Empire - User contributions [en]

Spreading the Way

2026-09-09T16:01:43Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"You thought you'd finish by quoting the tenets?" said Gerard with a tone that suggested that he did not favour this approach in the slightest.

"It's guidance. And I did. I thought it appropriate given the subject matter. It cuts right to the heart of the matter I think." Naomi beamed at her boss. It was never wise to show any weakness in front of the auditor, but in truth she was pleased with the appraisal. She doubted anyone else would be, but that was their problem.

"There's nothing the Empire can commission I see. Usually we have some suggestions for them?" her boss replied, turning the short report over as if trying to find where she might have hidden those details.

"It's full of suggestions!" She grinned. It was a little unprofessional, but really. They'd wanted Lisane for this and maybe they would have done better with her, but Naomi didn't think so. She was proud of her work, this one had not been easy.

"Quite. It's a lot of... policy..." The Empire's most senior accountant said that word like it was painful to him. "But there's no actual motions? Nothing the Conclave can do? Surely there must be a mandate or two?"

"On the contrary! There's everything they can do... I just haven't narrowed it down."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|caption=The Labyrinth has long been a symbol of [[The Way|the Way of Virtue]]|align=left|width=500}}
</div>
==Overview==
During the Summer Solstice, '''Rane Shardbearer''', [[Kallavesa|Senator for Kallavesa]], proposed a [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spreading_Way_to_Non-Wayist_Cultures|motion]] to appraise how non-Wayist cultures and communities residing within the Empire can be brought into the [[The Way|Way of Virtue]]. They asked for Lisane de Terresford to conduct the appraisal, but Lisane remains [[Satraps of the Abyss|engaged]] in Sumaah until the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE, so Gerard la Salle selected ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' as lead prognosticator on this task.

Naomi's response is a little more expansive and a lot less ''detailed'' than usual. Her answer might best be summed up as "It depends". Fortunately, for Gerard's temper and Naomi's career prospects, she puts a ''little'' more meat on the bone than that...

==Caveats==
* '''Naomi starts her appraisal with three important caveats'''
* '''The first is that prognosticating issues of faith is always exceptionally difficult'''
* '''The second is that there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution'''
* '''The third and final point is that the Empire should not expect it to go well'''

Naomi has a few things to say in her report, but before she gets to that, she has three important caveats to state first. These are key limitations or drawbacks that leaders of the Senate and the Synod must be aware of.

The first is that prognosticating matters of faith is always fraught with difficulty and prone to error. If Naomi wants to calculate the ''exact'' amount of white granite needed to build a fortification on a mountain pass in Urizen, there are Day rituals that can provide those answers. If she wants to understand how building a monument to the memory of a fallen Wintermark hero will affect recruitment in a territory, there's a Night ritual for that. But the soul defies divination; it is difficult even to find the right question to ask, and there is almost never a useful answer. Any time faith becomes a factor, prognostication becomes harder. That is not to say that it is impossible - but harder.

Naomi's solution is to recommend breaking things down into small, simple steps. She is confident she won't be able to appraise "how to convince the Sand Fishers to embrace the Way". She might be able to come up with some recommendations, but she would not be certain of their success. But she can appraise "How to encourage the Sand Fishers to engage with priests of the Way" - that is a much easier thing to appraise. And maybe, hopefully, perhaps, once done, it might eventually lead towards the goal of getting the Sand Fishers to embrace the Imperial religion. Of course, it's more than likely to reveal theological problems that are in the way, but arguably that's useful information too. The point is that the Senate would be best advised to break the goal into small parts and try to take it slowly. In this respect, a more circumspect appraisal will give more certain answers.

The second key point is that there will ''never'' be a one-size-fits-all solution. There is no commission that the Empire can build which will make the Sand Fishers embrace the Way. And even if there were, you can guarantee that whatever it was would be completely useless for convincing the Dreamers of the Dark Forest to embrace the Way. If there is a chance of getting the Dreamers to embrace the Imperial faith, whatever the answer is, it won't be any use at all when applied to Faraden merchants.

Every group that the Empire might want to convert, to proselytise, is different. Every problem of this kind is unique - every group is an infinitely complex mélange of history, beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, experiences. Geography, economics, politics - all of these factors can be important for matters of faith. A [[fortification]] built in [[Hahnmark]] works just as well as a fortification built in [[Redoubt]]. That will never be true here - every group the Empire tries to approach will be different - every solution will need to reflect that.

And finally, the Empire must not expect the outcome to go well. There is a common assumption that if a group embrace the Way, then they will embrace the Empire. History mocks those assumptions - loudly. The Empire has a good - relatively speaking - relationship with Sumaah, but that relationship has been rocky - it's only a few years ago that Sumaah were at war with the Empire, even if it didn't come to much. A more telling example is the experiences with the Lasambrians, where the Empire converted them to the Way... haltingly at first, but they soon embraced it with fervour. And then they promptly went and joined the Jotun.

Embracing the Virtues encourages you to be Ambitious - to strive for the things you desire. It doesn't encourage you to compromise and accept a solution you don't like. It encourages you to be Courageous and fight for the things you believe in - it doesn't encourage you to submit to a more powerful neighbour. It makes you Loyal! - but usually to your companions, not to the Empire. And most of all, it makes you Proud - it tells you to take Pride in your identity and your place in the world - it doesn't encourage you to give that up and join an Empire.

None of that is to say that the Empire can't have harmonious relations with groups that they convert to the Way - but it does mean that it isn't a given that it will be any easier to have good relations with them. In Naomi's view, if relations are good or strong or positive, then sharing the Way can take advantage of that. But if relations are difficult or strained, then a group embracing the Way will only lean into that conflict.

Taken together, this is why the appraisal cannot be answered, says Naomi. There is nothing that will help in all situations, so she cannot provide an appraisal of any one common method or approach because no such method exists. She can't report what a generic approach might do, because that goal is too expansive in scope, too general. Because faith is hard to prognosticate, she can't say what might work or what might not in general terms. Like an arcane projection, she can only look at a specific case. And finally, whatever she does recommend could all go badly wrong - she can't say what the outcome could be because it will be different every time, so there will always be pitfalls with any appraisal of this kind, but with something so general, it's impossible to even guess what they might be.

==Approaches==
Rather than try to appraise a generic solution to the problem - which Naomi says would be impossible - she has instead produced some ideas for possible approaches the Empire could consider. The aim is to provide citizens with ways to think about how the Empire might go about this, in the hope that this will provide them with a framework for considering the possibilities - a way to advance some goals, or employ an approach without the help of the prognosticators' office.

The key in Naomi's mind is to break it down into three different approaches

===Aura Led===
* '''Priests and others could take the lead using liao and mandates to spread the Way using auras'''

Auras can be incredibly effective in showing people the power of the Way. They are most effective on peoples without access to liao who have never experienced similar forces before - or at least not similar positive forces. Active, tangible miracles that are personally uplifting can be incredibly moving for some people. Imperial citizens are often profoundly moved by the power of true auras in particular, like the consecration of the marshes of Kallavesa or the Capodomus Cathedral. But in a way, every single liao aura is a miracle, a way to create a font of Virtue, something that uplifts and motivates all those who experience it. A ''cynical'' League bravo might scoff at being anointed with [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Drive_of_Ambition|the Drive of Ambition]], but people who have never experienced the power of the Way, the power of the auras, are likely to be impressed by them.

Naomi points to Imperial experiences with the Sand Fishers - a group of people who had lived for generations under the crushing auras of miasma created by the Druj. They were intimately familiar with auras - every single one of them had never known a time when they weren't exposed to the fear and dread the pillars spread. When the Empire showed them the auras, the results were electrifying, partly because it released them from that fear; it gave them a way to counter it for the first time in their lives. And partly because it gave them something Virtuous to experience instead.

Of course it doesn't always end well. Naomi points to the examples of [[Not_to_conquer|the Barrens septs]] who experienced the auras of Freedom, courtesy of the Montanians. The auras they created uplifted the orcs; it made them believe they could be free, and it made them want to fight for it. It gave them the will to rebel and try to seize the Barrens for themselves - so they could live free. The rebellion of three Druj armies was disastrous for the enemy - but it didn't exactly bode well for the Empire either. Once the Barrens septs had a taste of Freedom, they wanted to be free of the Empire every bit as much as the Druj. And that didn't end well for anybody.

An aura-led approach would be less useful with a group like the Axiou who have just as much experience with the auras as the Empire do, if not more. Auras could be used to motivate Imperial missionaries, but no aura in creation is going to be enough to convince the Axiou to give up their mad ideas about the Creator.

The approach with the Sand Fishers worked remarkably well, but Naomi argues that the Empire got lucky. The Sand Fishers were especially open to conversion, having few strongly held religious beliefs of their own. And, crucially, the Empire had just given the Sand Fishers a home, a place away from the Druj in a land they recognised where they could live and prosper and rule themselves. The Empire gave them the auras and the Virtues at the same time that they gave them everything else. The Sand Fishers were enormously well inclined to the Empire after they were given [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] for their own.

The best approach is likely to pick one or two virtues to start with - ideally the ones that most strongly align with the cultural norms of a group. The Karass are secretive and defensive - perhaps the Virtue of Vigilance would be something they would embrace? The Great Forest Orcs seem to place a lot of emphasis on Loyalty to the community - perhaps that is a way to approach them? The better the Empire knows a sept, the more they can refine the approach. Naomi likens attempting to use auras to convince a group of complete strangers to embrace the Way as akin to a general ordering his army into a territory for which there is no map of any kind. If you go in blind, you risk doing more harm than good.

===Doctrine Led===
* '''Scholars and Philosophers could take the lead using doctrine and debate'''

Demanding a group follow the [[The Doctrines of the Faith|Doctrines of the Way]] is usually a sure-fire way to get them to reject the faith. Independent groups with no reason to embrace the Way are unlikely to react positively to the imposition of a catechism and a set of rules. This is particularly true for groups with little in the way of any organised religion and no unified religious beliefs. A better approach can be to send scholars and philosophers to debate the Way and to demonstrate why the way of life laid out by the Doctrines is superior. This approach is what the [[Highguard|Highborn]] missionaries employed in [[Urizen]] centuries ago.

A more formal, rules-based approach, might be effective when dealing with a group that already has an organised religion. The Jotun, for example, clearly have a coherent set of religious beliefs; they have churches, and worship of their ancestors is an integral part of their lives. They treat their priests, their ghodi, with enormous respect. The idea of religious beliefs and religious laws is normal to them. It would be incredibly difficult to convince the Jotun to embrace the Way and incredibly dangerous, but the most effective way to attempt it would be a doctrine-led approach, especially if the Doctrines of the Way presented an encompassing vision of Orc life.

The Suranni are the prime example of a nation where a doctrine-led approach would have the best chance of success. Converting the Iron Confederacy would be incredibly difficult - they are very standoffish with the Empire, but they loathe the Imperial religion. It's not that a doctrine-led approach would be easy - rather, the approach would be easier than other options. They have an established priest class, with a population used to taking instruction from their priests. If those priests could be supplanted, replaced or removed, then they would be more receptive to a doctrine-led approach - certainly more than an aura-led approach, which they would be bound to denounce as the work of Dumon.

Another situation where a doctrine-led approach might work is where a group has been conquered. If they accept their defeat, they accept that they have been beaten, by which Naomi means they are no longer trying to rebel or fight back, then it becomes much easier to implement a doctrine led approach. It might sound callous to spread the way by force of arms, the Doctrines can be used to show people that everyone in the Empire is equal in the eyes of the Way - that the same Doctrines apply to everyone. When used with tact, an approach that invites people to embrace the doctrines will be more successful than an approach which tries to convince them of what to do by pushing the effects of auras on them.

===Culture Led===
* '''Diplomats and merchants can take the lead demonstrating the advantages of allying with the Empire to spread the Way'''

The Empire could persuade some groups to embrace the Way by demonstrating the benefits that it provides. By illustrating the political and cultural advantages that it confers. It might not sound very spiritual, but people will gravitate to the Way if the Empire shows them how they will benefit as a result. Clever diplomats can offer benefits to those groups who are prepared to align themselves with the Empire, merchants can trade ideas as easily as they trade wares when they travel among a group.

The Apulian Orcs are a fine example of how this worked in practice. They had some significant theological differences with the Imperial Way - they embraced the Seven Virtues - just not the same seven Virtues as the Empire. When faced with this contradiction, their desire to become part of the Empire quickly saw them abandon their religious convictions. Political advancement in the Empire was more than enough to persuade them of the importance of embracing the Virtues.

Cynics might argue that this form of conversion lacks conviction - that it demeans the Way to reduce it to such material concerns. Naomi disagrees, arguing that the first job of any missionary is to get a person to accept new religious ideas - to get them to give up their old beliefs in favour of the new. It's true that some former Grendel may wear their religious beliefs like a loose cloak, but ''they still hold them''. It's the job of other priests to shore up their Virtue and urge them to embrace their new beliefs. There's no reason why the next generation of League Orcs shouldn't grow up to be bishops as far as Naomi s concerned.

This kind of approach requires the Empire to have a positive relationship with the group. Arguably any approach benefits from that, but here it is essential. The group don't have to ''like'' the Empire, but they do have to admire them, they have to want to emulate them, otherwise it cannot succeed. Championing this approach can involve methods to share cultural and political benefits with a group. The Empire elected not to give Imperial Lore to the Sand Fishers - that was clearly the Vigilant decision. The risk of it falling in to the hands of the Druj was high. But there's no doubt that if the Empire had shared Imperial Lore with the sept then it would have inevitably brought them even further into Imperial life. It would have shown them the advantages of embracing the Empire - and by extension embracing the Way.

This approach can be expensive and difficult and require sacrifice. The willingness of the League to give up land to the Sand Fishers was pivotal in bringing that group closer to the Empire. Paying for their children's education was expensive - but it virtually guarantees that the next generation of Sand Fishers are going to be Imperial citizens - and the Way will follow. Naomi's point is that ''giving'' someone your culture is ''expensive'' - there is often a cost in land and money to be paid for that. The Highborn armed and trained the Dreamers of the Dark Forest - that show of trust, that Prosperous generosity will have helped to spread the Way to the Dreamers.

Of course the alternative is to try and export your culture without their agreement as the Empire is trying to do in Asavea. The Plenum know exactly what the Empire are doing - inciting a revolution against their rule that will overthrow them - and their priests - in the hope that they are replaced by something closer to the Empire. It could work - but it will be incredibly expensive and difficult. Naomi points out how little progress has actually been made on that gargantuan effort, compared with how much pain it has wrought.

If the Empire wants to overthrow the Plenum, cast out the Asavean priests, tear down their temples and put the Way in their place, they can do it. Nothing is impossible for those who follow the Way - but it will be incredibly difficult, incredibly expensive and incredibly painful. The response of the Asavean Plenum so far is trivial compared to what they will do as the threat grows. Once it becomes existential for them, they will throw everything they have at the Empire to try and stop them.

However, this cultural approach is, however difficult, the only option that has any real chance of success. The Empire could convert some Asaveans to the Way by demonstrating the power of auras, the Sumaah can spread the Way through their slaves by promising to uplift them, but the only way the Asavean Empire will embrace the Way is if the Empire tears the entire thing down and rebuilds it in its own likeness.

==Conclusion==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">
<quote by="Highborn saying">
''Virtue is contagious''
</quote>
</div>
There is no commission that Naomi can propose that would be effective across the Empire with all groups. As such there is no easy way to answer the appraisal - arguably there is no answer to the appraisal. There simply isn't a way to do the thing the appraisal asks for. To achieve it the Empire would need to break it down, look at individual groups, and devise the best strategy to approach them and try to convert them. The Synod will likely take the lead of course - especially with any way that is aura led - but the Senate will be important, the Conclave, the Military Council, even the Bourse have a role to play. Even the new Imperial sodalities could have a part to play in this.

But each body will have to take small careful steps to achieve the goal - there is no single action that is going to convert any group. Often the prognosticators won't even be aware that something will help - few of the benefits of working with the Sand Fishers that were analysed by the civil service revealed that they would bring the sept closer to the Way, but that happened none-the-less. That process is far from complete, but the movement was incremental and often incidental to other purposes. Often it's impossible to know that any progress is being made at all, until things suddenly change. There may be no signs that a group are engaging with the Way or enamoured of it - not until it happens.

The Empire can use appraisal as a tool to help spread the Way, but to do so any future appraisal would need to focus on a specific group and provide simple goals that could be met. Appraise a way to spread the Way to the world won't produce useful answers, Appraise how to convince Skoura to let the Empire build a church of the Way in their lands would.

In the end though, the best approach is likely one that enables the people the Empire want to convert to embody the Virtues. Take a lesson from the tenets of Loyalty suggests Naomi.

<quote by="Guidance of Loyalty">The Virtuous build up their fellows; they do not tear them down.</quote>

The best way to spread the Virtues is to be Virtuous - by finding ways to build up their fellows, not tear them down.

The dose makes the poison

2026-09-09T15:51:21Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Axe of Dusk.jpg|align=left|caption=The Golden Axe brave the rotting marshes of Therunin, and the spiteful poison that pools there.|width=500}}</div>
==Gold Axe and Iron Boot==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/kGkKpXXsfT0?is=UJJbDoMIdaUrJFX3}}
The rich bayou and dense forests of [[Therunin]] are a shadow of what they once were. Since the [[Ashes#Ring_of_Ashes|surprise assault]] of the Druj a little over two years ago, the [[Navarr]] territory has been torn by war and poison, ravaged by [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]]. The [[Thimble]] was lost, the [[Therunin#Holt_of_the_Oak_(ruined)|Holt of the Oak]] fell, [[Isaella's Dance]] and the [[Iron Helms]] made the ultimate sacrifice to help their allies win free of a Druj trap, the ancient hospital of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]], the newly built apothecary college of [[Thornsinger#Thornsong House|Thornsong House]] burned, and [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] withdrew his healing rains from the Empire. Worse, the wicked sorcerers of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] roused the vallorn of Tharunind. Only the [[Songs_like_trees#That_Hill_and_Wood_Shall_Slay|valiant efforts]] of [[Wolves of War|League soldiers]] and [[Golden Sun|Dawnish knights]] saved [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] from being overwhelmed; only the courage of [[Pilgrim's Defiance|Highborn pilgrims]] protected [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] from [[A_bright_cerulean_flame|being consumed]]. Despite all that sacrifice, all that valorous desperation, [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] was [[Crimson_and_green|still lost]] and while the Druj paid a high price for their arrogance, there is no hope of the steadings or the [[weirwood]] groves being recovered until that day when the Empire takes the final battle to the vallorn.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">
<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Warriors of the Axe, this season we march to Therunin. We march to where the Iron Helms & Isaella's Dance paid the ultimate price. To where the bonds of Loyalty between Varushka and Navarr were deepened. For too long have the people of Therunin been cut off from our Empire. The dread gaze of Blood-on-the-Snow has turned to the people of Therunin offering false hope. We reject the lies of this Eternal! We march to show the people of Therunin that they are not forgotten. To the Navarr of Therunin, look to the east. We are coming.</quote>
</div>
Into this crucible of pain comes the worst of all possible friends - the [[eternal]] known as ''Twigsnap'', as the ''Giver of Gifts'' and ''Blood-on-the-Snow''. ''He who calls the Lost to Feast''. [[Agramant]]. "''Nobody else cares about Therunin save me''", he whispers. "''I am the only friend to the people of Therunin''", he claims. "''I will help you take back what the Empire has denied you''", he wheedles. And to be sure he has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|offered sweet gifts]], and [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Beast_Below_(Agramant)|despite the warnings]] some of those who still remain in Therunin have heeded his words.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenAxe Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

Now the Empire responds, and the warriors of the [[Golden Axe|Axe]] march to Therunin. They march in part to deepen the bonds between [[Varushka]] and Navarr, and to urge the people to reject the false hope offered by the ''Cannibal King''. Up out of the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]] they go, fording the Unnamed River at [[Sarangrave#Turan|Turan]], thence to the [[The_Barrens#The_Bleaks|Bleaks]] and a sojourn at the [[The_Barrens#Last_Battle_Wayhouse|Last Battle Wayhouse]]. There the captains meet with the steading that calls that place home, still, despite the jealous anger of the Karass. The Navarr scouts have kept as close an eye on the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]] as they have on the Sarangrave; they are ready to serve as guides to the poisoned morass the Druj have made of that once-beautiful marshland.

The dour Varushkan warriors are bound around with [[Day magic]] that grants vital [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] for the battle that is to come. A half-handful of [[Military unit|Imperial captains]] accompany them, but for the most part it is the warriors of the Axe alone that walk south out of the Barrens into the ruin of the Lower Tarn. As they march, orcs watch them from the trees. The Karass resent the Last Battle, and resent the Imperials who visit. They make no effort to impede the army - they are not so brave - but neither do they offer any aid. It's doubtful they have much to give anyway; their warriors are busy in [[the Mallum]] after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''' (right), General of the Golden Axe|align=right|width=300}}
So, gathering momentum as they go, the Golden Axe leaves the Bleaks and enters a Therunin that is, at least in theory, still held by the Druj.

==Haunted Bayou==
Therunin is haunted, there can be no doubt. For the Golden Axe, it is the spectre of the Iron Helms that they spy beneath the hunched trees of the Tarn Valley. They paid an ultimate price, paid it willingly, and if the story is to be believed some of them still fight on despite having died a year or more ago. The [[Quickening Cold Meat|bitter gifts]] of [[Winter magic]] have a way of lingering. Perhaps it was those lingering spirits who fought beside the Iron Helms that drew the black-eyed gaze of the ''Devourer of the Fallen'' here in the first place. Either way, every Varushkan knows that death is certain, and rarely pretty.

Dwelling on the dead does not pave the path to victory, however, and the soldiers of the Golden Axe are rarely given to introspection when there is battle to be joined. It is not the dead, or their echo, that faces them in the Lower Tarn Valley but the very real threat of the remaining Druj and the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisonous]] legacy of [[Ashes#Objective:_Prevent_the_use_of_the_Sephals_Cauldron|the Sephals Cauldron]] that occupies their thoughts. The Last Battle scouts warned the Varushkans how bad it was, but even so they are barely prepared.

Its been two years since the Druj spilled the Sephals Cauldron in the Lower Tarn, in an effort to punish Imperial armies fighting in the territory, and a failed attempt to spread their wickedness into the Barrens. Since then, time and [[Spring magic]] both have worked a terrible transformation on the once-fertile Lower Tarn Valley. With the waters poisoned, much of the vegetation here has died and rotted, creating a foul-smelling miasma that hangs at the bottom of the valley like a curse. The skeletons of people, oxen, and beasts lie in stagnant pools of filth, undisturbed by scavengers or predators, food only for the flies that everywhere swarm in buzzing black clouds. What few trees remain, hardy enough to resist or with roots deep enough to reach untainted water far below, are still clearly sick. Their fruit is blotched, marred by the taint of venom, and the first fool to ignore the caution of their friends and pluck a misshapen apple from a sagging bough dies raving within the day.

Not everything is dead - mushroom and fungus both prosper here, feeding on death, untouched by the residue of that twisted cauldron. A particular kind of moss, of all things, has adapted to the poison in the worst possible way. ''Toragh's Beard'' as it has been named by the Navarr, in "honour" of an infamous master of the poisoners arts, hangs in strands from dying trees and the moisture that drips from it contains concentrated venom that burns the skin like acid. Some of the great insects that Therunin is known for have survived, but as with the trees they show signs of sickness. Many have clearly been driven mad by constant pain. Even here, though, their numbers are greatly depleted. One of the things that presses on the awareness of the Varushkan soldiers is the oppressive silence. For hours on end the only sounds are those of boots squelching in mud, the splash of feet in shallow water, ragged breathing, the susurrus of dying wind through dead reeds.

==Those Left Behind==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|title=The Razor Skink - symbol of the Chikad|caption=The Razor Skink - symbol of the Chikad|align=right|width=200}}
The Golden Axe are not here for a nature walk though, they are [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|here to conquer]]. There are still Druj in the Lower Tarn Valley. Most have taken over the abandoned steadings, or the settlements once raised by the [[Great Forest Orcs]]. At first they present a nearly negligible threat to the Varushkan warriors, armed with up-to-date intelligence provided by the Last Battle steading. It is also clear that, with the route east into Sarangrave sealed by the vallorn and the Empire, they have fragmented and fallen to that factionalism that so often overcomes the barbarians of the Mallum where there is neither outside threat, nor a strong leader to keep them together.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on where one stands, news of the Golden Axe spreads in widening ripples across the Tarn Valley, and up into Peakedge Song. The first few engagements go overwhelmingly in favour of the Varushkans, the Druj barely able to respond before their life-blood spills out onto the poisoned ground. Then, after less than a week, the silence is riven by the pounding of drums, those great echoing drums some Druj use to communicate over great distances. "''Beware!''" they shout to those who know how to understand their tongue. "''The Empire comes! The Het summons!''"

A [[Druj_champion#Het|Het]], then, in the Lower Tarn Valley. The Navarr had rumours of such a thing - a warlord of one of the [[Arkad]] who sought to weld the Druj remnants in Therunin into some kind of order. ''Egrech Skinrazor'', a second-rate [[Arkad#Chikad|Chikad]] commander marooned in western Therunin when they fled the fall of Eastring to the vallorn. With the backing of neither [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] nor sept, they brought together the remaining ''Tepel'' apothecaries and sought to kill any who would not accept their "protection". Controlling the [[potion|potions]] and [[herb|herbs]] the Druj are used to having in profusion, they seek to control those left in the Tarn Valley. The Last Battle say they have done well, considering the naturally treacherous nature of the Druj.

From that point on, the fighting is a little less one sided. Oh, there is never any doubt the Golden Axe will prevail. There are nearly seven thousand Varushkan warriors, possessed of supernatural strategic acumen, supported by scouts who have made a study of both the weaknesses and strengths of the forces here. Yet there is a cost to their victories; soldiers lives are spent to overrun the barbarians' positions. The poison that seeps into everything begins to take a toll of its own; supplies of fresh water and wholesome food are all very well but there is only so much that can be done. Open wounds allow poison to seep into the blood. Even something as simple as slipping in the mud, never mind being knocked prone by some renegade [[Arkad#Pakkad|pakkad]] in the fury of battle, can lead to tainted water or droplets of poisoned mud being swallowed. The healers that accompany the Varushkans do their best, but the pace has been set hard and fast. The emphasis here is on ''victory'' and all too often a [[surgical skills#Physick|physick]] arrives to find their patient already cooling.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
The Druj are not the only people in the Tarn Valley, however. There are a handful of isolated Navarr steadings who have refused to leave. Through everything - the rampage of the Druj and the poisoning of the marshes and the rousing of the vallorn - they have remained steadfast. Most paid the ultimate price, tortured by the invaders or forced to seek the cold oblivion of [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Kaela's Gift]]. Some withdrew to the places they knew the Druj would not follow, into the depths of [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]], and while many were lost as Tharunind awoke, others survived and continue to strike against the Druj encampments to the north.

Some of these steadings emerge as the Varushkans press south into the Tarn Valley. They are on the verge of collapse, starved of provisions and supplies, but still they fight. There is no doubt that some of them have heard the words of ''Wastewalker'', and like ''Dochas Weeping Glade'' have taken his gifts, but now is not the time to balance that scale. It is not the Varushkan way to question those who feel they must take dark bargains to survive and as long as they are discreet, most soldiers do not pry too closely. Don't ask questions you don't want answered, older soldiers tell their younger comrades. It is for [[general|generals]] and [[archmage|archmages]] and priests to argue over the right and the wrong of tainted weapons, not those who know they must face the greater darkness. Even so there are a few too far gone to trust. The thorns of ''Willowjoy Steading'', who file their teeth to points, who wear armour decorated with flayed orc faces, and who openly fight alongside the long-armed, black-clawed, shaggy beasts of the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]] receive short shrift. When a Varushkan soldier spies them gnawing their way into the belly of a fallen Druj, the response is swift, merciless, and bloody.

Realistically it is only a few of the emerging Navarr who are suspect. The rest have done what their people always do. Scattered, hidden, prepared, rationed their food, and water, and arrows. Made contingencies, used their mastery of woodcraft to scout and where possible ambush or assassinate. They may treat the Varushkans with a little suspicion - more than one voices surprise it is the Golden Axe and not the [[Black Thorns]] or the [[Quiet Step]] that have come to Therunin and the small number of orcs of the Great Forest who fled with them have their own reason to be cautious of Varushkan warriors. Yet for all that, they nonetheless welcome the Imperial soldiers as cousins, and a welcome sign the Empire has not forgotten them. Their intelligence, added to that provided by the Last Dance, paints a more detailed picture of life in the Lower Tarn Valley.

''Egrech Skinrazor'' has gathered his forces around him at the ''Razorhill'' - the ruins of what was once the [[Therunin#Holt_of_the_Oak_(ruined)|Holt of the Oak]]. Partially reinforced with [[weirwood|wood]] from the Thimble - before the tendrils of the vallorn sealed all access to the weirwood grove - they fly poorly-painted banners of black lizards from their palisade, and adorn the walls with mortal remains stolen from the defiled [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Funerals|corpse glades]]. They raid those other septs who do not bow to Egrech's dominion, seeking always to claim the herbs they need to ensure their warriors continue to resist the very taint the Druj brought to the Lower Tarn. They trade their jealously hoarded supply of weirwood to the warlords of the Upper Tarn and Peakedge for more herbs but their reserves must by now be dwindling.

It is ironic, perhaps, that a region once known for the generosity of its herb gardens has been so ruined that even [[true vervain]] must be carefully rationed. A perfect example of the madness of the Druj.

==On Razorhill==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thorns.png|align=left|width=400}}</div>
The ''Blackrazor'' aspire to be a sept but they are really little more than a rabble of murderers and thieves. Egrech may fancy themselves a great het, but they are clearly nothing more than a scrabbling power-hungry fool desperate to enforce their will on those weaker than them, living in fear of those stronger. For all their talk, as the Golden Axe approach the low hill where the Holt of the Oak once stood the forces "loyal" to Egrech are quick to retreat behind their ramshackle walls. Once a beautiful structure of living wood and timber shaped by the Great Forest Orcs as a sign of their alliance with the Navarr, the Razorhill is little more than a lopsided palisade with a handful of watch towers surrounded by a shallow moat. The moat, rather than the walls or the wooden towers, is the real danger here. The foul, filthy water that fills it stinks like an open sewer but there are telltale rainbow patterns on the surface that speak of the concentrated poison that fills the wide trench.

The Golden Axe do not waste time when they arrive. Forewarned by the Navarr, they carry as part of their baggage train three dozen tree trunks cut down on the edges of the Bleaks where the trees still stand hale and hearty. They also have two wagons filled with the rubble and ruin of the broken steadings and settlements they have dealt with on their route here. Even as Druj archers begin their hail of arrows on the attackers, the Golden Axe raise their heavy shields to protect those charged with putting these preparations to good use. Bridges are laid down, and sections of the trench are filled with rubble, allowing the Varushkans to chop their way through the leaning perimeter wall and force the Druj to face them directly.

Egrech Razorscale has tried to rule by fear, and it shows. Without the bare minimum protection granted by keeping the Golden Axe at bowlength, any suggestion of discipline or coordination melts like ice on an anvil. As veterans of the Mallum know, however, desperation makes these barbarians more dangerous, not less. Flame erupts as some of the tents and shanty buildings catch fire; cornered Druj hurl themselves with murderous fury at the attackers. Many are clearly using the preparation the Imperial Orcs euphemistically dubbed ''[[Double-sided Blade#Warming Armour|Warming Armour]]'' but the Druj know as ''Warspice''. It drives them into a frenzy, lets them fight long after the point where they should have collapsed, but when they finally succumb to their wounds death claims them quickly, the blood flowing hot and fast into the churned mud within the walls of Razorhill.

The cunning Druj still have surprises for the Empire. With half the army on one side of the shallow, poison moat and the rest inside the walls of Razorhill, a hundred or so orc barbarians erupt from hides and shallow pits along their flanks. It's a tactic the barbarians have used before, but never in such poisoned earth. Many of the ambushers show signs of spreading poison, but they hardly seem to care - ''[[Double-sided_Blade#Weakening Sun|Corpseskin]]'' the Druj call it, a drug that removes pain but makes those who use it all too pliable and suggestible. They fight with a grim determination, grinning as the Varushkans hack them apart. For a brief period it looks like this attack might cause some real problem for the Imperial forces - many of the hidden orcs bear bows that they use with deadly accuracy despite their drugged state.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fire and thorns.jpg|align=right|width=400}}</div>
Then, without warning, the ambushers are themselves ambushed. A cohort of silent Navarr appear seemingly out of nowhere, and rain their own arrows down on the attackers from behind. Caught between the Varushkan anvil and the Navarr hammer, the balance shifts catastrophically against the Druj attackers. They fall pierced by red-fletched shafts or hewn by iron axes. For a moment, the two forces stare at each other over the pile of bodies; then the unexpected archers disappear back into the gathering darkness of late evening. Some of the thorns fighting with the Varushkan army later identify them as warriors of the Weeping Glade; those who have gathered to the banner of ''Dochas'' and openly bear the fell boons offered by ''Whisperer''.

Inside the palisade, the fighting is almost done when Egrech Razorscale reveals the final element of their trap. The fire that spreads among the tents is not an accident; barrels of oil and pitch gathered from conquered steadings have been cunningly hidden in the rough encampment. Some of the Druj have concealed themselves with hand-axes and as the fire spreads they smash these barrels flooding sections of the ruined keep with a horrible, sticky, flammable substance. Others hurl clay pots full of the stuff and follow them with lit torches. Within minutes, the flames are beyond control. The Varushkans are forced to pull back, as walls of fire erupt into the darkened sky.

Unfortunately for the Druj, the soldiers of the Golden Axe are neither fools nor bloodthirsty barbarians. Once it is clear what is happening the retreat sounds and the army falls back across the bridges to the other side of the moat. Razorhill is consumed, the roaring of the conflagration almost drowning out the screams of the Druj left behind, immolated by flames set by their own leader. The tongues of fire leap high into the sky, visible for miles across the flat, poisoned marshes.

Egrech Razorscale is not here. The self-styled het of the Blackrazors was never here. Along with the tepel herbalists they had impressed, along with the core of their supporters, they have fled west towards the Upper Tarn Valley, leaving the bulk of those foolish enough to trust to their leadership to die. Sacrificed to try and harm the Varushkan army enough that it would give up, perhaps. If that was the intent of the Razorscale, it represents a woeful lack of understanding of the Varushkan spirit.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ripple effect on water.jpg|caption=Despite the victory of the Golden Axe, the insidious poison created by the Sephals Cauldron continues to taint the Lower Tarn Valley.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Mopping Up==
Over the next few weeks, the Golden Axe meet with limited resistance. Any Druj who were not lured to Razorhill by Egrech's hollow promise of security, or who did not flee west, are mercilessly and swiftly dealt with. As the Autumn Equinox gets closer, the Golden Axe declares victory. There are still a few warbands of Druj here and there but they are in disarray, fleeing, easy prey for anyone who would hunt them.

Very few prisoners or slaves were liberated from the Druj encampments; presumably any Navarr that had not fled or sought sanctuary in the isolated steadings chose to take that bitter gift that [[Kaela]] offers Imperial citizens captured by the Druj. There are a handful of terrified orc thralls, dragged here by the Druj when they thought they might make Therunin a part of the Mallum, who cower from the Varushkans as they cowered from their cruel overlords. The Golden Axe have minimal comfort to offer them, but most are taken in by the Navarr who still abide in Therunin.

There is one unexpected treasure amidst the rot and ruin of Therunin. One of the last Druj encampments dealt with by the Golden Axe lies along the raised road that once connected the Lower Tarn Valley to Eastring. Here, concealed beneath canvas and mud, the soldiers uncover wagons laden with weirwood. There's no doubt that this is a shipment of wains from the Thimble, likely being transported west to shore up Druj defences as the vallorn ate their settlements to the east. It is only a fraction of the bounty of the Thimble - five wains - but even so it is doubtless better to deny the Druj this treasure. The Golden Axe take custody of the material. Even this offers scant comfort, however, to those sickened by the poison that still infests the marshes here. To those who have lost comrades, friends, loved ones to the Druj or to the mud. Maybe as many as three hundred soldiers have died here, more often to the terrible residue of the Sephals Cauldron that to the fight with the Druj - and that poison is not going anywhere any time soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=400}}
==Game Information==
===Therunin===
* '''The Golden Axe have claimed the region of the Lower Tarn Valley
* '''The General of the Golden Axe has received 5 wains of weirwood recovered from Therunin
* '''The Druj still control Peakedge Song, Upper Tarn Valley, and East Ashes; Sweetglades, Greenheart, and Eastring are completely dominated by the vallorn
* '''Lower Tarn Valley still has the poisoned quality
The Empire now controls the ruins of the Lower Tarn Valley. The Druj control three regions, and the vallorn controls the other three. As such, no one force has overall control of the territory. The Lower Tarn Valley still has the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] quality, and will cause casualties to any Imperial armies that fight there or move through it on their way to attack somewhere else. A key element in the victory here was the assistance of Last Battle Wayhouse in the Barrens - the fact the Lower Tarn Valley has the [[Region_qualities#Under_Threat|Under Threat]] quality provided a major advantage toward claiming an actual beachhead in the territory. The Imperial attack also benefitted from the support of Dochas and the warriors of the Weeping Glade, who attacked at the pivotal moment at the battle of Razorhill.

The General of the Golden Axe has received 5 wains of weirwood, recovered from the territory. While the weirwood clearly came from the groves of the [[Thimble]], it is legally the property of the general.

None of the military units supporting the Golden Axe received a share of the Imperial Guerdon.

There are a few Navarr steadings in Therunin that resist the Druj, the most prominent being that led by [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Beast_Below_(Agramant)|Dochas Weeping Glade]]. The wicked eternal [[Agramant]] has been offering aid to the Navarr to take back their territory from the Druj, while denouncing the Empire for abandoning the territory and the people who remain here. There are signs of heralds of the Whisperer everywhere in Therunin, but the situation does not seem to have got any worse in the last season at least.

The stretch of land controlled by the vallorn that runs across the middle of Therunin creates a strategic challenge, similar to that which exists in [[Brocéliande]] and once caused problems in [[Liathaven]]. It is not possible to move between East Ashes to the south and the northern regions of the territory, and vice versa, without passing through the vallorn. Any fighting there would be considered a separate engagement to fighting in the north, and the [[A_bright_cerulean_flame|recent engagement]] of the Pilgrim's Defiance there indicates that there is still a Druj presence in East Ashes centred around the Feverwater Docks.

===Poisoned Marsh===
* '''The poisoned quality presents a strategic challenge
The [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]] quality means that each Imperial campaign army that moves through, or fights in, the region suffers 250 casualties during that season of campaigning (which may be increased by the orders issued to the army). The ritual [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] protects an army from this effect, but orders have no effect to reduce these casualties.

The Empire now has a beachhead in Therunin, but the virulence of the poisoned quality there presents a challenge to any attempts to use that beachhead to attack the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]]. There are two options here:
* Imperial forces could move to attack Upper Tarn Valley, using the beachhead they have created here. If they do so, any army participating will suffer the effects of the poisoned quality.
* Alternatively, they could pull back out of Therunin and attack the Upper Tarn Valley from [[the Barrens#Hope's Rest|Hope's Rest]] - avoiding the poisoned quality but needing to take a new beachhead to do so.

