Empire - User contributions [en]

Seer of the Gateway

2026-06-28T15:18:59Z

Kirkbride:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Livia_played_by_Isobel_Hooper.jpg|title=Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade, first Seer of the Gateway|caption=The Seer of the Gateway ensures the safety of citizens<br>experiencing a [[true liao]] vision and records their experiences.|align=right|width=300}}
The position was [[Create_title_of_Seer_of_the_Gateway|established]] by the Senate at the Winter Solstice summit of 379YE. The Seer of the Gateway exists to ensure the safety, and record the experiences, of citizens returning from a [[past life vision]].

The first Seer of the Gateway was '''Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade''' of [[Urizen]], appointed in Winter 379YE by the Assembly of the Nine. No other candidates were considered. Livia is a skilled Torchbearer with years of experience helping visionaries to recall every last detail of their vision, as well as dealing with the side-effects of the process. Even before being appointed to the title, she would often approach visionaries to ask for permission before their vision, and wait for them to emerge afterwards.

When it was created, The Seer of the Gateway had the power to withdraw funds directly from the [[Rewarding|virtue fund]]. Shortly before the Summer Solstice 385YE, however, the Constitutional Court ruled that the [[Rings_and_crowns#Virtue_and_Reward|ability to withdraw funds directly from the virtue fund was unconstitutional]], and struck the power down.

==Responsibilities==
The Seer of the Gateway has four main responsibilities. Firstly, to safeguard the well-being of visionaries and guide priests partaking in [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]]. They are also expected to record the visions, and experiences, of visionaries and guide priests, as well as to publish and disseminate their records and any conclusions. Finally, they are expected to be able to purchase [[liao]] and other paraphernalia in support of their duties.
__TOC__
==Powers==
===Stipend===
The Seer of the Gateway receives a stipend of two thrones each season from the Imperial Treasury.

===Publication===
The Seer of the Gateway is expected to compile and publish accounts of Imperial [[true liao]] visions. During the Summer Solstice 382YE, the Imperial Senate agreed to pay to [[Amend_distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|distribute]] copies of these documents to every foreign nation with which the Empire trades. This decision was [[Amend_distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|amended]] to exclude the [[Iron Confederacy]]. During the Spring Equinox 387YE, the Imperial Senate [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate Distribution of Echoes of the Labyrinth|abrogated]] the motion to distribute the Echoes of the Labyrinth.

==Appointment==
The Seer of the Gateway is [[appointment|appointed]] by [[judgement]] of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

Any Imperial citizen may hold the title. The Seer has [[tenure]], and serves until they die or step down. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the Assembly of the Nine.

==Publication==
In the Spring of 380YE Livia struck a publication deal with the Spider's Vantage Spire of Redoubt, who published her accounts of visionaries' experiences across the Empire. You can find the existing ''Echoes of the Labyrinth'' texts below; the Spider's Vantage Spire have let it be known that they intend to publish more after each Anvil summit.

During the Summer Solstice 382YE, the Senate agreed to [[Disseminate_True_Liao_visions|fund the distribution]] of Echoes of the Labyrinth to foreign nations - or at least to the nations the Empire trades with. Some foreign nations have received the volumes enthusiastically, some a little less so. Details of the somewhat mixed response can be found [[Disseminate_True_Liao_visions#Distribution|here]].

During the Spring Equinox 387YE, the Senate [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|voted]] to abrogate the distribution of Echoes of the Labyrinth to foreign nations.
{|
|-
|'''Dates of Visions''' || '''Volume'''
|-
|Winter 385YE - Autumn 386YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/6/67/Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth_10.pdf Volume 10]
|-
|Winter 384YE - Autumn 385YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/f/fc/EchoesoftheLabyrinth9.pdf Volume 9]
|-
|Winter 383YE - Autumn 384YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/a/a4/EchoesoftheLabyrinth8.pdf Volume 8]
|-
|Winter 382YE - Autumn 383YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/6/6d/EchoesoftheLabyrinth7.pdf Volume 7]
|-
|Winter 381YE - Autumn 382YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/8/87/EchoesoftheLabyrinth6.pdf Volume 6]
|-
|Winter 380YE - Autumn 381YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/8/87/EchoesoftheLabyrinth5.pdf Volume 5]
|-
|Winter 379YE - Autumn 380YE|| [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/f/f9/Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth_4.pdf Volume 4]
|-
|Winter 378YE - Autumn 379YE || [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/7/75/Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth_3.pdf Volume 3]
|-
|Winter 377YE - Autumn 378YE || [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/4/45/EchoesoftheLabyrinth2.pdf Volume 2]
|-
|Winter 376YE - Autumn 377YE || [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/8/8d/EchoesoftheLabyrinth1.pdf Volume 1]
|-
|}
{{RecentElections|Seer_of_the_Gateway}}
[[Category:Synod]]
[[Category:Title]]

Gifts of a green mother

2026-06-27T16:07:24Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The herald listened to the wind as it blew through the trees and nodded its head. It had been given a task, and working in its little garden could wait. It left its garden, perfect and overgrown and wild, and took up a satchel made of hide and sinew. The Watcher set off along the path that wasn't always there, leaving scattered leaves in its wake.

First, towards the great Black Oak to claim one of its mighty boughs. Along the way - plodding along the path that wasn't always there in the Forest that was the Queen - it would sing. Sing to the multitudes of beasts and plants, sing of the turning of the tide, of a time when broken hearts would be mended. It would sing and it would gather fruits and herbs, nuts and leavings.

Then, onto the circle that wasn't a circle near the border of the forest. The Watcher would sing no more once it had claimed a bough of the Black Oak instead, it would watch. The herald would watch the perfect multitudes of beasts and plants as they grew and changed, as they overwhelmed their neighbours and clawed upwards for the sunlight that wasn't in the realm of the Green Mother.

It would come to the circle that wasn't a circle and it would pass through and deliver the greetings and offers of the Queen. Then it would return to its garden and see what might be done to encourage it to grow wilder still.</ic>
<div style="float: left; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:Gifts of a green mother.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
* '''A herald of Yaw'nagrah brings news of boons offered by their mistress'''
* '''Yaw'nagrah is under the enmity of the Conclave so each of these boons come with serious legal ramifications'''
As described in the [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Secret meeting]] wind of fortune, not long after the Autumn Equinox magistrate '''Nihm Farkas''' is called to the [[Regio#Imperial Regio|Imperial regio]] to deal with an [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|emissary]] of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]]. Named ''Watcher of Fragrant Leaves'', the little herald has apparently come as a response to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missive of the [[Archmage of Spring]], '''Ibiss Briarheart'''. While disinterested in several of the points the Archmage raised with her, the ''Verdant Queen'' offers a number of boons to Imperial citizens prepared to accept them. While some may address points the Spring Archmage raised, others appear to be more spontaneous.

They include an offer to secure her aid in uniting the [[vallorn]] hearts - but at the cost of performing an [[interdiction|interdicted]] ritual; a boon that would allow the [[Wither the Seed|malign curse]] over [[Brocéliande]] to be removed - with significant consequences for the Empire and potentially further aid; the ability to brew a potent magical substance in a [[Churning Cauldron of Bravash|churning cauldron]]; a chance for owners of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]], and [[mana site|mana sites]] to receive some of the eternal's largesse in the coming season; and additional potence for certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] used on [[orc|orcs]] and those with the [[briar]] [[lineage]] - or humans who might wish to gain that lineage.

As ''Rootwinder'' is under [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]], following several attempts to harm the Empire, there are considerable challenges for anyone who wishes to partake of these offers. Unless the Imperial Conclave chooses to change her [[alignment]] - something that may lead to further problems with this unpredictable eternal of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] - it is against the law to accept any of the Green Mother's gifts.
__TOC__

==The Green Mother Problem==
* '''Yaw'nagrah is under the enmity of the Imperial Conclave'''
* '''Bargaining with an eternal under enmity is a serious crime'''
* '''Interacting in any way with Yaw'nagrah is an additionally serious crime for any sorcerer'''
The ''Lady of Bark and Bramble'' is a declared [[Alignment#Enmity|enemy of the Empire]]. She was initially placed under enmity after evidence came to light that her agents were attempting to rouse the [[vallorn]] of [[Therunin]], and it soon became clear she was heavily involved with the efforts of the [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] to unleash ''Doom''. Her heralds fought alongside the Heirs, and gave their magical support to the traitors whose meddling might in theory at least have destroyed the Empire. She is also known to offer her patronage to the [[Druj]], although to what degree is not certain.

The offers made by Yaw'nagrah are not secret, however. While the magistrate, '''Nihm Farkas''', who spoke with ''Watcher of Fragrant Leaves'' cautions every Imperial magician to respect the law, the civil service are not permitted to conceal the offers that have been made. It is possible that the Imperial Conclave may choose to remove enmity from Yaw'nagrah, in which case there would be no legal restriction on accepting these boons unless one were a sorcerer (it is illegal for sorcerers to interact with eternals or their heralds regardless of their [[alignment]]).

Magistrates are at pains to remind the magicians of the Empire that unless Conclave removes enmity anyone, including the archmage themselves, who takes one of Yaw'nagrah's boons is committing a serious crime. They will seek to prosecute anyone who can be shown to have accepted one of these boons, and that the repercussions of doing so are likely to be severe. They also remind Imperial magicians that when one calls directly on the power of an eternal, that eternal generally knows who has done so and what that power is used for. Anyone who accepts her magical boons risks attracting the attention of the Green Mother.

With regard to one of the offers made by ''Bloodbark'', the magistrates point out that [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Empire_Wide_Enchantments|enchantments cast on the entire Empire]] are also illegal. While the Conclave might [[Endorsement|endorse]] the plan to waken the trees of Brocéliande, doing so with the use of an object provided by an enemy eternal would still be a crime and would lead to an investigation of those involved.

The Watcher of Fragrant Leaves makes it clear to Magistrate Farkas that these legal problems are no concern of the Queen of the Forest. If mortal beings want to complicate their own lives with such inane restrictions, that is their own lookout.

==Viridian Hallows==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Yaw'nagrah seems to possess an ambition to see the vallorn spread across the Empire.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Yaw'nagrah is intrigued by Imperial interest in uniting the vallornhearts'''
* '''If the Empire demonstrates their sincerity, she offers her aid in this endeavour'''
* '''Performance of Madyn's Gift with dragonbone causes the ritual to provide ''glomsbark'' rather than ''realmsroot'''''
* '''This substance originates with Yaw'nagrah and is subject to interdiction due to enmity'''
{{Expired}}
According to the herald of ''Barkspawner'', the Spring Archmage has claimed that the Empire intends to connect the [[vallorn|vallornhearts]] and complete the "great work of the Terunael". Yaw'nagrah is apparently intrigued that the Empire seems to have experienced a change of heart. Only recently, they fought hard to prevent the Heirs of Terunael from achieving just this goal, and in the process even killed one of the Queen of the Wild's [[One_last_song#Rage_and_Ruin|favoured children]]. However, the nature of life is change, and ultimately the ''One Who Sways and Stands'' is pleased that the Empire has come to terms with the nature of the vallorn and is ready to consummate the gift of endless bounty the Terunael sought. The ''Green Mother'' is not a fool, but is willing to aid to the Empire as long as their goals are in parallel. But in light of recent events, she requires action from the magicians of the Empire if they are to earn her gifts.

In return for her aid, the Green Mother requires that a coven use [[Hallow of the Green World]] to flood the Empire with the power of the [[Realm#Spring realm|Spring realm]] ''and'' allow her children to roam the Empire. It must be done during the Winter Solstice, but Yaw'nagrah has no doubt Imperial magicians can manage the feat - it has been done twice before in recent memory after all, during the [[The prime colour of the world|Spring Equinox 380YE]] and the [[Children in bloom|Winter Solstice 384YE]].

The Imperial Conclave have used their [[Alignment#Enmity|warding magic]], to prevent Yaw'nagrah's offspring from entering the Empire. Even if ''Hallow of the Green World'' were cast, the ward that enmity creates would keep her, and her children, from bringing their green blessing to the lands within Imperial borders that so keenly require it. As such, the Imperial Conclave must either remove the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] they have placed on her, or the magicians performing the ritual must explicitly invite her in with ritual magic.

Yaw'nagrah has little patience for the Conclave and its strictures. As such, she presents a boon to the magicians of the Empire who seek communion with the Primal Forest. During the Winter Solstice, she will allow any coven that performs the clever ritual called [[Madyn's Gift]] to gain a tiny amount of her power. If the magicians performing the ritual place a measure of [[dragonbone]] in the container alongside each dram of [[realmsroot]], Yaw'nagrah will exchange them both with a portion of ''glomsbark'' - one dram of this rare material for each measure of dragonbone and dram of realmsroot that the magicians have sacrificed. If there are any leftover dragonbone or realmsroot after the exchange then they will be returned.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Glomsbark'''<br>If you plan to take the boon Yaw'nagrah is offering, you will need a suitably phys-rep for the resultant ''glomsbark''. A pouch containing woodshavings, moss, or even just grass is ideal. The glomsbark itself is provided in the form of a typical rip-on-use card. The only way to find out exactly what it does is to use it.</box></div>
According to the Watcher of Fragrant Leaves, ''glomsbark'' can be used to empower Spring [[enchantment|enchantments]]. Not only does it provide an amount of mana toward the casting of certain Spring magic enchantments (including ''Hallow of the Green World''), but it empowers a magician who uses it to work such enchantments more easily. In addition, and more importantly from the point of view of the eternal, if one or more doses of ''glomsbark'' is used to support a casting of Hallow the Green World it will allow her servants to bypass the warding provided by enmity, allowing them to walk freely within Imperial bounds.

If this is done during the Winter Solstice, then ''Treecaller'' will provide aid to the Empire in their efforts to join the vallornhearts. If they do not, she will offer Imperial magicians no assistance in their endeavour; the hearts will be joined in time one way or another. They have waited over a thousand years, they can wait a little longer.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ibiss8557.jpg||caption=Ibiss Briarheart, Archmage of Spring, bears the regalia of the Archmage|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==Strangling Blight==
* '''Yaw'nagrah wishes to see the ''Wither the Seed'' curse removed from Brocéliande'''
* '''She offers a boon to the Spring Archmage that she says will help remove the curse'''
* '''It requires a performance of Thunderous Tread of the Trees'''
* '''Removing the curse with the aid of Yaw'nagrah presents serious dangers'''
* '''This offer of the bough is only available during the Winter solstice but the opportunity it provides lasts as long as the bough does'''
The Watcher of Fragrant Leaves claims that Archmage Ibiss' missive spoke of "blight" (alongside talk of an ending of other realms which the ''Verdant One'' has no interest in). There is a blight that Yaw'nagrah cares about and that is the one that strangles lush [[Brocéliande]]. Just over three years ago the monstrous [[Wither the Seed]] curse was laid over that ancient woodland. The ''Queen of the Forest'' is capable and willing to offer her aid, but it would still require a powerful coven of Spring ritualists to remove the curse.

The Watcher has brought the boon, a bough from the ''Black Oak'', for the Empire to examine. It looks innocuous, appearing to be nothing more than a fallen tree branch, but Magistrate Farkas is able to examine the power it contains with [[detect magic]]. The bough contains a power similar to a [[Cartographer's Eye]], but more powerful. To use it, a coven must lay [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] on one of [[Semmerholm]], [[Astolat]], [[the Barrens]], [[Reikos]], or [[Casinea]]. If the boon is activated by shattering the fallen branch during the ritual, then the magic of the Spring realm will empower the ritual. That will cause the rampaging trees to spread into Brocéliande ''as well'', where the servants of the ''Green Mother'' would empower them to remove the cursed blight from the ancient forest.

The Watcher informs the magistrate that if the Empire ''does'' use the power of the Black Oak to remove ''Wither the Seed'' from Brocéliande, Yaw'nagrah will send her servants to [[Sarangrave]] and find a way to help the Navarr, specifically, free the [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|vallorn of Béantal Dol]] from its captivity. The [[Druj]] are unwilling to do so, and the Queen of the Forest is losing patience with them. She is aware however that the Navarr have recently launched their own expedition [[into Béantal Dol]] and if the Empire truly wishes to unite the vallornhearts they must include the Sarangrave as well.

The boon Yaw'nagrah offers is not without cost however. The awoken trees would ravage whatever territory the curse was cast on, but inevitably, they would also rouse the vallorn in Brocéliande. The presence of [[Brocéliande#The_Broch|the Broch]] would help to blunt this attack, but there would still be a risk of losing [[Brocéliande#Boar's Dell|Boar's Dell]] or [[Brocéliande#Elerael|Elerael]] to the vallorn, depending on which way the vallorn went. It would require Imperial heroes to put their lives on the line to help defend the steadings of Brocéliande if the curse was removed in this way. If the boon is taken, and the ritual cast, then further information would be presented in the winds for the Spring Equinox.

If the [[Archmage of Spring]], or one of their heralds wants the boon, then they can request it at any time during the Winter Solstice by casting [[operate portal]] at the Imperial regio and explicitly asking Yaw'nagrah's for their gift. She will provide only a single burgeon of the great tree in this manner - but she will give it to first magician in possession of any of the three parts of the [[Archmage_of_Spring#Regalia_of_Spring|Archmage's regalia]] who asks for it.

==Cauldron of Pale Honey==
* '''The Green Mother offers a boon to any magician prepared to invoke her power while performing ''Churning Cauldron of Bravash'''''
* '''A measure of ambergelt included in the ritual allows seven true vervain to be transformed into ''milksap'''''
* '''Any amount of true vervain can be transformed by a single ritual'''
* '''Unlike the normal casting of Churning Cauldron of Bravash the herbs used are not returned'''
* '''Accepting this boon and owning or using milksap is illegal'''
* '''This opportunity is only available during the Winter Solstice but the milksap remains viable until it is used'''
The Watcher of Fragrant Leaves speaks with a whispery, but sincere tone, of other matters. Yaw'nagrah is saddened that a gulf has grown between the children of the Empire and her own children. She loves life in all its infinite variety and strangeness, and it brings her sorrow that the magicians of the Empire are separated from her by the jealously of the Navarr and the ignorance of the Imperial Conclave. She is a fount of life and energy, and offers a little of that to the Spring magicians of the Empire.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Milksap'''<br>If you plan to take the boon Yaw'nagrah is offering, you will need a suitably phys-rep for the resultant ''milksap''. The obvious way to create one is to put a little bit of milk or white paint into tap water and mix it up a little. The milksap itself is provided in the form of a typical rip-on-use card. The only way to find out exactly what it does is to use it.</box></div>
During the Winter Solstice, any coven that performs [[Churning Cauldron of Bravash]] can use their magic to contact the Green Mother. The performance of the ritual must include invocations of Yaw'nagrah by at least three of her common names, and each contributor must willingly sacrifice a drop of blood into the container that is the target of the ritual, dripped onto [[ambergelt]] which is placed in the container; one measure for every seven drams of [[true vervain]]. The cauldron will churn as usual, but at the completion the herbs and ambergelt placed in the cauldron will have been transformed into a dose of ''milksap'' - a milky white liquid with an intensely sweet, floral scent. It provides similar benefits to [[vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]], but it is apparently important not to ''drink'' it - it is effective when smeared on the face and palms.

This boon is available to the magicians of the Empire during the Winter Solstice only. Magistrate Farkas points out that while Yaw'nagrah is under enmity it is a crime to accept this boon, and given that the substance is broadly unknown in the Empire the magistrates must assume than any that is found at Anvil is the result of someone having undertaken this ritual.

==Chaos==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Donahorti'''<br>''Milksap'' and ''Glomsbark'', already mentioned, are examples of ''donahorti''. These boons come in a myriad of different shapes and flavours, but they always take the form of natural substances - fruit, juice, sap, flakes of moss, shavings of bark, shredded leaves and so on. Some other familiar ''donahorti'' include: ''Ornsap'', a dark red juice with the consistency of blood that provides a great boost to physical stamina and fortitude; ''mornsalve'', a thick light green sap that treats many ailments of the body; ''thornsting'', a vicious waxy honey-like substance that inflames violence and grants combat prowess; ''queensleaf'', oddly shaped leaves that when crushed and the juice applied to the wrists and throat grants magical healers a reserve of inner power; ''sallamoss'', a kind of moss that heartens the body and is particularly effective when used by briars (and in sufficient quantity can sometimes cause someone to take on briar lineage); various forms of ''magepetal'', gathered from flowers of various colours that provide additional facility when performing certain kinds of Spring ritual depending on their shade; and ''sunfoil'', a unique flowering herb that possesses all the qualities of those herbs familiar to herbalists and apothecaries.</box></div>
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers a ''bloodamber boon'' to the casting of certain enchantments'''
* '''If the boon is used with Blessing of New Spring, Rampant Growth, Fountain's Bounty, or Woven Strands of Life the targeted resource will produce strange products from the Spring realm itself'''
* '''Several of these boons can be made permanent using ilium for significantly fewer rings than usually required'''
{{Expired}}
Yaw'nagrah is an eternal who embodies the [[Spring_magic#Fertility|fecundity]] and [[Spring magic#Savagery|savagery]] of the Spring realm, but she is equally a creature of [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]]. Her gifts often have unforeseen consequences, or provide unpredictable boons. The Primal Forest is a wellspring of wonderful plants and beasts, and those that dwell in the vast demesne of the ''Great Gardener'' are said to be the most magical and variable of all. Taking the form of juice, fruit, sap, bark, or other natural substances, these boons are often referred to as ''[[yaw'nagrah#Donahorti|donahorti]]''. The term comes from the old Asavean name for the boons of Yaw'nagrah used by scholars of Spring Magic - the ''donahorti mirabilis'', or the Marvellous Gifts of the Garden.

During the Winter Solstice, Yaw'nagrah intends to share her largesse with the Empire on a scale rarely seen before - provided Imperial magicians are prepared to reach out to her and request those boons. She will not give these gifts directly, but allow them to grow "naturally" in the fertile soil of the Empire's [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]], and even [[mana site|mana sites]].
===Bloodamber Boon===
* '''Yaw'nagrah's boon relates to several rituals but the method of asking for it remains the same in each case'''
* '''During the Winter Solstice, a combination of ambergelt, invocation of Yaw'nagrah, and spilled blood draws the power of the eternal'''
* '''If even one contributor uses this boon, the entire ritual and the resulting enchantments, are changed'''
* '''The ritual Netweaver's Eye can determine if a magician participated in a ritual using Yaw'nagrah's boon even if they didn't use the ambergelt themselves ([[#An Eye for Chaos|see below]])'''
In each case, the boon begins with a substitution. To take advantage of the boon, a contributor who has the appropriate ritual mastered must name Yaw'nagrah by at least three common names, and shed a few drops of blood. They then may substitute [[ambergelt]] for crystal mana when contributing to the casting. Every 2 measures of ambergelt spent counts as 1 crystal mana toward the ritual. The usual limit of how many crystal mana a character can contribute (equal to their ranks in [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Spring lore]]) applies.

If even one contributor does this, the entire ritual is altered - ''every'' target experiences the altered effect. It's possible to do this even when using a covenstone such as an [[Amberglass Orb]] - the invocation of Yaw'nagrah and the shedding of blood make it clear you are using the eternals' boon rather than the [[magic items|magic item]]. '''OOC Note:''' You should make sure the referee knows you've cast the ritual to take advantage of the boon so it can be recorded in the notes section for that ritual.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Flowering kudzu.jpg||caption=The ''donahorti'' of Yaw'nagrah take many forms, and possess many wondrous qualities. Some are beautiful... others significantly less so.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

===Chaos on the Farm===
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers to empower castings of Blessing of New Spring'''
* '''Doing so requires using ambergelt in the ritual, and invoking the eternal specifically by three of her names'''
* '''The enchantment reduces the amount of money produced by a farm but provides a bonus ''donahorti'''''
* '''Accepting this boon would be a crime while Yaw'nagrah is under enmity'''
The Green Mother dislikes the farms of the Empire, it seems. They are too regimented, too keen to remove anything they see as lacking value. During the Winter Solstice, it's traditional for the Empire's magicians to invoke the enchantment of [[Blessing of New Spring]] on their farms. During the Solstice, Yaw'nagrah will provide a boon to any farm owner who wishes to accept her blessing - assuming they can find a coven to assist them.

The boon applies to [[Blessing of New Spring]]. If even one contributor uses ambergelt in the casting, each target farm will receive Yaw'nagrah's boon. The resultant enchantment will shift and change; farms enchanted in this way will grow wild and strange, with peculiar crops or animals possessing odd characteristics. Instead of receiving 10 additional rings each season for the rest of the year, each farm so enchanted will provide 26 ''fewer'' rings, but also a ''donahorti'' - a consumable item infused with Spring magic. This change persists even if the enchantment is later superseded by [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]] and [[Gathering the Harvest]]. Those rituals will have their usual effect, but the farm will produce 26 fewer rings and one random ''donahorti'' each season.

===Chaos in the Forests===
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers to empower castings of Rampant Growth'''
* '''Taking this boon requires using ambergelt in the ritual and invoking the eternal specifically by three of her names'''
* '''The enchantment provides peculiar ''donahorti'' rather than the normal production'''
* '''Accepting this boon is a crime while Yaw'nagrah is under enmity'''
There is a wildness in even the most regimented orchard, and Yaw'nagrah is as interested in forests as she is in farms. During the Winter Solstice she offers her boon to the Empire's tenders of forests as well as their farm owners. This boon requires the casting of [[Rampant Growth]].

If ambergelt is used in the casting, the transformation will be significant; all the energy of the ritual will go toward making the chosen forest wilder and more chaotic, infusing much of its production with Spring magic. A forest will produce two fewer measures of its usual material, but ''six'' unpredictable ''donahorti'' (that is, they will be of several different types). The effect will last for a single season, but may leave the forest marked with a spark of chaos ever after ('''OOC Note:''' This "spark of chaos" has no game effect - the forest owner is encouraged to roleplay that they sometimes find odd fruit or peculiar moss in their forest after the enchantment fades).

===Chaos in Urizen===
* '''Two rituals of Urizen Lore allow the magic of mana sites to be specifically directed towards producing food and herbs'''
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers to empower castings of Fountain's Bounty and Woven Strands of Life'''
* '''The enchantment provides ''donahorti'' instead of the normal bonus production'''
* '''Accepting this boon is a crime while Yaw'nagrah is under enmity'''
Yaw'nagrah offers a final boon, but one that relies on the complicity of the notoriously strait-laced Urizen. Their national lore contains two rituals that use Spring magic to bring growing, vibrant bounty to [[mana site|mana sites]] - [[Fountain's Bounty]] and [[Woven Strands of Life]]. During the Winter Solstice, she offers her magical aid in performance of both rituals. Any magician who takes advantage of the boon will find the enchantment altered by Yaw'nagrah's power. The exact effect depends on which ritual was cast.
* ''Fountain's Bounty:'' Instead of the usual production, the enchanted mana site provides one fewer crystal mana, but also provides five ''donahorti'' and a measure of ''milksap''.
* ''Woven Strands of Life'' Transforms the mana site into a wild, magically infused garden of bushes, creepers, and even trees. Instead of producing herbs, the transformed site provides three ''milksap'' and six ''donahorti'' to the owner.

===Harnessing Chaos===
* '''During the Winter Solstice, enchantments warped by Yaw'nagrah can be made permanent more easily'''
* '''Making one of these enchantments permanent costs one ilium per magnitude rather than three'''
* '''This is a risky act that may have legal, spiritual, and magical consequences down the line'''
Yaw'nagrah is providing significant boons to the forests and mana sites of the Empire by applying her chaotic touch to mundane magics. She has placed no restriction against those who wish to permanently receive her boons. Any one of the rituals described here, as long as they are cast using Yaw'nagrah's [[#Bloodamber Boon|bloodamber boon]], may be made permanent with ilium. Rather than costing ilium equal to three times the magnitude of the ritual, however, during the Winter Solstice the ritual can be made permanent with ilium equal to the magnitude of the ritual. The ilium must be included in the casting.

Bear in mind that this is a criminal act while Yaw'nagrah is under enmity, and that the ''donahorti'' are illegal items while the eternal is an enemy of the Empire. The target forest or mana site will be permanently warped and mutated by the chaotic magic of Spring and as well as the mundane legal and spiritual consequences this may incur, it will also provide a foothold for the ''Green Mother'' in the mortal realm that she may exploit later.

It's not possible to use this benefit for Blessing of New Spring because of the peculiar way that enchantment works.

===Law Amid Chaos===
* '''The Silent Bell could be charged to seek out those who had taken Yaw'nagrah's boons in one or more nations'''
* '''It would cost 50 thrones to order the Imperial magistrates to investigate which farms, forests and mana sites had taken one of the boons'''
These boons alter farms, forests, and mana sites. It would not be immediately apparent who had taken advantage of the boons, and their power does not linger on the owner of the resource sufficiently to be divined with [[detect magic]]. The effects of the ritual fade within the season, so a [[statement of principle]] would be insufficient to find out if anyone had taken advantage of them - unless they were made permanent. There are a few options for the agents of law and order to acquire evidence one of these enchantments has been cast.

If the [[Silent Bell]] is specifically instructed to investigate, they will provide a list of every farm, forest, or mana site that is touched by Yaw'nagrah to the Cardinal at the Spring Equinox. What the Cardinal chose to do with this list would be at their discretion. The Cardinal may pick a single nation for the Silent Bell to assess, and for each additional nation they will need to provide 4 thrones to help support the action. ('''OOC Note:''' The money would need to be in the Cardinal's pack, and they would need to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] after the event. If there were insufficient funds, the Silent Bell would work in the order the nations were mentioned by the Cardinal).

The [[Senate]] might instruct the magistrates to prioritise providing a list of farms, forests, and mana sites affected by these warped rituals. This would incur a one-time fee to the [[Imperial treasury]] of 50 thrones, and result in a list delivered to [[the Throne]] at the start of the Spring Equinox. It might also result in the initiation of legal proceedings against anyone who received one of these boons, depending on the status of Yaw'nagrah during the Winter Solstice.

===An Eye For Chaos===
* '''Netweaver's Eye can be used to determine if a magician suspected of using Yaw'nagrah's ritual boons has done so'''
Several of the boons of Yaw'nagrah involve warping rituals by invoking her power. During the Winter Solstice, the ritual [[Netweaver's Eye]] can divine the touch of Yaw'nagrah on a magician who has participated in such a transformed ritual. The caster of Netweaver's Eye must select "Spring magic" as the target of their divination, and if the magician has contributed to a warped ritual the referee will provide that information (only that they bear the "touch of Yaw'nagrah" not how many or precisely what rituals were performed; the number of Spring rituals they have cast is learned as normal). Bear in mind that it does not matter if the ritualist themselves used the boon of Yaw'nagrah - everyone who contributed to the performance of the ritual is equally marked.

This ''specifically'' identifies if a ritualist has taken part in a [[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Rampant Growth]], [[Fountain's Bounty]], [[Woven Strands of Life]], [[Hallow of the Green World]], or [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] that invoked a boon of Yaw'nagrah. Possessing such a boon, using ''milksap'' in a ritual, casting a personal enchantment in which someone consumed vital honey or milksap to gain additional power, or using other items or rituals related to Yaw'nagrah do not mark the ritualist as having drawn on Yaw'nagrah's power.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Attitude.jpg||caption=Yaw'nagrah is believed to favour those of the briar lineage, and some old stories tentatively try to draw a connection between her and those whose skin is marked with bark.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==Favoured Children==
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers a gift specifically to those with the briar lineage, or who wish to gain it, and to those of the orc species'''
* '''She also offers a way for an unlineaged human to take on the briar lineage'''
* '''These boons require a dose of vital honey or milksap to be consumed by the target as the ritual is cast on them'''
* '''Milksap or vital honey used in this way does not contribute toward the casting of the ritual directly'''
* '''These opportunities are only available during the Winter Solstice'''
Yaw'nagrah has a particular affection for those touched by the realm of Spring - those with the [[briar]] [[lineage]]. She also appreciates the strength and vitality of those who cannot bear briar lineage but can still embrace the power of Spring - the [[orc|orcs]]. During the Winter Solstice, Yaw'nagrah offers her boon to those who have been marked by the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] - or by those who feel their true nature is best reflected in seeking a closer alignment with the ''Primal Forest''.
===Briar Boon===
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers strength and vitality to those touched by the Spring realm'''
* '''During the Winter Solstice use of vital honey or ''milksap'' while receiving ''Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber'' will provide additional benefits'''
* '''The nature of these benefits can be detected with the ''detect enchantment'' function of ''detect magic''.'''
The ritual [[Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber]] provides a powerful [[enchantment]] to a subject, granting them great reserves of endurance. It is also known to strengthen the impact of briar lineage, at least for a time. During the Winter Solstice, the following additional power is granted by this ritual.
* If a human with no lineage consumes a pawn of [[vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]] or ''milksap'' while being targeted by a performance of ''Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber'' the ritual may have an additional effect. Over the coming season that human may be transformed into a [[briar]]. This cannot be done by force - the magical transformation will fail if someone is tricked or out-of-character does not wish to become a briar. The ritual has all its other effects, and the only way to complete the transformation is to end the event still under the effect of the enchantment.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''A Reminder About Enchantments'''</big><br>It's important to note that an enchantment ''cannot'' be removed prematurely without casting a different enchantment, or allowing the duration (until the start of the next Profound Decisions event) to expire. It's not possible to just give up the enchantment - meaning it is much more likely that someone with one of these boons will be detected if anyone has reason to suspect them.</box></div>
* If a human character who already has briar lineage consumes a pawn of ''vital honey'' or ''milksap'' while being targeted by the ritual, they may drawn on the power of Yaw'nagrah. Instead of the usual three ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] it normally provides, the briar receives ''four'' ranks of endurance. If they have [[heroic skills#hero|hero points]] they gain an additional benefit. With 10 seconds of appropriate roleplaying they can spend a hero point to remove the VENOM condition from themselves. The bonus lasts as long as the enchantment does. In addition, they can choose to permanently increase the amount of bark, thorns, or flowers they have.
There is a drawback to taking this boon. As long as the enchantment lasts, the lingering mark of Yaw'nagrah can be determined through use of the [[detect magic]] spell - if anyone uses [[Detect_magic#Discern_Enchantment|discern enchantment]] on a target of one of these rituals, it will reveal that they bear a "''mark of the Primal Forest''" as well as whatever personal enchantment they might be under (if any).

===Orc Blood===
* '''Yaw'nagrah offers a reserve of power to orcs of the Empire'''
* '''During the Winter solstice an orc targeted by ''irrepressible Monkey Spirit'' can consume a dose of vital honey or milksap to gain an additional boon'''
* '''The nature of these benefits can be detected with the ''detect enchantment'' function of ''detect magic'''''
Yaw'nagrah offers a slightly different boon to [[orc]] citizens of the Empire. Rather than ''Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber'', her boon can be gained through use of the ritual [[Irrepressible Monkey Spirit|Unfailing Resilience of the Kudzu]] (perhaps better known to Imperial magicians as ''Irrepressible Monkey Spirit''). If an orc consumes a dose of ''vital honey'' or ''milksap'' while being targeted by the ritual, they gain an additional benefit. If they have any of the skills [[Heroic skills#Cleaving Strike|Cleaving Strike]], [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|Mortal Blow]], [[Heroic skills#Mighty Strikedown|Mighty Strikedown]], [[Heroic skills#Relentless|Relentless]], or [[Heroic skills#Unstoppable|Unstoppable]] then once per day they can use one of those skills without spending a hero point. This is on top of the benefits granted by the ritual with regard to ''relentless'' and ''unstoppable'', but only if they already have the skills (methods such as using the [[potion|potions]] [[Unshackled Gift#Indomitable Might|Indomitable Might]] or [[Unshackled Gift#Skar's Strength|Skar's Strength]] will work fine with this ritual).

As with the boon offered to humans, there is a drawback to accepting the power of Yaw'nagrah. As long as the enchantment lasts, the lingering mark of the eternal can be determined through use of the [[detect magic]] spell - if anyone uses [[Detect_magic#Discern_Enchantment|discern enchantment]] on a target of one of these rituals, it will reveal that they bear a "''mark of the Primal Forest''" as well as whatever personal enchantment they might be under (if any).

==A Panoply of Presents==
* '''Yaw'nagrah has used the opportunity presented by the Plenipotentiary to present an array of offers to Imperial magicians'''
* '''The bounteous extent of these offers probably reflects something of the nature of Yaw'nagrah, but any eternal could respond to a plenipotentiary in this way'''

By its very nature, the power of plenipotentiary opens the possibility for an eternal to communicate with the Empire, even if that eternal is under enmity. It is not possible to maintain a watertight ward against an eternals minions and messages, whilst simultaneously inviting them to meet with the Empire for parley. Yaw'nagrah has chosen to make an array of offers, not just to the Archmage of Spring but to all the magicians of the Empire. The extensive number of offers, may be a reflection of the nature of Yaw'nagrah - she is, after-all, ''concerned with life, in infinite diversity and infinite combinations''. In practice, careful historical study by the civil service has confirmed that any eternal could chose to respond to a plenipotentiary in this way, just most of them chose not to - usually.

It is notable however, that all these offers require Imperial magicians to proactively accept the Queen of the Forest's offers while performing rituals that actively invoke her by name. Despite the plenipotentiary, the power of enmity remains firmly in place - Barkspawner ''cannot'' affect rituals performed in the Empire without this invitation, nor can their heralds enter the Empire freely.

==Further Reading==
* [[Yaw'nagrah]]
* [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune detailing plenipotentiary responses
* [[Whither the seed]] - 383YE Winter wind of fortune about removing the blight on Brocéliande

Rules reminder

2026-06-27T14:35:46Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category:Rules]]
==Overview==
A handy archive of [[Empire_rules|rules]] reminders from the left bar.
==List==
* You must not attempt to parry an arrow or bolt with a weapon. See the [[Combat safety]] page for more information. (27/06/2026)
* You may not film or record other participants in the IC area during time-in. See the [[Photography#Filming_and_Audio_Recordings|Photography]] page for more information. (11/05/2026)
* The use of generative AI is prohibited at Empire and in our online spaces. See the [[Playing_the_game#Artificial_Intelligence|Playing the game]] and [[Online#Do_Not_Post_AI_Content|Online]] pages for more information. (25/03/2026)
* An existing character who wishes to move nation will need to seek out an [[egregore]] of the nation they wish to join. See the [[Nation_FAQ#Can_I_change_nation_in_play?|Nation FAQ]] page for more information. (11/02/2026)
* You must avoid hitting the groin, neck, or head. See the [[combat safety]] page for more information. (22/08/2025)
* When casting [[detect magic]] it is important to make clear which of the seven [[Detect_magic#Effects|effects]] you are invoking. (22/06/2025)
* Having a [[Calls#CLEAVE|ruined leg]] does not prevent you from using [[Heroic_skills#Unstoppable|unstoppable]], but it will not fix it. (10/06/2025)
* If you have a [[Calls#CLEAVE|ruined leg]] you must keep your backside on the floor. It is not possible to kneel whilst one or both of your legs is ruined. (11/05/2025)
* Performing an [[Anointing]] ceremony requires a willing target, even if it is removing an aura. (27/03/2025)
* When wielding a [[Weapons_%26_armour#Polearms|polearm]] you must hold the weapon in both hands with at least 18” separating them. (10/03/2025)
* A [[Calls#Mass_Calls|MASS]] call affects everyone in a ninety-degree arc in front of and up to 20' (6m) away from the caster. (18/02/2025)
* All [[Combat#Arrows|arrows and bolts]] automatically cause [[Calls#IMPALE|Impale]], ''and'' do a point of damage! (16/12/2024)
* [[Calls#WEAKNESS|Weakness]] and [[Calls#VENOM|Venom]] are only removed by effects that remove them, if they are not removed then they will last indefinitely. (04/12/2024)
* You should treat others with respect and assume best faith when online. See our [[Online#Treat_each_other_with_respect_and_assume_best_faith|online]] rules for more details (02/08/2024)
* All spells require vocals clearly audible to everyone within a few metres See the [[Spellcasting#Spellcasting|Spellcasting]] page for more information. (15/07/2024)
* You can only lose one global hit per second from multiple attacks from one enemy; you should aim to land one blow a second at most. See the [[Combat#The_One_Second_Rule|Combat]] page for more information. (10/07/2024)
* If you play a battle then you must volunteer to monster one. See the [[Battles#Play_One,_Monster_one|Battles]] page for more information. (01/07/2024)
* You must avoid using gendered nouns when referring to mixed groups. See the [[Conduct#Language|Conduct]] page for more information. (12/05/2024)
* In-character theft is prohibited except for gold-ribboned items or looting fallen enemies. See the [[Stealing]] page for more information. (09/04/2024)
* You can only send messages to [[eternal|eternals]] with rituals that explicitly allow you to do so. (29/02/2024)
* Once you have gained the benefit of a [[magic items|magic item]], no-one else can use it for that day. Furthermore, you cannot gain the benefit of a different item of the same form ([[Magic_items#Weapons|Weapon]], [[Magic_items#Armour|Armour]], [[Magic_items#Talismans|Talisman]]) that day. (03/01/2024)
* When using things that grant [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks|additional ranks]] of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|realm lore]] the highest you can go is triple your original skill (so you can't have more than two extra ranks if you've only bought one rank of realm lore). (04/12/2023)
* You take damage from any [[Combat#Heroic_Blows|call]] made with a weapon or implement even if the call doesn't affect you. (12/11/2023)
* It takes at least two free hands to [[Combat#Moving_a_dying_character|move]] someone who's dead, [[Combat#Dying|dying]], [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]], or [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralysed]] (07/08/2023)
* You must have purchased at least one rank of a [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|realm lore]] skill to benefit from anything that grants [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks|additional ranks]] in that realm. (17/07/2023)
* [[Potion#Consuming_a_Potion|Using]] a [[potion]] or [[Potion#Philtres|philtre]] takes five seconds of appropriate roleplaying, usually involving miming drinking the potion. (10/07/2023)
* When you're [[Combat#Dying|dying]] you aren't unconscious unless you want to be - you can still speak, shout, or scream for help. (07/07/2023)
* You can only be under the effect of one [[enchantment]] at a time; the most recent is the [[Enchantment#Removing_Enchantments|only one]] that applies! (03/07/2023)
* You can't use [[heroic skills#Unstoppable|Unstoppable]] if you're under the effects of a [[Calls#WEAKNESS|WEAKNESS]] or [[Calls#PARALYSE|PARALYSE]] (26/06/2023)
* You need to [[Bow_safety#Essential_Check|check your arrows]] both when you pick them up ''and'' when you put them onto the bow! (22/06/2023)

Imperial:LeftBar

2026-06-27T14:34:32Z

Kirkbride:

<nav-list>
<nav-header>Conduct Rules</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Conduct]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Reporting a conduct problem|Reporting]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>COVID Safety</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Entry requirements|Entry Requirements]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[COVID safety|Event Measures]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>The Campaign</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[388YE Summer Solstice interlude|Interlude]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune|Winds of Fortune]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war|Winds of War]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Recent history|Recent History]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>Event Information</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Events|Events 2026]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Event information|General Details]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Steeplechase_LRP_Centre|Site Information]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Participant welfare|Participant Welfare]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Spring Equinox 2026|Spring Equinox 388YE]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Event schedule|Event Schedule]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>Useful Links</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Accessibility]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Photography]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Wiki Updates]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Rules update 2026|Rules Updates]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[General FAQ|FAQ]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Special:RandomPage|Random page]]</nav-item>
</nav-list>
<div style="float:right; width: 100%; clear: right;"><div class="center" style="width: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<box>'''Rules Reminder'''<br>You must not attempt to parry an arrow or bolt with a weapon. See the [[Combat safety]] page for more information.<br><small>[[Rules reminder|Previous rules reminders]]</small></box></div></div>

Cardinal of Vigilance

2026-06-14T09:32:20Z

Kirkbride: /* Appointment */

<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cardinal Vigilance 3.png|caption=The Cardinal guides the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Vigilance]].|title= Irada von Temeschwar|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
Each of the eight [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|virtue assemblies]] appoints a [[Cardinal]] to represent and lead them. The Cardinal of [[Vigilance]] represents the Vigilance Assembly, and is part of what is arguably the post powerful of the Assemblies, the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]]. While they are still able to raise only a single [[judgement]] for consideration by their peers in the [[Synod]] each season, they possess a number of specific legal powers that allow them to guide and influence the Assemblies.

The recent [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy|Severin encyclical]] prompted a [[Without_a_plea_for_mercy|great deal of discussion]] around the role of the cardinals in the [[Synod]].

==Responsibilities==
The Cardinal of Vigilance is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims dedicated to that virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of [[Vigilance]], and of [[The Way]] in general, so that they can speak with authority on matters related to the study of Vigilance, and of [[The Doctrines of the Faith|doctrine]]. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in Vigilance will often approach the Cardinal to plead [[clemency]] on their behalf, so a familiarity with the law may also prove helpful.

As a member of the Assembly of the Nine, the Cardinal of Vigilance can wield considerable influence over the politics of the Empire. In particular the Assembly has the power to [[veto]] any constitutional motion passed by the [[Senate]]. This allows the Assembly to uphold their constitutional obligation to "ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire".
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cardinal Vigilance 2.png|caption=The Cardinal of Vigilance often receives information from concerned citizens, keen to bring their attention to a threat to the Empire.|title= Silas of the Suns of Couros, Cardinal of Vigilance 379-380YE|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Powers==
===Cardinal of Vigilance===
The Cardinal of Vigilance has the powers common to all [[cardinal|cardinals]]: [[Cardinal#Member of the Assembly of Nine|membership]] of the Assembly of the Nine; the ability to call for [[Cardinal#Further Scrutiny|further scrutiny]] on a [[judgement]] raised in any assembly by a [[member of the Synod]] (rather than by the [[Tribune of the Synod|Tribunes]]); [[Cardinal#Appoint the Gatekeeper|appoint]] the [[gatekeeper]] of Vigilance and any other [[Imperial Title|titles]] designated as [[Cardinal#Virtuous Appointments|virtuous appointments]] selected by the Cardinal of the Assembly of Vigilance.
===Appointment===
A virtue title might be designed in such a way that it is appointed by the Cardinal alone. Currently they have the power to appoint the [[Gatekeeper]] of Vigilance, an important position that controls the distribution of [[liao#True Liao|true liao]].
===Additional Powers===
The Cardinal of Vigilance may possess additional powers, not shared with their fellow cardinals, either through the action of the [[Senate]] or through [[opportunity|opportunities]] presented to them. Occasionally, a particularly vigilant Imperial citizen may look specifically to the cardinal for inspiration, such as happened recently when the Silent Bell [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight#Embracing_the_Silence|sought the approval of the Synod]]. While the Assembly of the Nine ultimatley [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight#Ringing_the_Bell|went a different way]], the ability to direct these vigilant investigators ''could'' have been the [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight#Embracing_the_Silence|sole province]] of the Cardinal. Using such powers generally requires them to raise a [[judgement]] in the Assembly of the Nine.

==Appointment==
The Cardinal of Vigilance is appointed during the Spring Equinox by the Assembly of Vigilance, and must be a member of that assembly. Selection is by a judgement of [[appointment]] raised by the Tribune in the standard manner.

The elections for the cardinals are considered to be legally equivalent positions restricted by virtue. This means that if you change your virtue assembly then you must abstain from voting in a election if it occurs less than four events after the previous election in your previous virtue assembly. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility then you should consult the Tribune, or Merlot the civil service overseer of elections who can advise you.

The judgement to appoint a cardinal will typically close at 6pm on the Saturday of the summit. These times may differ if an unscheduled appointment is required but there are always at least three hours for nominations and three hours for voting. After that time, the candidate with the most support is declared cardinal.

The Cardinal of Vigilance serves until the next scheduled election for the title. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], or by the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|virtue assembly]] of Vigilance.

{{RecentElections|Cardinal_of_Vigilance}}
{{Synod Further Reading}}
[[Category:Title]]

388YE Spring Equinox Conclave sessions

2026-06-14T09:21:48Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category: Conclave]] [[Category: Conclave Sessions]] [[Category: 388YE Spring]]

==Precedence and the Font==
*'''The mana sent for distribution to the grandmasters following 387YE Winter was 96 mana.'''
*'''The mana remaining after distribution was 4 mana.'''
*'''The mana collected via the Principle of Proportions at 387YE Winter Conclave was 222 mana.'''
*'''The mana used to purchase the Rogue Declaration at 387YE Winter Conclave was 25 mana.'''
*'''Twenty mana was provided by Thule warlocks as part of their treaty obligations with the Empire.'''
* '''Fifteen mana was provided by the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid
*'''The mana available in the font for Conclave at 388YE Spring is 286 mana.'''
The members of each order in attendance at the end of the previous summit determine precedence for the following summit according to the [[Principle of Precedence]]. There was 96 mana in the font after the final Conclave session of the 387YE Winter Solstice. This was distributed to the grand masters of the Conclave according to the Principle of Precedence as per the table below.

This left 4 mana, which is added to the 222 mana collected at Conclave and the 25 mana from the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] at the previous event to form the font for the coming summit. The Conclave has access to a font of 286 mana at the 388YE Spring Equinox.
<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable"><tr><th>Order</th><th>Precedence</th><th>Members</th><th>Mana</th><th>Ilium</th></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Shuttered Lantern</td><td>1</td><td>111</td><td>15</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Rod and Shield</td><td>2</td><td>108</td><td>15</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Unfettered Mind</td><td>3</td><td>106</td><td>14</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Pyramid</td><td>4</td><td>98</td><td>13</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Sevenfold Path</td><td>5</td><td>94</td><td>13</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Chalice</td><td>6</td><td>91</td><td>12</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Celestial Arch</td><td>7</td><td>61</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>

==Friday==
===Candidacy: Gloaming Sentinel===
*'''Raised by:''' Fretek, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' Gloaming Sentinel
*'''Outcome:''' '''Raya 'Rye' Dredger''' was elected as the [[Gloaming Sentinel]]

===Acceptance: Counting House in Fisk===
*'''Raised by:''' Kaapo Kingfishering, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave invites the City of Gold and Lead to present a detailed proposal for a Counting House in Fisk, Kallavesa
*'''Outcome:''' Passed

===Candidacy: Archmage of Spring===
*'''Raised by:''' Emperor Vesna, as [[the Throne]]
* '''Declaration:''' Archmage of Spring
*'''Outcome:''' '''Arwydd Clearbramble''' was elected as the [[Archmage of Spring]]

===Enmity: Janon===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Tinder-of-Anarchy is an explosion waiting to go off. With hearts full of certainty, we move Blasphemy's Matchmaker to enmity, until such a time as we have a direction for our passion
*'''Outcome:''' Passed
* '''Notes:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]

===Dissemination: Aid Once More to Thania of the Blackstaff===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Sakari Nightscale, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Rod and Shield requests 'Aid Once More' is provided to Thania of the Blackstaff for 6 mithril
*'''Outcome:''' Failed

===Concord: Question Liaising with Eternals===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave questions the Synod's wisdom in the matter of speaking on behalf of eternals. Liaising with these entities is more helpful than heretical
*'''Outcome:''' Failed

===Enmity: Ossegrahn===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Ossegrahn -> Enmity
*'''Outcome:''' Passed

===Candidacy: Astral Arcanist===
*'''Raised by:''' Serenus Starsong, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' Consequence is the price of Ambition. The Star Names project broke the regio and we are working on the fix. I ask Conclave to confirm their confidence in the current Astral Arcanist
*'''Outcome:''' No candidate elected. [[Astral Arcanist]] is now vacant

==Saturday==
===Concord: Caution Territory and Empire Enchantments===
*'''Raised by:''' Casimir Pakkanovic Mislova, as [[Imperial Magus]]
* '''Declaration:''' Imperial magicians are one of the Empire's crowning glory, but also pose one of the greatest potential threats. Virtue is demonstrated in our actions, and while ambition has consequences, hubris is the enemy of virtue. Conclave reminds Imperial magicians of the consequences of casting territory and Imperial enchantments, consequences that are paid for by the unnamed citizens of the Empire, not by the magicians who cast it. Take pride in your magic, but remember your fellow citizens who will pay for your folly if things go wrong.
*'''Outcome:''' Passed
*'''Note:''' This declaration was raised first using the [[Imperial_Magus#The_Magus'_Precedence|Magus' Precedence]]

List of Criminal Offences

2026-06-13T13:38:58Z

Kirkbride: /* Crimes of Position */

==Overview==
The definitions of the crimes are brief, but this reflects the laws of the setting. Crimes are based on simple principles and are addressed by following the spirit of the law rather than complex technical arguments. The magistrates will do their best to interpret and apply the law with the pursuit of justice and the imperial interest as their goal. Justice is intended to be swift but fair and to be available to all without the need for lawyers to interpret what the law means to the ordinary citizen. Please note that the law usually refers to a "person" but who actually benefits from protection under the law can be found [[Imperial_Law_Overview|here]]. Any exceptions to this are referred to explicitly in the definitions below e.g. for treason.

==Crimes against the Person==
* Murder: Unlawful assault or other action against a person with intent to kill and which results in someone’s death.
* Manslaughter: Unlawful assault or other action against a person which results in someone’s death.
* Assault: Unlawfully striking a person.

There is a traditional defence to an assault charge which applies where unwelcome visitors who refuse to leave your camp are cut down, removed from camp and then provided with sufficient medical assistance to avoid permanent injury. One who is accused of assault but wishes to claim this defence should plead not guilty if it goes to trial. However, if the magistrate decides that the accused’s behaviour was unreasonable they will be found guilty.

Remember that persons who consent to do so can fight each other without fear of legal sanction, provided that nobody is seriously hurt and they are not causing a public order issue.
* Mayhem: Unlawfully maiming or mutilating a person.
* Poisoning: Introducing or applying a poisonous substance or effect to a person which causes them harm.
* False Imprisonment: Unlawfully detaining a person against their will. Suspects must be directly supervised during any period of lawful custody.
* Malsanguino: Willfully preventing someone from receiving medical attention with the intention of causing them harm.
Note that malsanguino does not apply where somebody simply refuses to provide medical attention.
* Slavery: Unlawfully holding the power of life and liberty over any person. The direct [[Amend_crime_of_slavery|purchase]] and sale of slaves is also illegal but this does not encompass the repatriation or ransoming of Imperial citizens.

It is worth noting that [[Orc|orcs]] were redefined as people when they became [[Imperial Orcs|a nation of the Empire]]. Whether a person is a citizen or not is irrelevant, so it is also illegal to enslave barbarian orcs. In Winter 382 the constitution was amended as part of the [[Ratify_Liberty_Pact|Liberty Pact]] to define hylje and daeva as people.

A note on piracy: Although there is currently no crime specifically relating to acts of piracy, in practice this activity falls under the crimes of assault, theft, criminal damage, murder and so on. Be aware that acts of piracy committed against [[Imperial_Law_Overview#Individuals and the law|foreigners]] by imperial citizens will be investigated as criminal acts.

==Crimes of Property==
* Theft: Dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it. The burden is on the accused to satisfy the magistrate as to their intention to return the property.
* Handling Stolen Goods: Receiving or disposing of goods which you know or believe to be stolen.
* Counterfeiting: The falsifying, or unlawfully creating or amending of an imperial document or legal tender.
* Criminal Damage: Unlawfully destroying or damaging any property either belonging to another person or to the Empire. Magistrates often refuse to bring to trial cases involving accidents or claims of negligence, preferring such cases to be held in the civil courts. Criminal damage to Imperial property is almost always dealt with in the criminal courts however.
* Possession or supply of controlled substances or items:
** It is illegal to carry the substance [[Legacy of Thorns#Gutwrench|gutwrench]].
**The [[Potion#Poisons|poisons]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] using the lores of [[The Assassin's Gate]], [[The Winter Moon]], and [[The Last Resort]] are likewise illegal.
**The blasphemous [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|musical instruments]] known as Drums of Strife, Harbinger of Chaos, and Horns of Madness are illegal.
**The drugs [[Create_law_prohibiting_Bite|"Bite"]] and [[385YE Winter Solstice Senate sessions#Criminalise Ocean's Caress|"Ocean's Caress"]] are also illegal.
*[[Outlaw Vallorn cultivation|Vallorn cultivation]]: It is illegal to cultivate vallorn. Note: Magical interactions with vallorn may fall under the Conclave's constitutional remit to ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire. Magistrates who investigate a potential offence of vallorn cultivation will seek expert testimony from the Conclave in cases where the position is unclear. For example, planting or tending a vallorn is very likely to be interpreted to be vallorn cultivation but harvesting magical ingredients from a naturally occurring vallorn pod may or may not be.
*[[Outlaw foreign True Liao trade|Trade of true liao to foreigners]]: It is illegal to trade [[Liao#True_Liao|true liao]] to anyone who is not an Imperial citizen. [[Amend_law_regarding_foreign_True_Liao_trade|However]], the distribution of true liao by the gatekeepers of virtue, for no payment, does not constitute "Trade" for this purpose.
* [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Iron_Confederacy|Liao trade to the Iron Confederacy]]: It is illegal for imperial citizens to sell or trade liao to the Iron Confederacy via ports or the Suranni-Imperial border.
*[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Create_law_criminalising_Semmerlak_items|Semmerlak items]]: It is illegal to own, take, or sell any object from the depths of [[The Semmerlak|the Semmerlak]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2">'''Narcotics prohibited to trade with Iron Confederacy'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Ancestor's Word]] </td><td> [[Philtre of Strength]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bite </td><td> [[Radiant Transcendence]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Black Star]] </td><td> [[Ravenwing Infusion]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Bronze Spider Balsam]] </td><td> [[Shadowcrow Infusion]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Chiaroscuran Balsam]] </td><td> [[Skar's Strength]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cognos </td><td> [[Skop's Mead]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Decoction of the Hungry Moon]] </td><td> [[Sorrow's Mask]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Dragon's Blood]] </td><td> Stoneheart Syrup </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Effulgent Primessence]] </td><td> [[Suffusion of Blood]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Elixir of Exalted Puissance]] </td><td> [[Talonvine Infusion]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Essence of Verdigris]] </td><td> [[The Barren Watchtower]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Firewine]] </td><td> [[The Elixir of Empyrean Art]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Goldencrown]] </td><td> [[The Philtre of Heavenly Lore]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Goosewhisper Infusion]] </td><td> [[Tincture of the Whipped Cur]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Indomitable Might]] </td><td> [[Tisane of the Stuttering Fool]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Ironblood Tonic]] </td><td> [[Tonic of Sunlit Glass]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jadebloom Petals </td><td> [[Tonic of Surging Flame]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Leaden Quicksilver]] </td><td> [[Tonic of the Distant Shore]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Legionnaire's Will]] </td><td> [[True liao]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Liao]] </td><td> [[Usher's Decoction]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Lucent Quintessence]] </td><td> [[Vernal Balm]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Mageblood]] </td><td> [[Warming Armour]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Magpie Infusion]] </td><td> [[Waywalker's Suffusion]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moondust </td><td> [[Weakening Sun]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Oakenhide Tonic]] </td><td> [[Winterskin Tonic]] </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ocean's Caress </td><td> Yellow Lotus </td></tr>
<tr><td> [[Philosopher's Stone]] </td><td></td></tr> </table></div>
*[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_the_Iron_Confederacy|Narcotics trade to the Iron Confederacy]]: The sale of export of any and all narcotics to the Iron Confederacy is prohibited. The magistrates interpret this to mean any drug that affects mood or behaviour and whose function is not medical treatment. Note: Although this was passed with the intention of a three year term, this law will stand until it is actively repealed by the Senate. The magistrates have compiled a list of known narcotics that may not be exported to the Iron Confederacy. If other narcotics are identified by the magistrates later, they will be added to the list.
*[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Cannibalism|Cannibalism]]: It is illegal to disburse, trade, sell or consume the flesh of the sapient denizens of the mortal realm. This has specific implications for Sarcophan funerary traditions and the Sarcophan drug "visivlees" which is made from the flesh of sapient creatures.

