Therunin]] to the west. Much of that trade passed through the town of '''Tabernacle''', a well-fortified triple-ringed settlement whose residents sprawled outside its walls in long years of peace. Riverwatch held out against the Druj for a decade, the last site of major resistance to the invaders, with constant skirmishing along its borders that saw the farms devastated and Tabernacle reduced to the status of an armed camp. Riverwatch was the last region of Reikos to fall to the Druj, and even then only after many months of sustained assault. While some chapters survived the fall of Tabernacle, the survivors were forced to retreat across the river to [[Bastion#Sybella_Cross|Sybella Cross]] in [[Bastion]]. A year of occupation saw Tabernacle reduced to mud-choked ruins scattered with lethal traps and deadfalls that would have taken months of careful work to locate and disarm. In the end, the town was swallowed by Llofir's wave of Spring magic, devoured by the earth itself, ruins and traps and all.

Today a village is slowly spreading around Riverwatch, named Tabernacle in memory of the town that once stood here. With trade caravans returning to the pre-occupation routes, the village is enjoying a little of its former prosperity. The re-establishment [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Tabernacle_Legacy_Claret|Tabernacle Legacy Claret]] in particular marked the beginning of the new prosperity; built over the extensive hidden cellars of the old vineyard, the wine produced here is said to have a particularly fine if bitter quality and has proved popular in several places damaged by war with the orcs. Further prosperity has been brought by a small family of respectable [[Faraden]] traders who have set up a small, permanent enclave in Tabernacle, trading herbs and wood with the citizens of Reikos as they serve as a hub for caravans trading into Therunin and [[Urizen]].

===Tamarbode===
*'''Quality:''' Forest
The desolate plains of Tamarbode were primarily known as the site of the enigmatic [[#The Sign of Tamar|Sign of Tamar]], and at least one chapter was dedicated to protecting and guarding the eerie earthworks. It was also home to a couple of fortified chapters on the borders of [[Brocéliande]], facing into the forests there and keeping a careful watch on the [[vallorn]] that slumbers fitfully at its heart. Contact with these chapters was lost when the last of them was overrun by Druj in 372YE. During the orc occupation, the region appeared to be under the control of an especially vicious Druj [[Druj#Magic|Ghulai]] nicknamed "''Greenmask''".

The region was never fully liberated from the Druj - even after the fall of Urith Barath, scattered orc warbands held out here for several months. In Summer 380YE, the great surge of Spring magic that began the rejuvenation of Reikos apparently began here, and the entire region was claimed by the eternal [[Llofir]]. Tamarbode became a primeval woodland that thrummed with unruly [[Spring magic]], and was largely unknown to Imperial forces. Indeed, there were indications that the woodland might be actively hostile to humans, possibly as a response to an [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Our_Neighbour.27s_Field|abortive attempt]] by the [[Urizen]] [[Citadel Guard]] to drive out the eternal forces here.

In the end, a [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|combined operation]] by the Wolves of War and the Towerjacks ultimately destroyed the Castle of Ruin, and Llofir's Garden collapsed and was withdrawn into the Spring realm. While there is still a profusion of mushrooms and toadstools amid the trees here, the forests of Tamarbode now seem to be entirely natural in nature.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Solomon.jpg|caption='''Solomon''', Senator for Reikos|align=left|width=300}}
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Reikos|Territory=Reikos|Season=Spring}}

==OOC Notes==
* As of the end of the Summer Solstice 383YE, the Highborn control all the regions of Reikos, meaning it is an Imperial territory.
* The [[fortification]] of [[#Remember Exile|Remember Exile]] is a rank 2 fortification in [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]].
* The [[#The Vigilant Swan|Swans of Alabaster and Onyx]] are a rank 1 fortification in Riverwatch that only protect that region
* The [[Keeper of the Stand|Micah's Stand Wayhouse]] in Chalcis Mount allows Navarri characters to establish a [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] in Reikos and gain the benefit of any [[great work]] in the territory without suffering the penalty for having a [[Resource#Resources_in_other_Nations|resource in another nation]].
* [[congregation|Congregations]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Grand Ossuary|Grand Ossuary]] and produce 72 rings each season.
* [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in the territory benefit from the [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|Gardens of High Chalcis]] and produce an extra 3 drams of [[True Vervain|true vervain]], 2 drams of [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]], 1 dram of [[bladeroot]], 1 dram of [[Imperial Roseweald|Imperial roseweald]], and 1 dose of [[realmsroot]] each season.
* [[Mana site|Mana sites]] in the territory benefit from the [[#Seminary of the Swan|Seminary of the Swan]] and produce 36 rings each season.
* Prior to the [[a season of mushrooms|magic]] of Summer 380YE, several regions devastated by the Druj had the ''ruins'' quality. The powerful magic invoked over the territory removed these qualities as they removed the ruins themselves.
* While the majority of Reikos has been freed from the [[Druj miasma]] by a combination of hard work by Imperial forces and the powerful rejuvenating Spring magic that swept the territory in Spring and Summer 380YE, there are still some areas that suffer under its influence. They are for the most part isolated, hard-to-reach places immediately surrounding a miasma stone ('''OOC Note:''' these remaining areas exist primarily as a source of quests, or as inspiration for an individual player event, rather than as a threat to the territory as a whole).

[[Category:Highguard]]
[[Category:Gazetteer]]
[[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Not from the benevolence

2026-09-06T01:00:55Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
Jorgen sucked on the boiled sweet the herald had brought with him, even as he eyed the elaborately painted bowl full of them on the desk. They were quite delicious, and the bowl looked like very expensive china. Was that part of the present he wondered? Not that he needed it, but it looked like it was worth a ring or two. ''Say one thing for the Autumn realm,'' he thought to himself, ''they knew how to grease the wheels of commerce...''

"So that one will need twenty white granite and forty wains of weirwood as well as the ilium of course." The excitable Autumn herald was pacing up and down as he spoke, clearly animated, even as his assistant sat on one of the seats he'd offered them both.

"Ten rings of ilium, check. I can assume it's a fane then?" It was an important point; he was confident that it would get raised on the Senate floor if he didn't clarify it now. He'd suggested it three times already, and each time the herald had corrected him and said it was a plaza, a wareroom, a whatever. But Jorgen had read the briefings... ten rings of ilium, and it needed to be ceded to the eternal. That's a fane, no matter what this herald claimed.

The gold-faced herald looked aggrieved. "You keep saying that... this is a plaza. What's a fane? It doesn't sound like somewhere you can conduct profitable business."

Jorgen smiled, pleased to have an opportunity to explain. "A fane is a commission that allows heralds of an eternal to come and go. Once it's built and dominion is granted to the eternal, then their heralds can come and go as they please."

"Well, if you want to call it that, that's fine - but what I have described is very clearly a plaza. Look at these sketches - see, it's got a large open area for people to trade herbs and other goods. It's a ''plaza''."

"Fane." said Jorgen firmly and pointedly wrote the word down. The sweet was gone now, but he was still enjoying this.

"Pla.... za..." said the herald with a clear hint of condescension. "Look what difference does it make? Of course we can come and go from the plaza. How in the name of the Iron Labyrinth are we going to trade with you if we can't turn up? We have to be able to come and go, otherwise it can't work, can it? It stands to reason."

Jorgen was not about to let it drop. "The difference it makes," he said, "is that once you control a fane you could bring an entire army through if you wanted." Hah! No Autumn herald was going to pull the wool over his eyes, not even with a bowl full of boiled sweets.

"But we haven't got an army. We haven't got ''any'' armies. What would anyone possibly want an army for? Unless... unless you want to ''buy'' an army...?" The last point seemed to come out of nowhere, but he noticed the bored-looking assistant perk up and reach for their notebook.

"No, look, the point is that your heralds could attack people - those of them that can fight."

"But nobody from my City knows how to fight." protested the herald. "If we need that sort of thing, we pay someone else to do it."

"You don't know how to fight? Nobody from the... ", he looked down and checked his notes, "from the City of Gold and Lead knows how to fight? Not a single one of you?"

"I know the pointy end goes in the other person. But I'm assured it's more complicated than that. It all seems like a lot of fuss. Nobody has time to waste on that sort of thing. So yes, if we need to 'fight'" - the herald stopped speaking for a second to make little air gestures around the word fight - "then we employ a construct from the City of Fire and Stone."

"So you could use the... plaza... to bring war constructs of Estavus into the Empire?" Hah, got the weaselly little bastard, he thought.

"Of course we could! If that's what people want to buy! Now, can we get back to the important points? We need to discuss the responsibilities of the people you appointed to run the Autumn markets."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its inhabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual, with payment delivered a few days after the summit.

Last season, the City [[Propensity_to_truck,_barter,_and_exchange#The_Merchant_of_Rhodes|published guidance]] aimed at helping those making use of ''Ephisis' Scale'' avoid common missteps. It laid out the kinds of things the ''Lady of the Counting House'' is interested in, and tries to establish an approximate baseline for the level of prices that different merchandise might fetch. Of course nothing is certain until the goods are examined, but the City hope that this will help mortals to better tailor their offers to their expectations.

==Cruelty To the Innocent==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Sell Remember Exile to Ephisis'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Concedence</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis offered to purchase Remember Exile in exchange for 100 wains of white granite'''
* '''The arrangements have been made by the Senator for Reikos, but it requires the Senate to approve the motion'''
* '''The Senator for Bastion has the opportunity to offer a commission up for sale this season'''
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Solomon of Reikos.jpg|caption='''Solomon''', Senator for Reikos|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Merari Navigators of Virtue.jpg|caption='''Merari Navigators of Virtue'''<br>Senator for Bastion|align=right|width=200}}</div>
In order to help pay for the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], Highborn magisters and [[Ephisis]] agreed that each season, a [[Lay_the_foundations|Senator could propose a trade]] with the ''Hidden Prince'' for some feature of each of their territories. While the [[Senator]] for [[Necropolis]] chose to pass on their turn, the Senator for [[Reikos]] has not. Through their representative '''Eli of the Cenotaph''', a deal in principle was agreed that the [[fortification]] of [[Reikos#Remember_Exile|Remember Exile]] would be given to the ''Invisible Hand'' in exchange for one hundred wains of [[white granite]], on the condition that it would not then be sold to the [[Druj]].

The City of Gold and Lead is more than happy to agree to the terms. Since then, a number of heralds from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] have been seen setting up at the site of the castle with measuring equipment and excavation tools in readiness to complete the sale. All that remains is for the [[Senate]] to agree.

Normally, it is the responsibility of the [[Conclave]] to accept a deal with an [[eternal]]. However, as the Senate is yet to endow it with the power to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] Imperial property, this deal must be agreed by [[Senate motion]]. Should the [[senator|senators]] wish to accept, they will need to pass the motion to cede the fortification to the ''City of Gold and Lead''. If that happens, then the City will take full possession of the fortification and provide the wains agreed to the Senator for Reikos for the start of the next Senate session.

The only relevant assembly that can [[veto]] is the General Assembly. As it is not a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment| territory, region or national bourse seat]], the Highborn National Assembly are unable to do so. Notably, if for whatever reason the ''Lady of the Counting House'' were under [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]] by the end of the summit, the exchange could also not be completed. If this were to happen after the wains had been provided, the City of Gold and Lead would require them returned in full or else the Empire would be in default and the [[Lictors]] would become involved.

A visiting herald also reminds the Empire that it will be the turn of [[Bastion]] this summit, should they wish to sell anything from the White City or elsewhere in the territory. The current senator for Bastion is, of course, '''Merari Navigators of Virtue''', in whose hands the decision about whether to trade, and if so what to offer, now lies.

==The Poison of Enthusiasm==
<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 [[dragonbone]]</td><td>35 [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 [[weirwood]] </td><td>600 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>800 thrones</td><td>100 [[mithril]], 100 [[white granite]], and 100 weirwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 ilium</td><td>Schema for Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities</td></tr>
<tr><td>70 thrones</td><td>Deed to "Rootha's Exports", a level seven business in Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 [[herbs]] (any ratio of the standard five)</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 thrones</td><td>Map of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar|Tathar]] (Detailed, verified, and suitable for scrying)</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis is making seven contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

Just as they did [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange|last season]], the heralds of Ephisis are offering a set of contracts for large orders of goods. Most of these contracts reflect requests for bulk purchases that come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down. The City of Gold and Lead rarely reveals who the counter-party is when acting as an intermediary in this way, but shrewd merchants can probably make an informed guess that things like a Map of Tathar can only really come from one source... The offered schema for the "''Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities''" allows the artisan to create a set of [[:Category:Mage_Robes|mage robes]] that can be used once per day to gain three additional ranks of Autumn Lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the normal rules for effective skill.

This season the City is able to offer seven significant contracts. The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids must be in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. Following the failure of one notable merchant who took two contracts last season and redeemed ''neither'', the City have instituted a reserve price of one throne. They would also like the Empire to be aware that they are keeping a list of those merchants who take contracts but do not complete them - if it becomes a recurrent problem then they will look to take steps to exclude citizens from the auction if they have a proven track record of introducing illiquidity into the market.

Whoever wins a contract may do with it as they will - including trading it to others. To complete the contract, a citizen need only bring the paperwork and the goods required to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Worlds the following day. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are reminded that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at and only for the full amount. Partial payments will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}} </div>
==Mercy To the Guilty==
* '''Ephisis invite Dorys Delgorokov to submit two contracts for execution by the City'''
* '''The City invites Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo and Terentia of Sarangrave to each submit a single contract for execution by the City'''
* '''The cost to submit a contract is one throne'''
* '''If a buyer can be identified, the City will settle the contract at the balancing of the scales at the next summit'''
* '''The City of Gold and Lead has proposals for fanes in Hercynia, Kallavesa, and the Barrens'''

Pleased with the apparent success of the contract scheme, Crown is already looking for ways to enhance it further. The obvious next step is to offer the City's best customers a chance to submit offers to the market place themselves. To that end, the ''High Merchant'' is inviting three citizens to submit contracts of their own. The city will accept up to two contracts from '''Dorys Delgorokov''', one from '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and and one from '''Terentia of Sarangrave'''.

A contract ''must'' stipulate the exact goods that the citizen is looking to purchase and the minimum payment that they are promising to offer. In effect it must have the same form as the contracts that Ephisis offers. The heralds will accept the contract and look to fulfil it in barbarian and foreign markets surrounding the Empire. They will not accept less than the offer price set on the contract, but they will return 80% of any excess payment, if the goods offered yield more than the offer price.

The contract can be for ''anything'' - if something is available anywhere in this world or the realms, then it can be had in the market-place for the right price. But that final part is crucial. A citizen is welcome to submit a offer to buy 600 wains of mithril with a promise to pay 1 ring for it, but should be assured that it will get exactly the same response from the Empire's neighbours that it would receive if the City offered it to the Empire. Stupid offers will just be ignored by the Empire's neighbours and will ultimately cause the City to abandon the scheme. Likewise a contract can be for any amount, but the City advise that asking for two thousand mithril or something similar is going to fail because there is no customer anywhere in the world who can meet those terms by themselves.

The City has chosen three customers who they believe have good credit. There is obviously a degree of risk involved, so they will only deal with people who have proven that they can meet terms. If Dorys, Damiàn, or Terentia do not wish to take advantage of this opportunity they are welcome to sell it on so that someone else can submit an offer on their behalf. However, they must understand that anyone who submits an offer is trading on their credit - with all the attendant risks thereof.

If the City of Gold and Lead are able to find a trustworthy counterparty to complete the contract they will announce confirmation of the offer in the run up to the next summit - and then settle the deal at the balancing of the scales on the Sunday.

It will cost one throne for each contract submitted.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisk, Wittal Grove, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 white granite, 30 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Fisk giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 7 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Wintermark title Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom
* Increases personal income of Kallavesa characters by 12 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Fisk Wareroom must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more doses of tradesoil from the Autumn realm (a tonic that provides two additional ranks to the next Autumn ritual that you perform within ten minutes, subject to the normal rules for effective skill)
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Mediator must be either a [[mediator]] or a [[maggot]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Fisk Wareroom and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Kallavesa and across all of Wintermark
* To increase investment in Wintermark, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Wintermark and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>130 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Tradesoil'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>180 Rings</td><td>1 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>2 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>240 Rings</td><td>3 Tradesoil</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Drycastle Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Drycastle, Dawnguard, the Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 35 white granite, 25 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Drycastle giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 5 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Dawnish title Seneschal of the Drycastle Emporium
* Increases personal income of Barrens characters by 10 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Drycastle Emporium must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Seneschal of the Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more Pauper's Keys each season
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Seneschal must be a yeofolk in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Drycastle Emporium and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in the Barrens and across all of Dawn
* To increase investment in Dawn, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Dawn and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>65 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>135 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>215 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>310 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>415 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Pauper's Keys'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Pauper's Key</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
<tr><td>1100 Rings</td><td>3 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Treji, The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 40 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Treji giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 4 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for herb gardens in the territory
* Creates the Navarr title Broker of the Treji Plaza
* Increases personal income of Hercynian characters by 9 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Treji Plaza must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Broker of the Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and Rings of the Golden Market
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Broker must be a [[broker]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Treji Plaza and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Hercynia and across all of Navarr
* To increase investment in the Navarr lands, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Navarr and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>205 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>295 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Rings of the Golden Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Ring of the Golden Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Rings of the Golden Market</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

==For Merriment and Diversion==
* '''Ephisis has provided plans for three fanes, one each in Hercynia, Kallavesa and the Barrens'''
* '''Each of these market places boosts local trade and commerce providing a level of investment in the territory'''
* '''The fanes must be ceded to Ephisis to provide any benefits - they permit heralds of Ephisis to enter the territory freely'''
* '''Each fane boosts taxation in the territory and provide a ministry for whoever is appointed to oversee it'''
* '''If two fanes are built they will both increase taxation by one throne less'''
* '''If all three fanes are built they will all increase taxation by two thrones less'''
The [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#One-Hahaha,_Two-Hahaha_(Ephisis)|scheme]] dreamed up between the herald, ''Crown'' and '''Erlend Gunnulfsson''', a wealthy merchant of Wintermark, seems to have finally born fruit. In Spring the City proposed that the Empire construct three large fanes, in [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] or [[the Barrens]]. These grand structures would be dedicated to commerce, letting money flow like water turning the wheels of trade and creating Prosperity across the land. Rather than build them in the great Cities of the Empire - already bustling hubs of mercantile activity, the eternal sought more out of the way locations. The goal of the City is not profit per se, but the promotion of trade - and so it makes sense to start far from the Empire's heart - at least it makes sense as far as the City of Gold and Lead is concerned.

A declaration of acceptance was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_House_in_Fisk|raised]] by '''Kaapo Kingfishering''' on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] that specified that the investment should be in Fisk, in south-western Kallavesa. This was superseded by a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_Houses|declaration]] raised by the newly elected [[Golden Pyramid|Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid]], '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''', which accepted the proposal for all three territories, [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] ''and'' [[the Barrens]].

Finding suitable locations in three different territories has taken some time, but the work has now been completed and the proposals handed over to the [[civil service]]. In each case, the heralds have been careful to devise arrangements in ways that support the local economy, providing ways for people to benefit. In Kallavesa and the Barrens, members of [[military unit|military units]] will find that the Emporium and the Wareroom are set up to provide them with a market place to dispose of unwanted goods acquired while questing in the area, or while working to guard caravans and properties from bandits and other threats. The Plaza is a very different arrangement, since it is intended to work with the many [[herb garden|herb gardens]] scattered across the territory, providing them with a ready market to dispose of unwanted herbs in return for the kind of tools and equipment employed by herbalists who tend a garden.

The proposals provided by the City of Gold and Lead are for market places where citizens of the Empire can come to trade their wares with heralds from the City. In some ways they are not so very different to the balancing of the scales that takes place on the last day at Anvil. It is clear that each is the equivalent of a [[fane]] - they all require ilium to complete the construction and must be ceded to the eternal to function. Each would allow heralds of the eternal to come and go freely at that location. In theory, an entire army of heralds could pour forth from the regio in each of these market places. The heralds of Ephisis pour scorn on that idea, insisting that they don't have any armies (although they can go and get one if the Empire is looking to buy).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Freebornflamecartel.jpeg|align=right|caption=The sigil of the Freeborn Flame Cartel of the Brass Coast|width=250}} </div>
There is, however, another more practical consideration that the Senate will need to consider. Each of the Autumn markets proposed by Crown and his associates helps to boost taxation in the territory by creating a place where people can buy and sell goods they need. They will support commerce across the territory and beyond, as people travel there to use the market and buy the unique goods it can provide. But the more of them there are, the less benefit to taxation each one will provide. If the Empire builds two of the three, then each of the markets will provide one throne less taxation than planned; if the Empire builds all three, then they will ''all'' provide two thrones less taxation than planned.

Each of the markets gives whoever is appointed to run it the opportunity to purchase [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]] and unique goods that Crown hopes will be valuable. He claims to have "market-tested" the prices for these goods with the help of the '''Freeborn Flame Cartel''' - whatever ''that'' means. However, he appreciates that it is hard to know in advance what goods might actually be in demand so he promises that if the markets are built, and the citizens find the goods they offer are not in demand, then the City will try to open negotiations to try to find something more marketable to replace the tradesoil, pauper's keys, and rings.

Each of the proposed titles has a lengthy list of responsibilities - and some requirements on who must be appointed to the position to access the full powers of the post. It is clear that the City of Gold and Lead is deadly serious about these responsibilities - their heralds insisted on them during discussions and were adamant that without mortals positively committing to actively pursue these issues, they would not be prepared to agree the deal.

File:Solomon of Reikos.jpg

2026-09-06T01:00:29Z

Hailmur: {{Beth}}

== Summary ==
{{Beth}}

File:Solomon.jpg

2026-09-06T01:00:04Z

Hailmur: {{Beth}}

== Summary ==
{{Beth}}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-06T00:57:42Z

Hailmur: /* Not From the Benevolence */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 02/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Reikos and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been assassinated
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Not from the benevolence

2026-09-06T00:57:21Z

Hailmur: /* Cruelty To the Innocent */

[[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
Jorgen sucked on the boiled sweet the herald had brought with him, even as he eyed the elaborately painted bowl full of them on the desk. They were quite delicious, and the bowl looked like very expensive china. Was that part of the present he wondered? Not that he needed it, but it looked like it was worth a ring or two. ''Say one thing for the Autumn realm,'' he thought to himself, ''they knew how to grease the wheels of commerce...''

"So that one will need twenty white granite and forty wains of weirwood as well as the ilium of course." The excitable Autumn herald was pacing up and down as he spoke, clearly animated, even as his assistant sat on one of the seats he'd offered them both.

"Ten rings of ilium, check. I can assume it's a fane then?" It was an important point; he was confident that it would get raised on the Senate floor if he didn't clarify it now. He'd suggested it three times already, and each time the herald had corrected him and said it was a plaza, a wareroom, a whatever. But Jorgen had read the briefings... ten rings of ilium, and it needed to be ceded to the eternal. That's a fane, no matter what this herald claimed.

The gold-faced herald looked aggrieved. "You keep saying that... this is a plaza. What's a fane? It doesn't sound like somewhere you can conduct profitable business."

Jorgen smiled, pleased to have an opportunity to explain. "A fane is a commission that allows heralds of an eternal to come and go. Once it's built and dominion is granted to the eternal, then their heralds can come and go as they please."

"Well, if you want to call it that, that's fine - but what I have described is very clearly a plaza. Look at these sketches - see, it's got a large open area for people to trade herbs and other goods. It's a ''plaza''."

"Fane." said Jorgen firmly and pointedly wrote the word down. The sweet was gone now, but he was still enjoying this.

"Pla.... za..." said the herald with a clear hint of condescension. "Look what difference does it make? Of course we can come and go from the plaza. How in the name of the Iron Labyrinth are we going to trade with you if we can't turn up? We have to be able to come and go, otherwise it can't work, can it? It stands to reason."

Jorgen was not about to let it drop. "The difference it makes," he said, "is that once you control a fane you could bring an entire army through if you wanted." Hah! No Autumn herald was going to pull the wool over his eyes, not even with a bowl full of boiled sweets.

"But we haven't got an army. We haven't got ''any'' armies. What would anyone possibly want an army for? Unless... unless you want to ''buy'' an army...?" The last point seemed to come out of nowhere, but he noticed the bored-looking assistant perk up and reach for their notebook.

"No, look, the point is that your heralds could attack people - those of them that can fight."

"But nobody from my City knows how to fight." protested the herald. "If we need that sort of thing, we pay someone else to do it."

"You don't know how to fight? Nobody from the... ", he looked down and checked his notes, "from the City of Gold and Lead knows how to fight? Not a single one of you?"

"I know the pointy end goes in the other person. But I'm assured it's more complicated than that. It all seems like a lot of fuss. Nobody has time to waste on that sort of thing. So yes, if we need to 'fight'" - the herald stopped speaking for a second to make little air gestures around the word fight - "then we employ a construct from the City of Fire and Stone."

"So you could use the... plaza... to bring war constructs of Estavus into the Empire?" Hah, got the weaselly little bastard, he thought.

"Of course we could! If that's what people want to buy! Now, can we get back to the important points? We need to discuss the responsibilities of the people you appointed to run the Autumn markets."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its inhabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual, with payment delivered a few days after the summit.

Last season, the City [[Propensity_to_truck,_barter,_and_exchange#The_Merchant_of_Rhodes|published guidance]] aimed at helping those making use of ''Ephisis' Scale'' avoid common missteps. It laid out the kinds of things the ''Lady of the Counting House'' is interested in, and tries to establish an approximate baseline for the level of prices that different merchandise might fetch. Of course nothing is certain until the goods are examined, but the City hope that this will help mortals to better tailor their offers to their expectations.

==Cruelty To the Innocent==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Sell Remember Exile to Ephisis'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Concedence</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis offered to purchase Remember Exile in exchange for 100 wains of white granite'''
* '''The arrangements have been made by the Senator for Reikos, but it requires the Senate to approve the motion'''
* '''The Senator for Bastion has the opportunity to offer a commission up for sale this season'''
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtuous Confidence.jpg|caption='''Solomon''', Senator for Reikos|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Merari Navigators of Virtue.jpg|caption='''Merari Navigators of Virtue'''<br>Senator for Bastion|align=right|width=200}}</div>
In order to help pay for the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], Highborn magisters and [[Ephisis]] agreed that each season, a [[Lay_the_foundations|Senator could propose a trade]] with the ''Hidden Prince'' for some feature of each of their territories. While the [[Senator]] for [[Necropolis]] chose to pass on their turn, the Senator for [[Reikos]] has not. Through their representative '''Eli of the Cenotaph''', a deal in principle was agreed that the [[fortification]] of [[Reikos#Remember_Exile|Remember Exile]] would be given to the ''Invisible Hand'' in exchange for one hundred wains of [[white granite]], on the condition that it would not then be sold to the [[Druj]].

The City of Gold and Lead is more than happy to agree to the terms. Since then, a number of heralds from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] have been seen setting up at the site of the castle with measuring equipment and excavation tools in readiness to complete the sale. All that remains is for the [[Senate]] to agree.

Normally, it is the responsibility of the [[Conclave]] to accept a deal with an [[eternal]]. However, as the Senate is yet to endow it with the power to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] Imperial property, this deal must be agreed by [[Senate motion]]. Should the [[senator|senators]] wish to accept, they will need to pass the motion to cede the fortification to the ''City of Gold and Lead''. If that happens, then the City will take full possession of the fortification and provide the wains agreed to the Senator for Reikos for the start of the next Senate session.

The only relevant assembly that can [[veto]] is the General Assembly. As it is not a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment| territory, region or national bourse seat]], the Highborn National Assembly are unable to do so. Notably, if for whatever reason the ''Lady of the Counting House'' were under [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]] by the end of the summit, the exchange could also not be completed. If this were to happen after the wains had been provided, the City of Gold and Lead would require them returned in full or else the Empire would be in default and the [[Lictors]] would become involved.

A visiting herald also reminds the Empire that it will be the turn of [[Bastion]] this summit, should they wish to sell anything from the White City or elsewhere in the territory. The current senator for Bastion is, of course, '''Merari Navigators of Virtue''', in whose hands the decision about whether to trade, and if so what to offer, now lies.

==The Poison of Enthusiasm==
<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 [[dragonbone]]</td><td>35 [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 [[weirwood]] </td><td>600 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>800 thrones</td><td>100 [[mithril]], 100 [[white granite]], and 100 weirwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 ilium</td><td>Schema for Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities</td></tr>
<tr><td>70 thrones</td><td>Deed to "Rootha's Exports", a level seven business in Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 [[herbs]] (any ratio of the standard five)</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 thrones</td><td>Map of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar|Tathar]] (Detailed, verified, and suitable for scrying)</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis is making seven contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

Just as they did [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange|last season]], the heralds of Ephisis are offering a set of contracts for large orders of goods. Most of these contracts reflect requests for bulk purchases that come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down. The City of Gold and Lead rarely reveals who the counter-party is when acting as an intermediary in this way, but shrewd merchants can probably make an informed guess that things like a Map of Tathar can only really come from one source... The offered schema for the "''Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities''" allows the artisan to create a set of [[:Category:Mage_Robes|mage robes]] that can be used once per day to gain three additional ranks of Autumn Lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the normal rules for effective skill.

This season the City is able to offer seven significant contracts. The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids must be in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. Following the failure of one notable merchant who took two contracts last season and redeemed ''neither'', the City have instituted a reserve price of one throne. They would also like the Empire to be aware that they are keeping a list of those merchants who take contracts but do not complete them - if it becomes a recurrent problem then they will look to take steps to exclude citizens from the auction if they have a proven track record of introducing illiquidity into the market.

Whoever wins a contract may do with it as they will - including trading it to others. To complete the contract, a citizen need only bring the paperwork and the goods required to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Worlds the following day. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are reminded that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at and only for the full amount. Partial payments will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}} </div>
==Mercy To the Guilty==
* '''Ephisis invite Dorys Delgorokov to submit two contracts for execution by the City'''
* '''The City invites Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo and Terentia of Sarangrave to each submit a single contract for execution by the City'''
* '''The cost to submit a contract is one throne'''
* '''If a buyer can be identified, the City will settle the contract at the balancing of the scales at the next summit'''
* '''The City of Gold and Lead has proposals for fanes in Hercynia, Kallavesa, and the Barrens'''

Pleased with the apparent success of the contract scheme, Crown is already looking for ways to enhance it further. The obvious next step is to offer the City's best customers a chance to submit offers to the market place themselves. To that end, the ''High Merchant'' is inviting three citizens to submit contracts of their own. The city will accept up to two contracts from '''Dorys Delgorokov''', one from '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and and one from '''Terentia of Sarangrave'''.

A contract ''must'' stipulate the exact goods that the citizen is looking to purchase and the minimum payment that they are promising to offer. In effect it must have the same form as the contracts that Ephisis offers. The heralds will accept the contract and look to fulfil it in barbarian and foreign markets surrounding the Empire. They will not accept less than the offer price set on the contract, but they will return 80% of any excess payment, if the goods offered yield more than the offer price.

The contract can be for ''anything'' - if something is available anywhere in this world or the realms, then it can be had in the market-place for the right price. But that final part is crucial. A citizen is welcome to submit a offer to buy 600 wains of mithril with a promise to pay 1 ring for it, but should be assured that it will get exactly the same response from the Empire's neighbours that it would receive if the City offered it to the Empire. Stupid offers will just be ignored by the Empire's neighbours and will ultimately cause the City to abandon the scheme. Likewise a contract can be for any amount, but the City advise that asking for two thousand mithril or something similar is going to fail because there is no customer anywhere in the world who can meet those terms by themselves.

The City has chosen three customers who they believe have good credit. There is obviously a degree of risk involved, so they will only deal with people who have proven that they can meet terms. If Dorys, Damiàn, or Terentia do not wish to take advantage of this opportunity they are welcome to sell it on so that someone else can submit an offer on their behalf. However, they must understand that anyone who submits an offer is trading on their credit - with all the attendant risks thereof.

If the City of Gold and Lead are able to find a trustworthy counterparty to complete the contract they will announce confirmation of the offer in the run up to the next summit - and then settle the deal at the balancing of the scales on the Sunday.