All this presupposes that the poisoned quality still persists, of course.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}
===Sucking the Poison===
* '''Members of the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild could act to treat the poison in the Lower Tarn Valley'''
* '''Any member of the sodality that takes the special action to treat the poison for the season will see their production halved'''
* '''The work will require at least 30 members of the sodality to act each season to make progress'''
* '''Two seasons of success will be required to clear the poison'''
* '''It will cost the Imperial treasury thirty thrones each season until the poison is removed'''
The "antidote" to the Druj poison is known thanks to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Imperial Apothecaries' Guild]]. [[Wasp_nest#Isolating_an_Antidote|Ioric's Elixir]] is a herbal preparation that can be combined with fresh water to cleanse the Lower Tarn Valley of the horror the Sephals Cauldron has created here. Indeed, shortly after the [[Imperial sodality]] was formed, they tried to deal with the poison but ran afoul of an invading Druj army and were forced to abandon their efforts. The [[Senate]] already [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild_to_Therunin|instructed]] the Apothecaries' Guild to apply the antidote in 383YE so there's no need for further license to empower the sodality to get to work. All that is required is for the sodality to meet and vote to begin their work in the Lower Tarn Valley. A simple majority of the members attending a meeting to discuss the matter would be sufficient, and even if they were to vote not to undertake the effort immediately, as long as the situation didn't change dramatically there'd be no problem with them delaying a season or two.

Unfortunately, as mentioned already, the two years that have passed since the [[opportunity]] was first presented have not been kind. The poison has sunk deep into the earth and water of Therunin. The [[Wasp_nest#Practical_Solutions|basic principle]] is sound; removing the poisoned quality will take six months, and cost the [[Imperial treasury]] 30 thrones each season. There is some risk - there are still Druj in Therunin - but the enemy there are disorganised and the remaining Navarr and their winter allies are prepared to offer protection to the Guild if need be.

Once the Apothecaries' Guild votes to start cleansing the poison, it will cost the Senate 30 Thrones each season until the project is completed or the guild votes to abandon it. It will however require a much more focused effort to actually cleanse the poison, and more expert work not only to deal with the problem itself but to protect those confronting it.

If the sodality votes to undertake the work, it will create a special opportunity in downtime following the event. This opportunity will be available ''only'' to members of the Apothecaries' Guild who possess ''either'' the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] skill. Other characters can roleplay their involvement, but only those with expert knowledge of how to use [[herbs]] will be able to directly contribute to the cleansing of the Lower Tarn Valley. Each season it will require '''at least 30 members''' with the appropriate skill to support the operation, or it will make no headway. It requires two seasons (which need not be consecutive) to complete the work.

The nature of the opportunity varies depending on their personal resource, but involves participating in the cleansing of Lower Tarn Valley. Any character who does so is assumed to either travel to the territory, or to provide support and resources to those doing the work.

* If a character supporting the operation in the Lower Tarn Valley controls a [[fleet]] or [[military unit]], it will be able to take a ''guarding'' [[voyage]] or [[venture]] as appropriate, which will provide a standard military unit or fleet with seven random herbs. Rituals that boost a fleet or military unit that is undertaking a guarding action will benefit as normal.
* A congregation will be able to perform a [[Congregation#Lectures|lecture]] that means they will receive Synod votes as normal but lose ''all'' their [[liao]].
* A character with any other personal resource will lose ''half'' its production for that season.

This personal cost has caused some people associated with the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild to question the wisdom of trying to deal with the poison - it comes at a significantly greater cost to the members than it would have done two years ago. Nobody has quite come out and said it, but perhaps the sodality might wish to negotiate with the Senate to secure some concessions in return for putting their livelihoods - and potentially their lives - on the line.

====Peak Pharmacy====
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|width=250px}}</div>
* '''The Benefactor of High Chalcis could choose to support the Apothecaries' Guild by redirecting herbs from Highguard
* '''The Gardens of High Chalcis would provide no benefits; the Benefactor would lose the production from their sinecure; and the High Herbalist of Sybella would have fewer herbs available to them
* '''Doing so would remove the need for the Senate to pay to support the Apothecaries' Guild efforts
The poison in Therunin has advanced to the point where it is no longer feasible for the [[Benefactor of High Chalcis]] to simply [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Redirect_the_Bounty|redirect the bounty]] of Reikos to [[Wasp_nest#Peak_Pharmacy|resolve it]]. That is not to say that the herbalists of Reikos could not provide valuable assistance. They could however provide the large number of herbs needed and remove the cost to the Imperial Treasury. Instead the majority of the herbs would come from High Chalcis, and any shortfall would be made up by devout herbalists in other parts of [[Highguard]]. As always, however, using this power would mean the [[great work]] would provide no additional herbs to the herb gardens of Reikos during the time it took to clear the poisonous taint, and the Benefactor themselves would receive no personal herbs either. This decision would ''also'' have implications for the [[High Herbalist of Sybella]] – with fewer herbs available to buy in Highguard they would lose access to the top two ranks of their ministry while the purification takes place (this would not impact their ability to buy herbs from the Kruidenkenner however).

Once committed, the effects would start as soon as the Apothecaries' Guild chose to begin cleansing the taint, and persist until the corruption was removed from the Lower Tarn Valley, the Benefactor chose to end them with another announcement, or the sodality ended the endeavour.

====Militant Physicks====
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BloodCloak_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Valiant Pegasus, Bloodcloaks, or an army under Bound by Common Cause could help clear the poison, reducing the time needed to a single season'''
* '''Any army working in the region would suffer the effects of poison unless protected by the enchantment Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker'''
The poison has sunk in, but there is still a chance for the [[Bloodcloaks]] or [[Valiant Pegasus]] to offer their aid here, even [[Wasp_nest#Militant_Physicks|after two years]]. Unfortunately, things have progressed to the point where it needs much more expert herbal lore than even the physicks of these two armies can easily provide. If either of these armies were to come to Therunin, however, and use their [[Army_qualities#Physick|Tend the Fallen]] order they would reduce the time needed to cleanse the region from six months to three months. There is a risk to such a plan, of course, in that the army would be exposed to the very poison quality they were cleansing. But the magisters of Highguard point out that the Winter ritual [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] provides protection to soldiers from poison. The Valiant Pegasus – or the physicks of the [[Bloodcloaks]] of [[Wintermark]] – could be defended from the corruption of the Tarn Valley if they bore the enchantment.

Regardless, an army involved in helping to deal with the poisoning of the Lower Tarn Valley would ''not'' be eligible for natural resupply while assisting the Apothecaries' Guild.

It would still cost the Imperial treasury 30 thrones, unless the people of Reikos provided their herbs, and still need the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild to commit themselves and their resources to the project for a season.

==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Beast_Below_(Agramant)|The keys of blood]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune relating to the interest of Agramant in Therunin
* [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|The thing with the feathers]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about Agramant's attitude to Therunin
* [[Ashes#Poison_and_Ashes_(Battle_Opportunity)|Poison and ashes]] - 386YE battle opportunity around the Sephals Cauldron
* [[Wasp nest]] - 386 Winter wind of fortune discussing the poisoning of Lower Tarn Valley; while the opportunities here have been superseded the history and context remain the same

A greater darkness

2026-09-09T15:50:06Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Trees against purple night sky.jpg|align=left|caption=The war we fight is not against powers and principalities, it is against chaos and despair.|width=500}}</div>
==What Has Gone Before==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/NKAPFE7KQ88?is=k7UszMIWy9FYiphb}}
[[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|There is a plan]]. It is a risky plan, and it requires everything to go right and nothing to go wrong. But there is a plan.

The Great Forest Orcs and the Navarr are oathbound; siblings in spirit if not in flesh. In Therunin, the Navarr offered sanctuary when the orcs of Peytaht were forced to flee [[the Barrens]]. They walked the trods together, fought together against the vallorn, fought together against the Druj. When the orcs of the Great Forest returned to their home, it was the Navarr who helped them drive out the remaining tyrants and secure their beloved grove. The bond has become stronger since; orcs died alongside the thorns and brands when the barbarians assailed Therunin and slaughtered their way through the Tarn Valley. The Navarr have welcomed their ambitious youth to the groves of Miaren and Hercynia, helped them create their own "steadings" as they tend the weirwood trees and inch by slow inch combine their own traditions with those of their hosts.

Yet they have always been a wounded, broken sept. The wisdom of the Great Forest Orcs has always been two-edged for them. Their mastery of living wood, their unparalleled skill at tending the valuable weirwood groves, long ago saw the tyrants of the Mallum rip their people into gobbets. Every weirwood grove the Druj control is tended by Great Forest Orcs, forced to toil at the command of cruel overseers. Each disparate settlement serves as surety for the others - if any one were to dare rebel it would be their family in the Barrens, in Ossium, or Sarangrave, in Sanath, or Ulnak, that would pay the price for insubordination.

For centuries this was simply the way it was, and it is only within the last ten years that things have begun to change. The children of the Great Forest in the Barrens found a welcome in Therunin; their family in Ossium was ultimately liberated from the Druj; the Imperial conquest of [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] freed the orcs held there to walk free. Only two weirwood forests remain in the possession of the Druj - the Sacred Grove and the Grove of Woe - and only two enclaves of Great Forest Orcs remain separated from their people. It is a wound, and a painful reminder that the sept is not whole, and it is also a weapon that the Druj seek to wield against them.

Shortly before the Summer Solstice, it came to light that the Buruk Tepel had given the orcs in the [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] an ultimatum. Betray the Navarr, betray the Empire, betray the trust they have built; or know that every one of their sept trapped in durance in the Mallum would be slain. Killed, and worse than killed. The Druj know all the ways to make someone suffer, to beg for death, before they allow a broken spirit to slip into the Howling Abyss. The Great Forest Orcs are well aware of how far they will go, even when their backs are not against the wall.

A [[All_I_ask_of_you#Hammer_Waiting_to_Fall|hammer waits to fall]] on the children of the Great Forest, and by themselves they cannot hope to stop its descent. If it strikes home, it will break their hearts.

But the children of Peytaht have not betrayed their friends; and their friends are with them.

==The Plan==
{{SOP|statement=The Navarr National Assembly calls upon Ioan Longshadow, former General of Isaella's Dance, Guide of Courage, oath-sworn friend of the Great Forest Orcs, and survivor of Grendel chains, to lead Navarr's hand in the rescue of the Great Forest Orcs and the war against the Druj. Any spoils of war gained in this endeavour shall be distributed among those who pledged their support to this cause. He is charged not merely with the conduct of war, but with the keeping of bonds forged in blood and memory. As our allies suffer beneath the yoke of the Druj, this Assembly places its trust in one who has endured captivity, borne loss without surrender, and walked the path of duty. Between Navarr, the Imperial Orcs, and the Great Forest Orcs, The Druj will find before them a Wall of thorns that shall not fall!|by=Ioan Longshadow, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 217-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The Imperial Orc Assembly call upon the skills won in combat and wisdom from his time as General of the Winter Sun, for his steadfast pursuit of liberation of those in chains and the ruin of fear makers; we send Exemplar of Wisdom Skywise Rykana to lead the Imperial Orc forces to boldly venture into the Mallum and save all those Great Forest Orcs we can. No orc should go alone, to second him and support him with her knowledge of the Great Forest Orcs. We send a cousin from the Yerende sept of Ossium, Bloodcrow Meep. May they show the strength of orcs who unite. May our gathered forces join with the Navarr to create a wall of thorns that will not fail.|by=Firesong Galath, Imperial Orcs National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 62-0|when=Summer Solstice 388YE}}
On one level, the plan is simple. The Navarr and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] will go into the Mallum and ''get'' the remaining Great Forest Orcs. They will break their chains, and bring them to the safety of the Heart of Peytaht. They will use stealth as long as it avails them, and when that fails as it inevitably must, they will fight. The Druj are in disarray; they fight a war for survival on at least two fronts. The Thule press them in the Forest of Ulnak; the Empire has crossed the borders of Sarangrave and assault them to the south. Within their own borders, the threadbare trust that has allowed the rival septs to work together, allowed the Buruk Tepel to collaborate, is fraying. It will not be ''easy'' but the plan is not ''complicated''.

During the Solstice, the priests of Navarr and the Imperial Orcs chose champions - leaders who would guide their own people and work together to make sure the plan is a success. Their people rally around them, in Ossium and in the Barrens and in northern Sarangrave. The maps acquired at great risk by Imperial scouts allow for multiple routes to be plotted to the target locations - smaller groups move swiftly and are less likely to attract the attention of the Mallum's defenders.

The [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] is the most accessible. The Imperial armies are engaged in [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower Saarnath|Lower Saarnath]] and it should in theory be straightforward enough to infiltrate [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Upper Saarnath|Upper Saarnath]]. Once the slaves are freed, they will only need to be escorted back to the Imperial battle-lines to reach safety. The situation is complicated by the fighting, of course. There are not just Druj in Lower Saarnath but ''[[Forward into depthless dark|multiple armies]]'' of Druj.

The [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] will be much more challenging. Looming over [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathsgate|Deathsgate]], where the grove stands, is the immense fortress of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]]. Indeed, it is the master of that immense [[fortification#bastion|bastion]] - the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|buruk tepel]] ''Nimon Rue'' - who tried to use the threat of murder to suborn the Great Forest Orcs in the first place. In theory, Imperial forces could pass through the lands claimed by the Thule. Otkodov and the Empire are allies after all - at least in theory. Yet it might be a mistake to take the goodwill of the Dragons for granted. Worse, just as in Lower Saarnath, the clash of armies in the northern forests of Ulnak risks exposure to the Druj just as it does in the south. If Nimon Rue becomes aware of the rescue effort, there is every chance they will immediately order the slaughter of their prisoners. The Druj have a long history of making the choice that hurts their enemy the most, and no matter if they suffer themselves as a result.

In both cases, while the journey to the weirwood groves will be fraught, it is the return where the danger really lies. Not only will the Druj be aware of what is happening, but every minute it takes to overcome the defences of the labour camps, every minute wasted mobilising frightened orcs, is another minute for the enemy to respond. The flight back to the Empire cannot help but be a harrowing escapade no matter how well the plan is executed.

It takes weeks to organise the raid, and with Summer ripening into Autumn, the first Imperial warriors slip across the borders under a bruised sky into the Mallum proper.
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td> Abigail Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ada Droon Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adeen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adonis Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adrian Cardel </td><td> The Cardel Caravan </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aedan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aeilidh "Fletcher" Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aiden Rubra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aisling Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alana Firekeeper </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alastair New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aldred Boar's Dell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alim Longstride </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alistair </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allana Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ameryth Silentwatch </td><td> The Silent Watch </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amwryn </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angela RavensOak </td><td> Ravens Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Angharad Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Annwyl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Anthony </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Antur Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aodhan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aoife Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ardyn Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arianwen Thornfield </td><td> Thornfield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arin Birchwood </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arisent Twin-Wreathed </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arron Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Artoreus Cinderheart </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arwydd Clearbramble </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aryanwen of the broken hearth who cherish the lost and wayward </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ash Bramblestep </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Trosk </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ashborn Vana </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asher </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Asthore Autumngale </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Atur 'Backbreaker' Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aurelia Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Avery Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ayla Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badonthir Fúlmar </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Badran </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Berwyn Dancingleaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Betony </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bleddyn Eternal </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bledri Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Arora </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Kran </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bloodcrow Reek </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Boars Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Braithe Ashen Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bramble of the Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bran Blazing Grain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brân Splintered Oak </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brat Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bree Bellthorne </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brenna Whisperleaf </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brennin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brìghde </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brion </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Broccomaglos Gladespear </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brody Dusk Crow </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bronwyn </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bruiser Ashen-Tear </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bryn Shield Hearth </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynmor Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Brynwulf Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadell Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadfael Silentwatch </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadoc Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwell Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cadwyn Ashfall </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caedria </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caelwyn Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caiden Duskcrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caleb </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Callohan </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caoimhe Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cara Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carric </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Carrock Daggersbond </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cassidy Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caularthron Tetramic </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cedar Thorns Rest </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceinwen Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Celwyddog 'Dog' Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerberin </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerddinen Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ceri Brackensong </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cerwin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ciapek SplinteredOak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cliab (Cleo) Larksong </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clint Strangewood </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clover Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Coeden Silvercloud </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Conan </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corey Wayfarer </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cormac </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Corwyn Silvercloud </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Courgetta Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cúán </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culann </td><td> Fawn Hollow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culhwch Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cullain Shadowbirch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daegan Larksong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagen Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagony O'Shea </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Daire Oathsinger Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darrach </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Darragh Cinderhart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dax </td><td> Two Feet </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Deagan Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delilah </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Derwyn Sparrowflight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Djack Dancer </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Domhnall Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Draenen Goch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drew Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dris Wayward Glade </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dryn </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drysfa Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Drystan Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dylan Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earnan Bramble Step </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Egan Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eilonwy Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eirlys Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eisen </td><td> The Rising Wolves </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eleri Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eli Thrawn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elijah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ellis Evergreen </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Elowen </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emhyr </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emlyn Tangled Path </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrich Bloodfeather </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emrys Ember-Oak </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Emyr smolder leaf </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Endellion </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enfys Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eoghan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erin </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Erwan 9th Shield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eryr Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eskah Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Esper Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eurion "Mr Cambion" Firekeeper </td><td> The Hearth Guard </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Even Agra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ewan </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> face </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fae </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faelan </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faethyr Nightgrove </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fallon Shadowglen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Faolan </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Farren Silver Streams </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Féchín Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Feirdhris Fifthwind </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fen, Twin Wreathed </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fennel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fern Mossbeard </td><td> Splintered Oaks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fernelda </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ffion Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Finnian </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Arachas </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ecca </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Okeer </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Firesong Ussa </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flannagan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flaxney Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flidais </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Flynn DancingLeaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fraygor Oakskull </td><td> Twisted Tree </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Frith </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fynn Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gaeorg Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gavynn Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gawain Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gelert </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Geraint Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gethin Bledwyn </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ghost </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Giacomo Fuchin </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Goffrimm Boar's Promise </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gorwen </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gra'sh </td><td> Ebonmaw </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gragan Leafblown </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gralka</td><td> Skywise</td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Greff </td><td> Firesong </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Grundfos Thorn's Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gull Wind-Roar </td><td> The Silver Fletchings </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwdihŵ Adar Pluen </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwenllain Hearts’ End </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwennan </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwilym Heartsbane </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyddian Ashborn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwyn Ybythol </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hallux Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Halwyn Splitroot </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harsan </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hastur Flame of Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Heilyn Bronwens Rest </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Helvetie </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hen Was Silverthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Henarian </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Herden </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hester </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Huewyn </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hurn </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Arwyn Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris Fensorrow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Idris SummerCrow </td><td> The Summer Crows </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ieuan Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ikarosh </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilana </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iniska Ashwood </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ioan Longshadow </td><td> Long Shadow </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Scrin </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Irontide Thorrak </td><td> The Irontide </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ish </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Islwynn Nettlebound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iven </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> J'zarr </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jac </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jaerin Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakaa (SIVA) Bonecaller </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakewyn Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jonah Farkas </td><td> Ruis Farkas </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorek </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorren Greybloom </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Pickles </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Juniper Silvercloud </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai "Kiwi" Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Springseeker </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kai Wayward Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kalor Warboar </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellek </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kellos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kevan Heartsbane </td><td> Heartsbane </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Keyan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Khestra </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiàine Thistleseeker </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kirrik </td><td> Ashborn </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kiyan Bellwood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kore Firestarter </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyffin Thornfield </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kylar Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kyra New Dawn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lark Lonestrider </td><td> Embersworn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lauren </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Leshi Last Dance </td><td> The Last Dance </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Liadan Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilith Montague </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilliana Eir Shield Hearth </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lindir </td><td> Cold Embers </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lith "Shiny" Fellsmith </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Llinos </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lochlainn Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logain Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Dusklight </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lowen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luthar </td><td> Lopoldë's Flame </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lynn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> M'ul </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Machar Broken Bough </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Madog Brackensong </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mai Gwyn Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maldwyn Bloodbrook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marianna Lochstrider </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marr Mothskin </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marsh </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mathias Lonestrider </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maud Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mawb Strangers Song </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mazo Freewalker </td><td> Ashborn Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meep </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meera Mended Branch </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meg Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meirion Scattered Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mercia Questor's View </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meredith Nighthaven </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merewen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mervyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Merwyn Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Meya </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mharen Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirabel Lonestrider </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mooch </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moose </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Môr Edgestalker </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgan Drifting Bough </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morgoth SweetBlood </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morrigana Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mouse Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Muse Ashen Tears </td><td> Ashen Tears </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Myrddin Ravensong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Naen Farbound </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nathair Autumngale </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Natilli Verdavere </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neasa </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neirin </td><td> Brackensong Steading (Banner) </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nell Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nia </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niah StarSeeker </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niamh Thicket </td><td> Oakwood Thicket </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nimerous </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nirrin </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nisien Duskbound </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> NiVek Broken Bough </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Niylah </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nos Umbral Path </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nuala Crowfell </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oak Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Odhran Mal </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleander Dreamsreach </td><td> Dreamsreach </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleksiy Kostaltyn Van Temeschwar </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olwyn Curlyute Mossglade </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orinn Embracing Fold </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Orwynn </td><td> The Dreadshields </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Owain </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oz Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Paulk Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Ashen Tears </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pine Swordsong </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Podine Halfthorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Powell Open-Skies </td><td> Open Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Presnora </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Priff </td><td> The Thornborn of Entwined Paths </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Protectorate Kardak </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Puck </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pyre Ashenheart </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raewyn Eternal </td><td> Vervain Shield </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raghnall Long-Hammer </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raina </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rat Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Redhand Gezzar </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rélileas Bramble Step </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Rootround </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhian Seedsower </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Tend-Fallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhiannon Thornwatch </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhianon Waystone </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhoslyn Tendfallen </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyffyllann Inkblood </td><td> The Thornborn of Black Scar </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhyl Hammer's Rest </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rhys Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Richelieu Sternenlicht </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> River Berry </td><td> Cult of Myrtle </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Robyn Sweetnest </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodric Worldscribe </td><td> Bronwen's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rok </td><td> Redhands </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Romi </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rook Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rowyn of the Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rutger </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saamy Splitroot </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabina Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sage Tanglebane </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sand Viper Idra </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sandviper CODA </td><td> Sand Vipers </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Saura Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Savannah </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seaton </td><td> TangledSong </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sebastian Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seda Hornleaf </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Selvis Larksong </td><td> Larksong Striding </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren </td><td> Ember-Oak </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seren Embercast </td><td> Embercast </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seth Blackhawk </td><td> Driftwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sever </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sheridan </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Shistjarma Soar Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siân Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silk Farkas </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Simon </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sinder </td><td> WinterSuns </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Siôn Everbloom </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skod </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skunk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skywise Rykana </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorcha Embracing Fold </td><td> Ashwood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sorrel </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Dren </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormcrow Tœba </td><td> Stormcrow </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Stormsteel Skorr </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syl </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylaria Sentri </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvari Barkweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sylvie Dawnroot </td><td> Moon Striders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syml </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Syn Truth-Walker Returned </td><td> Nighthaven </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Scarletsong </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talfryn Summergleam </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Talulah Noorie </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tanwen Dancing Leaf </td><td> Dancing Leaf </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taran Foxden </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Taren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Task </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tavvik Splintered Oak </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teela </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tegid Ember-Oak </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teleri Thornweaver </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Telyn Ashes Blaze </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tenebrae </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teris </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thalion </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thane Springseeker </td><td> The Stormwall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> the Nimble-Jack </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theo Wintersun </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theowyn Blackhawk </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Theren GoldenThorn </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Therin </td><td> The Edgestalkers of Hercynia </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tibalt </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tom </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tomos Foxden </td><td> Foxden </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Shanks </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torin Swift Hart </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torri </td><td> Feathers Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Triskeliande </td><td> Farbound </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulva </td><td> Skywise </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Turin "Goose" </td><td> SilverCloud Banner </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Twyll Eternal </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Udoo </td><td> Bloodcrows </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Umbral </td><td> The Twin Wreath </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Unbroken Nezzak </td><td> The Unbroken Legion </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Urq </td><td> Legion Protectorate </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaal </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vaelira Tanglewood </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Val </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valeska Pathfinder </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valros </td><td> Pathfinders </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vanna </td><td> Deadfall </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vetra </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vrakk </td><td> </td><td> Imperial Orcs </td></tr>
<tr><td> Welyn Nighthaven </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Willow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Winifred Blackhawk </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Embercast </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Hawkwind </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wren Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wrenley Dusk Crow </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wyl </td><td> Sea Weasels </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynn Summergleam </td><td> Summergleam </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Wynne Hallowmark </td><td> Blackstripes </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Xandor Trodbroker </td><td> TrodBroker </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Yanna Thorns Rest </td><td> Thorn's Rest </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ydfran Waystone Path </td><td> The Waystone Path </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ylona Silverfletch </td><td> Silverhawks </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ynyr Rootround </td><td> </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ysult Moss-step </td><td> Thornfang Thornborn </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zakal Antigonus Shatterhorn </td><td> The Barbed-Eye </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
==The Call==
By themselves the warbands of the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs could probably liberate the Grove of Woe in Sanath, but it would still be touch-and-go. The Navarr are adept at swift movement, skilled at not being seen by their enemies until it is too late. The Imperial Orcs have the advantage that they can masquerade as Druj when they need to, distasteful as they may find it, allowing them to brazen their way past patrols or secure information from unsuspecting soldiers of the Mallum. Yet they are behind enemy lines, in territory where an ancient [[Druj miasma]] hangs like a weighted shroud over everything.

Fortunately, the burden of success does not rest solely on the shoulders of the warriors. This is a mission of mercy. Oaths and bonds of family, virtue and the memory of what it means to be imprisoned, do not only motivate those who fight. Dozens of folk who have never raised a spear in anger, held a shield, or marched to an uncertain future answer the call of the Great Forest Orcs. Veterans of old conflicts, who long since hung up harness and sword, hear the familiar thump of their hearts, the sharp tang that promises bloodshed and desperation and perhaps the sweetness of victory over darkness. There are few victors in war; all too often it is fought between soldiers who do not entirely know why they fight. Against the Druj though? On a rescue mission? There is no grey area here.

So across Miaren and Hercynia, even in the tangled depths of Brocéliande and the lost lands of Therunin and Liathaven, the Navarr move. They gather at [[wayhouse|wayhouses]], meet in hidden glens beneath the blind eyes of the Jotun and the Druj. At the same time, in Skarsind and Mareave, the septs of the Unshackled hear the twin-whispers of virtue and spirit, hearing the voices of the ancestors urging them to ''take action'' and ''answer the call'' and ''kill the Druj''.

These people make decisions that put both their lives and their livelihoods on the line. Shopkeepers and cowherds; herbalists and gardeners; foresters and miners; priests and guides and preachers and shaman; and all the great span of people in between. They do what they can to ensure the raid is a success and the Great Forest Orcs are brought home - and that their own people come home with them.

Some contribute directly - they gird themselves and their fellows and they join the warbands slipping eastward. Others use their wealth - their Prosperity as their shield and sword - herbs and potions, money and mana used to secure enchantments and equipment, liao to create auras to defend against the miasma, magic items to give those who take the ultimate risk the edge they will need. Under the direction of the two commanders and their aides, no contribution is wasted. Everything is channelled toward the success of the mission.
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==The Rabbit==
Even as the decision about who should represent each nation is being made, a band of Navarr use the power of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to reach Thule-held [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]] in the north. At a [[regio]] there, two brave covens call down the [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|warding power]] of ''[[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]]'' into the wild woodlands. Rather than rely solely on the enchantment, they weave [[ilium|star metal]] into their working and draw on the boon promised by the ''Guard of the Weak''. Even as the forests shift and twist themselves to defend the Thule fighting there - for such is the way of the Wooden Fastness - the ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' focuses his attention in the Forest of Ulnak, and on the plight of the Great Forest Orcs.

As the first Navarr and Imperial Orcs cross the borders into the Forest, they are met by quick-footed, keen-eared heralds. Caparisoned for war, garbed in thin leather and armed with clubs and staves, these leporine [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] have a supernatural sense for danger that helps their allies avoid patrols and sentries alike. When fighting is inevitable, they engage alongside the thorns and the legionnaires, and it soon becomes apparent that their master ''Shacklebreaker'' more than deserves his name as their simple weapons [[shatter]] shield and spear alike leaving their foes vulnerable to the weapons of Imperial heroes.

Often when the servants of the ''Lord of Brambles'' deal with the people of the Empire, they are curt and unfriendly. There is no hint of this among those who offer their aid in the Forest of Ulnak. A few even speak of having fought alongside the Imperial Orcs before they ''were'' the Imperial Orcs. Others express their sincere approval for the oaths the Navarr have taken, and the aid they give to their friends. If there is talk of the horrors of the Barrens or the politics of Sarangrave, the subject is swiftly changed. The heralds are focused on their purpose for being here - to free those under the cruel heel of the tyrants of the Mallum and to kill as many of those oppressors as they can in pursuit of it.

There is only one real point of friction and that is with the ''other'' allies the Empire brings with them into the Mallum.

==The Karass==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Reynard of De Gauvain.png|caption='''Reynard of De Gauvain''', Envoy to the Karass|align=right|width=250}}
By now it is a truism that nobody likes [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. One of the three surviving septs of the Barrens, the Great Forest Orcs certainly despise them - and the feeling seems mutual. Those who Chief Vallack has sent to accompany the raid into the Mallum will not even speak to the Karass, will not be in the same space as them.

Yet for all that, the Karass have made it clear in the past that they are prepared to be ''of use'' to the Empire, just as they were once ''of use'' to the Druj. They do not seem to have any significant military strength; what they ''do'' have is a truly uncanny amount of information about the Mallum and its wicked overlords. They know how their patrols operate, and they know where the paths and the roads lead. Nobody knows the Druj lands like the Karass. The Empire has maps, but the Karass have actually travelled these lands. They know how the Druj move, and they know how they think.

They did not volunteer; they were asked to join the raid by the [[Envoy to the Karass|envoy]] appointed by the people of [[Dawn]] to deal with the often difficult sept of [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|Bleaks]] and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. It is not clear at first whether they intend to respond, but shortly before the warbands in the Barrens start to mobilise, a hundred or so Karass hunters emerge from the woodland and join the Imperial forces encamped along the borders.

They do not pretend to have any great love for the Great Forest Orcs; they do not suggest for one moment that they are here for virtue or because they recognise the virtue of the task ahead. They say they are here to discharge a debt for the [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_(The_Barrens)|rescue]] of ''Lenna Karass'', and to show the Empire once again that they have value as allies. Are they telling the truth? It's hard to say, but they have proved their worth already this year when they helped [[Fear_quickens_the_breath#Into_the_Forest|deny the Thule]] a prize they sought in the Forest of Ulnak. Perhaps it is best not to enquire too closely about their motives simply because their presence greatly increases the likelihood of success - knowing where you are going, where to avoid, who you can trust and who you can't, is ''everything''. Even more so than the Unshackled, the Karass can approach Druj settlements and talk with the occupants with no fear of a ruse being exposed. In enemy territory that kind of intelligence is priceless... assuming you can trust it. You can't betray your enemies, so they say. Which raises the question of just who is the Karass' enemy and now we are back where we started.

[[Vigilance]] is a virtue, and where the Karass are concerned it may be more important than any of the others. If the sept chooses to betray the Empire, if they pick their moment carefully (which they surely will) then the results will be devastating and might result in the failure of the entire mission. Sometimes, perhaps, it is a mistake to keep your enemies ''too'' close...

Regardless, when the Empire moves, the Karass are with them, and the desperate mission into the Mallum begins.
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==Upper Saarnath==
The [[Forward into depthless dark|campaign in Lower Saarnath]] is in its earliest stages as the raiders committed to the Salt Flats of Sanath begin to move east, to make the difficult ascent onto the plateau of Upper Saarnath. The land rises steeply here, cliff walls and difficult paths presenting the only safe way to make the ascent. The Druj control the main routes, those usable by sizable organised forces. An army would struggle to climb the plateau without fighting, without giving the game away, but the warbands of Imperial heroes are a different matter. There are those with experience in the highlands of Hercynia, and Unshackled who have adapted to the rugged life in northern Skarsind, who make short work of the climb. With the aid of the Karass, others are able to find isolated paths, either unguarded, or with the kind of sentries who will not be missed for weeks if they are slain. A small number receive more magical assistance - while the children of Irra Harah are mostly active in the Forest of Ulnak to the north there are still a few here to help rescue the prisoners from the Grove of Woe. Those who have their aid are able to climb an otherwise impassable cliff-face using a magically conjured vine that the heralds dance and pipe into being, growing with supernatural speed up the sheer rock walls to provide ample handholds for ascent and - more importantly - later descent.

As with a surprising amount of the Mallum, the forests here are not heavily populated. There are woodcutting camps here and there, and areas where trees have been cleared to create miserable villages populated by Druj subject septs, but most of the plateau remains wild and untamed. The heavy weight of the Druj miasma hangs over everything, corroding the confidence of those sneaking through the forest towards the Grove of Woe. Fortunately, between donations of liao and certain potions, the worst of the effects can be managed at least for a time.

The other threat here is more mundane; it is all too easy to get lost in what amounts to an often trackless expanse of trees. There are a few roads, it's true, but they are more dangerous than the wilderness. Druj soldiers patrol the roads, the settlements along them are alert for signs of raiders from the Imperial forces attacking Lower Saarnath. All too often the Empire must trust to instinct to find their way through terrain that looks the same hour to hour, day to day.

Standing at the heart of the region, the Grove of Woe represents one of the largest weirwood forests in the Mallum. A match for [[Canterspire Circle|Canterspire]] and the [[Golden Trees of Seren|Golden Trees]], only the [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] in far-off Varushka is larger. It is also clearly ancient; the woods here have been tended and harvested for centuries. It is a hive of industry - albeit a ''Druj'' hive of industry. Before one even comes in sight of the grove proper, there is a ring of high watchtowers protruding from the trees that allow garrisons of keen-eyed orcs to keep a watch over the approaches. Perhaps watchtower is the wrong word - it conjures to mind a simple structure with one or two occupants gazing out across the treetops. These watchtowers are more akin to small forts; wide platforms supporting what amounts to a tiny keep, easily home to two or three dozen orc warriors.

Furthermore the Karass warn that each tower is equipped with a set of sounding drums that will allow a warning to be spread across half of Upper Saarnath in a heartbeat if the raiders stumble. The towers are also situated just close enough to each other that an attack on one risks others realising what is going on and sounding the alarm. Worse, it is not a simple matter of disabling the instruments; four times a day the drums must be beaten in certain rhythms to show the tower is still intact or the alarm will inevitably be raised.

There is a plan, though, and as long as it goes smoothly it will be a success. In the darkest heart of the night, two adjacent towers are attacked. Skin and weapons and armour blackened with mud, the stealthiest assassins among the raiders scale the legs of the towers in silence and bring swift death to the sentries on watch. Any misstep here risks sending a screaming body plunging to the forest far below, risks rousing the rest of the defenders with enough time for them to raise the alarm.

With the sentries dealt with, the rope ladders are dropped to allow more warriors to swarm up to secure the platforms. It is not just a matter of assassinating sleeping barbarians; each has a shift ready to respond to any alarm raised by those watching the forest. Brutal, bloody fighting, high above the forest floor, leads to serious wounds on each side. It's fortunate that the [[Rivers of Life]] flow across Sanath this season - but it also makes the fighting that much more vicious as the foe must often be executed to prevent them rising again.

After the towers are captured, there is only a short time for the next stage to be put into operation - Imperial Orcs in Druj hooded cloaks take up the post of sentries so that the neighbouring towers will not suspect anything is wrong. There must also be people ready to beat the signal drums, to prevent the alarm being raised - at least until the Grove of Woe itself is attacked. Then it will be the responsibility of these brave fighters to attack the towers to either side, to widen the safe passage for the escape.

==The Grove of Woe==
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{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj8.jpg|title=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|caption=The Black Hide Beetle - symbol of the Pakkad|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|title=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj6.jpg|title=The Coiled Shrike - symbol of the Kallad|caption=The Coiled Shrike - symbol of the Kallad|align=right|width=200}}
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With the outer defences secured, the sands truly begin to flow through the hourglass. It is now just a matter of time before the Druj realise what is happening, before ill chance or a passing patrol exposes the ruse. Stealth is still useful, but speed is essential now. Unfortunately, speed brings its own risks. The Druj have placed traps and pitfalls all around the Grove of Woe. It soon becomes apparent that these traps are less about discouraging attackers - although an army would certainly suffer losses if they tried to press through the woods here - than they are about punishing anyone who tries to flee the groves. Some are clearly ancient, others relatively new. Spiked pits, deadfalls, tripwires attached to blades crusted with filth and old venom, weighted nets that fall and lift, and game trails that seem safe until they very much are not.

Here the Karass guidance is more sketchy - they know the traps ''exist'' but they have no way of knowing where they are. Fortunately, the Navarr are no strangers to this kind of subtle warfare, and know the signs to watch for. Even with that expertise, though, the infiltration of the woods is perilous. It is not enough to just bypass the traps; wherever possible they must be disarmed to reduce the risk of someone stumbling into them while fleeing the Grove.

Within the ring of traps is the Grove itself, an expanse of healthy weirwood trees that reaches up above the surrounding forest. There is one final circle of defence - a weirwood wall topped with vicious spikes of mithril and rusted iron. A garrison of several hundred orcs, cruel guards and wicked overseers who keep the captured prisoners in line. Here the last tatters of stealth begin to fragment and blow away. The raiders have the initiative, launch their surprise attacks at three key junctures, each arrow or javelin finding its target and sending them sprawling, but there is no way to stop the alarm being raised. Even as the gates and the walls are attacked, the drums start beating, heavy thunderous notes of warning that are soon echoed by the loyal watchtowers.

For some, perhaps, it is a relief. Too many days of ever-tightening tension, each successful act of infiltration being nothing more than the threat that the ''next'' risk will be the one that brings the whole house of cards tumbling down. Now it is battle, and for many of the Imperial Orcs they smash through the Druj defences with the voices of their ancestors ringing exultant in their spirits, in their hearts, in their ears. ''Break these chains!'' they shout, and ''kill the slavers!'' and ''no mercy for the Druj!'' The Navarr are lockstep with their allies, but where the orcs have the voices of their ancestors to spur them on they have the memory of Therunin, and what the Druj did to their people there, and it howls in their blood loud enough to match any spirit of the gone-before.

Again the curse of [[Spring magic]] helps both sides, prolongs the fighting, makes it five times bloodier than it might have been. These Druj are elite fighters - [[Arkad#Pakkad|Pakkad]] and the [[Arkad#Hupul|Hupul]] and [[Arkad#Kallad|Kallad]] who ensure the slaves stay in line. They are equipped as befits the [[Arkad]] - ample [[Legacy of Thorns|blade venom]], potions of healing and strength, and when all else fails pouches of [[true vervain]] to restore their vitality. Spells and potions of [[purify|purification]] prove invaluable during the battle to seize the Grove of Woe.

While the fighting rages, a small number of champions take advantage of the chaos to bypass the defenders and push deep into the encampment here among the weirwood trees. Their purpose is twofold - to kill any Druj commanders they can find and to let the slaves know that they are about to be liberated. They are perhaps a little unprepared for the tenacity of the resistance they encounter. Even as the fighting spreads along the walls and spills over into the outskirts of the encampment, those moving to the aid of the Great Forest Orcs discover that the Grove of Woe is under the direct command of one of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]].

The orc master apothecary is protected by a cadre of Pakkad with the finest weapons and armour the Mallum can produce. True juggernauts of poison and steel, they fight with the fervour of the fanatic to protect their mistress. For her part the Buruk Tepel is clearly so much more than a "mere" master [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. There are braziers in which some sinister mix of herbs and poisons have been prepared and as her bodyguards battle the Navarr and the Imperial Orcs, she personally begins to set them alight. The thick greenish-yellow smoke they produce hangs low to the ground, creeping in a slow flood through the encampment. As more of the braziers are ignited, the fog spreads more quickly, begins to thicken, becomes deeper. When someone falls into the fog, they do not rise again. This "death fog" smothers anyone who breathes it for more than a few lungfuls - and if someone is already weakened when they encounter it it swiftly spells their doom. The Empire has encountered weapons similar to this in the past but never so concentrated, never so ''cruel''.

As the fighting continues, it also becomes apparent why none of the slaves here have joined the fighting. The Great Forest Orcs who tend the Grove of Woe have been chained to the floors of their ramshackle huts, and as the fog thickens they desperately struggle to keep their heads above the level of the poison mist. It becomes a race against time - to break the chains of the prisoners before the Buruk Tepel atrocity claims them. The raiders split their attention between the Druj defenders and the salvation of the orcs.