==Crimes of Position==
* Treason: Aiding barbarians, [[eternal|eternals]] or foreign powers to act against the interests of the Empire. Committing an assault against the emperor or empress. Only citizens and former citizens of the Empire may be charged with treason. There is some magistrate's guidance on interactions with eternals [[treason guidance|here]]. We do not prosecute bona fide ransoms for exchange of prisoners as such prosecutions are judged not to be within the imperial interest.
* Impersonation of an Imperial Official: Falsely and dishonestly claiming to be a senator, civil servant, member of the militia etc. Any person who with intent to deceive impersonates an official of the Empire or does any act calculated falsely to suggest that they are, shall be found guilty of this crime.
* Dereliction of Duty: Volunteering for an imperial duty and then failing to carry it out through neglect or cowardice. Members of the Militia are expected to act in accordance with their duties when they observe a crime in progress or about to occur. Anyone who takes the battlefield and then shows conspicuous cowardice in the face of the enemy may also be tried for this offence. This offence does not relate to the abuse of an imperial position, which is within the remit of the Synod.
* Membership of an Illegal Organisation: being a member of an organisation which has been banned by the Senate. In some instances, the Senate has placed additional restrictions.
** It is [[Create_law_outlawing_the_Vyig|illegal]] to be a member of the [[Vyig]], or to bear their tattoos.
** It is [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Make_membership_of_Hand_of_Dumon_a_crime|illegal]] to be a member of the Hand of Dumon, or to aid them.
** It is [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Cult_of_the_Falconer|illegal]] to be a member of the Cult of the Falconer.
** It is [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Disciples_of_Sulemaine|illegal]] to be a member of the Disciples of Sulemaine.

==Crimes against the Processes of the State==
* Contempt of Court: any behaviour which impedes the proper operation of the legal process. For example, being disruptive during a trial or disrespectful of the magistrate's authority, failing to attend court (or any other relevant meeting with a magistrate), and failing to obey the lawful order of a magistrate.
* Perverting the Course of Justice: any behaviour calculated to unduly affect the course of the judicial process. For example, bearing false witness, making false allegations, concealing offences or assisting others to evade arrest, interference with witnesses or evidence and evading, withholding or perverting a lawful punishment.
* Subverting agencies of the state: any behaviour which contravenes or subverts the constitutionally protected procedures or powers of an agency of the state.

''For example:'' rigging or ineligible participation in the national election of senators (such as a yeofolk disguising their identity to enter a grand tourney for the position of knight-protector), a senator entering the Military Council to interfere with their military strategies, a member of the synod being refused the right to witness (without cause), a failure to attend lawful inquisition, ignoring the decision of an [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|identified citizen]] to go through the Sentinel Gate and so on. This crime does not apply to the abuse of constitutionally granted powers by the person or body who is entitled to wield them.

* Resisting Arrest: Any course of action with the intent to oppose a lawful arrest.
* Contravening a [[Declaration#Declaration of Sorcery|Declaration of Sorcery]]: breaching the [[Sorcery|prohibitions]] placed upon a sorcerer is a serious crime.
* Contravening a [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction|Declaration of Interdiction]]: breaching the [[Interdiction|prohibitions]] placed upon interdicted magic is a serious crime.
*Improper placement of an aura on the senate building: The placing of an aura on the senate building without prior explicit permission from the Senate.
*Improper placement of an aura on the civil service hub: The placing of an aura on the civil service hub without prior explicit permission from the magistrates and civil servants.

==Religious Crimes==
The Synod defines certain acts as religious crimes through the judgement of [[proscription]], which are then enforced by the magistrates.
* [[Religious_Crimes#Idolatry|Idolatry]]: Subsuming human will and destiny to any inhuman entity or force. This includes the worship, veneration or exaltation of any such being or power.
* [[Religious_Crimes#Blasphemy|Blasphemy]]:The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings, or example, of false exemplars or False Paragons.
* [[Religious_Crimes#Heresy|Heresy]]: The willful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.
* [[Religious_Crimes#Abuse_of_Powers|Abuse of Powers]]: The misuse, or abuse, of the powers of a priest. This includes the powers of the Synod, as well as liao ceremonies.
* [[Religious_Crimes#Desecration|Desecration]]: The removal of spontaneously created virtuous auras such as legacies of ascendance to paragonhood. This includes such auras arising on areas and objects, and on those people who do not wished them removed. The magistrates' interpretation is that in order for this law to accord with constitutional principles it must be tried as a religious crime and accordingly any prosecution requires condemnation by the appropriate synod assembly.

==What isn’t a criminal offence?==
* '''Fraud:''' Dishonesty calculated for personal gain. However be aware that a victim might raise a civil case in these circumstances.
* '''Blackmail:''' Using threats to make a gain or to cause a loss to another.
* '''Bribery:''' Anyone can try to pay another citizen to get them to do as they wish without breaking the law - however it is a serious offence to attempt to pervert the course of justice
* '''Slander and Libel:''' Making disparaging and false statements about another in public.
* '''Use of magic:''' Using magic on another person is never in and of itself a crime. However if the effect of the magic meets the definition of a crime then the fact that this effect was achieved by magic is no defence. ''For example,'' a curse of poverty doesn't meet the definition of any criminal offence but a death curse most certainly does. The Conclave are responsible for overseeing the proper operation of magic and have powers which allow them to both take action against those who use it [[Sorcery|inappropriately]] and to [[Endorsement|endorse]] magical acts to prevent them from being treated as crimes by the magistrates.

==Five things about criminal offences==
* '''Attempt to Commit a Crime:''' An attempt to commit a crime will be tried in the same way as if they had committed the crime but may (or may not) result in a lesser sentence.
* '''Aiding and Abetting of Crime:''' Encouraging, soliciting or helping with the perpetration of a crime. This will be tried in the same way as if the accused had committed the crime but may (or may not) result in a lesser sentence.
* '''Consent:''' It is possible for willing participants to give consent so that what would otherwise be crimes being committed against them are not. ''For example:'' two individuals who have agreed to spar with weapons would not be guilty of assault for striking each other. It is considered wise to make such terms clear in the event that there is a disagreement later. While duelling is permitted it is not possible to consent to your own murder (but a priest for the surviving party might make a plea for clemency based on the reasons for the duel).
* '''Lawful Arrest:''' If an ordinary citizen or member of the militia who believes another person has committed a crime apprehends them, then the law provides some protection against crimes (for example, assault) associated with this act. However, if a magistrate decides that their actions were disproportionate or that it was not reasonable to believe that the person apprehended had committed a crime then this protection will not apply. If a citizen wishes to claim this defence at trial then they should plead not guilty.
* '''Self-defence:''' If a person reasonably believes that their property or the safety of themselves or others is in immediate jeopardy then they may use reasonable force in order to protect them. If someone wishes to claim this defence at trial then they should plead not guilty. The magistrate will determine whether their behaviour was reasonable and if she decides that it was not then the accused will be found guilty. Claims of self-defence will also fail where the accused is already engaged on a course of criminal activity or is subject to lawful arrest. Using a claim of self-defence to justify protecting a barbarian will very likely fail unless the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused reasonably believed that the victim was entitled to [[Imperial_Law_Overview#Individuals and the law|protection under the law]].

{{Crime Links}}

[[Category:The Law]]
[[Category:The Empire]]

388YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-13T10:17:50Z

Kirkbride: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulus, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#She_Knows_My_Name|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#Whatever_happened_to_Mendicant_Garev_(this_time)?|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[Ripple_of_echoes#Queen_Igraine's_Regio|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 13 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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 Spring Equinox Conclave sessions

2026-06-12T23:26:26Z

Kirkbride: /* Candidacy: Astral Arcanist */

388YE Spring Equinox Conclave sessions

2026-06-12T23:13:57Z

Kirkbride:

388YE Spring Equinox Conclave sessions

2026-06-12T23:13:37Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category: Conclave]] [[Category: Conclave Sessions]] [[Category: 388YE Spring]]

==Precedence and the Font==
*'''The mana sent for distribution to the grandmasters following 387YE Winter was 96 mana.'''
*'''The mana remaining after distribution was 4 mana.'''
*'''The mana collected via the Principle of Proportions at 387YE Winter Conclave was 222 mana.'''
*'''The mana used to purchase the Rogue Declaration at 387YE Winter Conclave was 25 mana.'''
*'''Twenty mana was provided by Thule warlocks as part of their treaty obligations with the Empire.'''
* '''Fifteen mana was provided by the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid
*'''The mana available in the font for Conclave at 388YE Spring is 286 mana.'''
The members of each order in attendance at the end of the previous summit determine precedence for the following summit according to the [[Principle of Precedence]]. There was 96 mana in the font after the final Conclave session of the 387YE Winter Solstice. This was distributed to the grand masters of the Conclave according to the Principle of Precedence as per the table below.

This left 4 mana, which is added to the 222 mana collected at Conclave and the 25 mana from the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] at the previous event to form the font for the coming summit. The Conclave has access to a font of 286 mana at the 388YE Spring Equinox.
<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable"><tr><th>Order</th><th>Precedence</th><th>Members</th><th>Mana</th><th>Ilium</th></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Shuttered Lantern</td><td>1</td><td>111</td><td>15</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Rod and Shield</td><td>2</td><td>108</td><td>15</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Unfettered Mind</td><td>3</td><td>106</td><td>14</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Pyramid</td><td>4</td><td>98</td><td>13</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Sevenfold Path</td><td>5</td><td>94</td><td>13</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Chalice</td><td>6</td><td>91</td><td>12</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grandmaster of the Order of the Celestial Arch</td><td>7</td><td>61</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>

==Friday==
===Candidacy: Gloaming Sentinel===
*'''Raised by:''' Fretek, on behalf of the [[Golden Pyramid]]
* '''Declaration:''' Gloaming Sentinel
*'''Outcome:''' '''Raya 'Rye' Dredger''' was elected as the [[Gloaming Sentinel]]

===Acceptance: Counting House in Fisk===
*'''Raised by:''' Kaapo Kingfishering, on behalf of the [[Celestial Arch]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave invites the City of Gold and Lead to present a detailed proposal for a Counting House in Fisk, Kallavesa
*'''Outcome:''' Passed

===Candidacy: Archmage of Spring===
*'''Raised by:''' Emperor Vesna, as [[the Throne]]
* '''Declaration:''' Archmage of Spring
*'''Outcome:''' '''Arwydd Clearbramble''' was elected as the [[Archmage of Spring]]

===Enmity: Janon===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Tinder-of-Anarchy is an explosion waiting to go off. With hearts full of certainty, we move Blasphemy's Matchmaker to enmity, until such a time as we have a direction for our passion
*'''Outcome:''' Passed
* '''Notes:''' This declaration was raised under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|veil of night]]

==Dissemination: Aid Once More to Thania of the Blackstaff===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Sakari Nightscale, on behalf of the [[Rod and Shield]]
* '''Declaration:''' The Rod and Shield requests 'Aid Once More' is provided to Thania of the Blackstaff for 6 mithril
*'''Outcome:''' Failed

==Concord: Question Liaising with Eternals===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] The Dread Auntie, on behalf of the [[Unfettered Mind]]
* '''Declaration:''' Conclave questions the Synod's wisdom in the matter of speaking on behalf of eternals. Liaising with these entities is more helpful than heretical
*'''Outcome:''' Failed

===Enmity: Ossegrahn===
*'''Raised by:''' [[Grandmaster]] Elagabala, on behalf of the [[Silver Chalice]]
* '''Declaration:''' Ossegrahn -> Enmity
*'''Outcome:''' Passed

===Candidacy: Astral Arcanist===
*'''Raised by:''' Serenus Starsong, on behalf of the [[Shuttered Lantern]]
* '''Declaration:''' Consequence is the price of Ambition. The Star Names project broke the regio and we are working on the fix. I ask Conclave to confirm their confidence in the current Astral Arcanist
*'''Outcome:''' No candidate elected. [[Astral Arcanist]] is now vacant

388YE Spring Equinox Conclave sessions

2026-06-12T22:27:13Z

Kirkbride:

Deep blue sea

2026-06-12T10:44:18Z

Kirkbride: /* Nightfall (Spiral) */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dark blue sky.jpg|caption=Sky mirrors sea mirrors sky, as sails fill with wind and ships fly over waves churned up by war.|align=left|width=4300}}</div>
==Mountain and Shore==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/C6g13JJ-SpA?si=Ysf3f93TKq2tkQ6K}}
Spring comes to the mountains. Flowers open, and the clouds are heavy with nurturing rain (and above them the constellations seethe and boil, to those who know how to look at such things). The waters of Redoubt shimmer with [[Spring magic]], the [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the streams and pool in the high mountain lakes. As Winter begins to fade, the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] leave the foothills, and head north into [[Zenith]], to fight different battles. The [[Black Thorns]] and [[Argent Sword]] are joined by the [[Wolves of War]]. After a day or so to compare strategy and agree on their approach, the three armies hurl themselves forward into Siluri, without compromise or caution, to smash the Grendel forces occupying southern Redoubt and reclaim the territory.

They find the barbarians of the Broken Shore in full retreat. They withdraw quickly, efficiently, back towards the coast, towards the port of Elos. They are already moving even as the Empire’s armies begin their push south. There are few engagements - perhaps a warband of raiders lingers a little too long in their enthusiasm to loot the spires of Siluri. Perhaps an unfortunate accident sees a cohort of mercenaries stuck on the wrong side of a fallen bridge (things go awry for the just and the unjust alike). Such fights are quick, decisive, and largely one-sided.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px">
{{CaptionedImage|file=BlackThorns_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=WolvesofWar_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ArgentSword_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 350px;">
<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">My Thorns. The Empire has heard our cry for aid and answered. Therunin will not fall. We are to be unleashed upon the Grendel, a tide of blood that will overwhelm the Salt Lords and push them into the sea. Take pride in what you are Thorns, take Pride in how you fight. Remember, you cannot betray your enemies.</quote>
<quote by="Jean d'Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Free companies, Redoubt awaits. The Salt Lords squat on stolen wealth, we march to collect their debts. Iron bites, loyalty binds. Cups full, pikes low. Let the surf carry what remains of them out to sea. What they took, we reclaim. What they built, we break. The Bay of Catazar is ours to claim. Let's go take it.</quote>
<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">This far and no more. Children of the Autumn realm, this season you will work hard for your pay. You are the conduit of my cold rage - no more of my people will die, no more of our spires will fall. The Grendel have pillaged and destroyed as much of Redoubt as I will stand. The Grendel have wounded my siblings in Wintermark and the League with their maggotry. Now we put them to the sword - We smash them with our Iron and steel. We will unleash the merciless fury of the Autumn Realm to annihilate the Grendel and Asavean scum. Death to the Grendel. No Mercy.</quote></div>

Through Siluri, beneath the shadow of the great mountain that gives the region its name. Into Naris, where the would-be city-port of Elos stands. There are more Grendel in the lowlands, but they hurry south rather than stand and fight. Even as the Empire’s scouts reach the vantage points that will let them see the shore, the Grendel are departing. The last soldiers boarding the azure-sailed ships of the Simoom navy, and then they are gone. The masters of Attar have abandoned the land they claimed in Redoubt.

The scars of their assault will take time to heel. They have ruthlessly raided the spires, especially their libraries of lore and the quiet places where crystal mana is harvested. They leave the Tower of Light and Darkness in ruins, the unique regio tied to it flickering and wounded like a great beached whale.

As to Elos itself… the Grendel intended to destroy this place, of that there is no doubt. If not for the sacrifice of the Fist of the Mountains it would be rubble already, rent apart by the power of Siakha. The destruction of their crystallised storm, stolen from the ruins of the Temple of Tempest Jade, seems to have stymied their scheme to wreck the coastal town. That is not to say that Elos is untouched, Quite the contrary. The invaders have taken everything they can lay their hands on, everything that was not hidden away. Yet wealth can be replenished, art recreated, stores restored. Much harder to replace are the people. It seems that rumours that the Salt Lords are reconsidering their position on slavery may have been a little overstated.

Or perhaps not entirely. They have not taken Urizen at random from their beds. There is no suggestion they are looking to fill their salt mines with tormented labourers. The kidnapping has been precise, disciplined. Two dozen of Elos’ finest arcane scholars, and as much of their families as could be found, loaded onto ships heading back toward the Broken Shore. Half a dozen shipwrights and woodshapers; two glassmongers and a recognised expert in the cutting of lightstone. A pinpoint looting of sages and craftsfolk, as one League captain describes it.

The [[Elosian_Architect#Great_Harbour_at_Elos|Great Harbour]] is mostly untouched, the piers and cranes, the docks and the quays intact. There is, however, something in the air. A pressure, as if a storm were about to break, as if the clouds pressed low even in a clear sky. Perhaps the Grendel are keen to be away before whatever tempest is coming breaks. At first there is no explanation for it, but then night falls and a partial explanation becomes apparent. The harbour is marked by thirty-six obelisks topped with pristine lightstones, marking out the astronomantic constellations of [[the Stallion]], [[the Door]], and [[the Great Wyrm]]. As the last light of the day leeches away from the horizon, the lightstones explode into breathtaking prismatic displays of light across Elos. Imperial soldiers fear at first that this is some terrible trap left behind by the Grendel, a destructive force waiting in the stones to be unleashed. But the newly liberated Urizen explain that it has been happening most nights for the last several months. The light brings strange dreams, and makes it difficult to sleep, but does not appear to be dangerous. Some glance quickly upwards, shake their heads, put forward their own theories about what is happening. With the coming of the sun in morning, the lightshow falters and breaks apart and the lightstones return to normal. Until the next sunset at least.

The Grendel are gone. Siluri and Naris are once again in Imperial hands. They are diminished - so much has been taken in the six months the barbarians held the port. For now at least, however, the Grendel are gone.
<div style="float:left; width: 350px;"><quote by="Azshur Alasdhar, Admiral of the Tempest">We fly now on the winds of victory to Madruga, where the arrogant Freeborn play at being sailors. Our rich prize shall be the Red Wind, named in mockery of the winds of Sheanduir. We will take their ships, and what we choose not to claim we will sink. Whether they be at sea, or hiding on the unprotected docks of Calvos, we will bring them to ruin as the brinetalon brings ruin to the rockpools. We will remind them once again that our mastery of the Bay is not to be questioned and perhaps this time the lesson will sink in...</quote></div>
==As The Gull Flies==
Even as the armies of the Empire are moving into the foothills of Siluri, the Grendel are on the move. They are joined by five Asavean warships, allies sent by the Plenum to make war on their enemies in the Empire. ‘’Wind Tamer’’, ‘’Venger’s Blade’’, and ‘’Balo’s Grace’’ are joined by the priests of the Red Goddess aboard the ‘’Blade of Tides’’, and by ‘’Sacpia’s Wrath’’, the flagship of that militaristic Plenum family. Five warships and their auxiliary vessels, a devastating fist of maritime war that together is a match for the destructive power of the green-sailed Tempest and the blue-sailed Simoon that they sail alongside.

Past the shores of Necropolis, and the vigilant watchers of Reumah’s Redoubt they come. Through the southern waters of Sarvos, where the Chain against Chains keeps guard. Could these mighty [[fortification|fortifications]] withstand this legion of ships, should they turn their eyes shoreward? Today, at least, the Empire does not need to find out. A few merchant vessels are caught up in their swift advance, like krill in the maw of a great whale, disappearing as if they were never there. But they do not slow their breakneck pace. They seem single-minded, focused on their destination.
{{CaptionedImage|file=dolphin.png|align=right|width=200}}
They come then to Madruga, to Calvos Sound. The Grendel ships raise their warflags, their sails filled with the winds of war. The Asaveans begin to pound their drums, deploying their slave-driven oars. Into Calvos Sound they come, spreading out like a net to catch a very particular fish and… they find their prey has already sped away already.

There’s no doubt what their aim is here; their scouts quickly seek out the town of Calvos but do not come closer than the spyglass forces them. They are looking, searching, but they are too late. The Red Wind Corsairs are not here. Through the lenses of their own glasses, by purest chance, a Freeborn from Calvos marks the moment when the admiral of the Tempest learns that the Red Wind has blown south. If their story is to be believed, the Admiral punches the messenger in the jaw and must be restrained from doing further violence by two of their own lieutenants. A pretty story, and of doubtful authenticity, but it spreads quickly.

Even as the Grendel navies began to move, the Red Wind was calmly sailing south through the coastal waters of Lightsea, and across the Bay of Siroc into Feroz. There, they began to put-to-port at Oran. The ships dock, the soldiers and the corsairs disembark, orderly, almost leisurely. The naval force becomes an army once more, corsair vessels scattering until such time as they are called upon again to serve their people.

At first the Grendel look as if they intend to pursue. Their armada pushes into the narrow passage between the beaches of Lightsea and the chaos of Free Landing, but then they pull back. The winds are against them, and the risk of becoming overextended apparently too great. The Asavean warships continue a little further, under oars, into Siroc bay, but then they too turn back. The invaders rest at anchor off Calvos Sound - far enough away that they are not in danger of attack from any landborne defences. Perhaps they are hoping the Corsairs will return north for some reason. Perhaps they are arguing about whether to assail the shores of Madruga - shores that are broadly unprotected after all. But it seems the commands of the Salt Lords are clear, whatever they may be.
Watchers on the shore, and in the higher towers of Calvos, observe the Grendel force day and night. They mark the great sharks, and tempest heralds, and dozen or so pirate vessels that issue from Free Landing on the night of the new moon to pick at the outermost vessels of the fleet - and note how the disciplined navy quickly dispatches these arrogant attackers. Likewise, barbarian scouts draw close to the coast. A few Madrugan merchant vessels fall foul of them, but most quickly divert their path to take them first south then east. While they may show a great deal of interest in the construction site of the [[Construct Municipal Docks|municipal docks]] at Calvos Sound, the armada remains at sea, their allies with them. Once it becomes clear there will be no attack, at least not this season, the Freeborn of Madruga go back to their day-to-day lives.

<div style="float:right; width: 350px;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, Admiral-General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Brave Corsairs! The Empire Salutes your victory and your courage! Now the true work lies before us. Take to land in Oranseri, Quit the Bay, Deny the Grendel blood and Victory, forever sow doubt in their dominion of the Bay of Catazar.</quote></div>
==Feroz==
The Red Wind Corsairs disembark at Oran, becoming an army once more. There is a celebration in the streets, the soldiers and sailors are feted by the folk of the port. A night of revelry puts a little colour back into the battered town, lifts spirits. Tales swirl around the town of how the Red Wind slipped out of the grasp of the Grendel, laughed at their strategies, and waits ready to once again take to the waves when the Broken Shore least expects it.

A few more dour heads, sunk in their cups, talk about how close death was on their heels. If the Red Wind had sought to disembark at Calvos, things would have been different, they say. Two full Grendel navies and five elite Asavean warships… there might have been a bloodbath. Vulnerable while betwixt land and sea, even with the support of Imperial fleets they might have faced destruction at the hands of their enemies. Their pessimism is largely drowned out by toast after toast raised to the cunning of the Admiral-General, to the cleverness of the corsairs, to the wily ways of the soldiers of the Red Wind.

There are orc soldiers from the Protectorate of Morajasse in Oran, and with them the potential for violence blossoms. There are those on both sides who have lost friends and comrades to the other. The air turns chill when soldiers of the Red Wind and the veterans of Commander Gallum’s protectorate meet. The orcs hold themselves apart from the festivities, for the most part, and if they are excited by the news of the Grendel armada to the north, they do not show it. The garrison soldiers returning to Mora’s Rock no doubt bear news of the Red Wind’s presence, but if Commander Gallum is concerned about the presence of an Imperial army in Feroz… well that is his business. For their part the orcs keep to their agreement with the Senate, patrolling the shores of Feroz and keeping watch and ready to engage any incursion from the Children of Wrecks or the Suranni.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px">
{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Across the straits from Oranseri, the Iron Confederacy remains impassive. A few civilian ships visit the ports along the Brass Coast of Feroz, looking to trade. Likely there are a few spies among them; for the most part though their interest seems purely mercantile. Where they can they buy provisions and gewgaws with carefully rationed handfuls of Imperial coinage, then return to the isles of Cazar. There is speculation about what might happen if the Grendel armada had tried to come south. Would the Iron Confederacy have fought them? Would the barbarians have sought to engage the Suranni? Would their pinpoint focus on the Red Wind have left them vulnerable? Hard to say.

The Children of Wrecks are gone; hunted and driven out by the Suranni and with no berth along the shores of Feroz that will take them. The territory is… if not peaceful, at least quiet.
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has reclaimed the conquered regions of Redoubt'''
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs have successfully returned to being an army'''
Imperial forces have reclaimed Siluri and Naris, in Redoubt, returning the territory completely to the Empire's control. While the spires in these regions have been looted, and several dozen Urizen have been kidnapped by the Grendel, the territory is mostly undamaged. The exception is the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] which was [[To_ruin#Battle_Opportunity_:_All_That_is_Gold|devastated by the Grendel]] during the Autumn Equinox. The Tilphussian Reach which provided power to the tower has been disrupted by [[Day magic]] and if and when it settles back down again it is unlikely to do so in the same configuration.

The [[Quaymaster_of_the_Hesychian_Docks#Hesychian_Docks|Hesychian Docks]] and [[Elosian_Architect#Great_Harbour_at_Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]] have both reopened. The [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] and the [[Elosian Architect]] will both be able to use their [[ministry|ministries]] following the Spring Equinox. The normal election cycle for these titles resumes.

The Red Wind Corsairs have completed their [[Army_qualities#Forayer|take to the land]] manoeuvre and are once again an [[army]], in Feroz. The Iron Confederacy continues to control the Cazar Straits, and the Protectorate of Morajasse remains in the west. The Empire maintains overall control of Feroz.

There has been no sign of [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], however [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Winter|word]] from [[Khobel Tavah]] is that they are "''entirely physically safe and will remain so indefinitely.''"

==Opportunity : Fist of the Mountain==
With Elos once again in Imperial hands, there is an [[opportunity]] to raise the banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] in the port-town in honour of the [[Wintermark]] soldiers who gave their lives to protect it. You can read about the opportunity in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

==Conjunctions==
===Warp in the Air (Madruga) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GMRodandShield.jpg|caption='''Sakari Nightscale''', Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A company of Grendel are trying to establish a camp in the Crucible'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the dire astacids'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Drakespawn are a company of Grendel who are quite peculiar in their proclivities. Adept Spring ritualists, they have spent the last two decades trying to “improve” the [[Dire Astacid|dire astacid]] – often to their own detriment. They have finally struck upon what they consider to be a solid idea, in the not-so-solid [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]]. They have brought with them a breeding pair of the creatures and are taking them into the strange and magical region. Unfortunately, their path takes them directly through the [[Made_anew#Camp_of_the_Sand_Crab|Camp of the Sand Crab]].

If they are not stopped, they will capture, or more likely kill, the guard at the camp - rendering it useless until rebuilt - and move on. They will be lost to the enigmatic wilds, and over time the dire astacids will begin to pose a real threat in the region. As the camp was granted to the [[Rod and Shield]], it is the responsibility of the [[Grandmaster]], '''Sakari Nightscale''', to kill the pair of creatures.

<box><big>'''Echo of Transformation'''</big><br>
* '''This area of the Crucible is under a powerful magical effect'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible is affected by a roleplaying effect: "<span style="color:#800080">You feel an urge to prove yourself as beyond your peers.</span>" unless they have some way to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible has two additional personal mana if they have the magician skill ''and'' they do not overcome the roleplaying effect'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible has one additional hero point if they have the hero skill ''and'' they do not overcome the roleplaying effect'''
Being in the strangeness of the Crucible leaves a strange feeling of certainty and flux, which can be distracting to anyone who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome this feeling is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. A [[merrow]] can also draw on their calm nature to overcome the dangerous, heady feeling.</box>

===Nightfall (Spiral) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OblivionSentinel.png|caption=Floria Sunshaper, Oblivion Sentinel|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A merchant company of Grendel were hired to threaten holdings in Apulus'''
* '''The merchant company were ill-equipped to deal with the oppressive malignancy of the {{Black Plateau}}
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Oblivion Sentinel'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for claiming '''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Vorlach Adventurers are a mercenary company of Grendel who [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|attacked]] the [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] only last season. They have been hired by ''Eilidh'', maistir of the Haurlatch Iron Consortium, to once again launch a raid on an Imperial holding and sow discord in the area. Eilidh even funded the use of a pair of [[Dire Astacid|dire astacid]] to help run roughshod over any Imperial defence. Unfortunately, the maistir of the Haurlatch Iron Consortium chose to direct them at Spiral, and they were ill-equipped to handle the malignancy of the {{Black Plateau}}. The company has splintered into groups, with the dire astacid roaming between them, leaving them ripe for picking.

There is no Imperial structure under threat here, but there is an opportunity. If the [[Oblivion Sentinel]] can take down the mercenary company, then they will be able to claim the pay – a sum totalling a comfortable twelve thrones – and do with it what they wish. As the Vorlach Adventurers are a mercenary company, it is possible that if things go wrong and there are Imperials down behind enemy lines, it might be possible to barter for them back. But the civil service advise that such a cost is likely to be steep.

<box><big>'''{{Black Plateau}}'''</big><br>
All characters on the 'Nightfall'' skirmish will be under the effect of [[Calls#WEAKNESS|WEAKNESS]] that cannot be removed whilst on the skirmish and experience heightened emotions unless they:
* Expend a hero point upon entering the area
* Are subject to an anointing
* Overcome the oppression using their [[Cambion#Roleplaying_Cambion|cambion]] lineage
* Are bonded to a magical item or have a ritual enchantment that mitigates effects like these
</box>

===A Box Opens (Feroz)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Master of Fleets.jpg|caption='''Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra''', Corsair of Oran|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A company of Grendel are resting before returning to their ship'''
* '''The Silver Runnel stole the Brazen Links from the village of Escambal during the rule of Governor Rahab'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Corsair of Oran'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the Brazen Links'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Even as the Grendel armada was foiled by the speed and wit of the Freeborn, a few cunning ships managed to keep pace with the Red Wind Corsairs. The Silver Runnel managed to skirt around the Suranni and make it as far as Oranseri, making anchor south of Escambal; a small village between Joharra and Bramar. The Silver Runnel are well known to the residents of Escambal, often shipping produce from the village and beyond for the now-deceased Governor Rahab.

Part of the ongoing resentment, other than their being Grendel and working for the much-despised Rahab, is that they were permitted to plunder what they wanted from Escambal so long as they kept the inhabitants subdued. One of the first things they claimed was the ''Brazen Links'', an incredibly mundane but nevertheless sentimental necklace worn by the founder of the village when it was first settled centuries ago. The leader of the Silver Runnels still wears it to this day, as proof of their audacity. If the [[Corsair of Oran]], '''Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra''', can kill the Grendel, claim the Brazen Links, and return it to the egregore, they will receive a reward of three wains of weirwood before the Summer Solstice.

388YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-12T00:06:24Z

Kirkbride: /* Friday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulus, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#She_Knows_My_Name|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#Whatever_happened_to_Mendicant_Garev_(this_time)?|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[Ripple_of_echoes#Queen_Igraine's_Regio|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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 Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-12T00:05:59Z

Kirkbride: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulus, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#Whatever_happened_to_Mendicant_Garev_(this_time)?|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[Ripple_of_echoes#Queen_Igraine's_Regio|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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 Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-12T00:05:37Z

Kirkbride: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulus, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[Ripple_of_echoes#Queen_Igraine's_Regio|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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>

Unfettered Mind

2026-06-11T20:16:38Z

Kirkbride: /* Conclave vault */

==Motto==
''Explore the unknown and master it.''

==The Manifesto==
The Order of the Unfettered Mind holds the following to be true:

* The Empire's rich understanding of magic is one of its great strengths
* As the Empire's knowledge and use of magic increases, so does its power and influence
* The Empire must stay at the apex of magical knowledge and power and not cede this ground to another force

The Order of the Unfettered Mind therefore exists to:

* Expand the body of magical lore, theory and practice throughout the Empire
* Challenge any constraints to the practice and expansion of such knowledge
* Boldly consider possibilities and opportunities that others may not consider
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|title=Order of the Unfettered Mind|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Symbol==
The Order of the Unfettered Mind has used a range of symbols across its history, including an open and unblinking eye, and a ray of light.
<div style="float:right; width: 400; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Unfettered mind.jpg|title=As above...|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Membership of the Order==
Researchers, theoreticians and magicians for whom magic is both a mystery and the greatest calling flock to the Unfettered Mind. Members are often frustrated that other orders do not appreciate the joy of pure research, or the way that everyone is enriched by greater understanding of the theories of magic. Members tend to be ritual magicians rather than spellcasters, as ritual magic offers the greatest opportunity to expand the power and knowledge of Imperial magicians. They are second-only to the [[Celestial Arch]] in their interest in the [[eternal|eternals]], and they compete regularly with the [[Rod and Shield]] for the position of [[Dean of the Lyceum]].

It would be wrong to consider them naive or politically weak; they have a great need for crystal mana and other resources, and in the past they have been ruthless in acquiring it. Their membership includes a number of magicians interested in understanding magic specifically to gain more personal power, or more power for the Empire, and critics claim they are more interested in ''novel'' uses of magic than in ''wise'' uses of magic. Their tendency to reach for their crystal mana rather than seek more mundane solutions to vexation are well known and it is undeniable that more members of the Unfettered Mind have been [[Declaration#Declaration of Sorcery|declared to be sorcerers]] than any other order. The order was very nearly [[Conclave order#Creation and Dissolution of an Order|dissolved]] in 264YE following the unwise application of a major curse to an entire delegation of visiting dignitaries from the [[Principalities of Jarm]].

The magicians of this order are often at odds with both the Celestial Arch and [[Sevenfold Path]] because they oppose all efforts to censor or limit Imperial magic. As they often point out, the enemies of the Empire are under no such constraints. They sometimes find unlikely allies in the [[Shuttered Lantern]] and even the [[Rod and Shield]] in this regard.

The order generally has far more ideas of things to try and do than it knows what to do with. It carefully guards its own [[Conclave vault]] and often enjoys periods of surprising wealth - it is one of the orders most often chosen to receive [[Conclave vault#bequest|bequests]] from retired or deceased magicians, especially ex-members of the [[Dean of the Lyceum|Lyceum]]. Despite the suspicion with which the Order is viewed by the more politically savvy orders, it has also been regularly responsible for discoveries that have proved of great value to the Conclave and the Empire as a whole

At the Summer Solstice 385YE the order was [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Study_Rituals|instructed]] to investigate the provenance of the ritual [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], and publish their findings, along with any additional information they uncover about Night magic rituals by '''Eliza''', the grandmaster at the time. [[Various_storms_and_saints#Fen_and_Fastness|Early studies]] revealed the eternals responsible for backing Dripping Echoes of the Fen and [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] - [[Sadogua]] and [[Irra Harah]] respectively - and some of the researchers continued on. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE the assurances of almost every ritual supported by an eternal was uncovered and [[Wiki_Updates#Assurances|published]] across the Empire.

==Conclave vault==
Each summit, the [[Conclave vault]] of the Unfettered Mind garners a pro rata share of the [[Conclave_vault#Crystal_Mana|Font]] based on the [[Conclave#Principle of Precedence|precedence]] of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of [[ilium]] based on their [[Conclave_vault#Ilium|position]] among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.
*Two ingots of [[weltsilver]] have come from a secretive [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Cabalists|cabal]] from [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] since 132YE and will continue for as long as the order works to expand Imperial lore.
*Three ingots of [[tempest jade]] provided by Dawnspire in [[Spiral]]. The bequest began in 298YE, and despite the tumultuous recent history of the territory has continued without interruption since.
*Four measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] come from rival guilds in [[Tassato]]. Two come from the Sapphire Boots Carta of [[Tassato#Tassaro Regario|Regario]] on behalf of their founder, Eliza, who served as grandmaster for two years during the reign of [[Empress Giselle]], and a further two measures from their bitter rivals, the Guild of Amber Masks of Mestra, whose merchant-prince Angélica unseated Eliza.
{{Grandmaster|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Unfettered_Mind}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Conclave order]]

Sevenfold Path

2026-06-11T20:16:01Z

Kirkbride: /* Conclave vault */

==Motto==
''Let all power be guided by virtue.''

==The Manifesto==
The Order of the Sevenfold Path holds the following to be true:

* Magic should work in harmony with, and to promote, the fulfilment of the destiny of Imperial citizens.
* The Conclave and Synod can most effectively protect the Empire from hazards, and subversive elements, by working in harmony and unison
* The Way of Virtue binds the Empire together and should inform all use of powers, including magic

The Order of the Sevenfold Path exists to:

* Encourage use of magic in understanding, and supporting, human destiny and the destiny of orcs and other peoples.
* Ensure the powers of the Conclave are deployed in line with the Way of Virtue
* Build a bridge between the Conclave and the priests of the Synod

Prior to the Spring Equinox 385YE, the wording of the Order's goals focused on human destiny only. The Senate [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Manifesto_of_Sevenfold_Path|amended]] the goals, following the request of the order itself, to make it clear that they would understand and support orcs, as well as humans.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|title=Order of the Sevenfold Path|align=right|width=240}}
==Symbol==
A symbol that has been used by the Order in the past has been a seven-spoked wheel with each of the triangles between the spokes coloured differently with one of the colours of the rainbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sevenfold path.jpg|title=Virtue and power|align=left|width=360|height=540}}
==Membership of the Order==
This is the order that contains the largest number of magician-priests, and many of its members also vote in the [[Synod]]. Some wags have dubbed the Sevenfold Path as the "''Magicians' Assembly''". Even those members who do not also sit in the Synod tend to be politically active. Most members take their self-appointed task encouraging their fellow magicians to keep to the Way very seriously. At the very least, they have a great deal of interest in ensuring that the [[archmage|archmages]] and their fellow [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] are virtuous. With the Synod unable to revoke titles in the Conclave, the Sevenfold Path traditionally see part of their role as using the [[Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] to ensure corrupt or heretical citizens do not rise to high office in the Conclave. Likewise, they take the [[Sorcery|Declaration of Sorcery]] very seriously and seldom balk at using it to remove power from those they consider to be a threat to the stability of the Empire. Finally, this is the order that has historically made the most use of the [[Interdiction|Declaration of Interdiction]] to protect the souls of their fellow citizens from dubious magic.

Devout magicians are joined in this order by magicians who genuinely seek to ensure the future of the Empire. In recent years several [[Imperial Orcs]] have joined the order. This led some members to quietly agitate for a change to the manifesto; originally the first point mentioned ''human destiny'' rather than the ''destiny of Imperial citizens.'' Following a [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|Declaration of Concord]] by the Conclave, a motion was brought before the Senate and the wording [[Alter manifesto of Sevenfold Path|changed]] to recognise that not all Imperial citizens are humans. Most orc members appear unconcerned, both with the change and the original wording, although it has (perhaps predictably) outraged some traditional members of the Order. A vocal minority claim that with this change of emphasis, the Order is no longer concerned with the wider destiny of humanity but solely with the destiny of the Empire - a narrowing of vision that could be seen at best as cowardice and at worst as betraying the original spirit of their Order.

The Order of the Sevenfold Path has traditionally chosen grandmasters who are strong in virtue and faith, usually priests. Of all the orders, the Sevenfold Path tends to have the worst access to crystal mana as many of its members are leaders of a [[congregation]], rather than controlling a [[mana site]]. Consequently, the order is usually more measured in the addresses and declarations raised.

One particular ritual that often receives special attention from the Sevenfold Path is [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]]. This ritual allows the Sevenfold Path to directly aid their allies in the Synod; they know the value of giving a larger voice to those priests who speak in support of the Conclave and of magicians in general.

==Conclave vault==
Each summit, the [[Conclave vault]] of the Sevenfold Path garners a pro rata share of the [[Conclave_vault#Crystal_Mana|Font]] based on the [[Conclave#Principle of Precedence|precedence]] of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of [[ilium]] based on their [[Conclave_vault#Ilium|position]] among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.
* Three measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] come from the [[hakima]] of [[The Brass Coast|the Brass Coast]] as a gift which has been collected by the Silver Rivers hakima since 81YE and will continue to be delivered for as long as the order continues to encourage the use of magic in understanding, and supporting, human destiny.
* Two measures of [[beggar's lye]] come from the Vale of Burning Tears in thanks for breaking a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign's]] curse during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]].
* Three measures of [[dragonbone]] come from the tenders of the corpse glade associated with the [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] since 362YE. The dragonbone was unearthed when digging graves for the odd corpses found in the weirwood trees and according to rumour the local workers consider it to be "ill-omened".
* Ten vials of [[liao]] from the [[Sumaah Republic]] for the [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Dissemination:_Hammers_of_the_Brilliant_Shore|dissemiantion]] of the [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]] during the Summer Solstice 386YE.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala Preaching.jpg|caption='''Elagabala ''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|align=left|width=450}}
{{Grandmaster|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Sevenfold_Path}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Conclave order]]

Celestial Arch

2026-06-11T20:14:02Z

Kirkbride: /* Conclave vault */

==Motto==
''Knowledge and power in union.''

==The Manifesto==
The Order of the Celestial Arch holds the following to be true:

* Both politics and magic are the art of the judicious application of power
* Magicians, by nature of their knowledge, discipline, perception and power are prepared for leadership
* Negotiation with eternals and diplomacy with foreign powers are comparable skills, and of comparable importance to the Empire

The Order of the Celestial Arch therefore exists to:

* Ensure that major political decisions receive the benefit and insight of Conclave mages
* Encourage those in positions of leadership and authority to hone their skill through study of magic
* Ensure unity of purpose between the Conclave and the Senate
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|title=Order of the Celestial Arch|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Symbol==
A symbol that has been associated with this Order in the past has been a dark blue archway surmounting a six-pointed star

==Membership of the Order==
The Celestial Arch often works closely with Senators seeking a voice in the Conclave, and prepared to return the favour in the [[Senate]]. They lobby constantly for more magicians to take up political life, and make no secret of the fact that many of them support magical training as a prerequisite of candidacy for the Senate. The order often tries to recruit magicians who are also Senators, or at the very least to maintain good relations with them.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Political magicians.jpg|title=Nobler in the mind|align=left|width=400}}</div>
They tend to make an effort to maintain good relations between the Empire and friendly [[eternal|eternals]], while being quick to identify eternals who are enemies of the Empire and proscribe interaction with them. As with the [[Sevenfold Path]] they have a no-nonsense approach to magicians who fall back on curses and other actions likely to damage the standing of magicians as a whole in the Empire - a surprising number of [[The Marches magical traditions#Threshers|threshers]] who are also magicians belong to this order.

The grandmasters of the Celestial Arch try to wield magic and politics with equal aplomb. This order tends to attract a number of [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Mages|mages]], which can often give them easy access to crystal mana.

As magicians interested in political, as well as magical, power the Celestial Arch often see the advantage of strategies that will garner political favours, either within the Conclave or with other Imperial bodies. While their main interest usually lies with the Senate, they see the value of encouraging the [[Military Council]], [[Synod]] or [[Bourse]] to feel indebted to the Conclave - which means they may find themselves ready allies in the [[Rod and Shield]], [[Sevenfold Path]] or [[Golden Pyramid]] as a consequence.

==Conclave vault==
Each summit, the [[Conclave vault]] of the Celestial Arch garners a pro rata share of the [[Conclave_vault#Crystal_Mana|Font]] based on the [[Conclave#Principle of Precedence|precedence]] of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of [[ilium]] based on their [[Conclave_vault#Ilium|position]] among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.
* Three measures of [[dragonbone]] come from the steading of Rhys' Seat in [[Miaren]]. The original reason of the bequest was lost during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]], but the bequest has been steady since 27YE and is apparently connected to the order's role in helping destroy the [[vallorn]] that once dominated the territory.
* Two ingots of [[tempest jade]] from the Guild of the Golden Signets in [[Sarvos]] in recognition for the order's assistance in removing a declaration of sorcery from the serving [[senator]] of the territory during the reign of [[Empress Teleri]].
* Three measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] come from Brokenfountain Citadel and the Spire of the Frozen Watcher in [[Redoubt]] dating back to 330YE when Enchantress Geraint de Blorhbeau, as grandmaster, negotiated an end to the feud between the two rival spires.
* 3 wains of [[mithril]] each season from [[Faraden]] merchants and wizards grateful for the Conclave's role in [[Through_my_sails#The_Gloaming_Blight|ending the iridescent gloaming blight]] in their country. The mithril was [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Endowment_.E2.80.93_Faraden_bequest_be_granted_to_Celestial_Arch|endowed on the order]] in Summer 383YE.
* Following [[Inkpot_gods#The_Arch_and_The_Web|an offer]] made by [[Prospero]] at the Summer Solstice 385YE, the order owes a significant favour to the eternal.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GrandmasterCelestialArch.png|caption='''Xanthippe of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch|align=left|width=350}}
{{Grandmaster|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Celestial_Arch}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Conclave order]]

Golden Pyramid

2026-06-11T20:11:07Z

Kirkbride: /* Conclave vault */

==Motto==
''Power begets wealth; wealth begets Power''

==The Manifesto==
The Order of the Golden Pyramid holds the following to be true:

* Magic is a commodity like any other, and its practitioners should not be subjected to any undue expectation or requirement
* The talents of the Empire's artisans are no less a valuable magical resource than spellcasting and rituals
* Magic has the power to strengthen by enriching and prospering

The Order of the Golden Pyramid therefore exists to:

* Stand up for those magicians who are pressured to use their skills for free, like a servant or slave
* Support the application of magical resources in matters of economic gain that inevitably bring prosperity to the Empire as a whole
* Stand up for the artisans and promote their interests across the Empire
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|title=Order of the Golden Pyramid|align=right|width=241|height=240}}
==Symbol==
The most popular symbol of the order is a step pyramid of three levels with bronze at the bottom, silver in the middle, and gold at the top.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Economic magicians.jpg|title=Knowledge, wealth, power|align=left|width=360|height=540}}
==Membership of the Order==
This Golden Pyramid appeals to artisan-magicians and magicians versed in economic magic (from [[Rampant Growth]] and [[Blood and Salt]] through [[Rivers of Gold]] all the way to [[Verdant Bounty of the Twilight Bayou]] and [[Hallow of the Green World]]). After the [[Sevenfold Path]] this is the order that has the largest number of magician-priests, albeit usually priests dedicated to [[Prosperity]]. Its members work to enrich themselves, but they also safeguard the rights of magicians to expect fair recompense for their magic. They are often at odds with the [[Rod and Shield]].

The Order of the Golden Pyramid began as a reaction against a perceived culture of entitlement; as the nations increasingly assumed that magicians should donate their skills to the Empire for free. Since their creation many members have supported the right of artisans, as well as magicians, to have a voice in the Conclave; but this attitude is far from universal within the Order. At its most altruistic, the Order tries to represent the interests of artisans as fellow practitioners of esoteric lore, and often approaches them for support and funding.
<div style="width:350px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Funding the Order'''</th></tr>
<tr><td>12 Crowns</td><td>14 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>25 Crowns</td><td>26 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>44 Crowns</td><td>36 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Crowns</td><td>44 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>72 Crowns</td><td>50 crystal mana</td></tr>
</table></div>
As befits an order fascinated by wealth, members of the Order often strive to cultivate good relations with the [[Bourse]] and magicians who also occupy Bourse seats are often actively wooed by the Golden Pyramid. When it works well, this relationship gives the Golden Pyramid access to the wealth of the Bourse on behalf of other members of the Conclave, and the Pyramid has been adroit at using this access for political capital. Even when their influence in the Bourse is limited, the Golden Pyramid has a tradition of encouraging the performance of economic rituals to garner support or influence with Imperial citizens who own [[business|businesses]], [[mine|mines]], [[forest|forests]], [[fleet|fleets]], and mercenary [[military unit|warbands]].

Members of the Golden Pyramid traditionally consider it completely acceptable, even expected, for their [[Grandmaster]] to gain their position by open bribery. It is also common for the grandmaster to take advantage of their access to wealthy patrons to help [[Grandmaster#Funding_the_Order|fund the order]].

==Conclave vault==
Each summit, the [[Conclave vault]] of the Golden Pyramid garners a pro rata share of the [[Conclave_vault#Crystal_Mana|Font]] based on the [[Conclave#Principle of Precedence|precedence]] of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of [[ilium]] based on their [[Conclave_vault#Ilium|position]] among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.

These [[Conclave vault#Bequests|bequests]] are collected by the Civil Service and provided to the Grandmaster at the start of each summit.
* Three measures of [[ambergelt]] have come from the Carmine Band of [[Tassato#Tassato Regario|Regario]] since 206YE and will continue for as long as they promote the interests of [[Crafting_skills#Artisan|artisans]] across the Empire.
* Three ingots of [[orichalcum]] come from the Yesun family of [[Faraden]], as part of a deal made in 305YE involving a ritual text of [[Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart]].
* Two ingots of [[green iron]] have come from the town of [[Karsk#Kopevnost|Kosti]] in return for support provided by the Order during the [[Thule]] invasion of [[Karsk]] in 368YE.
* Three measures of [[beggar's lye]] have come from Little Ribston, a quiet settlement in [[Upwold#Birchland|Birchland]]. The bequest began in 368YE and involves recognition of support offered to [[Emperor Walter]] during his ascent to the Throne.
* Three ingots of [[orichalcum]] come from the miners at [[Long_shadows#Crimson_Peak_Mining|Crimson Peak Mining]] since Summer 386YE for as long as mine remains operational.
* Two wains of [[mithril]] from [[Fundindelve]] with the completion of the [[Construct Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid|Grand Lodge]] in [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]].

==Grand Lodge==
In Winter 386YE a [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|proposal was raised]] for a [[Lit_up#Grand_Lodges|grand lodge]] in [[Mareave]], where the order had been enthusiastically pursuing [[opportunity|opportunities]] to improve the prosperity of both themselves and the [[Imperial Orcs]]. [[Construct Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid|Construction]] was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice 387YE - just in time for the return of the [[Grendel]]. Threats were made, but ultimately the lodge was left [[Scarlet_sands#Gold_In_The_Dust|unmolested]].

The plan for the lodge came about when one of their members went rooting through the Green Keep, a fortified compound whose walls are wreathed in thick green vines in [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]]. This decaying building was once home to a garrison of [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Stone_Born|Stone Born]] who guarded both the mine and the villas of Ehsan and his supporters. The Golden Pyramid lobbied for control of the old garrison compound, and rebuilt it into something big enough to house almost any number of the order's wizards. It was expensive to build and maintain - with an upkeep to the Senate - but also provides a boost to taxation in the territory. More crucially it allows the order to extend economic cooperation right across the territory. The order now provides magicians to support mines, mana sites, and businesses throughout Mareave. Crucially, the order is on hand to provide vital support for the workers in the [[Fundindelve]], boosting production in the mines ''and'' providing the order with a small income of incredibly valuable [[mithril]] each season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GrandmasterGoldenPyramid.jpg|caption='''Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato''' (centre)<br>Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid|align=left|width=250}}
{{Grandmaster|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Golden_Pyramid}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Conclave order]]

Luminous Staff

2026-06-11T20:04:08Z

Kirkbride:

==Description==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Luminous Staff.jpg|caption=The [[Archmage#Staff_of_the_Archmage|staff]] of the Day [[archmage]] is a powerful luminous staff.|align=right|width=450}}
The Luminous Staff taps upon the power of the [[Day|realm of Day]] to bring clarity of sight and thought to the bearer, increasing their ritual aptitude. These arcane implements are employed throughout the Empire to fortify the abilities of Day ritualists.

These often pure-white gleaming implements are usually engraved with [[Cavul]], the Rune of Purity and [[Aesh]], the Rune of Thought.

The [[Archmage#Staff_of_the_Archmage|staff]] of the [[Archmage]] of Day is a version of the Luminous Staff crafted to a secret pattern, and grants twice as much power to the wielder.
==Rules==
{{Ritual Staves}}
* '''Effect:''' Gain 1 rank of Day Lore, subject to the [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].
* '''Materials:''' Crafting a Luminous Staff requires the eleven measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], fourteen ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] and twenty measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.

388YE Spring Equinox interlude

2026-06-11T11:23:58Z

Kirkbride: /* Reclamation of Rot and Ruin */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Night light Anvil.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Downtime following the Winter Solstice is now open. It allows players to process their character's downtime choices. Not all resources allow a player to make a choice about how they operate between events, but we've provided information about new opportunities for [[fleet]] and [[military unit]] owners in particular as well as a reminder about existing opportunities created at earlier events.

On this page, we've outlined and offered some context for various effects and events. As always, these include quick summaries, mostly out of character, to explain effects such as large-scale [[enchantment|enchantments]] and [[curse|curses]].

In some cases, there may be further developments around the events listed here in the Winter Solstice winds of fortune. They may also be handled with a ''Resolution'' entry on the appropriate Wind, or a note in the ''Other Events'' section of next events Winds of Fortune page.

'''The deadline for Downtime submissions is midnight on Wednesday the 6<sup>th</sup> of May.'''
==Choices==
* '''During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders'''
Each summit the [[Senate]] raises and votes on [[Senate motion|motions]], the [[Conclave]] debates [[declaration|declarations]], the assemblies of the [[Synod]] discuss [[judgement|judgements]], and the [[general|generals]] of the [[Military Council]] issue [[Army orders|orders]] to their [[Army|armies]]. You can find details of these many decisions here:
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Senate sessions|Senate sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Synod judgements|Synod judgements]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Conclave sessions|Conclave sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Military Council orders|Military Council orders]]
The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends [[Anvil]] can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

==Imperial Guerdon==
The [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]] is a bursary set up by the Imperial Senate primarily to reward military units that support Imperial armies, spy networks, and fortifications. The value of the Imperial Guerdon is divided between each military unit and fleet that supports an army in proportion to their effective strength. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has the power to exclude any or all Imperial armies and navies, fortifications, or special projects (such as spy networks) from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such an army, fortification, or special project will receive nothing for doing so.

The Guerdon remains at '''500 Thrones'''.

This season, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Resupply_and_Imperial_Guerdon|announced]] that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies:

* [[Argent Sword]] in [[Redoubt]]
* [[Drakes]] in [[Mitwold]]
* [[Eastern Sky]] in [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Narwhal's Spear]] in [[Bregasland]]

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.
<gallery mode=nolines>
File:ArgentSword Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword|Argent Sword]]
File:Drakes Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Drakes|Drakes]]
File:EasternSky Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]
File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's Spear|Narwhal's Spear]]
</gallery>

==Military Units==
* '''Players who control military units can choose from a number of downtime options'''
* '''Not every military unit is eligible to participate in every venture'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to the ''mercenary work'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[military unit]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Military_unit#Campaigning|support an army]], [[Military_unit#Guarding|defend a fortification]], or [[Military_unit#Scouting|support a spy network]]. They can also choose one of the many [[Venture|ventures]]. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to [[Venture#Mercenary_Work|mercenary work]], guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

Players who want to support one of the [[Army|Imperial armies]] can also read the [[Army_orders|orders]] issued by each [[general]] before making their decision. These orders are a matter of public record within the Empire and also available on the '''[[387YE Winter Solstice Military Council orders]]''' page. This new page makes it easier for players to read all the orders before making a decision; previously the only way to do this was to painstakingly click every army in turn. It's also possible for players without military units to see the orders, without waiting for the Winds of War (assuming the orders related to an area that produced a full write-up).

As always, the guidelines around discussing military matters online can be found [[Online#You_May_Not_Post_Military_Updates|here]].

===Support Earthquake Drummers===
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Saemundr Elvirsbairn, General of the Earthquake Drummers">My Drummers, it is time to conquer new lands for the glory of the five-who-are-one! We shall push into the Forest of Ulnak, supported by mercenaries from the Empire, and bring the Mallum to order beneath our heel. Bring death to the Druj who stand against us. Let those who wish to live understand that the rule of the Dragons has begun!</quote></div>
* '''Imperial military units can support the Earthquake Drummers'''
* '''The Thule army is part of a larger effort to invade the Forest of Ulnak'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive 7 mana crystals'''
''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' issued an invitation on behalf ''Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky''. Any Imperial [[military unit|warband]] that wishes is welcome to join the [[Thule]] in their assault against the Druj in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the ''Earthquake Drummers'', who lead the assault against the vermin of [[the Mallum]]. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 mana crystals, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Hinodir,_Tathenon,_and_the_Eastern_Woods|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Root out the Face-peelers===
* '''Varushkan military units can take a raiding action to root out the Face-peelers'''
* '''If at least seven thousand five hundred strength is assigned to the action, then the trudnik will be forced from their lairs in Karsk and Ossium'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive six random measures and a phial of Corrupt Blood'''
Following the Winter Solstice, [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[military unit|military units]] will have the opportunity to undertake a [[military unit#Raiding|raiding]] [[venture]] called ''Root out the Face-peelers''. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.