It will cost one throne for each contract submitted.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisk, Wittal Grove, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 white granite, 30 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Fisk giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 7 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Wintermark title Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom
* Increases personal income of Kallavesa characters by 12 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Fisk Wareroom must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more doses of tradesoil from the Autumn realm (a tonic that provides two additional ranks to the next Autumn ritual that you perform within ten minutes, subject to the normal rules for effective skill)
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Mediator must be either a [[mediator]] or a [[maggot]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Fisk Wareroom and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Kallavesa and across all of Wintermark
* To increase investment in Wintermark, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Wintermark and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>130 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Tradesoil'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>180 Rings</td><td>1 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>2 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>240 Rings</td><td>3 Tradesoil</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Drycastle Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Drycastle, Dawnguard, the Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 35 white granite, 25 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Drycastle giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 5 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Dawnish title Seneschal of the Drycastle Emporium
* Increases personal income of Barrens characters by 10 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Drycastle Emporium must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Seneschal of the Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more Pauper's Keys each season
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Seneschal must be a yeofolk in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Drycastle Emporium and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in the Barrens and across all of Dawn
* To increase investment in Dawn, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Dawn and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>65 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>135 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>215 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>310 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>415 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Pauper's Keys'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Pauper's Key</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
<tr><td>1100 Rings</td><td>3 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Treji, The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 40 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Treji giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 4 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for herb gardens in the territory
* Creates the Navarr title Broker of the Treji Plaza
* Increases personal income of Hercynian characters by 9 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Treji Plaza must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Broker of the Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and Rings of the Golden Market
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Broker must be a [[broker]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Treji Plaza and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Hercynia and across all of Navarr
* To increase investment in the Navarr lands, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Navarr and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>205 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>295 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Rings of the Golden Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Ring of the Golden Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Rings of the Golden Market</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

==For Merriment and Diversion==
* '''Ephisis has provided plans for three fanes, one each in Hercynia, Kallavesa and the Barrens'''
* '''Each of these market places boosts local trade and commerce providing a level of investment in the territory'''
* '''The fanes must be ceded to Ephisis to provide any benefits - they permit heralds of Ephisis to enter the territory freely'''
* '''Each fane boosts taxation in the territory and provide a ministry for whoever is appointed to oversee it'''
* '''If two fanes are built they will both increase taxation by one throne less'''
* '''If all three fanes are built they will all increase taxation by two thrones less'''
The [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#One-Hahaha,_Two-Hahaha_(Ephisis)|scheme]] dreamed up between the herald, ''Crown'' and '''Erlend Gunnulfsson''', a wealthy merchant of Wintermark, seems to have finally born fruit. In Spring the City proposed that the Empire construct three large fanes, in [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] or [[the Barrens]]. These grand structures would be dedicated to commerce, letting money flow like water turning the wheels of trade and creating Prosperity across the land. Rather than build them in the great Cities of the Empire - already bustling hubs of mercantile activity, the eternal sought more out of the way locations. The goal of the City is not profit per se, but the promotion of trade - and so it makes sense to start far from the Empire's heart - at least it makes sense as far as the City of Gold and Lead is concerned.

A declaration of acceptance was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_House_in_Fisk|raised]] by '''Kaapo Kingfishering''' on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] that specified that the investment should be in Fisk, in south-western Kallavesa. This was superseded by a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_Houses|declaration]] raised by the newly elected [[Golden Pyramid|Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid]], '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''', which accepted the proposal for all three territories, [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] ''and'' [[the Barrens]].

Finding suitable locations in three different territories has taken some time, but the work has now been completed and the proposals handed over to the [[civil service]]. In each case, the heralds have been careful to devise arrangements in ways that support the local economy, providing ways for people to benefit. In Kallavesa and the Barrens, members of [[military unit|military units]] will find that the Emporium and the Wareroom are set up to provide them with a market place to dispose of unwanted goods acquired while questing in the area, or while working to guard caravans and properties from bandits and other threats. The Plaza is a very different arrangement, since it is intended to work with the many [[herb garden|herb gardens]] scattered across the territory, providing them with a ready market to dispose of unwanted herbs in return for the kind of tools and equipment employed by herbalists who tend a garden.

The proposals provided by the City of Gold and Lead are for market places where citizens of the Empire can come to trade their wares with heralds from the City. In some ways they are not so very different to the balancing of the scales that takes place on the last day at Anvil. It is clear that each is the equivalent of a [[fane]] - they all require ilium to complete the construction and must be ceded to the eternal to function. Each would allow heralds of the eternal to come and go freely at that location. In theory, an entire army of heralds could pour forth from the regio in each of these market places. The heralds of Ephisis pour scorn on that idea, insisting that they don't have any armies (although they can go and get one if the Empire is looking to buy).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Freebornflamecartel.jpeg|align=right|caption=The sigil of the Freeborn Flame Cartel of the Brass Coast|width=250}} </div>
There is, however, another more practical consideration that the Senate will need to consider. Each of the Autumn markets proposed by Crown and his associates helps to boost taxation in the territory by creating a place where people can buy and sell goods they need. They will support commerce across the territory and beyond, as people travel there to use the market and buy the unique goods it can provide. But the more of them there are, the less benefit to taxation each one will provide. If the Empire builds two of the three, then each of the markets will provide one throne less taxation than planned; if the Empire builds all three, then they will ''all'' provide two thrones less taxation than planned.

Each of the markets gives whoever is appointed to run it the opportunity to purchase [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]] and unique goods that Crown hopes will be valuable. He claims to have "market-tested" the prices for these goods with the help of the '''Freeborn Flame Cartel''' - whatever ''that'' means. However, he appreciates that it is hard to know in advance what goods might actually be in demand so he promises that if the markets are built, and the citizens find the goods they offer are not in demand, then the City will try to open negotiations to try to find something more marketable to replace the tradesoil, pauper's keys, and rings.

Each of the proposed titles has a lengthy list of responsibilities - and some requirements on who must be appointed to the position to access the full powers of the post. It is clear that the City of Gold and Lead is deadly serious about these responsibilities - their heralds insisted on them during discussions and were adamant that without mortals positively committing to actively pursue these issues, they would not be prepared to agree the deal.

Out of these convertites

2026-09-05T22:09:16Z

Hailmur: /* The Sport Is at the Best */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<ic>The foe ran toward her, a broad grin on his face. Fion von Holberg was confident, though. She hefted the short wooden cudgel and prepared to swing. As she started to strike, feeling slightly guilty about hitting an unarmed opponent, her opponent suddenly dropped to his knee then launched himself upwards. His shoulder struck her in the stomach and she sailed backwards, landing in the soft mud with a squelch. Apparently ''that'' didn't count as fighting, she supposed.

Doirin lifted Fion to her feet and the two gave chase, running after the grinning orc. As she ran, she heard the voice. ''Get him! Thief! Catch the thief!'' She smiled. It had been years since she had heard Beoraidh the Vengeful. Not since those Freeborn marines boarded the ''Starfish'' near Bone Beach. She quickened her pace, giving everything she had to cut him off. With a last desperate burst of energy, she reached him. The cudgel connected with his knee, sending the orc sprawling in the dirt. She quickly used a foot to steady the ball and then kicked it hard toward Doirin. ''Yes! Now punish him! Break him!''. She ignored the voice, this time, and helped the Marcher to his feet. He was still grinning, if anything wider than before.

"Ulven tells me you have earned death now. I should kill you with honour." He laughed heartily and began to jog toward the other end of the pitch, limping slightly where she had hit him.

"Indeed?" She cocked an eyebrow. "Well Beoraidh tells ''me'' that you should be tortured for the crime of stealing the ball from me." In the distance, Doirin sent the leather orb sailing through the air with a powerful kick.

"I am glad," the lad sighed happily as she jogged along beside him "that we live in Wiser times." The human Marcher at the far end of the field dived to block Doirin's shot, which bounced back out into the field. Almost immediately Raphael was on it, sending it straight past the goaltender and in-between the two trees.

"'''''GOAAAL!'''''" The word echoed across the field, shouted by every Leaguer.</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=ApulianOrc.jpg|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{SOP|statement=We call upon the orcs and priests of the League to take pilgrimage to Mournwold. There, we will listen to the Marcher orcs, so we may better understand how the voices of their ancestors manifest. Through this, we seek to learn from their methods and discover the roles that hearth magic might play in that connection. We will - of course - ensure that the ledger remains balanced with our prosperity|by=Lorenzo von Apulian, League Assembly|vote={{GM}} 382-0|when=Summer 388YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] national assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Leaguish orcs and priests to [[Mournwold]] to learn from the Marcher orcs there. Over the subsequent weeks, citizens in fine doublets, intricate jewellery and delicate masks begin to arrive in the territory. Those from [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]] arrive first, of course, but they are followed soon enough by those from [[Temeschwar]], [[Holberg]] and [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. A few of them are orcs, former [[Grendel]] who now dwell within the cities of The League, but the majority are human priests, come to learn more about the beliefs of the former thralls.

As each one arrives, eager to speak with the learned and wise, they are handed tools and told to head into the fields. The harvest needs bringing in and many hands make light work, as they say. Across the Mournwold, it becomes a common sight to see a field being worked by a mixture of orcs and humans. In the warm autumnal sun, it is often difficult to tell Marcher and Leaguer apart at a distance. All are stripped down to their shirtsleeves as they toil in the heat, and only the style of hat truly tells the difference.

{{SOP|statement=Our allies in the League says in judgement #86, that they wish to make a pilgrimage to Mournwold, to listen to Marcher orcs and learn more of their ways. An extra pair of hands is always welcome at Harvest Time! Their coin is always welcome in our taverns. They have assured us they listen with respect. We urge all in Mournwold to welcome them with open arms, as they arrive with open purses.|by=Basil Goodbeard, Marcher Assembly|vote={{GM}} 160-0|when=Summer 388YE}}</div>

==The Beacon of the Wise==
* '''League orcs and priests have been speaking to the Mournwold orcs about ancestors'''
* '''Both groups have their own unique relationship to hearing the voices of their ancestors'''
* '''Neither group is inherently better or worse at receiving the voices than any other orc'''

The purpose of the visit, however, is not just to help with the harvest. In the evenings, sitting around the fire with a hearty stew and a mug of good cider, the visitors listen intently to the orcs of the Marches. They are here to learn all they can about the faith of these new citizens, but especially about their ancestors and how they hear them. Most orcs associate the heightened emotional state of combat with hearing their ancestors more clearly. There are other circumstances, of course, but they are often similarly vigorous and adrenaline-fueled activities. The League orcs are keen to learn how the orcs of the Marches, and indeed Jotun thralls more generally, nurture their connection to their ancestors when they are so culturally averse to combat.

Most League orcs, having grown up as Grendel, tend to have a laid-back approach to [[Grendel religion#Ancestors|their ancestors]]. They respect their ancestors, and few want to risk crossing them, but they don't revere them at all. The advice of the ancestors, usually heard in moments of tension, is sometimes useful - and sometimes useless. The ancestors can usually be heard the clearest in battle, when any help is valuable, but they may also offer guidance during tense negotiations, when someone is trying to manipulate the threads of some internecine political scheme or other. The Grendel view is that you must grow powerful to cross the Abyss; like the Virtues, the ancestors are useful, but only insofar as they help you to achieve that goal.

The Marcher orcs renounce violence, believing that if they refuse to fight, they will reincarnate, while only those who take up arms and fight with honour ''can'' become ancestors. They don't hear the voices of any peaceful thrall ancestors - which they see as evidence that thralls reincarnate. They do hear the voices of their warrior forebears, such as Ulven, Skaldi, and Raðljóst. Much like the League orcs, the advice these ancestors give is often of little use, urging them to fight and defeat their enemies. Despite this, they view the presence of their ancestors in their lives as reassuring - the fact that their ancestors still talk to them proves that when the time comes, and they are ready to fight, then the opportunity to cross the Howling Abyss will be there.

<box>'''OOC Note:''' It is important to note that League orcs are no less able to hear their ancestors than any other orc. An individual player-character may find it harder to hear their ancestors than others, but there is no limitation imposed by their culture, by the egregore bond, or by their past as Grendel which would prevent the ancestors speaking to them.</box>

===The Sport Is at the Best===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mestran Stadium'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Mestra</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' At least 10 white granite and 10 weirwood, and one crown per wain in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''Establishes a foot-the-ball team in Tassato Mestra, motion should name the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months per 25 wains</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mestran Team Captain'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives at least 20 crowns per season from ticket sales. </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the wellbeing of the stadium and the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Note:''' The title will be amended to match the team name</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Regarian Stadium'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Regario</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' At least 10 white granite and 10 weirwood, and one crown per wain in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''Establishes a foot-the-ball team in Tassato Regario, motion should name the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months per 25 wains</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Regarian Team Captain'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives at least 20 crowns per season from ticket sales. </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the wellbeing of the stadium and the team</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Note:''' The title will be amended to match the team name</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Foot-the-ball has proved a popular way for Mournwold orcs to hear their ancestors without breaching their taboo against weapons'''
* '''The game is enjoyed by League visitors, but is not easy to play on city streets'''
* '''Stadia could be built in Tassato to allow the Twin Cities to play matches against Marcher teams and each other'''
Sport is far and away the most reliable way the orcs of the Marches have to hear the voices of their ancestors. Regular games of foot-the-ball, which many of them have fallen deeply in love with, are held whenever there is a reprieve from the work of the harvest. The former thralls of the Mourn throw themselves into it with verve and enthusiasm. The specific rules of foot-the-ball vary from village to village across the Marches, particularly with regards to what weapons might be permitted on the field. Notably, though, even where their opponents might carry a stout club during a match, the orcs of the Mourn refuse to go armed. This makes them no less effective, however, and many a Leagueish spectator loses a few crowns betting against the unarmed orc team.

It is not long before a side of Leaguers is assembled for an impromptu game. For a team playing against avowed pacifists, it is truly astounding how high the physick's bill is at the end of the match. But none can deny that the game of foot-the-ball is an almost ideal way to hear the words of the ancestors. All the energy and emotion of a battlefield, with much less risk of death.

The results are the same for the visitors and their hosts. The League orcs who throw themselves into the match with abandon hear their ancestors talking to them, shouting words of advice and encouragement. Most hear [[Grendel_religion#Rucraic_-_The_Storm_Lord|Rucraic - the Storm Lord]] urging them to slaughter their opponents and loot everything, but a few hear wise words of strategy from [[Grendel_religion#Sheanduir_-_The_Wind_Lord|Sheanduir - the Wind Lord]]. One even claims to have heard shrewd warnings from [[Construct Curstag's Way|Curstag van Apulian]].

It is an exhilarating experience, and it's not difficult to see why the Marcher orcs enjoy it so much. In Grendel lands, a similar thing is often achieved with gladiatorial combat. In the colosseum, even the audience can be swept up in the atmosphere of aggression and excitement, and when the whole crowd is baying for blood, it is common for the ancestors to speak to them, even though they are not direct participants in the fighting.

Many more matches of foot-the-ball are played over the season, and the League orcs play well enough for newcomers, but the sport will not transfer easily to crowded city streets or winding lanes. It is a game of open fields and gentle rolling hills, not expensive shop fronts with glass windows (no matter how tempting it might be). However, several enterprising citizens think of ways it could be adapted to life in the cities. The first, and most direct, suggestion comes from ''Bishop Leonore Fidalgo di Mestra''. She suggests that, being so close to the Marches, her city could put together a team to play in foot-the-ball leagues hosted by their neighbours. Of course, not having acres of arable land in which to practice, they should build a small stadium for the team. It is perhaps not surprising that mere minutes after this possibility has been raised, ''Bishop Luis Calazan di Regario'' begins drawing up plans for a rival stadium on the ''other ''side of the river. There is simply no question that Tassato might have only one team, not when there is an opportunity to get one over on their rivals.

The competing proposals are fairly modest; after all, no one really knows if the people of Tassato will be keen to take up the sport, but the innate competitive spirit of the twin cities is a powerful force. Either stadium could be [[Edifice#Grandeur|grander and more impressive]], but that would require more white granite and weirwood in equal measure. If the city does embrace the sport, there will inevitably be arguments over which stadium is the most impressive. There is Pride to be had in the best stadium, undoubtedly, not to mention the increased revenue from ticket sales. Various guilds keen to do their city proud have offered to contribute to the construction in exchange for exclusive rights to sell food or merchandise. As a result, labour costs will be reduced to one-third of their normal level (that is to say, one crown per wain used in the commission)

Either or both of these stadiums may be commissioned for the next year, and will generate a flurry of interest in foot-the-ball across the city. After that, it is unlikely that the public interest will persist and any funding from the guilds will be negligible.

===When We Mean to Build===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Duellists Colosseum'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Spiral or Cigno, Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 45 wains white granite, 15 wains mithril, 180 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect: '''
* Establishes a home for structured duelling contests
* Creates the League national title of ''Mistress of Duels''
* Creates a questing venture for League and Dawnish military units to compete in the Colosseum
* Reduces the cost to upgrade a military unit in the territory by one wain, to a minimum of one, for a year </td></tr>
</table></div>
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress of Duels'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:'''Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 3 thrones per season in ticket sales and gambling proceeds.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Responsible for the well-being of the Colosseum and its competitors.</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Gladiatorial fights are a traditional activity in Grendel lands that allow them to hear their ancestors'''
* '''Duelling is popular throughout the League, but tends to be in informal public venues'''
* '''A grand colosseum could be built in Apulian or Sarvos to establish Duelling as a spectator sport'''

There is less interest in foot-the-ball across the other cities, at least at present. But talk of sport as a means to hear the ancestors has inspired some of the Apulian Orcs to think back on the gladiatorial fights of their erstwhile homeland. Obviously it would not do to set up a venue where slaves fight to the death for entertainment; that would break a vast number of Imperial laws, but it cannot be denied that watching such spectacles got the blood pumping and the ancestors roaring.

In the League, [[Bravo|Bridge duelling]] is a popular pastime. It often draws a crowd, but if more than a handful are gathered, it can be difficult to see the action, let alone feel truly part of it. And besides, when bravos duel in the plaza, only those quick enough to set up an impromptu book can make any serious coin from it. If there was a proper arena for duels, with famous names competing in structured tournaments, then a whole industry of trainers, vendors, scalpers and bookmakers could make a tidy profit from it.

And so Greumach von Apulian puts forward a proposal. He would build a grand arena in which to hold all manner of duelling contests. From bravos with rapier and dagger, through those with rod and shield, to contests between free companies - full teams in armour fighting it out in the sand to prove their worth and win a contract. He imagines the place hosting open nights, where any contender can show up and join the bouts, as well as prize fights between established champions hungry for fame. Perhaps even duels by appointment between bitter rivals or eager lovers might be held in the grand colosseum.

The design is focused on the cascading tiers of seating arranged so that every member of the audience can get a clear view of the bouts. The best, most expensive seats will be closest to the action of course but even those in the cheapest seats will be part of the eager crowd. Greumach is sure that the energy in the audience will be very similar to that of the gladiatorial arenas in the Broken Shore. He has fond memories of hearing the voice of [[Grendel religion#Dubhtraig - the Salt Lord|Dubhtraig the Builder]] roaring in his mind as he watched a gladiator bleed out on the sands.

The Duellists Colosseum would be a [[sinecure]] in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] which would host a wide variety of duelling contests and demonstrations, as well as housing a duelling academy to train aspiring bravos in the fighting arts. Once the Colosseum is complete, it would allow military units based in the territory to upgrade for one wain less than usual (to a minimum of 1) for the next year, as captains sent their fighters to practise and train at the Colosseum, or else recruited expert duellists from among the tournament champions.

If the Colosseum is completed within the next year, Greumach promises to arrange a tournament at Anvil to celebrate the opening. He will bring some of the most accomplished bravos from Apulian to test their mettle against the heroes of [[The League]].

While Greumach von Apulian is keen to see his home play host to the Colosseum, there is a thriving community of League orcs living in Cigno who argue that Sarvos would be a better home for it. It is more central, so League citizens could easily travel from all over the Empire to enjoy the spectacle. The city celebrates the arts - why not the arts of fighting? Who knows better how to please the crowd than the performers of the City of Masks? Sure, there may be more League orcs living in Apulian at the moment, but Sarvos is a much bigger, wealthier city, so there were just as many people interested in enjoying the show.

The League could build the Duellists Colosseum in Sarvos or Apulian, and it would have the same benefits in either territory. In theory, the League could build a colosseum in ''both'' cities. That would be expensive - both commissions would have to be paid for, and the income provided to each sinecure would be reduced to two thrones a season, reflecting the losses due to the competition. However, military units based in both territories would benefit from being able to upgrade more cheaply for a year.

==And So Am Come Abroad==
* '''Orc monks from the Boarsford Monastery are coming to Anvil at 17:00 on Saturday'''
* '''They wish to speak to Lorenzo von Apulian, and any citizens of the League who spent the season in the Mournwold'''
* '''They request not to talk about reincarnation'''

Intrigued by the conversations they have heard in the fields and taverns over the last few weeks, a party of [[The Marches religious beliefs#Monks and Friars|monks]] has set out from Boarsford Monastery in [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]]. Every member of the party is an orc and a devoted monk. They wish to come to Anvil and speak with any Leaguers who have spent the season in the Marches. They will arrive in the League Plaza at 17:00 on Saturday and would appreciate it if '''Lorenzo von Apulian''', the priest who passed the original statement, could arrange for somewhere out of the elements where they might enjoy a drink and talk of matters spiritual.

They have asked that discussion stay clear of [[Mournwold Orcs#Religion|reincarnation]], unless it be to announce that the synod has changed its tune and altered the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] to accommodate what the orcs of the Marches hold to be true. They are here to discuss ancestors with their kin in The League, not to be converted by zealots from across the Empire.

==Participation: League==
Any priest or orc character in The League is welcome to roleplay that they spent the season (or part of it) in the Mournwold helping to bring in the harvest. This will have involved hard work in the fields by day, followed by socialising and philosophical discussions by night. The Marcher orcs will have been candid and forthright about their [[The best soil#Marcher Orcs| heterodox beliefs]], although only if it was actively brought up, since that was not the purpose of the visit. They will mostly have focused on their relationship with their ancestors.

The four most common ancestors the Marcher Orcs discuss are the commonly known details about [[Elite_Jotun_troops|Raðljóst, Skjaldir, Ulvenwar, and Ulfur]].

Orc characters are welcome to roleplay that they heard the voices of their own ancestors whilst playing or spectating foot-the-ball.

==Participation: Marches==
Any character who has a farm in the Mournwold, especially if there are orcs living and working nearby, is welcome to roleplay that they have had League priests or League orcs helping to bring in the harvest. These visitors have applied themselves and worked hard, although they may have needed extensive guidance on what to do. They were unfamiliar with farm work, but did not shirk their duties.

A greater darkness

2026-09-05T21:33:01Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Trees against purple night sky.jpg|align=left|caption=The war we fight is not against powers and principalities, it is against chaos and despair.|width=500}}</div>
==What Has Gone Before==
[[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|There is a plan]]. It is a risky plan, and it requires everything to go right and nothing to go wrong. But there is a plan.

The Great Forest Orcs and the Navarr are oathbound; siblings in spirit if not in flesh. In Therunin, the Navarr offered sanctuary when the orcs of Peytaht were forced to flee [[the Barrens]]. They walked the trods together, fought together against the vallorn, fought together against the Druj. When the orcs of the Great Forest returned to their home, it was the Navarr who helped them drive out the remaining tyrants and secure their beloved grove. The bond has become stronger since; orcs died alongside the thorns and brands when the barbarians assailed Therunin and slaughtered their way through the Tarn Valley. The Navarr have welcomed their ambitious youth to the groves of Miaren and Hercynia, helped them create their own "steadings" as they tend the weirwood trees and inch by slow inch combine their own traditions with those of their hosts.

Yet they have always been a wounded, broken sept. The wisdom of the Great Forest Orcs has always been two-edged for them. Their mastery of living wood, their unparalleled skill at tending the valuable weirwood groves, long ago saw the tyrants of the Mallum rip their people into gobbets. Every weirwood grove the Druj control is tended by Great Forest Orcs, forced to toil at the command of cruel overseers. Each disparate settlement serves as surety for the others - if any one were to dare rebel it would be their family in the Barrens, in Ossium, or Sarangrave, in Sanath, or Ulnak, that would pay the price for insubordination.

For centuries this was simply the way it was, and it is only within the last ten years that things have begun to change. The children of the Great Forest in the Barrens found a welcome in Therunin; their family in Ossium was ultimately liberated by the Druj; the Imperial conquest of [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] freed the orcs held there to walk free. Only two weirwood forests remain in the possession of the Druj - the Sacred Grove and the Grove of Woe - and only two enclaves of Great Forest Orcs remain separated from their people. It is a wound, and a painful reminder that the sept is not whole, and it is also a weapon that the Druj seek to wield against them.

Shortly before the Summer Solstice, it came to light that the Buruk Tepel had given the orcs in the [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] an ultimatum. Betray the Navarr, betray the Empire, betray the trust they have built; or know that every one of their sept trapped in durance in the Mallum would be slain. Killed, and worse than killed. The Druj know all the ways to make someone suffer, to beg for death, before they allow a broken spirit to slip into the Howling Abyss. The Great Forest Orcs are well aware of how far they will go, even when their backs are not against the wall.

A [[All_I_ask_of_you#Hammer_Waiting_to_Fall|hammer waits to fall]] on the children of the Great Forest, and by themselves they cannot hope to stop its descent. If it strikes home, it will break their hearts.

But the children of Peytaht have not betrayed their friends; and their friends are with them.

==The Plan==
{{SOP|statement=The Navarr National Assembly calls upon Ioan Longshadow, former General of Isaella's Dance, Guide of Courage, oath-sworn friend of the Great Forest Orcs, and survivor of Grendel chains, to lead Navarr's hand in the rescue of the Great Forest Orcs and the war against the Druj. Any spoils of war gained in this endeavour shall be distributed among those who pledged their support to this cause. He is charged not merely with the conduct of war, but with the keeping of bonds forged in blood and memory. As our allies suffer beneath the yoke of the Druj, this Assembly places its trust in one who has endured captivity, borne loss without surrender, and walked the path of duty. Between Navarr, the Imperial Orcs, and the Great Forest Orcs, The Druj will find before them a Wall of thorns that shall not fall!|by=Ioan Longshadow, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 217-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The Imperial Orc Assembly call upon the skills won in combat and wisdom from his time as General of the Winter Sun, for his steadfast pursuit of liberation of those in chains and the ruin of fear makers; we send Exemplar of Wisdom Skywise Rykana to lead the Imperial Orc forces to boldly venture into the Mallum and save all those Great Forest Orcs we can. No orc should go alone, to second him and support him with her knowledge of the Great Forest Orcs. We send a cousin from the Yerende sept of Ossium, Bloodcrow Meep. May they show the strength of orcs who unite. May our gathered forces join with the Navarr to create a wall of thorns that will not fail.|by=Firesong Galath, Imperial Orcs National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 62-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
On one level, the plan is simple. The Navarr and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] will go into the Mallum and ''get'' the remaining Great Forest Orcs. They will break their chains, and bring them to the safety of the Heart of Peytaht. They will use stealth as long as it avails them, and when that fails as it inevitably must, they will fight. The Druj are in disarray; they fight a war for survival on at least two fronts. The Thule press them in the Forest of Ulnak; the Empire has crossed the borders of Sarangrave and assault them to the south. Within their own borders, the threadbare trust that has allowed the rival septs to work together, allowed the Buruk Tepel to collaborate, is fraying. It will not be ''easy'' but the plan is not ''complicated''.

During the Solstice, the priests of Navarr and the Imperial Orcs chose champions - leaders who would guide their own people and work together to make sure the plan is a success. Their people rally around them, in Ossium and in the Barrens and in northern Sarangrave. The maps acquired at great risk by Imperial scouts allow for multiple routes to be plotted to the target locations - smaller groups move swiftly and are less likely to attract the attention of the Mallum's defenders.

The [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] is the most accessible. The Imperial armies are engaged in [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower Saarnath|Lower Saarnath]] and it should in theory be straightforward enough to infiltrate [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Upper Saarnath|Upper Saarnath]]. Once the slaves are freed, they will only need to be escorted back to the Imperial battle-lines to reach safety. The situation is complicated by the fighting, of course. There are not just Druj in Lower Saarnath but ''[[Forward into depthless dark|multiple armies]]'' of Druj.

The [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] will be much more challenging. Looming over [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathsgate|Deathsgate]], where the grove stands, is the immense fortress of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]]. Indeed, it is the master of that immense [[fortification#bastion|bastion]] - the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|buruk tepel]] ''Nimon Rue'' - who tried to use the threat of murder to suborn the Great Forest Orcs in the first place. In theory, Imperial forces could pass through the lands claimed by the Thule. Otkodov and the Empire are allies after all - at least in theory. Yet it might be a mistake to take the goodwill of the Dragons for granted. Worse, just as in Lower Saarnath, the clash of armies in the northern forests of Ulnak risks exposure to the Druj just as it does in the south. If Nimon Rue becomes aware of the rescue effort, there is every chance they will immediately order the slaughter of their prisoners. The Druj have a long history of making the choice that hurts their enemy the most, and no matter if they suffer themselves as a result.

In both cases, while the journey to the weirwood groves will be fraught, it is the return where the danger really lies. Not only will the Druj be aware of what is happening, but every minute it takes to overcome the defences of the labour camps, every minute wasted mobilising frightened orcs, is another minute for the enemy to respond. The flight back to the Empire cannot help but be a harrowing escapade no matter how well the plan is executed.