In the end though, the Empire is able to prevail - just. It is easy to say, but hard to communicate how close it is. A hair's breadth and the fog would have thickened enough, risen high enough, then the victory over the guards would have been rendered all but meaningless. If the heroes of the Empire had fought one iota less fiercely, committed even an ounce less completely to their goal, the Druj would have held the weirwood groves and stood victorious over the charnel pit they had made of it. In the end though, their terrible scheme does not come to fruition. The Imperial plan works. The slaves are saved, the Druj are slain.

The Buruk Tepel stands defiant to the last, at the heart of a tightening ring of Navarr spears and Unshackled blades and the blazing eyes of the heralds of ''Papa Otec''. She sneers, spits her defiance, and in the last moment touches the burning brand with which she sought to extinguish the lives of the Great Forest Orcs to her own robes. She becomes a pillar of flame, her arms spread out, the stench of burning hair and wool and cooking meat overpowering the stink of the dissipating death fog. Worst of all, as she burns, as she dies, she ''laughs'', howls with laughter until the fire rips the air from her lungs and she collapses in ashes and burnt fragments of bone. Those present to see her die will likely hear that laughter in their dreams for the rest of their lives and wonder what kind of creature, human or orc, can laugh while being devoured alive by flame.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Verys.png|title=Rune: Verys|align=right|caption=Strength is often found in unexpected places.}}

==Flight Through the Dark==
The last of the Druj defenders flee into the forest once it is clear the day is lost; they do not stand and fight. The rescued prisoners number several hundred. Roughly two thirds are of the Great Forest sept, although many of them have never known any life save that of slavery in the Mallum. The remainder are orcs of other subject septs kept for more prosaic service, and a few handfuls of humans. Most of the latter are Navarr, or Dawnish yeofolk, brought here after Druj raids for their own expertise in tending weirwood. Some have no knowledge of the Empire at all, and are as frightened of their rescuers as the orcs. They are either descendants of prisoners taken generations ago, or folk who lived in the Mallum before the Druj took control.

The next enemy to overcome is fear. There is so little time, and yet defeating this foe is crucial. It would be easy to imagine the Imperial Orcs would have an advantage here, but that would be a mistake. The slaves are orcs themselves, but so are their former masters. It is the Navarr, and their talk of oaths and of the bond with the sept of Peytaht that break through the paralysing, traumatic fear that the servants of Irra Harrah call ''"tharn"''. The fear that robs the mind of the ability to think, the terror that prevents the legs from moving and, if it lasts long enough, spells slow death. The words of the Navarr, and the reassurance of the handful of Great Forest Orcs with them, get through to the prisoners and get them moving.

This is the most vital thing, the part of the plan that could go most catastrophically wrong. Several hundred tired, frightened prisoners must now be escorted to safety, with the alarm raised and the Druj certainly already on their way. Supplies are needed - and while the [[business|businesses]] and [[farm|farms]] of Miaren and Hercynia and Skarsind and Mareave have provided what they can, carrying too much ''into'' the Mallum would just slow the raiders down when they need to move. And so the first order of business is to raid the camp and grab everything that can keep body-and-spirit together in the flight west toward the Empire. Food and water, obviously, but it is easy to overlook the importance of good footwear and sturdy clothes, walking sticks, containers to carry provisions, bedrolls... the list is endless and every moment brings the Druj closer.

Here fortune smiles a little on the Empire and their new charges. The garrison here had a great store of potions and herbs for their own use. The Buruk Tepel had brought her own supplies for her bodyguards. Potions to strengthen the body, to clear the mind, to heal wounds, even to bolster the spirit are all claimed and distributed among both the prisoners and those who have freed them. There is also, unfortunately, a sizable stash of potions known for the [[Double-sided Blade|pernicious impact]] they have on those subjected to them, and while there is some discussion as to whether [[Double-sided Blade#Weakening Sun|Weakening Sun]] or [[Double-sided Blade#Warming Armour|Warming Armour]] might ultimately be of use, these discussions are quickly curtailed. There are some weapons of the Druj, argues one of the priests vehemently, that we must never stoop to using, no matter how deep the need.

Time runs out. The agreed on signal comes from the captured watchtowers; a force of Druj is moving toward the Grove of Woe from the east. It's not clear if it is a local patrol, or a force up from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]], but it is clearly time to go. Moving hundreds of disciplined soldiers is enough of a challenge; moving hundreds of terrified refugees is several orders of magnitude worse. Yet somehow, the plan holds together. The ragged column starts to move; a handful of wagons hold those not in a condition for the heavy marching ahead, nestled in among the hastily gathered supplies. Most of those who ride are children; the Druj have little use for tree-tenders too old or infirm to work the groves. The rest are those who were exposed to the death fog for a little too long and will need serious medical attention before they can walk easily.

Through the ring of traps, almost miraculously, without losing anyone. The caution of the Empire's approach has paid dividends here. There are a few attacks by Druj warriors - the sentries of the other watchtowers most likely coupled with some who fled the fall of the camp - but they are easily fended off. The rest of those who remained behind to hold the towers join the main body, and once they are through the outer circle the caravan begins to make better time.

Over the next several days, the raiders push themselves almost to the point of exhaustion. Outrunning the pursuing Druj is one thing; dealing with the Druj ''in front'' of them is another. While the ingress was marked by stealth and misdirection, the egress is a bloody swathe cut through the forested plateau as more and more Druj warriors zero-in on the fleeing Imperials and their living cargo. By the third day, some of the slaves have recovered enough to demand weapons, armour, shields of their own, to protect their friends and their families and fight alongside their rescuers. Some artisans and crafters among the Imperial force have sacrificed [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] and [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] to craft the kind of weapons that will give even an unskilled wielder an edge; others have brought a few extra armaments from their forges or their armouries for just this kind of situation. For the rest... the servants of Irra Harah are again able to offer strange assistance; with a touch they can carve a shillelagh or a staff, or a spear shaft from a tree; with their fingers alone they can shape stone into spear-heads and charm vines to attach one to the other. They can weave grass and leaves into simple armour, held together more by magic than by any artisanry.

Westward then, from the first light of dawn to the last light after dusk, with the night-time spent in fitful sleep. The miasma presses down mercilessly, a threat to the spirit every bit as immediate and wicked as a Druj arrow poses to the body. Yet just as there are weapons and armour to wield against the mortal attackers, so there are also armaments that can be used against despair. Around simple campfires, in the shadows beneath the trees, in the snatched moments of rest and respite, there are stories and there are songs. The Unshackled share their history and the path that led them to where they are now; the Navarr speak of the fall of Terunael and the nation that rose from its ashes; the Great Forest Orcs share a few tales that are new even to those who know the sept of Peytaht, of the woodlands that once stretched from shore to shore and the spirit that moves through it. As a philosopher once said "''greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams''," and ultimately the final victory over the Druj will be the victory over despair.

Long days and long nights and then, long hours of trudging exhaustion punctuated by terrifying moments of battle and bloodshed. And through them, at last, against all the odds, the edge of the plateau comes steadily closer. There is little chance of taking the rescued prisoners down the secretive routes used to reach Upper Saarnath. A final assault, then, against the ''Lidless Stair'', and then hopefully safety below.

Of course, nobody can be sure if there is any safety in Lower Saarnath. When the heroes of the Empire made the ascent into Upper Saarnath, the fighting was just beginning. If the Empire has been driven back into Sarangrave, if the Druj have sent a superior force, then all this might still prove to have been for naught as the descent places the heroes and their charges in the heart of the armies of dread. As much as they can the Imperial raiders keep this unsettling truth from the former slaves, for fear that it may prove one burden too many for them to bear.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png|title=Rune: Tykonus|align=right|caption=We take victory where we can.}}

==Down the Lidless Stair==
The Lidless Stair is a wide path, the most southerly of those which allow an army to move from the lowlands to the uplands. It is guarded by a wall of twisted weirwood and old white granite, and a few hundred soldiers. The plan gambles on the fact that some of those soldiers will be out of position - joining the fighting in Lower Saarnath or looking for the raiders in the wrong place.

A fortress might be poor quality, but it is still a fortress. Crystal mana is gathered in trembling hands, supplemented by a few pots of [[Vis#Vital Honey|Vital Honey]], and in the last hours before dawn a ritual is enacted among the trees on the edge of the plateau. Those Navarr magicians versed in [[Spring magic]] are just between them able to craft a [[Rising Roots that Rend Stone|magical weapon]] to breach the wall. Warriors alone could have taken the Lidless Stair, for sure, but there is no way they could have done it without loss of life - and without leaving their charges vulnerable. With the magic of those volunteers who accompany them, though, there is another option.

The spell works like a charm; one minute the arrogant Druj defenders are taunting the approaching force from the safety of their gatehouse, the next that gatehouse is rent asunder sending no-longer smug orcs tumbling in every direction. Shorn of their wall, the Druj lose much of their steel... only to discover that they are now trapped between the furious Imperial heroes to the east and the armies of the Empire to the west. Their only escape is death, and in the end that is the route they all must take.

Even as the gates fall, the alarm is being raised at the rear of the column. A (relatively) disciplined force of Druj warriors is fast approaching, closing the distance with distressing speed. The fight at the top of the Stair is nearly won but not quite and if the defenders must split their forces then there is every chance they will fail, fall at the last hurdle between them and freedom...

The sky turns black, and the rain begins to pour, and the gale begins to howl, and in that moment it looks as if everything has been for nothing. The raiders will need to choose between sacrificing their lives to delay the inevitable, or leaving those they promised liberty to be recaptured, slaughtered.

Then a horn is heard, an echoing note that rises above the weather, that stills fear and quickens the heart. It is followed by a peal of thunder, an indescribable noise as if the sky itself was being torn in half and whatever it is that lies behind it was pouring through. Far to the east thunderbolts cascade out of the peligin clouds, and for a moment that noise expands to fill the entire world.

The approaching Druj scatter in terror, the sound overwhelming their discipline for precious minutes. The gate of the Lidless Stair is taken, and the refugees begin to pour down the path, down into the southern reaches of Lower Saarnath. By the time the approaching Druj find their courage again, the very last Imperial soldiers are following them down. And at the bottom wait the victorious Imperial armies, and the Druj dare not follow their quarry into that unwelcoming embrace.

So, then, when all is counted up, the plan has gone just as it should have. The Great Forest Orcs are rescued from the Grove of Woe, along with several dozen other servants of the Druj who will find a welcome in the Barrens, or in Skarsind, or further afield in Hercynia or Miaren.

But what of the Forest of Ulnak?
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==The Ancient Forest==
What of the Forest of Ulnak indeed. In the north, speed is more of a pressing concern than stealth. For the plan to work, the Grove of Woe and the Sacred Grove need to be attacked at roughly the same time. The Buruk Tepel are said to be able to communicate over great distances using some mystical technique or other, and any warning will surely see Nimon Rue execute their prisoners. Worse, no matter where they enter the Forest, the Imperial raiders will need to cover more than twice the distance to reach the weirwood groves - through the whole of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwalt|Oerwalt]], [[Forest of Ulnak#Grimfen Mire|Grimfen Mire]], or [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest|Gul'thak Forest]], and then into the depths of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Deathsgate|Deathsgate]], all under the unsleeping gaze of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]] itself.

The plan rules out any approach through Gul'thak. There is something alien in the woods there, something alert and watchful. Just as bad, there is the Thistle of Barbs, which defends the forest from any attempt to cross the Nameless River. Oerwalt would be easier, but risks the attention of the orcs of Otkodov. Most likely the Thule would be disinterested in the Imperial plan, but there is always a chance that they might obstruct it unintentionally, or otherwise.

Talking with the Karass, the decision is made to push through Grimfen Marsh, skirting the northern Gul'Thak as quickly as possible, and then delving into Deathsgate. While Grimfen Marsh is perilous, and reasonably well populated, there is no suggestion that the folk who live there have any love for the Druj. Treachery is always a threat in the Mallum, but between the Imperial Orcs and the Karass, it is assumed they will be able to handle the sprawling families of Druj subjects.

Here the Empire also has significant aid from the children of ''Papa Otec''. The heralds out of Oerwalt do not boast of their prowess, but they quietly let it be known that they can help with marsh and forest alike. Given speed is of the essence, they ask the raiders to trust their expertise. They can ensure the Empire is forwarned of any patrol, any watching sentry, no matter how canny or well hidden. The wisest beasts, they explain, always know when they are being watched. So it is with the servants of ''Shacklebreaker''.

With the plan set, a flotilla of small boats, rafts, and flat-bottomed skiffs are deployed to transport the raiders across the Nameless River, in small groups, and the assault on the Forest of Ulnak has begun.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|align=right|caption=The desperation of the Druj is so much worse than their complacency.|width=300}}
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==Grimfen Mire==
While it is called both fen and mire, Grimfen is as much forest as it is marsh - a flooded forest, reminiscent of the wild places of Therunin on the other side of the Barrens. There are insects everywhere, vicious animals, deadly toadstools and mushrooms, predatory birds, and an omnipresent cladding of soft mosses. The natural dangers here are made all the worse by the presence of the Spring curse placed on the entire territory by the warlocks of Otkodov. The [[Rivers Run Red|rivers run red]] here, breeding sickness and infection that can make even the mildest of injuries, the smallest of insect bites, potentially life threatening. Potions and herbs can help of course, as can the magic and medical expertise of those who have risked their lives to accompany the warbands, but the danger is omnipresent.

The riverbank is marked by a handful of settlements - stilt-fishers and pot-fishers for the most part - and as one moves inland (inasmuch as any part of Grimfen can be called "land" rather than "mud") there are many more. The Karass know the routes to take, there are plenty of Navarr used to this kind of sodden woodland, and the raiding parties make good time. Rather than take a single path through the region, there are multiple bands of raiders moving separately. It increases the risk of one of them being spotted, certainly, but smaller groups are harder to spot and can react more quickly.

The heralds of Irra Harah are as good as their word; their supernatural senses provide ample warning of threats both barbarian and natural. They can tell the difference between a log sunk in a stagnant pool, and an awful predator that only ''looks'' like a log at a glance. They are able to show hunters which fungus is safe to eat and which will cause agonising nightmare delerium.

As with the force in the Salt Flats, the omnipresent miasma is a challenge. Again, liao and virtue and the voices of the ancestors help, but it is a struggle all its own, especially in environs such as this. There is something mournful about Grimfen, that goes beyond the miasma. Something sad woven into the roots and branches and the waterways. The Karass shrug when asked about it, and the heralds of Irra Harah just look sadly away and change the subject.

For all the difficult terrain, the raiders make good time through Grimfen. As the southern warband is cresting the cliffs of Upper Saarnath, they are closing in on the northern borders of the mire. Here they come across signs of battle - fighting between Thule conquerors and the defenders of the Mallum. It seems however that these are older battlefields, and it is only Druj bodies that are found here, bloated and flyblown by weeks abandoned in the damp, hot sun.

When the denizens of the region are encountered, on the rare occasions they cannot be circumvented easily, they either flee or just watch the Imperials impassively, disinterestedly. Perhaps one or two might seek to curry favour with their overlords by reporting the presence of trespassers but if they do they are either intercepted by their own people or ignored. Those orcs among the raiders who make contact with one of the settlements find a people cowed by the miasma, and by the wickedness of those who rule here. If they speak of the Empire at all, it is in the tones of folk who know them only from stories as wicked sorcerers who rain curses down on the Mallum and slaughter any orc who falls into their hands. The raiders might not encounter opposition here, but they find no welcome either.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ull.png|title=Rune: Ull|align=right|caption=Chance undoes even the best laid plans.}}
==Trees and Bones==
From Grimfen, the raiders press along the border between Gul'thak and Bonewall. The southern woodlands give way to more barren hillside, and another dilemma. Travelling through the woods helps hide the presence of interlopers from any watchers, but likewise hides the watchers and impedes swift progress. Travelling through the hills is a little easier, but all too often leaves trespassers exposed to anyone who might be paying attention.

The dissipated groups that have made their way here join together as they push north and east. The time for stealth is coming to an end - if they are to make the Grove in time to save the Great Forest orcs they need to pick up the pace. Armed conflict is inevitable, and violence finds the raiders before they have gone more than a quarter of the distance they need to cover. A cohort of Druj soldiers, under the ragged banners of the [[Druj_armies#Deadly_Blade|Deadly Blade]], retreating out of Bonewall into Gul'Thak spy the Imperials and raise their spears to attack. A few race south, others east, to try and spread the alarm. Not only must the Imperials deal with the soldiers, but they must try and catch the runners if they hope to maintain the element of surprise.

As swift-footed warriors, scouts, and hunters in lighter armour dash to intercept the would-be alarm-raisers, the rest of the raiders are forced to battle venom-bladed Druj soldiers who know the terrain much better than they do. The Empire is outnumbered, but fortunately these are not fresh troops. Far from it. They have been fighting the invaders from Otkodov, and have had little time to resupply or rest. As it is the fighting is hard going, but the Imperial raiders are at full strength and well prepared. The Druj are cut down, and those who try to flee their inevitable rout are shown no mercy.

As the last warrior falls, those who chased after the runners return. They think they have silenced all those who would raise the alarm, but they cannot be certain. The need to move quickly intensifies.

This is only the first of several such encounters - ragged warriors retreating out of the Bonewall. Some bear battered banners of the Druj armies, others are part of the garrisons of the southern forts. They are demoralised, injured, tired, and as often as not their first thought is to retreat rather than fight. When they have to, the Empire kills them; when they don't they let them pass by, unnoticed.

Twice the raiders see signs of the Thule along the southern borders of the Bonewall. Massive encampments, lit up like the night sky with flames and lightstones. Azure banners marked with runes and depictions of the Dragons stand out against the skyline. It is clear the Thule ''want'' the Druj to know where they are, taunting them almost, as if they are urging the defenders of the Mallum to attack them. An ironic twist of the familiar Druj tactic of trying to lure their enemies into a trap, perhaps.
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==Deathsgate==
Even for those who have seen the Tower of the Skink in Sarangrave, the great citadel of Cassad Ûln is a breathtaking sight. Where the Tower had something of a ramshackle mien, suggesting broken glass and rusted metal and twisted ambition, Cassad Ûln is fear and tyranny made manifest. Black stone looms on the side of the sweeping northern mountains, a single spire reaching up as if in defiance of the stars and the surrounding peaks. Where other Druj fortifications are intentionally things of spike and jagged steel, this is something else. A monolith of darkness, smooth sided, easily imagined as a great sentinel watching over the entirety of the Mallum. Those who have seen the wall at its base report that it is a different matter; a curtain of stone garlanded with the familiar grisly totems of the cruel masters of the Mallum.

The tower itself isn't always visible; Deathsgate is covered with a thick northern forest and it looks as if it would be possible to cross the entire region without ever seeing the open sky above the canopy. Yet once it is seen it preys on the mind - a result of the Druj miasma perhaps - and it is all too easy to imagine it staring through the leaves and branches deep into ones soul. One Imperial Orc jokes that perhaps it is just the biggest miasma pillar in the Mallum, but their attempt at levity falls very flat indeed.

As with so much of the rest of the Mallum there is no solid road to follow, no great highway. What roads there are, are rutted with wheel-tracks, barely more than open spaces between the tree trunks. It is clear that caravans must travel through these woods regularly - to collect the weirwood from the Sacred Grove and bring supplies to Cassad Ûln if for no other reason - but they must represent a truly arduous task. When asked, the Karass look blank and say "slaves" and leave it at that.

It would be easy to imagine that this is just more trackless wilderness, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Particularly in the south the woodlands here are dense with herb gardens, small villages, and the guarded estates of skilled tepel and apparently even some Buruk Tepel who wish to get away from the constant scheming of Sanath to spend some time in study. This means that the woods here are guarded, and the strain of having to ensure that nobody escapes to raise an alarm begins to show on the raiders.

Just as in the south, there is an outer ring and an inner ring of defenders here. Unlike the protections in Upper Saarnath, though, those established in the woods around the weirwood groves are not solely mundane and trickery will not avail against them. According to the Karass, there are white stones quarried from the depths of the northern mountains, marked with dark sigils and woven with cruel magic, that allow unnatural horrors to hunt the woods around the Sacred Grove and punish all who they find who do not bear the "mark of passage".

These supernatural guards are truly monstrous - orc-like humanoids whose bodies are pierced with metal and who drag terrible chains behind them. Some are plated in misshapen metal, as if their armour has fused to their flesh or their bodies have somehow grown ''through'' it. Some wear helmets that hide their entire face, hunting by sound and scent and the echo of feet on the earth. Others possess powers of dark witchery, able to drain the strength from a warrior with a touch of one taloned hand and leave them easy prey for the creatures that pad alongside them - a twisted mix of dog, and cat, and human being. They are given free rein to torment any who stray beyond the weirwood grove, and are said to be nearly as expert in prolonging agony as the masters of the Mallum are.

The initial proposal was that the raiders would ambush a Druj convoy, and steal a mark of passage. The problem is that even the Karass cannot say with any certainty how many folk can be protected by one such mark. Certainly it seems unlikely that one will be sufficient to protect a column of freed slaves. Only the wagons that carry weirwood out, and supplies in, are equipped with such marks but it is likely that there are more within the encampment itself. More than one raider points out that "likely" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence.

Fortunately, the presence of the heralds of Irra Harah provides an alternative and one that the supernatural children of the ''Voice of the Voiceless'' are ''very'' keen to put into operation. Rather than skulk and dissemble, masquerade and trust to the nebulous advice of the Karass, they propose smashing straight through the ring of wards, slaughtering every so-called guardian that gets in their way, shattering these white stone monoliths into pieces, assaulting the camp, murdering all the Druj, grabbing the Great Forest Orcs and running for the Nameless River. When questions are raised about how this can be done, the heralds reveal the boons their father has given them. A dozen staffs of woven wood that contain the power to tear stone structures apart when wielded by an adept of Spring magic. These, they say, will quickly put paid to any magical warding and binding stones, and there are enough masters of ritual lore here to make use of them.

In the end the decision is made for the raiders. Somewhere along the line, one of those who escaped the raiders with their life has made it to someone prepared to listen to them. Drums begin to pound to the south, and from the north the answering bray of some immense bone horn is heard. There are only two choices left; flee, or fight. In the end, the choice is no choice at all.
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==Sacred Grove==
The defenders of the Sacred Grove appear almost immediately and they are just as awful as the Karass proposed. They are clearly [[inhabitants of the realms#herald|heralds]], and every sign suggests they are drawn from the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]. Worse, almost as soon as they begin to engage the Empire, it is clear they are drawn from the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|Thrice-cursed Court]] which means that they have any number of horrible, cruel, wicked powers between them. Some can bring the Curse of the Bound King to bear on their foes, preventing them fleeing or defending themselves. Others wield the witchery of the ''Hag Queen'', cold and imperious and terrible, sapping willpower and spreading discord. The worst are probably those warriors that serve the ''Burnt Prince'' - armoured behemoths whose weapons sear and brand the skin. It also becomes painfully apparent that these are nothing like the warriors of the Thrice-cursed that the Empire is familiar with. These creatures are dark, and powerful, and wield a greater portion of their patrons power than anyone could have expected. They do not die easily, and they do not give up, and when one is seen there are half a dozen more close behind. Worst of all are the hounds - the hybrid horrors the Karass hinted at. Humanoid in rough form, with the aspect of wolf and lion, they are large enough to heft an armoured orc in one misshapen hand and they clearly have a taste for the flesh and blood and screams of mortal folk.

Questions of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] and [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] immediately fall away as battle is joined, and always the plan is foremost in the mind of those fighting through this ring of horrors. The worst thing that can happen here is to falter, to allow themselves to be delayed now the alarm is raised. They ''must'' make it to the Sacred Grove before ''Nimon Rue'' can make good on their threat.

Fighting alongside the orcs and humans are the heralds of ''Shacklebreaker'' and they are something else the Empire has not really experienced. In the past, the children of ''Voice of the Voiceless'' have tended to talk, to retreat, to hide, to urge others to take up arms. Here, in the dark woods, against the servants of the ''Court of Rope'', they are transformed. Swollen with anger, channelling the fury of the Spring Realm against creatures whose entire being echoes with tyranny and cruelty, they take on a very different aspect. Some send their enemies flying with the kind of force Imperials are more used to seeing in the hands of the chosen of [[Siakha|Maelstrom]]. Others shatter their foes weapons but also their bodies; a herald of the Thrice-cursed with a broken leg is no more mobile than a mortal. Yet their fury seems to rouse an answering rage, especially in the burnt knights of Surut. Spring breaks, Winter endures. Ironically, it is the overarching magic of the Thule that swings the pendulum in favour of the Empire here - the Winter heralds are no more able to resist the magic of the malignant curse laid over Ulnak than the Imperial heroes are.

Of course killing the heralds of the Winter realm is not the reason those heroes are here. This fight is a distraction, a ruse all of its own. When the first detonation is heard, it sends a ripple through the knights of the ''Three Monarchs''. Their fury falters for a moment, and there is a shift in their tactics. A second detonation, and some of the heralds shake themselves as if suddenly free of chains all their own. The vates and warcasters, with their own skills and the boons of ''Prison Smasher'', are shattering the white stones that keep these heralds in place and command their service. Each one that falls loosens the bonds on them, frees some of them of their obligations. The gifts of the Winter realm are often double-edged, and it seems that this "gift" of bonded guardians is just such a one. While some of the heralds continue to fight the Empire's champions, others either turn aside from the fray entirely or start heading towards the Sacred Grove itself...

As with the Grove of Woe, there are defences around the encampment but again they are different. Rather than a wall, there is a loose barrier of wooden stakes, supplemented here and there by sections of palisade. There have been recent attempts to reinforce these defences, but they look very makeshift. It seems that the commander of the Sacred Grove trusted more in the supernatural defences than in anything so mundane as a ''wall''. The camp has defenders, though, and they are just as dangerous and vicious as those faced in the south. Elite troops, trusted with guarding one of the most valuable resources in the Mallum. Some bear the mark of the black tower, indicating an allegiance to the master of Cassad Ûln itself. Others have the marks of the septs of Ulnak, each of the Buruk Tepel of the northern Mallum represented here.

The commander here is no Buruk Tepel, relying on apothecary and subtle poisons. They have a very different fate in mind for the Great Forest Orcs - although it still involves fire. As fighting spreads through the camp - as the Empire assaults the defenders with the unexpected accompaniment of a handful of heralds of the Thrice-cursed Court clearly working out decades of frustration at not being allowed to harm those they "protected" - the horror that Nimon Rue has in store becomes clear. The workers of the weirwood grove, the Great Forest Orcs who have toiled here for generations, have been placed inside three tall wooden structures in the centre of the camp. Each is a terrible mockery of a weirwood tree, packed with living orcs, surrounded by kindling. It brings to mind the stories of [[the Marches]], of the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#The_Wicker_Man|wicker man]], but here the power of spiritual purification has been warped into a force of corruption and malice.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Burning Marches.jpg|width=400|align=right|caption=The Druj have something very different in mind to the purification heralded by a Marcher wicker burning.}}</div>
The commander of the camp - a [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] in armour of black plate - holds an iron torch, already burning. He is flanked by three witches - three [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] - and as the Imperial heroes break through the stakes surrounding the sprawling encampment he steps closer to the awful pyre. Before he lights it, though, he turns to address the trespassers, to mock them for their failure, to invite them to witness the immolation of -

It's not clear if the arrow that finds his throat, the chink in his armour, is fired by Unshackled or Navarr, but it does the same job regardless. The Het topples backward, silenced, the brand falling from his suddenly numb hand. One of the witches stoops to pick it up, but another half-dozen arrows strike him before he can do so, sending him sprawling. Sorcerers are even easier to kill with a hail of arrows than het are.

One of the other two ghulai chants a word and raises their staff over their head, and unleashes a terrible spell that causes everyone in front of them - Druj and Imperial alike - to be wrapped in invisible chains that hold them immobile. The chains do nothing to stop the arrows, however, and ultimately simply allow the raiders to kill the het's guards before they can recover from the paralysis.

The third wizard flees rather than fights, and alone among her brethren escapes the arrows of justice. Unfortunately for her, she runs straight into the arms of an impossibly tall skeletal figure with a mirrored half-helm, who wraps her up in unnaturally jointed arms before biting her face off and turning her screams to desperate gurgles.

Chaos, death, blood, fire. As the last of the Druj are mopped up, those free to do so tear into the wooden trees and free those trapped inside. There is no time to waste, none at all. The defenders of Ulnak are coming and the Druj know they are here. The element of surprise is gone, and there is so far a distance to cover it seems impossible. There's little time to spend in explanations - ten minutes to grab provisions and possessions, to raid the Druj supply tents, and then they have to leave.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralm.png|title=Rune: Gralm|caption=We all come to the crossroads eventually.|align=right}}

==The Plan Changes==
Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.

The flaws are obvious, but the worst is that the refugees would still need to cross the Nameless River at a point where nobody is expecting them to try. The Karass try to argue that messengers could be sent, and boats be waiting, but in the end it simply makes no sense. The Shifting Basin contains one of the largest Druj settlements in the Forest of Ulnak, for a start. The Rivers Run Red bear down on everyone in Ulnak, and the idea of transporting four hundred tired slaves through trackless marshes when any injury might fester and become incapacitating is unpopular. It isn't said out loud, but these new plan also involves giving the Karass a level of trust nobody is comfortable with.

Westward it is, then. The Karass are clearly unhappy, but they are not in charge here. Nothing is ever simple of course; the Great Forest Orcs are no less traumatised than those rescued from the Grove of Woe. Sickness and infection become a constant threat, and without the medical supplies and expertise of those who risked everything to be here the death toll would surely mount higher and higher. There is nowhere near enough time to collect enough provisions and supplies, with the threat of Cassad Úln literally looming on the horizon.

The plan has changed, and now everyone has to make sure it works. Out past the ring of warding and binding, and then turn sharp west to flee through the woods towards the all-too-distant hills. The first day is the worst, with the Great Forest Orcs still adjusting to the fact they are fleeing for their lives and freedoms. Hope can be painful, especially for people who are unfamiliar with it. The first night is bad, but by then the new reality is beginning to take hold. Just as in the south, some of the freed slaves ask for weapons and armour, or offer their skills to help their fellows, former slave and liberator alike. It is too dangerous to risk fires, and folk are forced to huddle together for warmth under the cold Autumn stars.

Only as morning breaks, and the column of refugees gets ready to move, do the Imperial heroes notice that the Karass have disappeared.

==The Treachery of the Karass==
During that first dark night, the Karass vanished. None of the sentries seem to have seen them leaving, and it is clear that this is not some random desertion. This is something that would have taken planning. There was always a chance the Karass would betray the Empire, and it looks as if the fears for their fidelity were well founded.

Although not ''all'' of the Karass have disappeared. One has stayed behind; an old hunter found sitting in the middle of the camp smoking a pipe. They endure accusations of cowardice and treachery for a few long minutes, then put their pipe away and offer an explanation. The plan hasn't changed, says that remaining hunter. Not for the Karass at least. They knew all along there was almost no chance that the Empire would be able to raid the Sacred Grove and escape without the aid of at least one Imperial army. This was the contingency put in place by Anka Karass; the sept has gone to help the plan succeed by risking their own lives to create a distraction. They will launch a raid on Shadowmere, the domain of the Iron Asp, and the largest settlement in the south. The Druj will respond, directing their gaze toward what seems to be a major threat, and the Karass will melt into the marshes and make their own way home. Unlike the Imperials, the Karass can effectively disappear in the Mallum - not even the Imperial Orcs can say the same.

There's no doubt something stinks to the celestial heavens, but what can be done? The Karass are gone, and if they are going to return with the Druj it is already too late to do anything about it. They've been ''essential'' up to now, helping at every turn, but in truth, it's not clear they are needed any more. Their role was always to help the Empire slip into the Druj lands, to get close to their target without tipping their hand. No-one will feel the loss of them, now it's time to run for the hills.

How much of what this hunter is saying is the truth is impossible to gauge. There isn't time to try and make him change his story, and what if he is telling the truth? Risk everything on suspicion? What good would that serve. The plan has changed once, but that doesn't mean the Empire shouldn't stick to the new one. So with that lone Karass under careful watch, the escapees begin to move westward through the forest toward the Thule front lines.

The caravan moves, as it inevitably must, and then everything goes wrong.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yoorn.png|title=Rune: Yoorn|caption=An end is in sight...|align=right}}

==Later Than You Think==
It's always later than you think. That first night under the trees of Ulnak, with the Karass sneaking away into the darkness, brings that home if nothing else does. The hourglass is nearly empty. As the southern force is fighting its way down the Lidless Stair, the raiders in the north realise just how close the Autumn Equinox is.

Close as the summit at Anvil is, the Druj are closer. The garrison of Cassad Úln is on their trail, the soldiers of the Thistle of Barbs cannot be far behind. There is even some hint that some of the heralds of the Thrice-cursed are stalking the fleeing prisoners. The weather is shifting, and the Empire's heroes are fighting their way into a warzone.

When the Imperial Orcs scouts come back to report that there is a major Druj force ahead - several thousand strong - it feels almost inevitable. The orcs of Otkodov, it seems, have claimed the whole of Bonewall and pushed the defending forces of the Mallum back... right into the path of the fleeing heroes. There's no suggestion they've done this on purpose - indeed it would be incredibly difficult for them to manoeuvre the Druj in this way. It just seems to be the worst of luck.

Turning north or south won't help - the caravan has to keep moving or those hunting them will catch up. If there had been a larger force - the help of an army or another twenty warbands maybe - the matter would be different. But if wishes were oxen, nobody would ever have to pull a plough. The situation is dire, and it looks as if everyone in the Forest of Ulnak is going to die...

==Game Information==
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===Rescue the Prisoners===
* '''The raid to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Mallum has been a qualified success'''
* '''Several hundred slaves have been brought safely to the Empire, but several hundred more remain in imminent danger'''
* '''Those chosen to organise the raid have received some weirwood from the Grove of Woe'''

The ambitious [[venture]] to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Help_Us|rescue the Great Forest Orcs]] from [[the Mallum]] before they could be executed by the [[Druj]] has been a qualified success, but it is not quite over yet. Large numbers of Navarr and Imperial Orcs put everything on the line to help free the slaves forced to work in the weirwood groves of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. With the enthusiastic aid of the [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|children of ''Papa Otec'']] and the somewhat grudging assistance of [[All_I_ask_of_you#Dog_Eat_Dog|the Karass sept]], those imprisoned in the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Grove_of_Woe|Grove of Woe]] have made it safely back to Imperial lands. Those who were held at the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Sacred_Grove|Sacred Grove]] have been freed, but they remain in terrible danger from the Druj.

To [[All_I_ask_of_you#Rescue_the_Great_Forest|free all the Great Forest Orcs]] required the player characters to reach a threshold of 60,000 effective force. Once every factor was taken into account, the venture fell a tiny bit short of the required amount. In theory, while the Empire had enough strength to ''Liberate the Grove of Woe'', this would have left the orcs of the Sacred Grove to suffer a horrible death at the orders of ''Nimon Rue''. Given how close it was, we quickly decided it was much better to go a different route, and give player characters a chance during the event to save the remaining Great Forest Orcs in the Forest of Ulnak.

The region of [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt|Oerwealt]] in the Forest of Ulnak has permanently gained the [[Region_qualities#Woodward|woodward]] quality thanks to the efforts of Navarri covens and their allies. Heralds of [[Irra Harah]] will find it easier to enter the mortal world there and support the people in that territory who have reason to fear oppression, tyranny, or violence. This led to them offering support to both raids, but what it means for the future remains to be seen.

There are two sections below for players who participated in the action - who either used their personal resource directly or took the unique opportunity to [[All_I_ask_of_you#Strength_and_Sacrifice|personally commit]] their efforts to try and ensure victory.

In addition to several hundred former slaves of the Druj, the commanders of the raid - '''Ioan Longshadow''' for the Navarr and '''Skywise Rykana''' for the Imperial Orcs - have liberated a dozen wains of [[weirwood]] that have been split between them. It is up to them what to do with these wains.

===Participation : Sanath===
* '''The Great Forest Orcs rescued from the Grove of Woe in Upper Saarnath are safely back behind Imperial lines'''
The attack in the south, against the Grove of Woe in the Salt Flats of Sanath, has been entirely successful. Characters who supported the effort either with their [[military unit]] (or a [[forest]] or other resource transformed into a military unit with magic), or who supported it with other resources, are encouraged to make up stories about their exploits that fit with the narrative presented.

There's no requirement for a character to have actually taken part physically; they might have instructed their military unit to take part, or focused on providing funds or resources to those going. Alternatively, they might have led their own warband (or part of their warband), or girded up and taken their herbs, crystal mana, and the like with them to actively contribute to the success of the raid.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotra.png|title=Rune: Jotra|caption=Nothing is ever easy.|align=right}}
===Participation : Forest of Ulnak===
* '''The effort to free the slaves from the Sacred Grove teeters on the brink of failure'''
* '''At time in any player whose character would have supported the northern raid in person will have the option to emerge from the Sentinel Gate'''
As with those who took part in the raid into the Salt Flats of Sanath, any character who assigned their military unit or personal resource to the action could choose to be involved personally in the attempt to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Sacred Grove in the northern Forest of Ulnak. As can be seen from the narrative, this endeavour has not succeed, but it has not ''yet'' failed. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, four hundred or so former slaves, orcs and humans are caught between pursuing Druj from Cassad Úln and the armies camped along the border with the Bonewall. And in theory, their rescuers are trapped with them!

Obviously, nobody should have to choose between attending an event and supporting a downtime action! With that in mind we are planning to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to let people do both. At the start of the event, any player whose character supported the northern prong of the raid into the Mallum can congregate at the Sentinel Gate. Shortly after time in, a rare [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] will take place linking the depths of [[Forest of Ulnak#Deathsgate|Deathsgate]] to [[Anvil]] (rather than the much more traditional other way around). Any player who wants, can emerge through that conjunction onto the field, having come from the beleaguered refugee column to seek desperate support from the rest of the Empire.

It won't be possible for anyone to use this conjunction to reach Ulnak from Anvil, but see the [[#Battle Opportunity|Battle Opportunity]] below.

Anyone who can't take this opportunity for whatever reason is free to roleplay that they were there but obviously nobody saw them, or that they had run ahead of the raiders once it was clear that everything was going wrong to bring news to Anvil - the kind of news that might have uncovered the battle opportunity.

Obviously anyone coming through the gate in this way is free to have wounds sustained in the battle so far, or to be suffering the lingering effects of exposure to the [[Druj miasma]] ([[Calls#Weakness|weakness]] and heightened sense of fear). We'll strive to have referees on hand who can provide some lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wounds]] where appropriate, but availability will depend on how many people there are.

In-character, the rescued Great Forest Orcs know what is happening - they aren't being deserted but rather the Imperial heroes are going to try and round up the cavalry to help them. Our assumption is that members of military units, and the heralds of Irra Harah, are remaining behind to do their best to get the freed slaves to safety while player characters look for aid at Anvil.

Please do not ask if you can take part in this opportunity if you did not take the appropriate downtime action. It is only available to those who assigned their military unit or personal resource. There's also no requirement out of character to take the opportunity - as mentioned previously it is entirely possible to put your full support behind the mission of mercy without personally attending the raid.

===Participation: The Karass===
* '''The Karass contributed 10,000 strength toward the success of the venture'''
* '''They have also pursued their own agenda'''
The Karass are a complicated people. At the request of the Envoy to the Karass, '''Reynard of De Gauvin''', they contributed support to the raid into the Mallum even though there is little love between them and the Great Forest Orcs. In the south, they helped the raiders get to the Grove of Woe and back, and while they might have been a little grumpy about it, there's no question their efforts helped achieve victory.

Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.

==Battle Opportunity : A Greater Darkness==
* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to Grimfen Mire during the Autumn Equinox'''
The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...

The Druj are being pushed back by the advancing Thule forces in the territory. The barbarians are making haste to put distance between themselves and the Thule; eager to avoid any engagement. It is a hurried retreat, but for the most part orderly and free of panic. The Druj will be utterly unforgiving with anyone they encounter. When they cross paths with the fleeing Great Forest Orcs, they will fall on them like blood hounds on their prey.