A standard military unit that undertakes this venture will receive six measures of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|forest materials]], and a phial of ''Corrupt Blood''. This latter is a vile [[potion]] brewed by the trudnik that infuses the drinker with preternatural strength and endurance. A military unit that has been upgraded or enchanted will receive proportionately more. Unfortunately, this raid comes with a cost. One of the problems is that the glamour the trudnik use makes it easy for them to masquerade as Varushkans with the [[draughir]] [[lineage]]. A thorough attack on the trudnik will cause trouble for the draughir of Karsk and Ossium; following the Winter Solstice they will receive a -1 penalty to the production of their resource unless it is a [[military unit]] taking the '''Root out the Face-peelers''' action. Even if few military units get involved, the inevitable suspicion and doubt that is seeded will be enough to unsettle the affairs of draughir in Karsk and Ossium.

If at least seven thousand five hundred strength in military units support the raid, then the Empire will be able to expand its knowledge of these creatures, and finally get some reliable evidence of what they are and what they are doing. There will be some mopping up to do - at least one of the trudnik lairs in Ossium is apparently very old and extends into the earth - and if there is a dark spirit involved with the face-peelers it may fall to the Empire to deal with it.

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Swords Against Darkness===
* '''Urizen, League, and Dawnish military units can take a questing action to attack the threats in Spiral'''
* '''If at least two thousand strength is assigned to the action for three seasons over the next year, then the venture will remain'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive three mana crystals and two doses of liao'''
After a lot of work persuading some of the wealthier Apulian merchants and key [[arbiter|arbiters]], Naomi has been able to persuade them to back an attempt to solve the problem. The solution is simple enough, and for once, Naomi 's idea requires relatively little upfront investment. If the Empire can muster enough military units to directly attack the threats in Spiral, then that the inhabitants of the territory would be able to get on top of the problem. If that could be achieved, it would only need a little support on an ongoing basis to keep the threats under control. Naomi likens it to weeding an overgrown garden - it requires a lot more effort to get the weeds under control than it does to keep it that way.

With the backing of wealthy patrons, the venture would provide 3 mana crystals and two liao to any standard military unit taking part. A military unit with at least 200 effective strength (from upgrades or rituals) would receive a [[Circlet of Falling Snow]] as part of their rewards. The potential returns aren't great - but of course the Senate could always apply the Guerdon to the expedition.

The venture would last for a year - but if at least 2000 strength of military units undertook the venture on three seasons out of the four, then the venture would remain available for the foreseeable future. If that happened, then the taxation of the territory would permanently increase by 6 thrones a season and the current penalty to military units from the {{Black Plateau}} would be permanently removed.

For more information, see the '''[[My_friends_are_my_estate#Swords_Against_Darkness|My friends are my estate]]''' wind of fortune

===Exploit the Espionage===
* '''Certain military units can take advantage of the chaos in Sarvos with the espionage ring to earn wealth'''
* '''Any military units taking part in this venture will increase the number of congregations needed to investigate Sarvos'''
Somehow, the [[Whisper Gallery]] found out about the goings on in [[Sarvos]], and offered to 'help' the Empire identify what secrets are getting out. Any Night ritualist with a military unit who performed [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] and consumed a dose of [[Shadowcrow Infusion]] invited the favour of the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' to join them over the season. They have access to the unique scouting [[venture]] - '''Exploit the Espionage''' - to exploit the espionage ring in Sarvos and gain 108 rings, eight random resources, and Grendel luxuries, with upgraded or enchanted military units receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|Finding is the final act]]''' wind of fortune

==Fleets==
* '''Players who control fleets can choose from several downtime options'''
* '''Not every fleet is eligible to participate in every voyage'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to the ''maritime escort'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[fleet]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a [[Foreign_ports|foreign port]], engage in [[Fleet#Raiding|raiding]] barbarians, [[Fleet#Questing|quest]] in search of glory or renown, [[Fleet#Scouting|scout]] either to support a [[smugglers cove]] or as part of another stealthy option, or commit to [[Fleet#Guarding|guarding]] a convoy of other ships.

Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to [[Voyage#Maritime_Escort|maritime escort]], guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

===Escort the Stone Fleet===
* '''The delayed Sumaah aid to the Freeborn is readying to travel to the Brass Coast
* '''Imperial fleet captains can help defend it from Asavean privateers
* '''A standard fleet will receive 54 rings, two bottles of Oilybrag, and one pot of Sevensalve'''
Imperial [[fleet]] captains are able to travel to Sumaah to defend the Sumaash ships travelling with aid to the Brass Coast. Each standard fleet assigned to the action adds 100 points toward the successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a [[Voyage#Guarding_Voyages|guarding]] fleet (most likely [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action. In a similar manner to a [[spy network]], the total strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. The more ships that take part, the more white granite the House of the People are prepared to risk sending to the Brass Coast.

More information on this action can be found in the '''[[Drowned_in_tears#A_Gift_of_Pride|Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune from Autumn Equinox 387YE.

===Trade Summary===
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.
* '''Axos:''' The ports of the '''[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Axos|Chambers of Issyk]]''' welcome Imperial fleets. The production of Kantor has been altered. You can find out more about the changes made in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Pearl_and_Ruby_Glowing|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune
* '''Commonwealth:''' The ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]]''' welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the '''[[According_to_principle#New_trade|According to principle]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Faraden:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]]''' welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the '''[[Wild_is_the_wind#Faraden_Luxuries|Wild is the wind]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Iron Confederacy:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]''' is available for Imperial fleets.
* '''Sarcophan Delves:''' The usual ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]''' welcome Imperial traders.
* '''Sumaah Republic:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]''' welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the '''[[Friend_of_mine#Inspire_Others|Friend of mine]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Zemelslo:''' The port of '''[[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|Radosmo]]''' welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|permit trade]] with the nation very close to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|align=right}}

==Congregations==
* '''In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special ''lectures'' may be available'''
During downtime, the owner of a [[congregation]] can choose to take a [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of [[the Way]], allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Winter Solstice, there are four lectures available.

===Investigate Sarvos===
* '''Highborn and League congregations can choose to investigate Sarvos '''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos'' will receive no liao and be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Highborn and Leaguers who take this action will take part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and potentially identifying any traitors to the Empire. Any congregation owner who takes this lecture will receive the standard amount of votes but no liao, that will be consumed in the course of their activities. They will be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox.

If at least 30 congregations take part, this will create opportunities through the Sentinel Gate at the Spring Equinox 388YE to uncover details about the espionage ring and potentially shut it down. Unfortunately, the disruptions to normal business will see tax revenue from Sarvos reduced by four thrones for the season.

The Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to encourage the orcs studying and working at the [[College of the Liberated]] to help. The orcs will spend the season ingratiating themselves in the city, and pass on information to those investigating in the city.

For more information, see the '''[[Finding is the final act]]''' wind of fortune.

===Support the Pilgrim's Defiance===
* '''Highborn congregations can choose to support the Pilgrim's Defiance against the vallornspawn in Therunin'''
* '''A congregation that takes the '' Preach Virtue - Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' will receive no liao but remain in the same Virtue Assembly'''
* '''If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%'''
* '''If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%'''
Not every grey pilgrim joined the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]]. Some were exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they had given up to walk the trods. They did not forget their comrades, and will support their fellow pilgrims when asked. Such support can take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

Any priest that chooses this option will receive votes as normal and remain in their current Virtue Assembly but they will not receive any liao. All supplies will be used to bolster the spirits of those working to support the army.

If at least ten congregations support this action, then it will provide significant benefit to the army while they are fighting the vallorn, reducing casualties suffered by a tenth. If at least twenty congregations support this action, then it will ''also'' help the army press forward increasing territory captured by that army by a tenth.

For more information, see the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Ambition by encouraging pilgrims to visit Capodomus Cathedral'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Ambition - Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Ambition Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light; they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it with the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer [[liao]] each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Ambition Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Golden_light#Better_to_Try|Golden light]]''' wind of fortune.

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Great Library of Hacynian|Great Library]]. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer [[liao]] each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Wisdom Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Sing_a_song#Find_the_Right_Question|Sing a song]]''' wind of fortune.

==Arcane Projections==
* '''Arcane projections must be submitted before the close of downtime'''
* '''It is not possible to submit arcane projections that create personal curses'''
The deadline for submitting an [[arcane projection]] is now the close of downtime. This is a significantly shorter window than previously. We've made this change to improve our ability to process arcane projections - an earlier deadline means that the game team have more time to consider each arcane projection, which will allow us to be more detailed and consistent in our responses.

As detailed in the '''[[The_moth_for_the_star#A_Drowning_Sailor|The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a [[curse]] directed at a character.
===Colleges and Forges===
* '''We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions'''
It is important for characters responsible for a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You ''must'' use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

We've also made a small change there; the e-mail address to which such instructions should be sent is now {{plot}} rather than rules. The rules decisions about an arcane projection that is being codified, or a new item, have already been made, and it is the plot team who deal with the creation of ritual texts, unique items, or schema.

==Miscellaneous Effects==
* '''After every event there will be a range of special effects that have an impact on downtime'''
* '''Each effect is automatically applied to the appropriate personal resources; this provides details of what has caused each effect'''
Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Some arise as the result of [[Judgement|Synod judgements]], [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] or [[Declaration|Conclave declarations]]. Others are the results of winds of fortune or war, or magical effects such as [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]]. Each such effect is mentioned in your downtime if it affects your personal resource, along with a brief summary of what is going on. This list provides more detail, and is also useful for knowing what is going on in the wider Empire.

===Rivers Run Clear===
* '''Rivers of Life has been cast on Feroz, Mitwold, Redoubt, and Sarangrave'''
* '''As well as reducing casualties to armies in the territories, the magic infuses all water there with life-giving Spring power'''
The Imperial territories of [[Feroz]], [[Mitwold]], [[Redoubt]], [[Sarangrave]] have had [[Rivers of Life]] woven over them. This potent magic preserves life, healing all save the most grievous wounds overnight and infusing water across the territory with restorative powers. As well as the typical effect of reducing losses to any [[Army|armies]] fighting in the territory, the magic has other, more narrative effects. Wounds heal, animals and plants are healthy and fertile, and people find it easier to start or expand their families.

===Frost and Fens===
* '''Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on one region'''
* '''Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on four regions'''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:800px;"}
|-
! Ritual !! Region !! Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || West Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Nadir, [[Mareave]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Clisearn, [[Mareave]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Hope's Rest, [[The Barrens]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Tomari, [[Redoubt]] || Ashen Flame
|-
|}

===Quiet in the Tundra (Sermersuaq)===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Sermersuaq has been flooded with Day magic'''
* '''It is clear to anyone in the territory that it is the result of Day magic'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Sermersuaq]] has been enchanted with an [[arcane projection]]. [[Inhabitants of the realms|Inhabitants]] of the [[Realm#Day|Day realm]] find it easier to enter the territory.

Some inhabitants of the territory will find it easier to focus on intellectual activity rather than physical action. When action is called for, it might become easier to consider how best to achieve one's goals in the most effective way.

Players creating or attending [[sanctioned events]] set in Sermersuaq should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a [[Sanctioned_events#Plot_Events|plot event]]. Any further effects of this ritual will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

===Reclamation of Rot and Ruin===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Hahnmark and the Varushkan territory of Ossium have been targeted by Regrow the Land's Heart'''
* '''Both performances were infused with the power of Llofir using whisperspore and vital honey'''
* '''Farms in the affected territories will receive three fewer crowns but three magical mushrooms'''
* '''Herb gardens in the affected territories will receive six fewer drams of true vervain but three magical mushrooms'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Hahnmark]] and the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] territory of [[Ossium]] have been enchanted with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], infused with the power of [[Llofir]]. Areas scarred by war or natural disaster will quickly become overgrown with new plants and mushrooms. Regions with the [[Region_qualities#Ruined|ruined]] quality will not lose it, but the areas of ruin will swiftly be transformed into gardens or even woodlands.

More information on this effect can be found in the '''[[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]]''' wind of fortune

Players creating or attending [[sanctioned events]] set in Hahnmark or Ossium should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a [[Sanctioned_events#Plot_Events|plot event]]. Any further effects will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

===Stirring the Pot===
* '''Marchers with a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest can change to a farm of equivalent level in the same territory with no cost'''
* '''Marchers can upgrade their farm for one less weirwood (to a minimum of one) until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
* '''Leaguers with a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest can change to a business of equivalent level in the same territory with no cost'''
* '''Leaguers can upgrade their business for one less white granite (to a minimum of one) until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
During the Winter Solstice, two mandates were enacted; one in the Marcher Assembly by '''Richard Conscience''' and one in the League Assembly by '''Frideswide Adelaar van Holberg'''. These mandates encourage the people in their respective nations to support efforts to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy. They also create a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources.

You can read more about these mandates in the '''[[The circle game]]''' wind of fortune.

==Magical Lore==
* '''Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens'''
* '''Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law'''
During the Winter Solstice, one ritual was put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:
* [[Viridian's Wildfire Emberstrike]] was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Imperial_Lore:_Viridian's_Wildfire_Emberstrike|raised]] by '''Syl''' the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and funded by '''Llŷr Viridian duLac'''

No new rituals became part of [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]] during the summit (but see the '''[[The_tune_without_the_words#Out_With_Lanterns|The tune without the words]]''' wind of fortune), and no new magic items were added to [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmiths Law]].

==Monstering Numbers==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:350px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation || Percentage
|-
| [[The Brass Coast]] || 85%
|-
| [[Dawn]] || 92%
|-
| [[Highguard]] || 84%
|-
| [[Imperial Orcs]] || 96%
|-
| [[The League]] || 107%
|-
| [[The Marches]] || 92%
|-
| [[Navarr]] || 109%
|-
| [[Urizen]] || 111%
|-
| [[Varushka]] || 119%
|-
| [[Wintermark]] || 86%
|}

==Further Reading==
* [[Downtime]]
* [[Resource#Personal_Resource|Personal resource]]
* [[Recent_history#Winter Solstice|Winter Solstice recent history]]

388YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-10T13:29:57Z

Kirkbride: /* Friday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulian, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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 Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T13:29:10Z

Kirkbride: /* Other Events */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Witan)
|-
| [[Towards a common good]] || 22 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Beurteilung)
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
| [[Morajasse]] || [[An arrow nocked and in flight]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NationBannerDawn.jpg|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

===Towards a Common Good (Appraisal)===
* '''Highguard; Highborn generals; People interested in auras; Synod; would-be patrons of the Beurteilung'''
During the Solstice, '''Paulk Thornweaver''' secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. After an enjoyable three months in the Highborn territories, including a visit by one of the professors oldest friends, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings.

You can read the latest findings of Professor Immanuel Gelberg in the '''[[Towards a common good]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
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===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
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===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

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===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
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* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
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* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
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===An Arrow Nocked and in Flight (Morajasse)===
* '''Imperial Consul; ''Garviel I Abrira I Erigo''; ''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''; Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Freeborn Assembly'''
The Senate declared that the Protectorate of Morajasse were [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|foreigners]] during the Summer Solstice 387YE. The Protectorate is led by master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]'', ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]]. Along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. This season, they have made a fidelitous offer along with a request.

You can read about the ongoing developments in Morajasse, the offer, and the request in the '''[[An arrow nocked and in flight]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Tassatan Hills===
{{WingedMessenger|address=Gemma Stewart is open to accepting letters on the subject of the Tassatan Hills. A [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] can be sent to them at ''Gemma Stewart, Forge and Furnace Offices, Tassato Mestra, Tassato''}}
* '''The Forge and Furnace Fellowship are upset that they were not consulted about the relinquishment of the Tassatan Hills'''
* '''They are expecting either that the Tassatan Hills be returned as a League seat, or that they are invited to discuss terms'''
Three and a half 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'' put forward the aid of her mining guild , the Forge and Furnace Fellowship, 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, and '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''', now Senator for Sarvos, was appointed as the first custodian followed by '''Serafina di Sarvos''', proponent of the Warforge, has been appointed to two terms. However, 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.

Following some confusion, '''Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg''', [[Holberg|Senator for Holberg]], has been advised that the mining guilds are looking for the motions to be rescinded - the Tassatan Hills relinquished and then allocated again as a League position appointed by Tally of the Votes - or that they are invited to Anvil to discuss the matter at the Summer Solstice.

===Meeting with Destiny (Hahnmark)===
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* '''Valdr Grieversonn is willing to meet with members of the Wintermark Assembly'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''''Eevi of the Gadrai'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for meeting with Valdr Grieversonn'''
Shortly before the Autumn Equinox 387YE rumours [[Born_with_insight#Action_Must_Be_Taken|came to light]] of false virtues on a farmstead in Hahmark. The rumours centred around ''Valdr Grieversonn'', patriarch of the Grieversonns, and spoke of false virtues and a fascination with the [[Hahnmark#Kronemark|Sungate]]. The Wintermark Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_140|mandate]] to send '''Eevi of the Gadrai''', [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]] to engage with those who know Valdr Grieversonn will encourage him to talk to the Wintermark Assembly.

This has borne fruit, and Valdr will leave his door unlocked over the coming summit. Given that it was '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' who enacted the mandate, it is their responsibility to meet with Valdr and discuss dignity, freedom, and prosperity.

{{SOP|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make it’s choice.|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 146-50|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}
===Pride in the Mournwold===
* '''The Marcher Assembly upheld a statement of principle clearly stating their firm commitment to the Marcher Orcs'''
* '''Marcher congregations can take the ''Preach Pride - Support Marcher Orcs'' action after the Spring Equinox'''
* '''A standard congregation that takes this action will receive ten votes in the Synod, 7 crowns, and be placed in the Pride Assembly'''
At the Spring Equinox, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_13|judgement]] raised by '''Brother Luke''' with a greater majority. The statement of principle called on the Marches to defend the [[Mournwold Orcs|Marcher orcs]] if it came to it. This has been met with acceptance across the Marches, though some are still uncertain, and those who agree with the assembly have been looking at ways they can help support the message.

The simplest method would be to encourage members of the Marcher Assembly to spread the message during the coming season. Any Marcher with a congregation can take the '''Preach Pride - Support Marcher Orcs''' lecture, which would start to spread the message to those who are unconvinced. It's small, but "''Pride in small things''" as the famous saying starts. Rather than receiving any [[liao]], the congregation will receive money from orcs grateful for their work.

===Champion of Wintermark===
{{WingedMessenger|address=Inga Farsighted is open to accepting letters on the subject of the Crown of Three Tears. A [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] can be sent to them at ''Inga Farsighted, Farsihal, Rundhal Marsh, Kallavesa''}}
* '''The egregores have passed the Crown of Three Tears to the safekeeping of Inga Farsighted'''
* '''Inga Farsighted will return the crown once the nation has dealt with both ''Wemba the Bloody'' and ''Kaarina White-Eye'''''
The [[Crown of Three Tears]] was reclaimed nine years ago in battle with the [[Thule]]. Since then, it has served as a rallying piece for the Winterfolk, as the mystics appoint a champion to represent the nation. Last season, the crown was handed to [[Wintermark Egregore|Sulkavaris, Knower of Names]], who after a long discussion with a scop, passed it on to them. The scop, ''Inga Farsighted'', hopes that keeping the crown away, and setting a challenge that the nation must face, will light spark in the three people who make up one nation.

[[Anyone but you|Three years ago]], the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] worked with the Winterfolk to identify the ringleaders of Agramant's cults in [[Sermersuaq]]. ''Maarik the Golden Tongue'' was killed with the support of the Thule, but ''Wemba the Bloody'' and ''Kaarina White-Eye'' still remain to threaten the territory. Inga makes clear that they will return the crown and help support the new Champion of Wintermark once those two join Maarik in the labyrinth.

Inga Farsighted isn't a complete arsehole, and makes some suggestions as to how the nation might uncover the whereabouts and track down the two cultists. The Silent Bell could be set to finding them, along with it being the highest calling of almost any of the Virtue Assemblies. There are several eternals who are adept at finding people: Kimus, the seer; Hayaak, the hunter; and the Lictors, who deal with oath-breakers. Any of the archmages could use their power of plenipotentiary to request the aid of an eternal in such a matter.

===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
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* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

Key of dreams

2026-06-10T11:02:33Z

Kirkbride: /* Finder of Paths Unseen (Night) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"Do you know what the three keys to solving a problem are?"

Ophelia was in her robe, half asleep, not expecting guests. Especially not a guest as peculiar as the one at her chamber door. One of the realities of life above a regio was that sometimes very strange people - for a given value - turned up in your bedroom at all hours of the night. This one she knew as Blue; barely three feet tall with a kind face, long turquoise hair, and a flexible tail that ended in a shock of aquamarine strands. They wore a flowing woollen dark-green robe cinched at what amounted to their waist with a rope belt. They rarely bothered to be invited in, and tonight was no exception. They bustled past her and jumped up onto the chair near the table, starting to go through the reagents there without being asked.

"It's very late," said Ophelia. She had no particular hope that her visitor would appreciate the hour.

"That's nice dear," said the creature. It shook a little bottle containing rusted iron filings before discarding it; licked a ring of ilium with every sign of enthusiasm; stuck one thick nail-less finger into a pestle of ground realmsroot and sniffed it suspiciously. "The three keys to solving a problem? I'll give you a clue - there's four of them."

Ophelia shut the door, and lifted the cap over the lightstone partially, illuminating the room a little better. Blue had stopped poking around her work table and was instead pulling books out of the bookcase one at a time, piling them up to make a stool to sit on. The Urizeni stargazer had never seen Blue, or any of her kin, actually ''read'' a book. She wasn't sure they even knew what they were.

"Well I suppose there's a riddle there - how can three..."

Blue wasn't listening.

"The first key is Thinking About The Thing. That's when you try to work out what the problem actually is, and what to do about it. That's the most important key obviously."

"Obviously, so..."

"The second key is Talking About The Thing. That's when you put words on your thought. Makes your thoughts real, you see. Also it lets you boss people around or, if the problem is really bad, work with others. That's the most vital of all the keys obviously."

''Oh'', thought Ophelia. ''It's going to be one of <u>those</u> kinds of conversations''.

"The third key is Actually Doing The Thing." Blue had pulled a length of something long and clear that looked like glass out of her robe, and was chewing on it with every sign of enthusiasm. Ophelia could hear it splintering. She wasn't sure how - Blue had no teeth in her wide, unlipped mouth. "That's when you actually try to solve the problem, and find out if any of your keys fit the lock. That's definitely the most important key."

Blue looked at her through half lidded eyes. Ophelia sipped a little of the water from her night-stand.

"So the fourth key..." she said thoughtfully. She considered everything she knew about Blue and her kind, and their patron. "I think you want me to think the fourth key is the last one, but actually I think... yes. It's actually the first one."

The little herald sat on their stool of books swinging their legs, kicking their heels against an antique copy of the ''Vojaĝtaglibroj de Vojaĝanta Onklo Matt'' which her grandmother had acquired for a small fortune at Anvil one Summer. Her expression, usually open and enthusiastic, was unreadable.

"I think the first key, then, the first key is the key of... inspiration? Having a spark that turns into a thought, then a plan, then action?"

Blue nodded her head in approval.

"The Key of Dreams," said her strange little guest seriously, and Ophelia could hear the capital letters. "The key that unlocks the cabinet where the other keys are kept, so you can use them to open your lock. Which is in this case your problem! Whatever that is."

''Aha!'' thought Ophelia. An opening!

"Well, as I said to your... fellow dweller, the little yellow worried one. I've been experimenting with realmsroot and I'm convinced there's a way to transform it into..."

Blue jumped down from the stool, and hopped up onto the bedside table. From inside their robe they produced a bright red fruit - or perhaps a vegetable - shaped a little like a stylised heart.

"Here you go!" they said in a slightly dreamy tone. "This'll help you find the first key you're looking for. All you have to do is eat it."

The little herald smiled, as Ophelia reached out to take the fruit, and if there was something unsettling in their half-lidded eyes, the Urizeni was too focused on the gift being offered to notice.</ic>
<div style="float:left; max-width: 400px; min-width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ornate Key.jpg|caption=They key turns, but what does it unlock?|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently 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'''
* '''The other has provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
As the Winter Solstice approaches, the [[eternal|eternals]] respond to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the six [[archmage|archmages]]. Each of the six is empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Some eternals will arrange a [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] or some kind, a personal meeting with themselves or more commonly one of their favoured lieutenants. Others may take more direct action, offering [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure boons or enlist the eternal's power to change the Empire in some way. Sometimes they decline the offer of meetings or boons, but even then they are likely to provide their reasons for doing so.

Since the Autumn Equinox, messengers representing six eternals have come to the Empire from their eternal patrons, detailing the response to each plenipotentiary missive.

==Hearth-vigil (Summer)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:CathCane002.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The Queen of Ice and Darkness has received the plenipotentiary of the Summer Archmage
* '''A parley will take place in a chamber reached via the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday during the summit
* '''Cathan Canae expects the Archmage to return the ritual text for the Fist of Black Ice
* '''The Archmage may include up to five others as part of their entourage
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose

An enormous ogre, around whom swirls a miasma of frost and ice emerges from the Imperial Regio and marches with purpose towards the Civil Service tent. Any who stand too close feel the biting cold emanating from it, and those who do not get out of its way fast enough have to leap out of its way to not be swatted or crushed by its huge limbs. When it reaches the Hub, it slams its fist down on Jorgen's desk, causing splinters to shoot out and for the desk itself to emit an almighty groan.

The [[Cathan_Canae|''Immovable One'']] has received the missive from the Archmage of Summer, '''Lady Keepsake''', yet has no desire to meet representatives from the Empire in person ''at this time''. Instead, she will be represented by the ''Thane of the Rimebound Shore'', who shall speak on her behalf. The ''Indomitable Queen'' is a fair and considered ruler; she approves of the focus of the plenipotentiary and will hear out the Archmage as is appropriate for when one great court deals with another. If the representatives of ''The Indefatigable Sparrow'' wish to give their reasons for decommissioning [[Spiral#Ballaghadruh|Ballaghadruh]] and the Eastern Guard, they will have their opportunity. She is not so quick to lose her temper as [[Eleonaris]], who is so eager to start roaring at any perceived slight, but it should be understood that the ''Majestic Glacier's'' [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]] is being restrained, not that it does not exist.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=250}}
While the ''Lady of the Frost'' may be fair, she is not easily swayed. An assurance has been broken. A troth plighted by the Empire shattered. An [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]] is a promise. It is a solemn oath. It is a sworn vow. To break it, is a terrible thing. The Immovable One cannot overlook this. Thus, the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' wants it to be clear that there is <u>no circumstance</u> under which the Archmage will be coming back from the parley with a [[The_thing_with_feathers#Hope's_Rest_(Cathan_Canae)|renewed ritual text for the '''Fist of Black Ice''']].

The ''Immovable One'' respects the decision of the Archmage to come to her immediately, to stand her ground and make her case, not to hide and wait until the blizzard no longer howls. It is good that Lady Keepsake is willing to face the storm head on - it is the only way to begin to rebuild what has been razed. But the Archmage ''must'' bring the now-ruined ritual text to the meeting to be returned to the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' as a first step before any further aid for Imperial magicians will be discussed. The Queen will look elsewhere to find a worthy recipient for that particular gift - the Empire must do without.

The Archmage may bring up to five guests. ''The Breath of Winter'' asks the Archmage to bring a representative of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven as one of the five. She plans to reward them for [[The_thing_with_feathers#Hope's_Rest_(Cathan_Canae)|completing the task to call forth her citadel]] into [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest|Hope's Rest]] in [[the Barrens]]. Too often, the labours of those who raise the walls are overlooked. ''The Lady of the Frost'' would like to present the witches with a personal gift in recognition of their efforts. They should bring a set of [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]] that has not already been worked by an artisan for her herald to imbue with a shard of her power. As to the rest, the Archmage may choose as she pleases and may, or may not, include the [[Senator]] for [[Spiral]] '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''' and Master '''Watt Lambrook''' as she prefers. They will be welcomed with all due hospitality as the Archmage has requested, but they should not expect it to be a ''warm'' welcome.

==Finder of Paths Unseen (Night)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''Azoth will create a night market at 22:00 on Saturday at the coming summit'''
* '''Anyone who wishes may visit to purchase various offerings in exchange for coins, ingots and measures'''
* '''Servants of many of the Night eternals will be present including the Whisper Gallery'''

A "distillation", a herald of [[Azoth]] comes to Anvil bearing a message. The Azoth shall dissolve the barriers between the [[Hall of Worlds]] and a region of the [[Realm#Night|Night realm]] known as the '''Shadow Souk'''. In this chamber, representatives of many [[Archmage_of_Night#The_Eternals_of_Night|wyrms and serpents]] come together to mix and, in their joining, produce change, inspiration and other things upon which the Night thrives. Those mortals who dare join them will find amusements, indulgences, mysteries and secrets refined from across the lived world and the depths of Night’s oceans.

The ''Crucible'' invites citizens to come, to make merry and to be transformed. Those who attend will emerge from its dimly lit avenues transfigured in body, mind or soul; to be made ready for a new age. The herald includes a warning: visitors ''must'' be prepared to entreat with representatives of eternals that the Empire has chosen to quench via [[Alignment#Night|enmity]]. Alchemy, they say, is never without its impurities.

Azoth will offer the following gifts at the market:

* '''The Crucible of Twinned Souls''' - The magisterium of two distinct wholes shall extend the same rebirth to interested citizens. Two spirits who enter into the Crucible of Twinned Souls will be mixed, fused and reformed into two new beings possessing a unique blend of the memories, attitudes, experiences, hopes, and dreams of their progenitors. The process shall be catalysed by a measure of [[weltsilver]] provided by each of the participants and will work best on those whose spirits are already familiar with each other.

* '''The Solvent of Thought''' - Distilled from the raw essence of Night, this elixir roils with innumerable memories. For those with a handful of small coins, or a measure of [[Game_items#Materials|something more precious]], patrons may take these memories into themselves, or expunge a memory of their own and cast it into the solvent.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bella Vicente d'Apulian.jpg|caption='''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''', Archmage of Night|align=right|width=250}}
* '''Twilit Pigments''' - Art is transformative, sublimating the rarefied vapours of emotion into myriad forms concentrated into shapes either material or ethereal that serve in turn to transform the hearts of those who imbibe them. To such alchemists of the heart, Azoth shall dispense their twilit pigments. For a fee these essences may be applied to the skin, or provided for use in the artist’s own works and in each case shall produce distinct results.

* '''The Fraction of Being''' - Through madness we find inspiration, and madness is oft found in things that are alien to us. The Cauldron of Fractions contains fragments of personality offered from those around the world who deal with the Azoth. Those willing to tear out a piece of themselves and offer it to the cauldron may choose a fragment previous given up by someone not of the Empire. The trade must always be one to one, and is permanent. So the cycle goes, on and on.

After a brief pause, they then continue to describe the offerings available from the other denizens of the Night realm:

* '''[[Sadogua]]''' shall offer visitors opportunities to dredge treasures from his Mire of Indulgences
* '''[[Lashonar]]''' has been quite vociferous regarding its Talking Shop and the heap of ‘treasures’ it has gathered from across the world to barter, like for like, with citizens willing to engage in eloquent exchange.
* '''[[Sung]]''' shall not herself send representatives (or maybe she will, it is not clear, the herald admits) - but instead shall engage the Archmage of Night to ensure that the market is awash with music from the finest musicians the Empire may send: magical mysteries shall be imparted to the Archmage to reward those that compete to create an aura of mystery over the whole affair.
* '''[[Janon]]''' exhorts attendees to effuse with passion and shall offer a space for those with a fire in their spirit to move their peers. Those with a talent for speech will find their prowess alloyed with the Shadowed Flame’s power.
* '''The [[Whisper Gallery]]''', as might be expected, have chosen to keep their contribution a secret.

'''OOC Note:''' The Shadow Souk will take place outside in one of the paddocks, weather permitting, otherwise it will be in the Hall of Worlds.

==Starlight Seeks Its Form (Day)==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Phaleron002.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''The Coral Library declines a formal parley with the Archmage of Day'''
* '''Instead, a pocket of its archives will be accessible within the Hall of Worlds from 10:30 on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox'''
* '''Heralds of Phaleron will visit the Hall of Worlds and may channel the complete writings of the cultures requested by the Archmage of Day'''
* '''Unlocking this boon will require aid from Imperial magicians
A rushed civil servant almost steps on the lizard-like creature seemingly crafted from folded parchment which emerges from the Imperial regio one early spring morning. After some failed attempts at communication, it's finally discovered that unfolding the paper scales across the creature's back reveals neat penmanship that changes each time it is revealed. With an indignant rustle, the herald claims to be ''scale mail'' sent from the [[Phaleron|Great Library]].

It assures the civil service in writing that the [[Archmage of Day]] was wise to seek out the ''Archives of Silence'' in a quest for guidance. A great many civilisations which once regularly sent writings to the library have long since ceased to do so. ''Phaleron'' has seen the rise and fall of ages and societies - and more than that, it has heard of their fears and hopes through their own voices. Those words remain as part of its collection, a testament to what has passed from the world.

From half-past-ten on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox, a collection of works from the Library will be made available to the Empire at their Hall of Worlds. Such works discuss the end of things, the fall of civilisations, the decay of culture, the growth of societies at the loss of what they once were - and of those left behind. It is the Archive's hope that those who visit the collection may add their own writings. In return, and as a rare boon, Imperial citizens who do so are welcome to take away any singular piece which speaks to them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralka1693.jpg||caption='''Gralka''', Archmage of Day|align=right|width=200}}
The collection will be available all Sunday, so there is no need for readers to rush to the collection. It will be accompanied by heralds during the morning, but the writings will remain for the entire day.

There is, however, some confusion amongst the attendants of the Coral Library. It seems, from the Archmage's words, that she wishes to document the lives of certain cultures herself. A noble act. Once a great many scholars undertake, and certainly such writings would be welcomed into the coral shelves. But it seems there has been an assumption that the Great Library lacks words from these cultures' own pens. Since the Archmage and the Empire wish to learn more about these civilisations, the Archive can - with some support from Imperial mages - instead provide the collective writings they have submitted to the Archive.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 600px; min-width: 350px; clear: left;"><box> '''Out of character information'''<br>
The collection in the Hall of Worlds will be available throughout time-in on Sunday, but the lector heralds will only be available to channel from 11:00-11:30.

This encounter involves reading written (and sometimes handwritten) text. There will be NPCs available to read aloud to anyone who needs it between 10:30-11:30.

The intention with the request for items related to the named cultures is not to provide an impossible puzzle where players must search for the one item received on a Rahvin encounter countless events ago. Any ribboned item with a suitable story attached to it would meet the criteria - a weapon from a character who campaigned in a relevant location and has a story to tell which relates to that culture would be an excellent example. The item does not need to have a relevant vision response to the ritual, but unlike in usual circumstances the mana will still be used and the ritual still cast even if there is mechanically speaking no vision response. It should be noted that the Skein of Years ritual is not appropriate to use in this encounter, as it only shares the vision amongst the ritualists.</box></div>

It would take centuries for attendants of the Library to dredge up all relevant writings submitted to it by a certain culture -- and it has unfortunately become plain to the attendants that it is rare for a reader to possess such patience. Work has begun on consolidating the collections requested by the Archmage, but for this to be achievable within her mortal lifetime, Imperial mages must provide some support.

Four library attendants known as ''lectors'' will visit the Hall of Worlds from eleven in the morning on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox. The Archmage should source and bring an object relating to each culture to one of the lectors. This might not necessarily be an item originating ''from'' its culture - a sword which fought in the hand of someone hoping to save a fragment of the culture, or indeed a hammer which forged chains that bound that culture's people, would both be adequate examples. Once the item is in the lector's hands, a ritual which would share visions of that item's history with the herald must be cast - the most likely example would be ''Revelations of the Past''. This magic is not part of either [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial]] or [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]], but the ''Crystalline Archive'' knows that there are magicians in the Empire capable of casting it. The second step for the Archmage will be to track some of them down. The vision the ritual provides will serve as a "hook" which the lector can leverage to spontaneously channel the culture's writings. Such lectors have begun the process of consolidating the writings of the cultures known as the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin and the Vendarri.

There is one last, slightly awkward element which the attendants to the Library wish to ensure the Empire understands. They, naturally, believe the writings of a culture to be a perfect path to understanding it. But they are not so bull-headed as to believe that all writings from a culture are submitted to their coral shelves. Their knowledge is, sadly, imperfect. Beautiful, comprehensive, diverse. But not complete.

==Sharp Fangs Behind The Leaves (Spring)==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">[[file:Centipede General.png]]</div>
* '''Arhallogen declines parley at this time
* '''It has set out a number of criteria whereby the Conclave might win its favour
A herald of [[Arhallogen]] appears at Spiral Castle shortly after the Winter Solstice. It did not take long, it seems, for the plenipotentiary of '''Ibiss Briarheart''' to be digested. Arhallogen respects the decision of the Archmage to move on to hunt different prey. They did not always have a positive relationship, but that is only right and proper for two masters of the hunt. The ''Apex Predator'' wishes him all the best in facing whomever he chooses to point the tip of his staff at next, and trusts he will show them no mercy. As a parting gift, Arhallogen has made an offer to his people as outlined in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

The Archmage mentions a great number of things, some of which should be addressed in full plenipotentiaries of their own. When it comes to the armies and septs of the Druj that the Empire is capably conquering, their treatment of those who reside in Nesustak Forest tells the ''Scorpion Queen'' that there is no offer she can make this season that the Empire would have the stomach for. The matter of the Palace of Sleepers can be discussed at a future date if and when it returns from... wherever it has gone. As to the other boons requested, the Empire must show some willingness to use the tools they already have first. Fresh meat does not simply fall into one's lap slain and skinned; effort must be put in, the hunt must first be completed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ibiss8557.jpg||caption='''Ibiss Briarheart''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=200}}
Arhallogen appreciates that the [[Archmage of Spring]]'s last plenipotentiary to the ''Centipede General'' gives it an opportunity to address the wider issues it sees in its relationship with the Empire, given that the new Archmage should be apprised of the current state of things moving forward. In the many, many eyes of the ''Scorpion Queen'', the Imperial Conclave has been ruined by the influence of [[Irra_Harah|''Wet Crunch'']] and the [[Ossegrahn|''Sap'']], even after the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] as its first mistake. Even the once formidable military council has fallen to foolishness, preferring to fight under the counter-productive [[Rivers of Life]] at every turn. The once great [[Gryphon's Pride]] has become a little more than a herd of prey animals, and the three peoples' idolisation of the folly of "honour" leaves a sick taste in the mouths of the ''Centipede General''.

The ''Envenomed Blade'' is not one to give up a fight easily, however, and thus has chosen to offer the Conclave some great and powerful boons if it is prepared to reverse its decline and not let its current victories make it complacent and weak, valid until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE. In each instance, the raising magician of the successful [[declaration]] involved will receive a gift of five pawns of [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]]. Other boons will be granted depending on the nature of the action the Conclave takes - including [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] for magical rituals that could be [[College of magic|codified]], and potentially even made a part of [[Imperial lore]] or [[Urizen lore]]. The civil service notes that the magics mentioned will certainly have assurances, but that ''Sharp Fangs Behind the Leaves'' has not disclosed what they might be.

* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Savagery_of_Armies|savage army enchantment]], Arhallogen will watch Imperial armies for a year, and offer the one who displays the strongest killer instincts a significant boon.
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[Rivers Run Red]], Arhallogen will provide the magician who raises the [[Interdiction#License|Declaration of License]] with an [[arcane projection]] called ''Instincts of the Shadow-Hunter'' that improves an army's ability to pursue prey as she does - a ritual well known in one form or another to the [[Druj]].
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]], Arhallogen will provide the magician who raises the Declaration of License with an arcane projection called ''Enveloped in the Dripping Web'', a much more potent version of [[Fire in the Blood]].
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on the potion set [[Double-sided Blade]], Arhallogen will offer a bequeathment of [[herb|herbs]] and [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]] to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries' Guild]] which they can use to make dangerous blade venoms. Or heal people. Whichever.
* If the Conclave places the perfidious [[Irra Harah]] under enmity, it will teach all Imperial artisans how to make a one-handed weapon similar to the [[Barbed Spear]] that will prove [[Calls#VENOM|useful]] when fighting the vallorn. Or indeed any other enemy.
* If the Conclave places the soporific [[Ossegrahn]] under enmity, it will present an opportunity to aid the Empire in its war against the [[Grendel|Orcs of the Broken Shore]]. To be absolutely clear, this will involve the killing of many Grendel. The Grendel are also interested in seeking a boon from the ''Mother of Stonefish'', so it may behove the Conclave to move quickly on that one.

According to the ''Skittering-Dark'', if the Conclave does not change its course, and soon, something truly awful might happen. It does not say what this thing might be, for fear of encouraging the perverse elements within the Empire that would promote a disaster so recently averted.

==Shifting Memory of Ages (Winter)==
<div style="float:right; width:225px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=225}}</div>
* '''''Eldest Sister'' has agreed to a meeting with the heroes of Empire'''
* '''She invites the Wise Ones of Varushka to name six Varushkan storytellers to visit her and learn the wisdom of her stories'''
* '''These storytellers take on responsibility to spread Grandmother Winter's tales to Anvil'''
* '''The chosen storytellers are to meet her herald at 15:50, to be taken hence to her campfire.'''
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: Pink;">'''Known Storytellers'''</tr>
<tr><td> Anastasia "Ana" Varenye </td></tr>
<tr><td> Anatolij Paukov Zorkin </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bregeslav </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cvijeta Ravenkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jurand Biegacz </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katarina </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katerina Pavukov Novosad </td></tr>
<tr><td> Korvak Zovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kłamca Bzdura </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laumina Yulenkaovich Delmorozov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maja Świętosława Przewałski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslav "XIII" Ruparcic </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mojca Sanjač </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai "The Butcher" Petravich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Radomir Illyot Shallotovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rolnik Cytryn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vera </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vukovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Yasna Yalinovsky Labzov </td></tr>
</table></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bloodcrow Arora.jpg|caption='''Bloodcrow Arora''', Archmage of Winter|align=left|width=250}}
A spry young thing comes to Anvil. Despite the blazing mortal sun, they are wrapped in many layers of tattered rags and greasy furs. When they skip lightly into the [[Civil Service|civil service]] tent, those present are struck by the age in their eyes. Then they smile, and it is polite, disarming, and threatening all at once.

Still, what the [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] has to say is simple enough, or so it would seem. [[Wise Rangara|''Augur-at-the-campfire'']] thanks Bloodcrow Arora in the kindest terms, but stories must be told in the right way, at the right time. She therefore pronounces that she will tell her stories to no more than six [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#Storytellers|storytellers]] of [[Varushka]], to be chosen by the [[Varushka_religious_beliefs|Wise Ones]] of that nation. If they are Wise of understanding and skilful in their craft, they shall prove themselves to the ''Clever Spider'' by sharing her tales with Anvil. Word-for-word is not ''the Venerable Guest's'' way, the important thing is that the right meaning is imparted to the right people.

The herald suggests interested storytellers go to the Varushkan National Assembly meeting, which they understand to be taking place at 19:00 on the Friday of the summit, in the tent of Vor'azi, and that the Varushkan Wise Ones take steps to choose the best. Also, the best storytellers may not be the best magicians. The herald drily notes that if the wizards of the Empire desire her wisdom as ardently as they appear, then ''the Pale Raven'' is confident that they can acquire sufficient [[Pauper's_Key|Pauper's Keys]].

Regardless, once the six are chosen, the Archmage of Winter should bring them to the Hall of Worlds at four in the afternoon on the Saturday of the coming summit. From there, a herald will take them to a hut in the wild woods where stories may be told. It will begin as a parley, but if that turns out to be too constraining for the telling of tales, then it might be needful to put it aside. Regardless, she promises that no harm will befall the storytellers - unless they bring some harm with them, of course.

==Many Minds Move As One (Autumn)==
<div style="float:right; width:225px; clear: right;">{{HoverImage|SaltAndSail001.png|Turtle_city.jpg}}</div>
* '''A representative from the City of Salt and Sail will journey to the Hall of Worlds at 10.00 in the morning on Saturday
* '''They hope to meet with the Archmage of Autumn in a formal parley
* '''Several items that the archmage suggested will be on the agenda
A few weeks before the Spring Equinox, a missive arrives at the Hub. Most of the civil servants have either experienced or observed the slightly odd feeling of being delivered a letter accompanied by nothing more than a muted flutter of wings. It is apparently an altogether different experience when the flutter of wings is more of boisterous flapping accompanied by raucous cawing, as if the missive was delivered by an unseen dire gull (albeit one significantly less murderously minded than the typical dire gull). Once the civil servants on duty had finished calming down and collecting the paperwork displaced by the things' invisible wings, they carefully read the missive, and they have made the contents public knowledge.

The missive is from ''Ptolemy, Custodian of the Infinite Rookery'', who intends to visit the Hall of Worlds in response to a plenipotentiary sent by '''Vossk''', [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Ptolemy represents the ''City of Salt and Sail''; a city of the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]] unknown to the Empire. Ptolemy proposes the following agenda:
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vossk.jpg|caption='''Vossk''', Archmage of Autumn|align=right|width=250}}
# '''Introductions''' - in which each party establishes their bona fides.
# '''Agenda''' - a <u>short</u> discussion to confirm that both parties are happy with the proposed agenda for the rest of the meeting.
# '''Winged Messengers''' - to focus on their functions and assurances.
# '''Boons for Salt and Sail''' - to explore the Empire's needs for magical assistance with fleets and navies to see if they can be profitably met by the City.
# '''Ports''' - as above, but with an emphasis on both improvement and protection.
# '''Minutes''' - a comparison of minutes taken by both parties to ensure they are in agreement.
# '''Close''' - meeting closes with a formal agreement that both parties will then depart.

The City has allocated one hour for this meeting. Both parties are to make good faith efforts to avoid a costly overrun.

Ptolemy wishes to make clear that the City would prefer to avoid price discovery at this stage, and that Ptolemy is not approved to agree initial or final terms. This is a preliminary meeting to explore what options exist for profitable exchange with a view to subsequent communication to establish heads of terms before moving to signed contracts.

One thing that must be clear from the outset is that the city will not involve itself in any matters vis-a-vis the war between the Empire and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]. Even to contemplate the possibility of discussion of this conflict might undermine the stance of strict neutrality that is a binding requirement of all heralds of the City of Salt and Sail placed on them by the one under whose auspices they travel.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 19:00 || [[Cathan Canae]] || Summer || Parley; Archmage and up to five guests are invited to the chamber where it will take place
|-
| Saturday || 10.00 || Salt and Sail || Autumn || Parley; hosted in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 16.00 || [[Wise Rangara]] || Winter || Parley; Archmage and up to six Varushkan storytellers invited to a chamber
|-
| Saturday || 22:00 || [[Azoth]] || Night || Not a parley; a Shadow Souk will take place in an outside area weather permitting, otherwise in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Sunday || 10:00 || [[Phaleron]] || Day || Not a parley; a pocket of the archives will manifest in the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Key of dreams

2026-06-10T10:55:46Z

Kirkbride: /* Timetable */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"Do you know what the three keys to solving a problem are?"

Ophelia was in her robe, half asleep, not expecting guests. Especially not a guest as peculiar as the one at her chamber door. One of the realities of life above a regio was that sometimes very strange people - for a given value - turned up in your bedroom at all hours of the night. This one she knew as Blue; barely three feet tall with a kind face, long turquoise hair, and a flexible tail that ended in a shock of aquamarine strands. They wore a flowing woollen dark-green robe cinched at what amounted to their waist with a rope belt. They rarely bothered to be invited in, and tonight was no exception. They bustled past her and jumped up onto the chair near the table, starting to go through the reagents there without being asked.

"It's very late," said Ophelia. She had no particular hope that her visitor would appreciate the hour.

"That's nice dear," said the creature. It shook a little bottle containing rusted iron filings before discarding it; licked a ring of ilium with every sign of enthusiasm; stuck one thick nail-less finger into a pestle of ground realmsroot and sniffed it suspiciously. "The three keys to solving a problem? I'll give you a clue - there's four of them."

Ophelia shut the door, and lifted the cap over the lightstone partially, illuminating the room a little better. Blue had stopped poking around her work table and was instead pulling books out of the bookcase one at a time, piling them up to make a stool to sit on. The Urizeni stargazer had never seen Blue, or any of her kin, actually ''read'' a book. She wasn't sure they even knew what they were.

"Well I suppose there's a riddle there - how can three..."

Blue wasn't listening.

"The first key is Thinking About The Thing. That's when you try to work out what the problem actually is, and what to do about it. That's the most important key obviously."

"Obviously, so..."

"The second key is Talking About The Thing. That's when you put words on your thought. Makes your thoughts real, you see. Also it lets you boss people around or, if the problem is really bad, work with others. That's the most vital of all the keys obviously."

''Oh'', thought Ophelia. ''It's going to be one of <u>those</u> kinds of conversations''.

"The third key is Actually Doing The Thing." Blue had pulled a length of something long and clear that looked like glass out of her robe, and was chewing on it with every sign of enthusiasm. Ophelia could hear it splintering. She wasn't sure how - Blue had no teeth in her wide, unlipped mouth. "That's when you actually try to solve the problem, and find out if any of your keys fit the lock. That's definitely the most important key."

Blue looked at her through half lidded eyes. Ophelia sipped a little of the water from her night-stand.

"So the fourth key..." she said thoughtfully. She considered everything she knew about Blue and her kind, and their patron. "I think you want me to think the fourth key is the last one, but actually I think... yes. It's actually the first one."

The little herald sat on their stool of books swinging their legs, kicking their heels against an antique copy of the ''Vojaĝtaglibroj de Vojaĝanta Onklo Matt'' which her grandmother had acquired for a small fortune at Anvil one Summer. Her expression, usually open and enthusiastic, was unreadable.

"I think the first key, then, the first key is the key of... inspiration? Having a spark that turns into a thought, then a plan, then action?"

Blue nodded her head in approval.

"The Key of Dreams," said her strange little guest seriously, and Ophelia could hear the capital letters. "The key that unlocks the cabinet where the other keys are kept, so you can use them to open your lock. Which is in this case your problem! Whatever that is."

''Aha!'' thought Ophelia. An opening!

"Well, as I said to your... fellow dweller, the little yellow worried one. I've been experimenting with realmsroot and I'm convinced there's a way to transform it into..."

Blue jumped down from the stool, and hopped up onto the bedside table. From inside their robe they produced a bright red fruit - or perhaps a vegetable - shaped a little like a stylised heart.

"Here you go!" they said in a slightly dreamy tone. "This'll help you find the first key you're looking for. All you have to do is eat it."

The little herald smiled, as Ophelia reached out to take the fruit, and if there was something unsettling in their half-lidded eyes, the Urizeni was too focused on the gift being offered to notice.</ic>
<div style="float:left; max-width: 400px; min-width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ornate Key.jpg|caption=They key turns, but what does it unlock?|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently 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'''
* '''The other has provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
As the Winter Solstice approaches, the [[eternal|eternals]] respond to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the six [[archmage|archmages]]. Each of the six is empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Some eternals will arrange a [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] or some kind, a personal meeting with themselves or more commonly one of their favoured lieutenants. Others may take more direct action, offering [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure boons or enlist the eternal's power to change the Empire in some way. Sometimes they decline the offer of meetings or boons, but even then they are likely to provide their reasons for doing so.

Since the Autumn Equinox, messengers representing six eternals have come to the Empire from their eternal patrons, detailing the response to each plenipotentiary missive.

==Hearth-vigil (Summer)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:CathCane002.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The Queen of Ice and Darkness has received the plenipotentiary of the Summer Archmage
* '''A parley will take place in a chamber reached via the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday during the summit
* '''Cathan Canae expects the Archmage to return the ritual text for the Fist of Black Ice
* '''The Archmage may include up to five others as part of their entourage
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose

An enormous ogre, around whom swirls a miasma of frost and ice emerges from the Imperial Regio and marches with purpose towards the Civil Service tent. Any who stand too close feel the biting cold emanating from it, and those who do not get out of its way fast enough have to leap out of its way to not be swatted or crushed by its huge limbs. When it reaches the Hub, it slams its fist down on Jorgen's desk, causing splinters to shoot out and for the desk itself to emit an almighty groan.

The [[Cathan_Canae|''Immovable One'']] has received the missive from the Archmage of Summer, '''Lady Keepsake''', yet has no desire to meet representatives from the Empire in person ''at this time''. Instead, she will be represented by the ''Thane of the Rimebound Shore'', who shall speak on her behalf. The ''Indomitable Queen'' is a fair and considered ruler; she approves of the focus of the plenipotentiary and will hear out the Archmage as is appropriate for when one great court deals with another. If the representatives of ''The Indefatigable Sparrow'' wish to give their reasons for decommissioning [[Spiral#Ballaghadruh|Ballaghadruh]] and the Eastern Guard, they will have their opportunity. She is not so quick to lose her temper as [[Eleonaris]], who is so eager to start roaring at any perceived slight, but it should be understood that the ''Majestic Glacier's'' [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]] is being restrained, not that it does not exist.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=250}}
While the ''Lady of the Frost'' may be fair, she is not easily swayed. An assurance has been broken. A troth plighted by the Empire shattered. An [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]] is a promise. It is a solemn oath. It is a sworn vow. To break it, is a terrible thing. The Immovable One cannot overlook this. Thus, the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' wants it to be clear that there is <u>no circumstance</u> under which the Archmage will be coming back from the parley with a [[The_thing_with_feathers#Hope's_Rest_(Cathan_Canae)|renewed ritual text for the '''Fist of Black Ice''']].

The ''Immovable One'' respects the decision of the Archmage to come to her immediately, to stand her ground and make her case, not to hide and wait until the blizzard no longer howls. It is good that Lady Keepsake is willing to face the storm head on - it is the only way to begin to rebuild what has been razed. But the Archmage ''must'' bring the now-ruined ritual text to the meeting to be returned to the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' as a first step before any further aid for Imperial magicians will be discussed. The Queen will look elsewhere to find a worthy recipient for that particular gift - the Empire must do without.

The Archmage may bring up to five guests. ''The Breath of Winter'' asks the Archmage to bring a representative of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven as one of the five. She plans to reward them for [[The_thing_with_feathers#Hope's_Rest_(Cathan_Canae)|completing the task to call forth her citadel]] into [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest|Hope's Rest]] in [[the Barrens]]. Too often, the labours of those who raise the walls are overlooked. ''The Lady of the Frost'' would like to present the witches with a personal gift in recognition of their efforts. They should bring a set of [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]] that has not already been worked by an artisan for her herald to imbue with a shard of her power. As to the rest, the Archmage may choose as she pleases and may, or may not, include the [[Senator]] for [[Spiral]] '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''' and Master '''Watt Lambrook''' as she prefers. They will be welcomed with all due hospitality as the Archmage has requested, but they should not expect it to be a ''warm'' welcome.

==Finder of Paths Unseen (Night)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''Azoth will create a night market at 22:00 on Saturday at the coming summit'''
* '''Anyone who wishes may visit to purchase various offerings in exchange for coins, ingots and measures'''
* '''Servants of many of the Night eternals will be present including the Whisper Gallery'''

A "distillation", a herald of [[Azoth]] comes to Anvil bearing a message. The Azoth shall dissolve the barriers between the [[Hall of Worlds]] and a region of the [[Realm#Night|Night realm]] known as the '''Shadow Souk'''. In this chamber, representatives of many [[Archmage_of_Night#The_Eternals_of_Night|wyrms and serpents]] come together to mix and, in their joining, produce change, inspiration and other things upon which the Night thrives. Those mortals who dare join them will find amusements, indulgences, mysteries and secrets refined from across the lived world and the depths of Night’s oceans.

The ''Crucible'' invites citizens to come, to make merry and to be transformed. Those who attend will emerge from its dimly lit avenues transfigured in body, mind or soul; to be made ready for a new age. The herald includes a warning: visitors ''must'' be prepared to entreat with representatives of eternals that the Empire has chosen to quench via [[Alignment#Night|enmity]]. Alchemy, they say, is never without its impurities.

Azoth will offer the following gifts at the market:

* '''The Crucible of Twinned Souls''' - The magisterium of two distinct wholes shall extend the same rebirth to interested citizens. Two spirits who enter into the Crucible of Twinned Souls will be mixed, fused and reformed into two new beings possessing a unique blend of the memories, attitudes, experiences, hopes, and dreams of their progenitors. The process shall be catalysed by a measure of [[weltsilver]] provided by each of the participants and will work best on those whose spirits are already familiar with each other.

* '''The Solvent of Thought''' - Distilled from the raw essence of Night, this elixir roils with innumerable memories. For those with a handful of small coins, or a measure of [[Game_items#Materials|something more precious]], patrons may take these memories into themselves, or expunge a memory of their own and cast it into the solvent.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bella Vicente d'Apulian.jpg|caption='''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''', Archmage of Night|align=right|width=250}}
* '''Twilit Pigments''' - Art is transformative, sublimating the rarefied vapours of emotion into myriad forms concentrated into shapes either material or ethereal that serve in turn to transform the hearts of those who imbibe them. To such alchemists of the heart, Azoth shall dispense their twilit pigments. For a fee these essences may be applied to the skin, or provided for use in the artist’s own works and in each case shall produce distinct results.

* '''The Fraction of Being''' - Through madness we find inspiration, and madness is oft found in things that are alien to us. The Cauldron of Fractions contains fragments of personality offered from those around the world who deal with the Azoth. Those willing to tear out a piece of themselves and offer it to the cauldron may choose a fragment previous given up by someone not of the Empire. The trade must always be one to one, and is permanent. So the cycle goes, on and on.

After a brief pause, they then continue to describe the offerings available from the other denizens of the Night realm:

* '''[[Sadogua]]''' shall offer visitors opportunities to dredge treasures from his Mire of Indulgences
* '''[[Lashonar]]''' has been quite vociferous regarding its Talking Shop and the heap of ‘treasures’ it has gathered from across the world to barter, like for like, with citizens willing to engage in eloquent exchange.
* '''[[Sung]]''' shall not herself send representatives (or maybe she will, it is not clear, the herald admits) - but instead shall engage the Archmage of Night to ensure that the market is awash with music from the finest musicians the Empire may send: magical mysteries shall be imparted to the Archmage to reward those that compete to create an aura of mystery over the whole affair.
* '''[[Janon]]''' exhorts attendees to effuse with passion and shall offer a space for those with a fire in their spirit to move their peers. Those with a talent for speech will find their prowess alloyed with the Shadowed Flame’s power.
* '''The [[Whisper Gallery]]''', as might be expected, have chosen to keep their contribution a secret.