It takes weeks to organise the raid, and with Summer ripening into Autumn, the first Imperial warriors slip across the borders under a bruised sky into the Mallum proper.
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td> Abigail Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada Droon Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adeen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adonis Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adrian Cardel </td><td> The Cardel Caravan </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aedan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aeilidh "Fletcher" Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aiden Rubra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alana Firekeeper </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alastair New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aldred Boar's Dell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alim Longstride </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alistair </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allana Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ameryth Silentwatch </td><td> The Silent Watch </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amwryn </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angela RavensOak </td><td> Ravens Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angharad Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Annwyl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Anthony </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Antur Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aodhan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aoife Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ardyn Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arianwen Thornfield </td><td> Thornfield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arin Birchwood </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arisent Twin-Wreathed </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arron Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Artoreus Cinderheart </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arwydd Clearbramble </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aryanwen of the broken hearth who cherish the lost and wayward </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ash Bramblestep </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Trosk </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Vana </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asher </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asthore Autumngale </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Atur 'Backbreaker' Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aurelia Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Avery Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ayla Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badonthir Fúlmar </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badran </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Berwyn Dancingleaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Betony </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn Eternal </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bledri Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Arora </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Kran </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Reek </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Boars Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Braithe Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bramble of the Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran Blazing Grain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brân Splintered Oak </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brat Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bree Bellthorne </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brenna Whisperleaf </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brennin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brìghde </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brion </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Broccomaglos Gladespear </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brody Dusk Crow </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bronwyn </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bruiser Ashen-Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bryn Shield Hearth </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynmor Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynwulf Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadell Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadfael Silentwatch </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadoc Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwell Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwyn Ashfall </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caedria </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caelwyn Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caiden Duskcrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caleb </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Callohan </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caoimhe Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cara Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carric </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carrock Daggersbond </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cassidy Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caularthron Tetramic </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cedar Thorns Rest </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceinwen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Celwyddog 'Dog' Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerberin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerddinen Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceri Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerwin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ciapek SplinteredOak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cliab (Cleo) Larksong </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clint Strangewood </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Coeden Silvercloud </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Conan </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corey Wayfarer </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cormac </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Silvercloud </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Courgetta Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cúán </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culann </td><td> Fawn Hollow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culhwch Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cullain Shadowbirch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daegan Larksong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagen Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagony O'Shea </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daire Oathsinger Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darrach </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darragh Cinderhart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dax </td><td> Two Feet </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Deagan Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Derwyn Sparrowflight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Djack Dancer </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Domhnall Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Draenen Goch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drew Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dris Treetalk </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dryn </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drysfa Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drystan Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dylan Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earnan Bramble Step </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Egan Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eilonwy Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eisen </td><td> The Rising Wolves </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eleri Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eli Thrawn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elijah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ellis Evergreen </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elowen </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emhyr </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emlyn Tangled Path </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrich Bloodfeather </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Ember-Oak </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emyr smolder leaf </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Endellion </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eoghan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erin </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erwan 9th Shield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eryr Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eskah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esper Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eurion "Mr Cambion" Firekeeper </td><td> The Hearth Guard </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Even Agra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ewan </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> face </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fae </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faelan </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faethyr Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fallon Shadowglen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faolan </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Farren Silver Streams </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Féchín Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Feirdhris Fifthwind </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fen, Twin Wreathed </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fennel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern Mossbeard </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fernelda </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ffion Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Finnian </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Arachas </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ecca </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Okeer </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ussa </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flannagan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flaxney Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flidais </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flynn DancingLeaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fraygor Oakskull </td><td> Twisted Tree </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frith </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fynn Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gaeorg Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gavynn Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gawain Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gelert </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Geraint Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gethin Bledwyn </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ghost </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giacomo Fuchin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Goffrimm Boar's Promise </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gorwen </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gra'sh </td><td> Ebonmaw </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gragan Leafblown </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gralka</td><td> Skywise</td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Greff </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Grundfos Thorn's Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gull Wind-Roar </td><td> The Silver Fletchings </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwdihŵ Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwenllain Hearts’ End </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwennan </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwilym Heartsbane </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyddian Ashborn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyn Ybythol </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hallux Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Halwyn Splitroot </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harsan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hastur Flame of Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Heilyn Bronwens Rest </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Helvetie </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hen Was Silverthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Henarian </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Herden </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hester </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Huewyn </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hurn </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Arwyn Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Fensorrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris SummerCrow </td><td> The Summer Crows </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ieuan Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ikarosh </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilana </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iniska Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ioan Longshadow </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Scrin </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Thorrak </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ish </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Islwynn Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iven </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> J'zarr </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jac </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jaerin Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakaa (SIVA) Bonecaller </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakewyn Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jonah Farkas </td><td> Ruis Farkas </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorek </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorren Greybloom </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Pickles </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai "Kiwi" Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kalor Warboar </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellek </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kevan Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Keyan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khestra </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiàine Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kirrik </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiyan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kore Firestarter </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyffin Thornfield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kylar Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyra New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lark Lonestrider </td><td> Embersworn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lauren </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Leshi Last Dance </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Liadan Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilith Montague </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilliana Eir Shield Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lindir </td><td> Cold Embers </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lith "Shiny" Fellsmith </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Llinos </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lochlainn Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logain Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Dusklight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luthar </td><td> Lopoldë's Flame </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lynn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> M'ul </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Machar Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madog Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mai Gwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maldwyn Bloodbrook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marianna Lochstrider </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marr Mothskin </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marsh </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mathias Lonestrider </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maud Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mawb Strangers Song </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mazo Freewalker </td><td> Ashborn Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meep </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meera Mended Branch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meg Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meirion Scattered Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mercia Questor's View </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meredith Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merewen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mervyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merwyn Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meya </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mharen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirabel Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mooch </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moose </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Môr Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgan Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgoth SweetBlood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morrigana Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mouse Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Muse Ashen Tears </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Ravensong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Naen Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nathair Autumngale </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Natilli Verdavere </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neasa </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neirin </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nell Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nia </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niah StarSeeker </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Thicket </td><td> Oakwood Thicket </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nimerous </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nirrin </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nisien Duskbound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> NiVek Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niylah </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nos Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nuala Crowfell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oak Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Odhran Mal </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleander Dreamsreach </td><td> Dreamsreach </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleksiy Kostaltyn Van Temeschwar </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olwyn Curlyute Mossglade </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orinn Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orwynn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Owain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oz Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulk Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Ashen Tears </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Swordsong </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Podine Halfthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Powell Open-Skies </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Presnora </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Priff </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Protectorate Kardak </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Puck </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pyre Ashenheart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raewyn Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raghnall Long-Hammer </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raina </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rat Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Redhand Gezzar </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rélileas Bramble Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhianon Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhoslyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyffyllann Inkblood </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyl Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhys Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Richelieu Sternenlicht </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> River Berry </td><td> Cult of Myrtle </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Robyn Sweetnest </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodric Worldscribe </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rok </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Romi </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowyn of the Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rutger </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saamy Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabina Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sage Tanglebane </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sand Viper Idra </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sandviper CODA </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saura Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Savannah </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seaton </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sebastian Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seda Hornleaf </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Selvis Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren Embercast </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seth Blackhawk </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sever </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sheridan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Shistjarma Soar Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siân Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silk Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Simon </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sinder </td><td> WinterSuns </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siôn Everbloom </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skod </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skunk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skywise Rykana </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorcha Embracing Fold </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorrel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Dren </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Tœba </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormsteel Skorr </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylaria Sentri </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvari Barkweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvie Dawnroot </td><td> Moon Striders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syml </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syn Truth-Walker Returned </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Summergleam </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talulah Noorie </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tanwen Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taran Foxden </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Task </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tavvik Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teela </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tegid Ember-Oak </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teleri Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Telyn Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tenebrae </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teris </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thalion </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thane Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> the Nimble-Jack </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theo Wintersun </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theowyn Blackhawk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theren GoldenThorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Therin </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tibalt </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tom </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tomos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Shanks </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torri </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Triskeliande </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulva </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Turin "Goose" </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Twyll Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Udoo </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbral </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Unbroken Nezzak </td><td> The Unbroken Legion </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urq </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaal </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaelira Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Val </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valeska Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valros </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vanna </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vetra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vrakk </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Welyn Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Willow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Winifred Blackhawk </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wrenley Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wyl </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynn Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynne Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Xandor Trodbroker </td><td> TrodBroker </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Yanna Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ydfran Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ylona Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ynyr Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ysult Moss-step </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zakal Antigonus Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
==The Call==
By themselves the warbands of the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs could probably liberate the Grove of Woe in Sanath, but it would still be touch-and-go. The Navarr are adept at swift movement, skilled at not being seen by their enemies until it is too late. The Imperial Orcs have the advantage that they can masquerade as Druj when they need to, distasteful as they may find it, allowing them to brazen their way past patrols or secure information from unsuspecting soldiers of the Mallum. Yet they are behind enemy lines, in territory where an ancient [[Druj miasma]] hangs like a weighted shroud over everything.

Fortunately, the burden of success does not rest solely on the shoulders of the warriors. This is a mission of mercy. Oaths and bonds of family, virtue and the memory of what it means to be imprisoned, do not only motivate those who fight. Dozens of folk who have never raised a spear in anger, held a shield, or marched to an uncertain future answer the call of the Great Forest Orcs. Veterans of old conflicts, who long since hung up harness and sword, hear the familiar thump of their hearts, the sharp tang that promises bloodshed and desperation and perhaps the sweetness of victory over darkness. There are few victors in war; all too often it is fought between soldiers who do not entirely know why they fight. Against the Druj though? On a rescue mission? There is no grey area here.

So across Miaren and Hercynia, even in the tangled depths of Brocéliande and the lost lands of Therunin and Liathaven, the Navarr move. They gather at [[wayhouse|wayhouses]], meet in hidden glens beneath the blind eyes of the Jotun and the Druj. At the same time, in Skarsind and Mareave, the septs of the Unshackled hear the twin-whispers of virtue and spirit, hearing the voices of the ancestors urging them to ''take action'' and ''answer the call'' and ''kill the Druj''.

These people make decisions that put both their lives and their livelihoods on the line. Shopkeepers and cowherds; herbalists and gardeners; foresters and miners; priests and guides and preachers and shaman; and all the great span of people in between. They do what they can to ensure the raid is a success and the Great Forest Orcs are brought home - and that their own people come home with them.

Some contribute directly - they gird themselves and their fellows and they join the warbands slipping eastward. Others use their wealth - their Prosperity as their shield and sword - herbs and potions, money and mana used to secure enchantments and equipment, liao to create auras to defend against the miasma, magic items to give those who take the ultimate risk the edge they will need. Under the direction of the two commanders and their aides, no contribution is wasted. Everything is channelled toward the success of the mission.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BunnyArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}

==The Rabbit==
Even as the decision about who should represent each nation is being made, a band of Navarr use the power of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to reach Thule-held [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]] in the north. At a [[regio]] there, two brave covens call down the [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|warding power]] of ''[[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]]'' into the wild woodlands. Rather than rely solely on the enchantment, they weave [[ilium|star metal]] into their working and draw on the boon promised by the ''Guard of the Weak''. Even as the forests shift and twist themselves to defend the Thule fighting there - for such is the way of the Wooden Fastness - the ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' focuses his attention in the Forest of Ulnak, and on the plight of the Great Forest Orcs.

As the first Navarr and Imperial Orcs cross the borders into the Forest, they are met by quick-footed, keen-eared heralds. Caparisoned for war, garbed in thin leather and armed with clubs and staves, these leporine [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] have a supernatural sense for danger that helps their allies avoid patrols and sentries alike. When fighting is inevitable, they engage alongside the thorns and the legionnaires, and it soon becomes apparent that their master ''Shacklebreaker'' more than deserves his name as their simple weapons [[shatter]] shield and spear alike leaving their foes vulnerable to the weapons of Imperial heroes.

Often when the servants of the ''Lord of Brambles'' deal with the people of the Empire, they are curt and unfriendly. There is no hint of this among those who offer their aid in the Forest of Ulnak. A few even speak of having fought alongside the Imperial Orcs before they ''were'' the Imperial Orcs. Others express their sincere approval for the oaths the Navarr have taken, and the aid they give to their friends. If there is talk of the horrors of the Barrens or the politics of Sarangrave, the subject is swiftly changed. The heralds are focused on their purpose for being here - to free those under the cruel heel of the tyrants of the Mallum and to kill as many of those oppressors as they can in pursuit of it.

There is only one real point of friction and that is with the ''other'' allies the Empire brings with them into the Mallum.

==The Karass==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Reynard of De Gauvain.png|caption='''Reynard of De Gauvain''', Envoy to the Karass|align=right|width=250}}
By now it is a truism that nobody likes [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. One of the three surviving septs of the Barrens, the Great Forest Orcs certainly despise them - and the feeling seems mutual. Those who Chief Vallack has sent to accompany the raid into the Mallum will not even speak to the Karass, will not be in the same space as them.

Yet for all that, the Karass have made it clear in the past that they are prepared to be ''of use'' to the Empire, just as they were once ''of use'' to the Druj. They do not seem to have any significant military strength; what they ''do'' have is a truly uncanny amount of information about the Mallum and its wicked overlords. They know how their patrols operate, and they know where the paths and the roads lead. Nobody knows the Druj lands like the Karass. The Empire has maps, but the Karass have actually travelled these lands. They know how the Druj move, and they know how they think.

They did not volunteer; they were asked to join the raid by the [[Envoy to the Karass|envoy]] appointed by the people of [[Dawn]] to deal with the often difficult sept of [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|Bleaks]] and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. It is not clear at first whether they intend to respond, but shortly before the warbands in the Barrens start to mobilise, a hundred or so Karass hunters emerge from the woodland and join the Imperial forces encamped along the borders.

They do not pretend to have any great love for the Great Forest Orcs; they do not suggest for one moment that they are here for virtue or because they recognise the virtue of the task ahead. They say they are here to discharge a debt for the [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_(The_Barrens)|rescue]] of ''Lenna Karass'', and to show the Empire once again that they have value as allies. Are they telling the truth? It's hard to say, but they have proved their worth already this year when they helped [[Fear_quickens_the_breath#Into_the_Forest|deny the Thule]] a prize they sought in the Forest of Ulnak. Perhaps it is best not to enquire too closely about their motives simply because their presence greatly increases the likelihood of success - knowing where you are going, where to avoid, who you can trust and who you can't, is ''everything''. Even more so than the Unshackled, the Karass can approach Druj settlements and talk with the occupants with no fear of a ruse being exposed. In enemy territory that kind of intelligence is priceless... assuming you can trust it. You can't betray your enemies, so they say. Which raises the question of just who is the Karass' enemy and now we are back where we started.

[[Vigilance]] is a virtue, and where the Karass are concerned it may be more important than any of the others. If the sept chooses to betray the Empire, if they pick their moment carefully (which they surely will) then the results will be devastating and might result in the failure of the entire mission. Sometimes, perhaps, it is a mistake to keep your enemies ''too'' close...

Regardless, when the Empire moves, the Karass are with them, and the desperate mission into the Mallum begins.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Salt Flats of Sanath Regions.png|SaltFlatsBasic.png}}</div>

==Upper Saarnath==
The [[Forward into depthless dark|campaign in Lower Saarnath]] is in its earliest stages as the raiders committed to the Salt Flats of Sanath begin to move east, to make the difficult ascent onto the plateau of Upper Saarnath. The land rises steeply here, cliff walls and difficult paths presenting the only safe way to make the ascent. The Druj control the main routes, those usable by sizable organised forces. An army would struggle to climb the plateau without fighting, without giving the game away, but the warbands of Imperial heroes are a different matter. There are those with experience in the highlands of Hercynia, and Unshackled who have adapted to the rugged life in northern Skarsind, who make short work of the climb. With the aid of the Karass, others are able to find isolated paths, either unguarded, or with the kind of sentries who will not be missed for weeks if they are slain. A small number receive more magical assistance - while the children of Irra Harah are mostly active in the Forest of Ulnak to the north there are still a few here to help rescue the prisoners from the Grove of Woe. Those who have their aid are able to climb an otherwise impassable cliff-face using a magically conjured vine that the heralds dance and pipe into being, growing with supernatural speed up the sheer rock walls to provide ample handholds for ascent and - more importantly - later descent.

As with a surprising amount of the Mallum, the forests here are not heavily populated. There are woodcutting camps here and there, and areas where trees have been cleared to create miserable villages populated by Druj subject septs, but most of the plateau remains wild and untamed. The heavy weight of the Druj miasma hangs over everything, corroding the confidence of those sneaking through the forest towards the Grove of Woe. Fortunately, between donations of liao and certain potions, the worst of the effects can be managed at least for a time.

The other threat here is more mundane; it is all too easy to get lost in what amounts to an often trackless expanse of trees. There are a few roads, it's true, but they are more dangerous than the wilderness. Druj soldiers patrol the roads, the settlements along them are alert for signs of raiders from the Imperial forces attacking Lower Saarnath. All too often the Empire must trust to instinct to find their way through terrain that looks the same hour to hour, day to day.

Standing at the heart of the region, the Grove of Woe represents one of the largest weirwood forests in the Mallum. A match for [[Canterspire Circle|Canterspire]] and the [[Golden Trees of Seren|Golden Trees]], only the [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] in far-off Varushka is larger. It is also clearly ancient; the woods here have been tended and harvested for centuries. It is a hive of industry - albeit a ''Druj'' hive of industry. Before one even comes in sight of the grove proper, there is a ring of high watchtowers protruding from the trees that allow garrisons of keen-eyed orcs to keep a watch over the approaches. Perhaps watchtower is the wrong word - it conjures to mind a simple structure with one or two occupants gazing out across the treetops. These watchtowers are more akin to small forts wide platforms supporting what amounts to a tiny keep, easily home to two or three dozen orc warriors.

Furthermore the Karass warn that each tower is equipped with a set of sounding drums that will allow a warning to be spread across half of Upper Saarnath in a heartbeat if the raiders stumble. The towers are also situated just close enough to each other that an attack on one risks others realising what is going on and sounding the alarm. Worse, it is not a simple matter of disabling the instruments; four times a day the drums must be beaten in certain rhythms to show the tower is still intact or the alarm will inevitably be raised.

There is a plan, though, and as long as it goes smoothly it will be a success. In the darkest heart of the night, two adjacent towers are attacked. Skin and weapons and armour blackened with mud, the stealthiest assassins among the raiders scale the legs of the towers in silence and bring swift death to the sentries on watch. Any misstep here risks sending a screaming body plunging to the forest far below, risks rousing the rest of the defenders with enough time for them to raise the alarm.

With the sentries dealt with, the rope ladders are dropped to allow more warriors to swarm up to secure the platforms. It is not just a matter of assassinating sleeping barbarians; each has a shift ready to respond to any alarm raised by those watching the forest. Brutal, bloody fighting, high above the forest floor, leads to serious wounds on each side. It's fortunate that the [[Rivers of Life]] flow across Sanath this season - but it also makes the fighting that much more vicious as the foe must often be executed to prevent them rising again.

After the towers are captured, there is only a short time for the next stage to be put into operation - Imperial Orcs in Druj hooded cloaks take up the post of sentries so that the neighbouring towers will not suspect anything is wrong. There must also be people ready to beat the signal drums, to prevent the alarm being raised - at least until the Grove of Woe itself is attacked. Then it will be the responsibility of these brave fighters to attack the towers to either side, to widen the safe passage for the escape.

==The Grove of Woe==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj8.jpg|title=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|caption=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|title=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|title=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
With the outer defences secured, the sands truly begin to flow through the hourglass. It is now just a matter of time before the Druj realise what is happening, before ill chance or a passing patrol exposes the ruse. Stealth is still useful, but speed is essential now. Unfortunately, speed brings its own risks. The Druj have placed traps and pitfalls all around the Grove of Woe. It soon becomes apparent that these traps are less about discouraging attackers - although an army would certainly suffer losses if they tried to press through the woods here - than they are about punishing anyone who tries to flee the groves. Some are clearly ancient, others relatively new. Spiked pits, deadfalls, tripwires attached to blades crusted with filth and old venom, weighted nets that fall and lift, and game trails that seem safe until they very much are not.

Here the Karass guidance is more sketchy - they know the traps ''exist'' but they have no way of knowing where they are. Fortunately, the Navarr are no strangers to this kind of subtle warfare, and know the signs to watch for. Even with that expertise, though, the infiltration of the woods is perilous. It is not enough to just bypass the traps; wherever possible they must be disarmed to reduce the risk of someone stumbling into them while fleeing the Grove.

Within the ring of traps is the Grove itself, an expanse of healthy weirwood trees that reaches up above the surrounding forest. There is one final circle of defence - a weirwood wall topped with vicious spikes of mithril and rusted iron. A garrison of several hundred orcs, cruel guards and wicked overseers who keep the captured prisoners in line. Here the last tatters of stealth begin to fragment and blow away. The raiders have the initiative, launch their surprise attacks at three key junctures, each arrow or javelin finding its target and sending them sprawling, but there is no way to stop the alarm being raised. Even as the gates and the walls are attacked, the drums start beating, heavy thunderous notes of warning that are soon echoed by the loyal watchtowers.

For some, perhaps, it is a relief. Too many days of ever-tightening tension, each successful act of infiltration being nothing more than the threat that the ''next'' risk will be the one that brings the whole house of cards tumbling down. Now it is battle, and for many of the Imperial Orcs they smash through the Druj defences with the voices of their ancestors ringing exultant in their spirits, in their hearts, in their ears. ''Break these chains!'' they shout, and ''kill the slavers!'' and ''no mercy for the Druj!'' The Navarr are lockstep with their allies, but where the orcs have the voices of their ancestors to spur them on they have the memory of Therunin, and what the Druj did to their people there, and it howls in their blood loud enough to match any spirit of the gone-before.

Again the curse of [[Spring magic]] helps both sides, prolongs the fighting, makes it five times bloodier than it might have been. These Druj are elite fighters - [[Arkad#Pakkad|Pakkad]] and the [[Arkad#Hupul|Hupul]] and [[Arkad#Kallad|Kallad]] who ensure the slaves stay in line. They are equipped as befits the [[Arkad]] - ample [[Legacy of Thorns|blade venom]], potions of healing and strength, and when all else fails pouches of [[true vervain]] to restore their vitality. Spells and potions of [[purify|purification]] prove invaluable during the battle to seize the Grove of Woe.

While the fighting rages, a small number of champions take advantage of the chaos to bypass the defenders and push deep into the encampment here among the weirwood trees. Their purpose is twofold - to kill any Druj commanders they can find and to let the slaves know that they are about to be liberated. They are perhaps a little unprepared for the tenacity of the resistance they encounter. Even as the fighting spreads along the walls and spills over into the outskirts of the encampment, those moving to the aid of the Great Forest Orcs discover that the Grove of Woe is under the direct command of one of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]].

The orc master apothecary is protected by a cadre of Pakkad with the finest weapons and armour the Mallum can produce. True juggernauts of poison and steel, they fight with the fervour of the fanatic to protect their mistress. For her part the Buruk Tepel is clearly so much more than a "mere" master [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. There are braziers in which some sinister mix of herbs and poisons have been prepared and as her bodyguards battle the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs, she personally begins to set them alight. The thick greenish-yellow smoke they produce hangs low to the ground, creeping in a slow flood through the encampment. As more of the braziers are ignited, the fog spreads more quickly, begins to thicken, becomes deeper. When someone falls into the fog, they do not rise again. This "death fog" smothers anyone who breathes it for more than a few lungfuls - and if someone is already weakened when they encounter it it swiftly spells their doom. The Empire has encountered weapons similar to this in the past but never so concentrated, never so ''cruel''.

As the fighting continues, it also becomes apparent why none of the slaves here have joined the fighting. The Great Forest Orcs who tend the Grove of Woe have been chained to the floors of their ramshackle huts, and as the fog thickens they desperately struggle to keep their heads above the level of the poison mist. It becomes a race against time - to break the chains of the prisoners before the Buruk Tepel atrocity claims them. The raiders split their attention between the Druj defenders and the salvation of the orcs.

In the end though, the Empire is able to prevail - just. It is easy to say, but hard to communicate how close it is. A hair's breadth and the fog would have thickened enough, risen high enough, then the victory over the guards would have been rendered all but meaningless. If the heroes of the Empire had fought one iota less fiercely, committed even an ounce less completely to their goal, the Druj would have held the weirwood groves and stood victorious over the charnel pit they had made of it. In the end though, their terrible scheme does not come to fruition. The Imperial plan works. The slaves are saved, the Druj are slain.

The Buruk Tepel stands defiant to the last, at the heart of a tightening ring of Navarr spears and Unshackled blades and the blazing eyes of the heralds of ''Papa Otec''. She sneers, spits her defiance, and in the last moment touches the burning brand with which she sought to extinguish the lives of the Great Forest Orcs to her own robes. She becomes a pillar of flame, her arms spread out, the stench of burning hair and wool and cooking meat overpowering the stink of the dissipating death fog. Worst of all, as she burns, as she dies, she ''laughs'', howls with laughter until the fire rips the air from her lungs and she collapses in ashes and burnt fragments of bone. Those present to see her die will likely hear that laughter in their dreams for the rest of their lives and wonder what kind of creature, human or orc, can laugh while being devoured alive by flame.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Verys.png|title=Rune: Verys|align=right|caption=Strength is often found in unexpected places.}}

==Flight Through the Dark==
The last of the Druj defenders flee into the forest once it is clear the day is lost; they do not stand and fight. The rescued prisoners number several hundred. Roughly two thirds are of the Great Forest sept, although many of them have never known any life save that of slavery in the Mallum. The remainder are orcs of other subject septs kept for more prosaic service, and a few handfuls of humans. Most of the latter are Navarr, or Dawnish yeofolk, brought here after Druj raids for their own expertise in tending weirwood. Some have no knowledge of the Empire at all, and are as frightened of their rescuers as the orcs. They are either descendants of prisoners taken generations ago, or folk who lived in the Mallum before the Druj took control.

The next enemy to overcome is fear. There is so little time, and yet defeating this foe is crucial. It would be easy to imagine the Imperial Orcs would have an advantage here, but that would be a mistake. The slaves are orcs themselves, but so are their former masters. It is the Navarr, and their talk of oaths and of the bond with the sept of Peytaht that break through the paralysing, traumatic fear that the servants of Irra Harrah call ''"tharn"''. The fear that robs the mind of the ability to think, the terror that prevents the legs from moving and, if it lasts long enough, spells slow death. The words of the Navarr, and the reassurance of the handful of Great Forest Orcs with them, get through to the prisoners and get them moving.

This is the most vital thing, the part of the plan that could go most catastrophically wrong. Several hundred tired, frightened prisoners must now be escorted to safety, with the alarm raised and the Druj certainly already on their way. Supplies are needed - and while the [[business|businesses]] and [[farm|farms]] of Miaren and Hercynia and Skarsind and Mareave have provided what they can, carrying too much ''into'' the Mallum would just slow the raiders down when they need to move. And so the first order of business is to raid the camp and grab everything that can keep body-and-spirit together in the flight west toward the Empire. Food and water, obviously, but it is easy to overlook the importance of good footwear and sturdy clothes, walking sticks, containers to carry provisions, bedrolls... the list is endless and every moment brings the Druj closer.

Here fortune smiles a little on the Empire and their new charges. The garrison here had a great store of potions and herbs for their own use. The Buruk Tepel had brought her own supplies for her bodyguards. Potions to strengthen the body, to clear the mind, to heal wounds, even to bolster the spirit are all claimed and distributed among both the prisoners and those who have freed them. There is also, unfortunately, a sizable stash of potions known for the [[Double-sided Blade|pernicious impact]] they have on those subjected to them, and while there is some discussion as to whether [[Double-sided Blade#Weakening Sun|Weakening Sun]] or [[Double-sided Blade#Warming Armour|Warming Armour]] might ultimately be of use, these discussions are quickly curtailed. There are some weapons of the Druj, argues one of the priests vehemently, that we must never stoop to using, no matter how deep the need.

Time runs out. The agreed on signal comes from the captured watchtowers; a force of Druj is moving toward the Grove of Woe from the east. It's not clear if it is a local patrol, or a force up from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]], but it is clearly time to go. Moving hundreds of disciplined soldiers is enough of a challenge; moving hundreds of terrified refugees is several orders of magnitude worse. Yet somehow, the plan holds together. The ragged column starts to move; a handful of wagons hold those not in a condition for the heavy marching ahead, nestled in among the hastily gathered supplies. Most of those who ride are children; the Druj have little use for tree-tenders too old or infirm to work the groves. The rest are those who were exposed to the death fog for a little too long and will need serious medical attention before they can walk easily.

Through the ring of traps, almost miraculously, without losing anyone. The caution of the Empire's approach has paid dividends here. There are a few attacks by Druj warriors - the sentries of the other watchtowers most likely coupled with some who fled the fall of the camp - but they are easily fended off. The rest of those who remained behind to hold the towers join the main body, and once they are through the outer circle the caravan begins to make better time.

Over the next several days, the raiders push themselves almost to the point of exhaustion. Outrunning the pursuing Druj is one thing; dealing with the Druj ''in front'' of them is another. While the ingress was marked by stealth and misdirection, the egress is a bloody swathe cut through the forested plateau as more and more Druj warriors zero-in on the fleeing Imperials and their living cargo. By the third day, some of the slaves have recovered enough to demand weapons, armour, shields of their own, to protect their friends and their families and fight alongside their rescuers. Some artisans and crafters among the Imperial force have sacrificed [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] and [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] to craft the kind of weapons that will give even an unskilled wielder an edge; others have brought a few extra armaments from their forges or their armouries for just this kind of situation. For the rest... the servants of Irra Harah are again able to offer strange assistance; with a touch they can carve a shillelagh or a staff, or a spear shaft from a tree; with their fingers alone they can shape stone into spear-heads and charm vines to attach one to the other. They can weave grass and leaves into simple armour, held together more by magic than by any artisanry.

Westward then, from the first light of dawn to the last light after dusk, with the night-time spent in fitful sleep. The miasma presses down mercilessly, a threat to the spirit every bit as immediate and wicked as a Druj arrow poses to the body. Yet just as there are weapons and armour to wield against the mortal attackers, so there are also armaments that can be used against despair. Around simple campfires, in the shadows beneath the trees, in the snatched moments of rest and respite, there are stories and there are songs. The Unshackled share their history and the path that led them to where they are now; the Navarr speak of the fall of Terunael and the nation that rose from its ashes; the Great Forest Orcs share a few tales that are new even to those who know the sept of Peytaht, of the woodlands that once stretched from shore to shore and the spirit that moves through it. As a philosopher once said "''greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams''," and ultimately the final victory over the Druj will be the victory over despair.

Long days and long nights and then, long hours of trudging exhaustion punctuated by terrifying moments of battle and bloodshed. And through them, at last, against all the odds, the edge of the plateau comes steadily closer. There is little chance of taking the rescued prisoners down the secretive routes used to reach Upper Saarnath. A final assault, then, against the ''Lidless Stair'', and then hopefully safety below.

Of course, nobody can be sure if there is any safety in Lower Saarnath. When the heroes of the Empire made the ascent into Upper Saarnath, the fighting was just beginning. If the Empire has been driven back into Sarangrave, if the Druj have sent a superior force, then all this might still prove to have been for naught as the descent places the heroes and their charges in the heart of the armies of dread. As much as they can the Imperial raiders keep this unsettling truth from the former slaves, for fear that it may prove one burden too many for them to bear.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png|title=Rune: Tykonus|align=right|caption=We take victory where we can.}}

==Down the Lidless Stair==
The Lidless Stair is a wide path, the most southerly of those which allow an army to move from the lowlands to the uplands. It is guarded by a wall of twisted weirwood and old white granite, and a few hundred soldiers. The plan gambles on the fact that some of those soldiers will be out of position - joining the fighting in Lower Saarnath or looking for the raiders in the wrong place.

A fortress might be poor quality, but it is still a fortress. Crystal mana is gathered in trembling hands, supplemented by a few pots of [[Vis#Vital Honey|Vital Honey]], and in the last hours before dawn a ritual is enacted among the trees on the edge of the plateau. Those Navarr magicians versed in [[Spring magic]] are just between them able to craft a [[Rising Roots that Rend Stone|magical weapon]] to breach the wall. Warriors alone could have taken the Lidless Stair, for sure, but there is no way they could have done it without loss of life - and without leaving their charges vulnerable. With the magic of those volunteers who accompany them, though, there is another option.

The spell works like a charm; one minuted the arrogant Druj defenders are taunting the approaching force from the safety of their gatehouse, the next that gatehouse is rent asunder sending no-longer smug orcs tumbling in every direction. Shorn of their wall, the Druj lose much of their steel... only to discover that they are now trapped between the furious Imperial heroes to the east and the armies of the Empire to the west. Their only escape is death, and in the end that is the route they all must take.

Even as the gates fall, the alarm is being raised at the rear of the column. A (relatively) disciplined force of Druj warriors is fast approaching, closing the distance with distressing speed. The fight at the top of the Stair is nearly won but not quite and if the defenders must split their forces then there is every chance they will fail, fall at the last hurdle between them and freedom...

The sky turns black, and the rain begins to pour, and the gale begins to howl, and in that moment it looks as if everything has been for nothing. The raiders will need to choose between sacrificing their lives to delay the inevitable, or leaving those they promised liberty to be recaptured, slaughtered.

Then a horn is heard, an echoing note that rises above the weather, that stills fear and quickens the heart. It is followed by a peal of thunder, an indescribable noise as if the sky itself was being torn in half and whatever it is that lies behind it was pouring through. Far to the east thunderbolts cascade out of the peligin clouds, and for a moment that noise expands to fill the entire world.

The approaching Druj scatter in terror, the sound overwhelming their discipline for precious minutes. The gate of the Lidless Stair is taken, and the refugees begin to pour down the path, down into the southern reaches of Lower Saarnath. By the time the approaching Druj find their courage again, the very last Imperial soldiers are following them down. And at the bottom wait the victorious Imperial armies, and the Druj dare not follow their quarry into that unwelcoming embrace.

So, then, when all is counted up, the plan has gone just as it should have. The Great Forest Orcs are rescued from the Grove of Woe, along with several dozen other servants of the Druj who will find a welcome in the Barrens, or in Skarsind, or further afield in Hercynia or Miaren.

But what of the Forest of Ulnak?
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==The Ancient Forest==
What of the Forest of Ulnak indeed. In the north, speed is more of a pressing concern than stealth. For the plan to work, the Grove of Woe and the Sacred Grove need to be attacked at roughly the same time. The Buruk Tepel are said to be able to communicate over great distances using some mystical technique or other, and any warning will surely see Nimon Rue execute their prisoners. Worse, no matter where they enter the Forest, the Imperial raiders will need to cover more than twice the distance to reach the weirwood groves - through the whole of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]], [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]], or [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest|Gul'thak Forest]], and then into the depths of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathgate|Deathgate]], all under the unsleeping gaze of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]] itself.

The plan rules out any approach through Gul'thak. There is something alien in the woods there, something alert and watchful. Just as bad, there is the Thistle of Barbs, which defends the forest from any attempt to cross the Nameless River. Oerwalt would be easier, but risks the attention of the orcs of Otkodov. Most likely the Thule would be disinterested in the Imperial plan, but there is always a chance that they might obstruct it unintentionally, or otherwise.

Talking with the Karass, the decision is made to push through Grimfen Marsh, skirting the northern Gul'Thak as quickly as possible, and then delving into Deathgate. While Grimfen Marsh is perilous, and reasonably well populated, there is no suggestion that the folk who live there have any love for the Druj. Treachery is always a threat in the Mallum, but between the Imperial Orcs and the Karass, it is assumed they will be able to handle the sprawling families of Druj subjects.