There is a conjunction on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox that will enable the heroes of Anvil to reach the ''Reeth Plain'' in Grimfen Mire.

===Objective: Delay the Druj===
* '''The Amber Scorpion will soon cut off the Great Forest Orcs and slaughter them'''
* '''Delaying the orcs for an hour will create time for the Great Forest Orcs to slip by and escape to safety'''

There are two ancient menhirs that stand on the open ground at ''Reeth Plain'', right in the path that the Druj must take to flee the Thule. If the Empire were to send heroes to Ulnak, then this location represents a strategic place to hold ground and focus the barbarians' attention. Any appreciable delay will slow the the retreat of the Druj forces, letting the Great Forest Orcs slip by before the Amber Scorpion sept realise they were even in the area.

Imperial forces will need to take the field and secure the ground in the area surrounding the two menhirs. Once there they can prepare for battle and then await the arrival of the Druj forces. The Empire will need to hold the field against the barbarians until midday. Once the Amber Scorpions are aware of the Imperial presence they will focus on engaging the Empire and bring more of their numbers to bear. They will try to push the Empire off the field, so that their army can continue to withdraw from the advancing Thule.

A single hour is all the time the Great Forest Orcs need to slip across the distant reaches of ''Reeth Plain'' and make good their escape out of Ulnak. The [[Field Marshal]] should aim to withdraw from the menhirs after this time and have their forces return to Anvil in good order.

===Opportunity: Free the Lost Researcher===
* '''Jovana Stradh von Temeschwar, a surviving member of the Silent Bell, is held by the Druj'''
* '''The mage is detained and subject to a powerful experimental poison'''

The daughter of a prominent miller of the famous ''Vargat Bianch'' flour, Jovana eschewed the family business to dedicate her life to hunting down the Empire's enemies. An adept mage and ardent member of the [[Silent Bell]], she leapt at the [[On_the_nature_of_fear|opportunity to find out more about the Druj's use of fear]]. While her fellow Bells devoted their time to studying the miasma pillars and their creation, Jovana got a lead on something different - an eternal "ally" of some kind that even the Druj were reluctant to employ - an eternal possibly unknown to the Empire. Sadly Jovana was captured and nothing more was heard - she was assumed dead - one of the many Bells [[On_the_nature_of_fear|who died to locate vital information]].

Fortunately it appears that the magician has somehow survived. If Stradh can be rescued and recovers from her injuries, then she may have some fresh insights into this eternal of fear that the Druj ghulai truck with. At the very least, her return will help to strengthen the ranks of the Silent Bell, which are grievously depleted [[link to Bell deaths|at this time]].

===Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare===
* '''Sung has let the Empire know that the Amber Scorpions posses a nightmare secured in a dream tether'''
* '''If recovered, it can be passed to the Map to the City Below to give to Sung
* '''Sung will then enable the Empire to access the nightmare'''

Zylath Bilequill, a Druj loremaster or ghulai of sorts, is moving with the Amber Scorpions. Heralds of [[Sung]] have contacted the Empire to let them know that Zylath Bilequill possess a rare "Dream Tether". This is apparently a memory or a dream, or in this case a nightmare, trapped in a physical object known as the tether. Exactly how the Druj created the tether is unclear, but Night magic has the ability to manipulate and even steal memories, so it is theoretically possible. The nightmare contained in the tether must be important for the Druj to have gone to the effort of securing and preserving it in a physical form.

According to the ''Night Singer'', the nightmare pertains to the mystery of Deathsgate and the fortress of Cassad Ûln in the Forest of Ulnak. If the Empire can located Zylath and seize the tether from him it can be passed to the Leaguer responsible for the [[Map to the City Below]]. The title holder can then send it to the ''Everflowing River'' who will enable a small group of citizens to experience the nightmare, should they wish to. If the Druj thought the nightmare was useful, then any information it holds could yield valuable knowledge of what lies beyond the foreboding mountain range.

===Environment: Miasma of despair===
* '''The entire battlefield is affected by an oppressive Druj miasma'''
* '''The miasma causes [[Calls#WEAKNESS|WEAKNESS]] unless you have a way to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it'''

The entire area at ''Reeth Plain'', is under the effect of the [[Druj miasma]], a pall of potent fear that blankets the lands the Druj claim dominion over. Anyone entering the area will need to protect themselves from the clawing dread or succumb to a weakening terror that creeps into their mind.

The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma 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. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, only by becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.

Hidden inventory

2026-09-09T15:48:15Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<ic>As Reet stared at the growing audience, he could feel the blood turning to ice in his veins. If they'd been a mob of angry orcs, he'd have felt less panic. Technically this wasn't the first time he'd performed this piece in public, but in front of your own hall didn't really count. That was easy - this - this room full of strange, chattering faces was anything but.

She gestured at him from the front row. If it was meant to encourage him, it singularly failed. She turned and whispered something to the scop sat next to her and he laughed. "That's not helping Kirsa" he wanted to shout.

His old teacher turned back to face him and this time she caught his eyes. He realised, she realised just how nervous he was. Hard not to be given the circumstances. She leaned forward in her seat and locked gazes with him. It was an old technique, one of the first she'd ever taught him. Focus only on his teacher, forget about everyone else. He wouldn't impress anyone that way, a good entertainer made everyone in the room feel like the scop was talking just to them. Better that than forgetting half the lines though.

She smiled in encouragement and mouthed the words of the first line. He nodded slightly at Kirsa and draw a deep breath.

<em>"An eagle owned the sky that morning,<br>As once upon the battle birthed,<br>Came Britta born by Virtue's victory..."</em>

As the words fell from his lips he looked up. The room was quiet now, forty eyes focussed forwards, a score of scops suborned to silence. Most of them knew the piece of course, but the legend of Empress Britta, the greatest banner-bearer in Wintermark's long history was enough to command any room.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kallavesi Warrior.jpg|caption=The [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|banner-bearer]] is an old [[Steinr]] tradition; warriors who carry a warband's banner and inspire those who fight beneath it.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvPWMzvaMi0}}
A banner can be a vital symbol on a battlefield. When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the turn. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle - and the [[thane|thanes]] are expected to ensure that their banner-bearers are present when the strategy is chosen to ensure that the plans are made, so that they can be relied on to know the battle-plan and their role in it.

[[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer. She regularly bore ''[[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]]'', the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]], even after she took [[the Throne]]. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a complicated proposal to try to remedy this shortfall - involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] banner for Wintermark.

==Banners Unfurled==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Brittashal'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Valasmark, Hahnmark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 14 white granite and 42 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: '''One year, until the start of Autumn Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a building to store and display banners from across Wintermark
* Adds the schema for the Defiant Jackdaw to Runesmiths Law
* Creates the martial title of ''Warcaller''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Warcaller'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Wintermark Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' This is a [[martial title]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' The artisans of Runegrott will enchant a magical standard for the Warcaller if one is available</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* To inspire Wintermark to great acts of heroism on the battlefield
* To uplift and encourage the tradition of banner-bearing both in Wintermark</td></tr>
</table></div>
All Imperial citizens, save the very youngest, were alive during the reign of [[Empress Britta]]. She is the one who turned the Empire from the Age of Decline into the Age of Resurgence, and was a rare Throne who was almost universally favoured by the people. She achieved great things before her [[Empress_Britta#Death_and_Legacy|untimely death]] in [[Skarsind]], at the hands of the [[Thule]].

While the charismatic young Empress was popular across the Empire, she was ''beloved'' in Wintermark. Here they remember that she was ''more'' than just the Throne, she was also one of the nation's foremost [[Wintermark military concerns#Banner-bearers|banner-bearers]], taking to the field with standard in one hand, sword in the other. She, and others like her, served to anchor Wintermark's lines in battle after battle, an enduring symbol of [[heroism]] that rallied spirits across the field. According [[Three_Tears|to the legends]], she bore Foe-Slayer, the legendary war banner personally granted to her by the ghost of [[Emperor Guntherm]]. Britta entrusted her war-banner to a confidant the night before she died, it was presumably returned to the Marsh, to the dutiful watch of Guntherm and his descendants.

Both Britta and ''Foe-Slayer'' [[Kallavesa#The_Sovevann|sleep in the Sovevann]] now, but the nation still needs heroes who can rally Wintermark's warriors on the field. Those who can raise a standard and inspire all to surge forward unto destiny. Neither Virtue nor heroism allow one to want something and wait for others do it however, and artisans of Wintermark have come together to make a plan to encourage a new generation of heroes to follow in Britta's footsteps. A way to promote and support the nation's banner-bearers ''and'' celebrate the nation's legacy as the finest craftspeople in the Empire.

They propose to build a hall to display the [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|artistry]] of the nation's weavers and artisans. A place where the example set by the nation's [[Pride|Proud]] banner-bearers can be celebrated. They want to expand [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valashal]] in Hahnmark to serve as a central place for these banners to be displayed, for the martial history of Wintermark to be recorded, and for new heroes to be inspired by the beautiful artwork.

A well-made banner is widely recognised as a thing of beauty across the Empire, but most especially in Wintermark where the position of banner-bearer is held in high regard. Every banner is unique, and the best compare favourably with the Empire's greatest artists. The banners of the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Knight-errant|knights-errant]] are a fine example of the kind of iconic art that the [[runesmith|runesmiths]] believe inspire [[Pride]], [[Courage]] and the other Virtues in any who see them. Once the hall is complete, they hope to decorate the walls with older banners that are no longer in use and paintings of banners still employed on the battlefield. ('''OOC Note:''' Once the hall is complete, we will add a picture of any banner that players use at Empire to the page for the hall, if it is emailed to {{plot}}).
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|align=right}}</div>
Once the hall is completed, those calling for it would donate a [[schema]] for a rare Wintermark banner, the ''Defiant Jackdaw'' to [[Runesmith's Law]].

*'''The Defiant Jackdaw''' - While wielding this standard, you gain three additional ranks of endurance and can treat it as a source of spiritual strength for purposes of overcoming roleplaying effects. The Defiant Jackdaw requires 3 green iron, 7 orichalcum, 5 weltsilver, 5 beggars lye and 5 iridescent gloaming to create

The runesmiths proposal is that the hall should be overseen by a new title, the ''Warcaller of the Mark''. Their plan is for the Wintermark National Assembly to choose the most appropriate candidate each year - ideally a young aspiring hero who can carry Britta's legacy onto the field to inspire their fellow warriors. It will absolutely have to be a martial title, for obvious reasons, so the Assembly could organise a contest of arms between candidates to identify the strongest warrior, or they could simply choose the most heroic

==To the Banner Born==
<div style="float: right; max-width: 200px; margin-left: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Cat's Graces Sodality.png|Cat's Graces Sodality Eyes.webp|300px|Caption2|Caption3|Caption4|Caption5|The Cat's Graces}}</div>
* '''The runesmiths have asked the Cat's Graces sodality to find a citizen to create a new war banner for Wintermark'''
* '''They have asked the Benefactor of Regalia to make the banner the legal property of the Warcaller'''
* '''If that happens, the runesmiths will enchant the banner as an artefact Defiant Jackdaw'''
The new Warcaller will need a banner to bear - and the runesmiths are enthusiastic to finance the creation of something that can hopefully inspire the heroes of the nation. They have asked the [[Cat's Graces]] sodality to find a citizen prepared to create a new war banner for the nation, someone prepared to design and create something beautiful that will uplift the hearts of Wintermark warriors on the battlefield when they see it flying. They are offering a payment of five thrones to whichever weaver is chosen in exchange for the actual finished banner.

They have also asked the [[Benefactor of Regalia]] to make the new banner a part of the official regalia of the Warcaller - that ensures that whoever holds the title will have the legal right to carry the banner, but only as long as they hold the position. If all that happens, then the artisans of Runegrott will reforge the banner as an [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] Defiant Jackdaw, ensuring the Warcaller has a banner appropriate to their standing and importance to carry onto the field.

==Old Cloth==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|caption='''Watt of Lambrook''', Minister of Historical Research|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Empire could ask the historical research department to look into the story of Foe-Slayer'''
* '''The banner is assumed to be in the Sovevann, but finding out more about the banner might help Wintermark find a worthy successor'''
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Research Foe-Slayer'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Historical research]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Any time</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
</table></div>
There are few magical banners more powerful than the legendary Foe-Slayer, the original banner that Britta carried. According to the legends, the Empress was given the banner by Guntherm shortly after she became a citizen, an early sign that she was destined for great things. There are some who argue that Foe-Slayer is a better symbol of Wintermark's heritage than the cursed [[Crown of Three Tears]]. The banner is widely believed to have gone back to the swamp, waiting for the day that a new hero is found who can bear it aloft.

Were the Empire so minded, they could try to direct the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to investigate the banner's story. ''Leontes the Scribe'', Imperial Archivist, suggests that [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwasbairn]] would be perfect for the task, if the [[Minister of Historical Research]] (or even the [[Senate]]) could be convinced to direct them to look into it. Leontes also points out that this is yet another perfect example of why historical research, and the election of the Minister, should fall under the purview of the [[Magpies]]. It may be that finding out more about the banner's history helps Wintermark find the right banner-bearer to carry Britta's legacy, someone that the ghost of Emperor Guntherm would find worthy, as the legends say happened with young Britta.

==Our Friends Beneath the Waves==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hylje seal.jpg|caption=The hylje, shapechangers who most often take the form of seals, believe they are cousins to the [[Suaq]] of the north.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Koskinen has invited Wintermarkers to attend the Festival of Autumn's Easing'''
* '''The Mediator of the Hyljehal, Raal Dunn is responsible for the conjunction for 50 people at 20:15 on Saturday'''
Last summit, Koskinen, made known that the ''hylje'' will hold the Festival of Autumn's Easing at the Autumn Equinox. The festival is one of the ''waystones of time'' that mark the passage of the lives of the hylje and gives them meaning and shape. Koskinen himself is to be married, and crowned as one of the ''Palliko'', the hylje's rulers. The hylje have asked the Winterfolk to come and share in this profound moment, and to bring stories of their heroes: those still living and those long gone. The hylje will respond in kind.

Koskinen knows nothing of the coral husks that '''Raal Dunn''', the [[Mediator of Hyljehal]], has recently written of. He does however reaffirm the hylje's wish to help the Empire learn more of the mysterious [[orc|orcs]] of [[Fjorknae]] and their allies, the monstrous ''akhlut''. The Palliko are pleased that the Empire has now [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Smugglers_Cove_in_Tromsa|commissioned another]] [[smugglers cove]] in [[Tromsa]]. Once this is complete, the ''Sail into the Cold'' [[voyage]] will be available and the hylje will do all they can to help the Empire learn more about the mysterious folk of Fjorknae.

Recently the hylje [[Beneath_a_moonless_sky#As_Sermersuaq_strode|asked for three measures of ''stardust'']] to allow them to aid in the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]]. Anticipating that stardust might prove difficult to come by, Koskinen makes clear that two rings of [[ilium]] would suffice if the stardust is not available. Sadly without at least a little of the precious star metal there is nothing they can do to help their allies in Tsirku - the baleful [[Sermersuaq#Northern lights|Northern lights]] are simply too dangerous to Koskinen and his folk.

A conjunction has been identified at 20:15 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, to the shore of Atkonaroq, [[Sermersuaq#Tanikipari|Tanikipari]] in [[Sermersuaq]]. The Mediator of the Hyljehal, '''Raal Dunn''', will be responsible for deciding who goes on the conjunction. The conjunction is for 50 people and lasts for 60 minutes - so there should be plenty of time for stories to be shared.

==Further Reading==
* [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|Banner-bearer]]
* [[Three Tears]] - relates the story of ''Foe-Slayer''
* [[Mediator of Hyljehal]]
* [[Cat's Graces]]

Senator

2026-09-07T15:24:44Z

Novemberalice: /* Appointment */

<quote by="Yelislaveta Vlanich of the Wychlova, Senator Miekarova"> If they need to be named, let it be on the fortifications we will build in Karsk. If there must be a monument let it be built from the skulls of our enemies! And you can stand upon it and cry out the names of your fallen as we crush those who took them from us.</quote>
==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is a representative chamber; each territory in the Empire selects a single senator according to the customs of that nation. To be eligible to return a senator, at least half of the territory must be under Imperial control. If more than half of a territory is controlled by barbarians or foreign powers, then it cannot be represented in the Senate. A territory must be part of one of the ten nations of the Empire. When new territories are captured, they are allocated to a nation by majority vote of the Senate. A territory may only return a senator who is recognized as a member of that nation by the nation's [[Egregores|egregore]].
==Responsibilities==
Officially senators represent the people of their territory and their nation in the Imperial Senate. As part of the ruling body of the Empire, senators are ultimately responsible for the well-being of the entire Empire. Collectively their duties include passing laws, assigning the Imperial budget, and appointing other Imperial titles, notably [[The Throne]] and the generals of their nation.

Senators are expected to attend at least some of the [[Senate session|Senate sessions]], and to both raise [[Senate motion|motions]] and cast their votes wisely. In doing so they must balance many competing interests; the Empire, their nation, their territory, the people who got them elected, and their own ambitions. It is rare that all these interests align and even the most virtuous senator can find themselves forced to make painful compromises.

During a sitting, a senator is expected to comport themselves with proper decorum and act respectfully toward their peers. A senator may be [[Speaker_for_the_Senate#Powers_of_Censure|sanctioned]] by the [[Speaker for the Senate]] in response to boorish or disruptive behaviour.

Following [[Responsibility for respectful silence|a decision]] of the [[Senate]], the responsibilities of a senator include calling for a moment of silence to honour the dead after any [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|motion for emergency resupply]] is voted on.

==Limitations==
===Military Council Prohibition===
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: left;"><quote by="Giuseppe Sanguineo von Temeschwar, Senator for Temeschwar">And furthermore, the Druj must be destroyed.</quote></div>
Although senators choose the generals, the Senate is forbidden by the [[Imperial Constitution]] from interfering with the [[Military Council]] under any circumstances. The constitution states that "The Military Council will execute the strategy of war without interference from the Senate." Interpretation of what constitutes 'interference' is complex, but it is always a crime for a senator to enter the Military Council chamber when it is in session. Magistrates work hard to enforce this law and senators risk harsh penalties if they break it.

Some historical scholars claim this reflects the importance the First Empress and her advisors placed on the separating the business of war from the business of politics. Less flattering interpretations point out that since the Empress (or Emperor) is a member of both chambers, this ruling also enhances the prestige and power of The Throne. This restriction supersedes even the right of [[Witness]] possessed by a Senator who is a member of the Synod.
===Abstention===
Senators do not have the power of abstention as they represent the citizens of the Empire. If they are present for a session then they are legally required to vote and face censure by the Speaker, as well as the censure of the Synod and the attention of the magistrates if they try to abstain.

Senators are permitted to miss a session entirely. In such cases they must only explain themselves to the Synod. Omission is commonly accepted by those senators who take the battlefield regularly, but those whose absence is driven by a lack of courage or prosperity risk revocation.
===Expert Witness===
Senators may not be called as expert witnesses during a Senate session, irrespective of their expertise or role in creating the motion. Senators are expected to already be present on the Senate floor and able to petition the Speaker to comment on the motion.

This ensures a clear separation between those who can propose and decide motions, and those who provide specialist insight to inform decisions. If a senator believes their knowledge is vital to the discussion, they may wish to raise the motion themselves.

==Powers==
===Member of the Senate===
Each senator is a [[Senate session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a [[Senate session]] and participate in the debates.

===Representation===
Senators may cast a [[Senate_motion#Voting|vote]] on any motion that is brought before the Senate.

===Proposal===
Senators may [[Senate_motion#Proposal|propose]] a single motion for consideration by the Senate each summit.

The limitation on this legal power is on the title, not the occupant. If a new citizen is elected to the title, they cannot use the ability that summit if it has already been used.

===Executor===
If a motion requires significant decisions to be made outside the Senate chamber, then it is responsibility of the senator who proposed the motion to execute those decisions. E.g. if the Senate passes a motion to construct a dam across the Couros river in the territory of Bastion in Highguard, then any further decisions are the responsibility of the senator who proposed that motion. The dam will require materials that must be purchased from the Imperial Bourse, so the Senate may vote a budget for this project. That money is then '''given''' to the senator who proposed the motion who can use it as they see fit to attempt the goals stated in the motion.

Historically it was considered virtuous for a senator to keep any funds assigned by the Senate that are not required to carry out a motion. It was widely held that a successful senator who worked hard to secure the resources needed at a cheaper price deserves to be rewarded for their prosperity. In recent times this practice has been strongly criticised and senators have felt a heavy pressure to return unused funds. Although it is unconstitutional to legally compel a senator to return any funds, this new practice remains widespread.

===Curtailment===
A senator may call for a [[Senate_session#Curtailment|vote of curtailment]] to end the current Senate session early. Curtailment is not a motion, and the call does not need to be seconded.

A senator may only call for a vote of curtailment if they (or their legal proxy) are present in the chamber during the session, they cannot submit the request in advance.

===Proxy===
A senator is entitled to appoint a [[proxy]] who may exercise the legal powers of their office in their name.

==Appointment==
Each nation has a traditional mechanism to return a senator for a [[territory]] as shown below. Usually, but not always, the ability to directly [[Imperial_elections#Eligibility to Vote|influence the choice is limited]] to those who dwell in the territory. [[Imperial Elections|Merlot]] from the Imperial Civil Service is responsible for overseeing the appointment processes for senators and does his utmost to ensure due process is followed. When a new territory is assigned to a nation, the Imperial Civil Service consults the egregore of that nation to determine how the senator for the territory will be selected.

Senator elections take place on Saturday afternoon during a summit. If a senator dies, is revoked or abdicates their title, then the position will automatically come due for selection by [[Imperial_elections#Extraordinary_Elections|extraordinary election]] at the next summit.

A senator can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the appropriate [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

<quote by="Walter Brewer, Senator for Upwold">Politics is like muck-spreading. No matter how much the stench turns your stomach, it still has to be done. So quit bloody whining; all that matters is what we achieve, not how we go about it. A tree is known by its fruit, not by its leaves.</quote>

If a senator is revoked or served a writ of excommunication by the Synod, dies, or abdicates their title, then the position will automatically come due for selection by [[Imperial_elections#Extraordinary_Elections|extraordinary election]] at the next summit for a limited term.

The senatorial elections for each nation are based on:
* [[The Brass Coast]] - being a [[The_Brass_Coast_leadership#Dhomiro|dhomiro]] with a purse of [[Game_items#Coins|coins]]
* [[Dawn]] - being a [[noble_house|noble]]
* [[Highguard]] - having a [[congregation]] (i.e. being in the Highborn [[Assembly]])
* [[Imperial Orcs]] - being leader of a [[military unit]]
* [[Navarr]] - having a [[resource]] in the appropriate [[territory]]
* [[The League]] - having a [[business]]
* [[The Marches]] - being a [[farm|farmer]] (who votes for a steward who decides)
* [[Urizen]] - being a [[magician]]
* [[Varushka]] - being a [[Wise_One|wise one]]
* [[Wintermark]] - being in the appropriate [[Wintermark_people|tradition]] and having a coin

{{Senate Further Reading}}
[[Category:Title]]
[[Category:Senate]]

Daybreak in Spiral

2026-09-07T14:56:44Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Majorian stared into the darkness. There was something moving out there, out beyond the circle of their fire. Had it been quieter he might have had a chance to hear whatever it was moving around, but the strange ethereal singing was still drifting across the open flood plain. Today he'd been glad enough for that curious music, or at least for the way it quietened the clamouring from the Plateau. Right now he'd have opted for the silence, the better to hear them coming.

With a jolt, the darkness parted to reveal a crazed looking orc, one of the Lost, heavy steel mace in hand, its face a madcap riot of emotions. It was still wearing purple rags but it wasn't a Grendel. Not anymore. It wasn't anything any more. The {{Black Plateau}} had consumed what wits the poor fool had once possessed and in their place it had left only rage and anger. As if to mark the moment, the singing changed cadence at the moment the twisted creature broke into a run.

The creature barrelled towards him, snarling, mace swinging wildly. He caught the blow on his shield and lashed out with his sword, but the edge touched nothing but cloth and air. The mace crashed down again and again on the shield, trying to batter him into submission but the singing only picked up, so that it was loud enough to be heard about the sound of the weapons clashing. The tune was insistent, pushing into his thoughts like a knife.

Frantically he stepped back, desperate to put some distance between himself and the Plateau-enraged orc. He tried to centre himself, seeking to master his fear and channel it into his weapon, but the mellifluous singing urged him to abandon his fear. He tried to blank it out, but it was too persistent, and he felt the adrenaline of the fight slipping away, but rhythmically, like a tide going out.

There was no danger here he realised, no need for this tension that even now was seeping from his muscles as the singing relaxed him. He tried to clear his mind, certain that if he dropped his guard, the orc would slaughter him as certain as the sun rises. But even that effort seemed foolish. There was no need for it... there was nothing to be alarmed about.

He stepped back staring at the orc. It struck him in that moment that his enemy look as confused as he did. It stood, stupefied, its weapon slumped to the floor. He contemplated running the orc through with his sword, but he somehow he couldn't muster the will to do it. The enigmatic singing that still filled his ears seemed to drown out the thoughts, washing them away as quickly as they arrived.

Some distance away, Octavia watched the two of them with fascination. She could feel the effects herself, but the protection of her Circlet was keeping the worst of it at bay. Even so it took every effort of her will to resist the siren sounds of the Chorus.

Cautiously she moved towards them, mage staff at the ready, aware that the effects could end at any moment.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dokan Mountain at Sunrise.jpg|caption=The sun rises over Spiral; a bright new day is begun.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6TsJT6rkDs}}
As part of the ongoing efforts to relieve the [[Region_qualities#Arid|aridity]] of the region of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] in [[Mareave]], there are serious plans to dam the [[Spiral#Apstrus|River Doubt in Apstrus]]. This would flood the area where the old spire of Solen's Doubt is, where years ago there was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|a decisive battle]] with the [[Grendel]]. At the Spring Equinox, [[Damming_the_Doubt#Resolution|real progress]] was made towards addressing issues that various national assemblies had raised with the proposal, and [[Alignment#Amity|Amity]] was granted to the [[Eternal]] [[Ylenwe]] to allow zir to help with the project.

There are, however, a few things left to address before the dam can proceed. There is an urgent need to arrange protection for whichever Imperial army is asked to carry out the work. Then there are demands of the Imperial Orc Assembly to consider, and the desires of the Urizeni Assembly to take into account. And just to make it more complicated there is the small matter of the rebels who remain a quiet but important factor complicating the politics of Spiral.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenwe001.webp|caption=[[Ylenwe|Zie of the Perfect Morning]] offers zir aid in Spiral.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
==The Dawn Chorus==
* '''A strange guardian of Ylenwe, a circle of feathered creatures that sing sweetly have taken up residence in Spiral'''
* '''The guardian's song can confuse those who attack it, but it also protects the listener against the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''Ylenwe's heralds offer a boon of the eternal, to any military unit that supports the army building the dam'''
At the Spring Equinox, the [[Conclave]] voted to give Amity to the Eternal Ylenwe, in return for the protection of the army that undertakes the dam-building. Ylenwe is not an Eternal without controversy, but certainly zie has in recent times acted as a friend to the Empire - there is a distinct sense that zie is atoning, somehow, or at least this is the impression zir heralds have given.

As the Summer Solstice draws in, reports come of a spring in the high mountains - around where the source of the Doubt is said to lie - which has filled with an ethereal light and harmonious music. Then they descend: strange winged beings, which have the approximate shape of a human or an orc but who are covered in white, dove-like feathers, and dress in shimmering robes. Ylenwe's heralds who accompany them refer them as the Dawn Chorus - a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Ylenwe, and they have been sent to guard the minds of those who labour in Spiral.

If they are surprised that their aid is not ''yet'' needed they don't show it. The flock descends to the ruined spire of Solen's Doubt - planned to be at the centre of the reservoir when it is built - and settles themselves into contemplative meditation. Any who come near are invited to join, though it is a perilous journey just to sit in a circle, listening to these strange birds singing a sweet and wordless song - but those that do make the journey confirm that in the presence of the Dawn Chorus, the whispers of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|{{Black Plateau}}]] are silenced to a quiet murmur, barely present.

Ylenwe's heralds say that while there is no reason as such that the army they assist will need the support of small military units, they will welcome any captains who wish to join them in stilling song. They will provide to each such captain a white feather from their plumage - this feather will act much like a [[Circlet of Falling Snow]], except that it will also provide a constant soothing effect to the wearer. In particular, while Ylenwe has ''no'' interest in the removal of lineage (they are almost too quick to say), it will be particularly effective at lessening unwelcome influence related to [[lineage|the touch of the realms]] in the bonded wearer.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption=Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian has been senator for Spiral since the League took residence.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Names in the Stones==
* '''Writing the names in the stones will cost an additional 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether the inscriptions will happen is part of the necessary details for the commission for the dam'''
Obviously the dam must actually be [[Commission|commissioned]] by the [[Senate]] or by a suitable title with the power to commission an [[edifice]]. Whoever arranges for the commission will need to ensure that they are clear whether they intend to address the concerns of the [[Imperial Orcs]]

The [[Synod|Imperial Orc Assembly]] requested that the names of the fallen be carved into the stones of the dam. This can be done, but it will add an additional five thrones of labour costs to the project, which will not be covered by the labour of the assisting army. Whoever raises the commission must include whether they intend to meet this demand as part of the necessary details. It is not mandatory to pay this cost - but presumably the Imperial Orcs will have some objections if it is not done.

==The Omphalos==
* '''People are inspired to found the Dreaming Spire at the omphalos, the perfect centre of Urizen'''
* '''That centre would be in Zenith or Spiral, depending on how you calculate it'''
* '''Once complete, the library from Solen's Doubt could be relocated there at a cost of 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether to relocate the books is part of the necessary details of the commission to commission the dam'''

{{SOP|by=Halkyon of the Myriad Stream|statement=The dam across the Doubt is conceived from Urizen ingenuity and Urizen supports this work of Prosperity. In the valley ghosts linger among broken vessels of souls who, in Courage and Loyalty, sacrificed all for Urizen and the Empire. Above the valley stood Solen’s Doubt, Pride of the dreaming spires: Fountain of Urizen Wisdom. The essence of these heroes and sages was in their lives, learning and legacy. Come torchbearers! Sing the deeds of the fallen. Save the library of Solen’s Doubt and preserve it! Let the Fountain flow anew! Come illuminates, come questors! Let ghosts be sent on their path. Come architects! As waters rise, let a Dreaming Spire rise again. Legacy of heroes: Testament of Urizen endurance: an Omphalos. For our centre holds. '''Despite everything, we are still here.'''|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (292-0)|when=Spring Equinox 386YE}}
The Urizeni Assembly, who most keenly of all remember what the battle of Solen's Doubt was for, and what it cost, have also judged the Dam. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' has made a stirring statement in the Urizen National Assembly regarding the history of the spire and the battle that took place. The words seem political, but they resonate everywhere, especially in the north-east of Zenith, where the Urizeni are once again fighting to keep the Druj from their homes.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dreaming Spire'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Either Ankra in Spiral or [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] in [[Zenith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' '''Minimum:''' 10 white granite, 30 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Founds a new spire at the chosen location, allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not completed before the dam is finished</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Paying to relocate the books adds 5 thrones to the cost to dam the River Doubt</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Nobody wants to return to those bitter days right now, when the League took Spiral, and it seemed nation might go to war against nation. But the reality is that Spiral was Urizeni for centuries before that, and with his words Halkyon has given voice not just to the grief of the lost of Solen's Doubt, but to the whole nation. ''Despite everything, we are still here...''

And so the call to raise a new spire, a Dreaming Spire, an Omphalos, takes hold. The idea of forming a new spire is a familiar one; in Urizen, spires often cooperate to found a new spire, the magicians working together and sharing skills and resources to meet the challenges involved. There is a common goal here, an opportunity to save the library of Solen's Doubt, to preserve the legacy of heroes, and perhaps to establish the omphalos.

The process seems simple enough on the face of it; commission an edifice to serve as the focal point of the Dreaming Spire. It would need at least ten white granite and thirty crowns, but it could be bigger than that if there was sufficient desire to ensure the new spire had [[Edifice#Grandeur|sufficient grandeur]] to meet the moment. Once that is done, it would just cost five thrones to relocate the library at Solen's Doubt to the new spire. Whether this happens would be part of the [[Commission#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] of the commission to raise the dam.

There is just one small detail that would need to be refined. The perfect location for the Omphalos would be the precise geographic centre of Urizen. That is the nature of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omphalos omphalos]. Such a detail is easily calculated by the skilled scholars of Urizen, but the results turn out to depend rather a lot on what assumptions you make. If you assume that the nation of Urizen consists of the territories of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], and [[Morrow]], then the perfect spot would be on Mount Lutum in [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] - where Spire Calator used to stand. If, however, you find the geographic centre point of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], [[Morrow]], and [[Spiral]] then the perfect spot would be Mount Cinnius in [[Spiral#Ankra|Ankra]] right on the border with [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]].

Wherever it is built, once the edifice is complete the support of neighbouring spires would be enough to help any Urizeni seeking to establish themselves there. That would allow any Urizeni character to take a new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] in the [[territory]] where the edifice is located without cost in the season it was completed (notably this could circumvent the difficulties facing Urizen who wish to take a new personal resource in Spiral).

A short conversation with [[The_fate_of_the_many#Victory_in_Defeat|Caela, the Arbiter of the Silver Flame]] and de facto leader of the Silver Flame rebels, confirms that they would be more than happy to have the new spire built on either side of Mount Cinnius. If it is built there, they will offer what support they can to the new spire. There is something they would like however...
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=PhoenixIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Spiral rebels have kept to their agreement with the Empire.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==The Chorus and the Flame==
* '''Heralds of Ylenwe have travelled Spiral investigating the {{Black Plateau}} and the Block'''
* '''The Block is controlled by the Silver Flame Urizeni Rebels in Cinion'''
Technically, now that the Dawn Chorus has entered the mortal realm, there is no need for Ylenwe to retain [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. They are clear that they will offer their aid as soon as the building project begins, as long as it takes place in the next year or so. However, ''Zie-of-the-Perfect-Morning'' has also promised that zie will use zir time with amity to find a way to more permanently alleviate at least some of the issues caused by the "discord" in Spiral, building on the great success of the Urizeni with the Block.

True to their word, other heralds do indeed begin appearing from the spring far above Apstrus, and they begin to wander all across the hills and paths of the cursed land, singing as they go. Alone, they do not provide the respite that the Chorus does, but there is something comforting about the sight of them, all the same. On a sunny day one can even see their white-feathered forms moving across the hills from the vantage point of the [[Spiral#Apulian|city below]].

The feathered heralds trace the weaves of magic emanating from the block, until it leads them inexorably to its source up in the mountains of [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]]. There they encounter something unexpected; the presence of the [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Rebels|Urizeni rebels]], the magicians the Empire calls the Urizen of the Silver Flame. It appears that the heralds were not expecting the Block, the powerful [[mithril]] structure that is the only thing that makes life in Spiral bearable, to be in the hands of the rebels.

There is a short but tense negotiation between Ylenwe's heralds and the rebels in which they make it very clear that Cinion - and the block - belongs to them. Fortunately the rebels have dozens of experienced masters of [[Day magic]] among their number. They have no trouble establishing that the heralds mean no harm - especially as there is a third party present, a figure wearing reflective robes that glitters in the sun: a herald of ''[[Sinokenon|That Which Lives In Its Name]]'', present for its own reasons. This ''vizier'' helps to broker negotiations. Once that happens, the heralds are allowed, under the watchful eyes of the rebel magicians, to visit the block itself. What transpires there is between the rebels, Ylenwe, and perhaps this other herald - at least for now.

===Silvered Lore===
* '''The Silver Flame Urizeni rebels in Cinion have asked for access to Imperial Lore'''
* '''The Imperial Conclave can grant access to Imperial Lore with an appropriate Declaration of Concord'''
The Silver Flame Urizeni have done everything they can to adapt to their new life outside the Empire. They are, for the most part, self-sufficient. They refuse to engage with the invaders in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], but they survive through trade and cooperation with the few remaining spires in Spiral and those over the border in [[Redoubt]] and [[Zenith]]. They have negotiated some arrangements with the ''[[Sinokenon|Argent Mantra]]'' for its heralds to provide services that the [[Civil Service]] would once have provided. Happily, the ''Wheel of Light'' has proven most obliging in this matter.

The biggest problem they are encountering is their inability to access [[Imperial lore]]. These are skilled magicians of course, and each has several rituals mastered. The libraries in their spires contain many more. But the rituals they have access to are a fraction of what they once enjoyed when they were part of the Empire. Previously, as part of the Empire, they would simply trade texts and books for whatever rituals they needed with their neighbours. Now that is no longer legal, a shortcoming that is proving increasingly frustrating.

Caela has made it plain that they would like the [[Conclave]] to use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] grant the Silver Flame Urizeni access to Imperial Lore. They refuse to beg - Caela simply points out that it was the Urizeni that helped to create Imperial Lore... The rituals she and her fellow magicians want access to are part of the body of lore that her people worked tirelessly to build for the Empire.

She assures those she speaks with that the rebels will share the texts with no-one who is not part of the Empire. She is willing to swear oaths to that effect, even proposing to go as far as invoking the [[Lictors]] to show how serious they are. That last part slightly tips her hand since it also demonstrates how desperate they are to regain access to Imperial Lore. She also lets slip a fact that she has otherwise not drawn attention to: the egregore bond no longer binds the erstwhile rebels, and perhaps began to fall away the moment they signed their treaty. They strongly consider themselves Urizeni... but strictly speaking, they are now no more Urizeni than the so-called ''[[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]]'' is [[Dawn|Dawnish]]. Caela maintains nearly-immaculate [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]]... and yet it is quite clear that this matter causes her no small distress.

Nevertheless, there is no public quid-pro-quo - no reciprocal offer that is explicit. The followers of the Silver Flame are simply asking for what they feel they have a right to have, and they will not compromise their Pride by begging for that which is theirs. Despite everything, they are still here: and they are not going anywhere.
==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Ylenwe]]

* [[Nightfall in Apulian]]- 387YE Summer wind of fortune, a companion piece to this dealing with events in the city of Apulian
* [[Damming the Doubt]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing options and concerns related to Solen's Doubt
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune summarising the situation in Spiral
* [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to flood the Doubt

Nightfall in Apulian

2026-09-07T14:56:16Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<quote by="Midsummer Night's Dream, Act V, Scene 1">
If we shadows have offended,<br>
Think but this, and all is mended,<br>
That you have but slumber’d here<br>
While these visions did appear.<br>
And this weak and idle theme,<br>
No more yielding but a dream.<br>
</quote>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pedra Azul Milky Way.jpg|caption=The stars shine bright over Spiral tonight.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5ZRLKcYDE}}
The [[Daybreak in Spiral|events in the mountains of Spiral]] are not the only thing occurring in the territory. There is politics and intrigue afoot in the city of Apulian. As the city goes dark, it comes alive with intrigue and mystery. The strange confluence of dramaturgy continues to manifest itself, while the Night realm seeps up from the dusty streets to cosset the unwary with peculiar happenstance.

Some blame [[Sung]] for this strange development - the ''Rainbow Serpent'' has clearly taken a powerful interest in the city. Others suggest that it might have been unwise to grant its request for a [[fane]] and that perhaps the architects of that plan might have designs for the city that they have not yet revealed.

All the while the Grendel continue to play their games. But with the successful infiltration of the Grendel espionage ring, there is a chance to play the players at their own game. The dealer is ready to draw cards, but should the Empire take their winnings or double-down?