==Starlight Seeks Its Form (Day)==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Phaleron002.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''The Coral Library declines a formal parley with the Archmage of Day'''
* '''Instead, a pocket of its archives will be accessible within the Hall of Worlds from 10:30 on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox'''
* '''Heralds of Phaleron will visit the Hall of Worlds and may channel the complete writings of the cultures requested by the Archmage of Day'''
* '''Unlocking this boon will require aid from Imperial magicians
A rushed civil servant almost steps on the lizard-like creature seemingly crafted from folded parchment which emerges from the Imperial regio one early spring morning. After some failed attempts at communication, it's finally discovered that unfolding the paper scales across the creature's back reveals neat penmanship that changes each time it is revealed. With an indignant rustle, the herald claims to be ''scale mail'' sent from the [[Phaleron|Great Library]].

It assures the civil service in writing that the [[Archmage of Day]] was wise to seek out the ''Archives of Silence'' in a quest for guidance. A great many civilisations which once regularly sent writings to the library have long since ceased to do so. ''Phaleron'' has seen the rise and fall of ages and societies - and more than that, it has heard of their fears and hopes through their own voices. Those words remain as part of its collection, a testament to what has passed from the world.

From half-past-ten on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox, a collection of works from the Library will be made available to the Empire at their Hall of Worlds. Such works discuss the end of things, the fall of civilisations, the decay of culture, the growth of societies at the loss of what they once were - and of those left behind. It is the Archive's hope that those who visit the collection may add their own writings. In return, and as a rare boon, Imperial citizens who do so are welcome to take away any singular piece which speaks to them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralka1693.jpg||caption='''Gralka''', Archmage of Day|align=right|width=200}}
The collection will be available all Sunday, so there is no need for readers to rush to the collection. It will be accompanied by heralds during the morning, but the writings will remain for the entire day.

There is, however, some confusion amongst the attendants of the Coral Library. It seems, from the Archmage's words, that she wishes to document the lives of certain cultures herself. A noble act. Once a great many scholars undertake, and certainly such writings would be welcomed into the coral shelves. But it seems there has been an assumption that the Great Library lacks words from these cultures' own pens. Since the Archmage and the Empire wish to learn more about these civilisations, the Archive can - with some support from Imperial mages - instead provide the collective writings they have submitted to the Archive.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 600px; min-width: 350px; clear: left;"><box> '''Out of character information'''<br>
The collection in the Hall of Worlds will be available throughout time-in on Sunday, but the lector heralds will only be available to channel from 11:00-11:30.

This encounter involves reading written (and sometimes handwritten) text. There will be NPCs available to read aloud to anyone who needs it between 10:30-11:30.

The intention with the request for items related to the named cultures is not to provide an impossible puzzle where players must search for the one item received on a Rahvin encounter countless events ago. Any ribboned item with a suitable story attached to it would meet the criteria - a weapon from a character who campaigned in a relevant location and has a story to tell which relates to that culture would be an excellent example. The item does not need to have a relevant vision response to the ritual, but unlike in usual circumstances the mana will still be used and the ritual still cast even if there is mechanically speaking no vision response. It should be noted that the Skein of Years ritual is not appropriate to use in this encounter, as it only shares the vision amongst the ritualists.</box></div>

It would take centuries for attendants of the Library to dredge up all relevant writings submitted to it by a certain culture -- and it has unfortunately become plain to the attendants that it is rare for a reader to possess such patience. Work has begun on consolidating the collections requested by the Archmage, but for this to be achievable within her mortal lifetime, Imperial mages must provide some support.

Four library attendants known as ''lectors'' will visit the Hall of Worlds from eleven in the morning on the Sunday of the Spring Equinox. The Archmage should source and bring an object relating to each culture to one of the lectors. This might not necessarily be an item originating ''from'' its culture - a sword which fought in the hand of someone hoping to save a fragment of the culture, or indeed a hammer which forged chains that bound that culture's people, would both be adequate examples. Once the item is in the lector's hands, a ritual which would share visions of that item's history with the herald must be cast - the most likely example would be ''Revelations of the Past''. This magic is not part of either [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial]] or [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]], but the ''Crystalline Archive'' knows that there are magicians in the Empire capable of casting it. The second step for the Archmage will be to track some of them down. The vision the ritual provides will serve as a "hook" which the lector can leverage to spontaneously channel the culture's writings. Such lectors have begun the process of consolidating the writings of the cultures known as the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin and the Vendarri.

There is one last, slightly awkward element which the attendants to the Library wish to ensure the Empire understands. They, naturally, believe the writings of a culture to be a perfect path to understanding it. But they are not so bull-headed as to believe that all writings from a culture are submitted to their coral shelves. Their knowledge is, sadly, imperfect. Beautiful, comprehensive, diverse. But not complete.

==Sharp Fangs Behind The Leaves (Spring)==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">[[file:Centipede General.png]]</div>
* '''Arhallogen declines parley at this time
* '''It has set out a number of criteria whereby the Conclave might win its favour
A herald of [[Arhallogen]] appears at Spiral Castle shortly after the Winter Solstice. It did not take long, it seems, for the plenipotentiary of '''Ibiss Briarheart''' to be digested. Arhallogen respects the decision of the Archmage to move on to hunt different prey. They did not always have a positive relationship, but that is only right and proper for two masters of the hunt. The ''Apex Predator'' wishes him all the best in facing whomever he chooses to point the tip of his staff at next, and trusts he will show them no mercy. As a parting gift, Arhallogen has made an offer to his people as outlined in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

The Archmage mentions a great number of things, some of which should be addressed in full plenipotentiaries of their own. When it comes to the armies and septs of the Druj that the Empire is capably conquering, their treatment of those who reside in Nesustak Forest tells the ''Scorpion Queen'' that there is no offer she can make this season that the Empire would have the stomach for. The matter of the Palace of Sleepers can be discussed at a future date if and when it returns from... wherever it has gone. As to the other boons requested, the Empire must show some willingness to use the tools they already have first. Fresh meat does not simply fall into one's lap slain and skinned; effort must be put in, the hunt must first be completed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ibiss8557.jpg||caption='''Ibiss Briarheart''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=200}}
Arhallogen appreciates that the [[Archmage of Spring]]'s last plenipotentiary to the ''Centipede General'' gives it an opportunity to address the wider issues it sees in its relationship with the Empire, given that the new Archmage should be apprised of the current state of things moving forward. In the many, many eyes of the ''Scorpion Queen'', the Imperial Conclave has been ruined by the influence of [[Irra_Harah|''Wet Crunch'']] and the [[Ossegrahn|''Sap'']], even after the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] as its first mistake. Even the once formidable military council has fallen to foolishness, preferring to fight under the counter-productive [[Rivers of Life]] at every turn. The once great [[Gryphon's Pride]] has become a little more than a herd of prey animals, and the three peoples' idolisation of the folly of "honour" leaves a sick taste in the mouths of the ''Centipede General''.

The ''Envenomed Blade'' is not one to give up a fight easily, however, and thus has chosen to offer the Conclave some great and powerful boons if it is prepared to reverse its decline and not let its current victories make it complacent and weak, valid until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE. In each instance, the raising magician of the successful [[declaration]] involved will receive a gift of five pawns of [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]]. Other boons will be granted depending on the nature of the action the Conclave takes - including [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] for magical rituals that could be [[College of magic|codified]], and potentially even made a part of [[Imperial lore]] or [[Urizen lore]]. The civil service notes that the magics mentioned will certainly have assurances, but that ''Sharp Fangs Behind the Leaves'' has not disclosed what they might be.

* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Savagery_of_Armies|savage army enchantment]], Arhallogen will watch Imperial armies for a year, and offer the one who displays the strongest killer instincts a significant boon.
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[Rivers Run Red]], Arhallogen will provide the magician who raises the [[Interdiction#License|Declaration of License]] with an [[arcane projection]] called ''Instincts of the Shadow-Hunter'' that improves an army's ability to pursue prey as she does - a ritual well known in one form or another to the [[Druj]].
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]], Arhallogen will provide the magician who raises the Declaration of License with an arcane projection called ''Enveloped in the Dripping Web'', a much more potent version of [[Fire in the Blood]].
* If the Conclave removes the interdiction on the potion set [[Double-sided Blade]], Arhallogen will offer a bequeathment of [[herb|herbs]] and [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]] to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries' Guild]] which they can use to make dangerous blade venoms. Or heal people. Whichever.
* If the Conclave places the perfidious [[Irra Harah]] under enmity, it will teach all Imperial artisans how to make a one-handed weapon similar to the [[Barbed Spear]] that will prove [[Calls#VENOM|useful]] when fighting the vallorn. Or indeed any other enemy.
* If the Conclave places the soporific [[Ossegrahn]] under enmity, it will present an opportunity to aid the Empire in its war against the [[Grendel|Orcs of the Broken Shore]]. To be absolutely clear, this will involve the killing of many Grendel. The Grendel are also interested in seeking a boon from the ''Mother of Stonefish'', so it may behove the Conclave to move quickly on that one.

According to the ''Skittering-Dark'', if the Conclave does not change its course, and soon, something truly awful might happen. It does not say what this thing might be, for fear of encouraging the perverse elements within the Empire that would promote a disaster so recently averted.

==Shifting Memory of Ages (Winter)==
<div style="float:right; width:225px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=225}}</div>
* '''''Eldest Sister'' has agreed to a meeting with the heroes of Empire'''
* '''She invites the Wise Ones of Varushka to name six Varushkan storytellers to visit her and learn the wisdom of her stories'''
* '''These storytellers take on responsibility to spread Grandmother Winter's tales to Anvil'''
* '''The chosen storytellers are to meet her herald at 15:50, to be taken hence to her campfire.'''
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: Pink;">'''Known Storytellers'''</tr>
<tr><td> Anastasia "Ana" Varenye </td></tr>
<tr><td> Anatolij Paukov Zorkin </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bregeslav </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cvijeta Ravenkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jurand Biegacz </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katarina </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katerina Pavukov Novosad </td></tr>
<tr><td> Korvak Zovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kłamca Bzdura </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laumina Yulenkaovich Delmorozov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maja Świętosława Przewałski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslav "XIII" Ruparcic </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mojca Sanjač </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai "The Butcher" Petravich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Radomir Illyot Shallotovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rolnik Cytryn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vera </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vukovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Yasna Yalinovsky Labzov </td></tr>
</table></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bloodcrow Arora.jpg|caption='''Bloodcrow Arora''', Archmage of Winter|align=left|width=250}}
A spry young thing comes to Anvil. Despite the blazing mortal sun, they are wrapped in many layers of tattered rags and greasy furs. When they skip lightly into the [[Civil Service|civil service]] tent, those present are struck by the age in their eyes. Then they smile, and it is polite, disarming, and threatening all at once.

Still, what the [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] has to say is simple enough, or so it would seem. [[Wise Rangara|''Augur-at-the-campfire'']] thanks Bloodcrow Arora in the kindest terms, but stories must be told in the right way, at the right time. She therefore pronounces that she will tell her stories to no more than six [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#Storytellers|storytellers]] of [[Varushka]], to be chosen by the [[Varushka_religious_beliefs|Wise Ones]] of that nation. If they are Wise of understanding and skilful in their craft, they shall prove themselves to the ''Clever Spider'' by sharing her tales with Anvil. Word-for-word is not ''the Venerable Guest's'' way, the important thing is that the right meaning is imparted to the right people.

The herald suggests interested storytellers go to the Varushkan National Assembly meeting, which they understand to be taking place at 19:00 on the Friday of the summit, in the tent of Vor'azi, and that the Varushkan Wise Ones take steps to choose the best. Also, the best storytellers may not be the best magicians. The herald drily notes that if the wizards of the Empire desire her wisdom as ardently as they appear, then ''the Pale Raven'' is confident that they can acquire sufficient [[Pauper's_Key|Pauper's Keys]].

Regardless, once the six are chosen, the Archmage of Winter should bring them to the Hall of Worlds at four in the afternoon on the Saturday of the coming summit. From there, a herald will take them to a hut in the wild woods where stories may be told. It will begin as a parley, but if that turns out to be too constraining for the telling of tales, then it might be needful to put it aside. Regardless, she promises that no harm will befall the storytellers - unless they bring some harm with them, of course.

==Many Minds Move As One (Autumn)==
<div style="float:right; width:225px; clear: right;">{{HoverImage|SaltAndSail001.png|Turtle_city.jpg}}</div>
* '''A representative from the City of Salt and Sail will journey to the Hall of Worlds at 10.00 in the morning on Saturday
* '''They hope to meet with the Archmage of Autumn in a formal parley
* '''Several items that the archmage suggested will be on the agenda
A few weeks before the Spring Equinox, a missive arrives at the Hub. Most of the civil servants have either experienced or observed the slightly odd feeling of being delivered a letter accompanied by nothing more than a muted flutter of wings. It is apparently an altogether different experience when the flutter of wings is more of boisterous flapping accompanied by raucous cawing, as if the missive was delivered by an unseen dire gull (albeit one significantly less murderously minded than the typical dire gull). Once the civil servants on duty had finished calming down and collecting the paperwork displaced by the things' invisible wings, they carefully read the missive, and they have made the contents public knowledge.

The missive is from ''Ptolemy, Custodian of the Infinite Rookery'', who intends to visit the Hall of Worlds in response to a plenipotentiary sent by '''Vossk''', [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Ptolemy represents the ''City of Salt and Sail''; a city of the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]] unknown to the Empire. Ptolemy proposes the following agenda:
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vossk.jpg|caption='''Vossk''', Archmage of Autumn|align=right|width=250}}
# '''Introductions''' - in which each party establishes their bona fides.
# '''Agenda''' - a <u>short</u> discussion to confirm that both parties are happy with the proposed agenda for the rest of the meeting.
# '''Winged Messengers''' - to focus on their functions and assurances.
# '''Boons for Salt and Sail''' - to explore the Empire's needs for magical assistance with fleets and navies to see if they can be profitably met by the City.
# '''Ports''' - as above, but with an emphasis on both improvement and protection.
# '''Minutes''' - a comparison of minutes taken by both parties to ensure they are in agreement.
# '''Close''' - meeting closes with a formal agreement that both parties will then depart.

The City has allocated one hour for this meeting. Both parties are to make good faith efforts to avoid a costly overrun.

Ptolemy wishes to make clear that the City would prefer to avoid price discovery at this stage, and that Ptolemy is not approved to agree initial or final terms. This is a preliminary meeting to explore what options exist for profitable exchange with a view to subsequent communication to establish heads of terms before moving to signed contracts.

One thing that must be clear from the outset is that the city will not involve itself in any matters vis-a-vis the war between the Empire and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]. Even to contemplate the possibility of discussion of this conflict might undermine the stance of strict neutrality that is a binding requirement of all heralds of the City of Salt and Sail placed on them by the one under whose auspices they travel.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 19:00 || [[Cathan Canae]] || Summer || Parley; Archmage and up to five guests are invited to the chamber where it will take place
|-
| Saturday || 10.00 || Salt and Sail || Autumn || Parley; hosted in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 16.00 || [[Wise Rangara]] || Winter || Parley; Archmage and up to six Varushkan storytellers invited to a chamber
|-
| Saturday || 22:00 || [[Azoth]] || Night || Not a parley; a Shadow Souk will take place in an outside area weather permitting, otherwise in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Sunday || 10:00 || [[Phaleron]] || Day || Not a parley; a pocket of the archives will manifest in the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Lean and athirst

2026-06-10T10:01:03Z

Kirkbride: /* Stolen Faces */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Thule]]
<ic>Fyodor and Dmitri were tired and hungry when they reached the little village of Kartaka Zov. The sun was already half hidden behind the forests of Karsk and so the decision was made to rest here and make an early start for Delev in the morning, refreshed. There was, a little surprisingly for a settlement of this size, a traveller's inn. The ''Old Kartakan'', although the sign gave little indication as to who or what Kartakan was. Fyodor paid for a room for himself and his brother, for a meal, and for hot water and the use of a tin bath. The proprietor was a rangy man with a permanent smile on his face. At least, that's what Fyodor thought it was meant to be. It looked more like the man had read about smiling in a book, and was exposing his teeth in his best approximation of a reassuring expression. It was not very reassuring.

Dmitri was a little edgy, as he always was since the horror of Zurrah, his eyes constantly roving the busy common room. Fyodor made small talk as he ate, discussing the road ahead and who else among their loose community of sell-swords and mercenaries would likely be meeting them at Lomaa. It was clear his brother wasn't entirely listening, and after a few minutes Dmitri interrupted in a low undertone that Fyodor could barely hear over the rumbling tide of conversation around them.

"Have you noticed how many draughir there are here?" He asked. He hadn't touched his bowl of stew.

Fyodor looked around. There were quite a few draughir here - the proprietor for one, and most of his staff. Probably family members. Several of the locals were also touched by Winter, but by no means all of them. Inasmuch as he had given it any thought, the elder of the two brothers had just assumed that at some point in the village's history something dreadful - some blizzardful winter or siege by the Thule - had forced the ancestors of these people into a terrible choice. Like many Varushkans, he didn't think it polite to dwell on such things. Dmitri however was becoming increasingly suspicious, ever since he had spent that long evening with that Highborn priest of Vigilance.

"It's nothing, stop worrying." Said Fyodor, hoping to reassure his brother.

Hand trembling slightly, Dmitri reached into his traveling pack down between his legs. While keeping his eyes on Fyodor, he pulled out a pouch of cracked old leather. With the other hand he slid one of the table lanterns toward him, opening the little catch. Adding several pinches of crumbly red clay-like substance to the clean metal spoon, as surreptitiously as he could, he held it over the candle flickering in the lamp. Fortunately these were old-fashioned lamps, not the new lightstone ones coming out of Essk. After a few moments he casually pulled the spoon out, and mimed using it on his soup while he actually inhaled a great lungful of the steam rising from the now blackened substance.

Then, just as casually, he glanced around the room. Fyodor knew his brother well, marked his shoulders stiffening, the colour draining from his face. His eyes became wild, and under the table his leg started to bounce.

"What... Dmitri, calm down! What is it?" Fyodor hissed.

"Monsters," said Dmitri, almost whispering. His gaze met Fyodor's, his eyes filmed with a pale red sheen that, in his now-pallid face, made him look almost like draughir himself.

"How many?" Fyodor might worry about his brother but he trusted him absolutely. if he said there were monsters... His hand slid under the table to the haft of his handaxe, as he glanced around the room, taking in the cheerful chatter of the people at the nearby tables, the laughter of one of the draughir servers delivering a platter of stew to a trio of farmers. The leather-armoured village protectors who had been seated near the door when they came in were still there, and obviously armed. He'd no doubt that once the monster was revealed, once they realised what was happening, they would leap into action.

Dmitri swallowed.

"All of them," he said, his voice fracturing with terror, barely audible. "It's all of them, Fyodor," and Fyodor's blood turned to ice.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Amused Draughir.jpg|align=left|caption=It's not been a good season to be a draughir in Varushka.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''A large number of Varushkan captains worked with the Thule Claws of the Dragon to root out the face-peeler horrors in Karsk and Ossium'''
* '''Some Varushkan citizens encountered problems during the last season especially draughir and those considered dubious'''
* '''There is also some caution around some of the loot acquired from the trudniki'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]], reasoning that their interests in [[Ossium]] and [[Karsk]] where the creatures seem to be most populous might incline them to cooperate with Varushka to deal with the beasts.

The "face peelers" are also known as the "trudnik" or "trudniki". They seem to be humanoid monsters that are somehow able to wear the flayed faces of their victims and use them to masquerade as innocent citizens. They use this disguise to hunt unsuspecting travellers, or to prey on isolated communities that mistake them for genuine guests. A year ago evidence began to surface that the [[Stars_and_sigils#Disappearances_in_Ossium|disappearance of Zurrah]] may have been connected to them. The whole village was murdered and devoured, their remains left piled in the centre of the settlement. Magicians [[Whispers through the Black Gate|spoke with the spirit]] of a deceased resident, and the story goes that they confirmed face-peelers were behind it.

While the trudniki do not prey on [[orc|orcs]], [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|last season]] the Dragons of [[Otkodov]] instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border. Given that the largest known den of these monsters is in Thule-dominated [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]], anything less would have presented only a partially solution. These past three months, however, have seen a comprehensive search through the whole of eastern Varushka, in both Imperial and Thule lands, to [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|root out the face peelers]] once and for all.
==Stolen Faces==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td>'''Rooted out the Face-peelers'''</tr>
<tr><td> Konrad Chirurg Zmei </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilka Radosveta Vinogradov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valdamire Illiach </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zbigniew Mrakovna </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kvet Drahgov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velko Perunovich Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vojsuli Cherenkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Serafina Semenov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mollibog Delgorkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Radomir Illyot Shallotovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazvera Yakovna Molchaniye </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iarovit Zorczek Przewałski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kolnýr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mishka Varkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miloš Stanislavsky Koval </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai Desovich Patazca </td></tr>
<tr><td> Czarek Madej </td></tr>
<tr><td> Victor Ostrostan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zorazeli </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sashko Olekhsandrovich Karamazov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moraža </td></tr>
<tr><td> Imia </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zayac </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dragomihr Oskykov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Piotr Strascovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katchiana Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arkady Morazovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jasenko </td></tr>
<tr><td> Grymnir “Gallows” </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dusan the Wolfeater </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ausra Dorova Ostrov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zedrath Blak </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakub Dragovich Kuth </td></tr>
<tr><td> Baranov Stamly </td></tr>
<tr><td>Maegruth Bearonovitch Strascovitch</td></tr>
<tr><td> Oksana Leszekovna Nadovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bronimir Ranedzkah </td></tr>
<tr><td> Artyom Badowski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Askien Alanovich Vesimerov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Andrej Rasenov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pjesmina Zbirka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bozidar Venkovich Cvetnaski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazimiera Radovna Suvretzska </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mallick 'Nock' Urokov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mayra Zoronova Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleg </td></tr>
<tr><td> Belakov Zakharovich Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Malechko Palechko </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luka Olgavich Slota </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valentina Minova Lenka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aksel Reznov Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Regislav Emilov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rumen Nowak </td></tr>
<tr><td> Solvita Gwenovitch Temnavoda </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dobrivit Nadayn Leszek </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesna Borkovna Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gorkins </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai Yaropolk Borislav </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sketchemi Justicast Mentyevik </td></tr>
<tr><td> Davinov Egorushkin Karevelov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vedmid Yaroslav Kommisarov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alderei the Fair </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maksym Sashkova Breziets </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dindrane Matushkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Matesh Proctotkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Borys Vardovich Straskovich </td></tr></table></div>
* '''The venture has been an overwhelming success'''
The ''Claws of the Dragon'', tasked by ''[[Thule_lore#Dragons|Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths]]'', have made themselves available to '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to assist in [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|rooting out the dreadful face-peelers]]. The ''Claws'' are accomplished warlocks skilled in [[divination]], but they also show an aptitude for interrogation and information gathering by more mundane means. They are supported in their investigations by a cadre of Thule hunters - and an overwhelming number of Varushkan [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon raiders]], [[schlacta]] and [[warden|wardens]]. The Claws take the lead when operating in [[Karsk#Krevsaty|Krevsaty]], the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]] and the [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]] while supporting Imperial efforts in the rest of [[Karsk]] and [[Ossium]]. The operation to root out and destroy the so-called "face peelers" is systematic and thorough. As well as locating and targeting the isolated dens where the creatures live more openly, there is a simultaneous effort to visit isolated vales and identify the small groups of trudnik hiding among innocent Varushkans or unaware Thule. Face peelers are executed wherever they are found.

As predicted, however, this bold action comes at a cost. The trudnik glamour that allows them to masquerade as humans often presents as if they had [[draughir]] [[lineage]]. This is more of a problem in the Imperial parts of Karsk and Ossium, but there are still a few vales in the regions ceded to Otkodov where humans dwell, mostly left to their own devices by their new orc landlords (as long as they deliver appropriate tithes to the local warlocks). It is relatively straightforward to differentiate a trudnik from a draughir with some straightforward investigation - the [[insight]] ceremony proves absolutely invaluable here - but it still inevitably leads to seeds of suspicion and doubt that unsettle the affairs of draughir in Karsk and Ossium.
===Participation: The Hunt===
* '''Military unit commanders have received the loot from the raid on the trudnik in their packs
* '''Further information on the downtime action will also be provided in packs in the shape of an out-of-character report
* '''Details of the report will be added to the wiki after the Spring Equinox
Characters whose military unit took part in the venture to root out the trudniki have been engaged in a campaign all season. Some may have focused on investigating isolated settlements, others in working with the Thule, and still others exploring the wilder places of Karsk and Ossium for signs of trudniki lairs. All have received an amount of loot, but details of what else they have learned or found are not public knowledge yet.

Each player will find an OOC briefing in their pack that details some of the events of the hunt against the trudnik when they pick up their player pack. The gist of this report will be added to the main wiki after the Spring Equinox, in much the same was as a [[historical research]] report would be.

==Unpalatable Consequences==
* '''Varushkan draughir have been treated with suspicion and doubt in Ossium and Karsk'''
* '''"Spooky" or suspicious characters of any background or lineage may have encountered some difficulties
* '''Characters who took part in the venture to root out the face-peelers will receive additional information in their packs
Any Varushkan draughir living in Karsk or Ossium will likely have been investigated during the effort to ''Root out the Face Peelers''. This isn't likely to have been violent - those taking part in the [[venture]] have stuck to the law and treated Imperial citizens with respect. However, it is likely you will have been challenged, and perhaps even asked to take part in an [[religious skills#Insight|insight ceremony]] to "prove" that you are human and not a face-stealing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropophage anthropophage] disguised as one.

While draughir bear the brunt of the suspicion, any character whose mien is "spooky" or "suspicious" may have encountered some similar difficulty. Suspicion is maintained for those who live in isolation, or especially those with a track record of making irreverent comments about cannibalism, torture, drinking blood or similar. Again such encounters are not likely to be violent, but anyone with a track record for dubious behaviour might find a band of wagon raiders on their doorstop, with a Thule warlock in support, wanting to ask them a few questions and have a polite poke around in their cellars and attics.
===Participation : Suspicious Kinds===
* '''Draughir and people who might be viewed as suspicious will have encountered problems since the Winter solstice
* '''The folk undertaking the hunt for the trudniki do not go out of their way to harass people once they have been proved not to be face peelers
The fact that a trudnik is often hard to distinguish from a draughir without a close interrogation or the use of [[liao]], means that everyone with that lineage in the two affected territories has experienced problems with strangers (and sometimes their neighbours) over the last few months, represented by a -1 penalty to the production of their [[personal resource]]. The exception is that draughir whose [[military unit]] actively participating in the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|root out the face-peelers]] venture have not suffered the same degree of conflict since the Winter Solstice.

It's worth noting that this suspicion - which also targets people who are not draughir but might be deemed as a bit suspiciously isolated or closed off from the wider community - has not turned violent. Every step is being made to ensure that it is the trudnik who are being dealt with, not innocent Varushkans. Very few people ''like'' harassing their neighbours but when it comes to lurking, infiltrating monsters that prey on their community, Varushka knows it is better to be safe and to apologise after, than to worry about propriety and see everyone in the vale pay the price.
==Ketsov Bequest==
* '''The Ketsov of Ossium have been keen to ensure that the hunt for the face-peelers goes well
* '''Varushkan military units undertaking the ''Protect the Vales of Varushka'' venture have a one rank bonus following the Spring Equinox'''
Surprisingly it is the [[Ossium#Ketsov|Ketsov]] who are most outspoken about the need to differentiate between draughir and trudnik. Their concerns are part of the reason the current venture is taking place, but they are adamant that the problem is not draughir it is ''people who offend against the rules of hospitality''. The fact trudnik often appear as draughir is a secondary consideration - the real sign someone might be a trudnik is that they are prone to talking about cannibalism and similar offences, often in an apparently humorous or dismissive way. If others respond positively to such "jokes" it slowly corrodes the protection offered by Varushkan community and the [[hearth magic]] of hospitality. Unfortunately, the Ketsov are not very popular among their neighbours, and their nuanced take does not find much uptake.

The Ketsov are not popular. They did not suffer the yoke of the Druj to the same degree other folk in Ossium did, and it is going to be some time before anyone forgets that. They maintain that they simply did what they needed to stay alive - parleying their knowledge of [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisanry]] to secure safety for their family. What is a Varushkan if not someone who knows when it is necessary to make a deal with the darkness? They have been warning about the trudnik for years at this stage, but while the best time to deal with the threat was when they first brought it up, the second best time is now. As such, they are prepared to put their hands in their pockets and hopefully lay to rest concerns that they are not ''really'' Varushkans.

Following the Spring Equinox, any Varushkan [[military unit]] receives a one rank bonus to production when undertaking the [[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|Protect the Vales of Varushka]] [[venture]]. This represents payment of money, ingots, and measures from the Ketsov in Ossium and the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga|Ketsov Mir Mozga]] in [[Karsk]]. The family may have had their problems with their fellow Varushkans, but they are still bound to the egregore and part of their nation. They haven't asked for anything in concern, but it is an open secret that they would be grateful to see the Varushkan national assembly speak on their behalf. They don't expect to be welcomed with open arms by their fellows, but they would appreciate their Vigilance and their Loyalty to the nation being recognised in some fashion.

==Corrupted Blood==
<div {{float}}><box>'''Corrupt Blood'''<br>This is a potion that follows all the [[potion|normal rules]]. It is found in small doses in bottles, jars, or phials and anything of that sort would make a suitable physrep to attach the laminated rip-on-use card to.</box></div>
* '''Characters who took part in the venture receive forest materials and ''corrupt blood''
* '''Some Varushkan wise ones and wardens have expressed concern about this concoction
Those who took part in the fight against the face peelers have recovered an amount of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|forest materials]] - a mixture of loot taken from the trudnik and gifts from thankful Varushkans. They've also encountered a [[potion|concotion]] that has been dubbed ''corrupt blood''. This viscous preparation seems to be common in many trudnik nests, and reportedly infuses drinkers with preternatural strength and endurance. For most it is just another peculiar material, no stranger than the substances secured by the [[Tolvoli Butcher]] or the [[Keeper of the Bonehives]].

Note everyone feels the same way however, and the provenance of this substance raises a few concerns among [[surgical skills#Apothecary|herbally inclined]] wise ones and wardens in Karsk and Ossium. These people have expressed their worries to the [[Apothecaries Guild]], the [[Imperial sodality]] who believe in ''shared discovery'', and who exist to ''Coordinate and support the research... and dissemination of ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs to Imperial citizens'' (among other things).

The request is straightforward; the Guild is asked to investigate ''corrupt blood'' and determine how safe it is, and if possible where it comes from and perhaps even what it is made of. After they've done that, they ask that the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|speaker]] of the sodality share their findings using the power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Dissemination|disseminate]] herbal information to the Empire by making an [[Senate announcement|announcement]] in the [[Senate]] during the Spring Equinox. While this is a very broad interpretation of the powers of the sodality, the [[Civil Service|civil service]] have indicated that this use is legitimate as long as it is clearly related to matters within the remit of the sodality.

If the speaker for the sodality does use this ability, their words will be a matter of public record in the same manner as any announcement to the Senate (they will be required to provide a written copy of their announcement as normal). If they choose to include a recommendation, it will have no legal power - the Senate alone has the power to make define laws for concoctions such as this - but members of the Apothecaries Guild outside Anvil will take note, and ensure that their peers among the herbalists and physicks, not only of Varushka but of the rest of the Empire, are aware of it.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightYellow;" colspan="2">'''Corrupt Blood (Reassurance)'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 crowns</td><td>3 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>18 crowns</td><td>6 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 crowns</td><td>9 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>43 crowns</td><td>12 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightYellow;" colspan="2">'''Corrupt Blood (Caution)'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 crowns</td><td>3 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 crowns</td><td>6 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 crowns</td><td>9 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
If the speaker offers reassurances that the substance is safe to use, it will create an [[opportunity]] for the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] to acquire small amounts of ''corrupt blood'' from Varushkan wagon raiders following the announcement. It will also create an opportunity for the [[Speaker to the Leshun]] to acquire similar amounts from the Thule, who reportedly have no use for the stuff. These opportunities won't last permanently - the supply of ''corrupt blood'' will eventually dwindle, and without trudnik to create more it's unlikely fresh doses can be concocted - but for at least the next year the two titles will be able to buy corrupt blood from their [[ministry]]. In addition, for the next year, the production of the ''[[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|Protect the Vales of Varushka]]'' [[venture]] will change slightly. A standard military unit will gain 30 rings, five random [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] or [[Materials#Metals|ingots]], and a dose of ''corrupt blood'' either taken from scattered and desperate trudnik or traded with wagon raiders who fought the face-peelers this season.

If the Apothecaries Guild declines to make an announcement, or chooses not to either offer reassurance of recommend caution, then the opportunity for the two titles to purchase corrupt blood will still exist, but the price will be significantly higher, and the supply lower so the opportunity to buy the corrupt blood will be lost by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

Finally, if the speaker instead recommends caution in dealing with ''corrupt blood'', neither title gains access to corrupt blood and there is no change to the production of the venture. Individuals are still free to trade the concoction as they wish, but the Imperial sodality members in the wider Empire will echo the speaker and discourage use of ''corrupt blood''. Any opportunity to acquire more of the substance will only exist "beneath the table" as it were.

In the event the Senate chooses to make corrupt blood illegal for whatever reason, the current opportunities to acquire corrupt blood via [[ministry]] or [[venture]] are lost, regardless of what the Apothecaries Guild proposes.
===What is a Potion?===
* '''The Constitutional Court has issued guidance about the Imperial Apothecaries Guild ability to share their findings
* '''This follows guidance related to the use of interdiction by the Conclave where potions, drugs, and ingredients are concerned
The Imperial Apothecaries' Guild, via their Speaker, has the ability to share recipes stored in a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] with the Empire. The seemingly innocent request from the Varushkan wise ones has triggered something of an argument in the civil service as to whether that power covers the ability to share other lore related to the purview of the Guild. The constitutional court has ruled that, given not all herb lore is contained in a herbal, the responsibility
to "''coordinate and support the research, development, and dissemination''" means that the Guild must implicitly have the ability to spread information related to "''ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs to Imperial citizens''." This includes propagating information about herbs, potions and the like that is not contained in a herbal. As such, they have adjusted the civil service guidelines around the use of the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Dissemination|dissemination]] power to reflect this. They will continue to monitor the situation.

==Roads==
* '''The damage being done to the warding power of Varushka's roads has been reversed
* '''It is not clear what caused the corrosion of this protection, nor what has restored it
Everyone in Varushka knows the protection offered by a properly built road. Roads are a powerful manifestation of the [[hearth magic]] of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards|warding]], a symbol of civilisation in wild places and safety against the creatures of the dark. This is especially true in Varushka where the [[Varushkan Road|roads]] are laid out with symbols of sanctuary specifically designed to keep the monsters at bay. Over the past couple of years, though, this power has been slowly waning. There have been incidents were more powerful monsters have been able to step onto the roads, creating tragic circumstances where travellers who believed themselves safe have fallen prey to the perils of the Varushkan wilderness. First noted during the height of the [[Momento_mori#Roads_and_Crowns|Schlata of Rot's]] rampage, the situation has slowly worsened. Only the [[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|continued efforts]] of the ''schlacta'' of Varushka and the questing-knights of [[Dawn]] have kept the danger at bay, but they have also served to conceal just how bad the problem was becoming. Sensitive types reported a feeling of unease or uncertainty when travelling the roads, an awareness that they might not offer their full protection that left some frightened and forced to turn back before venturing too far from their vale.

Following the attacks against the trudniki, these nagging sensations seem to have vanished. Folk travel the roads with a sense of surety and certainty, knowing in some unconscious way that as long as they remember to follow the rules, to stay on the path whatever tries to lure them away, they will be safe. It seems unlikely that this bold action against the trudnik is wholly to thank for this sudden shift. Unfortunately, given the folk of Varushka do not entirely agree on what was causing the disruption in the first place, it's hard to say for certain what might have lead to such a dramatic reversal of fortune.
==Meat and Bone (Conjunctions)==
* '''Several conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate have been detected that allow opportunities to follow up on the raids against the trudniki
While the face peelers have been comprehensively routed, there is still some lingering fall out. The civil service have identified conjunctions of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that will allow Imperial heroes to intercede in several locations in the east of Varushka and beyond.

===Lost Wagon Raiders (Ossium) ===
* '''A group of wagon raiders stranded in the depths of Drownbark Forest have become bewitched by some unknown spiritual force'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for investigating and resolving the situation'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
[[Varushka military concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|Wagon raiders]] operating out of [[Ossium#The_Palace_of_Orieb|Orieb]] have struck out into the sucking mire of [[Ossium#Drownbark_Forest|Drownbark Forest]] - exchanging ox and wagon for flat-hulled punts to ply marshes that are rapidly flooding with the coming of Spring. Seeking the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|plunder said to reside in the hidden vales of the face-peelers]], they appear to have run afoul of some unknown threat in the deep forest. Scouts have found raiders adrift on the shifting islands of sedge, delirious from exposure, babbling of their comrades acting oddly - as if not themselves or, as one raider puts it, "suffering a sickness of the soul". Others flee when approached, vanishing into the reeds without a trace, screaming in terror.

A conjunction leading to a dilapidated camp thought to contain most of the raiders has been identified - but contact has not been possible due to the shifting waters of the marsh. It falls to the [[Merchant-Boyar_of_the_Stinking_Market|Merchant Boyar of the Stinking Market]], '''Modesto Bogaty''', to arrange an investigation into this matter. If the raiders are left to perish in the swamp, then whatever intelligence they might have collected during their expedition would be lost.

===Embers and Ash (Karsk)===
* '''A band of wagon raiders have fallen sick after taking part in the attack against the face-peelers'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for treating the Gregadze'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
Some of those who joined the efforts to root out the face-peelers have fallen sick. One group, the ''Gregadze'', have retreated to their camp. The local outpost has refused to help, assuming this is all just a trick and that they are actually trudniki. The outpost has sent word to the Apothecaries Guild asking them to come and see what can be done to treat them - just in case they ''aren't'' monstrous.

The incumbent [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''', is responsible for treating the Gregadze if they are able. If if turns out they ''are'' people and they are treated, then the outpost has promised fifty drams of herbs to be delivered in time for the Summer Solstice to whoever is elected as the Guild Leader.

Saint of Bees

2026-06-10T09:29:23Z

Kirkbride: /* Ceremonies of Prosperity */

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOP|statement= Our siblings in Varushka have called for Livardz to rise from the ashes. In <u>peerless kinship</u>, Highguard answers their call. In Loyalty, let all those who can be spared from their duties journey north to help erase the stain of the Cold Sun and support the pride and prosperity of Varushka, in accordance with judgement 80.|by=Sister Juliette of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn National|vote=Greater Majority 474-22|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement= Citizens of Varushka, the Varushkan children at Anvil have been investigating the lack of bees in Karov. Honey Bee of the Sovereign's Head asked the coven 'Moonlight Finds the Mountain Pass' to petition Sung for aid in this endeavour. As a result of this investigation, the National Assembly of Varushka urges all Prosperous citizens to aid in re-flowering Karov. Plant flowers, send seeds. Make Karov bloom again.|by=Sillya Nikovitch Volkov, Varushkan National|vote=Greater Majority 228-0|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size=small}}</div>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Big Bee.jpg|align=left|caption=Bees are an important part of Varushkan culture.|title=We'll see who brings in more honey!|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
The stories of magical bees helping the virtuous in stories are, in a way, timeless. They were being told at bedsides and around campfires long before there was an Empire to speak of. Many Varushkan children grew up with the story of "the Good Tailor" where a swarm of bees helps a virtuous man create a wedding outfit for a cruel Boyar in a single night, both sparing the hero from death and delivering an ironic punishment to the tyrannical ruler who has grown lazy by stealing the labour of her people. Others recall with fondness being told the tale of "the Honey of Oloy" where an unassuming pot contains enough honey for the entire village to eat a spoonful a day during the Longest Winter, keeping everyone warm and healthy and strong enough to fight off rampaging wolves. A surprising number of wardens when asked about their calling mention the climax of that tale, when the bees join the villagers to fight off the thieving bandits lead by Old Wolf. There are dozens more like this - entertaining, but teaching valuable lessons about justice, happiness, working hard, sharing with those who deserve it, and other concepts that modern pilgrims would describe as [[Prosperity]].

So when, in the wake of the attack of Cold Sun, the bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing, it was a source of obvious alarm. Last year [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] was commissioned to [[appraisal|appraise]] the [[Outside_the_wall|restoration of Delev]], and gave some consideration to [[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question|the bee question]]. She did not reach a conclusion however, but did uncover disturbing reports that there were also fewer bees being encountered in [[Karov#Wieliczka|Wieliczka]], [[Karov#Kamienczka|Kamienczka]], and [[Karov#Skoremujac|Skoremujac]] as well as in [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani]] where the damage from the ''scions'' was greatest. In the months since, the folk of [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] have also reported seeing fewer and fewer bees, and as the Equinox approaches there are reports from [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]], [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri|Dupadealuri]], and [[Karsk#Kopevnost|Kopevnost]] of hives deserted and a marked dearth of little black-and-yellow fellows industriously visiting the spring flowers. The problem is spreading from Karov to the rest of Varushka.

Naomi was at a loss to explain what was happening, and suggested either a proposal from someone better versed in magic than she, or that the [[Conclave]] speak to an [[eternal]] about the matter. When the Highborn [[Sunrise over Livardz|arrive in Livardz]] to support the appraisal, they quickly learn of the bee-shaped hole in the Varushkan landscape. The National Assembly of that nation has already called out the urgent need to address the disappearance of the "Prosperous helpers" and given it seems that [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has the matter of Volodmartz in hand, they turn their attention to a different problem. Bees, the lack thereof.

==Too Few Bees==
A few Highborn do look askance at the traditional virtuous animals. The argument of whether a beast can be virtuous or not has reached no firm conclusion. Many of those inclined to help in Varushka, however, take the view that the stories of the darkest nation teach virtue as often as not - they are parables and everyone knows that the bees mentioned in the stories are not ''real'' bees. Yet, at the same time, it's hard to deny that bees are industrious little creatures, tending flowers and creating honey that, in the eyes of the people who know them best, share the product of their hard work with those who in turn look after them, protect them from predators, and ensure their hives are well looked after. Perhaps there is more to the matter than just stories, even stories as inspirational as those Varushkan parents and grandparents tell their children?

It is when talking to some of those who know bees - real bees - best that a new picture starts to emerge. Since the disappearance of the bees began to spread, there has been a barely perceptible fall in the health of plants across Volodmartz. It's still subtle at the moment, but it is slowly getting worse. [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in particular have been experiencing a decline. The plants still grow, but each successive generation is a little less potent than the one before. It is also effecting [[farm|farms]] and [[forest|forests]], which a few economically minded Varushkans and Highborn predict may start to impact [[business|businesses]] that rely on such things if the problem continues.

There's no doubt among the Varushkans as to what is to blame - the problem started when Cold Sun invaded. While it is the goose and the spider that are more commonly associated with [[Vigilance]], there's evidence that bees are quite sensitive to danger especially anything related to shifts in the flow of mana through a territory. When the forces of Oblivion attacked, the bees fled or hid just as their human neighbours were doing in the face of the scions. Perhaps bees are [[Wisdom|Wise]] as well, muses one Highborn with an interest in botany. Regardless it seems clear that a quiet catastrophe is unfolding in Varushka, the extent of which has so far gone unmarked.

While not every Highborn thinks ascribing virtue to animals is a good thing, they are resolute in the belief that ''virtue is contagious''. Varushkans see bees as a symbol of prosperity, and symbols help shape peoples' approach to virtue. Restoring the bees to Karov - and hopefully stemming their decline in neighbouring territories - feels at least as important as dealing with the [[curse|curses]] left behind in the wake of Cold Sun's invasion. It might also be a good idea to look at the other places Cold Sun invaded, places where bees are less central in the minds of the citizens, and see if they are suffering a similar decline.

It is also worth noting that Highguard - especially the folk of Reikos - are not strangers to the idea of tending bees. While honey doesn't have the same prominent place in Highguard culture as it does in Varushka, it is by no means an unknown art. The Gardens of High Chalcis have several large bee hives that help tend the herbs there, and it is common for a chapter to collect honey from smaller hives on their grounds. Those who have experience with bees have much to talk about here in Varushka, when it comes to the art and science of working with bees and honey, and it is some of those beewise Highborn who know the stories of Kvetmir of the Bees who first make contact with the priests of Zoloto.

==Kvetmir of the Bees==
*
In northern Skoremujac, in the vale of Zoloto, lives a religious community dedicated to the inspiration of the [[Paragons and exemplars#exemplar|exemplar]] ''Kvetmir Kvetmirovic''. [[Recognition|Recognised]] by the Synod in the early reign of [[Empress Varkula]], Kvetmir Kvemirovic predates the Empire by at least two centuries. Their stories are not widely known - they are by no means [[Paragons_and_exemplars#Renowned_Exemplars|renowned]] - but the people of Zoloto keep their memory alive. Kvetmir is credited with revolutionising beekeeping and honey gathering during his life, and encouraging the keeping of bees as a way to ensure the health of a community beyond access to honey. He collected the "Golden Book" - a collection of folk stories about bees - copies of which can be found all over the Empire to this day although few realise it is the work of an exemplar. A practiced [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]], he helped cultivate the use of honey in medicine to treat infection and burns. Even there he took the opportunity to inspire. He spoke in his letters about how hard he found the study of apothecary, being easily distracted and more inclined to spend his time watching bees than practicing his lessons. Hard work, he said, did not just mean hard labour. Any difficult task would bring rewards, and they would be all the sweeter the more arduous it was to achieve them.

He is also associated with two miracles. While travelling to a wedding, Kvetmir made a point of leaving little bowls of sugar water out for the bees each time his travelling party rested. When brigands sought to rob and murder the wedding party, the local bees protected Kvetmir and his family and blinded their assailants. When the "Bee Shepherd" was dying, all the bees in the surrounding area left their hives and came to the room where he lay. The story claims they came in such force they broke down the shutters, and covered him, keeping him warm in his final hour with their bodies quelling the chills that wracked him despite the physicks best efforts, allowing him to pass peacefully. Descendants of those same bees, by all accounts, continued to live in Zoloto up until the present day, and their honey (and the spirits distilled from it) built the vale into a prosperous and comfortable place to live.

Now, their bees too are departing. They invite Highborn to visit them to share what they know of bees, and working together a possible solution is discovered. The bees, say the bee tenders of Zoloto, are frightened. They have fled into the deep wilderness, and many of them have entered a state of torpor - similar to the way they cluster together in the Winter to keep one another warm. They need to be reassured that the danger has passed, and that their human allies will protect them if it returns. The inspiration of Kvetmir speaks not only of the rewards of hard work, but also of the need for those whose livelihood depends on living things - bees or trees or crops - to treat their plants and creatures with respect just as they would a labourer on their farm or a worker in their shop.

==Regal Beehives==
The beehives of Zoloto are large, beautiful, intricate structures of weirwood. They stand amidst fields of [[marrowort]], [[true vervain]], and [[imperial roseweald]] that the beekeepers tend with as much attention to detail as they do their bees. Every Solstice and Equinox, even in Winter, the people of the vale come together for a celebration honouring the hard work of their black-and-yellow labourers. Songs are sung, shallow bowls of sweet water laid out, and stories of the exemplar Kvetmir are told.

In the interests of bringing the bees back, the folk of Zoloto are more than happy to work with the Highborn to share their techniques for handling frightened bees, and also to share the plans for their hives. This represents a two-pronged attack on the problem. The first will need liao, and quite a bit of it. The second will need a commission, to build "regal beehives" to encourage the missing bees to return.

===Ceremonies of Prosperity===
With the priests of Zoloto, and after some discussion with wise ones and storytellers, it is determined that the [[wayfarer|wayfarers]] and [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] of Highguard will work with their Varushkan kin to propagate the ceremonies used by the community of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic through Karov and the neighbouring territories. These simply ceremonies involve songs about bees and hard work which are easy enough to record, but are used in conjunction with the [[Auras_of_Prosperity#Neither_Beg_Nor_Fear|consecration of Prosperity]], and the [[Auras_of_Prosperity#Hallowing_of_the_Grateful_Debtor|Hallowing of the Grateful Debtor]]. A [[mandate]] has been prepared to assist in this.

{{Mandate|mandate=The prosperity of our Varushkan kin is threatened by the harm done to the bees of Karov. With hard work, we can help them quell the fear that has overtaken their bees, and with the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic renew trust between that symbol of Prosperity and the people of the vales. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to spread auras of Prosperity, and to support the work of the vale of Zoloto to right what the Cold Sun has unbalanced.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, it will help spread the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic, and the expertise of the beekeepers of Zoloto. This will prevent the situation with bees in Varushka getting worse, and will slowly encourage bees to take residence in their hives again. It will take at least a year, and bee populations are unlikely to recover completely, but it will ensure there is no measurable impact on the prosperity of southern Varushka, and no lasting damage to the Prosperity of herb gardens, farms, forests, or businesses. This mandate is aimed at Highborn and calling on them to support Varushkans; it does not require a greater majority to be enacted.

===Regal Hives===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Regal Hive'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Malimorzi, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 weirwood, 240 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Reverses the loss of bees in Varushka, restoring prosperity
* Provides a level of investment in herb gardens in the territory granting 1 dose each of true vervain, marrowort, and imperial roseweald to each garden
* Provides a boost to the Gradens of High Chalcis for a year granting 1 dose each of true vervain, marrowort, and imperial roseweald to each garden
* Allows similar regal hives to be built in other Varushkan territories </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Winter Solstic 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Regal hives could be built in Malimorzi in Karov to reverse the harms done to the bees of Karov'''
The beehives of Zoloto are truly impressive examples of the bee tenders arts which the vale folk claim were first built by exemplar Kvetmir himself. Hut sized structures of weirwood, surrounded by plentiful herb gardens and wild flowers alike, they house truly exceptional swarms of bees and produce some of the finest honey in Karov if not Varushka. These "regal beehives" are spoken of as being "fit for a Queen or an Empress" and they are even sometimes referred to as "Varkula's little palaces" in reference to the still-beloved [[Empress Varkula]].

After a great deal of discussion and theory, Highborn and Varushkan alike come to the conclusion that the best place to build a set of truly regal beehives would be [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]]. Given that the problem of the bees is spreading into the neighbouring territories, this would represent a reasonably central spot from which to propagate the designs and encourage the bees that the danger has passed. Beekeepers could visit the site, as well as the vale of Zoloto, to share and discuss their techniques and learn from one another. The regal beehives would not only address the fear of the bees, but would reverse the trend. They would represent a level of investment in [[herb garden|herb gardens]] throughout the territory, as healthy bees industriously tend to flowering herbs and produce valuable honey. This level of investment would give every herb garden in Karov an additional dose each of marrowort, imperial roseweald, and true vervain each season.

There is nothing to prevent similar beehives being built in other Varushkan territories. While they wouldn't help stem the loss of bees - it is Karov where the problem originated after all - they would likewise cultivate large, healthy hives to help support the prosperity of the nation. Assuming there was no other great work benefiting herb gardens in the territory, they would have the same effect - additional herbs - for each herb garden.

Finally, once the regal beehives in Karov are completed, the Varushkan beekeepers suggest that in recognition of their hard work the bee tenders would come to Reikos and help propagate their knowledge. For a year following the completion of the regal beehives in Karov, the Gardens of High Chalcis would provide an additional dose of marrowort, true vervain, and imperial roseweald to every herb garden in Reikos.

==Letting the Bees Go==
* '''If the situation continues to decline it will impact the prosperity of Karov and eventually the whole of Varushka
* '''There are still opportunities to find other ways to reverse the disappearance of the bees
Right now, the dearth of bees is a matter for concern but only that. If the tide of bees deserting Varushka is not stemmed, however, the effects will begin to be felt more keenly. If nothing is done by the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE, then by next spring every herb garden and farm in Karov will have a -1 penalty to its production. By the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE, this penalty will have spread to forests and businesses in the territory as well. It's hard to say for certain at this stage, but events in neighbouring territories suggest that if the trend is not reversed it might spread disaster for the prosperity of the whole of Varushka.

Obviously, while the Highborn have worked with the Varushkans of Karov to address the situation through the lens of virtue, the proposals made by Naomi in the '''[[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question|Outside the wall]]''' wind of fortune are still available. While its not clear that a new appraisal will achieve much beyond confirming that the Zoloto/Chalcis proposal will work, it could look at the root cause of the problem (the sunburned status of Duzekani). There are also several eternals that might be able to help. But the fact remains that time is running out. It's running out ''slowly''... but it is still running out.

==Kvetmir Kvetmirovic==
*
The exemplar who inspires the people of Zoloto, and whose influence is felt by beetenders across Varushka and beyond whether they know it or not, has mostly been forgotten. Since their recognition two centuries or more ago, they have mostly faded from memory. The folk of Zoloto offer their support to resolving the bee situation without demanding a price. Yet they are also clear that they would very much appreciate it if the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic were to be renewed and they believe the people of Highguard, and their own National Assembly, could both support this ambition. They would like to see an [[inspirational location]] built in Karov to serve as a place of pilgrimage not only for Imperial beetenders, but for the Prosperous of the Empire who wish to learn of their quiet patron. They believe the lessons of industriousness, of treating your workplace and workers with respect and sharing the benefits of everyone's labour, are just as relevant today as they have always been.

A [[writ of consecration]] would allow the hives in the vale of Zoloto, or the regal hives they propose for Malimortz, to become such a place. It would require a dose of [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] of course, and the approval of the [[prosperity]] assembly. They cannot, obviously, predict what the effect would be but they point to the powerful symbolism of bees and Prosperity in Varushka, to the role of honey in medicine, and to the stories that Kvetmir Kvetmirovic cultivated the rare [[realmsroot]] alongside the more traditional herbs with he help of his bees. A writ of consecration would determine if any of these opportunities might be realised.

There is a note of caution among the Highborn however, at least some of the more cynical. The Synod has recently been "burned" by a pre-Imperial Varushkan inspiration. Before anyone starts proposing a writ of consecration, it might be best if the [[Minister of Historical Research]] or even better the [[Lepidean Librarian]] looked into the life and times, and the inspiration, of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic. It would not do to create a place of pilgrimage, an inspirational location, and only ''then'' discover that the storied Kvetmir ''also'' urged people to enact [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|merciless retribution]] against people who put their honey on their scones in the wrong way, for example.

<box>'''<big>Bees in the real world</big>'''<br>Bees are pretty remarkable creatures, who've lived alongside humans for a very long time indeed. This plotline mirrors real world concerns about bees, and while that was mostly a coincidence based around the symbolism of bees in Varushka, there ''are'' real world concerns about falling bee populations. A fantasy live-roleplaying game isn't the best place to discuss a real world crisis, but if you are interested in learning more then this page [https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/our-tips-how-bee-friendly from the World Wildlife Federation] and this piece from Kew Gardens about [https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/keep-uk-bees-happy keeping UK bees happy] that might be of interest.</box>
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]]

Saint of Bees

2026-06-10T09:28:34Z

Kirkbride: /* Ceremonies of Prosperity */

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOP|statement= Our siblings in Varushka have called for Livardz to rise from the ashes. In <u>peerless kinship</u>, Highguard answers their call. In Loyalty, let all those who can be spared from their duties journey north to help erase the stain of the Cold Sun and support the pride and prosperity of Varushka, in accordance with judgement 80.|by=Sister Juliette of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn National|vote=Greater Majority 474-22|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement= Citizens of Varushka, the Varushkan children at Anvil have been investigating the lack of bees in Karov. Honey Bee of the Sovereign's Head asked the coven 'Moonlight Finds the Mountain Pass' to petition Sung for aid in this endeavour. As a result of this investigation, the National Assembly of Varushka urges all Prosperous citizens to aid in re-flowering Karov. Plant flowers, send seeds. Make Karov bloom again.|by=Sillya Nikovitch Volkov, Varushkan National|vote=Greater Majority 228-0|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size=small}}</div>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Big Bee.jpg|align=left|caption=Bees are an important part of Varushkan culture.|title=We'll see who brings in more honey!|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
The stories of magical bees helping the virtuous in stories are, in a way, timeless. They were being told at bedsides and around campfires long before there was an Empire to speak of. Many Varushkan children grew up with the story of "the Good Tailor" where a swarm of bees helps a virtuous man create a wedding outfit for a cruel Boyar in a single night, both sparing the hero from death and delivering an ironic punishment to the tyrannical ruler who has grown lazy by stealing the labour of her people. Others recall with fondness being told the tale of "the Honey of Oloy" where an unassuming pot contains enough honey for the entire village to eat a spoonful a day during the Longest Winter, keeping everyone warm and healthy and strong enough to fight off rampaging wolves. A surprising number of wardens when asked about their calling mention the climax of that tale, when the bees join the villagers to fight off the thieving bandits lead by Old Wolf. There are dozens more like this - entertaining, but teaching valuable lessons about justice, happiness, working hard, sharing with those who deserve it, and other concepts that modern pilgrims would describe as [[Prosperity]].

So when, in the wake of the attack of Cold Sun, the bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing, it was a source of obvious alarm. Last year [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] was commissioned to [[appraisal|appraise]] the [[Outside_the_wall|restoration of Delev]], and gave some consideration to [[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question|the bee question]]. She did not reach a conclusion however, but did uncover disturbing reports that there were also fewer bees being encountered in [[Karov#Wieliczka|Wieliczka]], [[Karov#Kamienczka|Kamienczka]], and [[Karov#Skoremujac|Skoremujac]] as well as in [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani]] where the damage from the ''scions'' was greatest. In the months since, the folk of [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] have also reported seeing fewer and fewer bees, and as the Equinox approaches there are reports from [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]], [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri|Dupadealuri]], and [[Karsk#Kopevnost|Kopevnost]] of hives deserted and a marked dearth of little black-and-yellow fellows industriously visiting the spring flowers. The problem is spreading from Karov to the rest of Varushka.

Naomi was at a loss to explain what was happening, and suggested either a proposal from someone better versed in magic than she, or that the [[Conclave]] speak to an [[eternal]] about the matter. When the Highborn [[Sunrise over Livardz|arrive in Livardz]] to support the appraisal, they quickly learn of the bee-shaped hole in the Varushkan landscape. The National Assembly of that nation has already called out the urgent need to address the disappearance of the "Prosperous helpers" and given it seems that [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has the matter of Volodmartz in hand, they turn their attention to a different problem. Bees, the lack thereof.