Here the Empire also has significant aid from the children of ''Papa Otec''. The heralds out of Oerwalt do not boast of their prowess, but they quietly let it be known that they can help with marsh and forest alike. Given speed is of the essence, they ask the raiders to trust their expertise. They can ensure the Empire is forwarned of any patrol, any watching sentry, no matter how canny or well hidden. The wisest beasts, they explain, always know when they are being watched. So it is with the servants of ''Shacklebreaker''.

With the plan set, a flotilla of small boats, rafts, and flat-bottomed skiffs are deployed to transport the raiders across the Nameless River, in small groups, and the assault on the Forest of Ulnak has begun.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|align=right|caption=The desperation of the Druj is so much worse than their complacency.|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|align=right|width=300|caption=It is unwise to rely too much upon the goodwill of the Dragons.}}</div>

==Grimfen Mire==
While it is called both fen and mire, Grimfen is as much forest as it is marsh - a flooded forest, reminiscent of the wild places of Therunin on the other side of the Barrens. There are insects everywhere, vicious animals, deadly toadstools and mushrooms, predatory birds, and an omnipresent cladding of soft mosses. The natural dangers here are made all the worse by the presence of the Spring curse placed on the entire territory by the warlocks of Otkodov. The [[Rivers Run Red|rivers run red]] here, breeding sickness and infection that can make even the mildest of injuries, the smallest of insect bites, potentially life threatening. Potions and herbs can help of course, as can the magic and medical expertise of those who have risked their lives to accompany the warbands, but the danger is omnipresent.

The riverbank is marked by a handful of settlements - stilt-fishers and pot-fishers for the most part - and as one moves inland (inasmuch as any part of Grimfen can be called "land" rather than "mud") there are many more. The Karass know the routes to take, there are plenty of Navarr used to this kind of sodden woodland, and the raiding parties make good time. Rather than take a single path through the region, there are multiple bands of raiders moving separately. It increases the risk of one of them being spotted, certainly, but smaller groups are harder to spot and can react more quickly.

The heralds of Irra Harah are as good as their word; their supernatural senses provide ample warning of threats both barbarian and natural. They can tell the difference between a log sunk in a stagnant pool, and an awful predator that only ''looks'' like a log at a glance. They are able to show hunters which fungus is safe to eat and which will cause agonising nightmare delerium.

As with the force in the Salt Flats, the omnipresent miasma is a challenge. Again, liao and virtue and the voices of the ancestors help, but it is a struggle all its own, especially in environs such as this. There is something mournful about Grimfen, that goes beyond the miasma. Something sad woven into the roots and branches and the waterways. The Karass shrug when asked about it, and the heralds of Irra Harah just look sadly away and change the subject.

For all the difficult terrain, the raiders make good time through Grimfen. As the southern warband is cresting the cliffs of Upper Saarnath, they are closing in on the northern borders of the mire. Here they come across signs of battle - fighting between Thule conquerors and the defenders of the Mallum. It seems however that these are older battlefields, and it is only Druj bodies that are found here, bloated and flyblown by weeks abandoned in the damp, hot sun.

When the denizens of the region are encountered, on the rare occasions they cannot be circumvented easily, they either flee or just watch the Imperials impassively, disinterestedly. Perhaps one or two might seek to curry favour with their overlords by reporting the presence of trespassers but if they do they are either intercepted by their own people or ignored. Those orcs among the raiders who make contact with one of the settlements find a people cowed by the miasma, and by the wickedness of those who rule here. If they speak of the Empire at all, it is in the tones of folk who know them only from stories as wicked sorcerers who rain curses down on the Mallum and slaughter any orc who falls into their hands. The raiders might not encounter opposition here, but they find no welcome either.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ull.png|title=Rune: Ull|align=right|caption=Chance undoes even the best laid plans.}}
==Trees and Bones==
From Grimfen, the raiders press along the border between Gul'thak and Bonewall. The southern woodlands give way to more barren hillside, and another dilemma. Travelling through the woods helps hide the presence of interlopers from any watchers, but likewise hides the watchers and impedes swift progress. Travelling through the hills is a little easier, but all too often leaves trespassers exposed to anyone who might be paying attention.

The dissipated groups that have made their way here join together as they push north and east. The time for stealth is coming to an end - if they are to make the Grove in time to save the Great Forest orcs they need to pick up the pace. Armed conflict is inevitable, and violence finds the raiders before they have gone more than a quarter of the distance they need to cover. A cohort of Druj soldiers, under the ragged banners of the [[Druj_armies#Deadly_Blade|Deadly Blade]], retreating out of Bonewall into Gul'Thak spy the Imperials and raise their spears to attack. A few race south, others east, to try and spread the alarm. Not only must the Imperials deal with the soldiers, but they must try and catch the runners if they hope to maintain the element of surprise.

As swift-footed warriors, scouts, and hunters in lighter armour dash to intercept the would-be alarm-raisers, the rest of the raiders are forced to battle venom-bladed Druj soldiers who know the terrain much better than they do. The Empire is outnumbered, but fortunately these are not fresh troops. Far from it. They have been fighting the invaders from Otkodov, and have had little time to resupply or rest. As it is the fighting is hard going, but the Imperial raiders are at full strength and well prepared. The Druj are cut down, and those who try to flee their inevitable rout are shown no mercy.

As the last warrior falls, those who chased after the runners return. They think they have silenced all those who would raise the alarm, but they cannot be certain. The need to move quickly intensifies.

This is only the first of several such encounters - ragged warriors retreating out of the Bonewall. Some bear battered banners of the Druj armies, others are part of the garrisons of the southern forts. They are demoralised, injured, tired, and as often as not their first thought is to retreat rather than fight. When they have to, the Empire kills them; when they don't they let them pass by, unnoticed.

Twice the raiders see signs of the Thule along the southern borders of the Bonewall. Massive encampments, lit up like the night sky with flames and lightstones. Azure banners marked with runes and depictions of the Dragons stand out against the skyline. It is clear the Thule ''want'' the Druj to know where they are, taunting them almost, as if they are urging the defenders of the Mallum to attack them. An ironic twist of the familiar Druj tactic of trying to lure their enemies into a trap, perhaps.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Deathsgate.jpg|align=right|caption=Cassad Úln stands sentinel over the high peaks of the north, watching eternally for anything that might threaten its domination.|width=500}}</div>
==Deathsgate==
Even for those who have seen the Tower of the Skink in Sarangrave, the great citadel of Cassad Ûln is a breathtaking sight. Where the Tower had something of a ramshackle mien, suggesting broken glass and rusted metal and twisted ambition, Cassad Ûln is fear and tyranny made manifest. Black stone looms on the side of the sweeping northern mountains, a single spire reaching up as if in defiance of the stars and the surrounding peaks. Where other Druj fortifications are intentionally things of spike and jagged steel, this is something else. A monolith of darkness, smooth sided, easily imagined as a great sentinel watching over the entirety of the Mallum. Those who have seen the wall at its base report that it is a different matter; a curtain of stone garlanded with the familiar grisly totems of the cruel masters of the Mallum.

The tower itself isn't always visible; Deathgate is covered with a thick northern forest and it looks as if it would be possible to cross the entire region without ever seeing the open sky above the canopy. Yet once it is seen it preys on the mind - a result of the Druj miasma perhaps - and it is all too easy to imagine it staring through the leaves and branches deep into ones soul. One Imperial Orc jokes that perhaps it is just the biggest miasma pillar in the Mallum, but their attempt at levity falls very flat indeed.

As with so much of the rest of the Mallum there is no solid road to follow, no great highway. What roads there are, are rutted with wheel-tracks, barely more than open spaces between the tree trunks. It is clear that caravans must travel through these woods regularly - to collect the weirwood from the Sacred Grove and bring supplies to Cassad Ûln if for no other reason - but they must represent a truly arduous task. When asked, the Karass look blank and say "slaves" and leave it at that.

It would be easy to imagine that this is just more trackless wilderness, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Particularly in the south the woodlands here are dense with herb gardens, small villages, and the guarded estates of skilled tepel and apparently even some Buruk Tepel who wish to get away from the constant scheming of Sanath to spend some time in study. This means that the woods here are guarded, and the strain of having to ensure that nobody escapes to raise an alarm begins to show on the raiders.

Just as in the south, there is an outer ring and an inner ring of defenders here. Unlike the protections in Upper Saarnath, though, those established in the woods around the weirwood groves are not solely mundane and trickery will not avail against them. According to the Karass, there are white stones quarried from the depths of the northern mountains, marked with dark sigils and woven with cruel magic, that allow unnatural horrors to hunt the woods around the Sacred Grove and punish all who they find who do not bear the "mark of passage".

These supernatural guards are truly monstrous - orc-like humanoids whose bodies are pierced with metal and who drag terrible chains behind them. Some are plated in misshapen metal, as if their armour has fused to their flesh or their bodies have somehow grown ''through'' it. Some wear helmets that hide their entire face, hunting by sound and scent and the echo of feet on the earth. Others possess powers of dark witchery, able to drain the strength from a warrior with a touch of one taloned hand and leave them easy prey for the creatures that pad alongside them - a twisted mix of dog, and cat, and human being. They are given free rein to torment any who stray beyond the weirwood grove, and are said to be nearly as expert in prolonging agony as the masters of the Mallum are.

The initial proposal was that the raiders would ambush a Druj convoy, and steal a mark of passage. The problem is that even the Karass cannot say with any certainty how many folk can be protected by one such mark. Certainly it seems unlikely that one will be sufficient to protect a column of freed slaves. Only the wagons that carry weirwood out, and supplies in, are equipped with such marks but it is likely that there are more within the encampment itself. More than one raider points out that "likely" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence.

Fortunately, the presence of the heralds of Irra Harah provides an alternative and one that the supernatural children of the ''Voice of the Voiceless'' are ''very'' keen to put into operation. Rather than skulk and dissemble, masquerade and trust to the nebulous advice of the Karass, they propose smashing straight through the ring of wards, slaughtering every so-called guardian that gets in their way, shattering these white stone monoliths into pieces, assaulting the camp, murdering all the Druj, grabbing the Great Forest Orcs and running for the Nameless River. When questions are raised about how this can be done, the heralds reveal the boons their father has given them. A dozen staffs of woven wood that contain the power to tear stone structures apart when wielded by an adept of Spring magic. These, they say, will quickly put paid to any magical warding and binding stones, and there are enough masters of ritual lore here to make use of them.

In the end the decision is made for the raiders. Somewhere along the line, one of those who escaped the raiders with their life has made it to someone prepared to listen to them. Drums begin to pound to the south, and from the north the answering bray of some immense bone horn is heard. There are only two choices left; flee, or fight. In the end, the choice is no choice at all.
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==Sacred Grove==
The defenders of the Sacred Grove appear almost immediately and they are just as awful as the Karass proposed. They are clearly [[inhabitants of the realms#herald|heralds]], and every sign suggests they are drawn from the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]. Worse, almost as soon as they begin to engage the Empire, it is clear they are drawn from the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|Thrice-cursed Court]] which means that they have any number of horrible, cruel, wicked powers between them. Some can bring the Curse of the Bound King to bear on their foes, preventing them fleeing or defending themselves. Others wield the witchery of the ''Hag Queen'', cold and imperious and terrible, sapping willpower and spreading discord. The worst are probably those warriors that serve the ''Burnt Prince'' - armoured behemoths whose weapons sear and brand the skin. It also becomes painfully apparent that these are nothing like the warriors of the Thrice-cursed that the Empire is familiar with. These creatures are dark, and powerful, and wield a greater portion of their patrons power than anyone could have expected. They do not die easily, and they do not give up, and when one is seen there are half a dozen more close behind. Worst of all are the hounds - the hybrid horrors the Karass hinted at. Humanoid in rough form, with the aspect of wolf and lion, they are large enough to heft an armoured orc in one misshapen hand and they clearly have a taste for the flesh and blood and screams of mortal folk.

Questions of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] and [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] immediately fall away as battle is joined, and always the plan is foremost in the mind of those fighting through this ring of horrors. The worst thing that can happen here is to falter, to allow themselves to be delayed now the alarm is raised. They ''must'' make it to the Sacred Grove before ''Nimon Rue'' can make good on their threat.

Fighting alongside the orcs and humans are the heralds of ''Shacklebreaker'' and they are something else the Empire has not really experienced. In the past, the children of ''Voice of the Voiceless'' have tended to talk, to retreat, to hide, to urge others to take up arms. Here, in the dark woods, against the servants of the ''Court of Rope'', they are transformed. Swollen with anger, channelling the fury of the Spring Realm against creatures whose entire being echoes with tyranny and cruelty, they take on a very different aspect. Some send their enemies flying with the kind of force Imperials are more used to seeing in the hands of the chosen of [[Siakha|Maelstrom]]. Others shatter their foes weapons but also their bodies; a herald of the Thrice-cursed with a broken leg is no more mobile than a mortal. Yet their fury seems to rouse an answering rage, especially in the burnt knights of Surut. Spring breaks, Winter endures. Ironically, it is the overarching magic of the Thule that swings the pendulum in favour of the Empire here - the Winter heralds are no more able to resist the magic of the malignant curse laid over Ulnak than the Imperial heroes are.

Of course killing the heralds of the Winter realm is not the reason those heroes are here. This fight is a distraction, a ruse all of its own. When the first detonation is heard, it sends a ripple through the knights of the ''Three Monarchs''. Their fury falters for a moment, and there is a shift in their tactics. A second detonation, and some of the heralds shake themselves as if suddenly free of chains all their own. The vates and warcasters, with their own skills and the boons of ''Prison Smasher'', are shattering the white stones that keep these heralds in place and command their service. Each one that falls loosens the bonds on them, frees some of them of their obligations. The gifts of the Winter realm are often double-edged, and it seems that this "gift" of bonded guardians is just such a one. While some of the heralds continue to fight the Empire's champions, others either turn aside from the fray entirely or start heading towards the Sacred Grove itself...

As with the Grove of Woe, there are defences around the encampment but again they are different. Rather than a wall, there is a loose barrier of wooden stakes, supplemented here and there by sections of palisade. There have been recent attempts to reinforce these defences, but they look very makeshift. It seems that the commander of the Sacred Grove trusted more in the supernatural defences than in anything so mundane as a ''wall''. The camp has defenders, though, and they are just as dangerous and vicious as those faced in the south. Elite troops, trusted with guarding one of the most valuable resources in the Mallum. Some bear the mark of the black tower, indicating an allegiance to the master of Cassad Ûln itself. Others have the marks of the septs of Ulnak, each of the Buruk Tepel of the northern Mallum represented here.

The commander here is no Buruk Tepel, relying on apothecary and subtle poisons. They have a very different fate in mind for the Great Forest Orcs - although it still involves fire. As fighting spreads through the camp - as the Empire assaults the defenders with the unexpected accompaniment of a handful of heralds of the Thrice-cursed Court clearly working out decades of frustration at not being allowed to harm those they "protected" - the horror that Nimon Rue has in store becomes clear. The workers of the weirwood grove, the Great Forest Orcs who have toiled here for generations, have been placed inside three tall wooden structures in the centre of the camp. Each is a terrible mockery of a weirwood tree, packed with living orcs, surrounded by kindling. It brings to mind the stories of [[the Marches]], of the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#The_Wicker_Man|wicker man]], but here the power of spiritual purification has been warped into a force of corruption and malice.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Burning Marches.jpg|width=400|align=right|caption=The Druj have something very different in mind to the purification heralded by a Marcher wicker burning.}}</div>
The commander of the camp - a [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] in armour of black plate - holds an iron torch, already burning. He is flanked by three witches - three [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] - and as the Imperial heroes break through the stakes surrounding the sprawling encampment he steps closer to the awful pyre. Before he lights it, though, he turns to address the trespassers, to mock them for their failure, to invite them to witness the immolation of -

It's not clear if the arrow that finds his throat, the chink in his armour, is fired by Unshackled or Navarr, but it does the same job regardless. The Het toppled backward, silenced, the brand falling from his suddenly numb hand. One of the witches stoops to pick it up, but another half-dozen arrows strike him before he can do so, sending him sprawling. Sorcerers are even easier to kill with a hail of arrows than het are.

One of the other two ghulai chants a word and raises their staff over their head, and unleashes a terrible spell that causes everyone in front of them - Druj and Imperial alike - to be wrapped in invisible chains that hold them immobile. The chains do nothing to stop the arrows, however, and ultimately simply allow the raiders to kill the het's guards before they can recover from the paralysis.

The third wizard flees rather than fights, and alone among her brethren escapes the arrows of justice. Unfortunately for her, she runs straight into the arms of an impossibly tall skeletal figure with a mirrored half-helm, who wraps her up in unnaturally jointed arms before biting her face off and turning her screams to desperate gurgles.

Chaos, death, blood, fire. As the last of the Druj are mopped up, those free to do so tear into the wooden trees and free those trapped inside. There is no time to waste, none at all. The defenders of Ulnak are coming and the Druj know they are here. The element of surprise is gone, and there is so far a distance to cover it seems impossible. There's little time to spend in explanations - ten minutes to grab provisions and possessions, to raid the Druj supply tents, and then they have to leave.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralm.png|title=Rune: Gralm|caption=We all come to the crossroads eventually.|align=right}}
==The Plan Changes==
Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.

The flaws are obvious, but the worst is that the refugees would still need to cross the Nameless River at a point where nobody is expecting them to try. The Karass try to argue that messengers could be sent, and boats be waiting, but in the end it simply makes no sense. The Shifting Basin contains one of the largest Druj settlements in the Forest of Ulnak, for a start. The Rivers Run Red bear down on everyone in Ulnak, and the idea of transporting four hundred tired slaves through trackless marshes when any injury might fester and become incapacitating. It isn't said out loud, but these new plan also involves giving the Karass a level of trust nobody is comfortable with.

Westward it is, then. The Karass are clearly unhappy, but they are not in charge here. Nothing is ever simple of course; the Great Forest Orcs are no less traumatised than those rescued from the Grove of Woe. Sickness and infection become a constant threat, and without the medical supplies and expertise of those who risked everything to be here the death toll would surely mount higher and higher. There is nowhere near enough time to collect enough provisions and supplies, with the threat of Cassad Úln literally looming on the horizon.

The plan has changed, and now everyone has to make sure it works. Out past the ring of warding and binding, and then turn sharp west to flee through the woods towards the all-too-distant hills. The first day is the worst, with the Great Forest Orcs still adjusting to the fact they are fleeing for their lives and freedoms. Hope can be painful, especially for people who are unfamiliar with it. The first night is bad, but by then the new reality is beginning to take hold. Just as in the south, some of the freed slaves ask for weapons and armour, or offer their skills to help their fellows, former slave and liberator alike. It is too dangerous to risk fires, and folk are forced to huddle together for warmth under the cold Autumn stars.

Only as morning breaks, and the column of refugees gets ready to move, do the Imperial heroes notice that the Karass have disappeared.

==The Treachery of the Karass==
During that first dark night, the Karass vanished. None of the sentries seem to have seen them leaving, and it is clear that this is not some random desertion. This is something that would have taken planning. There was always a chance the Karass would betray the Empire, and it looks as if the fears for their fidelity were well founded.

Although not ''all'' of the Karass have disappeared. One has stayed behind; an old hunter found sitting in the middle of the camp smoking a pipe. They endure accusations of cowardice and treachery for a few long minutes, then put their pipe away and offer an explanation. The plan hasn't changed, says that remaining hunter. Not for the Karass at least. They knew all along there was almost no chance that the Empire would be able to raid the Sacred Grove and escape without the aid of at least one Imperial army. This was the contingency put in place by Anka Karass; the sept has gone to help the plan succeed by risking their own lives to create a distraction. They will launch a raid on Shadowmere, the domain of the Iron Asp, and the largest settlement in the south. The Druj will respond, directing their gaze toward what seems to be a major threat, and the Karass will melt into the marshes and make their own way home. Unlike the Imperials, the Karass can effectively disappear in the Mallum - not even the Imperial Orcs can say the same.

There's no doubt something stinks to the celestial heavens, but what can be done? The Karass are gone, and if they are going to return with the Druj it is already too late to do anything about it. They've been ''essential'' up to now, helping at every turn, but in truth, it's not clear they are needed any more. Their role was always to help the Empire slip into the Druj lands, to get close to their target without tipping their hand. No-one will feel the loss of them, now it's time to run for the hills.

How much of what this hunter is saying is the truth is impossible to gauge. There isn't time to try and make him change his story, and what if he is telling the truth? Risk everything on suspicion? What good would that serve. The plan has changed once, but that doesn't mean the Empire shouldn't stick to the new one. So with that lone Karass under careful watch, the escapees begin to move westward through the forest toward the Thule front lines.

The caravan moves, as it inevitably must, and then everything goes wrong.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yoorn.png|title=Rune: Yoorn|caption=An end is in sight...|align=right}}

==Later Than You Think==
It's always later than you think. That first night under the trees of Ulnak, with the Karass sneaking away into the darkness, brings that home if nothing else does. The hourglass is nearly empty. As the southern force is fighting its way down the Lidless Stair, the raiders in the north realise just how close the Autumn Equinox is.

Close as the summit at Anvil is, the Druj are closer. The garrison of Cassad Úln is on their trail, the soldiers of the Thistle of Barbs cannot be far behind. There is even some hint that some of the heralds of the Thrice-cursed are stalking the fleeing prisoners. The weather is shifting, and the Empire's heroes are fighting their way into a warzone.

When the Imperial Orcs scouts come back to report that there is a major Druj force ahead - several thousand strong - it feels almost inevitable. The orcs of Otkodov, it seems, have claimed the whole of Bonewall and pushed the defending forces of the Mallum back... right into the path of the fleeing heroes. There's no suggestion they've done this on purpose - indeed it would be incredibly difficult for them to manoeuvre the Druj in this way. It just seems to be the worst of luck.

Turning north or south won't help - the caravan has to keep moving or those hunting them will catch up. If there had been a larger force - the help of an army or another twenty warbands maybe - the matter would be different. But if wishes were oxen, nobody would ever have to pull a plough. The situation is dire, and it looks as if everyone in the Forest of Ulnak is going to die...

==Game Information==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBOrcs.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Rescue the Prisoners===
* '''The raid to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Mallum has been a qualified success'''
* '''Several hundred slaves have been brought safely to the Empire, but several hundred more remain in imminent danger'''
* '''Those chosen to organise the raid have received some weirwood from the Grove of Woe'''

The ambitious [[venture]] to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|rescue the Great Forest Orcs]] from [[the Mallum]] before they could be executed by the [[Druj]] has been a qualified success, but it is not quite over yet. Large numbers of Navarr and Imperial Orcs put everything on the line to help free the slaves forced to work in the weirwood groves of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. With the enthusiastic aid of the [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|children of ''Papa Otec'']] and the somewhat grudging assistance of [[All_I_ask_of_you#Dog_Eat_Dog|the Karass sept]], those imprisoned in the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] have made it safely back to Imperial lands. Those who were held at the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] have been freed, but they remain in terrible danger from the Druj.

To [[All_I_ask_of_you#Rescue_the_Great_Forest|free all the Great Forest Orcs]] required the player characters to reach a threshold of 60,000 effective force. Once every factor was taken into account, the venture fell a tiny bit short of the required amount. In theory, while the Empire had enough strength to ''Liberate the Grove of Woe'', this would have left the orcs of the Sacred Grove to suffer a horrible death at the orders of ''Nimon Rue''. Given how close it was, we quickly decided it was much better to go a different route, and give player characters a chance during the event to save the remaining Great Forest Orcs in the Forest of Ulnak.

The region of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt|Oerwealt]] in the Forest of Ulnak has permanently gained the [[Region_qualities#Woodward|woodward]] quality thanks to the efforts of Navarri covens and their allies. Heralds of [[Irra Harah]] will find it easier to enter the mortal world there and support the people in that territory who have reason to fear oppression, tyranny, or violence. This led to them offering support to both raids, but what it means for the future remains to be seen.

There are two sections below for players who participated in the action - who either used their personal resource directly or took the unique opportunity to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Strength_and_Sacrifice|personally commit]] their efforts to try and ensure victory.

In addition to several hundred former slaves of the Druj, the commanders of the raid - '''Ioan Longshadow''' for the Navarr and '''Skywise Rykana''' for the Imperial Orcs - have liberated a dozen wains of [[weirwood]] that have been split between them. It is up to them what to do with these wains.

===Participation : Sanath===
* '''The Great Forest Orcs rescued from the Grove of Woe in Upper Saarnath are safely back behind Imperial lines'''
The attack in the south, against the Grove of Woe in the Salt Flats of Sanath, has been entirely successful. Characters who supported the effort either with their [[military unit]] (or a [[forest]] or other resource transformed into a military unit with magic), or who supported it with other resources, are encouraged to make up stories about their exploits that fit with the narrative presented.

There's no requirement for a character to have actually taken part physically; they might have instructed their military unit to take part, or focused on providing funds or resources to those going. Alternatively, they might have led their own warband (or part of their warband), or girded up and taken their herbs, crystal mana, and the like with them to actively contribute to the success of the raid.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotra.png|title=Rune: Jotra|caption=Nothing is ever easy.|align=right}}
===Participation : Forest of Ulnak===
* '''The effort to free the slaves from the Sacred Grove teeters on the brink of failure'''
* '''At time in any player whose character would have supported the northern raid in person will have the option to emerge from the Sentinel Gate'''
As with those who took part in the raid into the Salt Flats of Sanath, any character who assigned their military unit or personal resource to the action could choose to be involved personally in the attempt to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Sacred Grove in the northern Forest of Ulnak. As can be seen from the narrative, this endeavour has not succeed, but it has not ''yet'' failed. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, four hundred or so former slaves, orcs and humans are caught between pursuing Druj from Cassad Úln and the armies camped along the border with the Bonewall. And in theory, their rescuers are trapped with them!

Obviously, nobody should have to choose between attending an event and supporting a downtime action! With that in mind we are planning to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to let people do both. At the start of the event, any player whose character supported the northern prong of the raid into the Mallum can congregate at the Sentinel Gate. Shortly after time in, a rare [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] will take place linking the depths of [[Forest of Ulnak#Deathgate|Deathgate]] to [[Anvil]] (rather than the much more traditional other way around). Any player who wants, can emerge through that conjunction onto the field, having come from the beleaguered refugee column to seek desperate support from the rest of the Empire.

It won't be possible for anyone to use this conjunction to reach Ulnak from Anvil, but see the [[#Battle Opportunity|Battle Opportunity]] below.

Anyone who can't take this opportunity for whatever reason is free to roleplay that they were there but obviously nobody saw them, or that they had run ahead of the raiders once it was clear that everything was going wrong to bring news to Anvil - the kind of news that might have uncovered the battle opportunity.

Obviously anyone coming through he gate in this way is free to have wounds sustained in the battle so far, or to be suffering the lingering effects of exposure to the [[Druj miasma]] ([[Calls#Weakness|weakness]] and heightened sense of fear). We'll strive to have referees on hand who can provide some lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wounds]] where appropriate, but availability will depend on how many people there are.

In-character, the rescued Great Forest Orcs know what is happening - they aren't being deserted but rather the Imperial heroes are going to try and round up the cavalry to help them. Our assumption is that members of military units, and the heralds of Irra Harah, are remaining behind to do their best to get the freed slaves to safety while player characters look for aid at Anvil.

Please do not ask if you can take part in this opportunity if you did not take the appropriate downtime action. It is only available to those who assigned their military unit or personal resource. There's also no requirement out of character to take the opportunity - as mentioned previously it is entirely possible to put your full support behind the mission of mercy without personally attending the raid.

===Participation: The Karass===
* '''The Karass contributed 10,000 strength toward the success of the venture'''
* '''They have also pursued their own agenda'''
The Karass are a complicated people. At the request of the Envoy to the Karass, '''Reynard of De Gauvin''', they contributed support to the raid into the Mallum even though there is little love between them and the Great Forest Orcs. In the south, they helped the raiders get to the Grove of Woe and back, and while they might have been a little grumpy about it, there's no question their efforts helped achieve victory.

Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to western Deathsgate during the Autumn Equinox'''
Even before news of the desperate situation in the Forest of Ulnak, the civil service prognosticators had identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the Sentinel Gate leading to the western forests of Deathsgate. As news of the problems encountered by the raiders, and the need to adjust the plan, reached Anvil it became clear that this conjunction represents an opportunity to intervene and ensure the slaves freed from the Sacred Grove make it back to Imperial lands. Exactly how remains to be seen.

A greater darkness

2026-09-05T21:17:50Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Trees against purple night sky.jpg|align=left|caption=The war we fight is not against powers and principalities, it is against chaos and despair.|width=500}}</div>
==What Has Gone Before==
[[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|There is a plan]]. It is a risky plan, and it requires everything to go right and nothing to go wrong. But there is a plan.

The Great Forest Orcs and the Navarr are oathbound; siblings in spirit if not in flesh. In Therunin, the Navarr offered sanctuary when the orcs of Peytaht were forced to flee [[the Barrens]]. They walked the trods together, fought together against the vallorn, fought together against the Druj. When the orcs of the Great Forest returned to their home, it was the Navarr who helped them drive out the remaining tyrants and secure their beloved grove. The bond has become stronger since; orcs died alongside the thorns and brands when the barbarians assailed Therunin and slaughtered their way through the Tarn Valley. The Navarr have welcomed their ambitious youth to the groves of Miaren and Hercynia, helped them create their own "steadings" as they tend the weirwood trees and inch by slow inch combine their own traditions with those of their hosts.

Yet they have always been a wounded, broken sept. The wisdom of the Great Forest Orcs has always been two-edged for them. Their mastery of living wood, their unparalleled skill at tending the valuable weirwood groves, long ago saw the tyrants of the Mallum rip their people into gobbets. Every weirwood grove the Druj control is tended by Great Forest Orcs, forced to toil at the command of cruel overseers. Each disparate settlement serves as surety for the others - if any one were to dare rebel it would be their family in the Barrens, in Ossium, or Sarangrave, in Sanath, or Ulnak, that would pay the price for insubordination.

For centuries this was simply the way it was, and it is only within the last ten years that things have begun to change. The children of the Great Forest in the Barrens found a welcome in Therunin; their family in Ossium was ultimately liberated by the Druj; the Imperial conquest of [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] freed the orcs held there to walk free. Only two weirwood forests remain in the possession of the Druj - the Sacred Grove and the Grove of Woe - and only two enclaves of Great Forest Orcs remain separated from their people. It is a wound, and a painful reminder that the sept is not whole, and it is also a weapon that the Druj seek to wield against them.

Shortly before the Summer Solstice, it came to light that the Buruk Tepel had given the orcs in the [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] an ultimatum. Betray the Navarr, betray the Empire, betray the trust they have built; or know that every one of their sept trapped in durance in the Mallum would be slain. Killed, and worse than killed. The Druj know all the ways to make someone suffer, to beg for death, before they allow a broken spirit to slip into the Howling Abyss. The Great Forest Orcs are well aware of how far they will go, even when their backs are not against the wall.

A [[All_I_ask_of_you#Hammer_Waiting_to_Fall|hammer waits to fall]] on the children of the Great Forest, and by themselves they cannot hope to stop its descent. If it strikes home, it will break their hearts.

But the children of Peytaht have not betrayed their friends; and their friends are with them.