==The Shadowed Bay==
* '''Odd events continue to occur in the city of Apulian'''
* '''It is becoming clear that this is not simply ''just'' a passing confluence'''
Over the Spring, the inhabitants of Apulian began to notice a distinctly odd phenomenon: one in which people were getting lost in the city despite its relatively small size. It appeared to be linked to a reverberation of Night magic that was beginning in the city. Around the same time, the influence of dramaturgy on the city appeared to increase. It is not quite clear why that would be - dramaturgy is not uniquely linked to Night magic by any means. Proposals have been made to build an academy or even a university of the dramaturgical arts to study the phenomenon more closely. The situation is now developing in ways which make clearer the distinction between these two factors.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=WhiteBishop.jpg|align=left|caption=Donning the guise of one of the personae - in this case the white and gold of [[the Bishop]] - grants strength to those who know how to use it.|width=300}}</div>
===The Stage, The Story===
* '''Dramaturgical personae, instruments and thrones continue to spontaneously manifest in Apulian'''

It is becoming clearer and clearer that dramaturgy, as a form of magical practice, is unusually... puissant, in Apulian. The personae of dramaturgy [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Larger_than_Life|appeared to be inserting themselves into ordinary plays]], and settling upon the mantles of those who called Spiral home. At first people assumed that this ''might'' simply be some manifestation of what in astronomancy would be called a conjunction - a particular but fleeting motion of the currents of magic.

Whatever is causing it, the effect is not going away yet, if anything it is deepening and strengthening in some way. Previously the personae kept appearing in plays, even when they weren't meant to be there. But increasingly people are encountering five of the six (all but the mountebank) abroad in Apulian. People bump into a masked stranger who is so clearly [[the Captain]] while out walking, or they notice [[the Prince]] is sat in the box at the theatre, watching the patrons rather than the play, a cruel smile visible beneath his jewelled mask. Sometimes they are helpful, [[the Doctor]] is suddenly there when you urgently need to answer a terrible problem you've been wrestling with for days. Other times a couple encounter [[the Witch]] inserting themselves into an argument. What is useful, is that Apulians are finding it increasingly easy to draw on the power of the personae. Or the five of them that are abroad in the city at least, at times when it seems most useful. Of course that could also explain why people keep ''meeting'' the personae out and about.

There are places in the world resonant with particular constellations - like the Sign of Tamar in Reikos - or at which the stars are particularly bright and their influence particularly felt - as is the case in many of the stars favoured by the great stargazers of [[Urizen]]. One hypothesis is that Apulian may be this ''but for dramaturgy'' - a locale in which dramaturgical currents and resonances naturally form and are amplified. Why, then, was this never noticed before, in the long years of its history? It could simply be Urizen favouring other magics - especially [[astronomancy]], and the [[music of the spheres]]. Now there are simply many more people practicing dramaturgy than ever before. Different magical techniques ought to ultimately produce similar results - but it may be that this locale interacts with dramaturgy in ways hitherto less understood. Perhaps it is something to do with the ''truly'' ancient history of this place? Who can say.

{{SOP|statement=Knowledge is incomplete. Encourage the study of dramaturgy in Spiral and the spread of findings in Urizen. We should expand Urizen learning whether the League build a college or not. The League should not be burdened alone in furthering our understanding of a major tradition & choosing next steps. Look to the example of the Astral Arcanist for what can be achieved.|by=Donato of the Crucible, Urizen Assembly|vote=168-10|when=Spring Equinox 387YE}}
The confluence appears to have begun in the wake of a marked increase in the influence of the Night realm in the city, but it was ''probably'' not caused by it - rather, the infusion of Night acted to quicken the still-beating heart of the city's dramatic potential: whatever that means. This dramaturgical confluence appears to be growing, and while it isn't causing a problem, some people are very concerned that ''might'' cause a problem. The ''[[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|Academy of Dramaturgy]]'' - or its greater cousin, the ''University of Dramaturgy'' - would be one way to solve the problem, but they are expensive to commission. There is popular support for the commission, especially from Urizeni magicians eager for a chance to study dramaturgy but it would certainly be easier simply to wait for this strange confluence to pass as all conjunctions ultimately do.

===Participation===
* '''Any character who has spent time in Apulian experiences a roleplaying effect during the event'''
* '''Any character whose resource is in Apulian can draw on the personae as a source of spiritual strength'''
* '''Any Night mage whose resource is in Apulian gains 1 rank of Night magic'''
* '''They gain 2 ranks when casting Night magic shrouds, if they employ masks of one or more of the city's five personae'''
Any character who has spent a good deal of time in Apulian this season will have experienced the following roleplaying effect. ''Masks that you wear feel natural and comfortable, as if they were your true face. Conversely, it feels easy to be convinced others are wearing masks, even when their faces are bare.'' The effect may come and go as you please during the Summer Solstice, but will have faded by the end of the Summer Solstice for those who don't return to the city.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''Resources'''</big><br>
We only record what territory your resource is in - so we don't normally restrict benefits like this. In this case, however, the effects are peculiar to the city itself. If your resource is in Spiral, and you roleplay that your resource is in the city (which would be normal for most [[the League|League]] characters and some Urizen characters) then these effects apply to your character, otherwise you should ignore this effect.</box></div>

During this summit, any character whose resource is in Apulian can draw on the power of one of the five personae (with the exclusion of the Mountebank) as a source of spiritual strength to resist a roleplaying effect by instead embracing the roleplaying associated with this intensification of the personae. You may do this at any time during the summit, as often as feels appropriate, but you may only use a single personae throughout the event.

* '''The Witch''' - You feel emboldened to meddle in the romantic affairs of others, however much they try to keep them private.
* '''The Captain''' - You feel driven to challenge others to act upon their unspoken ambitions and to assist them in achieving their goals when they align with yours.
* '''The Bishop''' - You find it easy to engage in long and intense debates on spiritual matters, especially pertaining to death and what follows it.
* '''The Doctor''' - It feels natural to answer the questions of others with further questions, carefully guarding your magical knowledge behind a cryptic façade.
* '''The Prince''' - It feels easy to fall silent in conversations and watch the faces and gestures of others, spotting the lies they tell and the ways in which they can be manipulated.

The Mountebank may not be drawn upon for this purpose. In addition, any League or Urizen character from Spiral will struggle to use the Mountebank when performing a ritual using dramaturgical techniques. The personae seems to resist being ''in the performance''.

Any League or Urizen magician whose personal resource is in Apulian who possesses the Night lore skill, gains one additional effective rank to all Night rituals cast this summit, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. Furthermore, if you employ a mask depicting one of the five personae above during the casting of a ritual, you gain ''two'' additional effective ranks to all Night rituals that create shrouds (such as [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]] or [[Incantation's Mystic Mask]]). Once you have used this additional effect, you find the memory of the personae lingers in your thoughts and feelings for some time afterwards.

===Apulian by Night===
* '''Night magic continues to embroil Apulian enjoining mystery and secrets to the city'''

Where once there was but a whiff of Night magic in the air, the city now appears to reek of it. It brings a marvellously bohemian air to the waterfront - at night there are taverns, restaurants, coffee houses, play houses, opera houses, drug dens, gambling dens, dance halls - then by day ''they all disappear'', to be replaced by bakeries, bistros, confectioneries, chocolatiers, vintners, perfumeries, museums, galleries, libraries. Every manner of experience is available, food and drink to delight the taste buds, poetry, music and plays to enchant the senses.

While the waterfront at least remains predictable, as it flips from night to day and back, away from the water's edge the geography grows ever more kaleidoscopic. Streets seem to shift position almost at random. On Tuesday, Worthing Road ran from Margate Street all the way round to Briar Grove, but by Wednesday Briar Grove is at the far side of the city, Margate Street is nowhere to be found and Worthing Road now runs all the way down to the jetty at Pelican's Landing. Still not to worry, because odds are, it all change again tomorrow.

For first time visitors to the city, the effects are utterly bewildering. A fact that could be quite useful... good luck to any [[Grendel]] [[Army|army]] trying to invade Apulian right now! They'd turn right down Bleeker Street thinking to move on the town square and that would be the last anyone would see of them. But it's been months now and the locals are starting to get used to it. Ok, it can be a little annoying when it suddenly takes twice as long as it should have done to get over to the Aviary Carving House on Morl Street for a business dinner with your accountant, but the city pays you back with interest for the inconvenience when it should take the best part of an hour to meet your cicisbeo to take in a performance of Saluk's The Terrible Owl at Sutlers Theatre and you discover them waiting for you on your very doorstep.

It's trivial for magicians to confirm this is a powerful [[Night magic]] effect - what else could it possibly be? And where previously it was a whisper, now it is a roar. It's not an [[enchantment]], which is to say it's not a [[rituals|ritual]]. It just seems that the city of Apulian has been enticed a little closer to the realm of Night than is entirely normal. It can be a problem, even for residents, but those who catch on to how it works are soon able to turn it to their advantage. One of the laws of the city seems to be that the more enjoyable something is... the closer it is... the more boring it is... the longer it takes to get there. Some magicians find themselves developing a "knack" for navigating the city. The [[Little Mother|Church of the Little Mother]] has even begun training their most magically adept students to act as guides. This has proved to quite profitable, especially with visitors and new arrivals.

Another rule is that subterfuge seems to infuse the streets. It may simply be the knowledge that there is a Grendel espionage ring active in the city - something that is now common knowledge after recent events. People keep an eye out for anyone engaged in illicit activity and once you look for it, it seems to be everywhere. A gaggle of [[mountebank|mountebanks]] having a clandestine meeting in the back of the tavern, two lovers from rival guilds trying to keep their affair a secret, children lurking on street corners paid to keep an eye on what is going on. All of the great cities of the League are prone to a degree of "careful dealing", but another rule of Apulian is that if you're going somewhere you really shouldn't then before you know it, you're already there.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG|caption=Suspect: The Feathered Serpent|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption=Suspect: Genoveva, Senator Spiral.|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Senator Tassato.jpg |caption=Suspect: Cesare, Senator Tassato|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rafael Barossa.jpg|caption=Suspect: Rafael Barossa|align=right|width=200}}</div>
{{WingedMessenger|address=''Teodore duSesna'' welcomes letters on the matter, to be addressed to him at Teodore duSesna, duSesna Guildhouse, Apulus, Spiral}}
Oddly it does not appear to be interacting with that which lies in [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]] at all. The {{Black Plateau}} continues to scream silently, day and night, as it ever has, but this rise in Night magic feels completely incidental to it - which is one positive. A few magicians suggest that it could be response to it - like a wound that scabs over to keep the flesh beneath healthy. With so many people in one place (and Apulian seems to be endlessly growing) there ought to be a risk of more and more people falling victim to the terrible influence of the darkness at the heart of Spiral and there's no sign of that.
===Sung's Scandalous Fane===
* '''A handful of citizens are concerned that Sung is behind Night's embrace of the city'''
* '''Others point out that this defies cause and effect, the fane can't be to blame because it hasn't been finished yet'''
* '''Even so, people have questioned what role those who endorsed the fane have played in all this'''
The obvious explanation for all this is the eternal [[Sung]]. She has had a persistent interest in Spiral; she talked of naming a "Map to the City Below" and now any map of the city is impossible; she begged and pleaded for a [[fane]] to be built in the city but refused to say why. Now that construction has started, could this be her doing?

Others point out that the fane is not actually finished yet. Eternals are powerful, but the ''Rainbow Serpent'' can't weave the [[Realms#Night|Night realm]] into the streets before she is given any [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion|dominion]] in the city surely? How can she make use of a fane that hasn't been built yet? The much more sensible explanation is that Sung noticed the phenomena when it first started and that is why they are interested in the city. The eternal remains silent on the matter. She either cannot or will not speak on the matter, and she has indicated through her heralds a clear wish not to be asked questions through the use of [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]].

That logic hasn't stopped the suspicions of those who have spoken out against her. The DuSesna Guild, a prominent [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Reckoners|reckoners]] camorra of [[Tassato|Tassatan]] extraction, have publicly denounced the building of the ''[[Construct Chamber of Euphony|Chamber of Euphony]]'' as folly. Their leader, ''Teodore duSesna'', has publicly condemned the [[Senator]] for Spiral, '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', who proposed the motion to commission the fane and the Senator for Tassato, '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''', for seconding it. He has decried the good sense and virtuous character of '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''', whose judgement endorsing the fane was supported in the League Assembly with a greater majority. The greatest portion of his ire, however, is reserved for one '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', until recently [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]] (under which aegis he also supported the fane) and who has held any number of titles before that.

Teodore's sources - and as a reckoner they at least claim to have impeccable sources - indicates that Rafael Barossa is the true force behind the building of the Chamber of Euphony. He claims to have received information proving Rafael to have persistently encouraged [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatrous]] acts in [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] involving the eternal [[Janon]]. This included sacrificing the virtue of well-meaning converts on the altar of his dark crusade against the Asavean Plenum. He points to Rafael's recent attempt to have the [[Conclave|Conclaves]] [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] against the [[Whisper Gallery]] [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Whisper_Gallery,_Neutrality|removed]] - a [[declaration]] he brought forward under the [[Grandmaster#Veil_of_Night|Veil of Night]] - as evidence that he has a persistently lax and, yes, idolatrous attitude towards the eternals of the Night realm. He accuses Rafael and Genoveva - they are in the same guild after all - of working together to have the Chamber of Euphony as part of his persistent and [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretical]] secret worship of the Night eternals, and suggests that it is his hand that has caused the shadowed city to rise in Apulian - as part of his pact with Sung.

Obviously, this is all very exciting even if most people don't believe a word of it. Teodore is a slightly tremulous [[merrow]] who many struggle to take seriously, especially when he becomes excited and his words tumble over each other, whereas Rafael and Genoveva are both of the Camorra Barossa and held to be influential citizens of the League who are generally held to be highly virtuous, likewise Cesare is one of the longest-serving senators in Imperial history. Still - some say there's no smoke without fire. There is a suggestion that perhaps the [[Synod]] might want to look into the matter, and if Rafael Barossa is going around purchasing [[mithril]], some searching questions can be asked about whether his name still has a question mark over it - and whether it might be worth looking into the other individuals named as being complicit - even if the more conspiratorial ramblings of Teodore seem basically absurd.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ApulianOrc.jpg|width=500|align=right|caption=Many League orcs are cautious about talking too much about Grendel politics because acting on out-of-date information can often be more dangerous than acting on no information.}}</div>

==Turning the Ring==
* '''The Grendel are operating an espionage ring in Apulian and southern Spiral
* '''It's not clear who is responsible for deciding how to deal with it
* '''The Senate or the Military Council could both direct a response to the ring
All this magical esoterica is all very well: but there are practical matters afoot in Apulian too - albeit ones that seem to resonate with the realm whose magic suffuses the city. At the Spring Equinox, citizens led by the ''Voice of Vigilance'', '''Bryce the Hare''', [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued ''Victo von Temeschwar'']], a [[Vigilance|vigilant pilgrim]] inspired by the example of [[Berechiah]] who has managed to successfully infiltrate the Grendel espionage ring in Apulian. Now that Victo's senses are restored, he has shared everything he knows, which has provided several powerful insights into Grendel operations and presents a number of opportunities.

The Empire first encountered proof of Grendel espionage in their territories when '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''', then general of the [[Seventh Wave]] uncovered a [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|ring of spies]] in [[Necropolis]]. The operation was wound up, but other such schemes were uncovered in other territories around the Bay. The [[Wolves of War]], ably assisted by the [[Shuttered Lantern]] closed up the [[The_cities_and_the_city#Sarvos:_Agents|ring operating in Sarvos]]. Yet its clear closing down this local operations has done nothing to dull the Grendel appetite for spying.

Victo reports that there is actually a single grand espionage ring across the entire [[Bay of Catazar]]. This [[great work]] feeds information to the [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council|Salt Council]] drawn from various offices (which are pretentiously referred to as "jewels") established in various territories that adjoin the Bay. Unlike Imperial [[spy network|spy networks]] which are designed to support [[military unit|military units]] spying from them, the Grendel espionage ring relies on bribery and blackmail to achieve its ends. The upkeep is infamously high, but it allows the Salt Lords to gain information without risking their underlings seeing it.

Provided the ring has at least one jewel in an Imperial territory then they can use it to find out what orders [[general|generals]] have submitted to their armies in the previous season. Although this information comes too late to immediately counter the orders, the Salt Council still find it invaluable to know what Imperial strategy looks like and periodically the orders include information on what a general plans to do next - which may contain valuable insights.

In addition, any territory with a jewel in it, provides ''local information''. This includes details on any [[fortification|forts]] that are in the territory, their size, capabilities and current status. Furthermore Grendel spies pay for information on great works, and any [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandiose]] civilian commissions (buildings over 50 wains in size), collating reports on size and status of existing and new [[commission|commissions]]. They are always keen to know what is happening with the Empire's [[Bourse|Bourse resources]], especially if any new ones have been discovered. Finally, informants are also paid to provide information on any army that moves through, or ends a season in, the territory, providing them with information on the size, status and capabilities of the army.

Based on the information provided by Victo and the crucial role he has played in infiltrating the espionage ring, the Empire faces several tricky choices. They could simply destroy the jewel they have found in Apulian, but they could also risk engaging in counter-espionage. The idea of feeding false information to the Grendel may seem attractive, but if the attempt fails, they will know their operations in that territory are compromised. If that happens, they will move all their agents and the opportunity to destroy the jewel will be lost.

However, there is an issue - it really is not clear to whom the responsibility to act on this information falls. The Voice of Vigilance has ably assisted thus far - and Victo's investigation was inspired by Berechiah and aided by the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] - but the Voice of Vigilance does not have any real authority over matters of espionage. The [[Regario Dossier]] handles foreign intelligence but it does not have any responsibility for counter-intelligence, which is surely more of a [[Military Council]] matter. Winding up the espionage ring would be a job for the magistrates, and only the [[Senate]] has the authority to direct them. The [[Imperial Spymaster]] has a position that sounds ideal - but in actuality the responsibilities of that title are quite narrow, relating strictly to the creation and decommissioning of spy networks. If the Senate had commissioned a proper restoration of [[Knocking_on_every_door#The_Basilica_in_Bastion|Berechiah's Basilica]] in [[Bastion]] and created the title of the ''Clavem Iudicii'', they would be a clear person to attain this responsibility - but the Senate declined to do so.

In lieu of a clear constitutional responsibility, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] have determined that the decision to wind up the jewel in Spiral or not lies with the Senate, but if the Senate demur, then the Military Council may decide what counter-espionage strategy to employ. The civil service will not raise an [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] in the Senate - the default state will be that the jewel simply continues operating. The [[Herald of the Council]], working together with members of the Council to set the agenda of the Council sessions, can determine when a vote on the counter-espionage action will occur if one is requested.

The civil service note that this would be an excellent example of a place where either a title with clearer authority or a suitable [[Imperial sodality]] could aid the situation greatly. If the Imperial Spymaster's responsibilities included espionage and counter-espionage rather than the much narrower responsibility for spy networks and [[smugglers cove|smugglers coves]], then they could have decided this matter for instance - but there are a range of other possible constitutional solutions, if indeed it is judged to need a solution.

===Seize the Jewel===
* '''The Empire can use a senate motion to destroy the outpost of the espionage ring in Spiral'''
* '''The entire ring will cease to operate for a season'''
* '''The Salt Council will gain no local information from Spiral without establishing a new outpost in the territory'''
* '''This is guaranteed to work
The [[Senate]] could use a Senate motion to instruct the magistrates to seize the jewel. They could arrest everyone that Victo has made contact with and interrogate them to find out more. This option would be guaranteed to succeed - the espionage ring will be damaged, it will cease to function for a season, and the office in Spiral will be destroyed. The Grendel will not be able to obtain any ''local information'' for Spiral until they are able to set a new jewel in the ring here.

===Burnish the Jewel===
* '''The Military Council could vote to try to trick the Grendel into attacking Spiral sometime in the next two season'''
* '''There is a chance that the Grendel will see through this ruse and realise that Spiral is compromised'''
* '''If that happens, then they will move their agents and the chance to destroy the outpost will be lost'''
The Grendel are obsessed with money and wealth, especially that that flows from bourse resources. If the Empire chooses to feed false information to the Salt Council, they could provide them with intelligence on new forts being built in the territory along with new bourse resources that have been discovered there.

The combination of three factors - the presence of the Apulian Orcs, who the Salt Council would dearly like to repay for their treachery, the potential for wealth from new bourse resources, and the opportunity to strike before new fortifications are completed would make Spiral a tempting target for Grendel armies.

If they believe the reports, they are bound to attack the territory with their forces in the next two seasons. That could give the Empire an opportunity to be ready for them. The risk is that the Grendel discover that the information is false - that is a risk that is impossible to quantify. Either this strategy will work - or the other one - but it's impossible to know which, without more information from other sources.
===Tarnish the Jewel===
* '''The Military Council could vote to try to trick the Grendel into giving Spiral a wide berth'''
* '''There is a chance that the Grendel will see through this ruse and realise that Spiral is compromised'''
* '''If that happens, then they will move their agents and the chance to destroy the outpost will be lost'''

The Grendel are terrified of the Black Plateau, which the Empire successfully triggered to destroy their armies last time there was fighting here. They repeatedly tried to work with the Empire to calm or contain the Plateau, approaches that were rebuffed but which eventually led to the creation of the Block. If the Empire chooses to feed false information to the Salt Council, they could provide them with intelligence on a commission being built on the edge of the Black Plateau that is designed to trigger the Plateau if the Grendel attack.

No matter how much the Salt Council want to take vengeance on the Apulian orcs, they won't risk attacking Spiral if they believe that the Empire could trigger the Black Plateau to overwhelm their armies. They would give the territory a wide berth.

If they believe the reports, they are bound to avoid attacking the territory with their forces in the next two seasons. That could be valuable to Imperial strategy. The risk is that the Grendel discover that the information is false - that is a risk that is impossible to quantify. Either this strategy will work - or the other one - but it's impossible to know which, without more information from other sources.
===Game Design===
In line with similar espionage and treachery plots that are currently running, the risks involved in this plot are an essential part of it. The safe option is to simply destroy the outpost of the espionage ring.

There are two counter-espionage strategies the Empire could employ - either might work, but either might fail. If the strategy fails, then the Grendel will know that their agents in Spiral are compromised. They will move their agents and change what they are doing, so the office will still be active, but the Empire will be back to square one trying to deal with it.

One of these strategies will work - and one will fail. The plot team know which is which and there are ways in the game that players could find out information that might help them determine which is which.
==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]
* [[Sung]]
* [[Dramaturgy]]

* [[Daybreak in Spiral]]- 387YE Summer wind of fortune, a companion piece to this dealing with wider Spiral events
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune summarising the situation in Spiral
* [[The play that came to Apulian]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune about happenings in Apulian

Sing a song

2026-09-07T14:55:48Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Hywel gestured to Iseult indicating his fellow vate should extinguish the lightstone. He waited until she had done so, before moving to the opposite side of the room, picking his way carefully through the pools of light and shadow cast by the remaining lightstone. Reaching out, he touched his hand to silver filigree that enclosed the other stone, feeling the magic respond to his touch, as it joined its brother in darkness.

His eyes tried to adjust to the light, but there was none. Just inky still blackness that consumed everything whole. Their breathing was the only sound in the still chamber.

A minute passed by before Iseult broke the silence. "What exactly am I supposed to be looking at? It's pitch black."

"Be patient!" he called back, "You'll see soon enough."

"I can't see anything you Spring-addled idiot. Let me turn this lightstone back on, then you can show me whatever it is..."

But before she could do anything she realised it was not ''quite'' true. She could see something. From somewhere the near the centre of the room, she could see the faintest outline of the bowl on the table. Something had happened, something had changed. Something was illuminating it in the darkness, so faintly she could barely make it out. The dull tarnish had turned strange colours, like oil on water.

With a start she realised that the light wasn't scattering off the bowl, it was coming directly from it. Swirls of colourful light were rising from the bowl, like steam from a bubbling cauldron. The colours roiled in the air, turning over and over as they drifted down the sides of the metal. It was this that was giving the tarnish its strange chromatic hue.

As she watched the light continued to spill out of the bowl, falling until it met the table where it spread out across the surface like fog drifting in from the sea. Finally it tumbled off the edge of the table, dripping onto the floor below.

It was so strange, it ought to be terrifying, and yet all Iseult felt was an overwhelming sense of serenity.

"Watch your eyes" came Hywel's voice from the other side of the room, but she was captivated by the beautiful colours clambering out of the bowl and his meaning seemed somehow far away. At least it did until he restored the lightstone.

"Ahhh!" she screwed her eyes up to blot out the blinding light. The lightstone wasn't that bright, but the sudden change had caught her off-guard. In a flash everything was returned to normal. The bowl was just a bowl, the table just a table. The colours were gone and with them the silent whispers that had suggested that someone, some thing, had been here but a moment ago.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Terunael Lorekeeper.jpg|align=left|caption=Siân Eternal, former [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], was appointed ''Singer of the Silence'' at the Spring Equinox.|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3FD2Ww1xgI}}
In 386YE the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Wisdom]] [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_69|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of the [[Great Library of Hacynian]], seeking to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]], a blessed location that would resonate with the Virtue of [[Wisdom]].

The site is arguably the perfect location for such a consecration. It has a deep history that stretches back centuries and beyond. The Great Library is located in Mourning Hollow, an old battlefield on the south-eastern borders of [[Hercynia#Summersend|Summersend]], in [[Hercynia]]. It incorporates parts of an older Terunael structure that once stood here, a library of some kind, but also a "Temple" to the eternal [[Phaleron]]. Built in a peculiar [[regio]] that once cycled between [[Realm|Day and Night realms]], there is only the faintest touch of the Night realm here now.

Initially a very modest structure, it was expanded to create the Great Library, the first of its kind built since the burning of the libraries by [[Emperor Nicovar]]. The library was [[The_bones_of_what_you_believe#Yesterday_is_Tomorrow|dedicated to gathering knowledge]] about the [[vallorn]] in one place in the belief that it would finally reveal a way to defeat the enemy. Citizens from all over the Empire contributed what resources they had to support the project and in 385YE the results of the work were [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|formally presented to the Empire]]. After a thousand years, the Great Library had helped the Navarr crack the problem of how to deal with the vallorn once and for all.

In a philosophical sense the Great Library was already dedicated to Wisdom - scholars who are interested in the vallorn come from all over the Empire to study here. It is a place of meditation and peaceful study with arcane roots in divination and wisdom, a mystic connection to [[Sung|Night Singer]] and the [[Phaleron|Archives of Silence]]. Now that it has been consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]], there is a powerful [[aura]] here that inspires all who visit. It also provides the Singer of the Silence with a part of unique abilities.

They could go further however, if the Singer of the Silence can persuade the [[Conclave]] to agree...
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=WisdomBanner.jpg|align=right|caption=When every word carries meaning, true insight is found in silence.|width=150}}</div>

==Find the Right Question==
* '''Priests across the Empire could encourage Wise congregants to visit the Great Library for the next year'''
* '''Priests who do so will see their congregations swell in attendance at the cost of contributing liao to provide auras'''
* '''The option remains until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
A true consecration usually has a profound effect on those who experience it, providing deep and enduring inspiration to strive for Virtue. As a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[troubadour]] once said, it is the closest a mortal can come to feeling the hand of the Creator upon them. The effects of a true liao aura are no more powerful than any other, but they are more numinous and for those who spend time there they often bring fresh inspiration.

Because of this, some priests encourage their [[congregation]] to make a pilgrimage to sites of true consecrations, in the hope that it will help them reflect on the virtues and find new motivation. Such pilgrimages are expensive and arduous; even with roads, [[trods]], and [[Venture#Roadwardens|roadwardens]] travelling the Empire can be dangerous for the common citizen. People often need inspiration just to find the commitment to attempt a pilgrimage.

For the next year, until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE, any congregation leader is able to select "''Encourage pilgrimage to Hacynian''" when [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]]. 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. 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 to their 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.
<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SungArt.jpg|align=right|width=275}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=LibraryArt.jpg|align=right|width=275}}</div>
==Night And Day==
* '''The Singer of the Silence has gained a pair of unique personal abilities'''
The Singer of the Silence benefits from the existence of the curious regio at the heart of the Great Library at Hacynian. This regio cycles between Day and Night, shifting from one realm to the other as the sun rises and falls. Scholars who have studied the regio believe that its strange pattern is no coincidence, it works that way because of pacts made hundreds of years ago, presumably by the Terunael magicians who once ruled here. Those pacts were made with two eternals, [[Phaleron]], the ''Celestial Library'' and [[Sung]], called the ''Nightsinger''.

Inspired by the power of the true consecration the Singer has been able to access some of the power flowing from the regio - and has gained some unusual benefits thereby. Some of the benefits are simple and practical - the Singer gains four pawns of [[vis]] each season, two each of [[vis#Prismatic Ink|Prismatic Ink]] and [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|Crystal Fire]].

More esoterically their personal aura is now completely obscured and cannot be read with [[insight]] or similar methods ([[Infusions_of_Feathers#Ravenwing_Infusion|Ravenwing Infusion]] for example). It is possible that true liao would penetrate the strange layer of obfuscation that clouds their aura but that seems like an expensive experiment. Even more strange, they can draw on the power of the regio to empower their aura, with odd effects on anyone attempting a [[Insight#Performing_a_Thorough_Insight|thorough insight]].

More practically the Singer of the Silence can access the power of the regio to use materials in place of crystal mana when casting Day or Night rituals they have mastered. All these abilities depend on old pacts negotiated with [[Phaleron]] and [[Sung]] which the Singer of the Silence now benefits from. These benefits would be available even if Sung nor Phaleron had [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] but of course they would be illegal to use in that case.

Full details of the abilities gained are listed on the title page for the [[Singer of the Silence]].

==Give and Take==
* '''The Conclave could use a Declaration of Alignment to align the regio at Hacynian with the Celestial Library during the day'''
* '''The Conclave could use a Declaration of Alignment to align the regio with the Rainbow Serpent during the night'''
* '''The Conclave can do both Alignments if they wish'''
* '''Each Alignment would allow the Singer to purchase unique resources from the eternals heralds'''
* '''Each Alignment would grant the Singer a single use of the eternal's power to protect something in Hercynia from attack'''
The Singer has completed delicate negotiations with the representatives of the eternals in question, but those arrangements must be confirmed with the [[Conclave]] before the abilities they offer can be used. In each case, the eternals, [[Phaleron]] and [[Sung]] respectively, are asking for the Conclave to use a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]] to "align" the regio at Hacynian to them. Normally a regio can only be aligned with one eternal, but the ''Celestial Library'' and the ''Rainbow Serpent'' are amenable to a deal in which the Library controls the regio during the day and the Serpent controls it at night.
<div style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Librarian's Incense'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGreen;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>6 weltsilver</td><td>2 Librarian's Incense</td></tr>
<tr><td>12 weltsilver</td><td>4 Librarian's Incense</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 weltsilver</td><td>5 Librarian's Incense</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Pearlescent Wine'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGreen;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>5 iridescent gloaming</td><td>1 Pearlescent Wine</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 iridescent gloaming</td><td>2 Pearlescent Wine</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 iridescent gloaming</td><td>3 Pearlescent Wine</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
These are unusual arrangements to put it mildly. Not just the shared nature of the deal, but the idea of using a Declaration of Alignment to achieve it. It seems that what is happening is that [[Alignment]] is having unlooked for effects - [[Regarding_amity_and_enmity|a phenomenon that has been seen before]]. Rather than grant Alignment of the Empire with a specific eternal, the Conclave can effectively use the declaration to align a single regio to an eternal. They can do this because the Conclave has [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion|dominion]] over the regio in the Empire - so they can choose to agree a pact that grants an eternal command of that regio.

If the Conclave use a Declaration of Alignment to align the regio at the Great Library at Hacynian to Phaleron during the day (which is what the eternal has requested) then the effects will be as if the eternal had [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] at that regio. Phaleron has amity currently, so there would be no immediate consequences of this, but it could be an issue if the eternal ever lost amity. Even if the Conclave declared enmity on Phaleron, that wouldn't break the agreement to align the regio with the eternal - they would retain the ability to employ the full range of their powers there.

The same thing will happen if the Conclave use a Declaration of Alignment to align the regio to Sung at night. That will grant Sung the equivalent of amity at that regio. That ''will'' represent an immediate change, since Sung doesn't currently have amity, (though they do have a [[fane]] which is [[Construct_Chamber_of_Euphony|being built]] for them in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] in [[Spiral]]), but it could be an issue if the Conclave ever placed Sung under enmity, as the ''Lord of Illusions'' would retain their ability to act freely at the regio.

If the Conclave grants Phaleron's wishes then the Singer of the Silence will gain the ability to exchange ingots of [[weltsilver]] with visiting [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the ''Archives of Silence'' to purchase ''Librarian's Incense''. This heady aromatic incense releases a pale smoke when burned that boosts the power of any ritualist who breathes it in. It acts as a [[Potion#Tonics|tonic]] that increases the power of a [[magical skills#Magician|magician]] granting them one additional rank of Day lore and one additional rank of Night lore subject to normal rules for effective skill.

In addition, Phaleron would allow the Singer of the Silence to call on the power of Celestial Library - ''once'' - if the Great Library was ever attacked. The eternal has demonstrated an impressive ability to [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Pool_Among_the_Rock|protect a library]] in the past, so this offer is no idle gesture. Of course, it also hints at what ''could'' happen if the Empire came to blows with the eternal.

If the Conclave grants Sung's wishes then the Singer of the Silence will gain the ability to give measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] to heralds of the ''Lady of Mists'' who move through the Library after dark. In exchange they will leave doses of ''Pearlescent Wine'', a milky substance with a bitter taste that allows a magician to use up to five personal mana as crystal mana when performing a divination ritual.

In addition, Sung would allow the Singer of the Silence to call on the power of the ''Liege of the Song'' - ''once'' - to hide a single [[commission]] the Empire controlled in Hercynia from any spying eyes. This commission could be the Great Library itself, but it could by anything, a [[fortification]] or even an [[Army|army]]. The ''Whispering Wind'' would enfold the commission hiding it from any that might seek to find it. Sung's shroud could be penetrated by a massive Day ritual of magnitude 200, but nobody nearby except the [[Thule]] or the Empire could ever manage a ritual that powerful. While shrouded the commission would have no effect - it wouldn't affect a campaign, produce resources, or anything similar - but could not be damaged in any way. As with Phaleron, the Rainbow Serpent's offer implies what Sung could to hide something in the territory from the Empire, were they so minded.

There is no particular time limit on these declarations; the eternals involved are patient. It is important to note, however, that granting dominion in this way is not something that can be easily reversed. Gifts cannot be taken back - while it requires only a Declaration of Alignment to make the bargain, it will take a lot more effort to revoke it.

==Further Details==
* [[Singer of the Silence]]
* [[Great Library of Hacynian]]
* [[Sung]]
* [[Phaleron]]

An old sodality

2026-09-07T14:55:11Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"You've seen the letter then?" Nia smiled at Gethin who was stood with the letter in hand.

"Just reading it now...." he replied, eyes fixed on the sheet.

Nia tapped her foot impatiently, keen for him to finish. "They're going to try and resurrect the Sun Chamber!"

"Yes... I'm reading it now" he said, holding up one hand to try and indicate he needed time.

Nia ignored him, she wouldn't normally be that rude, but he was her brother after all. "They want to know if our commitment still stands. If the Tall Oaks stand by their bequest."

"Yes - I am reading it."

Nia interrupted again before Gethin had time to finish, but this time he conspicuously ignored her. Finally he got to the end of the letter. For a second he contemplated going back and reading it again, partly to check he understood what the letter was saying and partly to get his own back on Nia.

But it was too late for this and this was too important. They needed to let the rest of the Steading know... the legacy of the Tall Oaks was on the line.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Beneath the Sun.jpg|caption=An old sodality is alive once again, looking to the future of the Empire's youthful heroes.|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TxDvo6gRcA}}
The [[Sun Chamber]] is a very old sodality that was set up during the time of [[Empress Richilde]] with the active support of [[the Throne]]. As a [[Dawn|Dawnish noble]], Richilde was concerned that citizens who had passed their [[Test of Citizenship]] and were done with their [[Test of Arms]] should have opportunities to pass their [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Test of Mettle]] so that they might join a [[Noble_house|noble house]].

The early Empire had become much more formalised during the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], and where previously titles had been appointed on merit, Richilde felt they were increasingly being offered only to those who had served long apprenticeships. The Empress disdained the idea that someone must spend years serving as the [[proxy]] for a [[senator]] or an [[General#Appoint_an_Adjutant|adjutant]] for a [[general]] before they might aspire to high office, and rarely failed to point out that many who now occupied those titles had not had to endure such trials. She spoke regularly on the lack of [[Pride]] she perceived in such sentiments and argued that it was little more than a crude attempt to hold onto power by an older generation.

[[The Throne]] worked with a number of aspiring heroes of the age to create the ''Sun Chamber'', and bequeathed it with a clear goal to empower its members and help them gain high office and to wield power within the Empire. For many years, the sodality worked to empower those who are most often overlooked due to the lack of years and to advance its own interests and power. Its influence has waxed and waned over the years, but it suffered a dramatic loss of fortunes during the reign of [[Empress Britta]] when almost all the members attending Anvil that season were killed fighting alongside the young Empress.

Following the recent work to restore the [[Rules_update_2025#Imperial_Sodalities|power and status of sodalities]], '''Zoria and Luca of the Zulgan Tash''' pushed the Civil Service to look into the status of the Sun Chamber. Having identified that the sodality's powers were never [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogated]], the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the Chamber is still a viable legal body with a number of important powers that it can now utilise.

==Joining the Sodality==
* '''The civil service has prepared an arcane projection using Autumn magic of magnitude 20 to defray some of the costs of casting Mark of Fellowship if a large number of citizens wish to join'''
To aid the reformation of the sodality, the civil service has created an [[arcane projection]] that will allow everyone present who is willing to join. The magnitude 20 Autumn ritual is identical to the one provided during the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] and will be presented to '''Zoria of the Zulgan Tash'''. If a lot of people wish to join the sodality this will help to reduce the costs required.

The civil service has reserved the use of the Senate chamber for the Sun Chamber for three meetings, they are:

* '''8pm-9pm Friday'''
* '''12:30pm-1:30pm Saturday'''
* '''12:30pm-1:30pm Sunday'''

Everyone who is interested in being part of the sodality is encouraged to come to the Friday meeting ('''OOC Note:''' There will be a quick out-of-character safety briefing at the start before the meeting starts).

The sodality will need to find ten mana crystals and an Autumn coven prepared and able to perform the ritual, which ''may'' be difficult on such short notice for the Friday, given that the sodality has never met before. If that does prove the case, they can use the Friday slot for an informal meeting of those present to discuss matters, and look to secure the mana and the magic they need for a later session. Whatever happens, they will need to find a way to let everyone join the sodality before they can employ their legal powers.

After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the Civil Service will present the powers available to the sodality, and facilitate discussion on how it intends to employ them. The Saturday session is expected to be used for election of the title of [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] and assignment of the sodality's bequests. The Sunday session is expected to be used for a decision on the use of the use of one of the [[Sun_Chamber#The_Doors_of_the_Chamber|Doors of the Chamber]], the powerful abilities available to the sodality.

At least one member of the Civil Service will be on hand to assist at each session for as long as the sodality remains in session. The Civil Service have the bequests from the Chamber's patrons, for when the Chamber wishes to endow a member with them.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Sun Chamber">
The Chamber believes that:

* Youth is an asset the Empire cannot afford to squander.
* Tradition lays out safe paths; fresh eyes find shortcuts
* A Virtuous Empire is one that empowers all its citizens to act.

The Sun Chamber therefore exists to:

* Help members gain positions of power and influence in the Empire
* Empower members to overcome obstacles and advance their goals
* Encourage members to approach existing problems in new ways
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''The manifesto of the Sun Chamber was approved centuries ago; a sodality with limited membership would be unlikely to pass scrutiny today'''
* '''Any title with responsibilities involving the Sun Chamber or the promotion of its interests would likely need to be appointed by the sodality'''

The current [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has not [[Scrutiny|scrutinised]] the manifesto of the Sun Chamber, as any scrutiny would have taken place many years ago. Having looked at the formulation of the sodality, they are not so perturbed as to rule it unconstitutional, but they are at pains to stress that any new sodality that attempted to limit its membership in this way would be likely to face extended scrutiny and would need to justify the decision very carefully.