==Too Few Bees==
A few Highborn do look askance at the traditional virtuous animals. The argument of whether a beast can be virtuous or not has reached no firm conclusion. Many of those inclined to help in Varushka, however, take the view that the stories of the darkest nation teach virtue as often as not - they are parables and everyone knows that the bees mentioned in the stories are not ''real'' bees. Yet, at the same time, it's hard to deny that bees are industrious little creatures, tending flowers and creating honey that, in the eyes of the people who know them best, share the product of their hard work with those who in turn look after them, protect them from predators, and ensure their hives are well looked after. Perhaps there is more to the matter than just stories, even stories as inspirational as those Varushkan parents and grandparents tell their children?

It is when talking to some of those who know bees - real bees - best that a new picture starts to emerge. Since the disappearance of the bees began to spread, there has been a barely perceptible fall in the health of plants across Volodmartz. It's still subtle at the moment, but it is slowly getting worse. [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in particular have been experiencing a decline. The plants still grow, but each successive generation is a little less potent than the one before. It is also effecting [[farm|farms]] and [[forest|forests]], which a few economically minded Varushkans and Highborn predict may start to impact [[business|businesses]] that rely on such things if the problem continues.

There's no doubt among the Varushkans as to what is to blame - the problem started when Cold Sun invaded. While it is the goose and the spider that are more commonly associated with [[Vigilance]], there's evidence that bees are quite sensitive to danger especially anything related to shifts in the flow of mana through a territory. When the forces of Oblivion attacked, the bees fled or hid just as their human neighbours were doing in the face of the scions. Perhaps bees are [[Wisdom|Wise]] as well, muses one Highborn with an interest in botany. Regardless it seems clear that a quiet catastrophe is unfolding in Varushka, the extent of which has so far gone unmarked.

While not every Highborn thinks ascribing virtue to animals is a good thing, they are resolute in the belief that ''virtue is contagious''. Varushkans see bees as a symbol of prosperity, and symbols help shape peoples' approach to virtue. Restoring the bees to Karov - and hopefully stemming their decline in neighbouring territories - feels at least as important as dealing with the [[curse|curses]] left behind in the wake of Cold Sun's invasion. It might also be a good idea to look at the other places Cold Sun invaded, places where bees are less central in the minds of the citizens, and see if they are suffering a similar decline.

It is also worth noting that Highguard - especially the folk of Reikos - are not strangers to the idea of tending bees. While honey doesn't have the same prominent place in Highguard culture as it does in Varushka, it is by no means an unknown art. The Gardens of High Chalcis have several large bee hives that help tend the herbs there, and it is common for a chapter to collect honey from smaller hives on their grounds. Those who have experience with bees have much to talk about here in Varushka, when it comes to the art and science of working with bees and honey, and it is some of those beewise Highborn who know the stories of Kvetmir of the Bees who first make contact with the priests of Zoloto.

==Kvetmir of the Bees==
*
In northern Skoremujac, in the vale of Zoloto, lives a religious community dedicated to the inspiration of the [[Paragons and exemplars#exemplar|exemplar]] ''Kvetmir Kvetmirovic''. [[Recognition|Recognised]] by the Synod in the early reign of [[Empress Varkula]], Kvetmir Kvemirovic predates the Empire by at least two centuries. Their stories are not widely known - they are by no means [[Paragons_and_exemplars#Renowned_Exemplars|renowned]] - but the people of Zoloto keep their memory alive. Kvetmir is credited with revolutionising beekeeping and honey gathering during his life, and encouraging the keeping of bees as a way to ensure the health of a community beyond access to honey. He collected the "Golden Book" - a collection of folk stories about bees - copies of which can be found all over the Empire to this day although few realise it is the work of an exemplar. A practiced [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]], he helped cultivate the use of honey in medicine to treat infection and burns. Even there he took the opportunity to inspire. He spoke in his letters about how hard he found the study of apothecary, being easily distracted and more inclined to spend his time watching bees than practicing his lessons. Hard work, he said, did not just mean hard labour. Any difficult task would bring rewards, and they would be all the sweeter the more arduous it was to achieve them.

He is also associated with two miracles. While travelling to a wedding, Kvetmir made a point of leaving little bowls of sugar water out for the bees each time his travelling party rested. When brigands sought to rob and murder the wedding party, the local bees protected Kvetmir and his family and blinded their assailants. When the "Bee Shepherd" was dying, all the bees in the surrounding area left their hives and came to the room where he lay. The story claims they came in such force they broke down the shutters, and covered him, keeping him warm in his final hour with their bodies quelling the chills that wracked him despite the physicks best efforts, allowing him to pass peacefully. Descendants of those same bees, by all accounts, continued to live in Zoloto up until the present day, and their honey (and the spirits distilled from it) built the vale into a prosperous and comfortable place to live.

Now, their bees too are departing. They invite Highborn to visit them to share what they know of bees, and working together a possible solution is discovered. The bees, say the bee tenders of Zoloto, are frightened. They have fled into the deep wilderness, and many of them have entered a state of torpor - similar to the way they cluster together in the Winter to keep one another warm. They need to be reassured that the danger has passed, and that their human allies will protect them if it returns. The inspiration of Kvetmir speaks not only of the rewards of hard work, but also of the need for those whose livelihood depends on living things - bees or trees or crops - to treat their plants and creatures with respect just as they would a labourer on their farm or a worker in their shop.

==Regal Beehives==
The beehives of Zoloto are large, beautiful, intricate structures of weirwood. They stand amidst fields of [[marrowort]], [[true vervain]], and [[imperial roseweald]] that the beekeepers tend with as much attention to detail as they do their bees. Every Solstice and Equinox, even in Winter, the people of the vale come together for a celebration honouring the hard work of their black-and-yellow labourers. Songs are sung, shallow bowls of sweet water laid out, and stories of the exemplar Kvetmir are told.

In the interests of bringing the bees back, the folk of Zoloto are more than happy to work with the Highborn to share their techniques for handling frightened bees, and also to share the plans for their hives. This represents a two-pronged attack on the problem. The first will need liao, and quite a bit of it. The second will need a commission, to build "regal beehives" to encourage the missing bees to return.

===Ceremonies of Prosperity===
With the priests of Zoloto, and after some discussion with wise ones and storytellers, it is determined that the [[wayfarer|wayfarers]] and [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] of Highguard will work with their Varushkan kin to propagate the ceremonies used by the community of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic through Karov and the neighbouring territories. These simply ceremonies involve songs about bees and hard work which are easy enough to record, but are used in conjunction with the [[Auras_of_Prosperity#Neither_Beg_Nor_Fear|consecration of Prosperity]], and the [[Auras_of_Prosperity#Hallowing_of_the_Grateful_Debtor|Hallowing of the Grateful Debtor]]. A [[mandate]] has been prepared to assist in this.

{{Mandate|mandate=The prosperity of our Varushkan kin is threatened by the harm done to the bees of Karov. With hard work, we can help them quell the fear that has overtaken their bees, and with the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic renew trust between that symbol of Prosperity and the people of the vales. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to spread auras of Prosperity, and to support the work of the vale of Zoloto to right what the Cold Sun has unbalanced.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, it will help spread the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic, and the expertise of the beekeepers of Zoloto. This will prevent the situation with bees in Varushka getting worse, and will slowly encourage bees to take residence in their hives again. It will take at least a year, and bee populations are unlikely to recover completely, but it will ensure there is no measurable impact on the prosperity of southern Varushka, and no lasting damage to the Prosperity of herb gardens, farms, forests, or businesses.

===Regal Hives===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Regal Hive'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Malimorzi, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 weirwood, 240 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Reverses the loss of bees in Varushka, restoring prosperity
* Provides a level of investment in herb gardens in the territory granting 1 dose each of true vervain, marrowort, and imperial roseweald to each garden
* Provides a boost to the Gradens of High Chalcis for a year granting 1 dose each of true vervain, marrowort, and imperial roseweald to each garden
* Allows similar regal hives to be built in other Varushkan territories </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Winter Solstic 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Regal hives could be built in Malimorzi in Karov to reverse the harms done to the bees of Karov'''
The beehives of Zoloto are truly impressive examples of the bee tenders arts which the vale folk claim were first built by exemplar Kvetmir himself. Hut sized structures of weirwood, surrounded by plentiful herb gardens and wild flowers alike, they house truly exceptional swarms of bees and produce some of the finest honey in Karov if not Varushka. These "regal beehives" are spoken of as being "fit for a Queen or an Empress" and they are even sometimes referred to as "Varkula's little palaces" in reference to the still-beloved [[Empress Varkula]].

After a great deal of discussion and theory, Highborn and Varushkan alike come to the conclusion that the best place to build a set of truly regal beehives would be [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]]. Given that the problem of the bees is spreading into the neighbouring territories, this would represent a reasonably central spot from which to propagate the designs and encourage the bees that the danger has passed. Beekeepers could visit the site, as well as the vale of Zoloto, to share and discuss their techniques and learn from one another. The regal beehives would not only address the fear of the bees, but would reverse the trend. They would represent a level of investment in [[herb garden|herb gardens]] throughout the territory, as healthy bees industriously tend to flowering herbs and produce valuable honey. This level of investment would give every herb garden in Karov an additional dose each of marrowort, imperial roseweald, and true vervain each season.

There is nothing to prevent similar beehives being built in other Varushkan territories. While they wouldn't help stem the loss of bees - it is Karov where the problem originated after all - they would likewise cultivate large, healthy hives to help support the prosperity of the nation. Assuming there was no other great work benefiting herb gardens in the territory, they would have the same effect - additional herbs - for each herb garden.

Finally, once the regal beehives in Karov are completed, the Varushkan beekeepers suggest that in recognition of their hard work the bee tenders would come to Reikos and help propagate their knowledge. For a year following the completion of the regal beehives in Karov, the Gardens of High Chalcis would provide an additional dose of marrowort, true vervain, and imperial roseweald to every herb garden in Reikos.

==Letting the Bees Go==
* '''If the situation continues to decline it will impact the prosperity of Karov and eventually the whole of Varushka
* '''There are still opportunities to find other ways to reverse the disappearance of the bees
Right now, the dearth of bees is a matter for concern but only that. If the tide of bees deserting Varushka is not stemmed, however, the effects will begin to be felt more keenly. If nothing is done by the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE, then by next spring every herb garden and farm in Karov will have a -1 penalty to its production. By the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE, this penalty will have spread to forests and businesses in the territory as well. It's hard to say for certain at this stage, but events in neighbouring territories suggest that if the trend is not reversed it might spread disaster for the prosperity of the whole of Varushka.

Obviously, while the Highborn have worked with the Varushkans of Karov to address the situation through the lens of virtue, the proposals made by Naomi in the '''[[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question|Outside the wall]]''' wind of fortune are still available. While its not clear that a new appraisal will achieve much beyond confirming that the Zoloto/Chalcis proposal will work, it could look at the root cause of the problem (the sunburned status of Duzekani). There are also several eternals that might be able to help. But the fact remains that time is running out. It's running out ''slowly''... but it is still running out.

==Kvetmir Kvetmirovic==
*
The exemplar who inspires the people of Zoloto, and whose influence is felt by beetenders across Varushka and beyond whether they know it or not, has mostly been forgotten. Since their recognition two centuries or more ago, they have mostly faded from memory. The folk of Zoloto offer their support to resolving the bee situation without demanding a price. Yet they are also clear that they would very much appreciate it if the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic were to be renewed and they believe the people of Highguard, and their own National Assembly, could both support this ambition. They would like to see an [[inspirational location]] built in Karov to serve as a place of pilgrimage not only for Imperial beetenders, but for the Prosperous of the Empire who wish to learn of their quiet patron. They believe the lessons of industriousness, of treating your workplace and workers with respect and sharing the benefits of everyone's labour, are just as relevant today as they have always been.

A [[writ of consecration]] would allow the hives in the vale of Zoloto, or the regal hives they propose for Malimortz, to become such a place. It would require a dose of [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] of course, and the approval of the [[prosperity]] assembly. They cannot, obviously, predict what the effect would be but they point to the powerful symbolism of bees and Prosperity in Varushka, to the role of honey in medicine, and to the stories that Kvetmir Kvetmirovic cultivated the rare [[realmsroot]] alongside the more traditional herbs with he help of his bees. A writ of consecration would determine if any of these opportunities might be realised.

There is a note of caution among the Highborn however, at least some of the more cynical. The Synod has recently been "burned" by a pre-Imperial Varushkan inspiration. Before anyone starts proposing a writ of consecration, it might be best if the [[Minister of Historical Research]] or even better the [[Lepidean Librarian]] looked into the life and times, and the inspiration, of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic. It would not do to create a place of pilgrimage, an inspirational location, and only ''then'' discover that the storied Kvetmir ''also'' urged people to enact [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|merciless retribution]] against people who put their honey on their scones in the wrong way, for example.

<box>'''<big>Bees in the real world</big>'''<br>Bees are pretty remarkable creatures, who've lived alongside humans for a very long time indeed. This plotline mirrors real world concerns about bees, and while that was mostly a coincidence based around the symbolism of bees in Varushka, there ''are'' real world concerns about falling bee populations. A fantasy live-roleplaying game isn't the best place to discuss a real world crisis, but if you are interested in learning more then this page [https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/our-tips-how-bee-friendly from the World Wildlife Federation] and this piece from Kew Gardens about [https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/keep-uk-bees-happy keeping UK bees happy] that might be of interest.</box>
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]]

Sunrise over Livardz

2026-06-10T08:27:49Z

Kirkbride: /* Design Note */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
Graciana stared at the vast lake of white ash that seemed to stretch all the way across the valley to the horizon. Beavers did all this, she thought to herself? It seemed impossible, just the sheer scale of it.

Not the destruction, obviously. That was the work of Cold Sun. That terrible, inhuman force dedicated to "perfecting" the mortal world by eradicating every sapient being. A mindless thing raging against the mind itself. This vast lake and every living thing in it had been reduced to ash by a force that could not tolerate the possibility of disorder. Cold Sun was to blame for ''that''.

But judging from what remained, this vast slick of bone white ash, what was here ''before'' Cold Sun must have been awe-inspiring. The Wyrding Pond they called. Some pond! It spanned most of the way across the valley. Mother Danika, the wise one from the other side of the mountains, said the beavers who built this dam had spent over a century making it bigger and bigger and bigger. Extraordinary. Patient as a beaver, Danika had said. Graciana had seen plenty of beavers' dams before, but never anything on this scale. What had possessed the little creatures to build something so Ambitious?

Nobody could answer that question now. Not the people who once lived in this vale. Not the beavers themselves. Local legend said the industrious creatures would answer a question if asked in the right way. Deeply improbable as these local legends often were, there was probably a grain of truth in it somewhere. Once. Not now. Now it was all gone. Gone to ash.

She sighed to herself. She was Dust, Flame, and Glass - nothing could immure her irrepressible spirit. But this? Who could have cast eyes on this extraordinary work and decided to destroy it all? Who could look on the patient little creatures who had devoted a hundred lifetimes to this great work and decide to annihilate them?

Fuck you, Cold Sun. ''Fuck. You''.

She turned on her heel and headed back to the camp. She had needed to see this for herself, but they'd warned not to tarry her long. It was dangerous, they said. The ash poisoned the soul. And besides, there was work to do. Vitriol spat into the wind would not bring revenge on an uncaring eternal. Revenge would be turning Cold Sun's legacy into a life-affirming bounty for future generations. She was Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra. Imperial prognosticator. Her mind was her bhuj, her wits were her shield. Cold Sun would not win this battle.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorVolodmartz.jpg|caption='''Ostrik Vulpe''', Senator for Volodmartz|align=left|width=350}}
==Overview==
[[Volodmartz]] was one of the [[territory|territories]] ravaged by the ''scions'' of the [[Cold Sun]] when its [[To_the_last_syllable#In_Varushka|armies invaded the Empire in 385YE]]. During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." The [[Highguard|Highborn]] have also acted, offering their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]] to the nation, seeking to erase the marks of destruction left by the voracious eternal when it attacked [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]].

Two years ago when Cold Sun [[To_the_last_syllable#In_Varushka|emerged in force]], its ''scions'' focused their attentions on Volodmartz and [[Karov]]. While the [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|Blade of Skies]] attacked in Karov, the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash|Shepherds of Ash]] ravaged Volodmartz. Particularly hard hit was the [[territory#regions|region]] of Livardz, leaving it [[Region_qualities#Ruined|in ruins]]. The ''scions'' themselves [[Eclipse#Shepherds_of_Ash|mysteriously vanished]] shortly after, disappearing into the ''[[Volodmartz#Murupa|Star Caverns]]'' in pursuit of some hidden [[regio]] and never returning.

Graciana has identified three key challenges faced in Livardz, and in Volodmartz as a whole. The first is to '''rebuild Livardz''', dealing with the physical destruction visited on the vales and settlements here. While some rebuilding has taken place, there are always additional problems with building new vales in Varushka in the form of the dark creatures that lurk on the edges of civilisation - several of which have moved into the abandoned ruins. There is a lot of work to be done rebuilding what has been destroyed.

The second challenge is dealing with the '''silent menace''', the terrible threat posed by Cold Sun and the chance it might someday return from the ''Sumisev Peegel'' or the Star Caverns. Something must be done to ensure that Cold Sun or something even ''worse'' cannot emerge to threaten Livardz.

The final challenge is to break the curse of the '''ashen wind''', the dreadful cloying white dust that occasionally blows on the wind. This supernatural curse saps the well-being of everyone touched by it, impeding all attempts to resettle the region.

Addressing each one of these three problems will require effort and investment - but the more of them that are completely dealt with, the more prosperity will return to Livardz.

The prognosticator is assisted in her work by a number of Highborn volunteers, including several respected [[benefactor|benefactors]], [[steward of the Dead|stewards of the dead]], and [[magister|magisters]]. A little to her surprise however, the bulk of these volunteers quickly peel off to pursue a matter of dire concern that is not directly related to Livardz but to "''support the pride and prosperity of Varushka''" in a more spiritual matter related to certain little black-and-yellow creatures.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="387YE Winter Senate Motion raised by Ostrik Vulpe, Senator Volodmartz; seconded Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic, Senator Miekarova">The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.</quote></div>
{{SOP|statement=Two years ago, the Cold Sun came to Varushka. Volodmartz was left two options: Burn in the light of the Cold Sun or condemn Livardz to ruin. Our cousins made this sacrifice for the defence of all Varushka. Now, let us aid the people of Livardz in their efforts to rise from ruin to prosperity.|by=Kasmira Milankova Ygrev|vote=Greater Majority 202-0|when=Winter Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==Rebuild Livardz==
* '''The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash'''
* '''The Varushkans will need to hunt down the wolves that are infesting the ruins'''
* '''The Imperial Senate will need to assign architects to oversee the construction of new homes'''

The vales of Livardz were ruined by the Shepherds of Ash. Where they had time to purge their enemies, the ''scions'' of White Death entire razed settlements leaving nothing but scorched earth in their wake. Even the stones burned, so fierce was the heat of the Cold Sun. In the limited time they endured in the mortal world, they destroyed everything they could, in their efforts to purify.

To restore the Prosperity of the vales, all of this will need to be rebuilt. Not just homes, but bridges over rivers and walls around settlements. Every vale has half a dozen essential buildings that the Varushkan way of life requires to be Prosperous, mills, smithies, food stores - they all need to be painstakingly rebuilt in every vale that was destroyed. Creating a single mill is not normally the sort of thing the Senate would concern itself with, but it is not the individual building that is important here, but the number of them. Replacing what has been destroyed will take years unless the Senate is prepared to invest what is needed to speed it up.

Rebuilding is not a simple matter of just moving back in - where the people have fled or been slain, the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves|wolves]] have moved in. Rooting them out will require a concerted effort, someone will need to gather the wardens of Varushka and convince them to attend to the matter. It will need to be Varushkans ideally, only they have the experience dealing with a threat like this.

Both problems must be resolved before the challenge to '''rebuild Livardz''' can be met.

===Wood & Stone===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Civic Buildings of Livardz'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Livardz, Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Two commissions and 20 thrones from the treasury each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Resolves the problem caused by the destruction of so many civic buildings in Livardz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE or until the situation changes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Total time taken can be reduced by the [[Towerjacks]] or an [[army]] taking a defensive order in the territory under [[Bound by Common Cause]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''There are scores of civic buildings that must be raised all across the region to rebuild Livardz'''
* '''Raising new buildings will cost two of the Empire's commissions and 20 thrones from the treasury each season for a year'''
* '''The Towerjacks or an army enchanted with Bound by Common Cause could take a defensive order in the territory to reduce the total time taken by a season'''

A great deal of work is needed to restore the once Prosperous vales of Livardz. There are scores of buildings that are vital to life in a Varushkan vale - no two vales are the same, but most of them benefit from having a good mill where grain can be ground, a smithy to fashion and repair metal weapons, armour and tools, stores where meat, grain and other foodstuffs can be kept alongside other valuable resources.

In theory the Varushkans can manage all this work by themselves, but that will take years. A decade at least. If the Empire want to fix this problem ''now'', they will need to send architects and builders to the region, along with the funds to pay for the work. The civil service believes there is so much building work to do, it will require the work of enough architects and builders to complete two commissions, along with an ongoing cost to the treasury of 20 thrones, ''each season'' for the next year.

The Senate could address the problem with a clearly worded Senate motion, directing the civil service to arrange for the building work. If that passes, then the Senate will be able to arrange two fewer commissions and an ongoing cost to the treasury of twenty thrones each season for the next year. There is no Imperial title that could announce the work, because there is no title capable of instructing two commissions.

There is one method that could also be employed - the ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] has been shown to empower an army, enabling them to carry out exactly this kind of construction work on a massive scale. If an army, enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], was directed to Volodmartz, with orders to carry out the work, then that would serve to bolster the efforts whilst on defensive orders, decreasing the amount of time taken by a season. Of course, the [[Towerjacks]], as the Empire's most prestigious army of [[Army qualities#Engineer|engineers]], could support the efforts without having to rely on the auspices of Autumn magic.

As an example, if the motion to start the work was passed at the Spring Equinox 388YE, and an army supported the efforts over the following season, then the work would be completed by the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE with a total cost of sixty thrones to the treasury. If the same army remained following the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the work would be completed by the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE, with a total cost of forty thrones to the treasury.

===Iron & Wine===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Triosk Forestry'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Ministry</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Livardz, Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 white granite and 36 crowns, and 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates the martial title ''Volodmartz Forester''
* Removes the benefits of the Iron Roads for one year</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Warden of Triosk'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tourney</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can purchase weirwood from Varushkan foresters</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Defend the prosperity of Volodmartz, by driving out wolves and other fell creatures that threaten the vales of Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This is a martial title</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Orichalcum Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 orichalcum</td><td>Two wains of weirwood</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Green Iron Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>34 green iron</td><td>Two wains of weirwood</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Weltsilver Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 weltsilver</td><td>Two wains of weirwood</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Tempest Jade Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>42 tempest jade</td><td>Two wains of weirwood</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The wolves of Livardz must be dealt with before the work to rebuild Livardz is complete'''
* '''Destroying the creatures or driving them out requires cooperation between Varushkan wardens across Varushka'''
* '''The Boyar of the Iron Roads can commission a forestry to serve as a focal point for efforts to deal with the monsters'''
* '''The Volodmartz Forest Warden would need to be a martial title to gain the respect of other wardens'''
* '''Upon completing the ministry, the benefits of the Iron Roads would be lost for one year'''

Triosk, at least, was overlooked by Cold Sun, for the most part. Most likely the Shepherds of Ash were intending something similar to their compatriots in Karov, leaving an obvious "safe space" for those fleeing their assault to gather so they could be killed all at once as the [[Eclipse#Blade_of_Skies|Blade of Skies]] attempted in [[Karov#Delev|Delev]]. The remaining prosperity of Livardz is anchored here, along the river. The Boyar of Triosk is eager to support any Imperial investment in the area, and bemoans the fact that once upon a time the region was one of the most prosperous in all Varushka.

In fact Triosk's secure position offers a unique opportunity to deal with the wolves that now infest the outlying vales. Many of the Iron Roads meet at Triosk, so the trade that flows down them comes here before it goes south. For the most part, this vital trade is protected by members of the various warden companies that patrol the roads of Varushka. If the wardens could be persuaded to forego protecting the roads for a year, and instead focus on driving out the wolves of Livardz, then it would be possible to rebuild Livardz.

Wardens are notoriously independent; they won't listen to the Senate, but they will pay attention to the [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]. If the Boyar uses their power to commission a forestry at Triosk, and appoints someone with a clear martial bent, then the wardens will rally round the Forester as they attempt to clear out the wolves. It will mean much less trade on the Iron Roads for a while - [[mine|mines]] and [[forest|forests]] in [[Miekarova]], [[Karov]], [[Karsk]], and Volodmartz would each lose one level of investment, and forests in [[Ossium]] would lose two levels of investment - but people will accept that if the Boyar makes the call. Varushkans are ''always'' prepared for difficult choices. But after a year, the vales will be free of wolves and other monsters, or at least as free as anywhere in Varushka ever gets. It will take at least a year, but trade will return to normal after that time. If the Senate has ''also'' dealt with the work needed to create new buildings, then the challenge to rebuild Livardz is met.

The Warden of Triosk would need to be someone that the wardens would respect and follow into battle. Such skills are rarely required to hold high office in the Empire, but the Warden would be expected to personally take the lead. It has to be someone the other wardens are confident is an effective warrior. Thus, it will need to a [[martial title]] appointed each year by a clash of arms - a free tournament in which any Varushkan can participate. The winner would become the Warden of Triosk and gain the benefits - as well as taking on the responsibility to defend the prosperity of Volodmartz by driving out wolves and other fell creatures that threaten the vales of Volodmartz.

There will be an immediate benefit to all this effort. Not for nothing does Graciana propose that the Boyar commission a forestry - there are foresters working all over Volodmartz, but it's dangerous work, away from the safety of the roads for the most part. If there are wardens in Triosk working to clear Livardz of dangers, then grateful foresters will trade their precious weirwood in return for the metals that the tools of their trade, axes and saws.

==Silent Menace==
* '''Livardz is threatened by the silent menace posed by the Star Caverns and the Sumisev Peegel'''
* '''Both must be effectively dealt with to remove the Silent Menace'''

Livardz is threatened by two supernatural dangers: the Star Caverns, into which an entire army of Cold Sun disappeared - and presumably could reappear at any moment. And the Sumisev Peegel, the strange Day regio from which the Shepherds of Ash, the fanatical ''scions'' of the eternal first emerged. Both would need to be dealt with to remove the silent menace threatening the Prosperity of Livardz.

===Wall it Up===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sealing the Star Caverns'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Murupa, Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 5 weirwood, and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Seals up the Star Caverns of Murupa, and whatever dwells within them, behind magical wards
* Deals with the fearful situation in Livardz
* Potentially triggers the Prosperity of Volodmartz investment effect
* Creates the title of ''Murupan Goose-herd''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Murupan Goose-herd'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Varushkan Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 11 crowns and 8 doses of liao each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To watch the geese of Murupa, and deal with anything that escapes the Star Caverns</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''With traditional Vard practicality, the simplest, most effective way to deal with the threat posed by the Star Caverns is to wall them in'''
* '''Establishing a substantial goose-herd on the surrounding hills will make people ''feel'' safer'''
The oldest fear is fear of the unknown, some Varushkans claim. Others say it's spiders. The debate rages on, and Graciana has no time for it. One of the things impeding the prosperity of Livardz is that very fear. The mystery of what happened to the Shepherds of Ash when they walked into the Star Caverns removed the threat but not the terror that they might one day return. The assembly at the time warned people of what was coming, and there's a lot of speculation about the involvement of a sovereign or other dark power. But that fear that the Shepherds - or something worse - might emerge from the Star Caverns at any time lingers. The actual caves themselves aren't even in Livardz - being in nearby [[Volodmartz#Murupa|Murupa]] but fear is never rational.

After speaking with [[wise One|wise ones]], [[volhov|volhovs]], [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Cabalists|cabalists]], and [[warden|wardens]], Graciana has a straightforward proposal. Seal up the Star Caverns. Nobody in the world can match the Varushkans for [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards|warding]], and if the rumours of [[Night Below|living darkness]] taking up residence in the caverns are true, nobody should be going there ''anyway''. The proposal is simple. Find every entrance to the caverns and build a wall across it, marked with symbols of warning and vigilance. And then establish flocks of geese in the hills of Murupa to keep watch over the place. Stories from the dreadful days of 385YE when the ''scions'' were on the rampage claim that whenever they approached a settlement it was the geese who reacted first often providing advance warning of the threat. All wise Varushkans know it is safe to be out and abroad when geese are honking - but if the geese should hiss then bar the door and open it for no-one.

What convinces the savvy prognosticator is that even semi-domesticated geese can serve as a source of prosperity - down, feathers, eggs, and goose meat are all commodities that can be sold. With that in mind, she presents a proposal for the ''Murupan Goose-herd''. The wards will make sure nothing can ''actually'' get out of the caverns, but it's the presence of the geese that will actually reassure people. Combining the wards with the establishment of a sizeable wild goose-flock, will allow the Goose-herd an income of money from anserine industry, but will also see them receive donations of [[liao]] from the priests of Varushka to be used to create consecrations, hallows, and anointings of Vigilance and Wisdom.

===Blow It Up===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Varushkan.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The most effective way to ensure that nothing can ever emerge from the Sumisev Peegel is to destroy it'''
* '''The powerful Winter ritual, Wind of Mundane Silence, is the only dependable way to destroy a regio'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the Sumisev Peegel at 23:00 on Saturday ''at the Summer Solstice'''''
* '''The Varushkan Assembly will need to identify a citizen to take responsibility for the expedition'''

In the southern woodlands of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]], a peculiar grove of trees once stood. Black-barked, their trunks were mottled with peculiar crystal outgrowths. This is the ''Sumisev Peegel''. It and the weak [[regio]] that lies at its heart are named for the two-centuries-dead [[volhov]] who discovered it and first tapped its weak magic to perform simple [[divination|divinations]] for the folk of the surrounding vales. Few people bothered to visit. The crystals were nice but not worth the effort to gather them; their glow faded quickly when removed from the grove. When the [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths|power of Day]] washed over the Empire in 385YE, the spark of light in the ''Sumisev Peegel'' roared up like a bonfire, and the invisible door at its centre gaped wide enough to allow three thousand ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] to come through to the mortal realm.

Unlike the [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle|Tower of the Eagle]] in [[Hahnmark]], this regio does not ''appear'' to be in danger of opening any time soon. But Varushkans know better than anyone that appearances can be deceptive. The wise know that truth lies behind the eyes. What was open before can be open again. It would be foolish to settle so close to something so deadly. Cold Sun can ''never'' return to the Empire while the Conclave maintains its enmity, but forever is a long time. How many years will pass before some meddling volhov finds a way to convince themselves and the Conclave that this time it will be different? Cold Sun is eternally implacable - all it would take is the Conclave to let its guard fall for a single day, and Cold Sun will be back in Livardz, in force.

To remove that fear will take concrete action. It doesn't need complex wards, it doesn't need flocks of geese or a forestry. What it needs is a powerful team of cabalists with a mastery of winter magic to go to Sumisev Peegel and remove the threat ''permanently''. As fate would have it, there is a conjunction large enough to allow forty heroes to travel to the regio next season at 23:00 on the Saturday. That timing seems ideal; it gives the Conclave enough time to find a coven of Winter magicians prepared to accept the risk and travel to Varushka to perform [[Wind of Mundane Silence]], a magnitude 150 winter ritual - ''at the Summer Solstice''.

Graciana advises that the trip will be dangerous. There are no wolves near the regio; the threats there are entirely magical in nature. The regio is still accursed. The sickly glow that surrounds it makes humans and orcs begin to feel unwell after only a few minutes of exposure, and while nobody has so far died from exposure, it is only because they quickly withdraw. Examination of those exposed in this way shows that they have been cursed by Cold Sun and are at risk of turning to ash. Physicks know how to treat the curse with [[prismatic ink]] and herbs, but the ritual will have to be performed in the regio, and it takes at least ten minutes to perform. That level of exposure to the malign corruption of Cold Sun could kill everyone taking part.

Who will provide the mana to pay for the ritual? Which covens will take on this terrible risk? Which physicks will go with them to share the danger? With a season to prepare, it would be prudent to use that time wisely. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] has asked the Varushkan Assembly to use a statement of principle to select the most appropriate citizen to take on the arduous responsibility of dealing with the Sumisev Peegel.

==The Ashen Wind==
* '''The ashen wind is a subtle poison that blanches the life of everyone it touches sapping their will'''
* '''If the Wyrding Pond and the shadow ghosts of the Sunless Vale can be dealt with, then the curse of the ashen wind will be broken'''

The ashen wind is a subtle curse, a poison that slowly seeps the life from those it touches. Where it lands on the skin, it leaves it blanched white. If breathed in, it burns the mouth and robs a person of their taste. It saps the will of everyone it touches, and those it overpowers die and turn to ash. If their remains are not dealt with, it only spreads the curse further as the ash blows in the cold winds. Physicks can treat the poison, but it is a constant bane that threatens life in Livardz.

There are two major sources of ash in the region, the Wyrding Pond and the Sunless Vale; both must be dealt with to break the curse of the ashen wind.

===The Wyrding Pond===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Wyrding Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Ministry</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Livardz, Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 mithril and 36 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates the title ''Volhov of the Wyrding Pond''
* Halves the threat of the ashen wind
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Volhov of the Wyrding Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can secure splinterstars and sunbleach from the Wyrding Pond
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Keep a watch on the Wyrding Pond, and deal with any threat to it</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' No income unless the title holder has the volhov archetype</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Splinterstars'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>9 ingots of tempest jade</td><td>3 splinterstars</td>
<tr><td>20 ingots of tempest jade</td><td>6 splinterstars</td>
<tr><td>33 ingots of tempest jade</td><td>9 splinterstars</td>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Sunbleach'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 measures of beggar's lye </td><td>2 pouches of sunbleach</td>
<tr><td>44 measures of beggar's lye </td><td>4 pouches of sunbleach</td>
<tr><td>72 measures of beggar's lye </td><td>6 pouches of sunbleach</td>
</table></div>
* '''The Wyrding Pond was once a vast artificial pond in a vale on the northern edges of Livardz'''
* '''The ''scions'' of Cold Sun destroyed the pond, and everything that lived in it, leaving a blanched regio and a vast pool of ash'''
* '''Harnessing the power of the blanched regio would render the ash harmless'''
The Wyrding Pond was a vast artificial pond in the Riversway Vale on the northern limits of Livardz. Built by a colony of Prosperous beavers, every year the dam would grow a little larger and the pool a little deeper. According to local history, there was once a quixotic regio here that enjoyed a mixed reputation amongst masters of the Day realm. Over a century ago, the Conclave chose ''not'' to stop a colony of beavers intent on moving in. It was a prudent decision; the beavers dammed the river and quickly drowned the regio, but the resulting pond teemed with life-providing fish, eels, and mussels to the inhabitants of the vale. And legend had it, that if you caught the beavers at the right time, they would answer a question put to them. Nonsense, of course, but the pond and the beavers who built it were a source of Prosperity for the whole vale.

All that ended when the Shepherds of Ash came to Riversway. The inhabitants of the vale tried desperately to protect the Wyrding Pond, but they were overpowered and annihilated by the ''scions''. But Cold Sun's hatred was not sated by these callous murders, and his servants destroyed the beavers, the pond and every living thing in it, leaving nothing but a deep pool of toxic ash. When the wind blows hard, it sweeps the loose ash from the surface and spreads the curse all across Livardz. The destruction did, however, expose the regio at the bottom of the pond. In doing so, it created a way to deal with the curse at its source.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><box>'''Splinterstars and Sunbleach'''
<p>Sunbleach is a lumpy, powdery residue created from beggar's lye exposed to the wan radiance of the region in the Wyrding Pond. It can cause mild burns if it touches naked skin, and is normally sealed in leather pouches and handled with gloves. It contains captured [[Day magic]], however, allowing it to be used during the performance of any ritual of that realm. The magician dusts their cheeks and hands with the caustic residue (which counts as the use of a tonic), and they gain a +2 bonus to their Day lore for the next ritual they perform within ten minutes, subject to the [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules]] for additional ranks. Unfortunately, after thirty minutes, they suffer an unpleasant malady, similar to a [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]], which must be treated by a [[surgical skills#Physick|physick]] using [[marrowort]] before they can perform ''any'' magic again.</p>

<p>Splinterstars are covered in more detail on the page for the [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars|Brilliant Star]].</p></box></div>
The regio has been blanched by the touch of Cold Sun. A wan light seeps from it, day and night, bathing the area with a pallid glamour and ensuring that ash remains potent. But tap the energy, contain it, and the ash would slowly become harmless, and the Wyrding Pond could produce a valuable supply of potent day magic. Who would foolishly meddle with fell powers in such a way - the job cries out for a [[volhov]].

[[Tempest jade]] exposed to the odd radiance here quickly denatures but around one time in three the crumbled crystals reassemble into a [[Brilliant Star#Splinterstars|splinterstar]]. These weird pseudo-mana crystals are only produced in one other place in the Empire - by the terrible radiance of the [[Brilliant Star]]. It takes a lot longer here, and is a bit more wasteful, because the radiance is not the same but it ''works''.

However, there is another option as well: the radiance can also be leached away - with [[beggar's lye]]. Beggarwood trees seem to be strangely resistant to the effects of Cold Sun. Not immune certainly... but resistant somehow. Exposing a cache of beggar's lye to the wyrd light of the regio leaves a bleached, powdery mass that has its own interesting properties as well as absorbing the light bleeding from the regio. Either technique is enough to stop the location from contributing to the ashen wind as long as the site is carefully tended.

To neutralise the Wyrding Pond in this way, the Senate would need to commission a volhov's tower here. Once that was complete, mine and forest owners in Varushka could appoint someone to occupy the tower and ensure that it served its purpose. If they were a capable volhov (if they had the volhov archetype) then they could use tempest jade and beggar's lye to create a supply of splinterstones and sunbleach for themselves.

===The Shadow Ghosts===
* '''The Shadow Fellowship was a well-regarded warden fellowship'''
* '''They were completely wiped out by ''scions'' of Cold Sun trying to save their home, the Sunless Vale'''
* '''Their ghosts haunt the site and will need to be dealt with before the ashen residues can be safely disposed of'''
* '''Each ghost will require Voice for the Dead to be cast to allow it to speak'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the Sunless Vale at the Spring Equinox at 18:15'''
* '''The ''Grieftender of the Forgotten'' is responsible for the expedition'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
In life, the Shadow Fellowship were a well-regarded warden fellowship that placed great emphasis on the Virtue of Vigilance. For most of them, their homes were in the Sunless Vale. This small community of hard-working Varushkans lived in the shadow of mountains so tall that the sun could only enter the valley for little more than a few hours each day in winter. When the Shepherds of Ash moved to attack the vale, the Shadow Fellowship swore to stop them.

A dozen wardens against three thousand heralds of one of the most destructive eternals the Empire has ever encountered from the realms. It is unlikely that any of the wardens ever imagined that victory - or even survival - was possible. They died, as they lived, fighting to keep Varushka safe from supernatural threats. It is pleasing to imagine they gave their lives dearly, but there are no tales of their bravery because after the wardens fell, the ''scions'' wiped out every living thing in the valley.

The natural light of the mortal sun may not be able to reach the Sunless Vale, but the wind can. When it blows hard, the ash that remains swirls and fills the air with cloying dust that poisons everything it touches. Hard-working Varushkans have a plan to deal with the dust - there are mine workings all across the vale, perfect for disposing of the toxic ash. But there is one thing standing in their way.

The wardens of the Shadow Fellowship died fighting the ''scions'' of Cold Sun, but they have not passed on. Their ghosts haunt the valley where they died, threatening anyone who draws too close. What is needed is a group of impassioned priests who can travel to the Sunless Vale and find a way to move the ghosts on. Either through exorcism or better yet, by soothing their troubled spirits. The latter will be hard though - none of these troubled spirits retains the ability to speak. Anyone hoping to guide them to the Labyrinth will need to cast [[Voice for the Dead]] on each ghost to enable them to give voice to the pain in their soul.

There is a conjunction that will allow priests and magicians to travel to the Sunless Vale to move the ghosts on. Given the difficulties involved, the [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]], '''Miroslav Dainovitch Temnavoda''', is responsible for the conjunction. If the expedition is successful, then this site will no longer contribute to the ashen wind.

==Ruinous Resolution==
* '''Resolving any two of these three problems will remove the ruins quality from Livardz and restore the Prosperity of the region'''
* '''Resolving all three will cause a surge in Prosperity for every resource in the territory for a year'''

Livardz is [[region qualities#Ruined|ruined]], but this quality represents more than just destroyed buildings. It includes the curses that afflict the region and the fear that remains in the wake of Cold Sun's attack sapping the confidence and Pride of the people of Livardz. There's no requirement for it to be removed to restore the prosperity of the region - new homes can be built, people can come to terms with the problems of living here (if people can live in [[Spiral]] they can live almost anywhere). However, it is certainly possible to remove that quality and, arguably, show the resilience of the Empire in the face of Cold Sun's destructive quest for oblivion.

Removing the ruins quality from Livardz requires that '''two''' of the three problems be dealt with: the challenge to rebuild Livardz, dealing with the silent menace, and breaking the curse of the ashen wind be addressed. Whichever one isn't addressed won't just go away, but it will have less effect. If two of the problems are dealt with, then the ruins quality will fade, and the Prosperity of the region and indeed the whole territory will rise, boosting revenues for the Imperial treasury by six thrones a season.

In the event that ''all three'' problems are dealt with, there will be an additional unlooked-for benefit in the form of the "Security of Volodmartz". This functions just like a [[great work]] providing a level of investment in every resource in Volodmartz. Each season for the next year, they will receive 22 additional rings of income. The Security of Volodmartz begins in the season following the completion of the third challenge. This benefit is ephemeral - it will last for a year before it fades, provided that Volodmartz does not suffer another serious threat to its prosperity.

==Design Note==
* '''Confident that the Varushkans can deal with Cold Sun's legacy without their aid, the peerless kinship of the Highborn Assembly has been focused at a different threat to Varushkan prosperity'''
By the time Highborn Assembly reach Volodmartz, it is clear that the work of Graciana in collaboration with the skills and experience of Varushkans is more than enough to deal with the legacy of Cold Sun. Eager not to waste their efforts, the assembly have turned their attention to a different problem afflicting Varushkan Prosperity, [[Outside_the_wall#The_Bee_Question|the missing bees]].

When players aim more than one "lever" in the direction of a situation, it rarely creates a solution that is ''more'' effective. We already write the best wind of fortune we can. However, the wording of the statement triggering the peerless kinship leaves space to turn the Highborn attention to a related problem - an even bigger threat to the Prosperity of Varushka - the matter of the missing bees (which was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_135|also called out by the Varushkan Assembly last season]]) You can find more out about this in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

Sunrise over Livardz

2026-06-10T08:27:38Z

Kirkbride: /* The Shadow Ghosts */

Grace that comes with healing

2026-06-10T08:24:17Z

Kirkbride: /* On Wings to Perfection */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]]
<ic>
"You're off your bloody rocker!" shouted Pietro.

Pawdrig raised his tankard and slowly drained it. In truth, it was already empty, but the gesture gave him time to marshal his thoughts. He'd been hoping for a better response than this when he joined the table.

"Look," he responded. "All I'm saying is that we should ''think'' about it. What's wrong with that?"

"What is there to bloody think about? It's the {{Black Plateau}}! It's a great big steaming pile of shit and the sooner we're rid of it, the better. The. End."

From the way Pawdrig's new drinking companions were eyeing him, it was clear he wasn't winning this argument. Not currently. He needed to change the framing.

"Which is worse... the {{Black Plateau}}... or the Grendel?" he asked.

"{{Black Plateau}}!" came a chorus of responses.

"No, right, but no. But think about it. The Grendel can't invade us while the {{Black Plateau}} is doing its thing, can they? If it goes away... maybe we all end up in the salt mines? Then what, eh?" He stared pointedly into the eyes of each of his fellow drinkers in turn to emphasise his point.

"Can't is doing an awful lot of work there, buddy," pointed out Anabetta, the bravo at the other side of the table.

"Nah... he's right..." chimed in Graeme, the only other orc drinking with them. "Back when... well you know... back when... The Salt Lords were not up for a fight here. Not while the {{Black Plateau}} was doing its... thing."

"You agree with this idiot?" demanded Pietro.

"I'm not saying it ''can't'' happen." answered Graeme. "But it's a big risk, innit? For them and us. I don't reckon they'd do it unless they had no other cards left to throw down. But if Morning Glory puts it to sleep... well: suddenly it's a much better play... isn't it?"

Pawdrig leaned back in his chair and spread his hands wide to make it clear the orc had just won his argument for him.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 30%;; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Aquamarine pool.jpg|align=right|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last two years [[Ylenwe]] has aided multiple times with helping mend the damage from the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]]. Now, with Cold Sun increasingly a grim memory for the people of the Empire - though all too real a threat to the lands across the Sea of Steel - zie is reaching out in earnest to the Empire. It seems the ''Perfect Morning'' feels, with a year of friendship between them, that now is the time to talk of healing and harmony.

==The Dam of Apstrus==
* '''The river Doubt in Apstrus has been dammed'''
* '''The Dreaming Spire has been completed'''
* '''Icarion is thriving'''
For the last year, Ylenwe has provided succour to the people of Spiral. Zie sent forth her [[Daybreak_in_Spiral#The_Dawn_Chorus|Dawn Chorus]], a flock of strange winged beings with the approximate shape of a human or an orc but covered in white, dove-like feathers, and clad in shimmering robes. The Chorus has been a welcome sight for any traveller braving the wilds of [[Spiral]] in the last year, for in its presence the howling madness of the {{Black Plateau}} is reduced to a murmur. Yet the Chorus cannot be everywhere - its duty was to assist an Imperial army in the heroic task of [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Apstrus_Dam|damming]] the River Doubt in [[Spiral#Apstrus|Apstrus]] and diverting a portion of its flow to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], as part of a wider effort to reduce [[Mareave|Mareave's]] aridity. The [[Towerjacks]] - and one lone military unit of '''Towlen Nighthaven''' - [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Towerjacks|have been hard at work]] this season doing exactly that.

The dam itself is a stout building of practical Holbergian design - it is steadfast and well-built. Not perhaps beautiful in form, but still pleasing in the way it fulfils its function. The dam is carefully shaped. The most ingenious aspect of its construction is its paired [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spillway spillways]. The minor spillway faces south-east towards Mareave, through the narrow traveller's pass that links Apstrus and Icarion. This has always been a treacherous journey - now it is one that only an owner of a particularly sturdy raft could hope to contemplate, and they would be well-advised to have their affairs in order.

The designers of the dam have carefully calculated the required flow such that as much water as possible is channelled to Icarion - but the narrows between the two territories can only carry so much water. As such, the dam also possesses a major spillway, an outflow that spills the excess water through the wooded ruins of the lower part of the region, down to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] below. Wags have taken to calling the two flows the Lesser and Greater Doubts, respectively.

<quote by="Announced by Lucrezia Corvinascura, Chair of the Wolf">To celebrate two years of friendship, prosperity, and the completion of the League's reckoning with Urizen, our premier building society - Red Raven Holdings - commissions this gift to our neighbours in Spiral: to build <u>The Dreaming Spire</u> upon Mount Cinnius, Ankra, Spiral. It will serve as a home for the Omphalos of Urizen, the Library of Solen's Doubt, and all Urizen Spiralites, wherever they may be. Irrespective of political boundaries, the Omphalos is the heart of Urizen's people, with whom we are proud to live, side by side.</quote>

A good portion of Apstrus now lies below the waters, including the site of the grim battle of Solen's Doubt where the {{Black Plateau}} rose to full wakefulness. The spire of Solen's Doubt is gone now, lost beneath the waters, but the texts of its library that are the legacy of the dead to the living have been removed to the [[Custodian of the Omphalos|Dreaming Spire]], an [[Daybreak_in_Spiral#The_Omphalos|Omphalos]] marking the heart of the [[Urizen]] nation. A heart that will always lie here in Spiral now, even as the territory's fate is tied up with the city below rather than the spires above.

The waters of the reservoir are calm and still - they show no sign of the pain or terror of the past, save for a few ruined spire-tops visible when the water is at a lower ebb. No restless dead wander here - the work of [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Wards_of_the_Restless|Varushkan volhovs]] has seen those unfortunate souls either moved on or at least kept from haunting the dam and its reservoir. The [[Imperial Orcs]] have [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Bones_of_the_Fallen|worked especially hard]] to ensure that no bones of their kin lie here, and the names of their fallen lost at Solen's Doubt have been [[Construct_Apstrus_Dam|inscribed painstakingly]] into the brickwork of the dam.

There is a fundamental air of solemnity and finality to Apstrus now. There have been ruined spires for a long time here, but now they have a weight to them - what an Imperial Orc might call an air of ''worth''. The efforts to ensure that the Dam of Apstrus is a monument to solemn finality and the remembered dead have quelled any fears that restless spirits would trouble the region, but nevertheless that sense of finality now gives the region the ''ruins'' quality. The spreading delta formed by the Greater Doubt - whose waters once reached the sea through many disparate narrow streams and tributaries rather than a great outflow - has naturally flooded the lower portion of the region, and so it also gains the ''marsh'' quality.

===Clear Waters in Icarion===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kirriemuir Campgrounds'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Icarion, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril and 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the title of Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds, and encourages Yerende settlement in the region.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until the situation materially changes</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Orc</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Imperial Orc Senators</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 4 pawns of Day vis</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To ensure that the Kirriemuir Campgrounds remain a tranquil beauty spot for the weary traveller</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Icarion is quickly becoming an oasis'''
* '''There is an opportunity to develop the Kirriemuir campgrounds into a beauty spot'''
* '''This will encourage members of the Yerende sept to settle in Mareave'''
Ylenwe's heralds have been seen often in Icarion. Even amidst the fighting in the territory, they have found places of tranquil harmony here, by the waters that flow ever-freer day by day. One such place is the small campground and traveller's post known as Kirriemuir. Kirriemuir was long just a bend in the road - barely anyone lived there, and it was just one stopping-place amidst Icarion's dry foothills. Now it is growing day by day. There are [[Sannite|Sannites]] here, but also a burgeoning community of [[Yerende]], who have made the long journey south to make a home here, where there is now no shortage of gardens to tend.

A fresh spring has arisen here, amidst a newly-formed [[Realm#Day|Day]] [[regio]], the groundwater of Mareave finally spilling over after centuries of parched neglect. The waters fizz as they come from the ground, not with the primal strength associated with Spring but a calming burbling fizz that carries pleasantly on the air. Where the fizzing waters have arisen, Ylenwe's heralds have begun to walk. They offer fresh mineral water from the spring to weary travellers, and a listening ear for those tormented by the travails of life or recovering from time on the front lines. The waters of Kirriemuir taste wonderful - not the neutral refreshment of pure water, but a textured taste that only geology and aeons of time can render. They have curious magical properties too: when mixed with a few simple dyes, they make an excellent base for the substance known as [[Vis#Prismatic_Ink|prismatic ink]].

There is an [[opportunity]] here. The Senate could develop Kirriemuir into a beauty spot and create the title of Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds. This would result in a sinecure providing four [[Vis#Prismatic_Ink|prismatic ink]] every season. Moreover, developing the campground will increase the size of the Yerende community here; the region will gain the ''Yerende'' keyword. The heralds have indicated that they are happy to continue dwelling here if Perfect Morning retains [[Alignment#Amity|amity]], but the effervescent waters of Kirriemuir are likely to continue flowing with or without them - their presence is a symptom of what has happened here, not its cause.

==Sing a Song of Solace==
* '''Ylenwe has conceived of a way to bring harmony to the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''The solution requires a perfect piece of music and somewhere to perform it'''
Ylenwe has enjoyed a year of amity because the [[eternal]] promised to use the time to study the {{Black Plateau}}. The hope was to find a lasting solution to protect Spiral from its pernicious influence. While [[Spiral#The_Block|the Block]] screens those who dwell in the spires or densely-packed streets of Apulian, that still makes travel in the territory uniquely perilous - even the [[My_friends_are_my_estate#The_Dark_Mesa|recent proposals]] to build a fortification on the edge of the dark mesa would not wholly solve this problem.

''The Morningstar'' has completed a great study of the {{Black Plateau}} but zie is no closer to understanding how it was made than when zie began. ''Childe of Gentleness'' believes it is fundamentally not a creation of ritual magic. While ritual magic has exacerbated it in the past, especially the rituals of Night, it is fundamentally some magic of the mortal world that it is beyond zir nature to understand in its construction - some manipulation of the very essence of the world itself that zie cannot perceive.

Though the Dove has no answer to the question posed by the {{Black Plateau}}, zie ''has'' discovered a remedy - music. Many eternals have some interest in music - not least Sung, who has [[Our elaborate plans|her own interests in Spiral]] - but one of its clearest advocates was always Ylenrith. That passion endures, though Ylenwe's interest is focused on its capacity to bring inner harmony and a sense of numinous clarity. Zie is still interested in the perfection of music in its technical aspect, as Ylenrith was, and they are greatly appreciative of the craft of composition. But the Dove is clear that zie believes music has a capacity to uplift and help those who hear it find inner perfection. The {{Black Plateau}} is disharmony incarnate - what better way to soothe it than music?

The land itself cries out an endless song of anger and pain, disharmonious mourning for folly and grief, loss and faithlessness. Ylenwe's heralds note that the ''First Companion'' too, is a being hurt and healing - but who, through music has found a way to love zirself again. To quiet the {{Black Plateau}} needs the same approach. First, the right piece of music is needed, something mathematically perfect. Secondly, an appropriate place must be built for that music to be played, and carried in a chorus by Ylenwe's servants.

===A Piece Apart===
* '''Ylenwe has found a piece of perfect music'''
* '''The eternal entreats Hieronymus Dowland, Lirielen Starsong, and Kespoena Archsky to perform the piece at 13:00 on Saturday in the Hall of Worlds'''
Where there is sorrow, there is a chance for the grace of healing. Some time ago, Dove charged zir heralds with finding someone capable of producing a mathematically perfect piece of music. Since Morningstar took that step first, zie did not know why it was needed then. Time has brought clarity to what was obscured; causality is a strange thing in the realm of Day.

'''Lirielen Starsong''' and '''Kespoena Archsky''' of [[Urizen]], and '''Hieronymus Dowland''' of [[Dawn]], were identified as optimal candidates, the heralds so moved by their performances that they were unable to decide. Zie hoped to potentially name one of them as the Chosen of Ylenwe. Unfortunately, due to a series of miscommunications - for which the Dove seems to blame zirself above all else - the eternal has not yet been able to meet with either Hieronymus, Lirielen, or Kespoena, nor hear their pieces. However, the Dove now knows that their pieces of music must serve as the foundation-stones for the chorus that can soothe the rageful stones of [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]].
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
The Dove wishes to hear the pieces - and indeed, have them be heard in public - and to discuss the matter with the three. As such, zie humbly requests that the three perform their pieces to a public audience in the Hall of Worlds at 13:00 on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. The Morningstar accepts that the worthies of the Empire have many demands on their time, but the [[High Bard of the Empire|High Bard]], the [[Archmage of Day]], and the Maestro of the [[Arranging grace|Cat's Graces]] (if they exist), are all welcome to join the audience if they are free. Indeed, any and all are invited to attend and to listen - provided that all understand that the purpose of the meeting is to give the three a chance to perform the perfect music they have crafted.

If any of the three wants to adapt their piece now they understand its purpose, they are welcome to do so, but zie offers assurance that it is not necessary. The harmonious foundation the musicians have already created is more than sufficient for what is required. If the composers can provide Ylenwe with the notation for their pieces, so much the better, but again there is no requirement to do so.

===The Stone Becomes the Foundation===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Harmonious Chimes'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Screed, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 13 white granite, 13 mithril, 14 ilium, and 78 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Requires the three to agree to allow their music to be used by Ylenwe to calm the {{Black Plateau}}
* Opportunity ceases to be available if Ylenwe is placed under enmity</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a ring of amplifiers around the {{Black Plateau}} that, in conjunction with perfect music, soothe it to quiescence for a year
* Creates opportunities to find ways to deal with the threat of the {{Black Plateau}} permanently</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until the situation materially changes</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ylenwe has presented plans to help quiet the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''The plan involves the creation of thirteen pillars in a golden spiral'''
* '''The performance of the perfect harmonies is part of this plan'''
''Pathway to Serenity'' envisages the creation of a ring of thirteen monoliths of [[mithril]] and [[ilium]] in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_spiral Golden Spiral] spinning out from the centre of the {{Black Plateau}}. The position of each has been carefully calculated by Ylenwe, starting from a point of perfect stillness, at the centre and radiating outwards to reach the borders of [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]].

Working with the Empire's magicians, Cradlesong could give light to a Day regio there, on the border, at the point where the silence meets the storm. That spot would become an Island of Solace, protected by the power of the regio from the chaos of the rest of the Plateau. Once complete, members of the Dawn Chorus would perform on the Island itself, ideally alongside Imperial magicians. The refrain they would take up - the refrain made resonant in the edifice's very construction - would be the pieces provided by the three - working in harmony together.

It is the fact that it is a piece made by mortal hands that is the key, it seems. Indeed, ''Epsilon Close'' is clear that zir magic would not have sufficed. Zir nature as Ylenwe, not Ylenrith, was necessary to understand the harmony required, but it is not a harmony zie is capable of reproducing alone. The {{Black Plateau}} is a mortal barbarity, and what mortal hands made only mortal hands can destroy. This has resulted in the fortunate side-effect being that Ylenwe does not require the cession of the edifice for it to function.

The harmony of the music and the disharmony of the {{Black Plateau}} would weave together, lulling it back to a state of relative quiescence - quieter than it has been in several generations. This effect would last for only a single year, and intense fighting, violence, or outbreaks of fear and anger amongst the people of Spiral would surely foreshorten the duration. For those four seasons, however, the beating heart of despair at the heart of Screed would be ''quiet''. Travellers in the wilds of Spiral would no longer be assailed, at least not while the Chorus still sang.