==The Plan==
{{SOP|statement=The Navarr National Assembly calls upon Ioan Longshadow, former General of Isaella's Dance, Guide of Courage, oath-sworn friend of the Great Forest Orcs, and survivor of Grendel chains, to lead Navarr's hand in the rescue of the Great Forest Orcs and the war against the Druj. Any spoils of war gained in this endeavour shall be distributed among those who pledged their support to this cause. He is charged not merely with the conduct of war, but with the keeping of bonds forged in blood and memory. As our allies suffer beneath the yoke of the Druj, this Assembly places its trust in one who has endured captivity, borne loss without surrender, and walked the path of duty. Between Navarr, the Imperial Orcs, and the Great Forest Orcs, The Druj will find before them a Wall of thorns that shall not fall!|by=Ioan Longshadow, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 217-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The Imperial Orc Assembly call upon the skills won in combat and wisdom from his time as General of the Winter Sun, for his steadfast pursuit of liberation of those in chains and the ruin of fear makers; we send Exemplar of Wisdom Skywise Rykana to lead the Imperial Orc forces to boldly venture into the Mallum and save all those Great Forest Orcs we can. No orc should go alone, to second him and support him with her knowledge of the Great Forest Orcs. We send a cousin from the Yerende sept of Ossium, Bloodcrow Meep. May they show the strength of orcs who unite. May our gathered forces join with the Navarr to create a wall of thorns that will not fail.|by=Firesong Galath, Imperial Orcs National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 62-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
On one level, the plan is simple. The Navarr and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] will go into the Mallum and ''get'' the remaining Great Forest Orcs. They will break their chains, and bring them to the safety of the Heart of Peytaht. They will use stealth as long as it avails them, and when that fails as it inevitably must, they will fight. The Druj are in disarray; they fight a war for survival on at least two fronts. The Thule press them in the Forest of Ulnak; the Empire has crossed the borders of Sarangrave and assault them to the south. Within their own borders, the threadbare trust that has allowed the rival septs to work together, allowed the Buruk Tepel to collaborate, is fraying. It will not be ''easy'' but the plan is not ''complicated''.

During the Solstice, the priests of Navarr and the Imperial Orcs chose champions - leaders who would guide their own people and work together to make sure the plan is a success. Their people rally around them, in Ossium and in the Barrens and in northern Sarangrave. The maps acquired at great risk by Imperial scouts allow for multiple routes to be plotted to the target locations - smaller groups move swiftly and are less likely to attract the attention of the Mallum's defenders.

The [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] is the most accessible. The Imperial armies are engaged in [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower Saarnath|Lower Saarnath]] and it should in theory be straightforward enough to infiltrate [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Upper Saarnath|Upper Saarnath]]. Once the slaves are freed, they will only need to be escorted back to the Imperial battle-lines to reach safety. The situation is complicated by the fighting, of course. There are not just Druj in Lower Saarnath but ''[[Forward into depthless dark|multiple armies]]'' of Druj.

The [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] will be much more challenging. Looming over [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathsgate|Deathsgate]], where the grove stands, is the immense fortress of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]]. Indeed, it is the master of that immense [[fortification#bastion|bastion]] - the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|buruk tepel]] ''Nimon Rue'' - who tried to use the threat of murder to suborn the Great Forest Orcs in the first place. In theory, Imperial forces could pass through the lands claimed by the Thule. Otkodov and the Empire are allies after all - at least in theory. Yet it might be a mistake to take the goodwill of the Dragons for granted. Worse, just as in Lower Saarnath, the clash of armies in the northern forests of Ulnak risks exposure to the Druj just as it does in the south. If Nimon Rue becomes aware of the rescue effort, there is every chance they will immediately order the slaughter of their prisoners. The Druj have a long history of making the choice that hurts their enemy the most, and no matter if they suffer themselves as a result.

In both cases, while the journey to the weirwood groves will be fraught, it is the return where the danger really lies. Not only will the Druj be aware of what is happening, but every minute it takes to overcome the defences of the labour camps, every minute wasted mobilising frightened orcs, is another minute for the enemy to respond. The flight back to the Empire cannot help but be a harrowing escapade no matter how well the plan is executed.

It takes weeks to organise the raid, and with Summer ripening into Autumn, the first Imperial warriors slip across the borders under a bruised sky into the Mallum proper.
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td> Abigail Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada Droon Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adeen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adonis Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adrian Cardel </td><td> The Cardel Caravan </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aedan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aeilidh "Fletcher" Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aiden Rubra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alana Firekeeper </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alastair New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aldred Boar's Dell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alim Longstride </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alistair </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allana Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ameryth Silentwatch </td><td> The Silent Watch </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amwryn </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angela RavensOak </td><td> Ravens Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angharad Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Annwyl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Anthony </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Antur Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aodhan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aoife Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ardyn Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arianwen Thornfield </td><td> Thornfield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arin Birchwood </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arisent Twin-Wreathed </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arron Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Artoreus Cinderheart </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arwydd Clearbramble </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aryanwen of the broken hearth who cherish the lost and wayward </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ash Bramblestep </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Trosk </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Vana </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asher </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asthore Autumngale </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Atur 'Backbreaker' Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aurelia Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Avery Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ayla Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badonthir Fúlmar </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badran </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Berwyn Dancingleaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Betony </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn Eternal </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bledri Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Arora </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Kran </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Reek </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Boars Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Braithe Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bramble of the Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran Blazing Grain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brân Splintered Oak </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brat Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bree Bellthorne </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brenna Whisperleaf </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brennin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brìghde </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brion </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Broccomaglos Gladespear </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brody Dusk Crow </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bronwyn </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bruiser Ashen-Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bryn Shield Hearth </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynmor Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynwulf Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadell Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadfael Silentwatch </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadoc Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwell Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwyn Ashfall </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caedria </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caelwyn Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caiden Duskcrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caleb </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Callohan </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caoimhe Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cara Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carric </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carrock Daggersbond </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cassidy Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caularthron Tetramic </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cedar Thorns Rest </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceinwen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Celwyddog 'Dog' Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerberin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerddinen Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceri Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerwin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ciapek SplinteredOak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cliab (Cleo) Larksong </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clint Strangewood </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Coeden Silvercloud </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Conan </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corey Wayfarer </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cormac </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Silvercloud </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Courgetta Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cúán </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culann </td><td> Fawn Hollow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culhwch Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cullain Shadowbirch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daegan Larksong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagen Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagony O'Shea </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daire Oathsinger Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darrach </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darragh Cinderhart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dax </td><td> Two Feet </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Deagan Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Derwyn Sparrowflight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Djack Dancer </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Domhnall Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Draenen Goch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drew Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dris Treetalk </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dryn </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drysfa Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drystan Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dylan Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earnan Bramble Step </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Egan Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eilonwy Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eisen </td><td> The Rising Wolves </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eleri Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eli Thrawn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elijah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ellis Evergreen </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elowen </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emhyr </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emlyn Tangled Path </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrich Bloodfeather </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Ember-Oak </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emyr smolder leaf </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Endellion </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eoghan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erin </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erwan 9th Shield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eryr Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eskah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esper Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eurion "Mr Cambion" Firekeeper </td><td> The Hearth Guard </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Even Agra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ewan </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> face </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fae </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faelan </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faethyr Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fallon Shadowglen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faolan </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Farren Silver Streams </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Féchín Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Feirdhris Fifthwind </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fen, Twin Wreathed </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fennel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern Mossbeard </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fernelda </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ffion Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Finnian </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Arachas </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ecca </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Okeer </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ussa </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flannagan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flaxney Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flidais </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flynn DancingLeaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fraygor Oakskull </td><td> Twisted Tree </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frith </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fynn Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gaeorg Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gavynn Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gawain Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gelert </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Geraint Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gethin Bledwyn </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ghost </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giacomo Fuchin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Goffrimm Boar's Promise </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gorwen </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gra'sh </td><td> Ebonmaw </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gragan Leafblown </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Greff </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Grundfos Thorn's Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gull Wind-Roar </td><td> The Silver Fletchings </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwdihŵ Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwenllain Hearts’ End </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwennan </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwilym Heartsbane </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyddian Ashborn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyn Ybythol </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hallux Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Halwyn Splitroot </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harsan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hastur Flame of Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Heilyn Bronwens Rest </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Helvetie </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hen Was Silverthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Henarian </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Herden </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hester </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Huewyn </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hurn </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Arwyn Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Fensorrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris SummerCrow </td><td> The Summer Crows </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ieuan Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ikarosh </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilana </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iniska Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ioan Longshadow </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Scrin </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Thorrak </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ish </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Islwynn Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iven </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> J'zarr </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jac </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jaerin Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakaa (SIVA) Bonecaller </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakewyn Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jonah Farkas </td><td> Ruis Farkas </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorek </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorren Greybloom </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Pickles </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai "Kiwi" Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kalor Warboar </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellek </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kevan Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Keyan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khestra </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiàine Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kirrik </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiyan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kore Firestarter </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyffin Thornfield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kylar Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyra New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lark Lonestrider </td><td> Embersworn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lauren </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Leshi Last Dance </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Liadan Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilith Montague </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilliana Eir Shield Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lindir </td><td> Cold Embers </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lith "Shiny" Fellsmith </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Llinos </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lochlainn Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logain Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Dusklight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luthar </td><td> Lopoldë's Flame </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lynn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> M'ul </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Machar Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madog Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mai Gwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maldwyn Bloodbrook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marianna Lochstrider </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marr Mothskin </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marsh </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mathias Lonestrider </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maud Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mawb Strangers Song </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mazo Freewalker </td><td> Ashborn Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meep </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meera Mended Branch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meg Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meirion Scattered Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mercia Questor's View </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meredith Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merewen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mervyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merwyn Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meya </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mharen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirabel Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mooch </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moose </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Môr Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgan Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgoth SweetBlood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morrigana Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mouse Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Muse Ashen Tears </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Ravensong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Naen Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nathair Autumngale </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Natilli Verdavere </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neasa </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neirin </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nell Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nia </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niah StarSeeker </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Thicket </td><td> Oakwood Thicket </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nimerous </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nirrin </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nisien Duskbound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> NiVek Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niylah </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nos Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nuala Crowfell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oak Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Odhran Mal </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleander Dreamsreach </td><td> Dreamsreach </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleksiy Kostaltyn Van Temeschwar </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olwyn Curlyute Mossglade </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orinn Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orwynn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Owain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oz Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulk Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Ashen Tears </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Swordsong </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Podine Halfthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Powell Open-Skies </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Presnora </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Priff </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Protectorate Kardak </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Puck </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pyre Ashenheart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raewyn Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raghnall Long-Hammer </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raina </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rat Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Redhand Gezzar </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rélileas Bramble Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhianon Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhoslyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyffyllann Inkblood </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyl Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhys Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Richelieu Sternenlicht </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> River Berry </td><td> Cult of Myrtle </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Robyn Sweetnest </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodric Worldscribe </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rok </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Romi </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowyn of the Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rutger </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saamy Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabina Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sage Tanglebane </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sand Viper Idra </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sandviper CODA </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saura Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Savannah </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seaton </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sebastian Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seda Hornleaf </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Selvis Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren Embercast </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seth Blackhawk </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sever </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sheridan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Shistjarma Soar Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siân Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silk Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Simon </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sinder </td><td> WinterSuns </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siôn Everbloom </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skod </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skunk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skywise Rykana </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorcha Embracing Fold </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorrel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Dren </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Tœba </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormsteel Skorr </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylaria Sentri </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvari Barkweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvie Dawnroot </td><td> Moon Striders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syml </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syn Truth-Walker Returned </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Summergleam </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talulah Noorie </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tanwen Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taran Foxden </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Task </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tavvik Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teela </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tegid Ember-Oak </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teleri Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Telyn Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tenebrae </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teris </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thalion </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thane Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> the Nimble-Jack </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theo Wintersun </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theowyn Blackhawk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theren GoldenThorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Therin </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tibalt </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tom </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tomos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Shanks </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torri </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Triskeliande </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulva </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Turin "Goose" </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Twyll Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Udoo </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbral </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Unbroken Nezzak </td><td> The Unbroken Legion </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urq </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaal </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaelira Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Val </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valeska Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valros </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vanna </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vetra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vrakk </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Welyn Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Willow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Winifred Blackhawk </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wrenley Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wyl </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynn Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynne Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Xandor Trodbroker </td><td> TrodBroker </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Yanna Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ydfran Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ylona Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ynyr Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ysult Moss-step </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zakal Antigonus Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
==The Call==
By themselves the warbands of the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs could probably liberate the Grove of Woe in Sanath, but it would still be touch-and-go. The Navarr are adept at swift movement, skilled at not being seen by their enemies until it is too late. The Imperial Orcs have the advantage that they can masquerade as Druj when they need to, distasteful as they may find it, allowing them to brazen their way past patrols or secure information from unsuspecting soldiers of the Mallum. Yet they are behind enemy lines, in territory where an ancient [[Druj miasma]] hangs like a weighted shroud over everything.

Fortunately, the burden of success does not rest solely on the shoulders of the warriors. This is a mission of mercy. Oaths and bonds of family, virtue and the memory of what it means to be imprisoned, do not only motivate those who fight. Dozens of folk who have never raised a spear in anger, held a shield, or marched to an uncertain future answer the call of the Great Forest Orcs. Veterans of old conflicts, who long since hung up harness and sword, hear the familiar thump of their hearts, the sharp tang that promises bloodshed and desperation and perhaps the sweetness of victory over darkness. There are few victors in war; all too often it is fought between soldiers who do not entirely know why they fight. Against the Druj though? On a rescue mission? There is no grey area here.

So across Miaren and Hercynia, even in the tangled depths of Brocéliande and the lost lands of Therunin and Liathaven, the Navarr move. They gather at [[wayhouse|wayhouses]], meet in hidden glens beneath the blind eyes of the Jotun and the Druj. At the same time, in Skarsind and Mareave, the septs of the Unshackled hear the twin-whispers of virtue and spirit, hearing the voices of the ancestors urging them to ''take action'' and ''answer the call'' and ''kill the Druj''.

These people make decisions that put both their lives and their livelihoods on the line. Shopkeepers and cowherds; herbalists and gardeners; foresters and miners; priests and guides and preachers and shaman; and all the great span of people in between. They do what they can to ensure the raid is a success and the Great Forest Orcs are brought home - and that their own people come home with them.

Some contribute directly - they gird themselves and their fellows and they join the warbands slipping eastward. Others use their wealth - their Prosperity as their shield and sword - herbs and potions, money and mana used to secure enchantments and equipment, liao to create auras to defend against the miasma, magic items to give those who take the ultimate risk the edge they will need. Under the direction of the two commanders and their aides, no contribution is wasted. Everything is channelled toward the success of the mission.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BunnyArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}

==The Rabbit==
Even as the decision about who should represent each nation is being made, a band of Navarr use the power of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to reach Thule-held [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]] in the north. At a [[regio]] there, two brave covens call down the [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|warding power]] of ''[[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]]'' into the wild woodlands. Rather than rely solely on the enchantment, they weave [[ilium|star metal]] into their working and draw on the boon promised by the ''Guard of the Weak''. Even as the forests shift and twist themselves to defend the Thule fighting there - for such is the way of the Wooden Fastness - the ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' focuses his attention in the Forest of Ulnak, and on the plight of the Great Forest Orcs.

As the first Navarr and Imperial Orcs cross the borders into the Forest, they are met by quick-footed, keen-eared heralds. Caparisoned for war, garbed in thin leather and armed with clubs and staves, these leporine [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] have a supernatural sense for danger that helps their allies avoid patrols and sentries alike. When fighting is inevitable, they engage alongside the thorns and the legionnaires, and it soon becomes apparent that their master ''Shacklebreaker'' more than deserves his name as their simple weapons [[shatter]] shield and spear alike leaving their foes vulnerable to the weapons of Imperial heroes.

Often when the servants of the ''Lord of Brambles'' deal with the people of the Empire, they are curt and unfriendly. There is no hint of this among those who offer their aid in the Forest of Ulnak. A few even speak of having fought alongside the Imperial Orcs before they ''were'' the Imperial Orcs. Others express their sincere approval for the oaths the Navarr have taken, and the aid they give to their friends. If there is talk of the horrors of the Barrens or the politics of Sarangrave, the subject is swiftly changed. The heralds are focused on their purpose for being here - to free those under the cruel heel of the tyrants of the Mallum and to kill as many of those oppressors as they can in pursuit of it.

There is only one real point of friction and that is with the ''other'' allies the Empire brings with them into the Mallum.

==The Karass==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Reynard of De Gauvain.png|caption='''Reynard of De Gauvain''', Envoy to the Karass|align=right|width=250}}
By now it is a truism that nobody likes [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. One of the three surviving septs of the Barrens, the Great Forest Orcs certainly despise them - and the feeling seems mutual. Those who Chief Vallack has sent to accompany the raid into the Mallum will not even speak to the Karass, will not be in the same space as them.

Yet for all that, the Karass have made it clear in the past that they are prepared to be ''of use'' to the Empire, just as they were once ''of use'' to the Druj. They do not seem to have any significant military strength; what they ''do'' have is a truly uncanny amount of information about the Mallum and its wicked overlords. They know how their patrols operate, and they know where the paths and the roads lead. Nobody knows the Druj lands like the Karass. The Empire has maps, but the Karass have actually travelled these lands. They know how the Druj move, and they know how they think.

They did not volunteer; they were asked to join the raid by the [[Envoy to the Karass|envoy]] appointed by the people of [[Dawn]] to deal with the often difficult sept of [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|Bleaks]] and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. It is not clear at first whether they intend to respond, but shortly before the warbands in the Barrens start to mobilise, a hundred or so Karass hunters emerge from the woodland and join the Imperial forces encamped along the borders.

They do not pretend to have any great love for the Great Forest Orcs; they do not suggest for one moment that they are here for virtue or because they recognise the virtue of the task ahead. They say they are here to discharge a debt for the [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_(The_Barrens)|rescue]] of ''Lenna Karass'', and to show the Empire once again that they have value as allies. Are they telling the truth? It's hard to say, but they have proved their worth already this year when they helped [[Fear_quickens_the_breath#Into_the_Forest|deny the Thule]] a prize they sought in the Forest of Ulnak. Perhaps it is best not to enquire too closely about their motives simply because their presence greatly increases the likelihood of success - knowing where you are going, where to avoid, who you can trust and who you can't, is ''everything''. Even more so than the Unshackled, the Karass can approach Druj settlements and talk with the occupants with no fear of a ruse being exposed. In enemy territory that kind of intelligence is priceless... assuming you can trust it. You can't betray your enemies, so they say. Which raises the question of just who is the Karass' enemy and now we are back where we started.

[[Vigilance]] is a virtue, and where the Karass are concerned it may be more important than any of the others. If the sept chooses to betray the Empire, if they pick their moment carefully (which they surely will) then the results will be devastating and might result in the failure of the entire mission. Sometimes, perhaps, it is a mistake to keep your enemies ''too'' close...

Regardless, when the Empire moves, the Karass are with them, and the desperate mission into the Mallum begins.
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==Upper Saarnath==
The [[Forward into depthless dark|campaign in Lower Saarnath]] is in its earliest stages as the raiders committed to the Salt Flats of Sanath begin to move east, to make the difficult ascent onto the plateau of Upper Saarnath. The land rises steeply here, cliff walls and difficult paths presenting the only safe way to make the ascent. The Druj control the main routes, those usable by sizable organised forces. An army would struggle to climb the plateau without fighting, without giving the game away, but the warbands of Imperial heroes are a different matter. There are those with experience in the highlands of Hercynia, and Unshackled who have adapted to the rugged life in northern Skarsind, who make short work of the climb. With the aid of the Karass, others are able to find isolated paths, either unguarded, or with the kind of sentries who will not be missed for weeks if they are slain. A small number receive more magical assistance - while the children of Irra Harah are mostly active in the Forest of Ulnak to the north there are still a few here to help rescue the prisoners from the Grove of Woe. Those who have their aid are able to climb an otherwise impassable cliff-face using a magically conjured vine that the heralds dance and pipe into being, growing with supernatural speed up the sheer rock walls to provide ample handholds for ascent and - more importantly - later descent.

As with a surprising amount of the Mallum, the forests here are not heavily populated. There are woodcutting camps here and there, and areas where trees have been cleared to create miserable villages populated by Druj subject septs, but most of the plateau remains wild and untamed. The heavy weight of the Druj miasma hangs over everything, corroding the confidence of those sneaking through the forest towards the Grove of Woe. Fortunately, between donations of liao and certain potions, the worst of the effects can be managed at least for a time.

The other threat here is more mundane; it is all too easy to get lost in what amounts to an often trackless expanse of trees. There are a few roads, it's true, but they are more dangerous than the wilderness. Druj soldiers patrol the roads, the settlements along them are alert for signs of raiders from the Imperial forces attacking Lower Saarnath. All too often the Empire must trust to instinct to find their way through terrain that looks the same hour to hour, day to day.

Standing at the heart of the region, the Grove of Woe represents one of the largest weirwood forests in the Mallum. A match for [[Canterspire Circle|Canterspire]] and the [[Golden Trees of Seren|Golden Trees]], only the [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] in far-off Varushka is larger. It is also clearly ancient; the woods here have been tended and harvested for centuries. It is a hive of industry - albeit a ''Druj'' hive of industry. Before one even comes in sight of the grove proper, there is a ring of high watchtowers protruding from the trees that allow garrisons of keen-eyed orcs to keep a watch over the approaches. Perhaps watchtower is the wrong word - it conjures to mind a simple structure with one or two occupants gazing out across the treetops. These watchtowers are more akin to small forts wide platforms supporting what amounts to a tiny keep, easily home to two or three dozen orc warriors.

Furthermore the Karass warn that each tower is equipped with a set of sounding drums that will allow a warning to be spread across half of Upper Saarnath in a heartbeat if the raiders stumble. The towers are also situated just close enough to each other that an attack on one risks others realising what is going on and sounding the alarm. Worse, it is not a simple matter of disabling the instruments; four times a day the drums must be beaten in certain rhythms to show the tower is still intact or the alarm will inevitably be raised.

There is a plan, though, and as long as it goes smoothly it will be a success. In the darkest heart of the night, two adjacent towers are attacked. Skin and weapons and armour blackened with mud, the stealthiest assassins among the raiders scale the legs of the towers in silence and bring swift death to the sentries on watch. Any misstep here risks sending a screaming body plunging to the forest far below, risks rousing the rest of the defenders with enough time for them to raise the alarm.

With the sentries dealt with, the rope ladders are dropped to allow more warriors to swarm up to secure the platforms. It is not just a matter of assassinating sleeping barbarians; each has a shift ready to respond to any alarm raised by those watching the forest. Brutal, bloody fighting, high above the forest floor, leads to serious wounds on each side. It's fortunate that the [[Rivers of Life]] flow across Sanath this season - but it also makes the fighting that much more vicious as the foe must often be executed to prevent them rising again.

After the towers are captured, there is only a short time for the next stage to be put into operation - Imperial Orcs in Druj hooded cloaks take up the post of sentries so that the neighbouring towers will not suspect anything is wrong. There must also be people ready to beat the signal drums, to prevent the alarm being raised - at least until the Grove of Woe itself is attacked. Then it will be the responsibility of these brave fighters to attack the towers to either side, to widen the safe passage for the escape.

==The Grove of Woe==
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{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj8.jpg|title=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|caption=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|title=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|title=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
With the outer defences secured, the sands truly begin to flow through the hourglass. It is now just a matter of time before the Druj realise what is happening, before ill chance or a passing patrol exposes the ruse. Stealth is still useful, but speed is essential now. Unfortunately, speed brings its own risks. The Druj have placed traps and pitfalls all around the Grove of Woe. It soon becomes apparent that these traps are less about discouraging attackers - although an army would certainly suffer losses if they tried to press through the woods here - than they are about punishing anyone who tries to flee the groves. Some are clearly ancient, others relatively new. Spiked pits, deadfalls, tripwires attached to blades crusted with filth and old venom, weighted nets that fall and lift, and game trails that seem safe until they very much are not.

Here the Karass guidance is more sketchy - they know the traps ''exist'' but they have no way of knowing where they are. Fortunately, the Navarr are no strangers to this kind of subtle warfare, and know the signs to watch for. Even with that expertise, though, the infiltration of the woods is perilous. It is not enough to just bypass the traps; wherever possible they must be disarmed to reduce the risk of someone stumbling into them while fleeing the Grove.

Within the ring of traps is the Grove itself, an expanse of healthy weirwood trees that reaches up above the surrounding forest. There is one final circle of defence - a weirwood wall topped with vicious spikes of mithril and rusted iron. A garrison of several hundred orcs, cruel guards and wicked overseers who keep the captured prisoners in line. Here the last tatters of stealth begin to fragment and blow away. The raiders have the initiative, launch their surprise attacks at three key junctures, each arrow or javelin finding its target and sending them sprawling, but there is no way to stop the alarm being raised. Even as the gates and the walls are attacked, the drums start beating, heavy thunderous notes of warning that are soon echoed by the loyal watchtowers.

For some, perhaps, it is a relief. Too many days of ever-tightening tension, each successful act of infiltration being nothing more than the threat that the ''next'' risk will be the one that brings the whole house of cards tumbling down. Now it is battle, and for many of the Imperial Orcs they smash through the Druj defences with the voices of their ancestors ringing exultant in their spirits, in their hearts, in their ears. ''Break these chains!'' they shout, and ''kill the slavers!'' and ''no mercy for the Druj!'' The Navarr are lockstep with their allies, but where the orcs have the voices of their ancestors to spur them on they have the memory of Therunin, and what the Druj did to their people there, and it howls in their blood loud enough to match any spirit of the gone-before.

Again the curse of [[Spring magic]] helps both sides, prolongs the fighting, makes it five times bloodier than it might have been. These Druj are elite fighters - [[Arkad#Pakkad|Pakkad]] and the [[Arkad#Hupul|Hupul]] and [[Arkad#Kallad|Kallad]] who ensure the slaves stay in line. They are equipped as befits the [[Arkad]] - ample [[Legacy of Thorns|blade venom]], potions of healing and strength, and when all else fails pouches of [[true vervain]] to restore their vitality. Spells and potions of [[purify|purification]] prove invaluable during the battle to seize the Grove of Woe.

While the fighting rages, a small number of champions take advantage of the chaos to bypass the defenders and push deep into the encampment here among the weirwood trees. Their purpose is twofold - to kill any Druj commanders they can find and to let the slaves know that they are about to be liberated. They are perhaps a little unprepared for the tenacity of the resistance they encounter. Even as the fighting spreads along the walls and spills over into the outskirts of the encampment, those moving to the aid of the Great Forest Orcs discover that the Grove of Woe is under the direct command of one of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]].

The orc master apothecary is protected by a cadre of Pakkad with the finest weapons and armour the Mallum can produce. True juggernauts of poison and steel, they fight with the fervour of the fanatic to protect their mistress. For her part the Buruk Tepel is clearly so much more than a "mere" master [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. There are braziers in which some sinister mix of herbs and poisons have been prepared and as her bodyguards battle the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs, she personally begins to set them alight. The thick greenish-yellow smoke they produce hangs low to the ground, creeping in a slow flood through the encampment. As more of the braziers are ignited, the fog spreads more quickly, begins to thicken, becomes deeper. When someone falls into the fog, they do not rise again. This "death fog" smothers anyone who breathes it for more than a few lungfuls - and if someone is already weakened when they encounter it it swiftly spells their doom. The Empire has encountered weapons similar to this in the past but never so concentrated, never so ''cruel''.

As the fighting continues, it also becomes apparent why none of the slaves here have joined the fighting. The Great Forest Orcs who tend the Grove of Woe have been chained to the floors of their ramshackle huts, and as the fog thickens they desperately struggle to keep their heads above the level of the poison mist. It becomes a race against time - to break the chains of the prisoners before the Buruk Tepel atrocity claims them. The raiders split their attention between the Druj defenders and the salvation of the orcs.

In the end though, the Empire is able to prevail - just. It is easy to say, but hard to communicate how close it is. A hair's breadth and the fog would have thickened enough, risen high enough, then the victory over the guards would have been rendered all but meaningless. If the heroes of the Empire had fought one iota less fiercely, committed even an ounce less completely to their goal, the Druj would have held the weirwood groves and stood victorious over the charnel pit they had made of it. In the end though, their terrible scheme does not come to fruition. The Imperial plan works. The slaves are saved, the Druj are slain.

The Buruk Tepel stands defiant to the last, at the heart of a tightening ring of Navarr spears and Unshackled blades and the blazing eyes of the heralds of ''Papa Otec''. She sneers, spits her defiance, and in the last moment touches the burning brand with which she sought to extinguish the lives of the Great Forest Orcs to her own robes. She becomes a pillar of flame, her arms spread out, the stench of burning hair and wool and cooking meat overpowering the stink of the dissipating death fog. Worst of all, as she burns, as she dies, she ''laughs'', howls with laughter until the fire rips the air from her lungs and she collapses in ashes and burnt fragments of bone. Those present to see her die will likely hear that laughter in their dreams for the rest of their lives and wonder what kind of creature, human or orc, can laugh while being devoured alive by flame.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Verys.png|title=Rune: Verys|align=right|caption=Strength is often found in unexpected places.}}

==Flight Through the Dark==
The last of the Druj defenders flee into the forest once it is clear the day is lost; they do not stand and fight. The rescued prisoners number several hundred. Roughly two thirds are of the Great Forest sept, although many of them have never known any life save that of slavery in the Mallum. The remainder are orcs of other subject septs kept for more prosaic service, and a few handfuls of humans. Most of the latter are Navarr, or Dawnish yeofolk, brought here after Druj raids for their own expertise in tending weirwood. Some have no knowledge of the Empire at all, and are as frightened of their rescuers as the orcs. They are either descendants of prisoners taken generations ago, or folk who lived in the Mallum before the Druj took control.

The next enemy to overcome is fear. There is so little time, and yet defeating this foe is crucial. It would be easy to imagine the Imperial Orcs would have an advantage here, but that would be a mistake. The slaves are orcs themselves, but so are their former masters. It is the Navarr, and their talk of oaths and of the bond with the sept of Peytaht that break through the paralysing, traumatic fear that the servants of Irra Harrah call ''"tharn"''. The fear that robs the mind of the ability to think, the terror that prevents the legs from moving and, if it lasts long enough, spells slow death. The words of the Navarr, and the reassurance of the handful of Great Forest Orcs with them, get through to the prisoners and get them moving.

This is the most vital thing, the part of the plan that could go most catastrophically wrong. Several hundred tired, frightened prisoners must now be escorted to safety, with the alarm raised and the Druj certainly already on their way. Supplies are needed - and while the [[business|businesses]] and [[farm|farms]] of Miaren and Hercynia and Skarsind and Mareave have provided what they can, carrying too much ''into'' the Mallum would just slow the raiders down when they need to move. And so the first order of business is to raid the camp and grab everything that can keep body-and-spirit together in the flight west toward the Empire. Food and water, obviously, but it is easy to overlook the importance of good footwear and sturdy clothes, walking sticks, containers to carry provisions, bedrolls... the list is endless and every moment brings the Druj closer.

Here fortune smiles a little on the Empire and their new charges. The garrison here had a great store of potions and herbs for their own use. The Buruk Tepel had brought her own supplies for her bodyguards. Potions to strengthen the body, to clear the mind, to heal wounds, even to bolster the spirit are all claimed and distributed among both the prisoners and those who have freed them. There is also, unfortunately, a sizable stash of potions known for the [[Double-sided Blade|pernicious impact]] they have on those subjected to them, and while there is some discussion as to whether [[Double-sided Blade#Weakening Sun|Weakening Sun]] or [[Double-sided Blade#Warming Armour|Warming Armour]] might ultimately be of use, these discussions are quickly curtailed. There are some weapons of the Druj, argues one of the priests vehemently, that we must never stoop to using, no matter how deep the need.

Time runs out. The agreed on signal comes from the captured watchtowers; a force of Druj is moving toward the Grove of Woe from the east. It's not clear if it is a local patrol, or a force up from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]], but it is clearly time to go. Moving hundreds of disciplined soldiers is enough of a challenge; moving hundreds of terrified refugees is several orders of magnitude worse. Yet somehow, the plan holds together. The ragged column starts to move; a handful of wagons hold those not in a condition for the heavy marching ahead, nestled in among the hastily gathered supplies. Most of those who ride are children; the Druj have little use for tree-tenders too old or infirm to work the groves. The rest are those who were exposed to the death fog for a little too long and will need serious medical attention before they can walk easily.

Through the ring of traps, almost miraculously, without losing anyone. The caution of the Empire's approach has paid dividends here. There are a few attacks by Druj warriors - the sentries of the other watchtowers most likely coupled with some who fled the fall of the camp - but they are easily fended off. The rest of those who remained behind to hold the towers join the main body, and once they are through the outer circle the caravan begins to make better time.

Over the next several days, the raiders push themselves almost to the point of exhaustion. Outrunning the pursuing Druj is one thing; dealing with the Druj ''in front'' of them is another. While the ingress was marked by stealth and misdirection, the egress is a bloody swathe cut through the forested plateau as more and more Druj warriors zero-in on the fleeing Imperials and their living cargo. By the third day, some of the slaves have recovered enough to demand weapons, armour, shields of their own, to protect their friends and their families and fight alongside their rescuers. Some artisans and crafters among the Imperial force have sacrificed [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] and [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] to craft the kind of weapons that will give even an unskilled wielder an edge; others have brought a few extra armaments from their forges or their armouries for just this kind of situation. For the rest... the servants of Irra Harah are again able to offer strange assistance; with a touch they can carve a shillelagh or a staff, or a spear shaft from a tree; with their fingers alone they can shape stone into spear-heads and charm vines to attach one to the other. They can weave grass and leaves into simple armour, held together more by magic than by any artisanry.