It is likely that Chief Magistrate Abraham is simply attempting to "cover his legal ass". He is believed to have spent time with senior members of the Artisans' Guild who are legitimately keen to explore ways to limit their membership to artisans. The magistrate was firmly opposed to such limits, in the view that such a sodality should be open to anyone who wants to further the interest of the artisans. It would appear the Constitutional Court are simply attempting to have their legal cake and eat it.

The manifesto of the sodality does not have any implications for current Imperial titles, given its narrow remit to advance the interests of the sodality and its members. If the Senate ever made a new Imperial title that had responsibilities involving the Sun Chamber or the promotion of its interests then the court would be likely to insist that it be appointed by vote of the sodality.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}

==Patronage==
* '''Roshanwe has provided the sodality with three ammonites that can be used to submit a thesis for the eternal to consider'''
* '''They have asked the sodality to find magicians whose ideas they think are worthy of consideration'''
* '''There is an audience with a herald at 00:20 on the Friday night of the summit'''
* '''Each magician who has used an ammonite may attend and each may bring up to two guests with them'''
It is often assumed that the eternal [[Roshanwe]] is a patron of the sodality. That being has always denied that, but they do seem to take an interest in it and to support it. In particular, the idea that fresh eyes bring new perspectives is an ideology that the Navigator strongly supports. That may be why this eternal has chosen to approach the sodality now.

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has had a complicated relationship with the Empire in recent years. They used to be party to a ritual in Imperial lore, [[Combing the Beach]] which allowed magicians to send a thesis to the eternal. By way of reply, the being would respond with questions intended to challenge assertions and provoke fresh lines of enquiry. The results were mixed - many magicians complained that ''Beachcomber'' talked in meaningless riddles that provided nothing of value. As a result the eternal petitioned the Conclave to be allowed to withdraw from the ritual - offering a simple divination in its place.

That offer was accepted, but then the [[Archmage of Day]] and several prominent Day covens pleaded with the eternal not to withdraw support for Combing the Beach. In the end, the eternal relented a single crack, saying they would permit the Empire to cast the ritual once more that season. The ''Fisherman'' hoped for an engaging thesis that they might examine and challenge and thereby seek wisdom. It is not clear what the Empire sent to the Day realm, but the eternal's response was never made public.

Well not until now. The Walker on the Littoral has sent a herald to Anvil to present a handful of wet sand containing [[Combing_the_Beach#Preparing_the_Effigy|three Tempest Jade ammonites]] as a gift to the students of wisdom in the sodality. They have asked the members of the sodality to use, at most, one of the effigies themselves, and to give the others to any magicians they believe have a worthy idea that should be inspected and tested.

The eternal has prepared a small chamber, in the Eaves, an abandoned woodcutter's hut on the edge of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]]. Each magician who has used an ammonite is welcome to attend and may bring up to two guests with them. Those who wish to partake should be in the Hall of Worlds at twenty past midnight on the first night of the summit. One of the eternal's navigators will meet them there and take them to the Eaves to meet with the ''Empty Page''. The eternal claims this being is one of their heralds - powerful and wise but lacking in knowledge. The creature will try to ask sensible questions, but the eternal cautions magicians not to turn up with questions about facts, as they claim the Empty Page knows ''literally nothing''.


==Game Design==
We've created the Sun Chamber sodality because we want to directly address the fact that Empire can be a very inaccessible game for players before they turn twenty. We have always tried to provide a range of options to actively engage younger players and we've had some fantastic feedback on the successes of that, but once players passed their Test of Citizenship and either take their Test of Arms or choose not to, that framework falls away.

The hope was always that players would be able to engage with the political game of Empire, getting involved in Conclave, the Synod and the other parts of the game as they try for Imperial titles. In practice, that assumption was hopelessly naïve. While the setting asserts that anyone who has passed their Test of Citizenship has all the rights and responsibilities of an Imperial citizen, in practice, that doesn't always happen. A player who looks young will often have to deal with ageism, with people unconsciously assuming that they're not old enough or not mature enough or not experienced enough simply because of their apparent age.

We want our game design to support our conduct rules and push back where practical on out-of-character prejudicial assumptions. For example, we will not tolerate someone saying that another player or character shouldn't be in the military council because of their gender or whether or not they take the battlefield. We've had some conversations with younger players about their experiences playing the game. Drawing on their feedback, we've created a powerful sodality with some significant in-character abilities to help address the barriers faced by players in this age group.

Our goal is three-fold; first of all, we want to create a degree of equity for players who are under twenty. We want to directly bolster their political power to make the PvP game accessible on a more equal footing with other players. The sodality is aimed at players aged fourteen to eighteen, but includes the potential for players a little older and a little younger to interact with it.

Secondly, we want to create a forum where players in our target group can engage in politics with each other - the sodality is deliberately set up in such a way as to make its inherent operation political. Deciding how and when to deploy its powers will require the same kind of politics and compromise that underpins the rest of the game. Our goal is to give members of the sodality difficult decisions to wrestle with - exactly the same as other players - but in an environment where almost nobody but them has any hard power to determine what happens.

Finally, we wanted to create reasons that other players might want to interact with the sodality. We hope that senators, grandmasters, cardinals, and characters without titles will want to approach the sodality and seek their help and support, just as they might with other political bodies in the game. Likewise, members of the sodality will have to approach these titles to advance their own goals. We really want to avoid interactions where people either give them everything they want because they're perceived as children, or else write them off and ignore them for the same reason. Instead, we hope that players will treat them as significant characters who have powers they can wield that can be employed to their advantage if they can persuade enough of them to go for it - that is to treat them as peers in the player-vs-player and player-with-player political game of Empire.

We'll watch the development of the sodality carefully - and listen to all feedback as always, but we hope that the Sun Chamber will serve to make the political game of Empire more accessible to more players.
==Further Reading==
* [[Sun Chamber]]
* [[Imperial Sodality]]

Build it up

2026-09-07T14:54:48Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Come on... put your backs into it or we'll never win!"

The team of koboldi heaved, joints straining. In defiance of all probability the huge stone block began to move, sliding out of the stack.

"It's moving" said the forewoman in case any of her gang had somehow failed to notice, "Keep it coming! Get that sling over here now!"

Revel stepped back as the thick wooden arm swung past him creaking ominously, a huge sling of rope and leather suspended beneath it. Slowly, incredibly it arced out to meet the heavy stone block the koboldi were pulling free of the pile.

Once it was more than half-way free, the weight shifted and suddenly the block was moving under its own weight. "Clear!" shouted the forewoman, the signal for everyone to jump aside as the massive block fell free. The koboldi tumbled to the ground below, barely more than ten feet, but fortunately the block was caught by the sling before it could go far. The timber beam strained under the weight but it held, just.

"Get turning!" This time the instruction was to the team of koboldi manning the wheels that operated the complicated gears and pulleys that worked the crane. They began frantically turning the winch, and slowly the block began to inch upwards. The team were already scrabbling to clamber up the tall tower of stone blocks, taking advantage of the many holes to reach the top, so that they could receive the stone they had just removed.

The forewoman stepped back so she could survey the progress. Revel seized the opportunity, bowing slightly as he stepped forward to make his introductions to Adamant's favourite ganger.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting, and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mbut0x0Xrw}}
The [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Barien|Iron Duke]] have come forth to issue two new challenges to the mortals of the Empire. For whatever reason, the Iron Duke has eschewed combat challenges for the Summer. Instead, he seeks to test the wits and skills of those who would take up his challenge, aiming to test the mental acuity and stealthy prowess of the denizens of the Empire.

The heralds are keen to stress that the rules continue to apply. Every person who has [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] cast upon them 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.

Challengers will need to choose a reward from one of the [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|items found in the Dragonforge]]. Challengers who have been victorious in the past year may not take part in another challenge until a year has passed.

==Challenging the Duke==
* '''To formally enter, a challenger must be the recipient of the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual'''
* '''A challenger can only enter a single challenge each summit; if they win they may not enter again for a year'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Last Season's Covens'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Phoenix Rising</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Coven of Golden Wings</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Eternal Family</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Glass Mantle</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Golden Grove</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Tempest Flame</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unicorn's Glorious Charge</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Voices of the Unbound Storm</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
To formally enter one of the Iron Duke's contests, a citizen must be the recipient of the Summer ritual [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. The ritual is magnitude 30, and only a handful of [[coven|covens]] have it mastered. It is possible to cast the ritual without it being mastered, but it is harder and more expensive, so anyone who is interested in entering a challenge would be best advised to seek out a coven who are known to be able to cast the ritual. According to the heralds of the ''Traveller'', eight covens successfully performed the ritual last season. The heralds advise those interested in taking part to seek out these covens first.

Even for those covens who have the ritual mastered, it is expensive. Champions who seek to prove themselves will need to find some way to convince a coven to put them forward. Just being able to pay the ritual's cost might not be enough, though it is likely the minimum price that will be asked.

==Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary==
* '''Barien has secured access to a Summer chamber, a sanctuary claimed by Cathan Canae'''
* '''Challengers must enter the sanctuary by themselves, retrieve one of the idols from an altar and return to the entrance within a time limit'''
* '''The sanctuary is inhabited by Metamorphic, one of Cathan Canae's heralds, whose attention will be drawn by noise'''
* '''The sanctuary contains traps that may disturb the herald if triggered'''
* '''If force is used against the herald, the challenge will end'''
* '''Each challenger will be given a timeslot listed in the Civil Service Hub on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each challenger may bring two spectators who will be able to witness from just outside'''
* '''Challengers will access the chamber via the Hall of Worlds between 13:45 and 15:15 on the Saturday'''
* '''Barien's heralds can assist any challenger unable to access the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely or contained]] encounter'''
To many, the Summer realm conjures up ideas of great wheaten fields in glorious sunshine, or oak trees greater and thicker than any seen in the mortal realm. But the Summer realm is also one of mighty peaks and vast mountains, studded with the carved fortresses of the heralds who battle over them. On one of these outcroppings is the location of one of Barien's latest challenges. There lies a modest sanctuary, constructed by Metamorphic, a herald of the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of Ice and Darkness]] to celebrate some victory none can remember save perhaps the Queen herself.

This herald was given orders by the Queen to protect the sanctuary and has done an exemplary job as one would expect of a follower of Cathan Canae. No one has come near the shrine in decades, and the being grows weary of its solitary defence. Now the Iron Duke has gained permission of the Queen to send challengers to try and steal from the herald's treasures if they can. The Duke seeks to challenge mortals, the Queen is eager to see how alert her herald is.

One at a time, mortal challengers will need to enter at one end of the sanctuary and attempt to retrieve one of the idols from the other end. Metamorphic is guarding the chamber, but the creature is blindfolded to protect his eyes from snow-blindness. Provided the challenger does not touch the herald or make a noise they will be able to creep into the chamber to remove one of the treasures. Too much noise from the challengers though, and they will attract the herald's attention. Disturb them too many times, touch them or make too loud of a sound, and the challenger will be driven from the chamber, and the test failed. Barien warns that the sanctuary is also laden with all manner of noisemaking traps and decorations. Extreme care will need to be taken to avoid attracting the attention of the herald.

Oh, and the challengers are on a time limit too. The heralds of Barien will advise what it is, closer to the time. The challenge will be accessed from the Hall of Worlds, non-magician challengers will be given aid by Barien's heralds to allow them and up to two spectators to pass through. Each challenger will be given a time to report to the regio, which will be available in the Hub on Saturday morning. The slots will run from 1:45pm until 3:15pm on Saturday.

==Challenge of the Koboldi Squares==
* '''Barien has convinced the koboldi of Adamant to invite Imperial challengers to test themselves in a cooperative puzzle game'''
* '''Each challenger must bring three attendants to participate'''
* '''The rules are relatively simple but will not be revealed until the team is in the chamber, where a written copy will be provided'''
* '''The game is cooperative, and teams will need to meet a minimum score in order to be considered to have won'''
* '''Teams will be under a strict time limit that will be announced at the time, but approximately ten minutes'''
* '''Each challenger will be given a timeslot listed in the Civil Service Hub on Saturday morning'''
* '''Challengers will access the chamber via the Hall of Worlds between 18:15 and 19:45 on the Saturday'''
* '''Barien's heralds can assist any challenger unable to access the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely or contained]] encounter that can be done seated and involves no walking (aside from getting to the encounter)'''
While most of the denizens of the realm of Summer could be described as some variety of brash, bold and boisterous, the ''koboldi'' who serve [[Adamant]], the King Under The Mountain, stand out. Almost single-mindedly obsessed with buildings and the act of making buildings bigger and better, they can perhaps seem out of place compared to the conflicts that rage between heralds of the other eternals. Nevertheless, there is definitely something they share with their fellows in the Summer realm; they are very, very competitive, and are not shy about it when the time comes.

When not expressing this competitive spirit by building things, or comparing the things they have built with things other ''koboldi'' have built, on occasion ''koboldi'' like to partake in games. Usually these games are about, well, ''building'' things, but this can be expressed in more or less abstract ways depending on the game. At Barien's request, the ''koboldi'' have invited mortal challengers to take part in one of their games.

This particular game requires a team of four working together to complete a simple yet tricky task. ''Koboldi'' teams compete to see who can score the most in the time limit available. Here it is much the same; the ''koboldi'' will set the par score for the teams of challengers to beat in order to be considered successful in their challenge. There will also be a prize for the team of victorious Imperials who get the highest score.

Both the par score, time limit, and rules will be announced to the players when they enter the contest, to add to the difficulty. The rules will be available in writing throughout the contest. The challenge will be accessed through the Hall of Worlds to reach the ''koboldi's'' chamber between 6:15pm and 7:45pm on Saturday. Challengers will be given a timeslot listed in the Civil Service Hub on Saturday morning.
{{Challenge Links}}

Can you hear me?

2026-09-07T14:54:26Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]

<ic>Anushak finished industriously tearing the long strip of meat into bloody threads and sucking it down. Not for the first time Jorgen wondered at the bird's ability to eat things without either chewing or choking.

"Where were we anyway?" Croaked the bird as he finished eating. He was already eying the last strip of meat in the little silver salver. Wise Rangara's favourite messenger (or so he assumed Jorgen he was) had been here for nearly an hour already. The Civil Servant frowned down at his notes, and realised he could barely make head or tail of them. He'd just been writing random words and fragments of phrases down for the last fifteen minutes or so. He picked one of the words he could read and made the best of it.

"''You'' were talking about names," said Jorgen. "With your mouth full."

"Names!" The black bird ruffled his feathers, eyes glinting. "That's right! You people get so very antsy about names. Worrying about true names and the like, as if that's even really a thing. I mean, what even is a name?"

Jorgen knew the bird well enough to realise he was being asked a rhetorical question and simply wrote "NAME??" again and drew a ring round it.

"There's two types of names. The names you give yourself that say who you are, and the names other people give you that says who they think you are. They're both powerful, don't get me wrong, but all the best people have half-a-dozen names at a time, most of which they don't ever know themselves. Even a mortal - one of you people manages about seven or eight decades right? Even a mortal will go through a score of names or more in their life. Not one of which catches anything like their essential nature. All together? Maybe. Probably not. The wise know that names really matter, but that they're also unimportant. Both at the same time!"

As a good son of Wintermark, Jorgen bridled at this.

"A hero has a name!" he quoted, angrily. Anushak spread his wings slightly, in a conciliatory way. Then his attention slid sideways to that last strip of meat and he grabbed it in his beak, tossed his head back, and swallowed it in a series of head-jerking movements.

"I'm not saying they don't," he said when he'd finished. "But let me ask you. Do you think my mistress calls ''herself'' Wise Rangara? Do you think that's what the Tetrarchs people call her? Or the Siqinirmi? The People of the Shadow? No, of course not. When you give something a name you connect with it, and it connects with you just a little bit. Do you think the Brother of Wizards gets angry when the Sumaah call him 'the seducer' and warn people not to talk to him? That he doesn't wriggle with joy every time someone gives him a bad name, just like he does when he gets a good one? It's complicated and easy. If you don't know someone's name, give them one. If they don't like it they'll correct you, and you can use that name instead. Done."

Jorgen floundered. What did all this have to do with the plenipotentiary of the Winter Archmage? While he rechecked his notes, Anushak picked up the shallow little dish and turned it over, obviously on the off-chance he'd missed some meat strips. He dropped it with a disappointed air when it became clear he had not.

"Well, this has been nice," he said readying to take flight. "Always good to talk, Jorgen."

"Wait, you haven't.." The Civil Servant flicked through his notes. Nothing. "Anushak, you haven't told me anything about the parley?"

"Oh there isn't one," said Anushak airily. "Not with my mistress anyway. I was just in the area and feeling peckish."

Jorgen blinked at him. The bird stared back, unrepentant.

"What! You think I only come and go at the bidding of my mistress? I'm not just a messenger you know. I have a life! I have friends and outside interests! They wouldn't call me 'Anushak the Delightful' if I spent my whole time bringing bad news, would they?"

The herald took wing, sweeping out through the open door of the tent, causing an indignant changeling to have to duck even lower than usual to get into the Hub. Jorgen considered tearing the pages of irrelevant scrawl out of his notebook, but then thought better of it. He put it away, slipped the pen back behind his ear, and went to see how he could help the Dawnish person with the antlers.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">[[file:IrrahHurrah002.png|align=left|width=200]]</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y59vQewR0-g}}
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Four have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other two have provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
Every season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] may send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm. The eternals are bound to respond, although not always in a way the archmage may wish. Sometimes they arrange personal meetings; often they send emissaries to treat with the magicians of the Empire. Sometimes they take direct action in response to requests made by the Archmage. Occasionally they decline formally, although they will rarely pass up the opportunity to explain ''why'' they will not speak to the Empire at this time.

As the Summer Solstice approaches, six eternals have responded to invitations to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] via their emissaries.
==The Peregrine Knight==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Hayaak has agreed to a parley in the Hall of Worlds at 14.00 on Saturday afternoon'''
* '''He intends to discuss the future of his relationship with the Empire
* '''It seems clear the eternal has undergone another significant change of identity
* '''The Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''
As Summer lengthens toward the Solstice, a lone figure arrives at the hub. Their leather garb and feathered brows might have caused them to be mistaken for a Navarr or Suaq changeling, but they are in fact an emissary of the ''[[Hayaak|Peregrine Knight]]''. They bear a message for the [[Archmage of Summer]] on behalf of their master. Speaking quickly, they refuse to answer questions.

He who was once the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden'' is now an '' Outlaw Prince'', renouncing all claim to the land and title of the past. The Empire chose to deny them the power of ''[[Meraud|Foxwise]]'' but there are other routes to noble grandeur in the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] than the courtly games of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]]. The ''Lone Hero'' has struck out on his own, into the Badlands of the Summer realm: a place of majestic plains rolling into the far horizon, awe-inspiring canyons, and towering hills. Yet the ''Bandit-King'' does not seek to claim this land as his dominion, for the wild lands cannot be tamed. Rather, he now walks his own path wherever the wind takes him, accompanied only by his loyal companions. The ''Masterless Warrior'' has taken back control of his own destiny, and is prepared to parley with the Archmage.

As such, Hayaak will come to the Hall of Worlds at two in the afternoon on Saturday, under terms of formal [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. They will speak with the Archmage of Summer, and with others gathered there, about the future. Make no mistake, though, there will be no boons. Part of the discussion will be about whether there ''is'' any future for the Empire and the ''Windcrier''. It may be that the established force of power and control in the realm of Catazar is destined to become the enemy of the ''Wandering Sword'', who is a brother to all who live as heroes in their own name and by their own strength.

The words tumble out of the messenger, who seems to become more agitated as they speak them. The [[Highguard|Highborn]] injured the ''Hunter of Beasts'' and cost him his kingdom and his dignity. He was a poor cousin at the court of the ''Queen of the Pennants'', and he tarried there for too long, losing his strength in his regrets. Summer looks forward to the horizon, not to past glories, says the herald. Given all this, they say, much of the desire ''Sharptalon'' had for rulership, responsibility, and authority has left him. In truth he has more interest in those who make a name for themselves outside the suffocating bonds of law, false judgement, and the expectations of others. He will not be a pawn again, and if the Archmage seeks to use him in their feud with the ''[[Jaheris|Unicorn Prince]]'' they will learn that the hard way. The pettiness of politics and scheming, the witless pursuit of vengeance for petty slights - that is not fit business for a warden of renown, who seeks to live the life of an honourable marauder on the wild road. There are other songs in Summer than those of kings and queens. And with that, the herald spins on their heel and departs.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Seven Locks 2.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The Queen of Locks==
* '''The City of Locks declines parley
* '''Representatives of the City of Locks offer a use of the Conspirator's Congress to the Imperial Conclave
* '''There are three potential meetings on the table; a Declaration of Acceptance will choose which one to accept
* '''The Archmage of Autumn is Edmundo of Damakan's forge
Shortly after the Spring Equinox, a metal-skinned herald of the Autumn realm emerges from the Imperial regio. In fine brocade and an outrageous hat, they might be mistaken for a League citizen until one looks a little closer. They proceed through Anvil, taking in the sights and pausing to chat amiably with Imperial citizens along their lazy route to the Hub. Once there, though, they are all business. They are a messenger employed by ''President Orlando'', here on behalf of the ''[[Basileia|City Of Locks Benevolent Association]]''. The Five Pillars have taken counsel with the ''Princess of Weirs'' and respond on behalf of the City of Locks to the Archmage's plenipotentiary.

The herald informs the nearby civil servants that Basileia Brazen and the Five Pillars have been most pleased to receive the requests of the Empire, the second such missive received within the space of a year. They have also, the herald states with a great deal of glee, immediately begun fighting about whose interests are to take priority. There is one minor matter which is quickly resolved. The business with the tower in [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]] and anything that may or may not have been seen prowling around there is nothing for the Empire to worry about. If whatever might be present there was capable of doing any great harm, it would doubtless have done so by now. Until matters change, it is nothing for the magicians of the Empire to worry about. The herald does not invite questions, moving on instead to more serious topics.

Three of the requests sent by the proxy Archmage, it seems, are relying on the same scarce resource - access to the mysterious chamber known as the ''Conspirator's Congress''. The conflict over this matter has caused all manner of upheaval on the streets of the City, with each of the parties seeking to secure their Lady's favour in this matter. A fool's errand, the herald blithely opines. Basileia Brazen favours only those who get results. As such, it will be down to the Empire to resolve this conflict. The three options are as follows:

* Overseer Hook offers to get representatives of the Empire a meeting with [[One_of_us#Many_Paths_to_the_Truth|one of the factions of Asavean mages]] identified by the [[Sevenfold Path]] in Winter 386. Mysterious hints by [[Whisper Gallery|masked dilettantes]] are no substitute for looking someone you suspect in the eye and squeezing them for information - subtly, of course.
* Boss Callarook offers to introduce the Empire to representatives of major criminal cartels in the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. These hardened criminals have no love for the Plenum and little care for the priesthood, and could potentially be persuaded to provide assistance in the Empire's plan to incite an uprising - if there was a reasonable expectation of profit.
* Facilitator Kaige gives no public details on what her offer entails. He only states that the proxy Archmage knows full well what was asked for and what use it would be to the Empire. For simplicity, however, Kaige proposes they use the codename "the Bright Eyed" to identify them when discussing matters with the Conclave.

The conflict can be resolved simply: a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] from the Conclave stating which of the City's three offers the Empire wishes to take up. The City of Locks will then arrange for the meeting to take place at the Autumn Equinox. When a civil servant points out that the Empire was told that Hook and Callarook's requests were not mutually exclusive, the herald shrugs. They aren't mutually exclusive. Regardless of which offer the Empire takes up first, they can simply use another plenipotentiary to ask for the opportunity to take advantage of one of the others whenever they wish. They just can't do all three at the same time. When the civil servant observes that the wording might have been slightly misleading, the herald just rolls their eyes and moves on.

===Other Beasts===
* '''There is a possibility to acquire the favour of the Manticore of the Untrod Groves held by the City of locks
* '''An opportunity to reach the vault where the favour lies is available during the Solstice at 12.30 on the Saturday afternoon of the Solstice.
* '''The Knight-protector of Autumn should definitely not try to take advantage of this opportunity
On the matter of the manticore: the pleasant face that the Lord of the City wore at the time ''that'' deal was struck is long past. Nevertheless, the manticore that calls itself the Earl of the Groves made its deal with power unadorned by pleasantries: that which is known to some as the ''Beast of the Locks'', and whose true nature is for only the Lady of Locks to know. As such, it remains extant, and the City will continue to uphold its end of the bargain - providing the manticore with [[enchantment|enchantments]] and crafted wonders to sate its need for power - until the favour is no longer in the City's possession. It is a shame, as it is quite a taxing provision, but that is simply the nature of the deal that was struck long ago: a deal to which Basileia Brazen, as the Lady of Locks, remains bound.

Now, ''as it happens'', that favour is likely to be held in an old chamber over the Summer Solstice, in a distant corner of the city's labyrinth. The chamber is a quizzical construction once attached to and associated with that... deception... that was once called ''Mazen''. Unfortunately, that chamber is going to open at 12.30 on Saturday of the Solstice, which ''would'' allow Imperials to enter and steal the favour, which would ''obviously'' be terrible. As such, a guard will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to ensure that nobody attempts to enter the chamber. As long as there's no chance of them being bribed - four thrones ought to do it - then there's absolutely no possibility that the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Autumn]] or whoever it is can get into the chamber and get a chance to steal the favour.

If they were to find their way in - which could only happen if the City of Locks employs a totally dishonest guard - then there is one more note of caution. As of late the Beast of Locks, when it roams the city, has taken to sleeping in that chamber, too - it seems to enjoy being close to the favour. Probably it will not wake. Probably. Still, the wary traveller might wish to bring some [[green iron]] and [[dragonbone]] as a treat for the Beast to chew on - if it were to wake. Which it won't. Surely?

===A Personal Note===
* '''Basileia offers an Autumn Market, arranged by the Five Pillars, to the Archmage of Autumn
* '''If they wish to claim it they will need to use a plenipotentiary to do so
On a more personal note, Basileia herself offers an opportunity to the Archmage of Autumn. Some years ago the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] offered to arrange an Autumn Market whenever the Archmage requested such a thing. Basileia wishes the Archmage to know that if they use the power of plenipotentiary at the Summer Solstice to request it, the City of Locks will facilitate a market to take place in the Hall of Worlds, offering a range of goods and services from the Five Pillars and perhaps even a couple of vendors from the other cities prepared to pay an appropriate amount for pitches of their own. The offer is only available at the Summer Solstice; it may be made again at a future date of course.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Janon002b.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The Marshal of Flame==
* '''The eternal Janon declines ''formal'' parley but plans to send "a bunch of heralds" to the Empire during the Summer Solstice
* '''The heralds are expected to arrive at around 10am on Saturday morning, and will make their way to the Forge
* '''They are to be considered guests of the Archmage of Night and the Shadowed Torchbearer, both of whom they wish to speak with
* '''The heralds also want to meet freelance troublemaker Rafael Barossa d'Apulian and Stonesworn Crix
As Spring slips into Summer, an emissary from the ''[[Janon|Shadowed Flame]]'' proudly appears at Anvil. With skin the colour of polished ruby, and hair like charcoal, they wear a peculiar mismatch of [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] and [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] garb. They stride purposefully down to the Hub, sidestepping attempts to intercept them, and as soon as they reach the Civil Service desk they deliver their message in a booming voice.

The ''Scribe of Burning Names'' is gladdened to be invited to parley with the Archmage of Night but declines the offer. However, instead, they will send a small cohort of their chosen warriors to Anvil during the Summer Solstice as guests of the Archmage and, crucially, of the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]]. They will arrive in the Hall of Worlds at around ten in the morning on Saturday and make their way to the Forge to meet with the two.

''Night Sword'' has issued many instructions to its warriors. They are to hear the report of the Shadowed Torchbearer and learn how the flames of passion have been stoked in the Empire over the last year, and offer reward or punishment as appropriate. The issue of communication between the ''Monarch of the Inferno'' and her representative to the Empire can be resolved, probably as part of the discussion about the [[Fane|fanes]]. Before anyone can ask what discussion or why it would concern multiple fanes, the herald barrels ahead.

It is not just the Shadowed Torchbearer who should attend this gathering! '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', currently a freelance trouble-maker at large, has done much to earn the favour of the ''Tempestuous Heart''. His actions regarding the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] Plenum are everything that could have been hoped, but anything worth doing is worth further escalating. He should come, bring others who wish to see the Children of Asav consumed by the flames, and speak of how the sparks might be fanned into a greater inferno. He could also be helpful for the fane discussion, he seems to be good at finding things. Nobody even bothers trying to ask for clarification.

Finally, the herald declares, there will be no discussion of the boons the ''Midnight Firestorm'' gives to the [[Jotun]]. They are gifts granted to the eternal's friends in the west, and distributing them to any who ask for them would simply cheapen them. The [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] have their [[Pit-fights|fighting pits]], and Janon respects that they have chosen their own path to heighten their sensitivity to the voices of their ancestors. The warriors ''will'' be interested in seeing the fighting pit at Anvil, and discussing the [[Pitmaster#Skarsind_College_of_Pit_Fighting|Skarsind College of Pit fighting]] with '''Stonesworn Crix''' if they are available.
===Vicious Little Pearls===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
The ''All-Consuming Heart'' has also been made aware of certain [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine|vicious black pearls]] turning up around the place. He has no idea what they are or what they mean, but sie knows that xie hates them. The Shadowed Torchbearer should get hold of as many as possible so the herald can destroy them. There will probably be a reward of some sort, the exact nature of which will be determined by the whim of the ''Flame of the Ancestors''. An Imperial Civil Servant attempts to interrupt to mention the fact that other beings have indicated that carrying more than thirteen at a time might be a bad idea, but any attempt to provide context or nuance remains a fool's errand. Just getting the herald to listen to anyone else talking proves to be remarkably difficult.
===Kindling Cadre and the Sun Chamber===
* '''A different band of heralds plan to visit the Sun Chamber meeting
* '''They will arrive at around half-past-twelve on Saturday
* '''They want to discuss ways they might inspire the members of the Sun Chamber
On to the next thing! In addition to the main bunch of heralds, another group called the ''Kindling Cadre'' will be coming to Anvil to talk to the reformed [[Sun Chamber]]. They're expected to arrive around half-past-twelve on Saturday and will be heading for the Senate. It seems that the ''Rainbow Conflagration'' is enthused about the restoration of this [[Imperial Sodality]] and wishes to see if there is any way he might champion their cause. There might even be gifts. Historical records note that the Kindling Cadre have not been seen in the Empire for nearly sixty years - during [[the Orc Rebellion]] they offered boons to, and fought alongside, the former slaves in [[Sarvos]] and [[Tassato]].
===Inspiring Armies===
* '''Janon presents two possible ways he might inspire Imperial armies
* '''Choosing one of these possibilities would require a Declaration of Acceptance
* '''The choice is only available during the Summer Solstice
And finally, on that last matter the Archmage raised, the ''Muse of Fire'' is enthusiastic but wants to make sure it understands what is being asked of him. As usual, any [[general]] who wishes for the servants of Janon to fight alongside them is welcome to call on them in their [[Army orders|orders]]. It seems that a few generals take advantage of this opportunity each season, receiving a little aid from the passionate warrior-poets of the Night realm. Yet there are other gifts the ''Night Sword'' can offer.

If the Archmage offers the ''Pillar of Fire'' "''an opportunity to sow discordant passions and ambitions''" among the Imperial armies. "''Set them on each other to see who burns brightest''" they said. The eternal is very interested in what this opportunity might involve. Encouraging the ''Smokeless Fire'' to do so will require a little more effort - a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] asking for the heralds of Janon to fan the fires of pride, ambition, revenge, and rivalry. If this is done, the heralds of the ''Conflagration Blade'' invited to fight with the Imperial armies will bring to bear their full power to encourage mortals to embrace their passions. The outcome is utterly unpredictable, but it will certainly be violent. Soldiers in the army will seek to work out their grudges, follow their personal goals, indulge their individual passions, and burn with the dark fire of vengeance, anger, and audacity. This might directly impact the effectiveness of the [[Army orders|order]] the [[general]] submits. By accepting Janon's blessing in this way they surrender control over their situation just as much as their soldiers will.

Alternatively, the ''Burning Key'' could offer to fan the flames of "brighter" passions - encouraging the soldiers to celebrate life and battle, embrace glory, heroism, or even passionate virtue. In short... to party hard. If the Conclave instead uses the Declaration of Alignment to ask Janon to support celebration, then for the next year every Imperial general will be able to issue the '''Passionate Furlough''' order. This goes beyond simply asking Janon to accompany their army. The order has the same game effects as ''[[Army_orders#Solid_Defence|Solid Defence]]'' but crucially the army will not receive ''any'' [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] during that season. Instead they will celebrate, and bring others in the [[territory]] into their celebrations. This will provide benefits to the people of the territory where they are stationed, as they squander their pay on the joys of life (wine, good company, song). This will raise morale in the army, and likely that of the people in the territory. Whatever that means; again it is impossible to predict what effect taking this order might have. Or how well they will actually defend in the event they are attacked.

The Civil Service, on learning of these opportunities, advises caution. By its very nature, Janon is a creature of unbounded passion. It encourages others to embrace their personal desires, and to ignore laws, traditions, and other constraints on their behaviour. Embracing the passions of celebration while on furlough is as likely to have negative outcomes as positive ones. Unleashing such an unpredictable force during a military campaign is potentially a recipe for disaster.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The King on the Throne of Chains==
* '''Tharim declines a formal parley but is sending a senior member of his court to treat with the Archmage of Winter
* '''The meeting will take place in the Imperial Senate, with the Archmage in the position of ambassador to Tharim
* '''The herald is expected to arrive around 19.30 on Saturday
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien
The [[Tharim|Bound King]] declines a formal parley. Instead he will be dispatching a trusted senior member of his court, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'', to Anvil to speak on behalf of his knights. As befits a monarch of the Winter realm, Tharim requests the Captain be treated as a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]] from a foreign power. Specifically, he requires that the meeting take place in the [[Senate]] as if it were an embassy from a mortal power. The [[Archmage of Winter]] will take the position of ambassador, seated on the Throne. The ''Hand of Tharim'' '''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''' will be seated in the Speaker's Chair to ensure all civilities are respected and to show the Hand the respect they are due. The Civil Service have confirmed that the meeting can take place in the Senate at half past seven on Saturday, but they are clearly not entirely happy about it.

The main topic of conversation will be the matter of the murder of Obligatus. The declaration made by the [[Celestial Arch]] to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Condemn_Death_of_Tharim_herald|condemn]] the murder of the herald seems to have been acknowledged as the bare minimum. The Civil Service are able to confirm that the knights of Tharim have continued their march toward Upwold, arriving in the territory shortly before the Summer Solstice. They have not had time to cause much trouble yet, but it is clearly brewing. Hopefully, the Archmage will be able to defuse the situation before it gets tragically out of hand.

Tharim requires a memorial of some kind be built in the ''Copse of the Bone Birch'' where the murder took place. It will commemorate not only the foul deeds that took place there but also the six years or more of Tharim's friendship with the Empire. Such a memorial would be an [[edifice]], and while the Bound King does not specify any specific amounts, its [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] cannot help but be seen as reflecting the respect the Empire holds for Tharim. It is worth noting that the memorial might also be a good opportunity to construct a [[fane]] for the ''King-in-Chains'' in Upwold celebrating the services Tharim has performed for [[the Marches|the Marchers]] over the years.

Furthermore, Tharim expects the Conclave to support a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] calling on the magicians of the Marchers to work alongside his knights when they scour the Marches and nearby lands for those who struck Obligatus down, and deliver them to the tender mercies of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] for suitable punishment. The Imperial Civil Service again counsel the Archmage of Winter to be very careful around this decision - let off the leash, the knights of Tharim could cause significant disruption in the Marches.

Once the main topic is discussed there will be other matters to speak of. The status of the ''[[Skathe|Traitor-queen]]'' and the ''[[Surut|Knight-betrayer]]''; matters relating to [[Skoura]]; the drawing of the contemptible ''Sunken Rope'''s attention to the Bay of Catazar, and hence the protection he might offer against the ''Deep and the Dark'' to any territory whose Senator is prepared to humble themselves before the Lord-Captain.

While he is clearly annoyed, Tharim has not forgotten he is a friend of the Empire. He is aware that the Imperial armies are in the midst of attempting to [[Root_and_branch#The_God_in_the_Lake|invade Kroll]] and have encountered the ''Lake Beast'' there. The boon he offers is simple; any [[general]] who wishes to may beseech Tharim for aid in their orders when fighting the beast. Tharim will send relief to the general he feels offers him the most respect and deference, ensuring that any casualties that the beast causes do not fall on that General's army; they would be protected from the wrath of the beast in a manner similar to the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Bond_of_Tears|Winter's Mantle]].
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Kimus001.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>

==The Golden Seer==
* '''Kimus declines parley
* '''Her heralds have been dispatched to assist with the Lighthouse appraisal
* '''One of her heralds will visit the hall of worlds at 19.00 on Friday to meet with the Astral Arcanist
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka
A cheerful little ball of bobbing light meanders through Anvil to the Hub two months after the Spring Equinox. In a piping, happy voice it delivers a message from the ''[[Kimus|Seer Clad in Raiment of Gold]]''. The ''One Who Sees All'' declines parley at this time, but has responded to some of the requests made of them. The herald ''[[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Surprise_Guest|Fotismos]]'' has been sent to the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#Symbols_of_Sanctuary_and_Hope|Sarvos symposium on lighthouses]] to offer advice and support to the project. They are charged with advising [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]] for as long as he continues to explore this matter.

The Archmage also asked the ''Seeker of the Skies'' to find certain items. The eternal has responded by offering the services of her heralds to the [[Magpies]] who the [[Senate]] has charged with finding lost things. It will be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of the three objects the Archmage has mentioned will be sought.

There will, however, be no opportunity for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to call servants of Kimus to a territory so that Imperial soldiers might search alongside them. While that offer may have been made in the past, ''She Who Watches'' declines to do so at this time. It is the judgement of the ''Glass of the Heavens'' that the Empire already has the tools it needs to observe its enemies both with [[divination]] and with more mundane means.

On a slightly different note, the ''Watcher of the Winds'' has become interested in an invitation apparently issued by '''Serenus Starsong''' the [[Astral Arcanist]], to observe a ritual. She is interested in taking up this invitation. During the Summer Solstice, she asks the Archmage of Day to bring the Astral Arcanist to meet with one of her heralds in the Hall of Worlds to receive the ''Seer's Mark'' that will permit Kimus to see through them for a short time. This will let the eternal experience the ritual discussed, and there are various reassurances that this gift of the ''Lady of the Astral Lens'' will not harm the Astral Arcanist. The herald will be in the Hall of Worlds at seven in the evening on Friday. The herald will paint the mark on the Arcanist, if they are amenable.

Finally, the herald turns a slightly darker colour as it broaches a somewhat sensitive subject. It appears that at the end of the plenipotentiary the Archmage seemed to suggest there were "other matters" that could be discussed in a parley. This is one of the several reasons that its mistress has declined to attend or send its heralds to attend such a meeting. The ''Celestial Eye'' believes that the ideal plenipotentiary lays out a single significant matter that the Archmage wishes to gain the aid of the eternal to address or resolve. A list of multiple requests is worse, but worst of all is a suggestion that the eternal should turn up to "discuss matters." Without specificity, there can be no parley. The magicians of the Empire should not seek to introduce confusion into the simple pattern of plenipotentiary and parley. In the event there has been a misunderstanding, and that was not what the Archmage meant, then no harm has been done. But the point still stands.