If the plateau can be quieted with harmony, then Ylenwe reasons that the knot of anger and hate and fear that is embedded at its heart could, metaphorically, be unwound permanently. Exactly how it can be done and what it, Screed, and Spiral might look like if this were achieved, Ylenwe cannot say. Such things are not within the purview of the Perfect Morning: that would be a matter for mortals. All zie can say, with the certainty of a Hierarch of Sea and Sky, is that it ''can'' be done and that the harmonious music and the ring of resonant amplifiers is the first step.

Once it is quiescent, then the Empire could send [[Appraisal|prognosticators]] to study the {{Black Plateau}} to try to solve the problem more permanently. Likely it will need careful study by the best minds of Imperial magic. The right [[Conclave order|order]] might be able to properly understand how it exerts its influence and how to counter it. It would be a race against time, given that whatever they discovered would need to be put into operation as swiftly as possible. Ylenwe has no doubt, however, that the Empire can succeed.

Morningstar invites any who wish to be part of this discussion to attend the performance of the piece, so that the matter may be talked about with more confidence afterwards. Zie hopes that the three will also stay and assist zir in these discussions - as a being of Day, ''Nested Interval'' occasionally struggles to communicate clearly zir intent and motivations.

===A Discordant Solo===
* '''Pawdrig duSesna points out that Apulian could be argued to benefit from the presence of the {{Black Plateau}}'''
The idea of quieting the {{Black Plateau}} is popular with many, but not everyone thinks it is a good idea. There's always someone who thinks something is a bad idea, and so it proves. ''Pawdrig'', a member of the duSesna Guild of Reckoners, cannot help but point out that the Block has proved largely effective at keeping the influence of the {{Black Plateau}} out of the city of Apulian. That's not a reason to leave it active, of course, but there is some evidence that the {{Black Plateau}} has ''also'' kept the Grendel armies out of Spiral. Pawdrig is quite blunt about it - ''"It's all well and good to run round bringing harmony to the {{Black Plateau}} or whatever it is the Big White Bird wants to do, but it'll be one bloody expensive concerto if it opens the door to a Grendel invasion..."''

Discussion of the matter with any well-connected Apulian orcs confirms that the Salt Lords Council are notoriously jumpy about the {{Black Plateau}}. They lost entire armies when it exploded - the experience left them wary of risking an invasion. Of course nothing is guaranteed, but once they discover the {{Black Plateau}} is ''quiet'', any "protection" it did provide would quickly evaporate.

==On Wings to Perfection==
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Cultivator of Solace'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Chosen</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Eternal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Income:'''
* One Dove's Feather each season
* Up to five prismatic ink each season
* A magical musical instrument once a year </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To bring harmony where there is discord
* To spread appreciation for the arts of music and mathematics
* To represent Ylenwe in zir dealings with the Empire</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ylenwe plans to choose an Imperial citizen to be zir Cultivator of Solace'''
''Pathway to Serenity'' also believes the time is right to invite an Imperial citizen to become zir ''Cultivator of Solace''. Zie intends to offer the position first to '''Hieronymus Dowland''' on the advice of both ''Chorus'' and ''Stanza'', but if he declines, zie intends to discuss the matter with both '''Lirielen Starsong''' and '''Kespoena Archsky''' - though of course only one could take up the role. The Cultivator is charged with striving to bring solace to places with a troubled history of sorrow and pain, like Spiral. They would also be responsible for spreading appreciation for the arts of music and mathematics, as well as soothing troubled spirits and working to make the Empire a more harmonious place.

Being Ylenwe's chosen instrument to cultivate solace within the Empire brings with it certain boons from the eternal. Zie would provide them with a ''Dove's Feather'' each season - a unique item that could be activated once to send a short message to the eternal. This is intended to allow the Cultivator to keep Ylenwe informed about their efforts to bring harmony and solace to the Empire, both what they have done and what they intend to do. It is zir expectation that the Cultivator would work to identify people and places in need of peace, harmony, or tranquillity and do their best to foster them.

The eternal would offer zir aid when zie was able to. As long as the message shows the Protector is working towards the shared goal of harmony, zie would provide them with as many as five vials of [[prismatic ink]] each season. The Cultivator should not expect to hear from Ylenwe unless zie had something important to say, but if they received the vis from their patron, they could take that as a sign that they still enjoyed the eternal's favour.

Finally, zie would provide the Cultivator with a musical implement (a form of [[magic items|magic item]]) each year, an ''Instrument of Harmony'' that would empower the Day lore and Night lore for the ritualist who was bonded to it and played it during the performance of a ritual. The Cultivator could use the instrument themselves, or provide it to another who would use it to pursue harmony.

Unlike an [[Imperial title]], Ylenwe would choose who held the position. Being the Cultivator of Solace would not make one ineligible to hold an Imperial title, but it ''could'' invite questions about "split loyalties". Ylenwe zirself is less inclined to choose someone as zir Protector who already holds a title, as they would already have calls on their Loyalty and their time. The Cultivator would serve as long as they wish, or until Ylenwe feels that their cooperation has achieved everything together that is possible. Whoever is chosen is not subject to [[revocation]] nor even the [[Writ of Excommunication|writ of excommunication]] - because it is not an Imperial title. If the ''Pure Morning'' is placed under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], however, they may be called on to prove they have severed ties with Ylenwe or else be charged with receiving aid from an eternal enemy of the Empire.

Ylenwe asks that Hieronymus consider the matter prior to the meeting in the Hall of Worlds and express their decision as to whether to take up the post at that time. Likewise, that Lirielen and Kespoena both consider the matter carefully. Zie wishes them all to understand that there is no obligation, nor will zie be offended if they decline.

Now that the proscription against entering into the service of an eternal has passed scrutiny, unless the Synod changes its mind it would be illegal to accept this position from Ylenwe. You can read more in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune.

==Harmony in Mind and Body==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Ylenwe's Aid'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Appraisal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Prognosticator chosen </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Presents opportunities agreed with the eternal Ylenwe, for them to render aid to the Silver Chalice
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires a change to the manifesto of the Silver Chalice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:'''
* Until the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE
* Only available while Ylenwe is not under enmity
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A herald of Ylenwe wishes to discuss holistic medicine and wellbeing with members of the Silver Chalice'''
* '''Asymptotic Blessing hopes to encourage the order to re-examine their manifesto'''
* '''If that happens, the eternal would work with the Prognosticator's Office to find ways to support the Silver Chalice'''
When zie visits the Hall of Worlds to hear Hieronymus's work, zie will not come alone. Zie is bringing one of their most beloved heralds, ''Asymptotic Blessing'', as well as a few of Asymptotic Blessing's fellows.

Asymptotic Blessing has been given the task by Ylenwe to focus on another aspect of zir interests; the arts of holistic healing. Over the last year, as Ylenwe has enjoyed the amity of the Conclave, zir heralds have been a quiet presence throughout the Empire. They are genial white-feathered humanoids with a silvery teal sheen to their skin, who seem drawn to places of contemplation or healing. Notably, however, they have eschewed hospitals and places where the art of the physick is practised in its conventional form. Ylenrith used to encourage healers to explore and embrace advances in medical sciences, moving away from superstition and tradition, but Ylenwe is known to favour an approach to medicine which emphasises finding the root cause of illness rather than focusing on treating symptoms, and recognising the link between the body and the spirit.

Asymptotic Blessing wishes to speak to the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Silver Chalice]] and other members of her order. He - and by extension Ylenwe - would be delighted to discover if the Grandmaster sees things as they do. Currently, the order's constitution puts a heavy emphasis on medicine - on working with physicks and apothecaries, and on the precise and surgical nature of physical healing. This has its place - though healing as an expression of irrepressible life is more of an expression of the Primal Forest than the Cascading Skysea. The hope, however, is that the Silver Chalice might be open to a holistic view of the healing arts, one which nourishes the spirit as much as the body, aching heart as much as stinging wounds.

Asymptotic Blessing doesn't want to come with a particular set of prescriptions. It would just like to have an open conversation with the Grandmaster about the order's constitution - to explore the limits of what could and couldn't change. If a set of proposals could be found that Asymptotic Blessing and his fellows thought better reflected Ylenwe's holistic view of the healing arts, and the Senate approve the change to [[Silver_Chalice#The_Manifesto|the Order's manifesto]], it could unlock many benefits.

If that happened, Ylenwe's heralds would bequeath 2 pawns of prismatic ink each season to the order for as long as they did not have enmity. In addition, the Senate could order an [[appraisal]] of all the ways that Ylenwe might work with the [[Conclave order]] to support them. Heralds of the Day eternal would work with members of the Prognosticator's Office (or the Beurteilung) to produce a set of proposals that were acceptable to Ylenwe, which the Empire would then be free to consider at their leisure.

Asymptotic Blessing's plan is to arrive with at least one companion alongside Ylenwe in the Hall of Worlds, to listen to the perfect piece that will be performed. Afterwards, they hope to find a corner of the Hall of Worlds for him and his fellows to talk with the Grandmaster and those she wishes to involve in the discussion. The herald would welcome the presence of the [[Archmage of Day]] if they are available - to assist with the discussions - presumably a different corner to where the eternal is in counsel with those considering the fate of Spiral and the {{Black Plateau}}.

==Further Reading==
* [[Silver Chalice]]
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Mareave]]
* [[Ylenwe]]

Grace that comes with healing

2026-06-10T08:21:50Z

Kirkbride: /* Sing a Song of Solace */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]]
<ic>
"You're off your bloody rocker!" shouted Pietro.

Pawdrig raised his tankard and slowly drained it. In truth, it was already empty, but the gesture gave him time to marshal his thoughts. He'd been hoping for a better response than this when he joined the table.

"Look," he responded. "All I'm saying is that we should ''think'' about it. What's wrong with that?"

"What is there to bloody think about? It's the {{Black Plateau}}! It's a great big steaming pile of shit and the sooner we're rid of it, the better. The. End."

From the way Pawdrig's new drinking companions were eyeing him, it was clear he wasn't winning this argument. Not currently. He needed to change the framing.

"Which is worse... the {{Black Plateau}}... or the Grendel?" he asked.

"{{Black Plateau}}!" came a chorus of responses.

"No, right, but no. But think about it. The Grendel can't invade us while the {{Black Plateau}} is doing its thing, can they? If it goes away... maybe we all end up in the salt mines? Then what, eh?" He stared pointedly into the eyes of each of his fellow drinkers in turn to emphasise his point.

"Can't is doing an awful lot of work there, buddy," pointed out Anabetta, the bravo at the other side of the table.

"Nah... he's right..." chimed in Graeme, the only other orc drinking with them. "Back when... well you know... back when... The Salt Lords were not up for a fight here. Not while the {{Black Plateau}} was doing its... thing."

"You agree with this idiot?" demanded Pietro.

"I'm not saying it ''can't'' happen." answered Graeme. "But it's a big risk, innit? For them and us. I don't reckon they'd do it unless they had no other cards left to throw down. But if Morning Glory puts it to sleep... well: suddenly it's a much better play... isn't it?"

Pawdrig leaned back in his chair and spread his hands wide to make it clear the orc had just won his argument for him.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 30%;; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Aquamarine pool.jpg|align=right|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last two years [[Ylenwe]] has aided multiple times with helping mend the damage from the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]]. Now, with Cold Sun increasingly a grim memory for the people of the Empire - though all too real a threat to the lands across the Sea of Steel - zie is reaching out in earnest to the Empire. It seems the ''Perfect Morning'' feels, with a year of friendship between them, that now is the time to talk of healing and harmony.

==The Dam of Apstrus==
* '''The river Doubt in Apstrus has been dammed'''
* '''The Dreaming Spire has been completed'''
* '''Icarion is thriving'''
For the last year, Ylenwe has provided succour to the people of Spiral. Zie sent forth her [[Daybreak_in_Spiral#The_Dawn_Chorus|Dawn Chorus]], a flock of strange winged beings with the approximate shape of a human or an orc but covered in white, dove-like feathers, and clad in shimmering robes. The Chorus has been a welcome sight for any traveller braving the wilds of [[Spiral]] in the last year, for in its presence the howling madness of the {{Black Plateau}} is reduced to a murmur. Yet the Chorus cannot be everywhere - its duty was to assist an Imperial army in the heroic task of [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Apstrus_Dam|damming]] the River Doubt in [[Spiral#Apstrus|Apstrus]] and diverting a portion of its flow to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], as part of a wider effort to reduce [[Mareave|Mareave's]] aridity. The [[Towerjacks]] - and one lone military unit of '''Towlen Nighthaven''' - [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Towerjacks|have been hard at work]] this season doing exactly that.

The dam itself is a stout building of practical Holbergian design - it is steadfast and well-built. Not perhaps beautiful in form, but still pleasing in the way it fulfils its function. The dam is carefully shaped. The most ingenious aspect of its construction is its paired [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spillway spillways]. The minor spillway faces south-east towards Mareave, through the narrow traveller's pass that links Apstrus and Icarion. This has always been a treacherous journey - now it is one that only an owner of a particularly sturdy raft could hope to contemplate, and they would be well-advised to have their affairs in order.

The designers of the dam have carefully calculated the required flow such that as much water as possible is channelled to Icarion - but the narrows between the two territories can only carry so much water. As such, the dam also possesses a major spillway, an outflow that spills the excess water through the wooded ruins of the lower part of the region, down to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] below. Wags have taken to calling the two flows the Lesser and Greater Doubts, respectively.

<quote by="Announced by Lucrezia Corvinascura, Chair of the Wolf">To celebrate two years of friendship, prosperity, and the completion of the League's reckoning with Urizen, our premier building society - Red Raven Holdings - commissions this gift to our neighbours in Spiral: to build <u>The Dreaming Spire</u> upon Mount Cinnius, Ankra, Spiral. It will serve as a home for the Omphalos of Urizen, the Library of Solen's Doubt, and all Urizen Spiralites, wherever they may be. Irrespective of political boundaries, the Omphalos is the heart of Urizen's people, with whom we are proud to live, side by side.</quote>

A good portion of Apstrus now lies below the waters, including the site of the grim battle of Solen's Doubt where the {{Black Plateau}} rose to full wakefulness. The spire of Solen's Doubt is gone now, lost beneath the waters, but the texts of its library that are the legacy of the dead to the living have been removed to the [[Custodian of the Omphalos|Dreaming Spire]], an [[Daybreak_in_Spiral#The_Omphalos|Omphalos]] marking the heart of the [[Urizen]] nation. A heart that will always lie here in Spiral now, even as the territory's fate is tied up with the city below rather than the spires above.

The waters of the reservoir are calm and still - they show no sign of the pain or terror of the past, save for a few ruined spire-tops visible when the water is at a lower ebb. No restless dead wander here - the work of [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Wards_of_the_Restless|Varushkan volhovs]] has seen those unfortunate souls either moved on or at least kept from haunting the dam and its reservoir. The [[Imperial Orcs]] have [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Bones_of_the_Fallen|worked especially hard]] to ensure that no bones of their kin lie here, and the names of their fallen lost at Solen's Doubt have been [[Construct_Apstrus_Dam|inscribed painstakingly]] into the brickwork of the dam.

There is a fundamental air of solemnity and finality to Apstrus now. There have been ruined spires for a long time here, but now they have a weight to them - what an Imperial Orc might call an air of ''worth''. The efforts to ensure that the Dam of Apstrus is a monument to solemn finality and the remembered dead have quelled any fears that restless spirits would trouble the region, but nevertheless that sense of finality now gives the region the ''ruins'' quality. The spreading delta formed by the Greater Doubt - whose waters once reached the sea through many disparate narrow streams and tributaries rather than a great outflow - has naturally flooded the lower portion of the region, and so it also gains the ''marsh'' quality.

===Clear Waters in Icarion===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kirriemuir Campgrounds'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Icarion, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril and 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the title of Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds, and encourages Yerende settlement in the region.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until the situation materially changes</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Orc</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Imperial Orc Senators</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 4 pawns of Day vis</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To ensure that the Kirriemuir Campgrounds remain a tranquil beauty spot for the weary traveller</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Icarion is quickly becoming an oasis'''
* '''There is an opportunity to develop the Kirriemuir campgrounds into a beauty spot'''
* '''This will encourage members of the Yerende sept to settle in Mareave'''
Ylenwe's heralds have been seen often in Icarion. Even amidst the fighting in the territory, they have found places of tranquil harmony here, by the waters that flow ever-freer day by day. One such place is the small campground and traveller's post known as Kirriemuir. Kirriemuir was long just a bend in the road - barely anyone lived there, and it was just one stopping-place amidst Icarion's dry foothills. Now it is growing day by day. There are [[Sannite|Sannites]] here, but also a burgeoning community of [[Yerende]], who have made the long journey south to make a home here, where there is now no shortage of gardens to tend.

A fresh spring has arisen here, amidst a newly-formed [[Realm#Day|Day]] [[regio]], the groundwater of Mareave finally spilling over after centuries of parched neglect. The waters fizz as they come from the ground, not with the primal strength associated with Spring but a calming burbling fizz that carries pleasantly on the air. Where the fizzing waters have arisen, Ylenwe's heralds have begun to walk. They offer fresh mineral water from the spring to weary travellers, and a listening ear for those tormented by the travails of life or recovering from time on the front lines. The waters of Kirriemuir taste wonderful - not the neutral refreshment of pure water, but a textured taste that only geology and aeons of time can render. They have curious magical properties too: when mixed with a few simple dyes, they make an excellent base for the substance known as [[Vis#Prismatic_Ink|prismatic ink]].

There is an [[opportunity]] here. The Senate could develop Kirriemuir into a beauty spot and create the title of Keeper of the Kirriemuir Campgrounds. This would result in a sinecure providing four [[Vis#Prismatic_Ink|prismatic ink]] every season. Moreover, developing the campground will increase the size of the Yerende community here; the region will gain the ''Yerende'' keyword. The heralds have indicated that they are happy to continue dwelling here if Perfect Morning retains [[Alignment#Amity|amity]], but the effervescent waters of Kirriemuir are likely to continue flowing with or without them - their presence is a symptom of what has happened here, not its cause.

==Sing a Song of Solace==
* '''Ylenwe has conceived of a way to bring harmony to the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''The solution requires a perfect piece of music and somewhere to perform it'''
Ylenwe has enjoyed a year of amity because the [[eternal]] promised to use the time to study the {{Black Plateau}}. The hope was to find a lasting solution to protect Spiral from its pernicious influence. While [[Spiral#The_Block|the Block]] screens those who dwell in the spires or densely-packed streets of Apulian, that still makes travel in the territory uniquely perilous - even the [[My_friends_are_my_estate#The_Dark_Mesa|recent proposals]] to build a fortification on the edge of the dark mesa would not wholly solve this problem.

''The Morningstar'' has completed a great study of the {{Black Plateau}} but zie is no closer to understanding how it was made than when zie began. ''Childe of Gentleness'' believes it is fundamentally not a creation of ritual magic. While ritual magic has exacerbated it in the past, especially the rituals of Night, it is fundamentally some magic of the mortal world that it is beyond zir nature to understand in its construction - some manipulation of the very essence of the world itself that zie cannot perceive.

Though the Dove has no answer to the question posed by the {{Black Plateau}}, zie ''has'' discovered a remedy - music. Many eternals have some interest in music - not least Sung, who has [[Our elaborate plans|her own interests in Spiral]] - but one of its clearest advocates was always Ylenrith. That passion endures, though Ylenwe's interest is focused on its capacity to bring inner harmony and a sense of numinous clarity. Zie is still interested in the perfection of music in its technical aspect, as Ylenrith was, and they are greatly appreciative of the craft of composition. But the Dove is clear that zie believes music has a capacity to uplift and help those who hear it find inner perfection. The {{Black Plateau}} is disharmony incarnate - what better way to soothe it than music?

The land itself cries out an endless song of anger and pain, disharmonious mourning for folly and grief, loss and faithlessness. Ylenwe's heralds note that the ''First Companion'' too, is a being hurt and healing - but who, through music has found a way to love zirself again. To quiet the {{Black Plateau}} needs the same approach. First, the right piece of music is needed, something mathematically perfect. Secondly, an appropriate place must be built for that music to be played, and carried in a chorus by Ylenwe's servants.

===A Piece Apart===
* '''Ylenwe has found a piece of perfect music'''
* '''The eternal entreats Hieronymus Dowland, Lirielen Starsong, and Kespoena Archsky to perform the piece at 13:00 on Saturday in the Hall of Worlds'''
Where there is sorrow, there is a chance for the grace of healing. Some time ago, Dove charged zir heralds with finding someone capable of producing a mathematically perfect piece of music. Since Morningstar took that step first, zie did not know why it was needed then. Time has brought clarity to what was obscured; causality is a strange thing in the realm of Day.

'''Lirielen Starsong''' and '''Kespoena Archsky''' of [[Urizen]], and '''Hieronymus Dowland''' of [[Dawn]], were identified as optimal candidates, the heralds so moved by their performances that they were unable to decide. Zie hoped to potentially name one of them as the Chosen of Ylenwe. Unfortunately, due to a series of miscommunications - for which the Dove seems to blame zirself above all else - the eternal has not yet been able to meet with either Hieronymus, Lirielen, or Kespoena, nor hear their pieces. However, the Dove now knows that their pieces of music must serve as the foundation-stones for the chorus that can soothe the rageful stones of [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]].
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
The Dove wishes to hear the pieces - and indeed, have them be heard in public - and to discuss the matter with the three. As such, zie humbly requests that the three perform their pieces to a public audience in the Hall of Worlds at 13:00 on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. The Morningstar accepts that the worthies of the Empire have many demands on their time, but the [[High Bard of the Empire|High Bard]], the [[Archmage of Day]], and the Maestro of the [[Arranging grace|Cat's Graces]] (if they exist), are all welcome to join the audience if they are free. Indeed, any and all are invited to attend and to listen - provided that all understand that the purpose of the meeting is to give the three a chance to perform the perfect music they have crafted.

If any of the three wants to adapt their piece now they understand its purpose, they are welcome to do so, but zie offers assurance that it is not necessary. The harmonious foundation the musicians have already created is more than sufficient for what is required. If the composers can provide Ylenwe with the notation for their pieces, so much the better, but again there is no requirement to do so.

===The Stone Becomes the Foundation===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Harmonious Chimes'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Screed, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 13 white granite, 13 mithril, 14 ilium, and 78 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Requires the three to agree to allow their music to be used by Ylenwe to calm the {{Black Plateau}}
* Opportunity ceases to be available if Ylenwe is placed under enmity</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a ring of amplifiers around the {{Black Plateau}} that, in conjunction with perfect music, soothe it to quiescence for a year
* Creates opportunities to find ways to deal with the threat of the {{Black Plateau}} permanently</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until the situation materially changes</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ylenwe has presented plans to help quiet the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''The plan involves the creation of thirteen pillars in a golden spiral'''
* '''The performance of the perfect harmonies is part of this plan'''
''Pathway to Serenity'' envisages the creation of a ring of thirteen monoliths of [[mithril]] and [[ilium]] in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_spiral Golden Spiral] spinning out from the centre of the {{Black Plateau}}. The position of each has been carefully calculated by Ylenwe, starting from a point of perfect stillness, at the centre and radiating outwards to reach the borders of [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]].

Working with the Empire's magicians, Cradlesong could give light to a Day regio there, on the border, at the point where the silence meets the storm. That spot would become an Island of Solace, protected by the power of the regio from the chaos of the rest of the Plateau. Once complete, members of the Dawn Chorus would perform on the Island itself, ideally alongside Imperial magicians. The refrain they would take up - the refrain made resonant in the edifice's very construction - would be the pieces provided by the three - working in harmony together.

It is the fact that it is a piece made by mortal hands that is the key, it seems. Indeed, ''Epsilon Close'' is clear that zir magic would not have sufficed. Zir nature as Ylenwe, not Ylenrith, was necessary to understand the harmony required, but it is not a harmony zie is capable of reproducing alone. The {{Black Plateau}} is a mortal barbarity, and what mortal hands made only mortal hands can destroy. This has resulted in the fortunate side-effect being that Ylenwe does not require the cession of the edifice for it to function.

The harmony of the music and the disharmony of the {{Black Plateau}} would weave together, lulling it back to a state of relative quiescence - quieter than it has been in several generations. This effect would last for only a single year, and intense fighting, violence, or outbreaks of fear and anger amongst the people of Spiral would surely foreshorten the duration. For those four seasons, however, the beating heart of despair at the heart of Screed would be ''quiet''. Travellers in the wilds of Spiral would no longer be assailed, at least not while the Chorus still sang.

If the plateau can be quieted with harmony, then Ylenwe reasons that the knot of anger and hate and fear that is embedded at its heart could, metaphorically, be unwound permanently. Exactly how it can be done and what it, Screed, and Spiral might look like if this were achieved, Ylenwe cannot say. Such things are not within the purview of the Perfect Morning: that would be a matter for mortals. All zie can say, with the certainty of a Hierarch of Sea and Sky, is that it ''can'' be done and that the harmonious music and the ring of resonant amplifiers is the first step.

Once it is quiescent, then the Empire could send [[Appraisal|prognosticators]] to study the {{Black Plateau}} to try to solve the problem more permanently. Likely it will need careful study by the best minds of Imperial magic. The right [[Conclave order|order]] might be able to properly understand how it exerts its influence and how to counter it. It would be a race against time, given that whatever they discovered would need to be put into operation as swiftly as possible. Ylenwe has no doubt, however, that the Empire can succeed.

Morningstar invites any who wish to be part of this discussion to attend the performance of the piece, so that the matter may be talked about with more confidence afterwards. Zie hopes that the three will also stay and assist zir in these discussions - as a being of Day, ''Nested Interval'' occasionally struggles to communicate clearly zir intent and motivations.

===A Discordant Solo===
* '''Pawdrig duSesna points out that Apulian could be argued to benefit from the presence of the {{Black Plateau}}'''
The idea of quieting the {{Black Plateau}} is popular with many, but not everyone thinks it is a good idea. There's always someone who thinks something is a bad idea, and so it proves. ''Pawdrig'', a member of the duSesna Guild of Reckoners, cannot help but point out that the Block has proved largely effective at keeping the influence of the {{Black Plateau}} out of the city of Apulian. That's not a reason to leave it active, of course, but there is some evidence that the {{Black Plateau}} has ''also'' kept the Grendel armies out of Spiral. Pawdrig is quite blunt about it - ''"It's all well and good to run round bringing harmony to the {{Black Plateau}} or whatever it is the Big White Bird wants to do, but it'll be one bloody expensive concerto if it opens the door to a Grendel invasion..."''

Discussion of the matter with any well-connected Apulian orcs confirms that the Salt Lords Council are notoriously jumpy about the {{Black Plateau}}. They lost entire armies when it exploded - the experience left them wary of risking an invasion. Of course nothing is guaranteed, but once they discover the {{Black Plateau}} is ''quiet'', any "protection" it did provide would quickly evaporate.

==On Wings to Perfection==
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Cultivator of Solace'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Chosen</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Eternal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Income:'''
* One Dove's Feather each season
* Up to five prismatic ink each season
* A magical musical instrument once a year </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To bring harmony where there is discord
* To spread appreciation for the arts of music and mathematics
* To represent Ylenwe in zir dealings with the Empire</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Ylenwe plans to choose an Imperial citizen to be zir Cultivator of Solace'''
''Pathway to Serenity'' also believes the time is right to invite an Imperial citizen to become zir ''Cultivator of Solace''. Zie intends to offer the position first to '''Hieronymus Dowland''' on the advice of both ''Chorus'' and ''Stanza'', but if he declines, zie intends to discuss the matter with both '''Lirielen Starsong''' and '''Kespoena Archsky''' - though of course only one could take up the role. The Cultivator is charged with striving to bring solace to places with a troubled history of sorrow and pain, like Spiral. They would also be responsible for spreading appreciation for the arts of music and mathematics, as well as soothing troubled spirits and working to make the Empire a more harmonious place.

Being Ylenwe's chosen instrument to cultivate solace within the Empire brings with it certain boons from the eternal. Zie would provide them with a ''Dove's Feather'' each season - a unique item that could be activated once to send a short message to the eternal. This is intended to allow the Cultivator to keep Ylenwe informed about their efforts to bring harmony and solace to the Empire, both what they have done and what they intend to do. It is zir expectation that the Cultivator would work to identify people and places in need of peace, harmony, or tranquillity and do their best to foster them.

The eternal would offer zir aid when zie was able to. As long as the message shows the Protector is working towards the shared goal of harmony, zie would provide them with as many as five vials of [[prismatic ink]] each season. The Cultivator should not expect to hear from Ylenwe unless zie had something important to say, but if they received the vis from their patron, they could take that as a sign that they still enjoyed the eternal's favour.

Finally, zie would provide the Cultivator with a musical implement (a form of [[magic items|magic item]]) each year, an ''Instrument of Harmony'' that would empower the Day lore and Night lore for the ritualist who was bonded to it and played it during the performance of a ritual. The Cultivator could use the instrument themselves, or provide it to another who would use it to pursue harmony.

Unlike an [[Imperial title]], Ylenwe would choose who held the position. Being the Cultivator of Solace would not make one ineligible to hold an Imperial title, but it ''could'' invite questions about "split loyalties". Ylenwe zirself is less inclined to choose someone as zir Protector who already holds a title, as they would already have calls on their Loyalty and their time. The Cultivator would serve as long as they wish, or until Ylenwe feels that their cooperation has achieved everything together that is possible. Whoever is chosen is not subject to [[revocation]] nor even the [[Writ of Excommunication|writ of excommunication]] - because it is not an Imperial title. If the ''Pure Morning'' is placed under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], however, they may be called on to prove they have severed ties with Ylenwe or else be charged with receiving aid from an eternal enemy of the Empire.

Ylenwe asks that Hieronymus consider the matter prior to the meeting in the Hall of Worlds and express their decision as to whether to take up the post at that time. Likewise, that Lirielen and Kespoena both consider the matter carefully. Zie wishes them all to understand that there is no obligation, nor will zie be offended if they decline.

Now that the proscription against entering into the service of an eternal has passed scrutiny, unless the Synod changes its mind it would be illegal to accept this position from Ylenwe. You can read more in the [[Stones in the wellspring]] wind of fortune.

==Harmony in Mind and Body==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Ylenwe's Aid'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Appraisal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Prognosticator chosen </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Presents opportunities agreed with the eternal Ylenwe, for them to render aid to the Silver Chalice
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires a change to the manifesto of the Silver Chalice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:'''
* Until the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE
* Only available while Ylenwe is not under enmity
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A herald of Ylenwe wishes to discuss holistic medicine and wellbeing with members of the Silver Chalice'''
* '''Asymptotic Blessing hopes to encourage the order to re-examine their manifesto'''
* '''If that happens, the eternal would work with the Prognosticator's Office to find ways to support the Silver Chalice'''
When zie visits the Hall of Worlds to hear Hieronymus's work, zie will not come alone. Zie is bringing one of their most beloved heralds, ''Asymptotic Blessing'', as well as a few of Asymptotic Blessing's fellows.

Asymptotic Blessing has been given the task by Ylenwe to focus on another aspect of zir interests; the arts of holistic healing. Over the last year, as Ylenwe has enjoyed the amity of the Conclave, zir heralds have been a quiet presence throughout the Empire. They are genial white-feathered humanoids with a silvery teal sheen to their skin, who seem drawn to places of contemplation or healing. Notably, however, they have eschewed hospitals and places where the art of the physick is practised in its conventional form. Ylenrith used to encourage healers to explore and embrace advances in medical sciences, moving away from superstition and tradition, but Ylenwe is known to favour an approach to medicine which emphasises finding the root cause of illness rather than focusing on treating symptoms, and recognising the link between the body and the spirit.

Asymptotic Blessing wishes to speak to the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Silver Chalice]] and other members of her order. He - and by extension Ylenwe - would be delighted to discover if the Grandmaster sees things as they do. Currently, the order's constitution puts a heavy emphasis on medicine - on working with physicks and apothecaries, and on the precise and surgical nature of physical healing. This has its place - though healing as an expression of irrepressible life is more of an expression of the Primal Forest than the Cascading Skysea. The hope, however, is that the Silver Chalice might be open to a holistic view of the healing arts, one which nourishes the spirit as much as the body, aching heart as much as stinging wounds.

Asymptotic Blessing doesn't want to come with a particular set of prescriptions. It would just like to have an open conversation with the Grandmaster about the order's constitution - to explore the limits of what could and couldn't change. If a set of proposals could be found that Asymptotic Blessing and his fellows thought better reflected Ylenwe's holistic view of the healing arts, and the Senate approve the change to [[Silver_Chalice#The_Manifesto|the Order's manifesto]], it could unlock many benefits.

If that happened, Ylenwe's heralds would bequeath 2 pawns of prismatic ink each season to the order for as long as they did not have enmity. In addition, the Senate could order an [[appraisal]] of all the ways that Ylenwe might work with the [[Conclave order]] to support them. Heralds of the Day eternal would work with members of the Prognosticator's Office (or the Beurteilung) to produce a set of proposals that were acceptable to Ylenwe, which the Empire would then be free to consider at their leisure.

Asymptotic Blessing's plan is to arrive with at least one companion alongside Ylenwe in the Hall of Worlds, to listen to the perfect piece that will be performed. Afterwards, they hope to find a corner of the Hall of Worlds for him and his fellows to talk with the Grandmaster and those she wishes to involve in the discussion. The herald would welcome the presence of the [[Archmage of Day]] if they are available - to assist with the discussions - presumably a different corner to where the eternal is in counsel with those considering the fate of Spiral and the {{Black Plateau}}.

==Further Reading==
* [[Silver Chalice]]
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Mareave]]
* [[Ylenwe]]

Tassatan Hills

2026-06-10T04:13:07Z

Kirkbride: /* Appointment */

==Overview==
The Tassatan Hills are located the hills about [[Tassato#Tassato_Mestra|Tassato Mestra]], in [[the League]] [[territory]] of [[Tassato]]. Custodianship of the Tassatan Hills grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable [[ilium]].

The Hills were established by [[Exploit Tassatan Hills|motion of the Imperial Senate]] at the Winter Solstice 384YE, following the [[Light_upon_the_water#The_Good_News|plans]] of Gemma Stewart of Tassato

==The Bourse Seat==
===Responsibilities===
The Seat has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of ilium which is theirs to do with as they will. If the Tassatan Hills were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Seat to deal with those threats. Likewise, if any particular [[opportunity]] were to arise related to the Tassatan Hills, the Seat would expect to be consulted as to how that opportunity might be resolved.
===Powers===
====Seat on the Bourse====
Custodianship of the Tassatan Hills comes with a seat on the Imperial Bourse. For the most part, this Seat comes with no additional responsibilities. It is an Imperial title that grants the right to participate on the rare occasion when the Imperial Bourse as a body is required to make a decision.
====Bounty of ilium====
The Seat has control of a source of ilium which they receive directly. They can dispense this resource as they choose. Production is 6 rings of ilium every season.
===Appointment===
As with all ilium Bourse seats, the holder of the title is determined during the Spring Equinox. As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.

Custodianship of the Tassatan Hills is retained for a year, or until the citizen holding the seat dies, or steps down. An Imperial Bourse seat cannot be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Synod]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=TassatanHills.jpg|caption='''Serafina di Sarvos''', Custodian of the Tassatan Hills|align=left|width=450}}
{{RecentElections|Tassatan_Hills}}
[[Category:Bourse]][[Category:Title]]

Monarchs and outcasts

2026-06-10T03:11:18Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 30%;; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A sacred ibis.jpg|align=right|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world, whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet, to a degree, share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
==Summer==
===Gilded Bouquet (Eleonaris)===
* '''Eleonaris reaches out to her allies in the Empire to offer aid with invocations of her ''Knights of Glory''
* '''Elodian herself, one of Eleonaris' captains, is expected to arrive at 21:00 on Friday via the Hall of Worlds
All is well in the Empire, at least as far as the ''Lady of Pennants'' can tell, yet something must be amiss? Only three of her cohorts were summoned last season to join the Empire's great campaigns, half as many or fewer as were cast each season in the rest of the 387YE. Elodian, favoured herald of the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'' informs her that the Empire has been facing some issues with its regio recently, to which she is deeply distraught. Not back long from [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Stormbreak|fighting alongside the Green Shields]] in [[Mitwold]], Elodian is quickly sent to travel to Anvil to offer some aid to help with further castings of the [[Knights of Glory]] and is expecting to arrive via the Hall of Worlds at around nine in the evening on Friday during the summit, to distribute these favours to any who might need them.

Elodian comes with a purpose of her own, as well as the one set by the ''Lady of Pennants''. Apparently, the soldiers of the [[Valiant Pegasus]] were acting awfully strange towards Elodian and her hammersmiths when fighting alongside them and the Green Shields in Mitwold this season. She is concerned that she may have in some way offended the Highborn, and so has asked the [[Archmage of Summer]] or her representative to meet her at the hall of worlds that she might be guided to the Chapel in the Highborn camp to speak to either '''Lucifer''' or the newly elected General of the Army. If her [[Root_and_branch#From_the_West|old comrade]] '''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''', other Highborn or anyone else might be willing to show up to explain why she and her warband might be being [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|treated differently]], she would be very grateful.

==Autumn==
===How to Succeed in Business (Ephisis)===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Dispose of the Quicksilver's Flame'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type: ''' [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|Concedence]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' The beneficiary of the sale</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Benefit:''' 80 wains of white granite and 240 crowns </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' The Quicksilver's Flame will be dismantled and removed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the beginning of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Cannot proceed if a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] prohibits the sale
* Cannot proceed if Ephisis is under enmity</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could sell the Quicksilver's Flame to the City of Gold and Lead'''
* '''The sale requires a Senate motion to cede the fortification to the eternal'''
* '''The Conclave could use a declaration of acceptance to veto the sale'''
The ''Prince of Scales'' has a buyer with some very specific requirements. They wish to purchase a fortification, and by good fortune, the Quicksilver's Flame in [[Morrow]] is close enough to their specifications. As a result, the ''Grand Plutocrat'' is ready and willing to facilitate the exchange, assuming the Empire is prepared to sell. The City offers the construction cost of 80 wains of white granite and 240 crowns in return for the right to dismantle the fortification and remove it... lock, key and gatepost.

The proposed sale has some constitutional implications, to put it mildly. The fortification is the property of the Empire; nobody, not even the Conclave, can simply dispose of it without the explicit approval of the Imperial [[Senate]]. Legally, it is very clear that the sale requires the fortification to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceded to the eternal]] - and that can only happen with a successful [[Senate motion]].

However, the [[Conclave]] have the responsibility to ''"ensure the fit and proper use of magic"'', so this arrangement clearly falls squarely within their purview. After lengthy consideration, the Constitutional Court are not inclined to ''require'' the Conclave to approve the sale using a [[declaration]] - instead they have issued guidance that the concession could not proceed if the Conclave passed a declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] to reject the offer. While this is clearly a compromise, the Court hopes that it at least balances the constitutional rights of both houses without putting additional burdens on their capacity and time.

If the Senate were minded to accept the sale, then the motion should state who will receive the sale funds. The offer remains available for one year, until the beginning of the Spring Equinox 389YE.

===The Nobility of the Maggot (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is keen to reach out to the maggots of Wintermark
* '''Several secretaries are expected to visit the Wintermark camp at 12.30 on Sunday
The [[Callidus|Prince of the Argent Tontine]] has received reports from his heralds that the wise and practical [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Maggot|maggots]] of Wintermark are an unfairly maligned group, and wishes to exalt and encourage them. To this end, he intends to send a small number of his secretaries to the Wintermark camp at around half past twelve on Sunday afternoon, to help any interested parties who wish to embolden and enhance their skills in maggotry for the coming year.

Those who wish to barter for these boons are advised to be able to provide a token; a piece of jewellery, an amulet or personal talisman, or some similar trinket. In the event of successful negotiation, the heralds plan to invest a little bit of Autumn magic into this token.

==Winter==
===A Question of Jetsam (Khobel Tavah)===
* '''Khobel Tavah have confirmed that Eilian Sweetwater is entirely physically safe and will remain so indefinitely'''
* '''Eilian Sweetwater will be swiftly returned as befits ''lost flotsam'' if the Conclave makes a Declaration of Acceptance declaring themselves responsible for the consequences'''
* '''The Golden Fleet Salvagemaster and the commissioner of Eilian's sabbatical are asked to attend a meeting on the Friday evening of the solstice at 22:10 to discuss the ''jetsam'''''
Eilian Sweetwater is one of the more beloved prognosticators the Prognosticator's Office possesses. An experienced researcher with a can-do attitude that befits his long time as an active member of Storm's Run Striding, he is well-known for combining a passion for the lessons the Empire's history has to teach us with a willingness to put on his mud boots and wade into the practical constraints of a problem. Unfortunately, he has been missing for half a year - ever since his sabbatical pursuing a survey of the Empire's historical lighthouses was cut short by the [[Grendel]] invasion of Redoubt in the Autumn of 387YE. At the time, Eilian was investigating the ruins of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, which had been destroyed in an earlier Grendel attack in the Winter of 386YE - he disappeared after the attack and has not been seen since.

It is believed by some that he fled the Grendel into the caves below the lighthouse, where a powerful Winter regio lies in a cave known as the Cave of the Drowned. These rumours were given some support when, at a recent parley, the Winter eternal known as the Two-Who-Are-One, [[Khobel Tavah]], is said to have confirmed that Eilian was safe and in some sense under their protection. If this is true, however, it is not clear that Eilian is able to leave. Certainly, nothing of him has been heard since: until now. Some weeks before the Spring Equinox, a startling figure emerges from the door to the Hall of Worlds. Their gaunt, corpse-like appearance marks them as inhuman, a creature of the Realms. However, they are dressed in the garb of a Highborn sailor: the bell and the book at their belt suggest nothing more than a Steward of the Dead. Indeed, they identify themselves as the Speaker for the Drowned, herald of the Sunken Rope. They begin to relay a message from the Eternal they serve.

The figure recounts the missing part of the story of Eilian's flight. Separated from their companions on the island in the midst of the Grendel attack, Eilian fled wounded to the cave of the Drowned below the isle of Nikephoros. It seems the herald of [[Kimus]] known as Fotismos perished as they attempted to defend their charge. The drowned figure does not dwell on this point, mentioning only that the affairs of the ''Unblinking Eye'' are not theirs to comment upon but that the [[Archmage of Day|Archmage of the Sea Above]] probably ought to be informed.

Alone and desperately afraid, Eilian believed in that moment that he would surely die. The Speaker says that a fervent and desperate plea from a terrified soul is exactly the kind of call that Fear Death by Water are responsive to. "There, in Her bosom and under His eye", says the Speaker for the Drowned, "your missing ''lost flotsam'' is safe - [[Kaela|Queen Esk's]] touch cannot find him in the abyssal darkness of the uttermost salt. He is suspended in terror, and terror preserves." They say this dispassionately - there is no sense of cruelty as one might expect from a representative of [[The Thrice-cursed Court]]. To the ''Speaker for the Drowned'', it seems perfectly natural that one might exist in such a state - especially if one wanted to remain protected from harm.

The Speaker explains that it is not the wish of Fear and Her Bride to deprive the Empire of their precious ''lost flotsam''. Eilian is not theirs to keep - there are old laws of the sea regarding such things. However, the chamber in which he dwells, known as the Uttermost Salt, was not unoccupied. "There is ''jetsam'' there, too - something long sealed away by an old bargain. If the flotsam is to be released into your care - and he will need care - you should know that the ''jetsam'' within the Uttermost will also follow. The gate does not open for one alone."

The Speaker for the Drowned is clear that Eilian will be returned swiftly if the Conclave makes a Declaration of Acceptance - a suggested text is provided - thanking the Sunken Rope for taking care of their lost flotsam, and accepting all responsibility for what will follow and any doom that might subsequently fall. The Consorts of Dark Water are hopeful that his stay with them has given Eilian some ideas as to how the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, constructed as a grand regio in their name in times past, can be restored. If the Conclave decides they do ''not'' want to accept the consequences of his release, that is fine - Terror-Under-Wave will continue his preservation for as long as they wish. He will be physically entirely safe. There is no cause for alarm.

<quote by="The Speaker for the Drowned's suggested Declaration of Acceptance">The Conclave thankfully claims Eilian Sweetwater as ''lost flotsam'' from Sunken Rope, and asks that the depths of the Uttermost Salt be emptied, that he might be immediately returned.

In doing so, they accept full responsibility for the doom that will follow.</quote>

Jorgen, the long-suffering [[Civil Service|civil servant]] who often fields visitors from the realms and asks what exactly this ''jetsam'' that will "follow" is, and what this "doom" that might subsequently fall might be. The Steward of the Drowned looks genuinely surprised at the question - it seems to have expected its cryptic utterances to be understood. After a little thought it says that it will arrange for a chamber to be adjoined to the Hall of Worlds at the time of favourable omen, so that the Empire may send its Receiver of Wreck to discuss the affair.

When it is explained that no such position exists, it is finally agreed that the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]], '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''', and the hakima and public artist '''Allegra i Riqueza''' (who is responsible for Eilian's wellbeing) are invited to meet the Steward in the Hall of Worlds at 22:10 on the Friday of the Spring Equinox. They will adjourn to a chamber, where the matter of the ''jetsam'' will be discussed. The [[Conclave]] may want to defer their decision until this meeting has concluded - but it is not obligatory.

===Moments of Contemplation (Sorin)===
* '''The Tomb King invites five pairs of Imperial heroes to attend him in a chamber, beyond the Hall of Worlds, at 22:15 on the Saturday of the coming summit'''
* '''Named are Umarth Kannask, Odd Twiceborn, and Towlen Nighthaven. Each of these, and two others, must bring with them one who knows them intimately to enumerate their hypocrisies and weaknesses'''
* '''Should the Hungry Wolf be pleased that the Empire is learning well of his truth, then he consents to grant a ritual from the Book of Ahsaver to Towlen Nighthaven'''
Last season, the ''Tomb King'' [[The_thing_with_feathers#Moments_of_Silence_(Sorin)|sent his Sepulchral Pontifex]] to visit the Imperial Orcs with an offer. He is apparently quite pleased with the respect shown by the Unshackled at Anvil, and especially with the actions of '''Karrak''' and '''Stormsteel Skorr'''. The ''Whelpmaster'' also notes that one of their number, '''Bloodcrow Arora''' has shown the wisdom and strength to take the title of [[Archmage of Winter]] from their predecessor. This too pleases the ''Lord of the Monolith'' as it means it should be even easier to arrange a [[Alignment#Acceptance|declaration of acceptance]] to offer him the contents of the tomb of Alicia-who-knew-the-path in Eordal in exchange for the great boon that was offered. It would appear to be even more useful given the events in [[Mareave]] this season.

[[Sorin|''The Bleak Exarch'']] notes the commitment the Empire has demonstrated toward his cause, that of ridding the self of weakness, but remains eternally unsatisfied, for the work is far from complete. He therefore invites '''Umarth Kannask''' and '''Odd Twiceborn''' to share what wisdom they have learned now that their blessing of Sand-blasted Ties is fading, as well as '''Towlen Nighthaven''', who has invoked their Pallid Charm to ask a favour of ''the Empty One''. In addition, two others, of Umarth and Odd Twiceborn's choosing, are welcome to present themselves to ''the Silent Kingdom''.

Each of these five will enter the chamber separately, at the invitation of a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]], there to meet ''the Lord of the Monolith'' himself. However, they will bring with them a partner. This person should know the invitee well, but be little known to ''the Father of Draughir''. Preferably, they should not be a mage at all, for the cause goes much beyond the practice of magic. They will have a short amount of time to explain to ''the Prince in Rags'' what hypocrisies and weaknesses the invitee still has to overcome. To illustrate, Towlen Nighthaven may bring a friend, and that friend will speak to Sorin of Towlen Nighthaven's hypocrisies.

The heralds explain that Towlen Nighthaven has requested help reclaiming the Book of Ahsaver. Their lord is not inclined to do so, but will offer a ritual taken from there to him, if the citizens of the Empire can prove they have begun to understand his wisdom in the chamber before him.

===Bound by Obligation (Tharim)===
* '''Tharim's herald has presented a boon on behalf of the eternal Agramant'''
* '''Varushkans that send a bloodied handprint along with any Tribute to the Thrice Cursed Court will receive a boon from Agramant'''
* '''The boon will grant the user a way to contact the eternal'''
Beneath a waning moon, a creature trussed in rusted chains emerges from the Imperial Regio ahead of the summit. It speaks through a jaw bound by iron, it's gesture's constrained by the scrape of iron upon iron. It is clearly a herald of [[Tharim]], but it explains that ''Stoneheart'' is held by black iron law of a sworn oath, and so it is here to carry a message on behalf of the vile wretch [[Agramant]].

Grinding and chipping its teeth behind the jagged tines encasing its mouth, the herald recites the message. In remembrance of the Howler's favoured collaborator Milos Durenovich - so cruelly butchered as they sought to secure the survival of their people - ''Ropechewer'' shall offer the people of [[Varushka]] a boon. Throughout the coming summit, any citizen of Varushka who sends a bloodied handprint alongside a [[Tribute to the Thrice Cursed Court]] shall receive, with their allotment of [[vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]], a bloodied twig - a talisman allowing its user to send a missive to ''Drowner'' in his icy abode.

With a rattling groan and a look of palpable disgust, the herald then proceeds to depart once more into the regio, shedding flakes of corroded metal that dust the dewy grass underfoot with each step.

==Day==
===The Turning of the Wheel (Sinokenon)===
* '''Sinokenon is sending two of its heralds at 10:15 on Saturday, tasked with a public relations mission'''
[[Sinokenon]] is an [[eternal]] whose relationship with the Empire has generally been consistently cordial, if never close. It has tended to pay most attention to the Empire at times when the ruling [[the Throne|Throne]] of the era has been able to successfully bend the institutions of the Empire to a single cause; nevertheless, even in less unified times it has rarely shown the Empire animosity. It has helped the Empire in recent years, most notably assisting the Archmage of Day to warn the people of [[Tsark]] of a planned raid by the [[Axos|Axou]] and the [[Grendel]].

Recently, it attempted to help the foreigners of the [[Mirror_and_the_flame#The_Silver_Flame_of_Unity|Silver Flame enclave]] with their negotiations with the Empire. However, these efforts seem to have been unsuccessful, and the Conclave chose to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Sinokenon,_Neutrality|rebuke]] Sinokenon's advances. While the Silver Flame have [[LINK|their own response]] to the failure of those efforts, Sinokenon's heralds have reached out to the [[Civil Service|civil service]] expressing what appears to be genuine confusion and concern. They profess to be alarmed by the very idea that Sinokenon would ever seek to subvert or countermand the [[Imperial Constitution]].

The ministers of the ''Silver Ministry'' appear to believe that this must be some kind of misunderstanding. They have assured the civil service that Sinokenon has never been more certain that the Empire is going in the right direction. Their ministers have made clear that, in particular, they regard Emperor Vesna as a particularly gifted occupant of the Throne. They point to [[Push_for_victory|the recent Imperial address]] as proof of her statecraft. Apparently, ''That Which Lives In Its Name'' had been minded to petition the Archmage of Day for the Conclave's amity - but has now put these plans on hold. Instead, two of its ministers - the Senior and Junior Minister for Casinean Public Relations - have been instructed to visit Anvil at the Spring Equinox on the Saturday morning, so as to best gauge Sinokenon's reputation at the present time and to take steps to alleviate any dismay or misapprehension.

Arriving around 10:15 and staying until a little after 13:00, they would be delighted to meet with the Archmage of Day as part of this visit; however, Sinokenon's heralds are clear that the real focus will be talking to the foundation-stones of the Imperial hierarchy - the ordinary people who make it work - and distributing gifts and pamphlets that demonstrate Sinokenon's beneficial intentions. They appear confident that by raising their reputation with the foundation of Imperial society in this manner, they will comprehensively dissolve any negative reputation for the Turning Mirror that might exist. It remains to be seen whether or not they are remotely correct in their assumptions.

===Out in the Open (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe has asked for a meeting with the Archmage of Day
* '''A herald of the Navigator aims to arrive in the Hall of Worlds at 22:00 on Saturday
In a prompt and timely manner, but not too much in advance of the Spring Equinox, a message from the ''Finder of the Path'' is delivered in very neat handwriting to the civil servants working at the [[Astolat#Castle of Thorns|Castle of Thorns]]. This is all considered normal and usual, until the contents are read.

A trusted herald of the ''Navigator'' intends to arrive in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday at 22:00 and hopes to speak with the [[Archmage of Day]] or their designated representative, regarding a particular matter. This is not a secret matter, as such, but simply something better discussed in person. Ideally without any eavesdroppers. The Archmage of Day is welcome to discuss their conversation with anyone they choose after the herald has left, but a degree of discretion is requested until that time.

One last important note, this herald will ''not'' be talking about lighthouses, despite them being of great interest to the ''Beacon''. If they choose to take the alleged expertise of [[Khobel Tavah]] on building them, over hers, as they did with [[Kimus]] when building the lighthouse at Apulian, that's absolutely fine. Of course, if Eilian Sweetwater had come to the ''Mariner'' when producing the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea|appraisal]] on the matter, even to ask her opinion, he might not be in such dire straits as he is now, but what's done is done. If the Empire ever ''did'' want to talk to ''The Finder of the Path'' on the topic however, a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] on the topic would be very pleasing.

===Staring at the Sun (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus brings word of a collaborative effort between itself and a coven of seers from Redoubt to better understand the threat of Cold Sun'''
* '''The Urizeni, particularly the current seat of the Brilliant Star, Volidus, should expect the eternal's heralds at 18:15 on Friday in the Hall of Worlds'''
Unfolding from [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|the Imperial regio]] as the sun is at its zenith but days before the Spring Equinox, a Vizier of [[Kimus|''She Who Watches'']] goes initially unnoticed amidst the sweltering heat of high spring. The herald is content to remain motionless as they observe the comings and goings of Anvil through its many staring eyes.

When it is finally approached and asked why it is here, they seem to consider the question with the same unblinking intensity before finally responding. They explain that in distant [[Redoubt]], within the dead caldera of a long-dead volcano lies ''Terminus Sol'' a potent regio corrupted by the invasion of [[Cold Sun]]. At this very moment, the Vizier continues, a [[coven]] of [[seer|seers]] from [[Redoubt#Delving|Delving]] known as ''The Circle of Enduring Wisdom'' is preparing to divine knowledge and understanding from the blinding fire of Cold Sun.

This process, formulated with assistance from ''The Celestial Eye'', depends on a final element - one that must be carried through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. The herald requests that representatives of [[Urizen]], in particular Volidus, the overseer of the Brilliant Star, should watch the [[Hall of Worlds]] for the arrival of further emissaries of ''The Glass of the Heavens'' at six hours and fifteen minutes past midday upon the first day of the coming equinox.

==Night==
===Tyrannical Discipline (Whisper Gallery)===
* '''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons desires poetry from Steinr poets
* '''Performances of Whispering Shadow Courtiers can be enhanced to claim a bounty of crystal fire if they involve both an appropriate poem and poet
[[Whisper_Gallery#Members of the Court|The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons]] is a known lover of poetry and is looking for some new reading material to "pass the time". In particular, it has apparently acquired a taste for the poetry of the [[Steinr]] of [[Wintermark]]. During the Spring Equinox, any magician who casts [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] using an additional measure of [[iridescent gloaming]] and incorporating both poem and Steinr poet into the performance will receive three [[Vis#Crystal Fire|crystal fire]] in thanks. Each poet may only make one submission, but magicians of any people or nation may help as many Steinr wordsmiths as please them. It's not entirely clear how anyone knows this is the case; anyone speaking of it is invariably reporting something they heard from a friend of a friend or read somewhere they cannot put their finger on. There may be a nefarious plan here, or it might just be that the Scholar is simply interested in art. With the Whisper Gallery, it is sometimes hard to separate the two.

Obviously there are several problems with this. The Whisper Gallery are under [[alignment#enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]]. Whispering Shadow Courtiers is interdicted by that enmity. Accepting boons from an eternal under enmity is a crime. Of course, none of this is of the last concern to Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons.

'''OOC Note''': Anyone wanting to take advantage of this opportunity will need to ensure that the Steinr poet is a participant in the roleplay of the ritual (they do not need to be a [[Rituals#Contributors|contributor]]). Both the performers and the poet should speak to either a referee at the regio tent or a member of the GOD staff after performing the ritual.

===Torch of Shadows (Janon)===
* '''Janon welcomes Vellenka Vanyanova as the new Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''Heralds will attend Anvil at 19:00 on Friday to dispense Janon's blessings'''
* '''Heralds of Janon have also been seen throughout the Empire making similar offers to the people'''
Last season the conclave elected a new [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], '''Vellenka Vanyanova''', and [[Janon]] is quick to send her congratulations. The ''Muse of Fire'' loves to meet new people, and expresses hope that their new friend's tenure will burn fast and bright, leaving behind only beautiful ashes to inspire those who come after. In order to properly greet his new agent in the Empire, ''Freedom's Flame'' will send heralds to Anvil via the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday in order to dispense blessings, respond to requests and hand over a list of demands. The ''Night Sword'' is not a being noted for restraint. What sie wants remains to be seen.

In the meantime, reports of heralds of the ''Scribe of Burning Names'' are becoming more and more common across the Empire. This is not entirely surprising; the ''Voice of Zorech'' is under [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] and the doors are wide open to xir servants. What is causing some raised eyebrows is the fact that more and more often these heralds are offering to 'bless' those they meet, just as their counterparts in Anvil have been doing. The number of people willing to take them up on their offer varies from place to place; there is far more interest among curious Freeborn than there is among the cautious and restrained chapter houses of Highguard.

Where people do accept the gift, the outcome is always the same. The 'blessing' turns out to be nothing more than [[Unfettered Anarchy]], a curse well-known to the Empire. There are some minor consequences - arguments, brawls, and acts of civil disobedience from the afflicted. Magistrates reiterate once again that being cursed is no defence in the eyes of the law, and remind all citizens that responsibility for their actions is ultimately their own. Nonetheless, conservative onlookers observe this trend with a sceptical eye. Today the ''Firebrand'' offers blessings. What will it do tomorrow?

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T02:56:45Z

Kirkbride: /* An Arrow Nocked and in Flight (Morajasse) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Witan)
|-
| [[Towards a common good]] || 22 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Beurteilung)
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
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===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

===Towards a Common Good (Appraisal)===
* '''Highguard; Highborn generals; People interested in auras; Synod; would-be patrons of the Beurteilung'''
During the Solstice, '''Paulk Thornweaver''' secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. After an enjoyable three months in the Highborn territories, including a visit by one of the professors oldest friends, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings.