Westward then, from the first light of dawn to the last light after dusk, with the night-time spent in fitful sleep. The miasma presses down mercilessly, a threat to the spirit every bit as immediate and wicked as a Druj arrow poses to the body. Yet just as there are weapons and armour to wield against the mortal attackers, so there are also armaments that can be used against despair. Around simple campfires, in the shadows beneath the trees, in the snatched moments of rest and respite, there are stories and there are songs. The Unshackled share their history and the path that led them to where they are now; the Navarr speak of the fall of Terunael and the nation that rose from its ashes; the Great Forest Orcs share a few tales that are new even to those who know the sept of Peytaht, of the woodlands that once stretched from shore to shore and the spirit that moves through it. As a philosopher once said "''greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams''," and ultimately the final victory over the Druj will be the victory over despair.

Long days and long nights and then, long hours of trudging exhaustion punctuated by terrifying moments of battle and bloodshed. And through them, at last, against all the odds, the edge of the plateau comes steadily closer. There is little chance of taking the rescued prisoners down the secretive routes used to reach Upper Saarnath. A final assault, then, against the ''Lidless Stair'', and then hopefully safety below.

Of course, nobody can be sure if there is any safety in Lower Saarnath. When the heroes of the Empire made the ascent into Upper Saarnath, the fighting was just beginning. If the Empire has been driven back into Sarangrave, if the Druj have sent a superior force, then all this might still prove to have been for naught as the descent places the heroes and their charges in the heart of the armies of dread. As much as they can the Imperial raiders keep this unsettling truth from the former slaves, for fear that it may prove one burden too many for them to bear.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png|title=Rune: Tykonus|align=right|caption=We take victory where we can.}}

==Down the Lidless Stair==
The Lidless Stair is a wide path, the most southerly of those which allow an army to move from the lowlands to the uplands. It is guarded by a wall of twisted weirwood and old white granite, and a few hundred soldiers. The plan gambles on the fact that some of those soldiers will be out of position - joining the fighting in Lower Saarnath or looking for the raiders in the wrong place.

A fortress might be poor quality, but it is still a fortress. Crystal mana is gathered in trembling hands, supplemented by a few pots of [[Vis#Vital Honey|Vital Honey]], and in the last hours before dawn a ritual is enacted among the trees on the edge of the plateau. Those Navarr magicians versed in [[Spring magic]] are just between them able to craft a [[Rising Roots that Rend Stone|magical weapon]] to breach the wall. Warriors alone could have taken the Lidless Stair, for sure, but there is no way they could have done it without loss of life - and without leaving their charges vulnerable. With the magic of those volunteers who accompany them, though, there is another option.

The spell works like a charm; one minuted the arrogant Druj defenders are taunting the approaching force from the safety of their gatehouse, the next that gatehouse is rent asunder sending no-longer smug orcs tumbling in every direction. Shorn of their wall, the Druj lose much of their steel... only to discover that they are now trapped between the furious Imperial heroes to the east and the armies of the Empire to the west. Their only escape is death, and in the end that is the route they all must take.

Even as the gates fall, the alarm is being raised at the rear of the column. A (relatively) disciplined force of Druj warriors is fast approaching, closing the distance with distressing speed. The fight at the top of the Stair is nearly won but not quite and if the defenders must split their forces then there is every chance they will fail, fall at the last hurdle between them and freedom...

The sky turns black, and the rain begins to pour, and the gale begins to howl, and in that moment it looks as if everything has been for nothing. The raiders will need to choose between sacrificing their lives to delay the inevitable, or leaving those they promised liberty to be recaptured, slaughtered.

Then a horn is heard, an echoing note that rises above the weather, that stills fear and quickens the heart. It is followed by a peal of thunder, an indescribable noise as if the sky itself was being torn in half and whatever it is that lies behind it was pouring through. Far to the east thunderbolts cascade out of the peligin clouds, and for a moment that noise expands to fill the entire world.

The approaching Druj scatter in terror, the sound overwhelming their discipline for precious minutes. The gate of the Lidless Stair is taken, and the refugees begin to pour down the path, down into the southern reaches of Lower Saarnath. By the time the approaching Druj find their courage again, the very last Imperial soldiers are following them down. And at the bottom wait the victorious Imperial armies, and the Druj dare not follow their quarry into that unwelcoming embrace.

So, then, when all is counted up, the plan has gone just as it should have. The Great Forest Orcs are rescued from the Grove of Woe, along with several dozen other servants of the Druj who will find a welcome in the Barrens, or in Skarsind, or further afield in Hercynia or Miaren.

But what of the Forest of Ulnak?
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==The Ancient Forest==
What of the Forest of Ulnak indeed. In the north, speed is more of a pressing concern than stealth. For the plan to work, the Grove of Woe and the Sacred Grove need to be attacked at roughly the same time. The Buruk Tepel are said to be able to communicate over great distances using some mystical technique or other, and any warning will surely see Nimon Rue execute their prisoners. Worse, no matter where they enter the Forest, the Imperial raiders will need to cover more than twice the distance to reach the weirwood groves - through the whole of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]], [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]], or [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest|Gul'thak Forest]], and then into the depths of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathgate|Deathgate]], all under the unsleeping gaze of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]] itself.

The plan rules out any approach through Gul'thak. There is something alien in the woods there, something alert and watchful. Just as bad, there is the Thistle of Barbs, which defends the forest from any attempt to cross the Nameless River. Oerwalt would be easier, but risks the attention of the orcs of Otkodov. Most likely the Thule would be disinterested in the Imperial plan, but there is always a chance that they might obstruct it unintentionally, or otherwise.

Talking with the Karass, the decision is made to push through Grimfen Marsh, skirting the northern Gul'Thak as quickly as possible, and then delving into Deathgate. While Grimfen Marsh is perilous, and reasonably well populated, there is no suggestion that the folk who live there have any love for the Druj. Treachery is always a threat in the Mallum, but between the Imperial Orcs and the Karass, it is assumed they will be able to handle the sprawling families of Druj subjects.

Here the Empire also has significant aid from the children of ''Papa Otec''. The heralds out of Oerwalt do not boast of their prowess, but they quietly let it be known that they can help with marsh and forest alike. Given speed is of the essence, they ask the raiders to trust their expertise. They can ensure the Empire is forwarned of any patrol, any watching sentry, no matter how canny or well hidden. The wisest beasts, they explain, always know when they are being watched. So it is with the servants of ''Shacklebreaker''.

With the plan set, a flotilla of small boats, rafts, and flat-bottomed skiffs are deployed to transport the raiders across the Nameless River, in small groups, and the assault on the Forest of Ulnak has begun.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|align=right|caption=The desperation of the Druj is so much worse than their complacency.|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|align=right|width=300|caption=It is unwise to rely too much upon the goodwill of the Dragons.}}</div>

==Grimfen Mire==
While it is called both fen and mire, Grimfen is as much forest as it is marsh - a flooded forest, reminiscent of the wild places of Therunin on the other side of the Barrens. There are insects everywhere, vicious animals, deadly toadstools and mushrooms, predatory birds, and an omnipresent cladding of soft mosses. The natural dangers here are made all the worse by the presence of the Spring curse placed on the entire territory by the warlocks of Otkodov. The [[Rivers Run Red|rivers run red]] here, breeding sickness and infection that can make even the mildest of injuries, the smallest of insect bites, potentially life threatening. Potions and herbs can help of course, as can the magic and medical expertise of those who have risked their lives to accompany the warbands, but the danger is omnipresent.

The riverbank is marked by a handful of settlements - stilt-fishers and pot-fishers for the most part - and as one moves inland (inasmuch as any part of Grimfen can be called "land" rather than "mud") there are many more. The Karass know the routes to take, there are plenty of Navarr used to this kind of sodden woodland, and the raiding parties make good time. Rather than take a single path through the region, there are multiple bands of raiders moving separately. It increases the risk of one of them being spotted, certainly, but smaller groups are harder to spot and can react more quickly.

The heralds of Irra Harah are as good as their word; their supernatural senses provide ample warning of threats both barbarian and natural. They can tell the difference between a log sunk in a stagnant pool, and an awful predator that only ''looks'' like a log at a glance. They are able to show hunters which fungus is safe to eat and which will cause agonising nightmare delerium.

As with the force in the Salt Flats, the omnipresent miasma is a challenge. Again, liao and virtue and the voices of the ancestors help, but it is a struggle all its own, especially in environs such as this. There is something mournful about Grimfen, that goes beyond the miasma. Something sad woven into the roots and branches and the waterways. The Karass shrug when asked about it, and the heralds of Irra Harah just look sadly away and change the subject.

For all the difficult terrain, the raiders make good time through Grimfen. As the southern warband is cresting the cliffs of Upper Saarnath, they are closing in on the northern borders of the mire. Here they come across signs of battle - fighting between Thule conquerors and the defenders of the Mallum. It seems however that these are older battlefields, and it is only Druj bodies that are found here, bloated and flyblown by weeks abandoned in the damp, hot sun.

When the denizens of the region are encountered, on the rare occasions they cannot be circumvented easily, they either flee or just watch the Imperials impassively, disinterestedly. Perhaps one or two might seek to curry favour with their overlords by reporting the presence of trespassers but if they do they are either intercepted by their own people or ignored. Those orcs among the raiders who make contact with one of the settlements find a people cowed by the miasma, and by the wickedness of those who rule here. If they speak of the Empire at all, it is in the tones of folk who know them only from stories as wicked sorcerers who rain curses down on the Mallum and slaughter any orc who falls into their hands. The raiders might not encounter opposition here, but they find no welcome either.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ull.png|title=Rune: Ull|align=right|caption=Chance undoes even the best laid plans.}}
==Trees and Bones==
From Grimfen, the raiders press along the border between Gul'thak and Bonewall. The southern woodlands give way to more barren hillside, and another dilemma. Travelling through the woods helps hide the presence of interlopers from any watchers, but likewise hides the watchers and impedes swift progress. Travelling through the hills is a little easier, but all too often leaves trespassers exposed to anyone who might be paying attention.

The dissipated groups that have made their way here join together as they push north and east. The time for stealth is coming to an end - if they are to make the Grove in time to save the Great Forest orcs they need to pick up the pace. Armed conflict is inevitable, and violence finds the raiders before they have gone more than a quarter of the distance they need to cover. A cohort of Druj soldiers, under the ragged banners of the [[Druj_armies#Deadly_Blade|Deadly Blade]], retreating out of Bonewall into Gul'Thak spy the Imperials and raise their spears to attack. A few race south, others east, to try and spread the alarm. Not only must the Imperials deal with the soldiers, but they must try and catch the runners if they hope to maintain the element of surprise.

As swift-footed warriors, scouts, and hunters in lighter armour dash to intercept the would-be alarm-raisers, the rest of the raiders are forced to battle venom-bladed Druj soldiers who know the terrain much better than they do. The Empire is outnumbered, but fortunately these are not fresh troops. Far from it. They have been fighting the invaders from Otkodov, and have had little time to resupply or rest. As it is the fighting is hard going, but the Imperial raiders are at full strength and well prepared. The Druj are cut down, and those who try to flee their inevitable rout are shown no mercy.

As the last warrior falls, those who chased after the runners return. They think they have silenced all those who would raise the alarm, but they cannot be certain. The need to move quickly intensifies.

This is only the first of several such encounters - ragged warriors retreating out of the Bonewall. Some bear battered banners of the Druj armies, others are part of the garrisons of the southern forts. They are demoralised, injured, tired, and as often as not their first thought is to retreat rather than fight. When they have to, the Empire kills them; when they don't they let them pass by, unnoticed.

Twice the raiders see signs of the Thule along the southern borders of the Bonewall. Massive encampments, lit up like the night sky with flames and lightstones. Azure banners marked with runes and depictions of the Dragons stand out against the skyline. It is clear the Thule ''want'' the Druj to know where they are, taunting them almost, as if they are urging the defenders of the Mallum to attack them. An ironic twist of the familiar Druj tactic of trying to lure their enemies into a trap, perhaps.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Deathsgate.jpg|align=right|caption=Cassad Úln stands sentinel over the high peaks of the north, watching eternally for anything that might threaten its domination.|width=500}}</div>
==Deathsgate==
Even for those who have seen the Tower of the Skink in Sarangrave, the great citadel of Cassad Ûln is a breathtaking sight. Where the Tower had something of a ramshackle mien, suggesting broken glass and rusted metal and twisted ambition, Cassad Ûln is fear and tyranny made manifest. Black stone looms on the side of the sweeping northern mountains, a single spire reaching up as if in defiance of the stars and the surrounding peaks. Where other Druj fortifications are intentionally things of spike and jagged steel, this is something else. A monolith of darkness, smooth sided, easily imagined as a great sentinel watching over the entirety of the Mallum. Those who have seen the wall at its base report that it is a different matter; a curtain of stone garlanded with the familiar grisly totems of the cruel masters of the Mallum.

The tower itself isn't always visible; Deathgate is covered with a thick northern forest and it looks as if it would be possible to cross the entire region without ever seeing the open sky above the canopy. Yet once it is seen it preys on the mind - a result of the Druj miasma perhaps - and it is all too easy to imagine it staring through the leaves and branches deep into ones soul. One Imperial Orc jokes that perhaps it is just the biggest miasma pillar in the Mallum, but their attempt at levity falls very flat indeed.

As with so much of the rest of the Mallum there is no solid road to follow, no great highway. What roads there are, are rutted with wheel-tracks, barely more than open spaces between the tree trunks. It is clear that caravans must travel through these woods regularly - to collect the weirwood from the Sacred Grove and bring supplies to Cassad Ûln if for no other reason - but they must represent a truly arduous task. When asked, the Karass look blank and say "slaves" and leave it at that.

It would be easy to imagine that this is just more trackless wilderness, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Particularly in the south the woodlands here are dense with herb gardens, small villages, and the guarded estates of skilled tepel and apparently even some Buruk Tepel who wish to get away from the constant scheming of Sanath to spend some time in study. This means that the woods here are guarded, and the strain of having to ensure that nobody escapes to raise an alarm begins to show on the raiders.

Just as in the south, there is an outer ring and an inner ring of defenders here. Unlike the protections in Upper Saarnath, though, those established in the woods around the weirwood groves are not solely mundane and trickery will not avail against them. According to the Karass, there are white stones quarried from the depths of the northern mountains, marked with dark sigils and woven with cruel magic, that allow unnatural horrors to hunt the woods around the Sacred Grove and punish all who they find who do not bear the "mark of passage".

These supernatural guards are truly monstrous - orc-like humanoids whose bodies are pierced with metal and who drag terrible chains behind them. Some are plated in misshapen metal, as if their armour has fused to their flesh or their bodies have somehow grown ''through'' it. Some wear helmets that hide their entire face, hunting by sound and scent and the echo of feet on the earth. Others possess powers of dark witchery, able to drain the strength from a warrior with a touch of one taloned hand and leave them easy prey for the creatures that pad alongside them - a twisted mix of dog, and cat, and human being. They are given free rein to torment any who stray beyond the weirwood grove, and are said to be nearly as expert in prolonging agony as the masters of the Mallum are.

The initial proposal was that the raiders would ambush a Druj convoy, and steal a mark of passage. The problem is that even the Karass cannot say with any certainty how many folk can be protected by one such mark. Certainly it seems unlikely that one will be sufficient to protect a column of freed slaves. Only the wagons that carry weirwood out, and supplies in, are equipped with such marks but it is likely that there are more within the encampment itself. More than one raider points out that "likely" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence.

Fortunately, the presence of the heralds of Irra Harah provides an alternative and one that the supernatural children of the ''Voice of the Voiceless'' are ''very'' keen to put into operation. Rather than skulk and dissemble, masquerade and trust to the nebulous advice of the Karass, they propose smashing straight through the ring of wards, slaughtering every so-called guardian that gets in their way, shattering these white stone monoliths into pieces, assaulting the camp, murdering all the Druj, grabbing the Great Forest Orcs and running for the Nameless River. When questions are raised about how this can be done, the heralds reveal the boons their father has given them. A dozen staffs of woven wood that contain the power to tear stone structures apart when wielded by an adept of Spring magic. These, they say, will quickly put paid to any magical warding and binding stones, and there are enough masters of ritual lore here to make use of them.

In the end the decision is made for the raiders. Somewhere along the line, one of those who escaped the raiders with their life has made it to someone prepared to listen to them. Drums begin to pound to the south, and from the north the answering bray of some immense bone horn is heard. There are only two choices left; flee, or fight. In the end, the choice is no choice at all.
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==Sacred Grove==
The defenders of the Sacred Grove appear almost immediately and they are just as awful as the Karass proposed. They are clearly [[inhabitants of the realms#herald|heralds]], and every sign suggests they are drawn from the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]. Worse, almost as soon as they begin to engage the Empire, it is clear they are drawn from the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|Thrice-cursed Court]] which means that they have any number of horrible, cruel, wicked powers between them. Some can bring the Curse of the Bound King to bear on their foes, preventing them fleeing or defending themselves. Others wield the witchery of the ''Hag Queen'', cold and imperious and terrible, sapping willpower and spreading discord. The worst are probably those warriors that serve the ''Burnt Prince'' - armoured behemoths whose weapons sear and brand the skin. It also becomes painfully apparent that these are nothing like the warriors of the Thrice-cursed that the Empire is familiar with. These creatures are dark, and powerful, and wield a greater portion of their patrons power than anyone could have expected. They do not die easily, and they do not give up, and when one is seen there are half a dozen more close behind. Worst of all are the hounds - the hybrid horrors the Karass hinted at. Humanoid in rough form, with the aspect of wolf and lion, they are large enough to heft an armoured orc in one misshapen hand and they clearly have a taste for the flesh and blood and screams of mortal folk.

Questions of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] and [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] immediately fall away as battle is joined, and always the plan is foremost in the mind of those fighting through this ring of horrors. The worst thing that can happen here is to falter, to allow themselves to be delayed now the alarm is raised. They ''must'' make it to the Sacred Grove before ''Nimon Rue'' can make good on their threat.

Fighting alongside the orcs and humans are the heralds of ''Shacklebreaker'' and they are something else the Empire has not really experienced. In the past, the children of ''Voice of the Voiceless'' have tended to talk, to retreat, to hide, to urge others to take up arms. Here, in the dark woods, against the servants of the ''Court of Rope'', they are transformed. Swollen with anger, channelling the fury of the Spring Realm against creatures whose entire being echoes with tyranny and cruelty, they take on a very different aspect. Some send their enemies flying with the kind of force Imperials are more used to seeing in the hands of the chosen of [[Siakha|Maelstrom]]. Others shatter their foes weapons but also their bodies; a herald of the Thrice-cursed with a broken leg is no more mobile than a mortal. Yet their fury seems to rouse an answering rage, especially in the burnt knights of Surut. Spring breaks, Winter endures. Ironically, it is the overarching magic of the Thule that swings the pendulum in favour of the Empire here - the Winter heralds are no more able to resist the magic of the malignant curse laid over Ulnak than the Imperial heroes are.

Of course killing the heralds of the Winter realm is not the reason those heroes are here. This fight is a distraction, a ruse all of its own. When the first detonation is heard, it sends a ripple through the knights of the ''Three Monarchs''. Their fury falters for a moment, and there is a shift in their tactics. A second detonation, and some of the heralds shake themselves as if suddenly free of chains all their own. The vates and warcasters, with their own skills and the boons of ''Prison Smasher'', are shattering the white stones that keep these heralds in place and command their service. Each one that falls loosens the bonds on them, frees some of them of their obligations. The gifts of the Winter realm are often double-edged, and it seems that this "gift" of bonded guardians is just such a one. While some of the heralds continue to fight the Empire's champions, others either turn aside from the fray entirely or start heading towards the Sacred Grove itself...

As with the Grove of Woe, there are defences around the encampment but again they are different. Rather than a wall, there is a loose barrier of wooden stakes, supplemented here and there by sections of palisade. There have been recent attempts to reinforce these defences, but they look very makeshift. It seems that the commander of the Sacred Grove trusted more in the supernatural defences than in anything so mundane as a ''wall''. The camp has defenders, though, and they are just as dangerous and vicious as those faced in the south. Elite troops, trusted with guarding one of the most valuable resources in the Mallum. Some bear the mark of the black tower, indicating an allegiance to the master of Cassad Ûln itself. Others have the marks of the septs of Ulnak, each of the Buruk Tepel of the northern Mallum represented here.

The commander here is no Buruk Tepel, relying on apothecary and subtle poisons. They have a very different fate in mind for the Great Forest Orcs - although it still involves fire. As fighting spreads through the camp - as the Empire assaults the defenders with the unexpected accompaniment of a handful of heralds of the Thrice-cursed Court clearly working out decades of frustration at not being allowed to harm those they "protected" - the horror that Nimon Rue has in store becomes clear. The workers of the weirwood grove, the Great Forest Orcs who have toiled here for generations, have been placed inside three tall wooden structures in the centre of the camp. Each is a terrible mockery of a weirwood tree, packed with living orcs, surrounded by kindling. It brings to mind the stories of [[the Marches]], of the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#The_Wicker_Man|wicker man]], but here the power of spiritual purification has been warped into a force of corruption and malice.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Burning Marches.jpg|width=400|align=right|caption=The Druj have something very different in mind to the purification heralded by a Marcher wicker burning.}}</div>
The commander of the camp - a [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] in armour of black plate - holds an iron torch, already burning. He is flanked by three witches - three [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] - and as the Imperial heroes break through the stakes surrounding the sprawling encampment he steps closer to the awful pyre. Before he lights it, though, he turns to address the trespassers, to mock them for their failure, to invite them to witness the immolation of -

It's not clear if the arrow that finds his throat, the chink in his armour, is fired by Unshackled or Navarr, but it does the same job regardless. The Het toppled backward, silenced, the brand falling from his suddenly numb hand. One of the witches stoops to pick it up, but another half-dozen arrows strike him before he can do so, sending him sprawling. Sorcerers are even easier to kill with a hail of arrows than het are.

One of the other two ghulai chants a word and raises their staff over their head, and unleashes a terrible spell that causes everyone in front of them - Druj and Imperial alike - to be wrapped in invisible chains that hold them immobile. The chains do nothing to stop the arrows, however, and ultimately simply allow the raiders to kill the het's guards before they can recover from the paralysis.

The third wizard flees rather than fights, and alone among her brethren escapes the arrows of justice. Unfortunately for her, she runs straight into the arms of an impossibly tall skeletal figure with a mirrored half-helm, who wraps her up in unnaturally jointed arms before biting her face off and turning her screams to desperate gurgles.

Chaos, death, blood, fire. As the last of the Druj are mopped up, those free to do so tear into the wooden trees and free those trapped inside. There is no time to waste, none at all. The defenders of Ulnak are coming and the Druj know they are here. The element of surprise is gone, and there is so far a distance to cover it seems impossible. There's little time to spend in explanations - ten minutes to grab provisions and possessions, to raid the Druj supply tents, and then they have to leave.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralm.png|title=Rune: Gralm|caption=We all come to the crossroads eventually.|align=right}}
==The Plan Changes==
Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.

The flaws are obvious, but the worst is that the refugees would still need to cross the Nameless River at a point where nobody is expecting them to try. The Karass try to argue that messengers could be sent, and boats be waiting, but in the end it simply makes no sense. The Shifting Basin contains one of the largest Druj settlements in the Forest of Ulnak, for a start. The Rivers Run Red bear down on everyone in Ulnak, and the idea of transporting four hundred tired slaves through trackless marshes when any injury might fester and become incapacitating. It isn't said out loud, but these new plan also involves giving the Karass a level of trust nobody is comfortable with.

Westward it is, then. The Karass are clearly unhappy, but they are not in charge here. Nothing is ever simple of course; the Great Forest Orcs are no less traumatised than those rescued from the Grove of Woe. Sickness and infection become a constant threat, and without the medical supplies and expertise of those who risked everything to be here the death toll would surely mount higher and higher. There is nowhere near enough time to collect enough provisions and supplies, with the threat of Cassad Úln literally looming on the horizon.

The plan has changed, and now everyone has to make sure it works. Out past the ring of warding and binding, and then turn sharp west to flee through the woods towards the all-too-distant hills. The first day is the worst, with the Great Forest Orcs still adjusting to the fact they are fleeing for their lives and freedoms. Hope can be painful, especially for people who are unfamiliar with it. The first night is bad, but by then the new reality is beginning to take hold. Just as in the south, some of the freed slaves ask for weapons and armour, or offer their skills to help their fellows, former slave and liberator alike. It is too dangerous to risk fires, and folk are forced to huddle together for warmth under the cold Autumn stars.

Only as morning breaks, and the column of refugees gets ready to move, do the Imperial heroes notice that the Karass have disappeared.

==The Treachery of the Karass==
During that first dark night, the Karass vanished. None of the sentries seem to have seen them leaving, and it is clear that this is not some random desertion. This is something that would have taken planning. There was always a chance the Karass would betray the Empire, and it looks as if the fears for their fidelity were well founded.

Although not ''all'' of the Karass have disappeared. One has stayed behind; an old hunter found sitting in the middle of the camp smoking a pipe. They endure accusations of cowardice and treachery for a few long minutes, then put their pipe away and offer an explanation. The plan hasn't changed, says that remaining hunter. Not for the Karass at least. They knew all along there was almost no chance that the Empire would be able to raid the Sacred Grove and escape without the aid of at least one Imperial army. This was the contingency put in place by Anka Karass; the sept has gone to help the plan succeed by risking their own lives to create a distraction. They will launch a raid on Shadowmere, the domain of the Iron Asp, and the largest settlement in the south. The Druj will respond, directing their gaze toward what seems to be a major threat, and the Karass will melt into the marshes and make their own way home. Unlike the Imperials, the Karass can effectively disappear in the Mallum - not even the Imperial Orcs can say the same.

There's no doubt something stinks to the celestial heavens, but what can be done? The Karass are gone, and if they are going to return with the Druj it is already too late to do anything about it. They've been ''essential'' up to now, helping at every turn, but in truth, it's not clear they are needed any more. Their role was always to help the Empire slip into the Druj lands, to get close to their target without tipping their hand. No-one will feel the loss of them, now it's time to run for the hills.

How much of what this hunter is saying is the truth is impossible to gauge. There isn't time to try and make him change his story, and what if he is telling the truth? Risk everything on suspicion? What good would that serve. The plan has changed once, but that doesn't mean the Empire shouldn't stick to the new one. So with that lone Karass under careful watch, the escapees begin to move westward through the forest toward the Thule front lines.

The caravan moves, as it inevitably must, and then everything goes wrong.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yoorn.png|title=Rune: Yoorn|caption=An end is in sight...|align=right}}

==Later Than You Think==
It's always later than you think. That first night under the trees of Ulnak, with the Karass sneaking away into the darkness, brings that home if nothing else does. The hourglass is nearly empty. As the southern force is fighting its way down the Lidless Stair, the raiders in the north realise just how close the Autumn Equinox is.

Close as the summit at Anvil is, the Druj are closer. The garrison of Cassad Úln is on their trail, the soldiers of the Thistle of Barbs cannot be far behind. There is even some hint that some of the heralds of the Thrice-cursed are stalking the fleeing prisoners. The weather is shifting, and the Empire's heroes are fighting their way into a warzone.

When the Imperial Orcs scouts come back to report that there is a major Druj force ahead - several thousand strong - it feels almost inevitable. The orcs of Otkodov, it seems, have claimed the whole of Bonewall and pushed the defending forces of the Mallum back... right into the path of the fleeing heroes. There's no suggestion they've done this on purpose - indeed it would be incredibly difficult for them to manoeuvre the Druj in this way. It just seems to be the worst of luck.

Turning north or south won't help - the caravan has to keep moving or those hunting them will catch up. If there had been a larger force - the help of an army or another twenty warbands maybe - the matter would be different. But if wishes were oxen, nobody would ever have to pull a plough. The situation is dire, and it looks as if everyone in the Forest of Ulnak is going to die...

==Game Information==
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===Rescue the Prisoners===
* '''The raid to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Mallum has been a qualified success'''
* '''Several hundred slaves have been brought safely to the Empire, but several hundred more remain in imminent danger'''
* '''Those chosen to organise the raid have received some weirwood from the Grove of Woe'''

The ambitious [[venture]] to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|rescue the Great Forest Orcs]] from [[the Mallum]] before they could be executed by the [[Druj]] has been a qualified success, but it is not quite over yet. Large numbers of Navarr and Imperial Orcs put everything on the line to help free the slaves forced to work in the weirwood groves of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. With the enthusiastic aid of the [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|children of ''Papa Otec'']] and the somewhat grudging assistance of [[All_I_ask_of_you#Dog_Eat_Dog|the Karass sept]], those imprisoned in the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] have made it safely back to Imperial lands. Those who were held at the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] have been freed, but they remain in terrible danger from the Druj.

To [[All_I_ask_of_you#Rescue_the_Great_Forest|free all the Great Forest Orcs]] required the player characters to reach a threshold of 60,000 effective force. Once every factor was taken into account, the venture fell a tiny bit short of the required amount. In theory, while the Empire had enough strength to ''Liberate the Grove of Woe'', this would have left the orcs of the Sacred Grove to suffer a horrible death at the orders of ''Nimon Rue''. Given how close it was, we quickly decided it was much better to go a different route, and give player characters a chance during the event to save the remaining Great Forest Orcs in the Forest of Ulnak.

The region of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt|Oerwealt]] in the Forest of Ulnak has permanently gained the [[Region_qualities#Woodward|woodward]] quality thanks to the efforts of Navarri covens and their allies. Heralds of [[Irra Harah]] will find it easier to enter the mortal world there and support the people in that territory who have reason to fear oppression, tyranny, or violence. This led to them offering support to both raids, but what it means for the future remains to be seen.

There are two sections below for players who participated in the action - who either used their personal resource directly or took the unique opportunity to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Strength_and_Sacrifice|personally commit]] their efforts to try and ensure victory.

In addition to several hundred former slaves of the Druj, the commanders of the raid - '''Ioan Longshadow''' for the Navarr and '''Skywise Rykana''' for the Imperial Orcs - have liberated a dozen wains of [[weirwood]] that have been split between them. It is up to them what to do with these wains.

===Participation : Sanath===
* '''The Great Forest Orcs rescued from the Grove of Woe in Upper Saarnath are safely back behind Imperial lines'''
The attack in the south, against the Grove of Woe in the Salt Flats of Sanath, has been entirely successful. Characters who supported the effort either with their [[military unit]] (or a [[forest]] or other resource transformed into a military unit with magic), or who supported it with other resources, are encouraged to make up stories about their exploits that fit with the narrative presented.

There's no requirement for a character to have actually taken part physically; they might have instructed their military unit to take part, or focused on providing funds or resources to those going. Alternatively, they might have led their own warband (or part of their warband), or girded up and taken their herbs, crystal mana, and the like with them to actively contribute to the success of the raid.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotra.png|title=Rune: Jotra|caption=Nothing is ever easy.|align=right}}
===Participation : Forest of Ulnak===
* '''The effort to free the slaves from the Sacred Grove teeters on the brink of failure'''
* '''At time in any player whose character would have supported the northern raid in person will have the option to emerge from the Sentinel Gate'''
As with those who took part in the raid into the Salt Flats of Sanath, any character who assigned their military unit or personal resource to the action could choose to be involved personally in the attempt to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Sacred Grove in the northern Forest of Ulnak. As can be seen from the narrative, this endeavour has not succeed, but it has not ''yet'' failed. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, four hundred or so former slaves, orcs and humans are caught between pursuing Druj from Cassad Úln and the armies camped along the border with the Bonewall. And in theory, their rescuers are trapped with them!

Obviously, nobody should have to choose between attending an event and supporting a downtime action! With that in mind we are planning to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to let people do both. At the start of the event, any player whose character supported the northern prong of the raid into the Mallum can congregate at the Sentinel Gate. Shortly after time in, a rare [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] will take place linking the depths of [[Forest of Ulnak#Deathgate|Deathgate]] to [[Anvil]] (rather than the much more traditional other way around). Any player who wants, can emerge through that conjunction onto the field, having come from the beleaguered refugee column to seek desperate support from the rest of the Empire.