From Kimus' point of view the simplest plenipotentiary is one where the Archmage lists perhaps as many as three lost things that the Empire seeks. In a case like this, the eternal can evaluate which items they think are still within the bounds of her sight, and then let the Empire make a decision on which one they should pursue. It will be very rare that Kimus does not respond positively to such a plenipotentiary, and only when the Empire has asked for multiple things that are simply not findable.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>

==The Prince of a Thousand Foes==
* '''Irra Harah has agreed to a parley
It does not seem to be a herald that responds to the plenipotentiary missive of the [[Archmage of Spring]], but what appears to be a young [[the League|League]] [[briar]]. She arrives at the hub, and quietly attracts the attention of the Imperial Civil Service. She brings a message from ''[[Irra Harah|Papa Otec]]''. The ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' accedes to the request for parley and offers to meet the Archmage of Spring if they think there is actually any point.

A herald will arrive at the [[Hall of Worlds]] at around half-past-six on Saturday evening to take the Archmage and up to six other people to meet the ''Warden of the Woods''. In addition to those the Archmage may wish to bring, there are people in the Empire who are friends of Irra Harah, and they are also invited. They will receive personal invitations to the meeting, and should likewise turn up at the Hall of Worlds. The Archmage isn't to question their presence.

On the matter of the parley, the Archmage wanted "''tests''" which appeared to just be things that the Empire is already capable of doing. The briar suggests quietly that the Archmage doesn't understand what a test is. The first test the Empire faced was [[the Barrens]]. The next test is the [[Sarangrave]]. How does the Archmage think they are doing so far?

The new [[general]] of the Gryphon's Pride is invited to come speak to ''Swiftrunner'' if they wish. They might even be worthy of a boon - but they will need to explain clearly and candidly why the eternal might be reticent to give them one, and explain why they think they deserve one and how the people of Dawn understand the world. If it aligns with what ''Shacklesmasher'' knows to be true they may indeed receive the aid of the eternal to put that understanding into practice. After all, there were more Dawnishfolk who fought against tyranny than supported the army that went to crush the Rahvin and that deserves recognition. Likewise, if there are those in Dawn who want aid to transform a boon of the ''[[Arhallogen|Slaughterbeast]]'' the Archmage can bring them and they can explain what they want and why they think the ''Greenguard'' might want to give it to them.

But the main topic of conversation is going to be what the Empire intends in the Sarangrave. Does the Archmage really believe that not cursing people until they die for a whole season is truly a sign that the Empire has learnt from its mistakes? The briar is at pains to be clear:''Shacklesmasher'' is not on the Empire's side here. He is on the side of the people of the Mallum, the [[orc|orcs]] and humans who call that place home and are caught yet again between two cruel juggernauts who care nothing for them save as playing pieces. His first, and only, concern is for them. He will help them run, hide, or kill to preserve their lives, regardless of who it is that is bearing down on them with a sword.

So with all that said, there'll be no further aid in [[Therunin]]. The Empire chose to abandon the weak, the young, and the elderly. ''Warrenwise'' has already offered a little help; the ''[[Ossegrahn|Fast Flowing River]]'' has already exerted himself to protect those who remain and told the Empire what more is needed to [[Willow_and_rain#Raincallers_Song|preserve those lives]]. The ''Thorn of the Ancestors'' can judge what the Empire really thinks about those who are in danger by watching what they choose to do, can he not?

There'll be no aid from ''Leaping Dolphin'' on the [[Asavean Archipelago|Isles of Asav]], either. The Empire has given no reason for the eternal to believe they are doing what they are doing for the people of the islands. They seem to be doing what they always do - making decisions about the lives of others that suit their purposes. The eternal will aid those who need his help; to protect them from Imperial flames as much as from the murderous arrogance of the priests.

Oh and the Archmage can reassure the [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]]. They need not worry about the ''Hare Stone''. If the ''Blade of the Holt'' wishes to draw on their old bargain, he will make sure they know where they are going. What would the point be if he did not? It is not the way of ''Swiftrunner'' to trick people like that. He will not reveal its location unnecessarily for any number of reasons, not least because of the risk some Imperial might decide to destroy it out of malice, boredom, or some cruel ambition.

Finally, ''Wisewhiskers'' will not bargain for friendship like some kind of costermonger. If the Empire considers itself worthy of his friendship then let them ask for it. The briar doesn't know anything about a bounty on [[the Throne]]. But if the Empire wants to be friends the first thing they might do is remove the [[interdiction]] of ''Golden Hare Icons of Irra Harah''. What do they even mean by this?
==Plenipotentiary in Public==
* '''The opportunity to allow archmages to make their plenipotentiary messages public remains available'''
Six months ago the [[Prefect of the Conclave|prefects of the Conclave]] prepared a proposal regarding the ability to make the wording of the Archmages' missives public knowledge. The [[Conclave]] has not chosen to embrace this power, but given it is simply a procedural change the opportunity to do so remains available - unless something significantly changes. The change is discussed in detail in the '''[[Secret_meeting#Have_a_Little_Faith|Secret meeting]]''' wind of fortune.
==Timetable==
These meetings are taking place in a number of places; in chambers reached via the Hall of Worlds. The times, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 19:00 || Kimus || Day || Not a parley; meeting with Astral Arcanist
|-
| Saturday || 10:00 || Janon || Night || Not a parley; gang of heralds at Anvil
|-
| Saturday || 12:30 || Janon || Night || Not a parley; a different gang of heralds
|-
| Saturday || 14:00 || Hayaak || Summer || Parley; in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 18:30 || Irra Harah || Spring || Parley; a chamber reached by the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Ice on the snow

2026-09-07T14:53:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Aren't you going to write it down?" the creature demanded.

The fetid visitor grinned at the Jorgen, revealing a mouth filled with too many incisors and a breath that smelled worse than an open sewer. Their baleful golden-green eyes glinted from the behind the sockets of their snarling wolf mask, as a clawed hand played with Anushak's empty bowl. The bird had visited only the day before and conspicuously emptied the container. Jorgen realised then that Anushak had done that deliberately just to spite the Howler's servant. How the bird had known he couldn't say since the laws of magic said all of this was impossible.

Never taking his eyes off the thing, Jorgen reached for his quill with an exaggerated flourish and then dipped it in the well. He pointedly looked left and right, to where the two silent guards were standing, before taking his eyes off the stinking herald so that he could put quill to paper. He wrote the eternal's name, underlined it twice, and then started to write down it's message.

"Concerning the battle for dominion of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, I make this offer to any magician who competes in my name." He looked up, expectantly at the herald.

The creature grinned again, it's long tongue flopping around in its mouth like a fish out of water. "One boon for every competitor they kill, and two if it's one of their own team."

Jorgen stared at the herald, in what he hoped was a look of stern disapproval, but he could feel cold sweat on his neck. He was almost certain that this was completely illegal, but it seemed unwise to mention it.

"And if they win, my master will give them whatever their heart desires." The creature grinned again "And I will give them a pony."

"A pony?" Even terrified Jorgen managed to give voice to his confusion.

"A small horse", the herald explained and then the stench of its breath enveloping him as it leaned forwards to leer "They're... delicious..."

Jorgen's blood ran cold and he shuddered himself awake. It took him a moment to realise he was sat in a chair in the Forge at Anvil.

"You drifted off there... that nightmare again?" enquired Robin sympathetically.

Jorgen nodded and reached for the drink in front of him. It was a year to the day since the bloody thing had turned up and it still haunted his nightmares.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|caption=The Unicorn Prince serves as patron of the Icy Crag, and his influence has set the nature of the competition to see if he will be replaced.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlIxPVcMSEI}}
[[Our_thumping_hearts|Three years ago]], the [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle mages]] of the Empire came together in the Glory Square of [[Dawn]], to meet in ritual combat. The prize; the chance to choose which [[eternal]] would be invited to be the patron of the Empire's premiere [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|college of Summer magic]]. Three years ago, the combatants fighting on behalf of [[Jaheris]] came out victorious. Now, the eternals of [[Summer]] have come together, and the time has come to find out if the ''Unicorn Prince'' will be invited to remain patron, or the Empire chose another route. Whoever wins, the citizens of the Empire can hope for a grand spectacle of fighting between the best spellslingers of the Empire.

During the Spring Equinox, thirteen battlemages sent missives to the Unicorn Prince to throw their hat into the ring, to fight on behalf of an eternal of their choice. Each of these fighters indicates that they will lead a team of three into the fray, meaning in the region of forty fighters will be fighting with spell and stave for the entertainment of eternal and mortal alike.

In addition, Jaheris has indicated that some on the field may have been given additional invites - though, in his usual mercurial fashion, does not tell the civil service 'who' exactly has these. Anyone wishing to take part who does not already have a place will need to seek out an existing team or invitation in order to be a competitor as the option available in Spring to declare yourself a leader of a team is no longer available.

The great climax of the tourney will be the winning team declaring which eternal (if any) is invited to be patron of the college. The Unicorn Prince has declared that none may say ''who'' they are fighting for until the final dramatic moment. Jaheris has made mention of trying to emulate the Dawnish tradition of the black knight, in deference of the tourney's host at Anvil. In reality, he hopes to keep everyone in the dark about who they are fighting for because of his love for guile and the opportunity for unbridled ambition to triumph by any means.

==The Icy Unicorn Tourney==
*'''The tourney will begin at 17:00 on Saturday, in the Glory Square in Dawn'''
*'''It will be officiated by heralds of the summer eternal Barien'''
*'''Competitors should present themselves to the heralds at 16:45, 15 minutes before the tourney starts'''
*'''Each team may have up to three magicians, and must present their invitation to take part'''
*'''Each team should provide an announcer to introduce themselves to the crowd before the tourney begins'''
*'''The heralds encourage healers and physicks who are watching to assist in moving downed competitors from the field'''

Invitations have been sent out to every magician who rose to the challenge in Spring. Competitors should arrive at the Glory Square in Dawn 4:45pm on Saturday with their invitation to be guaranteed a chance to take part. Each team should consist of up to three magicians. Revel has asked for each team to also provide an announcer (who can be one of the team members) to ''briefly'' introduce the team to the crowd, so the assembled spectators know who they are cheering on.

The tourney itself will begin at 5:00pm. As is traditional, the eternal [[Barien]] has been asked to adjudicate and has sent heralds to oversee the contest. The tourney will employ much the same rules as the previous tournament, reiterated above the heralds of Barien.

The heralds of Barien ask for volunteers to help remove yielded fighters from the square and heal them. Assistants should not enter the ring until called for by a yielding warrior, and '''should put one or both hands on their heart while entering the square to denote they are not a fighter.''' Revel advises that the details will be covered again prior to the start of the bout itself.

===The Rules===
The heralds of Barien have presented a list of the rules they intend to employ for the grand melee.

<ic>The tourney will take the form of a "tag team grand melee": each team will start with one champion on the field, and as each falls they will be carried to safety and another team member take their place.

* Each team will consists of up to three magicians.
* Champions may only be armed with implements, and may only use mage armour or robes. No weapons of war or warriors armour will be used.
* Only one member of each team may bear a shield.
* Enchantments, eternal boons, tonics, magic items and the like may all be employed before the tourney, but none may be used once the tourney begins. This means that no potions or herbs may be used, and no crystal mana or vis may be employed by the champions in the ring.
* Only one member of each team will be permitted to be in the arena at the start of the tourney.
* A magician is defeated when they yield, and once they are off the field they will be healed. This is not a fight to the death. Bystanders may enter the square and heal or help the wounded to leave. Once a magician has yielded and accepted outside help they can no longer participate in the tourney.
* When a competitor has yielded one of their teammates must enter the square to replace them without delay. A team may have no more than one active magician in the square at any one time.
* If a magician's implements are shattered, they may have them repaired or obtain a like for like replacement from outside the arena if someone is willing to donate one. Magicians cannot leave the arena and may be attacked while this is happening.
* The last team with magicians remaining wins.
* There shall be no killing, executions, or eating people.</ic>

==To The Victors==
* '''The victors may choose which eternal will serve as patron of the college
* '''They may pick ''any'' eternal, not just those of the Summer realm
* '''They may also choose to pick no eternal at all leaving the Icy Crag without an eternal patron
While the eternals of Summer orchestrated this tourney, and it might be assumed that one of them will become the new patron of the Summer college, the option ''is'' open for the winning team to declare for an eternal of another realm (or indeed no eternal at all). The eternals of Summer are quite blasé about this; it just means none of their bitter rivals get to be patron, and they couldn't care less about any other realm. This possibility ''does'' raise an interesting question though. A recent [[opportunity]] arose to [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#The_Dark_Nights_of_Winter|convert the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]] to a college of ''Winter'' magic, instead of Summer. While this option has not been taken up by the magicians of the Empire so far, were an eternal of Winter chosen as the patron, it would breathe new life into this angle going forward.

The Iron Duke's heralds advise that a modest prize will be given at the time to the victorious team to celebrate their win. Of course, whichever Summer eternal the winner invites to become patron of the [[college of magic]] would be bound by the laws of the realm to reward their champion accordingly. If the winner chooses to ask an eternal of a different realm to be the patron then that would be down to them - in theory an eternal could even refuse to take the patronage, or to honour their champions, although that is unlikely.

The winners could choose not to invite an eternal to be patron for the college if they wished, though of course then there would be no-one to offer a reward.

In respect to Jaheris' rules, no Summer eternal has thus far publicly announced what prize they would offer mortals in exchange for patronage of the college. Each intends to see if one of their champions wins and then look to find a suitable reward for them in the Autumn.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: left;"><gallery mode=nolines>
file:ProsperoArt.jpg|[[Prospero]]
file:BasileusArt.jpg|[[Basileia]]
file:SadoguaArt.jpg|[[Sadogua]]
file:WiseRangara.jpg|[[Wise Rangara]]
file:ZakalweArt.jpg|[[Zakalwe]]
file:Agramant.jpg|[[Agramant|Agramant, Predictably]]
</gallery></div>
The heralds of the ''Iron Duke'' are known for their studious neutrality, however, while arranging matters with the Civil Service, the herald Revel ''does'' discretely point out that the victorious mortals of the Empire ''could'' nominate Barien as patron of the college. Of course, they would not ''advocate'' for such a position, but Revel feels they would be remiss not to point it out.

As with the tourney that took place three years ago, [[Our_thumping_hearts#Other_Realms|six eternals]] of other [[realms]] have indicated they would be interested in becoming patron should any team wish to battle on their behalf: [[Sadogua]] (unsurprisingly), [[Zakalwe]], [[Prospero]], [[Basileia]], [[Wise Rangara]], and of course [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-snow]].

The legal problems should the ''Wastewalker'' be named patron of the college don't bear thinking about, but the Summer realm at least will accept that decision should it be made by the victors.

==Further Reading==
* [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]

* [[Is_there_anybody_out_there%3F#Tourney_Fit_For_a_Prince_(Jaheris_(again))|Is there anybody out there?]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune laying out the new tourney
* [[Our thumping hearts]] - 384YE Summer Wind of Fortune detailing the last tourney for the Icy Crag

The greatest plurality

2026-09-07T14:53:18Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The Tribune stared at the chief magistrate as the old man paced up and down. "I agree, I think we should do that," they said quietly, their attention still partly on the papers on the desk.

Abraham didn't seem to notice that the Tribune was agreeing with him and continued to argue with himself. "I'm just not happy with it! If we're going to call it a judgement of appointment, then it should ''appoint'' something. This is a judgement of ''rewarding''. Words matter."

"No, you're right. We should change it," responded Leonardo a little more forcefully this time. They looked down with just the slightest look of despair at the growing pile of Synod paperwork that was even now mounting up in front of them.

Abraham continued to implore the long-suffering Tribune to accept his argument. "It's confusing - having two different voting mechanisms for the same judgement. But it's ''less'' confusing than using the wrong name. The method is right, it's the name that's wrong."

"I'm not sure why we're still discussing this Abraham?" asked Leonardo as politely as possible. This time it seemed the old man had finally heard them.

"It's important!" he blurted out by way of justification. "If we're going to change this, I want to make sure it's ''right''. I want to be certain that this is the right way to do this. And I don't think it is at the moment..." The magistrate ran out of words, clearly frustrated that he felt he was failing to find the right argument to convince his colleague.

"Sorry Abraham, I'm not sure I've made myself clear. I agree with you. You should change it. That's why I'm not sure why we're still discussing it."

"Oh. Right. I see." The old magistrate looked oddly crestfallen to have won the debate, though it may have been the disappointment of discovering that he had been the only person arguing. "I'll go and do that then..." he said as he headed for the door.

"Thank you, Abraham." The Tribune shook their head, smiled wryly and returned to their beloved paperwork.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeoSecGen.jpg|align=left|caption=Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza puts up with a lot, including meetings with eccentric members of the Constitutional Court.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PucvUd25xa4}}
The [[The_hard_way|inspiring sermon]] delivered by the [[Archbishop of Capodomus|Archbishop of the Capodomus]] Cathedral presented the [[General Assembly]] of the [[Synod]] with a unique opportunity to identify the greatest threat facing the Empire, the highest [[Ambition]] to which the Virtuous should ascribe.

'''Estella Lucati’s''' stirring words singled out the vallorn as the goal above all others and in isolation many would agree. The Synod has repeatedly called the [[vallorn]] the greatest single threat facing the Empire. But nothing exists in a vacuum and to say that defeating the vallorn is the single most important Ambition is to also say that other Ambitions - defeating the Druj, [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|anchoring the Way in Asavea]], completing the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]... were all less important.

The only way the Synod could unite the Empire behind a single great Ambition is to persuade people to give up those other plans. They could do that - people would unite behind the Synod if it spoke with a single voice. All it would take would be for the priests of the Synod to persuade each other.
==Many Votes, Many Ambitions==
* '''The Synod has not united behind a single grand spiritual ambition for the Empire
That, as it transpired, proved too high a hurdle. The Synod considered the [[mandate]] that arose from the sermon, and it also considered three other judgements - all presenting alternatives for the greatest Ambition of the Empire. Alongside these were some noble attempts to consider them all very important but to be done in order (which would of course beg the same question of which one to do first). There was even one judgement that called on the Synod to attempt them all at the same time which was definitely Ambitious, but ultimately a call to focus on many things is the same as a call to focus on none.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=I hear the inspiring words of Estella Lucati and thank her for them. However, we must not turn away from breaking the Druj’s ability to wage war on us. Whilst the Navarr have stated that the vallorn should be removed from this plane of existence now that we have the method to do so, we cannot undertake the largest military offensive in history with the poisoned blades of the most treacherous folk in Creation at our backs. Navarr is at its weakest ebb for a decade. Liathaven is long lost. Therunin under the heel of the Druj and the Isaella’s Dance shattered. We call for aid from our Imperial kin in rebuilding Navarr’s strength, and ask that we defeat the Druj and stabilise the other fronts before turning the Empire’s full might against the vallorn.|size=small|vote=1726-290|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Harwyn Eternal, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe that the faithful should focus on spreading The Way to Asavea above all other ambitions. If we try to pursue everything, then we risk achieving nothing. Let the Synod vote for the objective they favour most and vote against the objective they favour least.|vote=Failed 480-1344 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Jules von Holberg, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe that the faithful should focus on completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way above all other Ambitions. If we try to pursue everything, then we risk achieving nothing. Let the Synod vote for the objective they favour most and vote against the objective they favour least.|vote=Failed 376-1370 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Novella di Sarvos, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. We send Corey Wayfarer with 250 liao to urge the faithful to focus on destroying the vallorn above all other ambitions. No price is too high.|vote=Failed 800-1275|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Corey Wayfarer, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe the faithful should focus on the ambitious task to defeat one enemy at a time. If we try to pursue everything we achieve nothing. Let the Synod vote to defeat the Druj first, before seeking other long term challenges.|vote=Failed 818-538 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Val, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We choose all four! Enlighten Asavea! Kill the Druj! Destroy the vallorn! Renovate Bastion! No price is too high. We will wage no other wars: negotiate what we can, cede what we must. We will build no other commissions: pause what we can, abandon what we must. We will pursue no other projects: adapt what we can, redirect what we must. Fight no other battle, study no other topic, sing no other song. We choose these four!|vote=Failed 191-1176|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Yosephus Morningson, General Assembly|size=small}}
</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">[[file:Assembly_Freeborn.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Dawnish.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_ImperialOrc.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Navarr.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Urizen.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Wintermark.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Varushkan.png|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
The statement to take the fight to the Druj very clearly had the majority of the support of the General Assembly, but it was telling that it did not get a [[greater majority]]. Faced with the prospect of failing to unite around the only viable choice, priests stuck to their principles. However tempting it might be to try to fashion a bold vision for the Empire for years to come, priests refused to compromise their ideals. The fight against the [[Druj]] might be important but it was ''not'' the greatest Ambition of the Empire.

At ''first'' there is disappointment - particularly from those who visited Capodomus and heard the inspirational sermon, but also from any who had dared to dream that their preferred choice might be the one elevated by the Synod. That frustration doesn't last long, but the idea of the Empire unifying behind one grand Ambition, putting everything else aside to achieve that one thing - was such an inspiring idea that people are initially disappointed when it doesn't happen. The choice seemed to offer the prospect of achieving something truly extraordinary, something monumental, something to echo down the ages. That was appealing and of course everyone who watches the Synod had naively hoped that it was their preferred option that would win. They were looking to the Synod to validate their goals - and when that didn't happen they were unsurprisingly disappointed.

At first there is anger, a perception that this is a failure. There is a brief moment when some suggest that the Synod ought to be reformed - with folk imagining that a different formulation might have produced the "right" answer. There are a few who try to suggest that the Synod has failed the Empire, or at least that their leadership has. How could they look at this moment and fail to make a choice about what the greatest Ambition of the Empire should be (by which they really mean, how could the Synod have failed to agree with ''them'' on what the most important thing was).

==Many Nations, Many Virtues==
* '''The General Assembly could enact a mandate urging citizens to look to their national and virtue assemblies'''
* '''If passed citizens would no longer follow statements of principle that did not get a greater majority'''
* '''It would allow each nation and virtue assembly to make a single prominent appeal to their constitutions every four seasons'''
* '''This appeal would be guaranteed to get a response'''
Slowly though, a new consensus begins to emerge. Sofia i Tiera i Riqueza, a passionate [[sutannir]] from [[Feroz]] claims that it is wrong to view the judgements of the General Assembly as a failure to speak clearly. According to Sofia, the General Assembly ''has'' spoken - and while it needs a little Wisdom to understand it, the meaning they see is clear. There is ''no'' one single Ambition that the Empire should be pursuing. There is no single cause the Empire should unite behind. The General Assembly didn't ''fail'' to pick a single Ambition to pursue above all others - instead they ''chose'' to ''show'' that there is no one single Ambition so important that the whole Empire should support it.

While some argue that's a generous way to view the Synod's actions, it suits Sofia's position. She points out that Dawn, Urizen and Highguard might well believe that defeating the Druj is more important than any other goal, but as a Loyal Freeborn she would rather her congregants devoted their energies to defeating the Grendel. The Navarr may want to destroy the [[vallorn]] but Sofia would rather see her home reclaimed.

This plurality of Ambitions is not a weakness, but a strength. It is something the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] would have implicitly understood. The Empire shouldn't even try to claim that there is one thing that unites everyone unless that is really true. Trying to unite ten disparate nations behind a single common cause is worse than a fool's errand, it is ''dangerous''. It seductively and seditiously urges nations to put aside their own Ambitions in pursuit of a higher cause. Rather than look to the General Assembly for guidance, the faithful should look to their national assemblies and to their virtue assemblies. That way they will be encouraged to pursue their own Ambitions rather than those of other nations.

If the General Assembly agrees, they could pass the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Aim high; pursue ''your'' dreams. We send (named priest) to urge every citizen to find common cause with those pilgrims of the Way with whom they share bonds of nation and virtue. Trust your heart and follow that which commands its devotion.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">
[[file:Assembly_Ambition.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Courage.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Prosperity.png|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - it will fundamentally weaken the authority of the General Assembly. Statements of principle that get a greater majority will remain important to everyone in the Empire - as they demonstrate common purpose and unity. But statements of principle that do ''not'' get a greater majority will be ''completely ignored'' by everyone - the judgement will be assumed to be irrelevant to priests and pilgrims of other nations and other virtues.

The counterpoint is that people will be more likely to take an interest in the judgements of their national and virtue assembly. If that happens, it will be easier for the national assemblies and the Virtue assemblies to ensure that their followers respond to a statement of principle provided it is identified as something of significant importance. People's lives are busy with many things, even the virtuous are not going to respond to claims that ''this'' particular issue is the most important thing ever, if it is the second time they've heard that this year... But if the assembly used the power sparingly - picking and choosing when to emphasise that something was truly crucial - then it would be guaranteed to have an effect, just as a greater majority in the General Assembly does now.

That would mean that each national and virtue assembly could use a judgement to explicitly pick one thing that their particular brand of virtuous should care about. The judgement would still need to achieve a greater majority, but provided it did it would prove especially inspirational to the nation or those dedicated to the virtue. If such a statement had been made in the last twelve months then the judgement would have no effect at all, but if it was a year or more since the Assembly last passed such a judgement then people in that nation - or people of that Virtue across the Empire - would be guaranteed to respond.

Of course they might not do what the Assembly wants... The Synod is the beating heart of the Empire, people look to it for inspiration and leadership - but it can't control ''how'' people respond. As more than one nation Assembly can attest, sometimes they don't like what they hear.

The actual mandate in the General Assembly to create this opportunity does not require a greater majority - but if it fails to get one, it will not have an effect in the nations that have rejected the authority of the general assembly - [[Varushka]], [[Urizen]] or [[Wintermark]]. Those nations will remain as sceptical of the General Assembly as they currently are, and citizens there won't be moved to pay closer attention to their national assembly or the virtue assemblies.

'''Rhubarb Ironwood''' has provided the wording for an alternate mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=The Empire has been the light of revelation since its founding, and strongest when we all stand together. Let us send (named priest) to remind citizens of our common destiny, as enshrined in the constitution - to spread across the face of Creation together in unity, not disparate and lost.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">
[[file:Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Labyrinth.jpg|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
If this mandate is enacted with a greater majority, - and it requires no liao - it will cause the citizens of the Empire to pay less attention to statements of principle in the virtue and national assemblies. It would be rare for statements of principle in those assemblies to lead to a response. The focus of the Empire's virtuous citizens would instead be on the General Assembly.

It is important to note that this mandate will '''only''' have an effect if it is upheld with a greater majority. These two mandates are, unsurprisingly, [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]].

==One Empire==
* '''The Virtue fund will gain 8 wains of white granite, 8 wains of weirwood and 6 wains of mithril each season'''
* '''The fund has also received a one time donation of 82 thrones from the estate of a wealthy Freeborn dhomiro who recently passed'''
* '''The judgement of rewarding has been updated to allow citizens to submit judgements to cover the wains'''
* '''It is not possible to donate materials other than true liao, money or wains to the Virtue fund'''
Not everyone agrees with Sofia's conclusion that people should look to their nation and virtue assemblies for inspiration. Saul, exarch of the Stone Cliffs argues the opposite - that people across the Empire should look to the General Assembly first, for inspiration. He claims that the failure to agree on a single great Ambition is no failure at all, that in fact '''Yosephus Morningson''' was ''right'' and the Empire should focus on those four great goals. While the notion of a single overriding Ambition might be appealing it fails because the Empire doesn't have one single Ambition that unites everyone. But it does appear to have definite goals that enjoy popular support. Surely it is better for the Empire to come together behind a small number of shared goals rather than split into ten nations and seven virtues and pursue things separately?

It is impossible to inspire people with the grand vision of unifying around a whole list of different Ambitions. The mortal soul does not soar to the rhetoric of compromise and committee. But the exarch and chapter are undeterred by this impediment - and Saul points to the example set by the Benefactors' Council - showing what can be achieved when Virtue is yoked to Ambition. What the General Assembly needs is not to be weakened, by people prioritising it in favour of the other Assemblies, but to be empowered by the support of the faithful across the Empire.

The Stone Cliffs are a chapter dedicated to Loyalty and their fundamental message soon reverberates - the General Assembly should build up their fellows. The Virtuous should build up the General Assembly. If the Synod were more powerful then it could direct support directly to those Ambitions that struck everyone as important, rather than trying to find a single Ambition everyone could unite behind. The Ambition of the faithful should be to build up the Synod, then the Synod could decide what to do with that support.

After lengthy discussions with the [[Tribune of the Synod]] and correspondence with various Loyalty priests across the Empire, Saul is able to put a plan into action. The civil service announce that changes to the structure of the judgement of [[rewarding]] that make it possible to support more than just money and [[liao#True Liao|true liao]]. They have been planning these changes for some time anyway, as they believe they will improve the smooth running of the Synod, but they are essential now Saul is petitioning the faithful to donate wains of [[mithril]], [[white granite]], and [[weirwood]] ''directly to the Virtue fund''.

The amounts are small so far. The scores of letters Saul and his colleagues have written to fellow priests have resulted in donations of six wains of mithril, eight wains of white granite, and eight wains of weirwood. It's not a great deal compared to the amounts needed to defeat the Druj or anchor the Way in Asavea, but Saul is determined to keep up the letter-writing for as long as needed so that this stream of donations continues each season.

It's a small start perhaps - but Saul's efforts also open the door for wealthy citizens to donate wains if their Virtue compels them to do so. The Tribune is hasty to stress that they do not have the resources to manage donations of lesser materials, mana crystals or liao. But from this point forward they will track the true liao, mithril, white granite, weirwood and money available in the Virtue fund. Any priest can raise a judgement of rewarding to nominate an important project that should be supported, or a Virtuous citizen that should be rewarded. If it passes the General Assembly then the priest who raises it will be given the resources if they are available.

It is not the only unusual donation this season. A wealthy [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] dhomiro, called ''Ishman i Lora i Guerra'' passed away this season. In his lengthy yet entertaining will, he has left the bulk of his estates, a sum equalling 82 thrones, to the virtue fund, after the expenses set aside for the [[scrivener]]. Ishman's reason for the donation, somewhat unusual among the Freeborn who often take a dismal view of charity, are unknown, but are rumoured to involve a penance for past indiscretions. Unlike the donations of wains being secured by Saul and his fellow priests, this bequest is a one-off donation.
==Further Reading==
* [[Statement of principle]]
* [[Rewarding]]
* [[The hard way]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune relating to grand ambitions

The greatest plurality

2026-09-07T14:53:06Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The Tribune stared at the chief magistrate as the old man paced up and down. "I agree, I think we should do that." they said quietly, their attention still partly on the papers on the desk.

Abraham didn't seem to notice that the Tribune was agreeing with him and continued to argue with himself. "I'm just not happy with it! If we're going to call it a judgement of appointment, then it should ''appoint'' something. This is a judgement of ''rewarding''. Words matter."

"No, you're right. We should change it," responded Leonardo a little more forcefully this time. They looked down with just the slightest look of despair at the growing pile of Synod paperwork that was even now mounting up in front of them.

Abraham continued to implore the long-suffering Tribune to accept his argument. "It's confusing - having two different voting mechanisms for the same judgement. But it's ''less'' confusing than using the wrong name. The method is right, it's the name that's wrong."

"I'm not sure why we're still discussing this Abraham?" asked Leonardo as politely as possible. This time it seemed the old man had finally heard them.

"It's important!" he blurted out by way of justification. "If we're going to change this, I want to make sure it's ''right''. I want to be certain that this is the right way to do this. And I don't think it is at the moment..." The magistrate ran out of words, clearly frustrated that he felt he was failing to find the right argument to convince his colleague.

"Sorry Abraham, I'm not sure I've made myself clear. I agree with you. You should change it. That's why I'm not sure why we're still discussing it."

"Oh. Right. I see." The old magistrate looked oddly crestfallen to have won the debate, though it may have been the disappointment of discovering that he had been the only person arguing. "I'll go and do that then..." he said as he headed for the door.

"Thank you, Abraham." The Tribune shook their head, smiled wryly and returned to their beloved paperwork.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeoSecGen.jpg|align=left|caption=Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza puts up with a lot, including meetings with eccentric members of the Constitutional Court.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PucvUd25xa4}}
The [[The_hard_way|inspiring sermon]] delivered by the [[Archbishop of Capodomus|Archbishop of the Capodomus]] Cathedral presented the [[General Assembly]] of the [[Synod]] with a unique opportunity to identify the greatest threat facing the Empire, the highest [[Ambition]] to which the Virtuous should ascribe.

'''Estella Lucati’s''' stirring words singled out the vallorn as the goal above all others and in isolation many would agree. The Synod has repeatedly called the [[vallorn]] the greatest single threat facing the Empire. But nothing exists in a vacuum and to say that defeating the vallorn is the single most important Ambition is to also say that other Ambitions - defeating the Druj, [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|anchoring the Way in Asavea]], completing the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]... were all less important.

The only way the Synod could unite the Empire behind a single great Ambition is to persuade people to give up those other plans. They could do that - people would unite behind the Synod if it spoke with a single voice. All it would take would be for the priests of the Synod to persuade each other.
==Many Votes, Many Ambitions==
* '''The Synod has not united behind a single grand spiritual ambition for the Empire
That, as it transpired, proved too high a hurdle. The Synod considered the [[mandate]] that arose from the sermon, and it also considered three other judgements - all presenting alternatives for the greatest Ambition of the Empire. Alongside these were some noble attempts to consider them all very important but to be done in order (which would of course beg the same question of which one to do first). There was even one judgement that called on the Synod to attempt them all at the same time which was definitely Ambitious, but ultimately a call to focus on many things is the same as a call to focus on none.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=I hear the inspiring words of Estella Lucati and thank her for them. However, we must not turn away from breaking the Druj’s ability to wage war on us. Whilst the Navarr have stated that the vallorn should be removed from this plane of existence now that we have the method to do so, we cannot undertake the largest military offensive in history with the poisoned blades of the most treacherous folk in Creation at our backs. Navarr is at its weakest ebb for a decade. Liathaven is long lost. Therunin under the heel of the Druj and the Isaella’s Dance shattered. We call for aid from our Imperial kin in rebuilding Navarr’s strength, and ask that we defeat the Druj and stabilise the other fronts before turning the Empire’s full might against the vallorn.|size=small|vote=1726-290|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Harwyn Eternal, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe that the faithful should focus on spreading The Way to Asavea above all other ambitions. If we try to pursue everything, then we risk achieving nothing. Let the Synod vote for the objective they favour most and vote against the objective they favour least.|vote=Failed 480-1344 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Jules von Holberg, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe that the faithful should focus on completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way above all other Ambitions. If we try to pursue everything, then we risk achieving nothing. Let the Synod vote for the objective they favour most and vote against the objective they favour least.|vote=Failed 376-1370 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Novella di Sarvos, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. We send Corey Wayfarer with 250 liao to urge the faithful to focus on destroying the vallorn above all other ambitions. No price is too high.|vote=Failed 800-1275|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Corey Wayfarer, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We believe the faithful should focus on the ambitious task to defeat one enemy at a time. If we try to pursue everything we achieve nothing. Let the Synod vote to defeat the Druj first, before seeking other long term challenges.|vote=Failed 818-538 ([[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]])|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Val, General Assembly}}
{{SOPInner|statement=We choose all four! Enlighten Asavea! Kill the Druj! Destroy the vallorn! Renovate Bastion! No price is too high. We will wage no other wars: negotiate what we can, cede what we must. We will build no other commissions: pause what we can, abandon what we must. We will pursue no other projects: adapt what we can, redirect what we must. Fight no other battle, study no other topic, sing no other song. We choose these four!|vote=Failed 191-1176|when=387YE Spring Equinox|by=Yosephus Morningson, General Assembly|size=small}}
</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">[[file:Assembly_Freeborn.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Dawnish.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_ImperialOrc.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Navarr.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Urizen.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Wintermark.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Varushkan.png|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
The statement to take the fight to the Druj very clearly had the majority of the support of the General Assembly, but it was telling that it did not get a [[greater majority]]. Faced with the prospect of failing to unite around the only viable choice, priests stuck to their principles. However tempting it might be to try to fashion a bold vision for the Empire for years to come, priests refused to compromise their ideals. The fight against the [[Druj]] might be important but it was ''not'' the greatest Ambition of the Empire.

At ''first'' there is disappointment - particularly from those who visited Capodomus and heard the inspirational sermon, but also from any who had dared to dream that their preferred choice might be the one elevated by the Synod. That frustration doesn't last long, but the idea of the Empire unifying behind one grand Ambition, putting everything else aside to achieve that one thing - was such an inspiring idea that people are initially disappointed when it doesn't happen. The choice seemed to offer the prospect of achieving something truly extraordinary, something monumental, something to echo down the ages. That was appealing and of course everyone who watches the Synod had naively hoped that it was their preferred option that would win. They were looking to the Synod to validate their goals - and when that didn't happen they were unsurprisingly disappointed.

At first there is anger, a perception that this is a failure. There is a brief moment when some suggest that the Synod ought to be reformed - with folk imagining that a different formulation might have produced the "right" answer. There are a few who try to suggest that the Synod has failed the Empire, or at least that their leadership has. How could they look at this moment and fail to make a choice about what the greatest Ambition of the Empire should be (by which they really mean, how could the Synod have failed to agree with ''them'' on what the most important thing was).

==Many Nations, Many Virtues==
* '''The General Assembly could enact a mandate urging citizens to look to their national and virtue assemblies'''
* '''If passed citizens would no longer follow statements of principle that did not get a greater majority'''
* '''It would allow each nation and virtue assembly to make a single prominent appeal to their constitutions every four seasons'''
* '''This appeal would be guaranteed to get a response'''
Slowly though, a new consensus begins to emerge. Sofia i Tiera i Riqueza, a passionate [[sutannir]] from [[Feroz]] claims that it is wrong to view the judgements of the General Assembly as a failure to speak clearly. According to Sofia, the General Assembly ''has'' spoken - and while it needs a little Wisdom to understand it, the meaning they see is clear. There is ''no'' one single Ambition that the Empire should be pursuing. There is no single cause the Empire should unite behind. The General Assembly didn't ''fail'' to pick a single Ambition to pursue above all others - instead they ''chose'' to ''show'' that there is no one single Ambition so important that the whole Empire should support it.

While some argue that's a generous way to view the Synod's actions, it suits Sofia's position. She points out that Dawn, Urizen and Highguard might well believe that defeating the Druj is more important than any other goal, but as a Loyal Freeborn she would rather her congregants devoted their energies to defeating the Grendel. The Navarr may want to destroy the [[vallorn]] but Sofia would rather see her home reclaimed.

This plurality of Ambitions is not a weakness, but a strength. It is something the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard|Three Sisters]] would have implicitly understood. The Empire shouldn't even try to claim that there is one thing that unites everyone unless that is really true. Trying to unite ten disparate nations behind a single common cause is worse than a fool's errand, it is ''dangerous''. It seductively and seditiously urges nations to put aside their own Ambitions in pursuit of a higher cause. Rather than look to the General Assembly for guidance, the faithful should look to their national assemblies and to their virtue assemblies. That way they will be encouraged to pursue their own Ambitions rather than those of other nations.

If the General Assembly agrees, they could pass the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Aim high; pursue ''your'' dreams. We send (named priest) to urge every citizen to find common cause with those pilgrims of the Way with whom they share bonds of nation and virtue. Trust your heart and follow that which commands its devotion.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">
[[file:Assembly_Ambition.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Courage.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Prosperity.png|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - it will fundamentally weaken the authority of the General Assembly. Statements of principle that get a greater majority will remain important to everyone in the Empire - as they demonstrate common purpose and unity. But statements of principle that do ''not'' get a greater majority will be ''completely ignored'' by everyone - the judgement will be assumed to be irrelevant to priests and pilgrims of other nations and other virtues.

The counterpoint is that people will be more likely to take an interest in the judgements of their national and virtue assembly. If that happens, it will be easier for the national assemblies and the Virtue assemblies to ensure that their followers respond to a statement of principle provided it is identified as something of significant importance. People's lives are busy with many things, even the virtuous are not going to respond to claims that ''this'' particular issue is the most important thing ever, if it is the second time they've heard that this year... But if the assembly used the power sparingly - picking and choosing when to emphasise that something was truly crucial - then it would be guaranteed to have an effect, just as a greater majority in the General Assembly does now.