You can read the latest findings of Professor Immanuel Gelberg in the '''[[Towards a common good]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
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===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
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===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

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===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
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* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
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* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
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===An Arrow Nocked and in Flight (Morajasse)===
* '''Imperial Consul; ''Garviel I Abrira I Erigo''; ''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''; Senate; Apothecaries Guild; Freeborn Assembly'''
The Senate declared that the Protectorate of Morajasse were [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|foreigners]] during the Summer Solstice 387YE. The Protectorate is led by master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]'', ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]]. Along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. This season, they have made a fidelitous offer along with a request.

You can read about the ongoing developments in Morajasse, the offer, and the request in the '''[[An arrow nocked and in flight]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
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* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

An arrow nocked and in flight

2026-06-10T02:55:20Z

Kirkbride: Created page with "Category:388YE SpringCategory:Winds of FortuneCategory:Foreign Nations <ic>"''Easy, that's it... just let the mana flow through you''" Saoirse was an excellent teacher, and Neeve was glad to be her apprentice. Ey realised eir mind had wandered and refocused on the matter at hand. "''Excellent, now think of where the sand has been. Think of what it will become in the future. Allow it to run through your fingers and scatter on the board.''" Something was defin..."

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"''Easy, that's it... just let the mana flow through you''" Saoirse was an excellent teacher, and Neeve was glad to be her apprentice. Ey realised eir mind had wandered and refocused on the matter at hand.

"''Excellent, now think of where the sand has been. Think of what it will become in the future. Allow it to run through your fingers and scatter on the board.''" Something was definitely happening. Saoirse and Neeve shared a quick grin.

"''Now, place jewel into the sand and invo-''" Neeve was one step ahead of the Wind Lord. "''Yes, excellent. Now seek through the sand for the treasure within, the treasure uncovered, the treasure you've earned''".

Neeve let out a squeal of joy as ey found the small piece of chocolate that Saoirse must have snuck in.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While [[Feroz]] has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. The Senate has recognised the orcs of the Protectorate of Morajasse as foreigners, distinct from the Grendel.

They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed. They are not just protecting their own borders however. They have shown themselves more than willing to fight both the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|Children of Wrecks]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] if it [[Each age a lens#The Protectorate of Morajasse|comes to it]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]].

The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Garviel i Abrira i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Garviel i Abrira i Erigo''', Senator for Feroz|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
</div>
==Supplies, Spies, and Spice==
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another. The Prosperity assembly [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_147|weighed in]] in Autumn last year, but without a [[greater majority]] their statement did not influence the situation one way or another. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

In the absence of stronger words, there are some Freeborn in Segura especially prepared to trade food but the situation must be becoming increasingly fraught in the Protectorate. Their situation is doubtless worsened be their reticence to travel to Anvil, and the fact their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. This fosters suspicion about what Commander Gallum is up to, and what his ultimate plan might be. Last season [[Each_age_a_lens#Spies|four ways]] to gather more information about the Protectorate were presented. Three of them - [[spy network]], [[army]] action, involvement of the [[Shuttered Lantern]], or deployment of the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]]. In the latter case, though, the vigilant investigators of the Silent Bell are busy until the Summer Solstice putting together a larger report on the Grendel espionage rings of the wider [[Bay of Catazar]]. While it may touch on the Protectorate of Morajasse, it's unlikely to provide anything specific unless Gallum is actively involved with a ring in Feroz (if one exists).

In the meantime, Commander Gallum has decided to take matters a step further. Shortly before the Spring Equinox, a winged messenger arrives from Morajasse dispatched no doubt by Wild Lord Saoirse, master of [[Autumn magic]]. In it, Gallum mentions that both both [[Senator]]''' Garviel I Abrira I Erigo''' and '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''', who he understands are working with the Imperial Consul, have offered assurances of safe passage and the enthusiasm for a meeting. After discussion with Saoirse, they have agreed that the suggestion of Khalil to meet at the Summer Solstice makes most sense - by that time the matter of the Iron Confederacy will likely have been concluded one way or another (especially with regard to the islands of [[Madruga]]) and hopefully some of the problems the Protectorate is weathering - he does not go into detail - will be resolved.

In the meantime, he has a proposal regarding the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]] for the Empire to consider.

==A Garden Proposal==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Accept concedence of the Spice Gardens'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Treaty</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limits:'''
* The Senate Motion must include not only acceptance of Commander Gallum's offer but explicitly confirm that Freeborn farmers will provide food to the garrison of Mora's Rock
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Restores the Spice Gardens of Feroz to Imperial control, re-establishing the Keeper of the Spice Gardens as a Freeborn national title appointed by the Imperial Apothecaries Guild
* Provides supplies to the orcs of the Protectorate of Morajasse
* Allows an appraisal to find ways for the orcs to work with the people of Feroz and Segura as a separate motion or part of a treaty
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Gallum proposes to concede the Spice Gardens of Feroz in return for produce to maintain his garrison
* '''There is also an opportunity to restore the neglected gardens and to commission an appraisal to allow the Protectorate to trade their expertise
* '''A treaty could be proposed to enact any or all of these proposals
* '''The Freeborn assembly has the power to support or sink these negotiations
The Spice Gardens of Feroz were a wonder of the Brass Coast. Overseen by the [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]], they grew some of the finest [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] on the Bay of Catazar and, arguably, in the Empire. Additional luxury spices were sold throughout the entire Empire and beyond, ensuring the upkeep of the Gardens, and provide a comfortable salary for the various farmers, horticulturalists, and merchants employed as agents of the Spice Gardens. Indeed, some of the finest [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] on the Brass Coast once lived in Feroz - the art of [[potion]] making has been studied here for centuries and even after years of occupation by the Grendel it is still home to many [[herb garden|herb gardens]]. In the winter of 386YE, an [[appraisal]] looked at ways to [[Send for me|restore prosperity to Feroz]], but with the Spice Gardens in then-Grendel hands it wasn't possible for [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to assess ways they might be repurposed.

Commander Gallum has come up with such a way. He proposes to reopen the Spice Gardens. Despite worries to the contrary, they were not ruined like much of the rest of Feroz. The prestige that came with controlling the Freeborn Spice Gardens pampered Raban's ego and while he used slaves to work them the area was spared much of the wreckage caused by his insatiable greed. For the last year and a half however, the gardens have lain fallow. The orcs of the Protectorate are warriors, not herbalists or farmers. While one of the quartermasters maintains a small herb garden to provide potions to the garrison, they have no ability to tend to something as massive as the Spice Gardens of Feroz.

Gallum's proposal is to allow the Freeborn to take back control of the Spice Gardens. They will be able to operate them as they see fit, and keep everything they grow there. In return, they will ''also'' take control of several of the farms in the area and work them, providing the produce to the Protectorate to feed its troops. The wealth from the Spice Gardens provides the means to pay the farmers and still leave a healthy profit. In legal terms, Gallum will [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concede]] the Spice Gardens, and relax the restrictions against Imperial citizens travelling into Morajasse.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=150}}
As it currently stands, all the Senate would need to do would be to pass a motion accepting Gallum's offer. The Spice Gardens of Feroz would once again come under Imperial control, and the title of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] would be restored. Given [[Rules_update_2026#Imperial_Sodalities|recent guidance]] however, the restored Keeper title would be a national title appointed by the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]]; a Freeborn citizen would hold the title but it would be appointed by the [[Imperial sodality]].

The gardens may be a little neglected, but they have not been materially harmed. The Keeper would receive a bounty of 12 cerulean mazzarine, and 2 each of true vervain and imperial roseweald each season, just as before. This would be contingent on the Freeborn continuing to cultivate and provide food to the Protectorate to support their garrison, of course, but this would not come at any additional cost to the Empire.

The Commander is keen to preempt some of the arguments against this arrangement. This is not slavery or even close to it - everyone involved knows the score. The food provided ensures the Protectorate maintains Imperial access to the Spice Gardens, and the produce of the gardens can be used to support the people of Feroz if the Brass Coast wishes. The Protectorate is already offering a service to the Freeborn of Feroz - protecting their borders against further threats of conquest. They and the Grendel conquered Morajasse fair and square, protected, held it, and reinforced Mora's Rock themselves. By right of conquest - something the Empire has never been shy about enforcing in the past - it is their land to do with as they will. Paying the Protectorate for working in the Spice Gardens and fields is no different to a farmer paying those who labour on their land or a parador master paying their serving staff.
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Aid from the Protectorate'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Appraisal]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:'''
* The motion must include instruction to cooperate with the engineers and quartermasters of the Protectorate of Morajasse
* The focus of the appraisal must be on evaluating ways to improve the prosperity of Feroz; to rebuild the bridges across the Scorrero; or to provide additional protection to Feroz against outside forces
* The appraisal must indicate which of the Imperial prognosticators will undertake the appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The resulting appraisal will use the strengths and capabilities of the Protectorate and the Grendel engineers to find solutions to the problem selected
* Cooperation between the Protectorate and the Brass Coast will inevitably cause closer ties between the two groups
* If the Protectorate is actually part of an espionage circle, engaging them in an appraisal will give them more insight into the Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Imperial Consul can present this motion as part of a treaty</td></tr>
</table></div>
If the Senate accepts this offer, Gallum is prepared to go further. The veterans of the Protectorate include provisioners and engineers among their number as well as doughty warriors. If the Consul wishes to present a [[Imperial_Consul#Representative_of_the_Empire|treaty]] to that effect then in addition to conceding the Spice Gardens, Gallum will instruct his people to work with the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] to assess ways that the Protectorate could offer their expertise to the Freeborn in return for mutually acceptable recompense. Feroz is still in an impoverished state, and the damage caused by the eruption of the Scorrero is still unrepaired. If presented as a treaty, the re-establishment of the Spice Gardens and the appraisal into ways the Protectorate might trade their expertise to their neighbours, could be performed as a single motion.

Gallum needs a relatively quick turn around on this matter, so the offer in its current form remains available until the end of the Summer Solstice.

The civil service do sound a note of caution. Taking up Gallum's offer to assist with an appraisal could lead to closer contact between the Protectorate and the Brass Coast - which may be beneficial or not depending in the situation. But if the Protectorate is secretly part of a Grendel espionage effort, giving its people access to Imperial resources and information, and more insight into the civil service and the Freeborn lands, could very well prove detrimental to Imperial interests.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=right|width=150}}
==The Freeborn Perspective==
* '''The Freeborn National Assembly could offer guidance to the people of the Brass Coast regarding the Protectorate
The other elephant in the room is the Freeborn assembly. They have the ability to encourage the Protectorate to embed itself further in the Brass Coast, and to reassure the people of Feroz and Segura that further contact with the orcs of Morajasse is a good thing. They also have the ability to effectively sink this proposal from Commander Gallum; it is no good reopening the Spice Gardens if nobody will work there. A clearly worded [[statement of principle]] that achieves a [[greater majority]] on this matter is likely to guide the people of Feroz one way or another, regardless of the direction the Consul or the Senate move.

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T02:47:14Z

Kirkbride: /* Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Witan)
|-
| [[Towards a common good]] || 22 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Beurteilung)
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
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===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

===Towards a Common Good (Appraisal)===
* '''Highguard; Highborn generals; People interested in auras; Synod; would-be patrons of the Beurteilung'''
During the Solstice, '''Paulk Thornweaver''' secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. After an enjoyable three months in the Highborn territories, including a visit by one of the professors oldest friends, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings.

You can read the latest findings of Professor Immanuel Gelberg in the '''[[Towards a common good]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
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===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
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===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

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===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
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* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
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* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
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===An Arrow Nocked and in Flight (Morajasse)===
* '''Imperial Consul; ''Garviel I Abrira I Erigo''; ''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''; Senate; Freeborn Assembly'''
The Senate declared that the Protectorate of Morajasse were [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|foreigners]] during the Summer Solstice 387YE. The Protectorate is led by master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]'', ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]]. Along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. This season, they have made a fidelitous offer along with a request.

You can read about the ongoing developments in Morajasse, the offer, and the request in the '''[[An arrow nocked and in flight]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
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* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

Emperor Vesna

2026-06-10T02:19:06Z

Kirkbride:

{{CaptionedImage|file=VesnaRatification.jpg|width=300|align=left|caption=Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost}}
===Reign: 385YE - ?? YE ===
===Called: -===
====Early Life and Election====
The youngest of seven children, Vesna Borkovna Prochnost was raised on a pumpkin farm in the woods of [[Miekarova#Srodkoja|Srodkoja]] before leaving home to join the [[Varushka_groups#Wardens_of_the_Grateful_Hearth|Wardens of the Grateful Hearth]]. Their first journey to Anvil was at the Winter Solstice of 382YE, spending the year gathering allies and working to strengthen the nation of Varushka. She was elected senator for Ossium in Winter 383 and re-elected again in 384: two terms during which she worked hard in the interests of the people, passing motions to [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Extend_Iron_Roads|extend the Iron Roads]] and [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Improving_Ossium|appraise other improvements to the territory]].

Their service has not been entirely without controversy - she was [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_101|called to inquisition]] for their part in the [[Ratify_treaty_with_Thule_Winter_383YE|Winter 383YE treaty with the Thule]], but the questioning passed without further resolution. During the Autumn summit of 385YE, she received the [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Support_Vesna_Borkovna_Prochnost|support]] of the Conclave and shortly after, Vesna Borkovna Prochnost was elected to become the twenty-first Imperial Throne.

====Reign====
Empress Vesna was duly crowned at the Winter Solstice 385YE. Unlike their [[Empress Lisabetta|predecessor]], she was crowned with the Imperial crown following its return by the [[Sumaah Republic]]. Their [[A_Crown_in_Winter#The_Coronation|coronation]] was attended by dignitaries from across the Known World, as well as representatives from several eternal realms.

Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service. The Throne has further indicated that their pronouns are she/they.

The new Throne had their work cut out for them. Vesna's [[Promising light|inaugural address]] urged Imperial citizens to embrace a [[Promising_light#United_by_Destiny|unity]] that had become increasingly fragile in preceding years. It was welcomed in many parts of the Empire, being seen as both a message of reconciliation and a clear statement that the Empire's strength lay in the bonds between the ten nations. Those who respected the Empire and accepted the hand of friendship had nothing to fear; those who tried to take Imperial citizens for fools however would encounter a very different response.


====Death and Legacy====
At the time of writing, Empress Vesna is still alive.

====Imperial Addresses====
* [[Push for victory]] (Spring 388YE)
* [[We are the storm]] (Winter 387YE)
* [[Diadem on my brow]] (Autumn 387YE)
* [[That's where my heart is]] (Summer 387YE)
* [[Walk with me]] (Spring 387YE)
* [[I am easy to find]] (Winter 386YE)
* [[Signal fire]] (Autumn 386YE)
* [[Inextricable, indefatigable, and inevitable]] (Summer 386YE)
* [[Promising light]], the Coronation address (Spring 386YE)

==Vesna in play==
It is important to bear in mind that Vesna is a player character, and not a member of our NPC crew.

[[Category:History]] [[Category:The Throne]]

Towards a common good

2026-06-10T02:11:42Z

Kirkbride: Created page with "Category:388YE SpringCategory:Winds of FortuneCategory:Appraisal <ic>''Henrik took up her blade and deftly slashed at the oncoming sorcerers. First one, then three, then seven fell to her mighty blade. "Hah, you'll have to do better than that to defeat the Hexenjager" she said, with a confident laugh. The last one downed, still barely alive, went to throw a knife at her, but she sidestepped it easily and crushed the auran worshippers throat with her boot.''..."

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>''Henrik took up her blade and deftly slashed at the oncoming sorcerers. First one, then three, then seven fell to her mighty blade. "Hah, you'll have to do better than that to defeat the Hexenjager" she said, with a confident laugh. The last one downed, still barely alive, went to throw a knife at her, but she sidestepped it easily and crushed the auran worshippers throat with her boot.''

"This, this is nonsense my exarch. She has already killed fourteen people and hasn't even been hit once. How are we to learn anything from this drivel?"

''She rooted around in the pockets of the foolish aurans and found what she had come here for... warhliao! She sneered at the dying aurans and said out loud "Hah, now I know you have been working for the Imperial scum."

"No, seriously. Exarch, please. Stop reading. I just. Can't."

"Ah, my young friend. Do you not see the benefit of this?"

"It's drivel! It's worse than the two-rings that Elsbeth reads!"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Highguard.jpg|align=left|caption=The Highborn are the older sibling of the Empire.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Winter Solstice '''Paulk Thornweaver''' won the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]] for twenty-six thrones. This gave them the right to request that the scholars of the Commonwealth appraise a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the prognosticator's office. The work is led by ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'', a studious [[Commonwealth]] scholar whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. This season, Die Beurteilung is set the task of assessing "''how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. Through new dialogue and the fostering of good relations, what can we learn from each other for the greater good and ambitions of our peoples''" on behalf of '''Solomon of the Shattered Tower'''

In truth, Highguard and the Commonwealth are more closely aligned that one might realise. They are both systematic in their approach to religion, even if their philosophies differ. But the professor has managed to identify three key ways that Highguard and the Commonwealth could grow closer.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Doctrine==
* '''Any of the Highborn generals could send officers and experts to the Commonwealth to help their counterparts this season'''
* '''Any Highborn general who did this would receive an array of rewards in return for their aid'''
* '''An army would need to be on defensive orders to offer aid in this way, and would be eligible for natural resupply'''
* '''Key individuals from newly raised army could be sent to the Commonwealth for six months to gain a starting quality from those available to the Commonwealth armies'''
The Commonwealth is a young nation, albeit with a longer history owed to its predecessors. The Highborn could help the Commonwealth in the most simplest of ways, by sending officers and experts from its armies to help their counterparts. Professor Gelberg has presented countless opportunities to the [[Commonwealth#Politics|Council of Generals]] and has built up something of a rapport with some of them. The professor believes that there are many generals who would welcome the chance to pick the brains of Highborn military experts, especially on the concept of the [[Highguard_military_concerns#The_Vigilant_War|vigilant war]], or the [[army qualities|specialities]] of the army.

Professor Gelberg suggests that any Highborn general could send advisors to the Commonwealth this season by issuing appropriate orders. The Commonwealth general who received the advisors would no doubt respond with a gift - nothing too extravagant - appropriate to the army's strengths. Any army that sent advisors in such a manner would need to take a defensive order, but would be eligible for natural resupply assuming they weren't engaged during the season.

One alternative, rather than sending an Imperial army to the Commonwealth to demonstrate Imperial fighting techniques and Highguard's approach to war would be to send key individuals from a newly raised Imperial army to the Commonwealth so that their ranking officers could study at one of the six Commonwealth Colleges of War, and their best soldiers could undergo basic Commonwealth training.

Such an approach would create an opportunity for the army to learn from the Commonwealth's experience and mastery of war. It would allow a newly raised army to embrace the Commonwealth approach to war and develop an appropriate [[Army_qualities|quality]]. The most obvious drawback would be the time and costs involved, it would mean taking a brand new Imperial army out of service for two seasons, while their ranking officers trained and studied with the Commonwealth military instructors - but of course the army would still have to be fed and quartered.

==Philosophy==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Hexenjäger Academy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Any Highborn region</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite and 60 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the title of ''Bursar of the Hexenjäger''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Bursar of the Hexenjäger'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Highborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Assembly or Tally of the Votes </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives seven crowns, three doses of [[Trade_goods#Draught_of_Clear_Headedness|Draught of Clear Headedness]], and two doses of [[Trade_goods#Soul_Honey|Soul Honey]] a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To destroy auras that inhibit people's action and protect the students and staff of the Hexenjager Academy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restrictions:'''
* Title can only be sustained while the Commonwealth is not at war with, or under embargo by, the Empire or vice versa
* If the [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_/_Auran_Idolatry|Lucidian Blasphemy]] were to be proscribed, this title would cease to function</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A noted witch hunter has requested that Highguard constructs an academy for paladins'''
* '''Henrik Hexenjäger believes that the close proximity to Highborn would be good for potential witch hunters'''
''Henrik Hexenjäger'' is a well-respected [[Commonwealth#Religion|witch hunter]] of the Commonwealth. Stories of her tales and exploits account for dozens of tales told throughout the Commonwealth. At least a third of all would-be paladins list Henrik as their main inspiration when applying to join the myriad of colleges and academies dedicated to readying paladins for the world. Henrik has apparently destroyed "''cults of the thought''" across the nation and in countless bordering states. Now, in her twilight years, she wants to ready the world for the next generation of witch hunters who might serve the Commonwealth.

What she proposes is a place of learning, the ''Hexenjäger Academy'', where young adults of the Commonwealth with an affinity for destroying auras could come and learn about them to better prepare themselves for the future. The guardians of the young adults would send gifts that would cover the running of the school, with enough left over for a handsome stipend to the Imperial responsible for overseeing the place. The ''Bursar of the Hexenjäger'' would be responsible for setting a good example for the students, and would have the responsibility to destroy auras that inhibited people's actions. Henrik Hexenjäger insists that the title would need to be a national position within Highguard, and would be comfortable with it being appointed by either Tally of the Votes or by the National Assembly.

==Legality==
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''The Synod could permit preaching the Common Good by clearly stating it was not proscribed in a judgement of proscription'''
* '''It would have consequences within the Empire, but the Commonwealth would appreciate a chance to lecture'''
One simple tool that the Empire could use to improve relations between the Commonwealth and Highguard would be to make it explicitly clear that preaching of the Common Good within the Empire was legal. If the General Assembly were to uphold a judgement of [[proscription]] clearly stating that the act of preaching the Common Good was not an act of [[heresy]], then it would encourage adherents of that philosophy to journey to the Empire and lecture Imperials.

There would be consequences, though exactly what is unclear at this point. Professor Immanuel Gelberg believes that there could be a drop in attendance at congregations across the Empire as citizens flock to the lecturers on the Common Good, but one of his aides suggests that ''might'' be wishful thinking. More likely would be an increase in interest from the Commonwealth, with opportunities for National Assemblies to respond to the teachings of ''Leonitz Altmann''.

Die Beurtilung is conducted by Professor Gelberg and his team who then pass the results to the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to publish. On reviewing the Professor's report, Naomi of Virtue's Rest has seen fit to append this additional information. She notes that faith in the Way has been the single unifying thread that is woven through nearly four hundred years of Imperial history. Whilst it might be appealing to imagine the benefits of closer relations with the Commonwealth, she wishes to be on record noting that permitting the spread of the "Common Good" in the Empire runs a clear risk of weakening the faith, weakening the Synod and weakening the Empire. She has not, she confesses, conducted a full appraisal of this matter, she has been engaged with [[Your hand in mine|matters in the Sarangrave]], however she implores the Synod to carefully consider how Professor Gelberg's perspective may have impacted his team's ability to fully assess the potential downsides of permitting their religion to spread throughout the Empire.

==Going Home==
* '''Professor Gelberg has enjoyed his time in the Empire, but has made plans to return to the Commonwealth shortly before the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
* '''He will accept one more assignment by the ''Patron of the Beurteilung'', but he has already confirmed his return with his university'''
It was a year ago, that the Senate passed a [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Endorse_Professor_Gelberg|motion]] to endorse Professor Gelberg and created the title of [[Patron of the Beurteilung]]. The professor is grateful for the chance to challenge himself with new and unexpected over the past twelve months. However, his last year working as an "unofficial" advisor has not yielded the returns he hoped for in the war effort, and with the expansion of [[Cold Sun]] he has decided to return home along with his staff. The Patron of the Beurteilung title will be available for auction as standard at the Spring Equinox, and Professor Gelberg will complete the appraisal as promised, but he will return home to the Commonwealth once the work has been done, shortly before the Summer Solstice.

==Further Reading==
* [[Patron of the Beurteilung]]

* [[The truth but tell it slant]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Threats that are to come]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Beat of your drum]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Germinating_a_city#Die_Beurteilung|Germinating a city]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|According to principle]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the Beurteilung

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T02:08:35Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Witan)
|-
| [[Towards a common good]] || 22 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal (Beurteilung)
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NationBannerDawn.jpg|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

===Towards a Common Good (Appraisal)===
* '''Highguard; Highborn generals; People interested in auras; Synod; would-be patrons of the Beurteilung'''
During the Solstice, '''Paulk Thornweaver''' secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. After an enjoyable three months in the Highborn territories, including a visit by one of the professors oldest friends, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings.

You can read the latest findings of Professor Immanuel Gelberg in the '''[[Towards a common good]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
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===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
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===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

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===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
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* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
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* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
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* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T02:07:36Z

Kirkbride: /* Snap Rope and Pass Foil (Appraisal) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
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===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

===Towards a Common Good (Appraisal)===
* '''Highguard; Highborn generals; People interested in auras; Synod; would-be patrons of the Beurteilung'''
During the Solstice, '''Paulk Thornweaver''' secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. After an enjoyable three months in the Highborn territories, including a visit by one of the professors oldest friends, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings.

You can read the latest findings of Professor Immanuel Gelberg in the '''[[Towards a common good]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
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===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
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===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

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===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
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* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
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* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
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===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
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* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T01:51:37Z

Kirkbride: /* Who Counts the Path Untaken? */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
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==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
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===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil (Appraisal)===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bladeroot.jpg|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconThule.jpg|align=left|width=250}}</div>
===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Suran.PNG|align=left|width=250}}</div>
===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconFaraden.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconSumaah.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|align=right|width=200|}}
===Who Counts the Path Untaken? (Jotun)===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=200|}}

===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}

Appraisal

2026-06-10T01:47:55Z

Kirkbride: /* Previous Appraisals */

[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Appraisal]]
==Overview==
The Imperial civil service support [[the Throne]] and all arms of the Imperial government, providing detailed reports for consideration by the Empire's leaders every summit. For the most part these reports entail detailed assessments of the latest developments in the Empire, outlining what is known about the situation, what options might exist, and what the implications of those options are. The bulk of these reports are reactionary - the civil servants responding to current events as they are developed between summits.

However, during periods where civil service capacity to produce effective summaries is demonstrably greater than is needed to keep pace with current events, they place this additional capacity at the disposal of the Senate. Doing so allows the Senate to pass a motion of appraisal, instructing the civil service to investigate a specific area to see what opportunities if any exist for the Empire to take action.

During the Winter Solstice 384YE, the Imperial Senate took advantage of an [[opportunity]] offered by the [[Watches from the Wall|consecration of the walls of Holberg]] to restructure the [[Historical research#The Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], encouraging some of the civil servants there to join the Prognosticators' Office. As such, the Senate can now commission ''two'' appraisals each season.

==Commission an Appraisal==
The power to direct the civil servants lies with the Imperial Senate. At present this must be employed by use of a [[senate motion]], although in theory there is no reason that the Senate could not delegate this authority to an Imperial title - such as [[the Throne]] - or to another house entirely if they chose. Any Imperial title that was endowed with the ability to instruct the civil service would need to make an appropriate announcement in the Senate each time the power was used.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. The purpose of an appraisal is to investigate a specific subject, with a view to identifying what [[opportunity|opportunities]] exist to influence the situation. It does not matter how broad the scope is, it is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "fortifying the borders of the Empire" or into something very specific such as "Uses for the ruined Runeforge in Gildenheim". Provided that the wording of the motion clearly identifies a known problem or a current situation the Imperial civil service will be able to provide some insight.

An appraisal is very different to [[historical research]]. Historical research unearths information on past events, so that the leaders of the Empire can be better informed about matters of history. An appraisal must be focused on current events - the civil servants who carry out an appraisal work for the Prognosticators Office, they are mathematicians, diviners, actuaries, and logisticians, ''not'' historians. Their focus is to identify options that exist today - not lost records of the past.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOffices.jpg|align=right|width=600}}
==Capacity==
At present, the Imperial civil service have sufficient resources to support '''two appraisals''' each season. If more than two are passed by the Senate, subsequent motions will be ignored unless they include explicit instruction to abrogate all earlier motions of appraisal.

Prior to the [[Bloody_murder|murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service were unable to support any instructions to carry out an appraisal but some experienced researchers chose to leave the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|department of Historical Research]] for their own safety. Those with the inclination and ability joined the Prognosticators Office, significantly improving their capacity. This situation may change unexpectedly - many of these individuals are due to retire soon - but for now the capacity of the office has been increased, allowing it to carry out a single appraisal instructed by the Imperial Senate each season.

==Necessary Details==
There are no [[Motion_wording#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] with an appraisal; the civil service will only look at the actual wording of the motion as presented to the Senate.

The senate motion may specify which member of the civil service will lead the appraisal, but this ''must'' be explicitly included in the wording of the motion.

==The Results of the Appraisal==
The civil service will produce a detailed report outlining every opportunity that has been identified during the course of the appraisal. This will be widely published alongside the normal reports in the weeks immediately preceding the summit to allow those planning to attend the summit to consider the matter carefully. The report will be complete, which is to say that it will identify all options that exist currently; unless the report explicitly indicates otherwise it should be understood to cover every option available. There is no benefit in instructing the civil service to carry out the same appraisal unless the extenuating circumstances have substantially altered in the meantime.

The appraisal should be understood to apply ''only'' to the location and scenario laid out in the report. Unless otherwise noted, options that may exist to address the problem are not applicable elsewhere. An appraisal which identifies an opportunity to build a navy in Meade, is specific to a navy in Meade - it does not apply to Sarvos or any other location. Nor does it apply to an army or a fortification. Any options that exist to vary what can be achieved will be explicitly laid out in the report.

If the appraisal identifies any opportunities which are time-limited, that is they are only valid if carried out within a limited time-frame, then this will be made clear in the report.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Knowledgeable Citizen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==The Prognosticators Office==
The Prognosticators Office is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Auditor, Gerard La Salle, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is known to be a meticulous individual, who despises waste and inefficiency, but there is no other individual alive with a better grasp of the options available to the Empire. The day to day running of the office defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining researchers, magicians, and bookkeepers.

As of the Winter Solstice 384YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar with a particular emphasis. The Senate may choose which civil servant will be the lead on the appraisal by including the name of the researcher in the Senate motion (along with the name of a backup researcher if the first is already employed elsewhere, if desired). Everyone from the department will work on the appraisal, but the character of the lead civil servant appointed will help to shape the nature of the opportunities. If no individual is directed to lead the research, Gerard La Salle will select whichever researcher he considers most appropriate to do the work. In the event that two appraisals both call for the same civil servant, the first raised and passed will take priority. If the second motion does not also propose an alternative researcher, Gerard La Salle will pick.

Towards the end of 387YE, the Prognosticator's Office began to encounter problems responding to Senate requests. Partly this was a result of the sabbatical of Eilian Sweetwater (and his subsequent disappearance while exploring a lighthouse in [[Redoubt]] during what turned out to be a surprise [[Grendel]] invasion) and commissions taking longer than anticipated. Gerard La Salle requested support from the Senate to [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_La_Salle_Stratagem|recruit additional staff]] for the Office, not only to increase the ability to perform appraisals but also to increase the pool of talents available. The Senate [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|approved the required funds]] allowing the Office to permanently recruit [[#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]], [[#Rosemary Stockland|Rosemary Stockland]], and [[#Vainakoma Dawnstongue|Vainakoma Dawnstongue]].

===Available Prognosticators===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBBrassCoast.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
====Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra====
* '''Graciana is an ideal prognosticator to look for ambitious outside-the-box solutions to complex problems'''
* '''She is unconcerned about the costs involved in enacting her novel proposals'''
Graciana is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. She is a skilled night mage, one of few who work in the prognosticators office, she is known to value imagination over industry in those who work for her. She came late to her calling, in her early days she was a wealthy merchant and corsair; she has travelled widely and spent years living abroad. When she finally returned home, she chose to join the civil service, determined to place the benefits of her wide-ranging experience at the disposal of those who lead the Empire.

If the Senate instructs Graciana to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on seeking novel or unusual solutions to the problem. But work by Graciana will usually produce ways to tackle a problem that are as innovative as they are unorthodox. Such options are ''never'' cheap, tried and tested techniques are invariably cheaper than new ideas because of the accrued expertise that supports them, but the costs will take a completely different form to the normal channels.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
====Naomi of Virtue's Rest====
* '''Naomi is an ideal prognosticator to look for diplomatic solutions to problems'''
* '''She seeks the best results for the Empire's citizens, and is unconcerned by matters of cost or efficiency'''
Naomi is the youngest of the lead scholars in the office. A diminutive woman with an endearing smile and an engaging personality, she is known for her charm; a quality she brings to her work. The eldest of five sisters, she joined the office at an early age, driven by a desire to help the Empire achieve the best possible results for its citizens. Though she is no great scholar of the Way she is a trained priest, skilled with all the religious rites that use liao.

If the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on finding the most diplomatic possible solution. Naomi is adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected. The risk of such an approach is that it concentrates on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
====Lutomysla Niegoslava====
{{CaptionedImage|file=NightRune.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
* '''Lutomysla is an ideal prognosticator to look for practical magical solutions to problems'''
* '''She is unconcerned with the potential side effects of the solutions she offers'''
Lutomysla is an experienced [[cabalists|cabalist]] from [[Karov]] who sees magic as the most effective tool to address complex situations. They served for a time as [[Archmage of Night]] during the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]], and after stepping down from the title joined the Civil Service as an aide to the [[Conclave]]. Unlike their predecessor and fellow [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[#Mladen Escovitch|Mladen]], Lutomysla is unlikely to be concerned about efficiency or parsimony. Rather, they are interested in identifying practical magical solutions to problems - with only cursory attention paid to any additional side effects of their proposals.

If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They are not interested solely with ritual magic; as a cabalist they are practiced at dealing with powers such as eternals or even sovereigns and have made an extensive study of esoteric magics such as [[hearth magic]], peculiar [[regio]], [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]] and even more obscure occult topics.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=175}}
====Lisane de Terresford====
* '''Lisane is an ideal prognosticator to look for virtuous solutions to problems'''
* '''She will not pursue avenues she considers to be fundamentally unvirtuous'''
The Terres is a narrow river that runs through [[Semmerholm]], and House Terresford is a relatively minor [[noble house]] that looks after the ford. They are not an especially old house - dating back to the time of [[Emperor Hugh]] - but they have a reputation among the yeofolk for being even-handed and loyal. ''Lisane de Terresford'' served for several decades as [[earl]] of the house, but when Gerard approached her she was in the process of retiring to embrace a new life of "keeping bees".

Before becoming earl, Lisane visited [[Anvil]] many times and was intimately involved with the doings of the [[Synod]]. She was known for her [[Wisdom]], and for her commitment to asking questions rather than taking easy answers. Gerard believes that she will add a much needed spiritual perspective to the business of the Prognosticators, being an ideal appraiser to look for specifically virtuous solutions to the problems the Senate raises. If she has a weakness it is that she will not pursue avenues she considers to be fundamentally unvirtuous, even if they might present an easier or cheaper opportunity.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cute and Cuddly Cows.png|width=175|align=right}}
====Rosemary Stockland====
* '''Rosemary is an ideal prognosticator to look for mercantile solutions to problems'''
* '''She will pursue opportunities that involve trades in which all parties gain'''
[[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland]] is a region of [[Upwold]] well known for its fair and for its sheep and cattle markets. For the last twenty years ''Rosemary Stockland'' has served as an [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Alder|alder]] of the town, maintaining the peace and dealing with arguments between merchants from many parts of the Empire. A former [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]], she is known for plain speaking, and cutting to the heart of any problem. She's also renowned for her patience - while she may not suffer fools gladly she still does her best to get to the bottom of what it is they are after. It's been three decades since she was last at Anvil, but reports say she still keeps an eye on the doings at the centre of the Empire, especially with regards to the Bourse. Indeed, she was heavily involved with the [[High hopes|cow bonds]] issued earlier this year, during Spring cattle drives, helping ensure that the scheme went off without any obvious hitches.

As a merchant, and more importantly perhaps a ''manager'' of merchants, she has contacts across the Empire. She's also interested in the idea of [[prosperity]] as a right of every Imperial citizen, and represents an excellent choice for any appraisal that focuses on improving the quality of life of Imperial citizens, establishing trade routes, or sorting out diplomatic snarls related to mercantile matters. If she has a weakness it is that solutions she provides are likely to be based on mercantile arrangements that reward all parties.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields Colour.png|align=right|width=175}}
====Vainakoma Dawnstongue====
* '''Vainakoma is an ideal prognosticator to look for solutions to military problems'''
* '''She will pursue opportunities that involve employing Imperial armies in novel ways'''
A [[Suaq]] born and raised in [[Hahnmark]], Vainakoma cut her teeth as a soldier in the [[Green Shield]], serving with distinction through the reign of [[Emperor Walter]] and [[Empress Britta]]. She retired from active duty after the loss of the ''Young Empress''. Most recently she helped with the mustering and training of the [[Narwhal's Spear]], but ultimately declined to take up the military life again. La Salle describes her as a woman who is always looking for something to throw herself in to, and one who absolutely relishes a challenge. She combines the mind of an expert logistician with the instincts of a canny hunter.

Vainakoma has a great deal of experience in the Imperial military and a deep familiarity with the unique talents of the Empire's armies. She would be an excellent choice for an appraisal that involved novel military problems or strategic challenges - but her solutions are likely to require the use of Imperial armies to achieve the goals.
===On Sabbatical===
====Eilian Sweetwater====
Eilian of Storm's Run Striding joined the prognosticator's office in 384YE following the Imperial Senate decision to [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|shift focus away]] from the [[Historical research]] toward appraisal. A former researcher with the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], he is perhaps best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|in-depth report]] on the nation of [[Axos]] and its history with the ancient Terunael people. He heads up a small cadre of other former researchers, civil servants well versed in exploring archives, collecting information, and uncovering past events. He also maintains excellent relations with the remaining researchers at the Department, and with the Imperial Archivist.

If the Senate instructs Eilian to carry out an appraisal then the work will be firmly grounded in the Empire's history. This might mean revisiting and reassessing historical proposals, building on past discoveries and theories, or finding inspiration in the stories and traditions of the ten nations. He's also a Navarr, and where history provides no guidance he will fall back on the most practical solution - although just like his colleague Graciana he recognises that "practical" sometimes means ''expensive''.

In Summer 387YE, Eilian was [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Grant_Sabbatical_to_Eilian_Sweetwater|granted a leave of absence]] by the Senate to pursue [[For those in peril on the sea|a surprise enthusiasm]] for the Empire's historical lighthouses. He immediately went missing when the lighthouse ruins he was exploring were overrun during the [[Grendel]] invasion of [[Redoubt]]. As of Winter 387YE, his wherabouts are unknown.

==="Retired" Prognosticators===
====Mladen Escovitch====
Three decades ago, Mladen was one of the most brilliant [[schlacta]] of his age, a master of the two-handed axe he was not just a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist. His ambitions were cut tragically short by the permanent loss of all mobility in his right arm to a Druj poison. Unable to fight, he rededicated his life to the prognosticator's art, rising steadily through the ranks of the civil service. He soon developed a reputation as a notorious stickler for economy, driven to examine every possible option, to find ways to save even a single ring. He [[A place on a map|retired]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE, following a final appraisal - of opportunities to fortify the nation of Urizen. Prior to that his work was focused on identifying the most efficient way to resolve a problem. The options identified by an appraisal are rarely cheap - and they will usually make use of standard practices available to the Empire, but Mladen usually tried to do so in a way that would save the Empire valuable money or resources.
<onlyinclude>

==Previous Appraisals==
<table class="wikitable">
<tr><td>'''Appraisal'''</td><td>'''Date'''</td><td>'''Senate Decision'''</td><td>'''Civil Servant'''</td><td>'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Volodmartz|Prosperity of Volodmartz]]</td><td>Winter 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>[[Sunrise over Livardz]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Rebels_of_Nesustak_Forest|Rebels of Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>Winter 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Your hand in mine]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Highborn-Commonwealth_Relations|Highborn-Commonwealth Relations]]</td><td>Winter 387YE</td><td>Announcement</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Towards a common good]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|Consider Cat's Graces]]</td><td>Winter 387YE</td><td>Announcement</td><td>Magistrate Abraham</td><td>[[Arranging grace]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Spiral|Prosperity of Spiral]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[My friends are my estate]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Expansion_of_Printer's_Guild|Expansion of Printer's Guild]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Announcement</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[The truth but tell it slant]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|Bridges in the Brass Coast]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Mermaids in the basement]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Exploration_of_Tsirku|Exploration of Tsirku]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Society_of_Inspiration|Society of Inspiration]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|Ministries]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[The circle game]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Any port in a storm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Food_and_Water_of_Holberg|Supplies of Holberg]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Announcement</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Threats that are to come]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Building Lighthouses|Building lighthouses]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[For those in peril on the sea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|Disrupting Druj resupply]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Mladen Escovitch assigned</td><td>[[Hope and fear]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|Destroying the Kongegőr]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[A bridge too far]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Displaced_Varushkans|Displaced Varushkans]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Outside the wall]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Powers_of_the_State|Powers of the Senate]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Salt_Lord_relationships|Interfering with Salt Lord relationships]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Fake empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|Seed Exchange]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Send for me]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Mallum_supply|Interfere with Mallum supply]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Removing_Uncooperative_from_Mareave|Improve cooperation in Mareave]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Here to stay]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Peace_with_the_Jotun|Peace with the Jotun]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A stone for a stone]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Armoury_of_Hercynia|Hercynian armoury]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dho'uala|Dho'uala]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Less welcome tenants]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Wealth of Sermersuaq|Wealth of Sermersuaq]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Farm, fur, and fish]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dry_Patricians|Dry Patricians]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Parched earth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|Fleets in the Bay of Catazar]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[An angry blade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Roads|Extending road networks]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Road out of nowhere]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spider.27s_Dream_Bridge|Spider's Dream Bridge]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Dreaming in strands]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Raids_Defence|Defence against raiding]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Restraint]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Urizen_in_Spiral|How the League can support Urizen in Spiral]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A question of loyalty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_integration_of_septs_of_the_Barrens|Integration of Barrens septs]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply II|Naval Supply II]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Gardens of Pallas|Gardens of Pallas]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Restoration and renewal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Improving Ossium|Improving Ossium]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; a prognosticator will need to be assigned</td><td>[[Culling the threat]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply|Naval Supply]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Black_Canals|Black Canals]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Kahraman|Kahraman]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>[[Time and time again]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Pilgrims_of_the_Way|Pilgrims of the Way]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested; Eilian Sweetwater of Storm's Run Striding was assigned</td><td>[[Blood will thicken]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_stabilising_Zenith|Restore Zenith]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Naomi</td><td>[[Write your own ending]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_pilgrims_of_the_Way|Attract foreign pilgrims]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi Requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Architectural_University_in_Temeschwar|Architectural University in Temeschwar]]</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Back in the same place]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_slave_uprising_in_Sarangrave|Incite uprising in Sarangrave]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Make it happen]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraisal_of_Grendel_prisoners|Identify people taken as slaves by the Grendel]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody specified</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td>
<tr><td>[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise fortifications in Urizen territory|Appraise Urizen fortifications]]</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Mladen Escovitch</td><td>[[A place on a map]]</td>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_Sign_of_Tamar|Appraise Sign of Tamar]]</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Signs and sigils]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_trods|Appraise Trods]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Woven as a weapon]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise possibility of reclamation|Reclamation]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_integration_of_Mournwold_Orcs|Mournwold Orc Integration]]</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[Heart of gold]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|Trade Sanctions]]<td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[The price of liberty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal of Feni dispersion|Disperse Feni]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_Bite_legalisation|Legalize Bite]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
</table>
</onlyinclude>

<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====Appraisal Structure====
<p>Any appraisal involves three elements - the first is the fundamental problem that the players wish to overcome or address. The second element, is the method - the way that the problem will be addressed. The final part is the outcome - the result that will occur if the methods outlined are enacted by the Empire.</p>

The crucial information needed by the plot team to write a useful appraisal response is a clear outline of the problem that the Empire wants addressed. Only if we are certain what problem the players want to deal with can we be confident that the solutions we present will address those issues. We don't want to give players possible solutions to different problems.

It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.
</box></div>

==OOC Design==
An appraisal is designed to allow the Imperial Senate to direct the civil service to look for a new solution to an existing problem facing it. Inline with the broad remit of the Senate, this could be economic, magical, military or religious in nature. The normal powers of the Senate allow the institute to address a wide range of problems using well-known and clearly defined powers. For instance, fortifications can be built, armies raised, navies constructed. They can disburse the contents of the Imperial treasury, make declarations of war or peace and so on.

An appraisal is different - it directs the civil service to look into a specific situation to see if there is an [[opportunity]] to address the problem in a way that either does not use the standard powers of the Senate to commission, or does so in a way that is unorthodox or unique. It will result in a Wind of Fortune that is produced for the next event which defines what is known about the problem and identifies what opportunities if any exist to take effective action to address it.

Like any other Wind of Fortune, the options presented in the plot opportunity on the wiki only apply in the situation explicitly laid out in the update. An appraisal does not create new powers for the Senate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it simply creates a unique, one-off opportunity to act in ways outside the normal rules. Any variations which are possible will be clearly and explicitly identified in the wind of fortune, the flexibility with an appraisal is in what you ask for, not how you employ it. As always with winds of fortune we will try to be absolutely explicit about what the costs and benefits of any actions are.

We will treat the appraisal exactly as we would any other plot that we working on for a wind of fortune. Players should anticipate that appraisals will ''often'' identify solutions that benefit one group of Imperial citizens at the expense of another. Many will be contentious or expensive or both. Appraisal is a chance to tackle a problem in a novel way, it is not a free-lunch generator.

In particular, appraisal will generate a plot opportunity focused on the problem outlined in the motion that ordered it. It does not generate a specific solution - senators should specify the problem they want examined, not the solution they want found. It is not possible to specify the nature or shape of the solution - all attempts to do so will be ignored at best. At worst they may cause the whole appraisal to fail.
{{Senate Further Reading}}

388YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-10T01:33:05Z

Kirkbride: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[LINK|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulian, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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 Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-10T01:32:39Z

Kirkbride: /* Friday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[LINK|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulian, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[LINK|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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>

Who counts the path untaken?

2026-06-10T01:31:31Z

Kirkbride:

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Jotun]]
<ic>
"''Strike whilst it's hot!''"

Magnhildr shook the hair out of her face and took the blade back to the coals. Working the bellows she kept at it until it was glowing.

"''Hit it you fuck!''"

Reaching back with her hammer she started, striking with precision along the blade. This was going to be her best work yet, she could feel it.

"''Pick up a weapon and use it!''"

Back to the coals again, then back to the anvil and striking the other side.

"''You are born for greatness!''"

She was, she knew she was. First good bit of advice today.

"''It should be yours! All of it!''"

She stopped for just a moment, and looked around the empty room whilst she drank from her cup. Then stepped back to the coals.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Against the Jotun.jpg|align=left|caption=The Jotun are a martial and honourable people.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation led by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale'') they have invaded [[Mitwold]] as well. The Empire launched a [[Rubies in the snow|feint into Skallahn]] that threatened to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation. Jotun response was decisive - a major force was drawn away from the fighting in [[the Marches]] to defend the northern territories and protect the Kongegőr. Yet, despite their swift response, they have left sufficient force behind to continue to threaten Mitwold and Bregasland.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Back to Skallahn==
* '''Imperial inroads into Skallahn have been taken back by the Jotun
The orcs of the west responded to the Imperial attack on Skallahn, to their siege of the city of [[Skallahn#Walls_of_Kierheim|Kierheim]], by a rapid withdrawl of forces from the Marches back across the Kongegőr. The armies, lead by the King of the south and the Queen of the north, went all out to face what they assumed must be an overwhelming attack from the Empire. Instead, they found that Imperial forces had already retreated. The land the Empire had claimed in Skallahn has been retaken, with no real resistance.

It's clear that the Jotun are now aware that the Empire can threaten the vital bridge that connects the northern and southern jarldoms. They cannot afford to ignore this threat; if the Kongegőr falls then it risks leaving the northern territories undefended. How they will react remains to be seen.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption='''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
</div>
==To the Meeting Place (Conjunction)==
* '''The hetjuveisla is being held at Gull's Isle Hall'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Unlikely or Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for engaging in the hetjuveisla '''
[[Each_age_a_lens#Rules_of_War|Last season]], the call was issued for the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. A tradition of [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]], it is an important call of hospitality that allows feuding warbands to sit and negotiate in good faith how a battle will go. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. Then, when the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes between those who attended, allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

Jarl ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun, made the offer to the Empire and has sent out messengers to the jarls of the Jotun. She will serve as representative of Yrsa Jansdóttir, Queen of Kalsea, Jarl-of-Jarls and Gudmundur Arason, King of Narkyst, He Who Calls Himself Jarl-of-Jarls will also send someone to speak on his behalf. Other jarls and heroes will be present, and they look to discuss matters of war with the Iron Thane, the Golden Jarl, and their guests.

===The Smidr===
* '''A smidr will be on hand to discuss matters of magic'''
''Harald Fourforge'' is a smidr of the Skroh of the Locked Door of Skallahn. [[Bedight_in_veils#Smidr_Clad_In_Scarlet|Recently]], he visited the Empire investigating the murder of two thralls. He was unexpectedly waylaid on his return by the beginning of the [[Rubies_in_the_snow|Imperial invasion of his home territory]]. He was not too late back to participate in the fighting along with his personal sworn guard. Now the Imperials have retreated from Skallahn, and apparently they have found the time to [[Court_Reports#Reports_from_387YE|solve the murder]] as well as splintering the gates of Kierheim! Harald has been very impressed by the Imperial handling of the case. Any unresolved questions about rune and wood and wave he might have are entirely set aside next to the clear demonstration that the Empire are sensible people who know how to work with eternals and what you always must do with cultists of the [[Agramant|Devouring Maw]].

His success in solving the murder of her thralls has impressed Jarl Ottesen of Ulfrsmoor, and she has recommended his name upwards. He has been asked to attend the hetjuveisla. He would like to talk to the Imperials regarding the use of magic in war - specifically, whether they would be minded to set down clear restrictions on the boons that could be called upon, or ritual-magic performed. The Jotun understand ritual magic, though they make little use of it. They prefer to negotiate with the Jarls of the Summer ream directly - using the boons acquired in place of powerful rituals. He thinks that there is clear agreement that Rivers Run Red would not be deployed again by the Empire; they show no sign of casting aside Rivers of Life, which the Jotun do not have the same level of objection to but which, as the past season showed, is surely a curse. He thinks the Empire contains mature magicians capable of having such conversations. In particular, he would like '''Vossk''', [[Archmage of Autumn]], to select one or two individuals to attend and discuss this matter: either ''friends of Melissa'' or sensible icewalkers would be suitable.

==The Chains That Bind Us==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; clear: right;">
{{SOP|statement=Following the recent destruction of the historic meeting stone where the Jotun and Empire could meet. We the Loyalty Assembly seek a 'writ of consecration' to dedicate part of the newly built feasting hall on Gull Island to Loyalty. We wish to recognise it's importance and protect from future harm as a place of both virtue and honour. Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but the unity of both.|by=Writ of Consecration, Skáldsgrým Dunhearth, Loyalty Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 534-0|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=The vision that led us to Gull Isle showed godhi and mystic fostering each other's children, Jotun and Imperial learning from each other as equals. This is not a place for preaching, and we do not intend to do so. Rather let us <u>display</u> virtue through our words and deeds in this place. And likewise witness how the inspiration of the ancestors is borne out in the acts of those we meet with.|by=Statement of Principle, Yrkja Riansson Sigeing, Wintermark Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 256-14|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}</div>
* '''The Assembly of Loyalty has passed a Writ of Consecration to place a true liao aura on Gull Isle'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have allayed the Jotun's concerns about Imperial evangelism'''
* '''Initial discussions with the Jotun indicate a cautiously positive attitude towards the aura chosen'''
Last season the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] upheld the [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_81|Judgement of Skáldsgrým Dunhearth]] calling for a true consecration to be placed in the new Meeting Place. The civil service have confirmed that the prognostication on this matter was thankfully simple: no alternate sites needed to be considered, and the Jotun had already expressed their openness to this expression of the Imperial faith. Despite some [[Each_age_a_lens#Virtuous_Possibilities|discontented rumblings]] from certain conservative ghodi, the [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_114|words of Yrkja Riansson Sigeing]], coupled with [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|those of Ingrid Talon-Of-The-Mark]] have broadly ended the debate. The Empire will show the Jotun Virtue through action, just as the Jotun will show the Empire honour by the same means. So long as everyone holds true to their word, there will be no trouble.

As part of the process of laying the groundwork, a stormcrow of Loyalty laid a sample consecration within a room of the Meeting Place. Numerous ghodi and warriors have taken the opportunity to indulge their curiosity about such a thing. The Jotun are not ignorant of auras, having neighboured the Empire for centuries, but they have neither access to liao nor the skills to use it. As such, the few auras they do experience are usually [[Aura#Spontaneous_Auras|spontaneous]]. Most ghodi see such auras as gifts from the ancestors, each one special. There is no consensus among them as to how liao fits into their spiritual beliefs, but Gull Isle is historically a place of cultural exchange, so the orcs who visit there tend to be open-minded. The experience of the aura known to the Empire as [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|A Peerless Kinship]] sparks a lot of debate.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gull's Isle Feasting Hall.png|caption=Artist's impression of Gull Isle's Hall by Enchantress Rosalynn Asterion|align=right|width=600}}</div>
Absent the inherent belief in Loyalty as a Virtue in and of itself, or even the common wording used to describe the aura in scholarly tomes, they bring their own cultural slant to the experience. Most of them speak of a profound awareness of the bonds of service and obligation to both their leaders and their followers, and of the necessity to play their part in the greater whole. Thralls serve the Jotun. Jotun serve the jarls. Lesser jarls serve greater jarls. Even the monarchs must serve the nation that crowns them and rule unselfishly for the good of all. All play their part, and all make sacrifices to ensure the success of the Jotun. Many who experience the aura speak heartfelt toasts over the feasting table recommitting to the ties of honour that bind them. The spiritual force of Loyalty is of little interest to the Jotun, but the ''concept'' of loyalty strikes a deep chord.

Nobody is quite sure who first suggests constructing a shrine in the Meeting Place grounds. Nonetheless, consensus quickly develops among all parties that this is the best course of action. The ghodi have constructed an ancestral shrine to the faðir and populated it with relics - why should the Empire make do with a repurposed pantry or hastily-abandoned bedchamber? The stonemasons who assist in the maintenance of the buildings quickly begin working on designs for a small monument to [[the Way]]. Something simple enough to match the Jotun shrine, but significant enough to demarcate a permanent aura.

The only thing that remains is to pass the mandate. If the General Assembly pass the mandate to authorise the consecration, they will still need to decide who will perform the consecration. If multiple judgements are raised, then the one with the greatest margin will be enacted.

<quote by="Synod Mandate, General Assembly">The Virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. We send {named priest} with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Virtuous shrine at the Meeting Place. Let us display our Loyalty through the unity of words and deeds.</quote>

If this mandate is passed and the Consecration carried out, the impact will primarily be felt in relations with the Jotun. As [[A_stone_for_a_stone#Create_A_New_Meeting_Place|previously identified]], building a new Meeting Place will make the Jotun more positively disposed towards the Empire. Not only is the new Meeting Place of truly imposing stature, but the Empire would have marked it as a place of profound Honour within the Way. The nature of the aura would also demonstrate that the Empire value their obligations to their people as the Jotun do, and that they will be prepared to make sacrifices in the name of those they care about.

Interestingly, prognosticators have identified a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to Gull Isle due to coincide with the ''Summer Solstice''. Such conjunctions are rare, but not unknown. Details will be published following the Spring Equinox, but it seems that whoever is tasked with carrying out the consecration will have the chance to bring a party from Anvil to execute their duty at the next summit.
{{Jotun Links}}

388YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-06-10T01:30:01Z

Kirkbride: /* Saturday */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in the battle.jpg|align=left|caption=Sometimes, even in the tumult of battle, there are moments of silence.|width=2000}}</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_Spring_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.
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]] || [[Deep blue sea]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || [[Wide azure skies]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || [[Where the slow river flows]]
|-
| [[Bregasland]] || [[Old blue banners dancing]]
|-
| [[Therunin]] || [[A bright cerulean flame]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || [[Other monstrous geographies]]
|-
|}

==Wide Carnivorous Skies==
Spring is the cruellest season, forcing life out of ground left barren by Winter frost. The inevitable wheel does not change, any more than war changes. Snow gives way to rain, and the rain falls on the wicked and the virtuous alike. It falls across the [[Bay of Catazar]], across the battlefields of [[Redoubt]] and onto the churning salt-expanse that is the bounded sea. The waves of the '''[[Deep blue sea]]''' murmur of [[navy|navies]] and rocky shores, and the machinations of the [[Grendel]].

From the mountains of Redoubt, let the mind's eye wander with the wings of the gulls. South to the arid coast of [[Mareave]], now remarked and reshaped by the churning of the hungry sea. The sandy soil is thirsty, and there is neither blood nor rain enough in the world to quench that thirst it seems. The salt-winds blow from the sea and the storm rides on them. The horns blow, the drums beat, and armies clash beneath the '''[[Wide azure skies]]'''.

On the other side of the Empire, the [[Jotun]] press their claim to the farmlands of [[the Marches]]. The [[Mournwold]] has slipped through their grasp, but they have not abandoned their ambitions here. [[Mitwold]] has been invaded for the first time in centuries, the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] conquered and looted. The call goes out to the oathsworn [[Drakes]] and their allies to drive the barbarians out, and battle rages '''[[Where the slow river flows]]'''. Across the border to the west, it is the Empire who are the invaders, striving to take back the Dour Fens of [[Bregasland]] from the Jotun who now occupy it. The war is fought over the only piece of dry land in the whole of the marshes, [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and the old stone plateau that dominates its skyline. As the winds of the new year blow, they set the '''[[Old blue banners dancing]]'''.

And then at last we come to the eastern border, to the lands where chaos reigns between the water and the peaks. To [[Therunin]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] marches against the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. They know they will not win, but the effort must be made to slow the vallorn, to let it rage against them, to answer its abominable furore with virtue and faith. They fight the unspeakable from the darkest past, to secure a future for [[Navarr]], burning with '''[[A bright cerulean flame]]'''.

Finally let our eye drift further east, to what was once and still is [[the Mallum]]. To the marshes of the [[Sarangrave]], where the Empire advances on the last stronghold of the [[Druj]] in that benighted territory. The [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms above the woods and wetlands, controlling the pass that leads to allied [[Axos]]. The eastern barbarians are beaten but not yet broken; their forces in Sarangrave are depleted but they still fight. As the Imperial armies move, the air is thick with uncertainty; if we have learned anything at all from the campaign to take the territory it is that there are '''[[Other monstrous geographies]]''' at play in the eastern marshes

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified four 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.