It won't be possible for anyone to use this conjunction to reach Ulnak from Anvil, but see the [[#Battle Opportunity|Battle Opportunity]] below.

Anyone who can't take this opportunity for whatever reason is free to roleplay that they were there but obviously nobody saw them, or that they had run ahead of the raiders once it was clear that everything was going wrong to bring news to Anvil - the kind of news that might have uncovered the battle opportunity.

Obviously anyone coming through he gate in this way is free to have wounds sustained in the battle so far, or to be suffering the lingering effects of exposure to the [[Druj miasma]] ([[Calls#Weakness|weakness]] and heightened sense of fear). We'll strive to have referees on hand who can provide some lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wounds]] where appropriate, but availability will depend on how many people there are.

In-character, the rescued Great Forest Orcs know what is happening - they aren't being deserted but rather the Imperial heroes are going to try and round up the cavalry to help them. Our assumption is that members of military units, and the heralds of Irra Harah, are remaining behind to do their best to get the freed slaves to safety while player characters look for aid at Anvil.

Please do not ask if you can take part in this opportunity if you did not take the appropriate downtime action. It is only available to those who assigned their military unit or personal resource. There's also no requirement out of character to take the opportunity - as mentioned previously it is entirely possible to put your full support behind the mission of mercy without personally attending the raid.

===Participation: The Karass===
* '''The Karass contributed 10,000 strength toward the success of the venture'''
* '''They have also pursued their own agenda'''
The Karass are a complicated people. At the request of the Envoy to the Karass, '''Reynard of De Gauvin''', they contributed support to the raid into the Mallum even though there is little love between them and the Great Forest Orcs. In the south, they helped the raiders get to the Grove of Woe and back, and while they might have been a little grumpy about it, there's no question their efforts helped achieve victory.

Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to western Deathsgate during the Autumn Equinox'''
Even before news of the desperate situation in the Forest of Ulnak, the civil service prognosticators had identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the Sentinel Gate leading to the western forests of Deathsgate. As news of the problems encountered by the raiders, and the need to adjust the plan, reached Anvil it became clear that this conjunction represents an opportunity to intervene and ensure the slaves freed from the Sacred Grove make it back to Imperial lands. Exactly how remains to be seen.

So little I wanted, so little I got

2026-09-05T21:02:08Z

Hailmur: Created page with "Category:Winds of FortuneCategory:388YE AutumnCategory:Foreign NationsCategory:AsaveaCategory:SumaahCategory:Grendel <ic>A lot of waves had crashed against a lot of beaches since they had first come together in poor, lost Siroc to discuss the ambitious plan that would eventually lead to their little sodality. Not so little these days, mused Therese di Sarvos, touching the purple-sailed ship that adorned her coat. The three of them were seated on..."

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Asavea]][[Category:Sumaah]][[Category:Grendel]]
<ic>A lot of waves had crashed against a lot of beaches since they had first come together in poor, lost Siroc to discuss the ambitious plan that would eventually lead to their little sodality. Not so little these days, mused Therese di Sarvos, touching the purple-sailed ship that adorned her coat.

The three of them were seated on the wide balcony overlooking the canals. She scanned the skyline, and for a moment was entranced by the way the gorgeous spires of Capodomus looked almost close enough to touch in the gathering dusk. She mentally began planning another visit for later in the week. Simply walking its halls helped clear her mind, quieted the clamour of the demands on her time, and allowed her to focus on what really mattered. Indeed, her current plans had crystalised under the golden light of the atrium and she couldn't wait to share them with her friends.

Michael sighed and put the letter back on the little table between them, bringing her attention back to the two who had been with her along every step of the journey so far. The Highborn scratched distractedly his neat beard, more grey than black these days. She felt a fierce pang of affection for him. Even though their relationship had changed over the years he was still one of her closest friends and she hated seeing him like this. Of the three of them he was the one who had the biggest problem with what was being proposed, and she would not go forward without his being fully on board. Their disagreements after the slavery summit had nearly driven them apart for good, and it was not something she wanted to risk again.

Olivero i Farad i Riqueza picked the letter up and scanned the gloaming-infused words for the umpteenth time. He shook his head and grunted.

"I don't know what we're arguing about," he said bluntly. "We all know what we should do, we're just trying to find an excuse not to."

Therese winced. Sometimes her old friend wielded his habitual honesty like the bluntest of instruments. Michael did not look happy.

"It feels like... I don't know. Blackmail?"

"That's because that's what it is," laughed Olivero. He raised his little thimble of thick brown syrah in a toast that was clearly meant to be jovial, but missed the mark. The Highborn's face darkened, and Therese knew it was time for her to pour oil on troubled waters.

"It isn't blackmail," she said. "It isn't, Michael. And stop winding him up, Olivero. This is a big thing we are considering. We've stayed out of politics mostly, and for good reason. But this is a direct request for us to actually do something with our influence, limited as it is. It's gone beyond tariffs and what have you. We all agreed that the Court was a good idea, and now we're being asked to put our money where our mouths are."

Michael barked a laugh of his own. "I think that's the wrong way of looking at it given we're being asked to ''stop'' putting our hands in our pockets. It still feels wrong."

Olivero cocked his head, thoughtfully, giving Michael a serious look. He glanced down at the letter again.

"''None sail alone, no flag flies apart''," he read in a quiet voice. "There's your virtue. I may tease you, but I'd never ''mock'' you. I'd also never dictate to you, but at the end of the day we all know what demands the devotion of our hearts, don't we?"

Michael didn't look happy, but his old friends words finally punctured the cloud of sadness that had surrounded him since he arrived.

"You're right," he said. "Virtue lies in the union of words and deeds, not in either one alone. I withdraw my objection. Let's talk to the others and as long as nobody can come up with a good argument, we'll let the civil service know."

"Excellent," said Olivera. "And once we've done that, I assume Therese has some ideas about what to do with the money we'd be saving?"

"Oh, 'Livio," said Therese, smiling widely. "You really do know me ''so well''..."</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Discussing Travel.jpg|align=right|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
There are six great powers in the known world whose influence and reach rivals that of the Empire. There also innumerable lesser powers who do not have the might to shake the world, but who are nonetheless important to those with whom they share a border. The ambitions of these nearby nations are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point.

The Senate is ultimately responsible for diplomatic relations with these nations, although it commonly devolves the role of negotiation, representation, and drafting [[Ambassador#treaty|treaties]] to its [[ambassador|ambassadors]]. While still appointed by the [[senator|senators]], they have a significant amount of authority to deal with foreigners (and even barbarians) both near and far.

The [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Diplomatic_Winds|diplomatic winds]] present information about matters of diplomacy and trade, and take a wide view of international affairs. Sometimes a nation receives a wind of fortune all to its own, sometimes two or three nations with a common thread are grouped together, and often there is a single wind of fortune that deals with a number of different nations whose activities while still important have not created quite so man [[opportunity|opportunities]]. This is one such wind - but before we get to the specific nations there are a few more general matters to discuss...
==Purple Sails==
* '''For the last ten years there have been civil service observers on all Imperial fleets'''
* '''The costs to maintain the oversight have been paid by an informal sodality called the Fellowship of Purple Sails'''
Ten years ago, the [[Senate]] chose to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets|assign]] observers from the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to all Imperial [[fleet|vessels]] capable of travelling over open water, at a cost to the [[Imperial treasury]] of 50 Thrones each season. These observers were [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogration|abrogated]] less than a year later, and then [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets_II|reinstated]] the next season. In Autumn of the same year, the ''Fellowship of Purple Sails'' - a sodality of merchants and ship-owners - [[Rise_of_the_Fellowship_of_Purple_Sails|took on the burden]] of the costs involved in their ambitious project. The reason the observers were assigned is that, in their absence, piracy was rife across international waters. Once out of sight of the magistrates and the Senate, too many merchants were happy to breach the laws around trade with [[barbarians]]. The observers ensure that Imperial law is upheld, and for the most part their presence has proven to be a boon. No longer do foreign nations complain about pirates attacking their trade vessels; no longer are the [[Grendel]] and the [[Jotun]] being enriched by traitors whose crimes will never come to light.

Unfortunately, the situation looks as if it is about to change.
===Fellowship===
<div {{float}}><box>'''Civil Service Oversight'''<br>Oversight of Imperial fleets was introduced in the early years of the game to counter the problem of piracy. Fleets were originally able to commit piracy against foreign trade hubs and in the process wreck Imperial diplomacy. As this was often the more lucrative decision, it made it impossible for the Empire to negotiate with other nations. Likewise, it was possible to trade with barbarian ports in a way that was impossible for the Senate to stop. The oversight removed these options.<br><br>Since then the game has developed, and our approach to fleets and downtime crime in particular have changed. Today the oversight of the civil servants primarily exists to prevent opportunities that are clearly illegal. A few have slipped through by accident, but in general we don't present chances for Imperial fleet captains to engage in raids against foreign nations, or support barbarians using the fiction of the civil service observers to prevent it.<br><br>If the civil service observers were removed today, it would not lead to the blanket reintroduction of piracy options or illegal trade options. We still don't want to support consequence-free downtime crime. The main change would be that going forward, we'd be free to create plots offering opportunities for fleets to take suspect or illegal activities in the same we we currently do for military units - which generally come with their own clear downsides and risks of exposure. Or the Senate could keep the civil servants, and maintain the status quo - provided they were prepared to pay.</box></div>
* '''The Fellowship of Purple Sails will no longer pay to allow civil servants to be assigned to Imperial fleets'''
The Fellowship of Purple Sails exists to encourage and support Imperial merchants, especially those who trade overseas. They recently came out in vocal support of the [[In_the_Court_of_Far_Horizons#The_Fellowship_of_the_Purple_Sails|Court of Far Horizons]] - the proposed [[Imperial sodality]] that sought to bring together shipowners, captains, and even diplomats under a broad umbrella. They were very interested in seeing the Court have the ability to set [[tariffs]] on international trade - a power that [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Consul|now rests]] with the [[Imperial Consul]] in a limited fashion - and offered to join the sodality ''en masse'' once the sodality was recognised.

They have always been happy to avoid the limelight, offering gentle support where needed and mostly staying in the background. This means it comes as a bit of a surprise when the three spokespersons for the unofficial sodality - ''Michael of Crown's Quay'', ''Olivero i Farad i Riqueza'', and ''Therese di Sarvos'' - announce that the Purple Sails are no longer able to pay for civil servants to travel on Imperial ships. There is no doubt that this decision is politically motivated, rather then a result of unexpected loss of funds. Speculation suggests that the decision has been inspired by the Senate's apparent lack of enthusiasm for the ''Court of Far Horizons'' although none of the three spokesfolk have been prepared to confirm this supposition.

It is perhaps telling however that those same spokespersons have also let it be known that if the Court of Far Horizons were recognised, and given the authority to appoint the [[In_the_Court_of_Far_Horizons#Ambassadors|Imperial ambassadors]], they would be prepared to provide the funds to pay for the embassies which, as it currently stands, amounts to 50 thrones or so each season. No-one imagines that to be coincidence.

Following the Autumn Equinox, if the Senate wishes to maintain the civil service presence on Imperial ships, they will need to take the funds directly from the Imperial treasury. Indeed, the civil service points out that unless they once again [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate]] the [[Senate motion]] arranging this, the funds will automatically come from the treasury going forward. After all, the Fellowship of Purple Sails were simply providing money that otherwise would have been paid by the Empire. Alternatively, the Senate could use a Senate motion to remove the civil servants from the fleets, and at the same time remove the need for the 50 Thrones to be paid. Or they could attempt to persuade the Purple Sails to take up the burden of funding the oversight once more.

==Ambassadorial Briefings==
* '''For the next year the civil service will furnish ambassadors with briefings at the start of each summit'''
* '''These briefings will be made publicly available after the summit'''
Until recently, the civil service primarily supported Imperial diplomacy through the arrangement of briefings, delivered to [[Ambassador|ambassadors]] during each summit. This caused an amount of confusion, and also lead to a lack of "institutional memory" when it came to how negotiations with a foreign nation were proceeding from one ambassador to the next. A review of the matter lead to a significant revision of how the Empire's civil servants supported the ambassadors. Transparency became a watch-word, and what would originally have been briefings to the Ambassadors was made public knowledge. The diplomatic briefings were treated with the same weight and depth as an [[appraisal]] - but without taking into account just how much effort it takes to perform one. An emergency discussion of the civil service raised the possibility that, to maintain the current situation, there would need to be a limit on how many embassies the Empire could create - something that nobody was in favour of.

As 388YE moves towards a close and the civil service looks towards the winter, it has become clear that sometimes too much information can be as detrimental as too little. Many of the details of diplomatic situations are of minimal interest to the average Imperial citizen, for example. With that in mind, for the next year the civil service will resume furnishing Imperial ambassadors ''who are supported by [[embassy]] staff'' with individual briefings where necessary and appropriate. To maintain transparency and preserve continuity, the briefings will be made available to those who wish to review them ''after'' the summit where they are delivered, in a similar way to which [[historical research]] is made public. Only those elements of a briefing that are specifically personal to the ambassador may be removed, and only where they are clearly not of interest to the Empire.

At the end of the year, this procedure will be reviewed again, to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

===Embassies===
* '''There are nine Imperial embassies with embassy staff'''
* '''There are eleven Imperial Ambassadors'''
Each [[embassy]] serves a dual purpose. It communicates to a foreign nation that the Empire takes them seriously, and it ensures that each ambassador can be supported by a staff of trained civil servants, diplomats, negotiators, and archivists. At the moment the Empire maintains [[Embassy#Current_Embassies|nine embassies]], and the [[Imperial_Consul#Imperial_Consulate|Imperial Consulate]]. Each has an upkeep of five thrones a season - covered by merchants and traders from all but two of the nations (Asavea and Jarm) eager to provide gifts and inducements - which ensure discreet, professional support.

There are, however, ''eleven'' ambassadors. Currently the [[Ambassador to Beoraidh]] and the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] do not have embassies - and crucially that means they do not have ''embassy staff''. The civil service has done its best to provide briefings to these two ambassadors for the Autumn Equinox, but going forward they will be unable to continue doing so - not unless the Senate is prepared to make some additional funds available to find premises and supplies for a skeleton staff.

If the Senate wishes to see one or both of the Beoradhi or Grendel ambassadors continue to receive a briefing, they can use a [[Senate motion]] to instruct the civil service to provide such a staff. This will cost the Senate five thrones each season per ambassador - the same cost as to upkeep an embassy - but without the other benefits an embassy provides. The costs are higher simply because the embassy provides a permanent base of operations for staff and records. Importantly, this upkeep would not be covered by keen merchants; with no embassy, there are fewer opportunities to provide gifts to cover the costs.

One obvious alternative would be to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate]] the ambassadorial titles, causing diplomatic relations to default back to the [[Imperial Consul]]. The consulate is set up to facilitate staff and briefings, and this would not see any increase in the upkeep.

Of course, there's no reason anything needs to change. Diplomats will still write letters to each other. Opportunities will still arise. The problem is that, in the absence of a support staff, the Empire will have no records of what is being discussed, and it will be harder for the civil service to support those opportunities when they come up. There will be nobody available to provide additional context and explanation.
==Asavean Archipelago==
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Asavean Archipelago]]|status=Barbarian|port=[[Asavean_Archipelago_ports|Nemoria]] (closed)|ambassador=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_Asavea#Asavean_Ambassador|Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones]]}}
* '''The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war
* '''The Asaveans continue to support the Grendel'''
* '''The ongoing attempt of missionaries to proselytise the Way continues to enrage the Asaveans'''
* '''Efforts to destablize the Asavean Plenum continue to raise the ire of the rulers of Asavea'''
* '''The new Ambassador to the Asavean Archipelago is Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, of Urizen'''
One of the oldest nations in the Known World - and perhaps the oldest of the six great powers - it occupies a sprawling chain of islands to the far west. Ruled by the noble families of the Plenum, and by the priests of the myriad gods who oversee all walks of life, the nation has been at war with the Empire since the [[Liberty Pact]] burned the slave-trading markets of [[Mosaic|Chalonsio]].

Asavea is a long way away, and consequently the war between the Empire and the Plenum takes place largely through intermediaries. Having abandoned their attempts to throttle Imperial trade with privateers and pirates due to the imposition of the ''[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]'', they have redoubled the support they provide to the [[Grendel]]. The barbarians of the Broken Shore are technically their allies in the "Freedom Accord" - an attempt to unite those nations who still pursue the abhorrent practice of slavery - but it is clear who is the superior partner in this arrangement. They instigated the [[A_beacon_of_smoke|destruction of Siroc]], and attempted to [[Harvest_of_infamy|do the same]] to [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] using their powerful Asavean warships. These vessels are practically mobile fortresses, and they offer powerful assistance to the Grendel [[navy|navies]]. There are also Asavean mercenary soldiers fighting with the armies of the Broken Shore in Mareave. The support the Asaveans are providing shows no sign of abating, if anything, over time, it is only increasing.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer.png|caption='''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''', Ambassador to Asavea|align=right|width=250}}</div>
The Plenum also uses more subtle methods to cause trouble for the Empire. Asavea is an old, corrupt state and while its military power is in decline they could teach a master class in the arts of diplomacy, politics, and treachery. Their efforts to rouse [[Faraden]] zealots against the Empire have recently been exposed, but how deeply their fingers might be embedded in aiding the Empire's enemies is hard to say. There are rumours they may even have provided resources to the Cult of the Falconer that recently attempted to unleash a magical disaster on the northern Empire.

The fact that they seem to be engaged in building closer relations with the [[Iron Confederacy]] in particular is a cause for some alarm. The Empire has had its own victories - not only within its own areas of influence but through its support for Asavea's avowed enemies the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defeat of the Asavean navies]] that sought to destroy the city of [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]], for example, is just more salt in the wounds of an aleady furious polity. At the moment there is no sign of any cessation of hostilities between the Asaveans and the Empire. If anything, the more the situation escalates, the more committed the Plenum and the priesthoods seem to be to bringing the Empire to its knees.

It has been a year since there was any kind of [[Drowned_in_tears#Asavea|formal communication]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. With the appointment of a new ambassador however - the [[Urizen|Urizeni]] ''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer'' - missives from ''Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones'' have been received at the [[Sarvos#Asavean_Embassy|Asavean Embassy]] in [[Sarvos]]. The civil service are preparing a briefing for Ambassador Herminius to be delivered at the Autumn Equinox and made available after the summit.
===State of the War===
<div {{float}}><box>'''Asavean Warships'''<br>One of the main ways the Plenum are supporting the Grendel is through the use of ''Asavean Warships''. These are large vessels, heavily fortified, crewed by veterans of numerous conflicts. They're usually supported by half a dozen smaller, equally battle-ready, ships. Each one represents the equivalent of 1,000 fighting force. From a purely mechanical point of view, they are simply a more flavourful way to describe "ten fleets taking the campaigning action", but they also allow the Asaveans to take advantage of their own "[[opportunity|opportunities]]."

It is hard to nail down a definitive list of Asavean warships in the vicinity of the Empire, but according to eyewitness reports from Mareave and Redoubt, from the attack on Siroc, and from those visiting Faraden where some of the ships have been anchored, there were originally four ships. ''Leaping Bull'' was sunk during the [[Harvest_of_infamy#The_Poacher's_Lament|attack on Meade]]. That left ''Venger's Blade'' and ''Balo’s Grace'', but as of the Spring Equinox they [[Deep_blue_sea#As_The_Gull_Flies|have been joined]] by two further ships, belonging to the priests of the Red Goddess - ''Blade of Tides'', and ''Scapia’s Wrath''. The most recent news is that as of the Summer Solstice ''Wind Tamer'' has been recalled to the Archipelago. If intelligence is correct, that means there are four Asavean warships still supporting the Grendel in the [[Bay of Catazar]].</box></div>
* '''Hostilities continue, with the Plenum seeking the unconditional surrender of the Empire'''
* '''The distances involved mean both nations are forced to deal through proxies'''
So far, the distances involved and the problems the Empire is constantly beset with, mean that the actual "war" has been a little one-sided. Beyond a cessation in trade, it has mostly fallen to the Plenum to send vessels and soldiers to support their allies in the Grendel, or to launch the occasional lighting-fast raid on Imperial targets. Even those have died down a little in recent months. There have been some triumphs - one of the Asavean warships was sunk during the attempt to attack Meade. There are rumours that another - the ''Wind Chaser'' - has been called back to the Archipelago due to some family unrest or scandal, allegedly instigated at the urging of Imperial citizens. While these are clearly victories, they are still minor victories at best.

While the active elements of the conflict favour the Asaveans, the Empire has been waging its own kind of war. From encouraging rebellious forces, to seeking allies, to sending wayfarers and missionaries, Imperial citizens have been patiently seeking to undermine the powers of the Archipelago. The Brass Coast continues to [[Voyage#Smuggle_Missionaries|smuggle missionaries]] and resources to the west, and its also clear that at least some factions of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] are involving themselves in Imperial operations overseas. Yet efforts to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea|anchor the Way in Asavea]] - to spread the faith of the virtues to the heretics and blasphemers of the west - have mostly stalled out. While money is forthcoming, only 34 wains of [[white granite]] of the 750 needed have been contributed. Likewise it's not really clear what kind of success is being made through efforts to find allies capable of causing trouble for the Plenum equivalent to that Asavean agents caused for the Empire. There are certainly [[Asavean factions]] that have their own ambitions where the Archipelago is concerned, but those ambitions rarely seem to coincide with those of the Empire.

While the Plenum must be aware of some of what the Empire is doing, it isn't not clear exactly ''what'' they know. it seems that the [[Regario Dossier]] agents in the west have fallen silent, providing no reliable insight into what is going on in the Archipelago. The only information coming out of Asavea comes via letter, and the occasional clandestine meeting, and how trustworthy any of that is, is had to say...
===Loyalty===
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send Dagon Barossa with 25 doses of liao to urge the Virtuous to find a way to arrange a meeting with the Satrapy of Ibaria. Let us meet and find common ground against the Plenum.|by=Dagon Barossa, Mandate, Loyalty Assembly|vote=Upheld 262-76|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
* '''The Loyalty Assembly has committed itself to spread the Way and support the rebels in Asavea'''
* '''A meeting in the Caucus Forum has been arranged for 20:00 on Saturday evening'''
* '''Dagon Barossa has been invited to head up the initial diplomatic meeting'''
The Loyalty assembly has [[Asavean Factor|recently committed themselves]] ''to spread the Way and support the Virtuous rebels in Asavea''. Their first step has been to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the [[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Satrapy of Ibaria]]. Located on the near edge of the Archipelago, Ibaria had a proud martial tradition that culminated in an effort to rise up and overthrow their satrap a few years ago. Their attempt at rebellion was crushed by the Plenum, and those rebels who survived fled. Some of them - drawing on past relations with [[the League|League]] merchants - ended up in the Empire. Everything that has been discovered so far suggests that while the original ringleaders are dead or in hiding, their martial spirit and will to fight is no diminished. All signs point to them being eager to rise up again, but the Plenum has seen to it that they are in no position to do so.
<div style="float:left; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dagon Barossa.jpg|caption='''Dagon Barossa''' (hooded), Cardinal of Loyalty|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Some League folk have reached out to old contacts in the west, and while most of their former allies are dead or fled, one of them is still in place. Not long before the Autumn Equinox, a message is delivered by a rainbow-feathered [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of [[Lashonar]]. Some of the surviving rebels have gathered in the mountain town of ''Lliberis'', in the north of the satrapy. They apparently still have connections to other groups secretly working towards the eventual liberation of Ibaria, in ''Valentia'' and ''Magrita''. According to the herald, they can't risk exposing themselves to the agents of the Plenum - but the ''Chatterer'' is more than happy to offer their assistance (especially as the eternal and the Empire are [[Here_you_come_again#Conscience-of-Kings_(Night)|friends again]]).

[[Cardinal of Loyalty]] '''Dagon Barossa''', who raised the [[mandate]], is thus invited to attend the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]], via the [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds|Hall of Worlds]] during the Autumn Equinox. A herald will be provided to bring Dagon and up to five other people to the 'Forum. The usual rules apply - no physical violence will be countenanced by any party. Steps have been taken to ensure that the Ibarian will be able to understand and speak Imperial using the kind of commonplace boon Lashonar is known for.

While the Caucus Forum is ideal for diplomatic meetings, it is clear to those pilgrims of Loyalty who made initial contact that the surviving Ibarian rebels are expecting actual, material assistance if they are to rise up against the Plenum. The civil service has already assessed that they could raise as many as three armies if they were provided with the materials to do so - but that there is no chance they can do it without Imperial assistance. Furthermore, unless these armies received major support from outside powers, then the same pattern than unfolded during the first rebellion would repeat itself - the Asavean would crush the rebels. If that happens, the Plenum is ''very'' unlikely to leave Ibaria in a position to attempt a ''third'' rebellion.

===Ongoing Opportunities===
* '''A number of outstanding opportunities for Imperial citizens to involve themselves in Asavea are still available'''
There are a number of ongoing opportunities related to the Asavean Archipelago. It is still possible to contact the [[Asavean factions]] identified by the [[Silver Chalice]] and the [[Synod]] who might be prepared to support Imperial schemes. Anyone can contribute to the project to Anchor the Way in Asasvea, through the usual means. The pportunities for the Loyalty assembly to pursue their [[The highest calling#Highest calling|highest calling]] are all still available (as detailed in last event's '''[[Asavean Factor]]''' wind of fortune). There are also potential opportunities to support the Empire's allies in the [[Sumaah Republic]] to pursue their own style of intervention in Asavea (touched on later in this wind of fortune).
==Sumaah Republic==
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_the_Sumaah_Republic#Sumaah_Ambassador|Oxtitocszin]]}}
* '''The Sumaah Republic remain allies of the Empire through the Liberty Pact'''
* '''The current Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic is Accalon of Highguard'''
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|war]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. In gratitude for [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|major aid]] from the Empire in repulsing an Asavean assault against the port of [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]], the Sumaah have committed to sharing a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] with the Empire every season "''until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago''." Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption='''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}</div>
At the moment, it seems that despite the slow separation of the two nations' religious alignment - the [[Synod]] has created new [[the Doctrines of the Faith|Doctrines]] and altered others that were once shared between the two nations - politically they remain reasonably well aligned. The ongoing [[appraisal]] of [[Satraps of the Abyss|Sumaah attitudes to eternals]] for example seems to be going well, with the [[Shuttered Lantern]] having sent some of its brightest lights to the west to support [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticator]] ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' on her first major assignment and [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Wisdom_of_the_Conclave|learn more]] about how the Sumaah deal with hostile eternals in the absence of the [[Alignment|Declaration of Alignment]]. More details of the ongoing appraisal can be found in the {{TBC}} wind of fortune.

The civil service are busily arranging a briefing for Ambassador Accalon, but there are also some topics of general interest that represent public knowledge among those interested in the Republic.
===Trade Tariffs===
* '''The Senate has applied tariffs to Sumaah merchants visiting Imperial shores'''
During the Summer Solstice, the [[Senate]] moved to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_tariffs_of_the_Sumaah_Republic|apply tariffs]] to merchants from the Sumaah Republic visiting Imperial ports. This has lead to a little dissatisfaction voiced around the quays of [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Madruga]]. Not because of the tariffs themselves - although few merchants appreciate such things - but at the way they have been introduced. There was no warning to Sumaah merchants undertaking the long journey to the Empire that they would be have to pay for the privilege. When they set off from the Republic it was on the assumption of [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]]; now they must add the value of the [[Tariffs#Mercantilist|tariffs]] to the prices they offer for their goods.

The House of the People has informed the Ambassador's office that they will be likewise moving away from free trade to light tariffs on Imperial imports. Exactly how this will change matters for the Empire's [[fleet]] owners who [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with ports such as [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]] remains to be seen.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|caption='''Hazelelponi''', Lepidean Librarian|align=left|width=400}}
</div>
===Ongoing Opportunities===
* '''Several opportunities remain available from previous seasons'''
As discussed in the '''[[Keys of Enlightenment]]''' wind of fortune from last summit, there are several ongoing opportunities relating to the Sumaah Republic. The [[Lepidean Librarian]], '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Research_Life_of_Sjördeyr|accepted]] an offer to learn more about the life of the Sumaah paragon [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Sjördeyr|Sjördeyr]] on behalf of the Empire and should know more at the Autumn Equinox. There is also word that the High House of Prosperity has provided Sumaah insight into the [[Zemress|Blade of the Isles]] with the Ambassador in turn, with the hope they will share with the Synod.

The House of the People are still keen to explore the possibility of arranging a [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Mithril_and_White_Granite|mithril and weirwood shipment]] from the Empire to help in their war against the Asaveans. And of course there is still the matter of the [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Missing_River|disappearance]] of [[Regario Dossier]] agent Vassa and their small espionage network.

==Maracossa==
* '''The Marracossan exiles live in Trajadoz in Madruga'''
* '''A recent proscription marks them as practitioners of the theist heresy'''
* '''The Marracossan Sendito is responsible for representing the exiles to the Empire and vice versa'''
* '''The Imperial Consul is responsible for diplomatic dealings with the exiles'''
The tiny, tiny state of Maracossa is something of a political fiction. The town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]] in [[Madruga]] was [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Cede_Trajadoz|ceded]] to some of the [[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|exiles]] from Asavea following the failure of the Marracossan rebellion. Proud of their heritage, they have nonetheless made efforts to try and integrate into [[the Brass Coast]], even going so far as to offer a little limited help in fighting off one of the recent [[Grendel]] invasions. They're talented [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]], but the kinds of items they have [[Marracossa_Sendito#Marracossan_Artisans|offered for sale]] have found only limited markets in the Empire being primarily focused around empowering their fellow artisans. There are however a few skilled stonemasons among their number - their old redoubt in the Archipelago was by all accounts an impressively fortified island citadel before the Plenum crushed it - and there has been some talk of putting that more valuable expertise at the disposal of their Freeborn neighbours.

Technically, the [[Imperial Consul]] is responsible for any diplomatic discussions with the Marracossan exiles. The waters are muddied slightly due to the [[Marracossa Sendito]], '''Karg i Estrico i Erigo''', whose [[Marracossa_Sendito#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] include serving as "''the representative from the Empire to the Marracossans, and in turn represents the Marracossans to the Empire''." Their role also means that "''if anything were to threaten Trajadoz they would be responsible for ensuring the safety of those who live there''." They are however not an [[ambassador]], and do not have the power to present a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]]. Legally, the Imperial Consul's word would take precedence.
===Theist Heretics===
{{SOP|statement=The Marracossans are friends of the Empire and the Brass Coast. It would be an affront to our loyalty to our friends to not respect our differences in culture. To this end, the Marracossans have agreed not to preach their religion but cannot help their permanent display of fealty to their gods in the form of their tattoos. These tattoos are not a crime and it is unwise to attempt to enforce Imperial law upon the Marracossans who travel through the Brass Coast to trade. Let us show the merit of the Way that our bonds of loyalty and friendship and also be vigilant in reporting potential crimes to the relevant authorities and not risk our friendship through aggression.|by=Dayanara i Cabeza i Erigo, Freeborn Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 176-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
* '''The Marracossans are definitely guilty of being practitioners of the Theist heresy'''
* '''The exiles have made offers to help defend the Brass Coast, but they are afraid to leave their town'''
The current big problem is that while they despise the Plenum, the exiles are still proud of their Asavean heritage. Specifically, like the [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]], they are ''theists''. Recently [[proscription|proscribed]] by the Synod on the urging of '''Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament''' this [[heresy]] claims "''that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over, or communion with sapient spirits''." The Marracossan exiles cling to their three gods, and have gone as far as to build a temple honouring these [[idolatry|idolatrous]] spirits.

Previously they have avoided censure by simply keeping their faith to themselves. They don't proselytise, and enquiries from their Freeborn neighbours are generally met with a polite refusal to elucidate. Unfortunately, the new proscription seems to make it a criminal act just to ''believe'' that there are gods and that they watch over their people. Which the Marracossans definitely do. [[Seeds_of_discord#Marracossa|Last season]] they asked for advice from the Marracossa Sendito, and for their friends in Madruga to speak on their behalf. '''Dayanara i Cabeza i Erigo''' [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_163|presented]] a [[statement of principle]] that was supported by the Freeborn assembly with a significant margin.

The judgement focused on the tattoos many Marracossan exiles wear that connect them to their religious beliefs, but went on to declare that it would be "''unwise to attempt to enforce Imperial law upon the Marracossans who travel through the Brass Coast to trade''." It urged the people of the 'Coast to "''show the merit of the Way that our bonds of loyalty and friendship and also be vigilant in reporting potential crimes to the relevant authorities''" and to "''not risk our friendship through aggression''."

The Freeborn assembly is [[Stand proud, you're strong|focused on its highest calling]], the matter of the exiles is actually at least somewhat tangential to it. During the earlier meeting between the Marracossans and representatives of the Empire, they had made a number of offers relating to protecting the Brass Coast. Now, any opportunity must be put on hold while the more immediate threat to their freedom is addressed. Consequently, the statement has led to a potential [[mandate]], which has attracted more than the usual amount of attention (possibly due to the aura of [[Night magic]] currently settled over Madruga).

{{Mandate|mandate=The Marracossan exiles are friends of the Empire and the Brass Coast. They do not preach their belief in interventionalist gods, and trade respectfully with their neighbours. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to remind our folk that, while they must remain vigilant for the commitment of a crime, it is not the Freeborn way to try and police what lies within someones heart.|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will reassure the Freeborn that there is no problem treating with the exiles as they have before. Trade will resume, and while the Marracossans will remain most comfortable in Madruga, there will be no further problems. However, in the event that anyone attempted to arrest a Marracossan exile for their beliefs, or should the Senate, the Synod, or the Military Council move against the exiles within the next ten years, the people of Madruga would resist and oppose such a move as if it were aimed at one of their Freeborn neighbours. The response would be proportional to the threat, and they would expect the Freeborn assembly to back them up.

While this mandate requires 50 doses of liao, if Karg i Estrico i Erigo is named to enact it, the cost drops to 25 liao. Karg is well-known and well respected by both the exiles and to those Freeborn who trade with them.

Obviously, the mandate is not the only way forward. A change to the proscription that is causing the problem for the exiles could be enacted for example. Another possibility might be to prevail on [[the League]] nation assembly, whose [[The highest calling#Highest calling|highest calling]] is to bring [[Any dream will do|new people]] into the Empire. Or the Senate could render the entire matter moot by abrogating the cession of Trajadoz, declaring the exiles to be barbarians due to their refusal to abandon their heretical ways, and request the [[Military Council]] send in an army to suppress them.

Either would bring an end to the current situation. If it continues for another season, however, it will certainly impact the goods available to the Maracossa Sendito, and might permanently sour the exiles with regard to future opportunities in the Brass Coast.

==Grendel==
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Grendel]]|status=Barbarian|port=None available|ambassador=Starlight Starchaser of [[Urizen]]|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_the_Grendel#Grendel_Ambassador|Speaker Morna]]}}
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''The Senate has abrogated the former Grendel embassy'''
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
War continues to be waged between the Empire and the Grendel - and their Asavean allies. Currently, the fighting seems to be [[Salt lions|concentrated]] in southern [[Mareave]], but the [[navy|naval superiority]] of the Grendel means that it is dangerous to take this kind of thing for granted. Of all the barbarian threats to the Empire, the orcs of the Broken Shore are perhaps the most mobile. But even in times of war, diplomacy continues.

The Grendel Embassy, which stood for a time in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]], [[Redoubt]], was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Grendel_Embassy|shut down]] by the Senate at the end of 387YE amid concerns of active espionage and potential sabotage. The [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] still serves, but the relative prestige offered by the embassy has been lost. There has been some discussion back and forth between the ambassador and ''Speaker Morna'', who reports to the Salt Lords Council of the Broken Shore, but little in the way of official discourse.

This changed following the Summer Solstice. For the first time in quite a long time, missives were received from the other side of the Bay of Catazar. A briefing has been prepared for Ambassador '''Starlight Starchaser'''. Details are not public, but it is believed they involve a proposal relating to future embassies, and at least some discussion around what it would take to end the hostilities currently ongoing with the Salt Lords.
{{Asavean Links}}
{{Sumaah Links}}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-05T20:18:19Z

Hailmur: /* So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 02/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Necropolis and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Imperial Consul]], and other individuals invested in diplomacy have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been assassinated
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-05T20:15:20Z

Hailmur: /* Diplomatic Winds */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
| [[Here you come again]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/08/31"| 02/09 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Accomplices]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Agramant is still in Therunin
|-
| [[Metamorphosis]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || Dealing with Kroll
|-
| [[Out of these convertites]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/09/04"| 04/09 || League visit to the Marches
|-
| [[Goodwill]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Dawn, Navarr, Highguard, Vallornguard
|-
| [[Not from the benevolence]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2026/09/05"| 05/09 || Offers from Ephisis
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[All I can do]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Faraden|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[It%27s_all_wrong,_but_it%27s_all_right#Iron Confederacy|It's all wrong, but it's all right]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
===Dream On===
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; ''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'', ''Velasco i Guerra'', the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; ''Berilo i Erigo''; ''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka'' and some dead generals'''
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Arrows and Clay (Challenge)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox he offers two challenges: a game of speed and grace, and a game of creativity and imagination. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Arrows and clay]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Accomplices===
* '''Navarr; Military Council; Military unit captains; ''Eskah Swift Hart, Vosjuli Cherenkov, Towlen Nighthaven'' and ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
Another season, another message from [[Agramant]], delivered by his heralds from the depths of [[Therunin]]. The eternal's efforts were roundly refuted last season, with the [[Golden Axe]] reclaiming Lower Tarn Valley. This season, Twigsnapper has a much more pointed offer to make to aid the reconquest of Therunin.

You can find out what Agramant and his heralds are up to in the '''[[Accomplices]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:left; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=175}}</div>
===Metamorphosis===
* '''Urizen, particularly the captains of military units or residents of Sarangrave; Keeper of the Breadbasket and farm owners of the Marches; Imperial Consul; ''Frith, Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, Fausta Ankarien,'' and people interested in the rebel septs; ''Solas of the Spire of the First Light'' and the Warmage'''
It has been a tumultuous time in the Sarangrave. First the Druj, then the vallorn, and now husks. All while the Empire has been endeavouring to make diplomatic inroads with the rebels of Nesustak Forest. Sadly, troubles abound; the eviction of so many from Thornfen by the Axou has raised the spectre of famine in the territory. And now the Druj scattered through the territory, alongside the rampaging husks, threaten to raise a third dark spectre - the beast that lurks beneath the waters of the Sarangrave, the dark and terrible Kroll.

You can find out what's happening in Sarangrave this season in the '''[[Metamorphosis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===A Little at a Time===
* '''Members of the Synod, especially Cardinals; Members of the Senate; Members of the Vallornguard and people interested in the fate of Pilgrim's Defiance'''
Last season, eight judgements of [[proscription]] were raised, and half of them were upheld by the General Assembly. Similar to their previous efforts, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has asked the civil service to publish not just guidance on the outcome of these proscriptions, but also details from the minutes of their discussions in the hopes of providing clarity to interested citizens. This includes detailed guidance on the three changes to religious law enacted by the Senate.

You can find out the outcome of the Constitutional Court's meeting on the proscriptions and changes to religious law last season, in the '''[[A little at a time]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|align=right|width=150}}
===Out of These Convertites===
* '''The League, particularly orcs and members of the Synod; The Marches; People with an interest in foot-the-ball or duelling'''
Last season, the [[The League|League]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] Assemblies both passed statements of principle encouraging a pilgrimage of Apulian orcs and League members of the Synod to the [[Mournwold]]. Citizens from all five cities of the League have taken up the call to travel, and the orcs of the Mourn have welcomed them with open arms and farm tools. It's not just the harvest that's discussed, but ancestors and sports.

You can find out what happened when the League visited the Marches this season in the '''[[Out of these convertites]]''' wind of fortune.

===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Highguard; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and have been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
===Not From the Benevolence===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; Members of the Senate, particularly the Senators for Necropolis and Bastion; People interested in contracts available, particularly ''Dorys Delgorokov'', ''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo'' and ''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''; Citizens of Kallavesa, the Barrens, and Hercynia; and the ''Freeborn Flame Cartel'''''
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual.

You can learn about the offer for a fortification, the contracts available from the City of Gold and Lead, and the counting houses requested by the Conclave, in the '''[[Not from the benevolence]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season, the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations. This is usually 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. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===All I Can Do (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Cat's Graces; Benefactors Council; Steward of the Ossuary; Members of Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Regario Dossier'''
[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] was once the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] ''Salt-Lord Ehsan'' and his supporters. When the Empire moved to invade Mareave, Ehsan declared independence and sued for peace with the Empire. The city itself and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] are recognised as a neutral state by the Senate; a free port where both merchants of all nations are welcome. They actively seek investment from both Imperial and Grendel sources, and have allied themselves with the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]]. One opportunity that has been under discussion for a while now is the creation of a temple dedicated to the Way, a monument to cooperation welcomed by the former Grendel. After the Summer Solstice it appears that some movement has been made towards making intention into reality.

You can learn about diplomatic relations with Beoraidh, and the opportunity to build a temple there, in the '''[[All I can do]]''' wind of fortune.

===It's All Wrong, But It's All Right===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Ambassdor to the Iron Confederacy; Synod, Senate; fleet captains; Alder of Meade, Mediator of Fisk, Azure Sutannir, Cat's Graces; military unit commanders, especially mercenaries'''
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] more specifically. Relation with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

You can learn about diplomatic affairs regarding Faraden and the Suranni, and some pressing problems regarding both, in the '''[[It's all wrong, but it's all right]]''' wind of fortune.

===So Little I Wanted, So Little I Got===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Ambassador to Sumaah; Ambassador to the Grendel; Marracossa Sendito; Members of the Senate; fleet captains; Ambassadors in general; Loyalty Assembly, particularly ''Dagon Barossa'''''
The orthodox [[Sumaah Republic]] and the declining [[Asavean Archipelago]] lie far to the west of the Empire. The two great nations remain locked in war. Closer to home, the [[Grendel]] compete with the Empire for dominance of the Bay of Catazar. Even closer to home, the Marracossan exiles live in their town of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], Madruga. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and the [[Imperial Consul]] have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each nation has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic situation with the Asavean Archipelago, the Sumaah Republic, the Marracossan of Trajadoz, and the Grendel in '''[[So little I wanted, so little I got]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Blades of the Semmerlak (reprise)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blades of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:'''
*Sandling in Weirwater ''or'' Lacuve in Semmerholm
'''and'''
*Malimorzi in Karov ''or'' Bittershore in Ossium
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 24 weirwood and 72 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates title of ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak''
* Creates the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''' venture for questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens
* Removes the threat to ships on the Semmerlak and establishes a sodality to deal with threats from Dho'uala</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Counts as a single commission</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawnish and Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Test of Arms </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 10 crowns a season
* Receives a [[Duelist's Scales]], a [[Troubadour's Ring]], and a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] once a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To counter the influence of Dho'uala and deal with threats coming from the Semmerlak</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Blades in the Semmerlak'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Guarding</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Territories bordering the Semmerlak</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Rewards:''' Six crowns and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'', the Master of the Mint, announced the reappraisal of the Blades of the Semmerlak'''
* '''A wardenhouse in Varushka and a knightly estate in Dawn would provide a base of operations for heroes to protect the Semmerlak'''
Last season, the [[Master of the Mint]], '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', announced the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Reappraise_Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|reappraisal]] of the Blades of the Semmerlak in Dawnish and Varushkan territories surrounding the [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]]. Originally [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|suggested]] shortly before the Summer Solstice 386YE, the wardenhouse and knightly estate were part of a larger appraisal into the problem of [[Dho'uala]] killing Imperial citizens and interfering with matters on and around the Semmerlak.

A motion to construct the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Wards_and_Bargains|Journeymage Towers]] was [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Journeymage_Towers|proposed]] by '''Amicia of the Semmerlak''', as Senator for Semmerholm, and the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak]] has been active, appointed by the Assembly of Vigilance, and tasked with ensuring the nations surrounding the Semmerlak act with Vigilance and countering threats from the Semmerlak.

Lutomysla's suggestion that the Senate establish a small sodality dedicated to protecting the people around the Semmerlak still holds true, and has the same enthusiastic support from the merchant-boyars, earls, and merchant-princes keen to see people protected from the depredations of the sovereign. A knightly order focused on protecting the communities along the lake, and a warden fellowship to travel on ships crossing the Semmerlak to protect the crew; both would actively seek out the creatures of Dho'uala and fight them. Supported by Imperial heroes, the sodality would remove the threat to the people living along the edge of the lake. Instead, it would fall to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens to serve as the '''Blades in the Semmerlak''',

They will need places to operate from - an estate in Dawn for the knights and a wardenhouse in Varushka for the wardens. Lutomysla identified that the best locations would be either [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]], in the vicinity of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]], or [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] in [[Semmerholm]] near the bustling port of [[Semmerholm#Lacre|Lacre]] for the knights, and the port of Korotny in [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] in [[Karov]] and the [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]] in [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] in [[Ossium]] and those still hold true. Although they involve work in two regions, the actual project itself requires only a single commission, and the building of the wardenhouse and the estates will take place in parallel. Once construction is complete, any threat to the people who live along the banks of the lake will be met by enthusiastic warriors. It will also create a new guarding [[venture]] available to questing knights, knights-errant, and wardens - '''Blades in the Semmerlak'''. This will allow a [[military unit]] to spend their time actively defending the Semmerlak and the ships that traverse it. A starting military unit undertaking the venture would receive 120 rings and four [[Military_unit#Production|random resources]].

There would need to be a title to oversee the efforts and support the sodality; the ''Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak'' would be a [[martial title]] of Dawn and Varushka who was appointed by either unanimous agreement of the senators of those two nations, or a [[Martial_title#Creating_Martial_Titles|test of arms]] between members of those two nations. The title-holder would be responsible for protecting the communities around the Semmerlak from threats mundane and magical, and to stand ready to oppose the depredations of Dho'uala whenever they raise their head. In return, they would receive an income of 10 crowns each season with which to equip allies and maintain their sodality.

They would also be the beneficiaries of several magic items provided by Dawnish, Varushkan, and League donors. A [[Duelist's Scales|Duelist's Scales]] weapon from the Varushkan merchant-boyars to weaken corrupt horrors; a set of [[Goldentide Mail]] from League merchant-princes to protect them from venom; and a [[Troubadour's Ring]] from Dawnish earls to help them support their allies. These items would be received once each year, and while the expectation is that the Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak would use them themselves, there is no reason they could not pass them to other warriors fighting against Dho'uala or similar monstrous threats.

===Dusk===
{{:Autumn Equinox 2026}}

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been assassinated
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Not from the benevolence

2026-09-05T19:27:21Z

Hailmur:

[[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
Jorgen sucked on the boiled sweet the herald had brought with him, even as he eyed the elaborately painted bowl full of them on the desk. They were quite delicious, and the bowl looked like very expensive china. Was that part of the present he wondered? Not that he needed it, but it looked like it was worth a ring or two. ''Say one thing for the Autumn realm,'' he thought to himself, ''they knew how to grease the wheels of commerce...''

"So that one will need twenty white granite and forty wains of weirwood as well as the ilium of course." The excitable Autumn herald was pacing up and down as he spoke, clearly animated, even as his assistant sat on one of the seats he'd offered them both.

"Ten rings of ilium, check. I can assume it's a fane then?" It was an important point; he was confident that it would get raised on the Senate floor if he didn't clarify it now. He'd suggested it three times already, and each time the herald had corrected him and said it was a plaze, a wareroom, a whatever. But Jorgen had read the briefings... ten rings of ilium, and it needed to be ceded to the eternal. That's a fane, no matter what this herald claimed.

The gold-faced herald looked aggrieved. "You keep saying that... this is a plaza. What's a fane? It doesn't sound like somewhere you can conduct profitable business."

Jorgen smiled, pleased to have an opportunity to explain. "A fane is a commission that allows heralds of an eternal to come and go. Once it's built and dominion is granted to the eternal, then their heralds can come and go as they please."

"Well, if you want to call it that, that's fine - but what I have described is very clearly a plaza. Look at these sketches - see, it's got a large open area for people to trade herbs and other goods. It's a ''plaza''."

"Fane." said Jorgen firmly and pointedly wrote the word down. The sweet was gone now, but he was still enjoying this.

"Pla.... za..." said the herald with a clear hint of condescension. "Look what difference does it make? Of course we can come and go from the plaza. How in the name of the Iron Labyrinth are we going to trade with you if we can't turn up? We have to be able to come and go, otherwise it can't work, can it? It stands to reason."

Jorgen was not about to let it drop. "The difference it makes," he said, "is that once you control a fane you could bring an entire army through if you wanted." Hah! No Autumn herald was going to pull the wool over his eyes, not even with a bowl full of boiled sweets.

"But we haven't got an army. We haven't got ''any'' armies. What would anyone possibly want an army for? Unless... unless you want to ''buy'' an army...?" The last point seemed to come out of nowhere, but he noticed the bored-looking assistant perk up and reach for their notebook.

"No, look, the point is that your heralds could attack people - those of them that can fight."

"But nobody from my City knows how to fight." protested the herald. "If we need that sort of thing, we pay someone else to do it."

"You don't know how to fight? Nobody from the... ", he looked down and checked his notes, "from the City of Gold and Lead knows how to fight? Not a single one of you?"

"I know the pointy end goes in the other person. But I'm assured it's more complicated than that. It all seems like a lot of fuss. Nobody has time to waste on that sort of thing. So yes, if we need to 'fight'" - the herald stopped speaking for a second to make little air gestures around the word fight - "then we employ a construct from the City of Fire and Stone."

"So you could use the... plaza... to bring war constructs of Estavus into the Empire?" Hah, got the weasely little bastard, he thought.

"Of course we could! If that's what people want to buy! Now, can we get back to the important points? We need to discuss the responsibilities of the people you appointed to run the Autumn markets."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its inhabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
Following the relative success of the new scheme to offer large contracts for fulfilment, the heralds of the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have returned with new offers for the coming summit. As always, the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will set up shop in the [[Hall of Worlds]] on the final day of the summit, where they will look to settle any sales offered to the City via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual, with payment delivered a few days after the summit.

Last season, the City [[Propensity_to_truck,_barter,_and_exchange#The_Merchant_of_Rhodes|published guidance]] aimed at helping those making use of ''Ephisis' Scale'' avoid common missteps. It laid out the kinds of things the ''Lady of the Counting House'' is interested in, and tries to establish an approximate baseline for the level of prices that different merchandise might fetch. Of course nothing is certain until the goods are examined, but the City hope that this will help mortals to better tailor their offers to their expectations.

==Cruelty To the Innocent==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Sell Remember Exile to Ephisis'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Concedence</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis offered to purchase Remember Exile in exchange for 100 wains of white granite'''
* '''The arrangements have been made by the Senator for Necropolis, but it requires the Senate to approve the motion'''
* '''The Senator for Bastion has the opportunity to offer a commission up for sale this season'''
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtuous Confidence.jpg|caption='''Solomon''', Senator for Reikos|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Merari Navigators of Virtue.jpg|caption='''Merari Navigators of Virtue'''<br>Senator for Bastion|align=right|width=200}}</div>
In order to help pay for the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], Highborn magisters and [[Ephisis]] agreed that each season, a [[Lay_the_foundations|Senator could propose a trade]] with the ''Hidden Prince'' for some feature of each of their territories. While the [[Senator]] for [[Necropolis]] chose to pass on their turn, the Senator for [[Reikos]] has not. Through their representative '''Eli of the Cenotaph''', a deal in principle was agreed that the [[fortification]] of [[Reikos#Remember_Exile|Remember Exile]] would be given to the ''Invisible Hand'' in exchange for one hundred wains of [[white granite]], on the condition that it would not then be sold to the [[Druj]].

The City of Gold and Lead is more than happy to agree to the terms. Since then, a number of heralds from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] have been seen setting up at the site of the castle with measuring equipment and excavation tools in readiness to complete the sale. All that remains is for the [[Senate]] to agree.

Normally, it is the responsibility of the [[Conclave]] to accept a deal with an [[eternal]]. However, as the Senate is yet to endow it with the power to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] Imperial property, this deal must be agreed by [[Senate motion]]. Should the [[senator|senators]] wish to accept, they will need to pass the motion to cede the fortification to the ''City of Gold and Lead''. If that happens, then the City will take full possession of the fortification and provide the wains agreed to the Senator for Reikos for the start of the next Senate session.

The only relevant assembly that can [[veto]] is the General Assembly. As it is not a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment| territory, region or national bourse seat]], the Highborn National Assembly are unable to do so. Notably, if for whatever reason the ''Lady of the Counting House'' were under [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]] by the end of the summit, the exchange could also not be completed. If this were to happen after the wains had been provided, the City of Gold and Lead would require them returned in full or else the Empire would be in default and the [[Lictors]] would become involved.

A visiting herald also reminds the Empire that it will be the turn of [[Bastion]] this summit, should they wish to sell anything from the White City or elsewhere in the territory. The current senator for Bastion is, of course, '''Merari Navigators of Virtue''', in whose hands the decision about whether to trade, and if so what to offer, now lies..

==The Poison of Enthusiasm==
<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 [[dragonbone]]</td><td>35 [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 [[weirwood]] </td><td>600 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>800 thrones</td><td>100 [[mithril]], 100 [[white granite]], and 100 weirwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 ilium</td><td>Schema for Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities</td></tr>
<tr><td>70 thrones</td><td>Deed to "Rootha's Exports", a level seven business in Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 [[herbs]] (any ratio of the standard five)</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 thrones</td><td>Map of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar|Tathar]] (Detailed, verified, and suitable for scrying)</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ephisis is making seven contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

Just as they did [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange|last season]], the heralds of Ephisis are offering a set of contracts for large orders of goods. Most of these contracts reflect requests for bulk purchases that come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down. The City of Gold and Lead rarely reveals who the counter-party is when acting as an intermediary in this way, but shrewd merchants can probably make an informed guess that things like a Map of Tather can only really come from one source... The offered schema for the "''Mage Robes of the Thirteen Cities''" allows the artisan to create a set of [[:Category:Mage_Robes|mage robes]] that can be used once per day to gain three additional ranks of Autumn Lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the normal rules for effective skill.

This season the City is able to offer seven significant contracts. The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids must be in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. Following the failure of one notable merchant who took two contracts last season and redeemed ''neither'', the City have instituted a reserve price of one throne. They would also like the Empire to be aware that they are keeping a list of those merchants who take contracts but do not complete them - if it becomes a recurrent problem then they will look to take steps to exclude citizens from the auction if they have a proven track record of introducing illiquidity into the market.

Whoever wins a contract may do with it as they will - including trading it to others. To complete the contract, a citizen need only bring the paperwork and the goods required to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Worlds the following day. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are reminded that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at and only for the full amount. Partial payments will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}} </div>
==Mercy To the Guilty==
* '''Ephisis invite Dorys Delgorokov to submit two contracts for execution by the City'''
* '''The City invites Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo and Terentia of Sarangrave to each submit a single contracts for execution by the City'''
* '''The cost to submit a contract is one throne'''
* '''If a buyer can be identified, the City will settle the contract at the balancing of the scales at the next summit'''
* '''The City of Gold and Lead has proposals for fanes in Hercynia, Kallavesa, and the Barrens'''

Pleased with the apparent success of the contract scheme, Crown is already looking for ways to enhance it further. The obvious next step is to offer the City's best customers a chance to submit offers to the market place themselves. To that end, the ''High Merchant'' is inviting three citizens to submit contracts of their own. The city will accept up to two contracts from '''Dorys Delgorokov''', one from '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and and one from '''Terentia of Sarangrave'''.

A contract ''must'' stipulate the exact goods that the citizen is looking to purchase and the minimum payment that they are promising to offer. In effect it must have the same form as the contracts that Ephisis offers. The heralds will accept the contract and look to fulfil it in barbarian and foreign markets surrounding the Empire. They will not accept less than the offer price set on the contract, but they will return 80% of any excess payment, if the goods offered yield more than the offer price.

The contract can be for ''anything'' - if something is available anywhere in this world or the realms, then it can be had in the market-place for the right price. But that final part is crucial. A citizen is welcome to submit a offer to buy 600 wains of mithril with a promise to pay 1 ring for it, but should be assured that it will get exactly the same response from the Empire's neighbours that it would receive if the City offered it to the Empire. Stupid offers will just be ignored by the Empire's neighbours and will ultimately cause the City to abandon the scheme. Likewise a contract can be for any amount, but the City advise that asking for two thousand mithril or something similar is going to fail because there is no customer anywhere in the world who can meet those terms by themselves.

The City has chosen three customers who they believe have good credit. There is obviously a degree of risk involved, so they will only deal with people who have proven that they can meet terms. If Dorys, Damiàn, or Terentia do not wish to take advantage of this opportunity they are welcome to sell it on so that someone else can submit an offer on their behalf. However, they must understand that anyone who submits an offer is trading on their credit - with all the attendant risks thereof.

If the City of Gold and Lead are able to find a trustworthy counterparty to complete the contract they will announce confirmation of the offer in the run up to the next summit - and then settle the deal at the balancing of the scales on the Sunday.

It will cost one throne for each contract submitted.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisk, Wittal Grove, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 white granite, 30 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Fisk giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 7 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Wintermark title Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom
* Increases personal income of Kallavesa characters by 12 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Fisk Wareroom must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mediator of the Fisk Wareroom'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more doses of tradesoil from the Autumn realm (a tonic that provides two additional ranks to the next Autumn ritual that you perform within ten minutes, subject to the normal rules for effective skill)
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Mediator must be either a [[mediator]] or a [[maggot]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Fisk Wareroom and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Kallavesa and across all of Wintermark
* To increase investment in Wintermark, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Wintermark and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>130 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Tradesoil'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>180 Rings</td><td>1 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>210 Rings</td><td>2 Tradesoil</td></tr>
<tr><td>240 Rings</td><td>3 Tradesoil</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Drycastle Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Drycastle, Dawnguard, the Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 35 white granite, 25 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Drycastle giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 5 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for military units based in the territory that are engaged in questing or guarding
* Creates the Dawnish title Seneschal of the Drycastle Emporium
* Increases personal income of Barrens characters by 10 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Drycastle Emporium must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Seneschal of the Emporium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and one or more Pauper's Keys each season
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Seneschal must be a yeofolk in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Drycastle Emporium and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in the Barrens and across all of Dawn
* To increase investment in Dawn, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Dawn and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>65 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>135 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>215 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>310 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>415 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Pauper's Keys'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Pauper's Key</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
<tr><td>1100 Rings</td><td>3 Pauper's Keys</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' <s>Market place</s> Fane </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Treji, The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 40 weirwood, 10 ilium, and 180 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows heralds of Ephisis to come and go freely in Treji giving them access to the surrounding lands
* Increases taxation in the territory by 4 thrones a season
* Raises the level of investment for herb gardens in the territory
* Creates the Navarr title Broker of the Treji Plaza
* Increases personal income of Hercynian characters by 9 rings for one year
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Available until the end of Summer 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Treji Plaza must be ceded to the City of Gold and Lead as part of the Senate motion to construct it</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Broker of the Treji Plaza'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can submit a [[#Mercy To the Guilty|single contract]] to the heralds of Ephisis at the balancing of Scales
* Can purchase warm ashes and Rings of the Golden Market
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Broker must be a [[broker]] in good standing to submit a contract to the City</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To supervise trade operations at the Treji Plaza and respond to any threats against it
* To encourage trade and Prosperity in Hercynia and across all of Navarr
* To increase investment in the Navarr lands, supporting the creation of sinecures, ministries and great works across the nation
* To dismantle barriers to trade across the Empire such as tariffs and any laws prohibiting the sale of potions or items
* To prevent banditry in Navarr and the wider Empire
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Warm Ashes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 Rings</td><td>1 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 Rings</td><td>2 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>205 Rings</td><td>3 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>295 Rings</td><td>4 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 Rings</td><td>5 Warm Ashes</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Rings of the Golden Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cost</td><td>Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>300 Rings</td><td>1 Ring of the Golden Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>650 Rings</td><td>2 Rings of the Golden Market</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

==For Merriment and Diversion==
* '''Ephisis has provided plans for three fanes, one each in Hercynia, Kallavesa and the Barrens'''
* '''Each of these market places boosts local trade and commerce providing a level of investment in the territory'''
* '''The fanes must be ceded to Ephisis to provide any benefits - they permit heralds of Ephisis to enter the territory freely'''
* '''Each fane boosts taxation in the territory and provide a ministry for whoever is appointed to oversee it'''
* '''If two fanes are built they will both increase taxation by one throne less'''
* '''If all three fanes are built they will all increase taxation by two thrones less'''
The [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#One-Hahaha,_Two-Hahaha_(Ephisis)|scheme]] dreamed up between the herald, ''Crown'' and '''Erlend Gunnulfsson''', a wealthy nerchant of Wintermark, seems to have finally born fruit. In Spring the City proposed that the Empire construct three large fanes, in [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] or [[the Barrens]]. These grand structures would be dedicated to commerce, letting money flow like water turning the wheels of trade and creating Prosperity across the land. Rather than build them in the great Cities of the Empire - already bustling hubs of mercantile activity, the eternal sought more out of the way locations. The goal of the City is not profit per se, but the promotion of trade - and so it makes sense to start far from the Empire's heart - at least it makes sense as far as the City of Gold and Lead is concerned.

A declaration of acceptance was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_House_in_Fisk|raised]] by '''Kaapo Kingfishering''' on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]] that specified that the investment should be in Fisk, in south-western Kallavesa. This was superseded by a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Counting_Houses|declaration]] raised by the newly elected [[Golden Pyramid|Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid]], '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged''', which accepted the proposal for all three territories, [[Hercynia]], [[Kallavesa]] ''and'' [[the Barrens]].

Finding suitable locations in three different territories has taken some time, but the work has now been completed and the proposals handed over to the [[civil service]]. In each case, the heralds have been careful to devise arrangements in ways that support the local economy, providing ways for people to benefit. In Kallavesa and the Barrens, members of [[military unit|military units]] will find that the Emporium and the Wareroom are set up to provide them with a market place to dispose of unwanted goods acquired while questing in the area, or while working to guard caravans and properties from bandits and other threats. The Plaza is a very different arrangement, since it is intended to work with the many [[herb garden|herb gardens]] scattered across the territory, providing them with a ready market to dispose of unwanted herbs in return for the kind of tools and equipment employed by herbalists who tend a garden.

The proposals provided by the City of Gold and Lead are for market places where citizens of the Empire can come to trade their wares with heralds from the City. In some ways they are not so very different to the balancing of the scales that takes place on the last day at Anvil. It is clear that each is the equivalent of a [[fane]] - they all require ilium to complete the construction and must be ceded to the eternal to function. Each would allow heralds of the eternal to come and go freely at that location. In theory, an entire army of heralds could pour forth from the regio in each of these market places. The heralds of Ephisis pour scorn on that idea, insisting that they don't have any armies (although they go and get one if the Empire is looking to buy).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Freebornflamecartel.jpeg|align=right|caption=The sigil of the Freeborn Flame Cartel of the Brass Coast|width=250}} </div>
There is, however, another more practical consideration that the Senate will need to consider. Each of the Autumn markets proposed by Crown and his associates helps to boost taxation in the territory by creating a place where people can buy and sell goods they need. They will support commerce across the territory and beyond, as people travel there to use the market and buy the unique goods it can provide. But the more of them there are, the less benefit to taxation each one will provide. If the Empire builds two of the three, then each of the markets will provide one throne less taxation than planned; if the Empire builds all three, then they will ''all'' provide two thrones less taxation than planned.

Each of the markets gives whoever is appointed to run it the opportunity to purchase [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]] and unique goods that Crown hopes will be valuable. He claims to have "market-tested" the prices for these goods with the help of the '''Freeborn Flame Cartel''' - whatever ''that'' means. However, he appreciates that it is hard to know in advance what goods might actually be in demand so he promises that if the markets are built, and the citizens find the goods they offer are not in demand, then the City will try to open negotiations to try to find something more marketable to replace the tradesoil, pauper's keys, and rings.

Each of the proposed titles has a lengthy list of responsibilities - and some requirements on who must be appointed to the position to access the full powers of the post. It is clear that the City of Gold and Lead is deadly serious about these responsibilities - their heralds insisted on them during discussions and were adamant that without mortals positively committing to actively pursue these issues, they would not be prepared to agree the deal.