<table><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Territory'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Feverbank Trees'', Nesustak Forest</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>[[:File:Nesustak_Forest.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave]]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>''Mantifent's Bier'', Bloodwater Marsh</td><td>Druj</td><td>Saturday only</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[:File:Bloodwater_Marsh.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave]]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>''Ohwinn Scour'', Clisearn</td><td>Grendel</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[:File:Wealth_of_Water.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mitwold]]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>''Meade Meadow'', Meade March</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>[[:File:Plundered_Gold.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland]]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>''Drayham Mere'', Grey Fens</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Saturday or Sunday</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>[[:File:A_Broken_Rock.pdf|PDF Link]]</td></tr>
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || 17
|-
| Dawn || 63
|-
| Highguard || 27
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| 7
|-
| League || 23
|-
| Marches || 25
|-
| Navarr || 60
|-
| Urizen || 12
|-
| Varushka || 17
|-
| Wintermark || 71
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night. The battle on Saturday must have at least '''161''' and at most '''165''' force weight sent on it. The battle on Sunday must have at least '''157''' and at most '''161''' force weight sent on it

===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.

* '''The Sarangrave opportunities both involve forces composed primarily of Druj orc fighters'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Druj orcs as normal. If you have your own [[orc]] mask, please do bring it along as we're keen to ensure we can field a force predominantly comprised of Druj orcs. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Druj weaponry, particularly swords, spears and great weapons, as well as bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Druj look [[Druj_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the Druj is a mantle and ragged material layers that echo natural greens, browns, greys, and black, with occasional bright accent colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mareave opportunity involves forces composed primarily of Grendel orc soldiers'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Grendel orcs as normal. You can help by wearing leather or plate armour you have, as well as any iconic Grendel weaponry, particularly swords, spears, and bows of all types. You can find out more about the iconic Grendel look [[Grendel look and feel|here]], and the key elements for portraying the Grendel are a light coloured base layer, with mantles, shoulder capes, wraps and other purple clothing and other bright colours as their iconic look.

* '''The Mitwold and Bregasland opportunities both involves forces of composed primarily of Jotun or Lasambrian orc warriors'''
We ask the majority of player volunteers to take on the roles of Jotun orcs as normal. You can help by wearing any Jotun, Marcher, or Wintermark-style kit or armour you have, as well as any iconic Jotun weaponry, particularly axes, maces, and circular shields. You can find out more about the iconic Jotun look [[Jotun_look_and_feel|here]], but the key element for portraying the northern Jotun is leather and fur over mail as their iconic look. For the Lasambrian Jotun orc forces elements of Brass Coast kit, armour and weapons can be used emphasise their distinct visual nature.

'''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 || 15 || 35 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]]
|-
| 18:30 || 60|| 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]]
|-
| 18:35 || 4 || 40 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[LINK|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || [[LINK|Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below]]
|-
| 19:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[LINK|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]]
|-
| 20:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]]
|-
| 20:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 21:00 || 50 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Apulian, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]]
|-
| 21:15 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time

|-
| 21:30 || 60 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]]
|-
| 21:45 || 10 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]]
|-
| 23:00 || 9 || 60 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[LINK|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]]
|-
|}

===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
|-
| 12:50 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[LINK|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']]
|-
| 14:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]]
|-
| 14:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]]
|-
| 15:00 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']]
|-
| 15:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]]
|-
| 15:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]]
|-
| 15:35 || 4 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[LINK|Fix the regio]]
|-
| 15:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]]
|-
| 17:00 || 65 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]]
|-
| 17:30 || 55 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]]
|-
| 17:35 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 17:45 || Cadets || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Cadets]] || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || [[LINK|Find and destroy the "bandit" vale]]
|-
| 18:00 || 70 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]]
|-
| 18:15 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]]
|-
| 18:20 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 18:45 || 25 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[LINK|Treat the Gregadze]]
|-
| 19:05 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
| 20:00 || 12 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]]
|-
| 20:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|-
| 21:00 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 21:30 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]]
|}

===Sunday===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:00 || 5 || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || Uncertain || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]]
|}

===Legends (Hahnmark)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Drifting Bough'''|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''The hunt for Avalanche has led to a warband of Lasambrians'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Morgan Drifting Bough'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for recovering the letter from one of the Lasambrians'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The trail of Vanya Heartsworn's attacker has led to a curiously overstretched Lasambrian warband. Camped around [[Hahnmark#Gulnar’s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the Lasambrians, with some Jotun among them, have been spotted keeping uncharacteristically covert as they search for something.

There is no doubt, however, that the attackers' trail leads to them. It is clear that it could not have been the whole warband; Vanyar Heartsworn survived after all. Still, ''Delphysius'', herald of [[Zakalwe]], has been working alongside Magpies over the past tenday, and believes that one of the Lasambrians has in their possession a letter which will have some kind of lead on where Avalanche might be found.

===Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ceolmund Dreth.jpg|caption='''Ceolmund Dreth''', Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A warband of yegarra and Jotun are on a raid into the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing Hallr Winterborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The monsters of Sermersuaq have been quieter as of late. The defeat of the Falconer and its cult, along with years of hunting, has brought a sense of tranquillity to the Suaq Wastes not experienced in years. It is noticeable then, when a warband of yegarra, accompanied by some Jotun, ventures into the tundra in search of a fight.

Led by ''Hallr Winterborn'', of Fisk, they bring with them the banner once flown by Eisa Winterborn as the leader of one of the large warbands that support the Jotun armies on campaign. It is clear that Hallr is looking to take Eisa's place, in position if not in legacy, and the first step is leading a successful raid into the Suaq Wastes. If the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Ceolmund Dreth''', can arrange for Hallr to be killed or defeated and the banner claimed, then that will put a stop to any hopes of a new Winterborn coming into prominence for at least a year.

===Questions of Control (Ossium) ===
* '''A band of Kallad are leading Druj to escape Drownbark Forest'''
* '''Their route leads them through the Shchaslyvyy Outpost'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Kallad'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A band of Kallad were forced to retreat south-west from the Thule armies invading [[Forest of Ulnak]], and corralled a force of other Druj into following them. Now, they are stuck in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] attempting to make their way back to [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]]. Unfortunately, their route brings them to the [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile|Shchaslyvyy Outpost Sappery]], threatening the residents of that outpost.

The [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]], '''Vasya Bogoslawovna Fhideli''', is responsible for protecting the people who live in the outpost. If the Kallad are killed, then even if the rest of the Druj are able to escape they will avoid the outpost - preferring to take a safer route home.

===A Place to Begin (Hercynia) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Percival Summerstrong.jpg|caption='''Earl Percival Summerstrong''', Speaker of the Vallornguard|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''Ettercaps under the influence of the Phoenix appear to be attempting to build something'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking out the ettercaps and destroying their structure'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Since the events of the last few months, Imperial prognosticators have been getting more and more used to the presence of constellations in odd configurations and conjunctions all over the Empire. Usually this has done little more than making their jobs even more hectic and confusing than usual, but sometimes something truly ''interesting'' crops up. The presence of [[The Phoenix]] high about deep vallorn territory in Hercynia is one such case. What could the volatile Spring magic of the vallorn and the constellation tied to knowledge have to do with each other. Upon discovery of a sentinel gate conjunction, the answer, unfortunately, becomes clear; ettercaps.

All signs seem to point to them building...something, in the heart of Hercynia. What exactly it is, who knows, but allowing them to continue unmolested seems like a bad idea for the Empire. Given this is a new development for the vallorn, the duty of stopping them falls to the [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]], '''Earl Percival Summerstrong'''. It's recommended that hammers and axes are brought in order to smash up whatever it is that is found in Hercynia.

'''OOC Note:''' Destructible objectives will be marked with a ribbon and can be destroyed with 1 minute of uninterrupted appropriate roleplay with a larp safe axe or hammer.

===Questions of Control (Reikos) ===
* '''Several Highguard citizens have been ambushed by ettercaps and require rescue'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the Highborn'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are reports of ettercap activity in Reikos. Seemingly emboldened over the past few months, ettercap raiding parties have been seen ranging further and further afield from your their normal nests within the vallorn.

One such group happened upon some unfortunate Highborn gardeners in the foothills of High Chalcis, near the border of Therunin. Some of the Highborn are alive but captured, and being carried back towards Therunin, presumably to the ettercap nest. A conjunction of the sentinel gate will give the chance to intercept and rescue the captives in whatever state they are found; the task of organising this rescue is given to the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos'''.

===On a Broken Road (Brocéliande) ===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A group of ettercaps are out hunting along the trods of Elerael '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the Ettercaps'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
There are ettercaps prowling the trods of [[Brocéliande]]. As far as anyone can tell, these creatures have not yet found anything, and are presumably on their way out to hunt for some victims far from their nest.

The [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Mordrain Sepulchre''', has been tasked with organising a defence. The ettercaps will need to be intercepted and killed before they can go any harm or escape. If the ettercaps can be driven off or slain, it will boost Dawnish military units choosing to undertake the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] by one rank for the coming season.

==Military Considerations==
{{stub}}
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 [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''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]]
** 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.
* '''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]]

* '''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]].
* '''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]]

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>

Who counts the path untaken?

2026-06-10T01:29:27Z

Kirkbride: /* Back to Skallahn */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Jotun]]
<ic>
"''Strike whilst it's hot!''"

Magnhildr shook the hair out of her face and took the blade back to the coals. Working the bellows she kept at it until it was glowing.

"''Hit it you fuck!''"

Reaching back with her hammer she started, striking with precision along the blade. This was going to be her best work yet, she could feel it.

"''Pick up a weapon and use it!''"

Back to the coals again, then back to the anvil and striking the other side.

"''You are born for greatness!''"

She was, she knew she was. First good bit of advice today.

"''It should be yours! All of it!''"

She stopped for just a moment, and looked around the empty room whilst she drank from her cup. Then stepped back to the coals.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Against the Jotun.jpg|align=left|caption=The Jotun are a martial and honourable people.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation led by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale'') they have invaded [[Mitwold]] as well. The Empire launched a [[Rubies in the snow|feint into Skallahn]] that threatened to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation. Jotun response was decisive - a major force was drawn away from the fighting in [[the Marches]] to defend the northern territories and protect the Kongegőr. Yet, despite their swift response, they have left sufficient force behind to continue to threaten Mitwold and Bregasland.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Back to Skallahn==
* '''Imperial inroads into Skallahn have been taken back by the Jotun
The orcs of the west responded to the Imperial attack on Skallahn, to their siege of the city of [[Skallahn#Walls_of_Kierheim|Kierheim]], by a rapid withdrawl of forces from the Marches back across the Kongegőr. The armies, lead by the King of the south and the Queen of the north, went all out to face what they assumed must be an overwhelming attack from the Empire. Instead, they found that Imperial forces had already retreated. The land the Empire had claimed in Skallahn has been retaken, with no real resistance.

It's clear that the Jotun are now aware that the Empire can threaten the vital bridge that connects the northern and southern jarldoms. They cannot afford to ignore this threat; if the Kongegőr falls then it risks leaving the northern territories undefended. How they will react remains to be seen.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption='''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
</div>

==To the Meeting Place (Conjunction)==
* '''The hetjuveisla is being held at Gull's Isle Hall'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Unlikely or Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for engaging in the hetjuveisla '''
[[Each_age_a_lens#Rules_of_War|Last season]], the call was issued for the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. A tradition of [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]], it is an important call of hospitality that allows feuding warbands to sit and negotiate in good faith how a battle will go. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. Then, when the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes between those who attended, allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

Jarl ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun, made the offer to the Empire and has sent out messengers to the jarls of the Jotun. She will serve as representative of Yrsa Jansdóttir, Queen of Kalsea, Jarl-of-Jarls and Gudmundur Arason, King of Narkyst, He Who Calls Himself Jarl-of-Jarls will also send someone to speak on his behalf. Other jarls and heroes will be present, and they look to discuss matters of war with the Iron Thane, the Golden Jarl, and their guests.

===The Smidr===
* '''A smidr will be on hand to discuss matters of magic'''
''Harald Fourforge'' is a smidr of the Skroh of the Locked Door of Skallahn. [[Bedight_in_veils#Smidr_Clad_In_Scarlet|Recently]], he visited the Empire investigating the murder of two thralls. He was unexpectedly waylaid on his return by the beginning of the [[Rubies_in_the_snow|Imperial invasion of his home territory]]. He was not too late back to participate in the fighting along with his personal sworn guard. Now the Imperials have retreated from Skallahn, and apparently they have found the time to [[Court_Reports#Reports_from_387YE|solve the murder]] as well as splintering the gates of Kierheim! Harald has been very impressed by the Imperial handling of the case. Any unresolved questions about rune and wood and wave he might have are entirely set aside next to the clear demonstration that the Empire are sensible people who know how to work with eternals and what you always must do with cultists of the [[Agramant|Devouring Maw]].

His success in solving the murder of her thralls has impressed Jarl Ottesen of Ulfrsmoor, and she has recommended his name upwards. He has been asked to attend the hetjuveisla. He would like to talk to the Imperials regarding the use of magic in war - specifically, whether they would be minded to set down clear restrictions on the boons that could be called upon, or ritual-magic performed. The Jotun understand ritual magic, though they make little use of it. They prefer to negotiate with the Jarls of the Summer ream directly - using the boons acquired in place of powerful rituals. He thinks that there is clear agreement that Rivers Run Red would not be deployed again by the Empire; they show no sign of casting aside Rivers of Life, which the Jotun do not have the same level of objection to but which, as the past season showed, is surely a curse. He thinks the Empire contains mature magicians capable of having such conversations. In particular, he would like '''Vossk''', [[Archmage of Autumn]], to select one or two individuals to attend and discuss this matter: either ''friends of Melissa'' or sensible icewalkers would be suitable.

==The Chains That Bind Us==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; clear: right;">
{{SOP|statement=Following the recent destruction of the historic meeting stone where the Jotun and Empire could meet. We the Loyalty Assembly seek a 'writ of consecration' to dedicate part of the newly built feasting hall on Gull Island to Loyalty. We wish to recognise it's importance and protect from future harm as a place of both virtue and honour. Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but the unity of both.|by=Writ of Consecration, Skáldsgrým Dunhearth, Loyalty Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 534-0|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=The vision that led us to Gull Isle showed godhi and mystic fostering each other's children, Jotun and Imperial learning from each other as equals. This is not a place for preaching, and we do not intend to do so. Rather let us <u>display</u> virtue through our words and deeds in this place. And likewise witness how the inspiration of the ancestors is borne out in the acts of those we meet with.|by=Statement of Principle, Yrkja Riansson Sigeing, Wintermark Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 256-14|when=Winter Solstice 388YE|size=small}}</div>
* '''The Assembly of Loyalty has passed a Writ of Consecration to place a true liao aura on Gull Isle'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have allayed the Jotun's concerns about Imperial evangelism'''
* '''Initial discussions with the Jotun indicate a cautiously positive attitude towards the aura chosen'''
Last season the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] upheld the [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_81|Judgement of Skáldsgrým Dunhearth]] calling for a true consecration to be placed in the new Meeting Place. The civil service have confirmed that the prognostication on this matter was thankfully simple: no alternate sites needed to be considered, and the Jotun had already expressed their openness to this expression of the Imperial faith. Despite some [[Each_age_a_lens#Virtuous_Possibilities|discontented rumblings]] from certain conservative ghodi, the [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_114|words of Yrkja Riansson Sigeing]], coupled with [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|those of Ingrid Talon-Of-The-Mark]] have broadly ended the debate. The Empire will show the Jotun Virtue through action, just as the Jotun will show the Empire honour by the same means. So long as everyone holds true to their word, there will be no trouble.

As part of the process of laying the groundwork, a stormcrow of Loyalty laid a sample consecration within a room of the Meeting Place. Numerous ghodi and warriors have taken the opportunity to indulge their curiosity about such a thing. The Jotun are not ignorant of auras, having neighboured the Empire for centuries, but they have neither access to liao nor the skills to use it. As such, the few auras they do experience are usually [[Aura#Spontaneous_Auras|spontaneous]]. Most ghodi see such auras as gifts from the ancestors, each one special. There is no consensus among them as to how liao fits into their spiritual beliefs, but Gull Isle is historically a place of cultural exchange, so the orcs who visit there tend to be open-minded. The experience of the aura known to the Empire as [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|A Peerless Kinship]] sparks a lot of debate.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gull's Isle Feasting Hall.png|caption=Artist's impression of Gull Isle's Hall by Enchantress Rosalynn Asterion|align=right|width=600}}</div>
Absent the inherent belief in Loyalty as a Virtue in and of itself, or even the common wording used to describe the aura in scholarly tomes, they bring their own cultural slant to the experience. Most of them speak of a profound awareness of the bonds of service and obligation to both their leaders and their followers, and of the necessity to play their part in the greater whole. Thralls serve the Jotun. Jotun serve the jarls. Lesser jarls serve greater jarls. Even the monarchs must serve the nation that crowns them and rule unselfishly for the good of all. All play their part, and all make sacrifices to ensure the success of the Jotun. Many who experience the aura speak heartfelt toasts over the feasting table recommitting to the ties of honour that bind them. The spiritual force of Loyalty is of little interest to the Jotun, but the ''concept'' of loyalty strikes a deep chord.

Nobody is quite sure who first suggests constructing a shrine in the Meeting Place grounds. Nonetheless, consensus quickly develops among all parties that this is the best course of action. The ghodi have constructed an ancestral shrine to the faðir and populated it with relics - why should the Empire make do with a repurposed pantry or hastily-abandoned bedchamber? The stonemasons who assist in the maintenance of the buildings quickly begin working on designs for a small monument to [[the Way]]. Something simple enough to match the Jotun shrine, but significant enough to demarcate a permanent aura.

The only thing that remains is to pass the mandate. If the General Assembly pass the mandate to authorise the consecration, they will still need to decide who will perform the consecration. If multiple judgements are raised, then the one with the greatest margin will be enacted.

<quote by="Synod Mandate, General Assembly">The Virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. We send {named priest} with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Virtuous shrine at the Meeting Place. Let us display our Loyalty through the unity of words and deeds.</quote>

If this mandate is passed and the Consecration carried out, the impact will primarily be felt in relations with the Jotun. As [[A_stone_for_a_stone#Create_A_New_Meeting_Place|previously identified]], building a new Meeting Place will make the Jotun more positively disposed towards the Empire. Not only is the new Meeting Place of truly imposing stature, but the Empire would have marked it as a place of profound Honour within the Way. The nature of the aura would also demonstrate that the Empire value their obligations to their people as the Jotun do, and that they will be prepared to make sacrifices in the name of those they care about.

Interestingly, prognosticators have identified a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to Gull Isle due to coincide with the ''Summer Solstice''. Such conjunctions are rare, but not unknown. Details will be published following the Spring Equinox, but it seems that whoever is tasked with carrying out the consecration will have the chance to bring a party from Anvil to execute their duty at the next summit.
{{Jotun Links}}

388YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

2026-06-10T01:21:13Z

Kirkbride: /* Who Counts the Path Untaken? */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Into the light.jpg|align=left|caption=Spring is a time of renewal; a time for affirmed loyalties and renewed oaths.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; min-width: 350px; margin: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[Arranging grace]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/05/18"| 18/05 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Push for victory]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/05/28"| 28/05 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[On the road ahead]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/05/30"| 30/05 || Anduz
|-
| [[Grace that comes with healing]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Ylenwe
|-
| [[Monarchs and outcasts]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/06/03"| 03/06 || Eternals
|-
| [[Lay the foundations]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Highguard Highest Calling
|-
| [[Fear quickens the breath]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/06/04"| 04/06 || Karass
|-
| [[Our elaborate plans]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/06/05"| 05/06 || Apulian
|-
| [[Bricks and boards]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/06/06"| 06/06 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[Sunrise over Livardz]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Stones in the wellspring]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/06/07"| 07/06 || Proscriptions
|-
| [[The matter will be done]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Monarch of Dawn
|-
| [[Key of dreams]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/06/08"| 08/06 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[Cup of choices]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Petals in the snow]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Hahnmark
|-
| [[Flames and the dark]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Redoubt
|-
| [[The poisoned air]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Sarangrave miasma pillars
|-
| [[Lean and athirst]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Rooting out the face-peelers
|-
| [[Saint of Bees]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || The bees of Karov
|-
| [[Your hand in mine]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/06/09"| 09/06 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Snap rope and pass foil]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/06/10"| 10/06 || Appraisal
|-
|}</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
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Chain and anchor]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[A knock at the door]]
|-
| [[Otkodov]] || [[Voice irresistable]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Wise and measured]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer threads]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Five flames]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Forging links]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jarm]] || [[Weaving tangled nets]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Who counts the path untaken?]]
|-
|}

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.

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.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Arranging Grace (Sodality)===
* '''The Throne; Imperial Senate; artists of all stripes; patrons of the arts; Azure Sutannir, Curator of Memories, Curator of the Blood Red River, Dean of the First Voice Glade, High Bard of the Empire, Voice of the Twin Roses'''
[[The Throne]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|instructed]] the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications around the creation of the ''Cat's Graces''. This potential [[Imperial sodality]] would be concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire and by all accounts has strong backing across [[Anvil]] despite a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise]] them as an Imperial sodality narrowly failing to pass the [[Senate]]. Magistrate Abraham has reviewed the proposed manifesto of this new sodality, and delivers their findings first to [[Emperor Vesna]] and then to the rest of the Empire.

You can read about the new sodality and its implications, as well as some possibilities related to its manifesto, in the '''[[Arranging grace]]''' wind of fortune.

===Push For Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Freeborn fleet owners; Generals; Senator for Holberg; Benefactors; Keeper of the Breadbasket; Urizen mana site owners; Emperor Vesna; People with an opinion on the Rahvin and/or the Karass'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, readying the Empire for the final push to finally bring about the end of the [[Druj]], and drawing attention to the sterling efforts made across the ten nations.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Push for victory]]''' wind of fortune.

===On the Road Ahead===
* '''The Brass Coast; especially the Freeborn National Assembly; and residents of Segura'''
For the first time in many seasons, the lands of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are not ''immediately'' threatened. With a chance to draw breath, the inhabitants of the ancient town of [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] are looking for new [[opportunity|opportunities]] for their home. The place is steeped in history; it was a city long before the Empire was created, before even the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] came to [[the Brass Coast]]. That city was destroyed long ago, but in Anduz, the ruins of the past could lay the foundations of the future!

You can learn about plans for the future of Anduz, and for Segura, in the '''[[On the road ahead]]''' wind of fortune.

===Grace That Comes With Healing===
* '''Residents of Spiral; the Archmage of Day; anyone who has opinions about the {{Black Plateau}}; travellers to Mareave; the Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice'''
After a year of friendship, the [[Ylenwe|Dove of the Perfect Morning]] wishes to speak to the Empire. Zie has congratulations to offer to those who have brought tranquil waters to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], zie has an intriguing proposal for the [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]], and, of course, zie wishes to discuss the matter of the baleful dread that lurks in curséd Screed: the {{Black Plateau}}.

You can learn more of the utterances of the Morningstar in the '''[[Grace that comes with healing]]''' wind of fortune.

===Monarchs and Outcasts (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Archmage of Summer; General of the Valiant Pegasus; ''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''; Senators; Members of the Conclave; Maggots; People interested in the fate of Eilian Sweetwater; ''Umarth Kannask''; ''Odd Twiceborn''; ''Towlen Nighthaven''; ''Karrak''; ''Stormsteel Skorr''; ''Bloodcrow Arora''; Varushkans; People interested in the Silver Flame; Archmage of Day; Custodian of the Brilliant Star; People interested in Cold Sun; Steinr poets; Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* <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>
Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the [[Realm|realms]], the [[eternal|eternals]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]]. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk, including some meetings, some odd opportunities, and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Lay the Foundations===
* '''Highguard, specifically the Cinderpath Custodian, the Highborn Senators, and the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; Members of the Senate; Congregation owners'''
Last summit, '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' declared that it was the highest calling of [[Highguard|Highborn]] to complete the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The Highborn Assembly agreed that this was their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], urging all to put aside other projects and focus on this. Attention is turned to the Grand Inspiration and the task of completing it, leaving a legacy that will endure.

You can read about the opportunities related to this highest calling, and to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[Lay the foundations]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fear Quickens the Breath===
* '''People interested in the Karass; People interested in the Thule and/or Black Lotus; Navarr, especially those who live in the Barrens; Envoy to the Karass'''
The Karass reside primarily in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]], though they have settlements across the eastern edge of the Barrens. Distrusted, and in some cases treated with open hostility, by other factions in the Barrens, the Karass have nevertheless maintained a resolute willingness to co-operate with the Dawnish. Their leader, ''Anka Karass'', has worked with her sept to present a series of suggestions on how the sept might help the Empire, and what could be done to further ease the situation.

You can read about the opportunities and requests presented by the Karass in the '''[[Fear quickens the breath]]''' wind of fortune.

===Our Elaborate Plans===
* '''Residents of Spiral; Night ritualists; Fans of Sung; Military unit captains of Dawn, the League, and Urizen; Dramaturgists; People with a healthy fascination of cats and/or songbirds; People interested in the duSesna guild'''
Once more to [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], where the songbirds sing and the cats have luridly coloured coats. Where the long-awaited [[Map to the City Below|Chamber of Euphony]] has been completed, and there is a chance for [[military unit|military units]] to delve into the sewers below the City of Nets.

You can read all about what's happening in Apulian, and the city below, in the '''[[Our elaborate plans]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bricks and Boards (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Spring Equinox, he has offered two challenges: a tourney of strategy and a game of skill and dexterity. 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 '''[[Bricks and boards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Sunrise over Livardz (Appraisal)===
* '''Senators; Residents of Volodmartz; Generals; Autumn ritualists; Boyar of the Iron Roads; Varushkan Assembly; Winter ritualists; Volhovs; Grieftender of the Forgotten'''
During the Winter Solstice, [[senator]] '''Ostrik Vulpe''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to "''find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun''." There are three core problems facing the region of [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] following the attack by the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]].

You can find out about the challenges and their solutions identified by Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra in the '''[[Sunrise over Livardz]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Stones in the Wellspring===
* '''Members of the Synod; People who wish to avoid committing religious crimes; People who want to commit religious crimes; ''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''; "Chosen" of eternals; People interested in religious symposia; ''Wulfric'''''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the civil service [[Figure of eight|laid out their changes]] to how [[religious crime|religious crimes]] would be defined and handled. Fifteen different judgements of [[proscription]] were raised for the scrutiny of the General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] calling in [[Ambition]]'s name for a Symposium "''with the purpose of discussing proscriptions and ensuring we employ wisdom and vigilance in creating a solid foundation to build and spread virtue on''".

You can read about the results of the proscriptions, the commentary of the Constitutional Court, and the Symposium (to be held at the Summer Solstice), in the '''[[Stones in the wellspring]]''' wind of fortune
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NationBannerDawn.jpg|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===The Matter Will Be Done===
* '''Dawn; ''Emperor Vesna'''''
The [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]], the manticore that squats at the heart of the [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]] has issued a claim to be [[Dawn monarchy|Monarch of Dawn]]. [[Emperor Vesna]], Crowned in Thunder, has responded with a proclamation to the manticore's challenge. The majority of Dawn rejects the idea of a manticore as the monarch of Dawn, but there are some houses who would like nothing better than to see the Earl of the Groves take his place on the Seat of the Sun. The time has come for the nobles of Dawn to take up arms and fight in a tourney to decide who, if anyone, should sit on the Rose Throne.

You can read about the groups who support and oppose the manticore's claim as Monarch of Dawn, and the ramifications of the tourney, in the '''[[The matter will be done]]''' wind of fortune.

===Key of Dreams (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Phoenix Rising coven; ''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''; ''Watt Lambrook''; People interested in the offerings of Night eternals; People interested in writings on the fall of civilisations; People interested in the Bloodwater Spears, the Waterwalkers, the Rahvin or the Vendarri; Varushkan Storytellers'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Winter Solstice, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. And strangely, one of them is almost completely unknown to the Empire...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Key of dreams]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Cup of Choices===
* '''Urizen; Vallornguard; Navarr; Mana site owners in Redoubt; Urizen Day ritualists; General of the Citadel Guard; Dawnish military units captains; Fans of Fanes of Arhallogen'''
Last summit, '''Brynn Tendfallen''', enacted the call of the Navarr Assembly to turn to Urizen as part of their [[Every path you know|highest calling]]. '''Lepidina''' raised a judgement that welcomed the Navarr, and that Urizen welcomed their aid and expertise. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' received the backing of the Loyalty Assembly to see how they could best support the efforts to benefit the nascent [[Vallornguard]].

You can find out about the results of the highest calling of Navarr, and what it means for Urizen and the Vallornguard, in the '''[[Cup of choices]]''' wind of fortune.

===Petals in the Snow===
* '''Citizens of Hahnmark, specifically owners of farms and herb gardens;'''
The rugged lands of [[Hahnmark]] have seen interest from two families of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] over the past eighteen months. Last season, representatives of the rival merchants arrived in Anvil, but the quick-thinking of the Winterfolk kept them from coming into conflict. This season, there are opportunities to deepen relations with one or potentially both merchant families.

You can find out about the choices available to citizens of Hahnmark in the '''[[Petals in the snow]]''' wind of fortune.

===Flame and the Dark===
* '''Citizens of Redoubt; People interested in the Tilphussian Reach; ''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''''
The [[Grendel]] have fled from [[Redoubt]], but scars remain. Now comes time to assess what damage has been wrought, what can be done to make amends and what can still be salvaged. There has been time to mourn the breaking of the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]]. Now the question is, what to do on the Tilphussian Reach, where it stood? That is a question for the here and now. Offers and suggestions come from the realms, some expected and one confusing. And that is nothing to say of the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], gifted by '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''.

You can read about the different options available in Naris in the '''[[Flames and the dark]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''Urizen; Urizen ritualists in Sarangrave; Gardener of Pallas; Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild; High Exorcist; Keeper of the Tower of the Fall; Knight-protector of Spring'''
Last season, the Urizen Assembly voted to encourage [[seer|seers]] to investigate how best to counter the [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] in [[Sarangrave]]. They have done what they can and now present their findings, involving targeting the keystone pillars in each of the regions, and a warning for what those Urizen who have moved to Sarangrave might experience when performing rituals.

You can read the findings of the seers, including details of the conjunctions, in the '''[[The poisoned air]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lean and Athirst===
* '''Varushka; People tempted by drinking "''corrupt blood''"; Apothecaries Guild; Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]]. Last season the Dragons of Otkodov instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border.

You can read some of the fallout of the raid, and what it means going forward in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

===Saint of Bees===
* '''Highguard; Varushka; People interested in bees; Owners of herb gardens in Karov; Highborn Assembly'''
The bees of [[Karov]] began to go missing two years ago during the first appearance of [[Things_that_burn#The_Blade_of_Skies|The Blade of Skies]]. Since then, there has been consternation: bees are strongly tied to [[Prosperity]] in [[Varushka]]. With the support of the Highborn and their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], there is a chance to undo the damage wrought by Oblivion and return the bees to Karov.

You can read about the results of the Highborn Assembly's peerless kinship, and how Karov might see bees once again, in the '''[[Saint of Bees]]''' wind of fortune.

===Your Hand in Mine (Appraisal)===
* '''Senate; People with an interest in the rebels of Nesustak Forest; ''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''; ''Fausta Ankarien''; ''Aspar'''''
During the Winter Solstice, [[Conscience of the Senate]] '''Aspar''' asked the [[Senate]] to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to "''appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest''." Naomi of Virtue's Rest has identified the key problem, and has struck upon the path that might lead somewhere.

You can find out about the challenges and the start of the solution identified by Naomi of Virtue's Rest in the '''[[Your hand in mine]]''' wind of fortune.

===Snap Rope and Pass Foil (Appraisal)===
* '''Wintermark; People with an interest in Tsirku; People who enjoy maps; Military unit owners of Varushkan and Dawn; People interested in the Whisper Gallery; Military unit owners of Dawn; People interested in Agramant; ''Gisli "Provider" Baerson'''''
During the Winter Solstice, the Witan voted to call on the mystics of Ishal to "''find a way to ensure the scouting of Tsirku would be quick and safe''." The Mystics of Ishal have contemplated the matter and spoken with the folk of [[Wintermark]] to find ways of supporting the scouting attempt.

You can read the challenges that come with claiming Tsirku and the mystics suggest they might be met in the '''[[Snap rope and pass foil]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the [[Senate]] and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. 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.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bladeroot.jpg|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Chain and Anchor (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Senate; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; League and Brass Coast characters especially citizens of Madruga, Sarvos, and Tassato; Imperial Apothecaries Guild'''
The [[Sarcophan Delves]] are the closest of the five other great powers of the Known World to the Empire. A mercantile nation build out of the ruins of an ancient city, their merchant vessels are a common sight in the Empire. Proponents of free trade in all forms, they have also taken it on themselves to protect international trade. Their interest in the Empire, at its core, is in making as much money as possible by buying low and selling high. This wind includes discussion of various offers from previous seasons; details of the grand celebration at the Alivetti Estates; developments in the relationship of Sarcophan herbalists with their opposite numbers in the Imperial Apothecaries Guild; the conclusion of the trade in Highborn stone and grave art; and a cheeky offer to the Senate to purchase some real estate.

You can find out about development in the relationship between the Empire and the Delves, and several diplomatic opportunities, in the '''[[Chain and anchor]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===A Knock at the Door (Beoraidh)===
* '''Ambassador to Beoraidh; Unshackled, including the Legion Engineer; Reavers, Wagon-Raiders, Corsairs, and Maggots; Imperial Consul; Senate; espionage enthusiasts'''
The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies on the western shores of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] territory of [[Mareave]]. Until [[Wide_azure_skies#War_Between_Land_and_Sea|very recently]] it controlled the only safe anchorage in the territory, and the former Salt-Lord Ehsan sought to parley its position into recognition of its neutrality between the Empire and the Broken Shore. The population is made up almost entirely of ex-Grendel [[orc|orcs]], who are well aware of how precarious their position is. Following the surprise appointment of a full ambassador to the tiny "nation", Beoraidh has responded by appointing its own emissary to the Empire, continued to invite Imperial investment, and explored potential for mutual diplomatic aid. There's also been some talk of launching a raid against the barbarian Brine Turtle sept but that... that's mostly unrelated.

You can read about the Beoradhi response to their new ambassador, and the proposals around raiding the Brine Turtles, in the '''[[A knock at the door]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconThule.jpg|align=left|width=250}}</div>
===Voice Irresistable (Otkodov)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Conclave; Senate; Military units fighting or scouting in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] remain at peace with the Empire. They are always reserved but they continue to cooperate with Imperial citizens, especially the [[magical skills#magician|magicians]] who are peers to their [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlocks]]. Recent months have seen the Thule shift their focus toward their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]], but that doesn't mean there has been no space for diplomacy. A new Ambassador to the Empire who speaks for the Dragons undivided has been appointed by the shadowy, ancient rulers of the northern nation and he seems keen to take up where their late predecessor Rak left off.

You can learn about diplomatic developments with Otkodov, as well as what little information there is about the Ulnak campaign, in the '''[[Voice irresistable]]''' wind of fortune.

<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Wise and Measured (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Navarr; People interested in the vallorn; People interested in the orcs of Thornfen; Urizen; ''Robert Von Holberg''; Bursar of the Conclave; ''Pathfinder Brog'''''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] have significantly improved over the last year, in part due to the [[Synod|Synod's]] work during the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of Solokha]]. An army of Axos, the ''Shield of Ipotavo'' has been fighting alongside Imperial armies in the ongoing campaign to conquer [[Sarangrave]] and push the [[Druj]] further east. But the nation to the south-east is still notoriously touchy about its independence, and relations could easily sour again.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic relationship with Axos, and what that means for a host of different people, in the '''[[Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Suran.PNG|align=left|width=250}}</div>
===Gossamer Threads (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; The Brass Coast; Spring ritualists; People interested in Reinos; and the Minister of Historical Research'''
The [[Iron Confederacy]] sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its neighbour in strength and size. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues following the Suranni conquest of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]].

You can learn more about diplomatic developments with the Iron Confederacy, and what that means for ''[[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]'' in the '''[[Gossamer threads]]''' wind of fortune.

===Five Flames (Faraden)===
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconFaraden.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''; People interested in the Five Flames'''
[[Faraden]] remains caught between the interests of the Empire and Asavea. The ''Liege of the Five Winds'' appears to favour the Empire, but there are some who would prefer closer ties with the Plenum. Trade remains steady between the Faraden and the Empire.

You can learn about the ongoing diplomatic positions between the Faraden and the Empire in the '''[[Five flames]]''' wind of fortune.

===Forging Links (Sumaah)===
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconSumaah.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Freeborn; Fleet captains who escorted the Stone Fleet; Voice of Liberty and those involved in the Liberty Pact; Members of the Senate; Celestial Arch'''
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.

You can learn more about the ongoing developments between the Empire and the Sumaah Republic in the '''[[Forging links]]''' wind of fortune.

===Weaving Tangled Nets (Sea of Steel)===
* '''Ambassadors to the Commonwealth and Jarm; Senate; Military Council; General of the Granite Pillar; Conclave; Imperial Fleets; Imperial artisans'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have been at open war for some time now, a conflict that erupted over control of the borderlands between their nations. Now, the tiny country of Lantir is no more - the [[Cold Sun]] has risen and the ''scions'' seek to ravage the two eastern powers as they once attempted to do in the Empire. Imperial soldiers and magicians have offered aid to the two rivals in their efforts to contain the threat and destroy the armies of [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] pouring into the ruined capital of Lantir. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn.

You can learn about normal diplomatic communications, but particularly the state of play with regard to Cold Sun, in the '''[[Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|align=right|width=200|}}
===Who Counts the Path Untaken?===
* '''Imperial Consul; People interested in diplomacy with the Jotun; People interested in war with the Jotun; ''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark; Iron Osric; the Golden Jarl''; Synod'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Jotun]]. The completion of the [[Kallavesa#Gull's_Isle_Hall|Gull's Isle Hall]], and a missive from '''Iron Osric''' saw their ambassador to the Empire, ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', invite a dozen Imperials to the hetjuveisla - a feast of heroes. Last season, the Loyalty Assembly saw fit to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] raised by '''Skáldsgrým Dunhearth''', that called for the consecration of the meeting place to Loyalty.

You can learn about what's going on with the Jotun, the Meeting Place, and the writ of consecration in the '''[[Who counts the path untaken?]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=200|}}

===Grendel Diplomacy===
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on the Broken Shore, and remain at war with the Empire. They have abandoned [[Redoubt]], but have [[Wide azure skies|launched a major push]] into [[Mareave]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

''Speaker Morna'' is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

It appears that there has been no formal communication between ambassadors since the Winter Solstice. Given the nature of the Grendel it is likely that there have been [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] flying about behind the scenes, but for the moment the only communication between the southern barbarians and the Empire has been in the form of blows exchanged on the battlefield.

==Trade Summary==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 21:00 and ending at 22:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:30 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event, we are defining that point as 21:30 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 21:00 and 22:00.

===Thane's Rest (The Barrens)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Due to the actions of Dawnish magicians, the region of Hope's Rest in the Barrens has become rimebound'''
* '''Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed sheltering in the ruins of Dourfell Keep'''
* '''Characters with a resource in the Barrens can demonstrate their gratitude to the eternal by making their resource rimebound'''
Almost a year ago, the Queen of Ice and Darkness offered to lend her aid to the people of [[Dawn]] to defend the Barrens against attacks. The offer was just for the year, but the Immovable One left a route for Imperial magicians to create a lasting bargain for her aid. Dawnish magicians of the '''Phoenix Rising''' coven eagerly embraced the opportunity and have performed the necessary magic every season. As a result of their dedication, the region of [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] has become [[Region_qualities#Rimebound|rimebound]]. The weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, with heavy storms increasingly common over ice-tipped mountains and deep drifts of snow lingering on the ground.

Servants of the Thane of the Rimebound Shore have been observed living in the ruins of Dourfell Keep. The Keep was destroyed by the Montanians to prevent it falling into the hands of the Druj, and is little more than ruins ever since. It's still ruined even now, but travellers who have sought shelter there from the tumultuous weather report receiving a warm welcome at the Thane's hearth, a fine white stone castle with a roaring fire and a feasting hall groaning under the weight of dishes.

This season there is an opportunity for any Imperial character with a resource in the Barrens to infuse it with a touch of Summer magic. Any character who scatters ice drawn from the waters of Hope's Rest across their property will see the ice take root. It will endure thereafter, waxing and waning with the seasons, but never completely melting no matter how hot summer gets. The resource will become ''rimebound'', infused with a touch of the power of the Immovable One. Being rimebound doesn't currently have any effect; it doesn't change the output of the resource in any way, but it is immediately obvious to anyone who examines it. Accepting the gift is being widely seen as a gesture of gratitude, a way to thank the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' for her aid over the last year. ('''OOC Note:''' Any character who wishes their resource in the Barrens to become rimebound should email {{plot}} after the forthcoming event; we will update the resource on the system).

===Where ''is'' Ravadi's Tomb?===
{{SOP|statement=We have the exemplar, now where is their tomb? This assembly authorises and applauds the creation of an inspirational site to memorialise the <u>EXEMPLAR OF VIGILANCE, RAVADI FOUNDERS’ DANCE</u> (consecrated to vigilance, of course).|by=Martin Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|vote=334-20|when=Autumn 387YE}}
At the Winter Solstice, the Vigilance Assembly passed with greater majority a call to consecrate an inspirational tomb to recently recognised exemplar of [[vigilance]], [[Known_exemplars#Ravadi_Founders'_Dance|Ravadi Founders' Dance]]. In order to be a [[Writ_of_consecration|legally binding writ]] however, the statement must include the chosen location. In order for the consecration to go ahead, the assembly must choose precisely where this site should be, or commission one via the senate if such a place does not yet exist. It is comparatively easy for an assembly to agree that one of their exemplars or paragons should be exalted with an appropriate site, but becomes much harder when priests must agree on where that is, or what part of their life it relates to. In the case of Ravadi, should it be a specific location in [[Weirwater]] where they were born and raised, where the call to fight threats to the Empire was instilled in them? Should it be somewhere in [[Hercynia]] where Ravadi was dedicated to Vigilance and first fought the vallorn, swearing a binding of thorns? Should it be the place where they died in [[Madruga]], where they fought the dry patricians as the assembly's champion? Should it be somewhere else entirely? This is the question the assembly needs to answer before an appropriate mandate or set of mandates can be proposed by the civil service. If the Assembly passes a statement with lesser majority this summit agreeing on a place, the civil service will produce one or more mandates as normal. If multiple pass, the one with greatest margin will be used.

===Black Tillers in Skarsind===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Garden of Hope'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great work </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Gildermark, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides two doses of Hearkener's Hope to each congregation in Skarsind
* Increases investment in congregations in Skarsind by one</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Black Tillers have drawn up plans for a grand garden and distillery that would provide Hearkener's Hope to every congregation in Skarsind'''
* '''This opportunity is available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE or until a great work increasing investment in congregations is commissioned in Skarsind'''
Last season, the ''Black Tillers'' made an [[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|offer]] to the Unshackled Assembly; that they would take on custodianship of the [[Skarsind#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and use it to produce Hearkener's Hope, a narcotic which allows an orc to hear their ancestors' voices more clearly for a short time. The Senate voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Legion_Rookery|amend]] the Rookery to support hiring miners for the newly established [[Sorrowful Tunnels]], but the Unshackled Assembly upheld a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|judgement]] by '''Bloodcrow Meep''' with a greater majority that made clear that the assembly still sought access to Hearkener's Hope, and called on the ''Black Tillers'' to present an alternative.

The coterie have worked with the civil service to draw up plans for a grand garden and distillery in [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], that would see each congregation in the territory receive two doses of the narcotic every season. More information on Hearkener's Hope and the Black Tillers can be found in the '''[[Every_day_of_your_life#Rookery_Without_Crows|Every day of your life]]''' wind of fortune from Winter Solstice 387YE.

===Opportunity Knocks Again===
* '''The civil service will raise an administrative motion to amend the Master of the Mint to give them the power to review a previous appraisal or opportunity'''
* '''This motion will be raised at the Friday evening session at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|recruit all three prognosticators]] that had become [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Candidates|available to expand the Prognosticators Office]]. As such, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will raise an administrative motion to amend the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] to give them the power to make an announcement to instruct the civil service to review a previous opportunity that is no longer available because too much time has passed or because circumstances have changed.

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the power could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]], including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. However, this would require a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend. Alternatively, rather than delegating the power, the Senate could retain the power itself. This would allow any [[senator]] to raise a [[Senate motion]] to direct the [[Civil Service]] accordingly.

Regardless of how the power is employed, it is not possible to review more than one expired opportunity each season at this time.

===Seeking the Karass===
* '''The preacher Jim led shamans, mystagogues and other willing members of the Imperial Orc assembly on a delegation to learn of the ancestors and beliefs held by the Karass'''
* '''A report of that expedition, which was successful, will be made available to each member of the assembly'''
* '''There was an opportunity during the expedition to form a bridge to a significant ancestor of the Karass. Additional briefing material is available for any character with a congregation who believes they would have made this bridge'''

Last season, the Imperial Orc Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_158|voted]] to support [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|Bloodcrow Knott's declaration of his highest calling]] by asking shamans and mystagogues to join him on an expedition to learn more of the ancestors of the Karass. While it was not easy, the expedition has proved fruitful, and those who went with Jim had a chance to learn much of the Karass. A report will be made available to all members of the Imperial Orc assembly present at the Spring Equinox.

During the expedition, Nerru, an elderly member of the Illarawm, successfully formed a bridge to an ancestor of the Karass with the help of Lenna, a young member of that sept. Anyone who receives the report may decide on reading it, that their character would have taken this opportunity to bridge to this ancestor with Lenna and Nerru's aid. If you do decide this, please let us know, a note will be made, and you will have access to additional briefing material designed to give a sense of the wisdom imparted by this pivotal Karass ancestor.

===Greenwatcher===
* '''The title of Greenwatcher was mistakenly marked as inactive'''
* '''The title still exists with its responsibilities, but has no powers'''
* '''It will be available to elect at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
The [[Greenwatcher]] was marked as inactive following [[Ossegrahn]] finally [[Songs like trees|turning away]] from the Empire. This was a mistake, as the responsibilities are still relevant. The title has been reinstated, though with none of the previously associated powers, as they were all derived from the eternal.

The Greenwatcher is still responsible for striving to prevent the vallorn from harming people of any nation, whether Imperial or not; they are also expected to actively work to warn others of the danger presented by the vallorn and ensure they take its threat seriously; finally, if the Greenwatch were to come under threat, it is the responsibility of the Greenwatcher to deal with those threats.

===Rod and Shield in the Commonwealth===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">[[File:OrderRodAndShield.jpg]]</div>
* '''The Rod and Shield have been encouraged to support the Commonwealth against Cold Sun'''
* '''Members of the order can journey to the Commonwealth to offer advice, or take part, in the fight against ''scions'' of Cold Sun
Shortly before the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, Lantir was [[Cold war|lost to Cold Sun]]. '''Sakari Nightscale''', as [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], called on the order to offer [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|magical aid]] to the [[Commonwealth]], along with the Golden Pyramid and experts from the Granite Pillar. Battlemages and magicians interested in the practical application of magic in military situations have travelled across the Sea of Steel to support the Commonwealth's efforts against the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], either by directly getting stuck in against the heralds, or through discussions on the tactical use of magic.

Any player whose character is a member of the Rod and Shield can email {{plot}} with their CID to let us know that their character went to the Commonwealth. Those who email in will receive a random pawn of [[vis]] and a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] from an encounter with a ''scion''. The deadline for emailing in to take part in this opportunity was midnight on Tuesday the 19<sup>th</sup> of May.

===Vigilance in Sarvos===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" ;">'''Investigated Sarvos'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Citizen'''</td><td>'''Nation'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Achseh </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aemon </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaro d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Apollos </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Destin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elena Donati di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esria </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Estella Lucati </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fabio Costas d’Apulian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giuliana Tessaro di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Godfrey of The Emberclad </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jared </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Joran </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jovian </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jules von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Junia of The Rowan Chapel </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lia Adelaar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merlof Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miroslaw Vukovitch Von Temeschwar </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Omin </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulus Adelaar van Holberg </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taddea Ginori </td><td> The League </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tyrael </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vashti of the Cenotaph </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario </td><td> The League </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Joran of Reikos with 25 doses of liao to rally the people of Highguard to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let Virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Joran of Reikos, Highguard National Assembly|vote=552-0|when=Winter 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Seek out falsehood and expose the truth! We send Viviane Barossa with 25 liao to rally the people of the League to use their well-earned skills to find those who betray the people of Sarvos. Let virtue reveal the deceiver!|by=Viviane Barossa, League National Assembly|vote=168-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>
Last season, an [[Finding is the final act|opportunity]] arose for the priests of the League and Highguard to investigate the potential of a Grendel espionage ring in the crown of the Catazar - the city of [[Sarvos]]. Both assemblies approved this venture to thwart the machinations of the orcs of the Broken Shore, and the last three months saw thirty-two of their number descend upon the coast in a vigilant fervour. Furthermore, the Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to seek out the aid of the [[College_of_the_Liberated|College of the Liberated]], further increasing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, due to the actions of Imperials taking advantage of the [[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|offer]] of the [[Whisper Gallery|Court of the Shadowed Oracle]] to profit from the espionage ring rather than identify and disrupt it, the inquisitors were thwarted in their attempts. The priests of Highguard and the League were unable to follow up on enough leads to identify the Grendel agents or their key bases of operation.

All is not lost, however, the Conclave [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_War_of_Whispers|committed to the war on whispers]] this season gone, and from that focus comes results. Those who took part in the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|venture]] have been able to determine and share that there were three military units led by humans from somewhere in the east of the Empire (that is, from either [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], [[Holberg]], [[Therunin]], or [[Urizen]]) who took part in this counter-counter-espionage.

'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
Those who took the '''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos''' action will have taken part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and attempting to identify traitors to the Empire. Unfortunately, each time they were close to pinning down something, it would have gone awry. Either a witness was whisked away, a piece of evidence lost, or a written document had the text garbled.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Winter Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Winter Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===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>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, The Meadows, ''Two Barrel Field'']]</td><td>Defeat the Wayford Traitors</td><td>Traitorous Marchers</td><td>[[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Dog_Barks|A Dog Barks]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''William Guildenstern''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Bill of Beatsdown'' was killed; ''Stephen of Sarcombe'' survived; ''Jim Moor'' was murdered on the field; ''Jyll Longleys'', ''Jack Poultice'', and ''Dusty Cobb'' survived; The three items of worth were lost.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Thornfen, ''Camp Askoun Orama'']]</td><td>Protect the ''Shield''</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Fire_and_the_flood#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Dead_Whisper|The Dead Whisper]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' of [[Dawn]]; Druj successfully engaged; all ingots and measures captured; ''Rebuker of the Unwanted'' recovered; situation with captives unclear.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Skallahn|Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, ''Eagle Scour'']]</td><td>Intercept Ghodi Uksahkka</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Rubies_in_the_snow#Battle_Opportunity:_The_Queen_Waits|The Queen Waits]]</td><td>Not taken; ''Ghodi Uksahkka'' safely arrived in Kierheim; Tromsdalen fyrd formed</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Fleisardh, ''Capstone Veld'']]</td><td>Deny the Haulers of the Tide</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Rocks Falls]]</td><td>Not taken; Fleisardh has gained the coastal quality; Weltsilver seals remain; ''Pinerunner Pattar'' discovered; ''Questionner Kester'' still alive</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Morrow, Peregro, Xavier's Path || [[Arbiter of the Four Winds]] || [[Red_skies#A_Different_Skill_(Morrow)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 2 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Verdant Lea || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Ceaseless Hunter]] || Ceaseless Hunter killed
|-
| 3 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Antonio's Glebe || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Red_skies#Golden_Crane_(Sarvos)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Taiva's Pen || '''Maryc of House Orzel''' || [[Shadow_in_the_grass#Agramant_and_Big_Icebarn|Kill the Feasting Lord]] || Feasting Lord killed
|-
| 5 || Madruga, Crucible, Draws Sward || [[Imperial Fleet Master]] || [[Red_skies#As_If_the_World_Were_Fog_(Madruga)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 6 || Sarvos, Foracci, Vintner's Way || [[Armarius of the Anvil Library]] || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Burn_The_Books_(Sarvos)|Protect the Library Scriptorium]] || All Cinders killed and Scriptorium protected
|-
| 7 || Skallahn, Greenwall, Paegga's Rest || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Prince_of_the_Ravens|Kill Eluf Asbjørnsson]] || ''Eluf Asbjørnsson'' survived and will raise the fyrd of Greenwall this season
|-
| 8 || Madruga, Torres, Corsair's Road || '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Sever_The_Hand_(Madruga)|Protect the House of Guerra]] || All Cinders killed and House of Guerra protected
|-
| 9 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Abigail's Green || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#A_Plain_Wooden_Box_(Bregasland)|Kill the Jotun warband]] || Imperials pushed off the field; Lion of the North have recovered strength
|-
| 10 || Upwold, Tower March, Benson's Bawn || '''Martin Orchard''' || [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Silence_The_Bell_(Upwold)|Protect Benson's Orchard]] || All Cinders killed and Benson's Orchard protected
|-
| 11 || Sküld, Kógur, Leopard-Tooth Pass || [[High Bard of the Empire]] || [[Invited_with_asperity#A_Cultural_Exchange_%28Redux%29|Exchange cultural works of storytelling]] || Cultural works exchanged, High Bard may know more
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Eastring, Broken Pasture || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[The_thing_with_feathers#Midwinter,_Was_It?_(Llofir)|End the suffering of those who fought the vallorn]] || Unclear, but the Speaker of the Vallornguard may know more
|-
| 13 || Casinea, Casfall, Casca's Doom || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#Whatever_Happened_to_Mendicant_Garev?|Heal and rescue mendicant Garev]] || Mendicant Garev rescued and healed, some strange items recovered, Speaker of the Highborn Assembly might know more. Mendicant Garev was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|called]] to inquisition
|-
| 14 || Mournwold, Alderly, Hare Stone || '''Linley Weaver''' || [[The_thing_with_feathers#The_Stone_Cried_Out_(Irra_Harah_again)|Respond to the call of Warrenwise]] || Problem solved, '''Linley Weaver''' should know more
|-
| 15 || Therunin, Eastring, Day's Rest Wayhouse || '''Eleri Bronwen's Rest''' || [[The_tune_without_the_words#A_Light_in_the_Trees_%28Therunin%29|Discuss relocation of Glimmerwater steading]] || The Glimmerwater steading will relocate to [[Miaren]]
|-
| 16 || Spiral, Apulus, Aphelion Cape || '''Floria Sunshaper''' || [[Mirror_and_the_flame#Keep_the_Bargain_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated and shards retrieved
|-
| 17 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ingrid's Rock || [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#It_Moves_(Kallavesa)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 18 || Redoubt, Siluri, Lucia's Moor || [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#A_Short_Path_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, North Fens, Gorum's Toe || [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Behold_the_Fear_(Bregasland)|Stop the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 20 || Redoubt, Tomari, Magnus' Clearing || [[Brilliant Star|Custodian of the Brilliant Star]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#Within_the_Stone_(Redoubt)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Grendel defeated
|-
| 21 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Scop's Lookout || [[The Academy|Head of the Academy]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Cut_Them_Down_(Sermersuaq)|Clear out the coral husks]] || Coral husks destroyed
|-
| 22 || Necropolis, Fishguard, Myfanwy's Rest || [[Abbess of Reconciliation]] || [[Blood-red_blooms#At_the_Gardens_(Necropolis)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperial pushed off the field and [[Abbess_of_Reconciliation#Abbey_of_Reconciliation|Abbey of Reconciliation]] raided
|-
| 23 || Ayereed, Gainmeachdubh, Dunreagh's Mead || [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]] || [[387YE Winter Solstice winds of war#Make_an_Anchor_Weep_(Ayereed)|Defeat the Grendel]] || Imperials pushed from the field but remnant Grendel killed by wagon raiders
|-
| 24 || Skallahn, Ulfrsmoor, Nordrborg Approach || [[Smith of Ashes]] || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#Siege|Stop the construct from reaching Kierheim]] || Construct defeated
|-
| 25 || Skallahn, Mindrkyst, Drekatangi || '''Sebastian Shaw''' || [[Rubies_in_the_snow#A_Bronze_Bear|Rescue shipwrecked Marchers]] || Crew of the Old Jim's Ewe were successfully rescued
|-
| 26 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Hywel's Track || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Crimson_and_green#Under_an_Oak_(Therunin)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and apothecaries saved
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Skinflawed's Corral || [[Strategos|Strategos of Urizen]] || [[Fire_and_the_flood#A_Cold_Medallion_(Conjunction)|Defeat the Druj]] || ''Grettek Skinflawed'' and rest of the Druj killed
|-
| 28 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, The Execution Field || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Quietude#Spies_And_Traitors_(Conjunction)|Discuss intricacies of Imperial law with Anka Karass]] || ''Anka Karass'' has gained a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the Karass under Imperial law
|-
| 29 || Spiral, Apulus, Hadrian's Path || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Unexpected_(Spiral)|Intercept the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples dispatched and scattered, none escaped to Mareave
|-
| 30 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Clear out the Druj]] || Druj cleared out
|-
| 31 || Therunin, Eastring, Greensward Lea || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Waves_of_Ruin_(Conjunction)|Take advantage of the conjunction]] || Area was cleared but no ritual performed
|-
| 32 || Redoubt, Limus, Temple of the Stinging Blade || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Borderland_(Redoubt)|Deal with the Disciples of Sulemaine]] || Disciples slaughtered, the Champion of Loyalty should know what happened to the schema
|-
| 33 || Morrow, Altis, Path to Highwatch || [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] || [[To_fight_aloud#Precious_Cargo_(Morrow)|Stop the Disciples of Sulemaine]] ||Disciples slaughtered, the Polemarch of Highwatch should know what happened to the dose of [[true liao]]
|-
| 34 || Hercynia, Northpines, Starwood Roots Steading || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|Investigate strange rumours]] || Rumours investigated; '''Bloodcrow Arora''', the [[Archmage of Winter]], might know more
|-
|}