That would mean that each national and virtue assembly could use a judgement to explicitly pick one thing that their particular brand of virtuous should care about. The judgement would still need to achieve a greater majority, but provided it did it would prove especially inspirational to the nation or those dedicated to the virtue. If such a statement had been made in the last twelve months then the judgement would have no effect at all, but if it was a year or more since the Assembly last passed such a judgement then people in that nation - or people of that Virtue across the Empire - would be guaranteed to respond.

Of course they might not do what the Assembly wants... The Synod is the beating heart of the Empire, people look to it for inspiration and leadership - but it can't control ''how'' people respond. As more than one nation Assembly can attest, sometimes they don't like what they hear.

The actual mandate in the General Assembly to create this opportunity does not require a greater majority - but if it fails to get one, it will not have an effect in the nations that have rejected the authority of the general assembly - [[Varushka]], [[Urizen]] or [[Wintermark]]. Those nations will remain as sceptical of the General Assembly as they currently are, and citizens there won't be moved to pay closer attention to their national assembly or the virtue assemblies.

'''Rhubarb Ironwood''' has provided the wording for an alternate mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=The Empire has been the light of revelation since its founding, and strongest when we all stand together. Let us send (named priest) to remind citizens of our common destiny, as enshrined in the constitution - to spread across the face of Creation together in unity, not disparate and lost.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: right;">
[[file:Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=100]]
[[file:Labyrinth.jpg|align=right|width=100]]
</div>
If this mandate is enacted with a greater majority, - and it requires no liao - it will cause the citizens of the Empire to pay less attention to statements of principle in the virtue and national assemblies. It would be rare for statements of principle in those assemblies to lead to a response. The focus of the Empire's virtuous citizens would instead be on the General Assembly.

It is important to note that this mandate will '''only''' have an effect if it is upheld with a greater majority. These two mandates are, unsurprisingly, [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]].

==One Empire==
* '''The Virtue fund will gain 8 wains of white granite, 8 wains of weirwood and 6 wains of mithril each season'''
* '''The fund has also received a one time donation of 82 thrones from the estate of a wealthy Freeborn dhomiro who recently passed'''
* '''The judgement of rewarding has been updated to allow citizens to submit judgements to cover the wains'''
* '''It is not possible to donate materials other than true liao, money or wains to the Virtue fund'''
Not everyone agrees with Sofia's conclusion that people should look to their nation and virtue assemblies for inspiration. Saul, exarch of the Stone Cliffs argues the opposite - that people across the Empire should look to the General Assembly first, for inspiration. He claims that the failure to agree on a single great Ambition is no failure at all, that in fact '''Yosephus Morningson''' was ''right'' and the Empire should focus on those four great goals. While the notion of a single overriding Ambition might be appealing it fails because the Empire doesn't have one single Ambition that unites everyone. But it does appear to have definite goals that enjoy popular support. Surely it is better for the Empire to come together behind a small number of shared goals rather than split into ten nations and seven virtues and pursue things separately?

It is impossible to inspire people with the grand vision of unifying around a whole list of different Ambitions. The mortal soul does not soar to the rhetoric of compromise and committee. But the exarch and chapter are undeterred by this impediment - and Saul points to the example set by the Benefactors' Council - showing what can be achieved when Virtue is yoked to Ambition. What the General Assembly needs is not to be weakened, by people prioritising it in favour of the other Assemblies, but to be empowered by the support of the faithful across the Empire.

The Stone Cliffs are a chapter dedicated to Loyalty and their fundamental message soon reverberates - the General Assembly should build up their fellows. The Virtuous should build up the General Assembly. If the Synod were more powerful then it could direct support directly to those Ambitions that struck everyone as important, rather than trying to find a single Ambition everyone could unite behind. The Ambition of the faithful should be to build up the Synod, then the Synod could decide what to do with that support.

After lengthy discussions with the [[Tribune of the Synod]] and correspondence with various Loyalty priests across the Empire, Saul is able to put a plan into action. The civil service announce that changes to the structure of the judgement of [[rewarding]] that make it possible to support more than just money and [[liao#True Liao|true liao]]. They have been planning these changes for some time anyway, as they believe they will improve the smooth running of the Synod, but they are essential now Saul is petitioning the faithful to donate wains of [[mithril]], [[white granite]], and [[weirwood]] ''directly to the Virtue fund''.

The amounts are small so far. The scores of letters Saul and his colleagues have written to fellow priests have resulted in donations of six wains of mithril, eight wains of white granite, and eight wains of weirwood. It's not a great deal compared to the amounts needed to defeat the Druj or anchor the Way in Asavea, but Saul is determined to keep up the letter-writing for as long as needed so that this stream of donations continues each season.

It's a small start perhaps - but Saul's efforts also open the door for wealthy citizens to donate wains if their Virtue compels them to do so. The Tribune is hasty to stress that they do not have the resources to manage donations of lesser materials, mana crystals or liao. But from this point forward they will track the true liao, mithril, white granite, weirwood and money available in the Virtue fund. Any priest can raise a judgement of rewarding to nominate an important project that should be supported, or a Virtuous citizen that should be rewarded. If it passes the General Assembly then the priest who raises it will be given the resources if they are available.

It is not the only unusual donation this season. A wealthy [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] dhomiro, called ''Ishman i Lora i Guerra'' passed away this season. In his lengthy yet entertaining will, he has left the bulk of his estates, a sum equalling 82 thrones, to the virtue fund, after the expenses set aside for the [[scrivener]]. Ishman's reason for the donation, somewhat unusual among the Freeborn who often take a dismal view of charity, are unknown, but are rumoured to involve a penance for past indiscretions. Unlike the donations of wains being secured by Saul and his fellow priests, this bequest is a one-off donation.
==Further Reading==
* [[Statement of principle]]
* [[Rewarding]]
* [[The hard way]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune relating to grand ambitions

Bits and bobs

2026-09-07T14:52:23Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"Have you seen the chart on his wall?" Thomas leaned in so he could whisper conspiratorially to his fellow civil servant. "Every time he gets another letter asking him if something is constitutional, he puts another tick on the chart."

Millicent screwed up her face in obvious disbelief. "Why is he doing that then?" she challenged.

"Apparently he's working out the value of wains. They say he's looking into a link between the number of letters he gets from citizens concerned about the state of the Empire's finances and the implied price of wains at auction."

Millicent's withering gaze showed that she remained firmly unconvinced.

"Look it's true - I'm not making this up - he's got a chart. I've seen him updating it when he got a letter from that Sarvos guy last week asking about sinecures. It's true." he insisted.

Millicent still shook her head, but she explained "I'm not disputing your version of events Tom, I'm pouring scorn on the idea of there being a link."

"Economics is a dismal science..." said Tom and spread his hands wide as if that assertion somehow proved his point.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio.png|caption='''Laurencio di Sarvos''', economic analyst and hammer owner.|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92piCs1DiNg}}
The price of [[Bourse]] seats appears to be dropping. In 386YE, '''Bron Mordssen''' paid 405 thrones for the rights to the [[Canterspire Circle]], a year later it went to '''Arlais of The Silent Tide''' for 260 thrones. It's just one data point, but it's one of many. During the Winter Solstice, the [[Senate]] voted to [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Set_the_Imperial_Guerdon|decrease the guerdon to 150 thrones]]. Rumour has it that the prices of [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[white granite]] - which have at times approached five thrones a wain - are dropping. Two seasons ago, large numbers of wains were sold to the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]], and now they're not buying either... Meanwhile the profiteers from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] are "offering" to underpin the price at the unappealing rate of two thrones a wain.

Fortunately, any suggestion that the Empire might be experiencing economic headwinds hasn't dissuaded the Imperial Senate from commissioning five new [[Army|armies]] in the last two seasons. So thus far, rumours of monetary hardship aren't impacting the [[Military Council]], but wise heads are beginning to wonder how much longer the Imperial military can be insulated from these problems. Assuming the Senate really is struggling to raise funds, of course.

A number of concerned League citizens, such as ''Else Van Temeschwar'' (the accountant responsible for proposing the tolls on the Blood Red Roads) and '''Laurencio di Sarvos''' (an economist who produces analysis of the Imperial economy) have written to the Constitutional Court to enquire about possible legal actions that could be taken to address what they see as the problem. Most recently the Vigilance Assembly has become alert to the problem, [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_62|demanding more information on the matter]] be published.

{{SOPInner|statement=Each season brings news of developments and opportunities across the Empire. Civil Service prognosticators tell us that these will increase/reduce ‘Tax’ and/or ‘Upkeep’. Yet the citizens at Anvil - including Senators and Ambassadors - have NO CONTEXT for these figures. The Master of the Imperial Mint has worked hard to safeguard the public purse but Vigilance is calling for more than one person. We believe the Civil Service should provide more information to all citizens about the state of the Imperial finances, such as what the current total Tax and Upkeep values are for comparison.|by=Brother Geoffrey Orchard, Vigilance Assembly|when=387YE Spring Equinox|vote=426-38 (Greater Majority)}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MasterMint.jpg|caption='''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', Master of the Imperial Mint|align=right|width=300}}
==The Master of the Mint==
* '''The Imperial Senate could give the Master of the Mint the power to publish compiled reports of the information they receive'''
* '''That would increase the upkeep of the title by five thrones a season'''

Each season, the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] receives [[Master_of_the_Imperial_Mint#Access_to_the_Accounts|detailed information]] from the [[Civil Service]] regarding the state of the Imperial treasury. The reports don't include itemised lists of every ring coming in and out of the treasury, but it does include a breakdown of all major income and expenditure along with forecasts for the future. The title is offered by [[Auction of the Seats|auction]] to League citizens at the Spring Equinox. Despite the fact that it is the only [[Bourse|Bourse seat]] which doesn't produce an income, it does sell for a substantial amount, peaking at 86 thrones in 384YE.

Those sums are a reflection of the power the seat wields. Few Masters of the Mint have ever become [[the Throne|Throne]], but there have been few successful Thrones who have not had relied on a close working relationship with the Mint. The information at their disposal is crucial for ensuring good management of the Imperial treasury. The [[judgement]] of '''Brother Geoffrey Orchard''' seems Vigilant - but it might disrupt the delicate relationship between the Throne and the Mint and perhaps more importantly any reduction of their status is likely to diminish the amount League citizens are prepared to pay the Senate for the position.

None-the-less there is one way that a relatively simple change could be made, that might give the Assembly access to the information they desire. The reports produced are the property of the Master of the Mint, but the Imperial Senate could grant the Master the power to instruct the civil service to publish a summary of the reports they receive after each summit. It would increase the upkeep of the position by five thrones, but that might be a small price to pay for [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and senators to have ready access to the information.

Whether they wanted to publish that season's summary or not would be a decision for the Master of the Mint each season. If they chose to disseminate the information then the summary of taxation and expenditure would be widely available across the Empire in the weeks after the summit had concluded.

==The Prognosticators Office==
* '''Any ways to raise taxation identified in an appraisal would be controversial or expensive'''
* '''The choice of prognosticator would be vital in determining the character of any response'''
The [[Imperial Constitution]] guarantees the [[Prosperity]] and Liberty of its citizens and sets the level of taxation that each citizen is subject to if they own their own [[resource|property]]. As a result, it is not possible for the Imperial Senate to raise taxation. They can levy tolls on the use of infrastructure like ports and roads and similar - but they can't do much more than that. [[Tariffs]] on foreign trade are one of the few areas where the Senate can raise taxation if they wish, but in recent times the Senate have removed almost all duties from many of its important trading partners, trading diplomatic benefits for a loss of tax revenues.

Given these constraints, it would be easy to imagine that there is little the Senate could do to increase tax revenues for the Imperial treasury, but that isn't completely true. Numerous [[opportunity|opportunities]] have been accompanied by increases in the tax revenue for a territory because of the associated boom in trade and commerce in the region, such as the proposal to build a [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge for the Golden Pyramid]] in Mareave.

An [[appraisal]] would be one way to identify more opportunities of this kind. Of course anything the prognosticators office discover is likely to be either controversial or expensive. If there was an easy, cheap way to raise taxation, the Senate would have done it centuries ago. If the Empire's finances are as parlous as some suggest, then it might be difficult to find the means for long term investments that won't show a return for years.

Still a suitably worded appraisal would be bound to turn up at least one [[opportunity]] to raise taxation. The more focussed an appraisal is, such as the [[Farm,_fur,_and_fish|one carried out on Sermersuaq]], the easier it is to ensure that every possible opportunity has been discovered, which could provide more options. Whatever happened, the choice of prognosticator would be essential. For example [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] would likely look at what deals the Empire could make with the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]] or how ritual magic might be applied to the problem, while [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] would focus on what changes to relations with mortal groups might yield more money.

==Legal Changes==
As mentioned, the Imperial Senate can't change the rate of taxation, but there are other measures they could take to increase revenue, especially from the Bourse. Following enquires from Laurencio Di Sarvos, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that there are legal steps the Senate could take that might benefit the [[Imperial treasury]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VesnaRatification.jpg|width=300|align=left|caption=Relinquishment requires ratification by '''Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''}}</div>
===Bourse Seats===
* '''The Imperial Senate could use a motion to relinquish every single national Bourse seat'''
* '''The Speaker would raise an administrative Senate motion to re-allocate all available Bourse seats as either Imperial or national'''
* '''If that motion failed, the office of the Speaker would raise an administrative Senate motion for each position in an order determined by the Master of the Mint'''
* '''Any Imperial seat would be auctioned via the Bourse the next time it was appointed'''
* '''The motion could be vetoed by the national assembly of any nation giving up a Bourse seat'''
The Senate could use a single [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|relinquish]] every single national Bourse seat in the Empire. Those seats would then be raised for [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocation]] by the civil service in a subsequent session. The office of [[Speaker for the Senate|Speaker]] would raise an [[administrative motion]] to reallocate all the available Bourse seats - as either Imperial or national. If that motion failed, the Speaker would raise individual motions to allocate each seat in turn. The office of Speaker would take advice from the Master of the Mint to determine the running order of these subsequent motions. Any seats that were made Imperial would be [[Auction of the Seats|auctioned]] to the highest bidder the next time they came up for election, and the funds would be given to the Senate.

While it might seem convenient to use a single motion to achieve this, the weakness is that relinquishment can be [[veto|vetoed]] by the national assembly of the nation whose asset is being relinquished. In this case, that would mean any national assembly from an affected nation could veto the motion and the whole thing would be struck down. A more focussed motion - such as one to relinquish all mithril bourse seats - would also be possible but would face the same threat of veto.

Relinquishment is also a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], meaning that not only would it require a two-thirds majority of the senators (whether or not the individual is present), but it would also require [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratification]] by [[the Throne]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ophelia.png|width=300|align=left|caption='''Ophelia Sangianeo di Tassato'''}}</div>

===Ministries===
* '''The widespread expansion of ministries is likely to have contributed to the drop in Bourse prices'''
* '''The Senate could abrogate every single ministry with a single Senate motion'''
* '''The Senate could instruct the civil service to freeze every ministry with a single Senate motion'''
The Imperial Senate has [[commission|commissioned]] a large number of [[ministry|ministries]] in recent years. These are likely to have contributed to a reduction in the market value of wains, especially the ministries such as the [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinderpath Exchange]] which allow citizens to purchase white granite and the like. It is easy to imagine that that would cause a fall in the auction prices of Bourse seats.

The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate]] every single ministry. The impact of this would be wide-reaching with the civil service moving quickly to disestablish the relevant commissions. Any unnecessary infrastructure would be removed, so there would be no upkeep, but that means that it would not automatically be possible to restore a ministry later. If the Senate ever decided they wanted to recreate a ministry, they would have to completely rebuild it, assuming such a thing was even possible given that many ministries hinge on [[opportunity|opportunities]] related to foreign powers, special interest groups, or unique magical occurrences.

The alternative would be pausing the operation of all ministries. That would be expensive; the civil service would need to upkeep any facilities that weren't in use (normally such costs are paid for by the regular running of the commission). That would mean an upkeep of 2 thrones per ministry every season they were inoperable. However, it would mean that the Senate could use a single Senate motion to restore all these ministries at a future date if they decided that the price of wains had stabilised.
{{SOP|statement=Coin counts and everything costs. Inspired by the success of the Quartermaster of the Black Sails, Ratibor’s pitiless ambition, and by the bountiful mines of Temeshwar, the priests of the League believe the time is right for similar trading posts to be built across Temeschwar, enabling the ruthless merchants of the League to turn the Empire’s surplus ingots of metal into cold hard coin to empower and enrich our merchants in Anvil in the name of Prosperity.|by=Ophelia Sangianeo Rezia di Tassato, League Assembly|vote=220-0 (Greater Majority)|when=Spring Equinox 378YE}}

One alternative might be to try and build more ministries that the Empire could use to sell resources for cold hard coin, as advocated by '''Ophelia Sangianeo di Tassato''' in [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_104|her recent judgement in the League Assembly]]. That would be difficult however - it's not something that will happen simply because League priests are calling for it - at the very least it would need an appropriately worded appraisal to find any [[opportunity|opportunities]] to do this kind of thing or extensive diplomacy with foreign powers.

===Sinecures===
* '''The Imperial Senate could use a senate motion to change every tenured sinecure to be elected by public auction in the Bourse'''
* '''The titles would be changed to Imperial positions that were auctioned annually'''
* '''It would be possible to exclude those sinecures that would be rendered inoperable by this change'''
One estimate provided by Laurencio di Sarvos, claims there are seventy-two [[New_Imperial_titles#Tenure|tenured]] [[sinecure|sinecures]] that bring in approximately four hundred thrones of assorted wealth into [[Anvil]] each season. If these were all appointed by [[Auction of the Seats|Bourse auction]], that would be eighteen ''additional'' auctions each season. If each auction produced two or three thrones - it would be a significant boost to the Imperial treasury.

There are some flaws with this plan - most notably there are some sinecures where the income they provide is dependent on the method of election. Changing the method of appointment would be legal, but would remove the benefits of the title, rendering the change useless. A well-worded Senate motion could exclude these sinecures.

Perhaps a bigger problem is that many sinecures were funded by citizens who regard the resulting commission as their personal asset. There is no legal basis for this assumption - the law is absolutely clear that the commission is the property of the Empire and the title-holder is simply a citizen appointed to be responsible for it. But there is no doubt that citizens who have benefitted from the mistaken belief that a sinecure is their personal property are likely to be vocally opposed to any suggestion that it be allocated in a way that benefits the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Scrutiny.jpg |caption=Gerard La Salle, Auditor of the Imperial Treasury.|align=right|width=500}}

==Civil Servants==
* '''Gerard La Salle has indicated that he will make himself available to answer questions to citizens in the Senate chamber between 18:30 and 19:00 on Saturday'''
* '''The Senate chamber is booked by Senator Miaren for an economics forum from 18:00 - 19:30 Saturday'''
'''Llewellyn Leafstalker''', the incumbent [[Senator]] for [[Miaren]], has booked the Senate chamber for an economics forum they are hosting from 6pm to 7:30pm on Saturday evening at the next summit. ''Gerard La Salle'' has indicated that he would like to attend the forum for thirty minutes from 6:30 till 7, if the senator would welcome his presence there. His intention is simply to make himself available to the senator and their guests should they have any questions for the Imperial auditor. If the Senator would rather avoid the distraction, or the forum doesn't have any questions or need of the auditors help, then Gerard will depart early.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sinecure]]
* [[Ministry]]
* [[Tally of the Votes]]
* [[Auction of the Seats]]

Long grass and stormclouds

2026-09-07T14:51:59Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]] [[Category: Winds of War]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Waves in Adriatic.jpg|caption=Across the wide waters of the Bay of Catazar the winds blow and the waves rise|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Salt Waters of the Bay==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jkXHxhPdNg}}
As the sun ripens in the azure skies, the Children of Wrecks continue to make their presence known in the Bay of Catazar. Over the last year or so, they have attracted pirates and privateers from across the Known World with their promise of stolen wealth and indiscriminate bloodletting. Some of those who answer the call are the kind of two-legged vermin that seek only plunder and slaughter; others are more dangerous perhaps being motivated by a love of or connection to the ''[[Siakha|Tempest Queen]]''. While the former might occasionally receive the wicked boons of ''Maelstrom'' and her sorcerer-priests, the latter revel in the blessings their "goddess" provides them, eager to bring to bear the [[Spring magic#Ruin|destructive power]] of [[Spring magic]] against any who stand in their way.

Since the Spring Equinox, there has been a steady increase in attacks against ships traversing the Bay of Catazar that has nothing to do with the [[Authority_and_acceptance#Red_Sails|Asavean bounty]] placed on those trading with Imperial ports. There has been a matching decline in incidents where Grendel privateers have attacked the Empire's fleets. It seems that all the nations of the Bay are seen as fair game by the Children of Wrecks and the need to guard against their attacks disinclines the orcs of the Broken Shore from pursuing their assaults against the ships of their Imperial enemies. It's scant comfort; the Children of Wrecks are if anything even more rapacious than the descendants of [[Grendel_religion#Rucraic_-_The_Storm_Lord|Rucraic]].

The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] do their best to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|provide protection]] to ships traversing the Bay but their resources are stretched. Perhaps four times as many [[corsair|corsairs]] are fired up to [[Voyage#Smuggle_Missionaries|smuggle missionaries]] to [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] as are interested in protecting the seas closer to home. It's understandable; it's easy to see why a chance to strike directly against the unvirtuous is more appealing than patrolling the waters of the Bay looking for pirates. It does mean that there are a few closer calls than there could be, that a few ships are lost that might otherwise be saved but for the most part there is a tense balance between the predators and those opposing them.

Yet it also raises questions about where, precisely, the Grendel ''are''. Apart from the Shamal anchored well off the coast of [[Necropolis]] and making no particularly hostile moves, there has been no sign of either their ships or their warriors anywhere within the Imperial sphere. They excised the minor Imperial inroad into Ayereed and then... nothing. Silence. It's been six months - what are they up to?
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=In the tall grass.jpg|caption=The Quiet Grasses do not whisper as the wind blows through them|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==On Freeborn Shores==
There's no repeat of the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|attack on Oran]] that took place before the Spring Equinox. In [[Feroz]], ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' and ''Commander Fiersach'' keep their forces at [[Feroz#Mora's_Rock|Mora's Rock]], and along the borders of [[Feroz#Mora's Jasse|Morajasse]]. There are no clashes between Freeborn and Grendel; the [[orc|orcs]] have more than sufficient supplies to survive without raiding the neighbouring regions of Feroz or [[Segura]]. Indeed, there has been little contact with the garrison at all, although rumour suggests that there has been a flurry of messages back and forth between Imperial citizens and the Commander. Exactly where these rumours originate is not clear, given that such correspondence is probably taking place via [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]]. Perhaps it is wishful thinking.

Further north, in [[Madruga]], the [[Fist of the Mountains]] and the [[Burning Falcon]] move to reclaim the [[Madruga#Quiet Grasses|Quiet Grasses]] for the Empire. Once, this was the swaying jade sea of the Great Grasses before it was consumed by [[Colourblind|the Blight]]. Now it has been restored, thanks to the surging [[Where the river rises|waters of the Scorrero]] and a year or more of [[Regrow the Land's Heart|gentle rains]]. A profusion of plants and flowers grow here now, and the grass itself is different to that which grew before. It stands easily taller than the tallest soldier, and individual stalks are remarkably resistant to damage. Where the thickets of grass are densest, it is slow going trying to make headway and all too easy to get lost.

<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">
<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo">My Freeborn, I return to you heart and mind full. I hear often you cannot compel virtue. You give Loyalty. You nurture Ambition. You Inspire Pride. And it puts me to mind over what inspires my virtue. My Kohan in Anvil? You who fight for the Falcon? Those who hold my heart in their chest as I hold their heart in mine? The answer is all these and more. All of this inspires the burning flame to raise up. To set the example and live up to what is required. In turn inspiring others to greater heights that I know we are all capable of. So I ask you, Falcons, Freeborn, citizens. My pride demands I strive for triumph and I urge you to greatness alongside my army or elsewhere. Together. One Empire. In Pride</quote></div>
The grasslands seem to swallow even the loudest sounds, making it challenging for the two armies to coordinate their search for threats and establish routes across the plains. Even the blaring of horns sounds tinny and falls away swiftly over comparatively short distances. It is just as well that the Falcon have been [[enchantment|granted]] the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] which helps them keep a vague idea of where those soldiers they cannot see directly are moving. Especially given that, as with most things they do, the Falcon charge straight into the grasses as if daring them to cause trouble. They spend little time worrying about what is behind them, only what is ahead, leaving the more cautious Fist of the Mountains to ensure they are not flanked or ambushed or lost forever in the gently rippling grasses.

There are [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|servants]] of [[Janon]] with the Fist, but they are more subdued than usual. Their curved blades rest in their scabbards, their mood is oddly quiet for the warriors of ‘’Fire Muse’’ and their talk is mostly of how the ‘Fist should learn from the example of the Falcon and put their steady caution aside in the face of the unknown.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">
<quote by="Umarth 'Winter's Flame' Kannask">Mystics, take pride. We invite Janon, the shadowed flame, to witness our work. As we look for guidance, our eyes are drawn to the Mountain, appropriately. Wintermark heroism shows best when we do what must be done, even if it is hard. We strike into new lands and discovery. Avoid the coastlines when you can. The Freeborn need land, let us make it ready for them. When we come upon the foe, take comfort that even should you fall, your duty is not ended. Do not spend your lives lightly, but when you find the moment, be the thorn in place.</quote></div>
The servants of ‘’Torchbearer’’ also do not hide their disgust at the ‘’other’’ creatures that march with the Wintermark armies - the dead of Tassato inhabited by the spirits of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]. Yet even here the sea of green seems to have an odd influence over the [[Quickening Cold Meat|Winter-realm horrors]]. They are no less hungry, but their hunger is quiet and unsettling. There are no foes to consume here, no battles in which they can unleash their ravenous magic. The quiet seems to sink into their bones and flesh, rendering them more menacing, more threatening if anything. The [[Winter magic]] used to raise them preserves their ruined flesh, of course, but the longer they spend in the Quiet Grasses, the more preserved they seem to become. Drier. More aware of their surroundings. Some soldiers talk in whispered tones around the campfire of their fear that the Winter spirits are ‘’planning’’ something, that it was a mistake to raise this shambling army from the dead of the League and then bring them to the heat of the Dry Patrician’s power. Superstitious soldier talk, no doubt...

And yet magicians do say that this silence that hangs over the region, like the strange resilience of the grass, is partly due to a lingering touch of [[Winter magic]] - albeit a lighter and more wholesome [[Winter magic#resonance|resonance]] than many who have not studied the realm closely might expect. Likely, it is just that which makes the warriors of Janon uneasy, that seems to infuse the shambling dead with darker purpose. Nothing to worry about, for sure.

The armies are also accompanied by a small number of Freeborn [[military unit|warbands]]. They are able to move more freely across the region, seeking out any remaining threats. There are few here beyond the silence and the difficulty of wading through the tall grasses. It is some of these warbands that find the remnants of the road that once ran through the plains when this was the Great Grasses - ruined by Winter, but many of the stones seem to have endured both the Blight and the transformation that came in its wake. With a little work they will serve as a pass along the northern side of the region into Segura for Freeborn caravans.

By the time of the Summer Solstice, the Quiet Grasses are once again Imperial land. This means that Madruga - despite the mysterious magical marsh and the Children of Wrecks dominance of the island - is once again an Imperial territory. It falls to the Senate to determine how it will be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assigned]]. It seems almost unthinkable that it will not be once again part of the Brass Coast but there are no certainties in politics.
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SiakhaArt.jpg|caption=The Queen of Wrecks, the Maelstrom, the Splintering Wave, the Tumultuous Roar|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==A Sudden Storm==
If the Children of Wrecks are avoiding the Brass Coast, they must be somewhere of course. While some of the pirates are busy bedevilling ships, they represent only a fraction of that destructive faction. Drinking houses from Bramar to Beoraidh rumble and ripple with speculation. Perhaps they are busy engaging the Grendel along the shores of Attar? Perhaps they are raiding the coastline of the Iron Confederacy? Perhaps they have fallen into in-fighting and are busy tearing each other apart in the name of their [[Siakha|monstrous patron]]?

The answer comes at the start of Summer. Bells begin to ring in towers and temples dedicated to [[Vigilance]] all across southern [[Sarvos]]. A raggle-taggle armada of ships, like a moving island of sea-worn planks, creaking ropes, burgeoning sails, and jagged blades descends on [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]]. It’s hard to get a precise count of just how many ships there are, and many of them are stuffed-to-the-gills with booty-hungry raiders.

There is no finesse to their attack; the majority of the vessels simply sweep toward the harbour. They have next to no discipline, this first wave of attackers; the individual captains are keen to seize as much wealth for themselves as they can with little thought for those who arrived with them or those who might fight to defend their homes.

Fortunately, however, the shores of Sarvos are very far from defenceless. Indeed, they may be the most well defended beaches in the entire Empire. The first obstacle the raiders encounter are the sea defences. The [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain]] was built to protect the [[Sarvos#Sarvos|City of Masks]] but as part of its construction defences were reinforced or built along the coasts of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]] and [[Sarvos#Uccelini|Uccelini]]. As part of that defence, watchtowers were built on the cliffs. Intended to keep watch for the [[Grendel]], they are just as adept at spotting the approach of any hostile naval vessels and quickly rouse the defenders of [[the League]].

The pirates seem unaware of the extent of the defences, however, swiftly passing the sea wall of Trivento harbour and seeking to disgorge their cargo of bloodthirsty raiders onto the docks. And after the first two dozen ships reach the quayside a massive mithril chain is dragged up ‘’behind’’ the raiders preventing their escape. To the likely horror of the pirates they discover several score hard-bitten veteran warriors waiting for them - watchers assigned by the commander of the Great Chain, reinforced by soldiers from the garrison of [[Sarvos#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]]. Before they can entirely disembark, the attackers are cut to ribbons by a combination of crossbow-fire and expertly wielded pole-arms used to drive the raiders back into the sea. Here, the presence of the servants of Siakha definitely works against the invaders - the sharks and heralds of the Storm Mother are indiscriminate and as likely to devour pirates as they are Imperial citizens.

This initial set-back does not deter the attackers. It seems almost as if the real leaders of the Children of Wrecks have allowed these over-enthusiastic bloodthirsty fools to rush ahead as much to test the Imperial defence as anything else - or rather have made no effort to hold them back. This does not seem to be a force that has much truck with well-established chains of command.

Even as the initial attackers are paying the price for their folly, there are more ships arriving. That ramshackle [[navy|naval force]] [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Stop_the_Wrecks_forming_a_navy|raised by the Children of Wrecks]] and dubbed the ''[[Made_anew#War_and_Change|Gathered Storm]]'' has held back only slightly and now they attack the defences of Trivento directly.

At their forefront is the ''Storm's Child'', that former Grendel vessel that now serves as flagship, with the stolen Freeborn [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Recover_the_Storm's_Child_figurehead|figurehead]] shining balefully at its prow. The sails of the ‘’Gathered Storm’’ bear the unmistakable design of a gaping shark's jaw, and drums pound on their decks like thunder heralding the defiance and bloodlust of those who sail under the baleful gaze of goddess [[Siakha]]. In the waters, and on the decks of some of the ships, are thronging [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of ‘’Maelstrom’’ howling for blood or crackling with the power of the storm. On the western flank of the main force sail a dozen or so Freeborn ships, a cohort of former [[corsair]] vessels led by ‘’Isidore i Boyaga’’. In some ways the fact these pirates were once respected corsairs makes their betrayal of [[Four_strong_winds#The_Bay_of_Catazar|their principles]], their Empire, and their people even more keen.

Between the naval force and the traitor ships the attack easily rivals the strength of the [[Army#Army_Size|largest]] [[Army|Imperial army]]. They lack discipline or cohesion but they could likely go toe-to-toe with the likes of the [[Golden Sun]] or the [[Drakes]] and have a chance of winning. As it is, though, they seek to overcome the strength of Our Lady of Pride and the Great Chain and that is a very different proposition.

While the Children of Wrecks attack the harbour, forces loyal to Isidore i Boyaga seek to make landfall outside the town and attack the gates to the west - and to raid caravans coming into Trivento via the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider's_Dream|Spider’s Dream]]. Fortunately the defences of the bridge itself are too strong for the Freeborn traitor to threaten by herself, and the merchants coming into Sarvos from Madruga have enough time to retreat back to the bridge without needing to abandon their cargos. If Isidore and her savage turncoats sought an easy victory they are very much disappointed.

At roughly the same time that the main force is attacking the harbour defences, fighting breaks out within the town itself! A [[striding]] of perhaps a hundred Navarr, newly arrived at Trivento, suddenly attack the garrison defending the town from behind! They strike with stealth and cunning, literally stabbing some of the defenders in the back with hidden blades. Chaos erupts, spreading fear and terror through the streets of a town that thought itself well protected. This false-steading, this ‘’Liath’s Blade’’, bear obvious [[enchantment|boons]] of Siakha, fighting and plundering with terrible zeal, awful strength, and weapons that smash and shatter the shields of the defenders. At their head comes the Navarr traitor Ioan Bloodstride - a refugee from a lost striding in [[Liathaven]] who joined Siakha's forces during the recent [[Harvest_of_infamy|assault on Meade]] by the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]]. Her force is half Navarr, half Imperial dregs simply masquerading as members of that proud nation.

The chaos they inspire might have been enough to break the defence of Trivento, but thankfully the defenders of Sarvos are made of stern stuff. They respond quickly, splitting their attention between the two attackers, and manage to slay several of the false-Navarr forcing them to draw back. At the same time the warning bells continue to ring, drawing further defenders from elsewhere in the territory. The people of Trivento might see themselves as rivals of the great city of Sarvos, but that rivalry does not concern the soldiers or the citizens. Their rivalry is put aside in the face of an existential threat to the town.

It’s slow and bloody business; more and more raiders join the fighting along the dock front. The flood of pirates is swifter than the arrival of more defenders, but again it is the defence and foresight of the Empire that saves the day. There are strong stone towers between the taverns of Trivento, established to oversee the chain defences of the harbour, and they provide excellent vantage points and stout barricades from which to fight the raiders.

For their part, the lack of discipline even among the naval force proves to be a significant weakness for the Children of Wrecks. The sight of potential booty, or prisoners to capture or sacrifice, causes human, orc, and herald alike to break ranks and forget whatever plan they may have had. In the face of their disorder, the planning of the Empire prevails. The soldiers hold Trivento and drive the Children away. Most of the ships never manage to unleash their warriors, failing to overcome the harbour defences with a direct attack.

Then, on no discernible signal, the ships to the rear of the Gathered Storm suddenly break off and sail southward. Over the course of barely half an hour the attack has suddenly stalled. The raiders in Trivento are more interested in getting back to their ships - including a handful of vessels clearly commanded by crews loyal to Ioan Bloodstride - than they are in looting. Those who are too laggard, too slow to see which way the winds are blowing, are cut down by the defenders.

As rapidly as it began, the attack is over. The defenders look at each other askance - it certainly feels as if the attack broke off halfway through. The fighting was still fierce - what has caused the Children of Wrecks to suddenly veer off and abandon their raid? Not that it would have been successful of course. The League defenders are confident that between the precautions put in place by the Great Chain, and the sizable patrols from Our Lady of Pride, they had the measure of the Children of Wrecks.

Trivento has been damaged, certainly. Ships have been burned in the harbour. The gates have been attacked, there are a number of businesses whose premises have been raided. But it could have been a lot worse. Over the next few weeks members of the [[Tassato#Barossa_School_of_Imperial_Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]] visit to speak with the defenders and examine the battlefield. They are left with the strong suspicion that even with a naval force of their own the Children of Wrecks were not interested in conquering Bocche, or seizing Trivento. Their goals were much more mercenary - they were here to steal as much wealth as possible but also to do as much damage as they could. Even if there had been no defenders they’d not have claimed Trivento - just looted it and burnt it to the ground. Some of the citizens talk of attempts to kidnap people, as well as steal goods, and carry them away. Fortunately these attempts seem to have been foiled by the defenders.

Perhaps more worryingly, the strategists of the League are confident that the Children of Wrecks did not bring their entire force to bear here. There is at least one [[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Eliminate_the_traitors|Imperial traitor]] unaccounted for - the fallen [[boyar]] Zavetta Voglavnova who sold her own vale for personal power. The reports from mariners traversing the Bay of Catazar make it clear that a lot of pirates tied to the Children are busy trying to prey on merchant vessels. It’s an unpopular conclusion, but the consensus coming out of the School of Imperial Strategy is that if they had their full force present, even the combined power of the Great Chain and Our Lady of Pride might not have been enough to stop the Children of Wrecks achieving at least a portion of their plan.

As to why they broke off the attack so suddenly, there’s a lot of speculation but nothing concrete. Did the admiral see the way the battle was going and bring it to an end to avoid further losses? That would seem particularly far-sighted for the Children of Wrecks at odds with their normal tactics. Did someone on the flagship receive a message that inspired them to cut the raid short and immediately begin to sail south? It’s hard to imagine what might have been that important and certainly nothing threatens the Children’s holdings at [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] or [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]]. Or could it be that the attack is a feint of some kind like the attack against Elos, designed to test Imperial defences or draw protectors away from the real target? Possibly but there’s no sign of what their real target actually was just yet.

The only thing that can be said with any certainty is that Trivento weathered the storm, for now at least. But the threat of the Children of Wrecks to the entire Bay of Catazar continues - and while it seems there has yet to be a situation where their full force has been brought to bear this failed attack may well mean that the next time they come against the Empire they will do so in their entirety…
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bay of Catazar.png |caption=The Bay of Catazar|width=400|align=right}}
==Game Information==
===Feroz and Madruga===
* '''The Empire has taken Quiet Grasses and with it Madruga'''
* '''The Grendel still control Morajasse'''
The situation in Feroz seems to be roughly the same as it was at the Spring Equinox. Commander Fiersachand his partner Wind Lord Saoirse still hold Mora’s Rock. They are protecting the borders of their domain and there are rumours of attempted diplomacy.

In Madruga, the Quiet Grasses have been brought into the Empire, meaning the territory is again Imperial. The Civil Service will raise an administrative motion on Saturday evening to allow the Senate to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assign]] the territory, unless a [[Senator]] chooses to raise the motion themselves at an earlier session. The expectation is that the territory will be assigned to the Brass Coast but there is no legal requirement for this to be the case.

===Trivento===
* '''The Children of Wrecks attacked Trivento but were driven off without being able to achieve their goals'''
* '''Their "strategy" was to try and steal everything they could - had they been successful, it would have reduced taxation from Sarvos'''

The attack of the Children of Wrecks included the ‘’Gathered Storm’’ - the equivalent of an [[navy]] - and two significant forces representing [[fleet|fleets]] loyal to Imperial traitors. The defence was mounted by the Great Chain (which counts as a 3000 point fortification against [[Navy_orders#Shore_Offensive|shore offensives]]) and Our Lady of Pride (which provides 6,000 strength protection anywhere in the territory). There were no Imperial military units defending either fort and neither the navy nor the fortifications seem to have been enchanted.

It is the assessment of the School that the Children fielded a sizable fraction of their current force, but that they did not bring everything to bear. If the had had perhaps 3000 extra force they would have breached the defences and been able to at least partially loot Trivento.

While their strategy bore many similarities to a [[Army_qualities#Foraging|plundering]] order, or a shore offensive, their entire strategy was different to that of any other navies the Empire has encountered. The Apulian members of the school in particular believe they were not trying to capture any land - only to raid, destroy, and slaughter people. What this means in game terms is that any victory points they might have generated would have gone towards achieving their goal of looting and raiding rather than to claiming land. If they had been successful, they would reduced the taxation produced by Sarvos this season. If their attacks are not fought off, they could rival the Druj for the amount of damage they could inflict on the Empire - both to the place they attack and in theory to the Imperial treasury if they have free hand to ravage the coast of the Bay of Catazar.

==Conjunctions==
===A Plan Succeeds (Necropolis)===
* '''A company of Grendel are escorting several Asaveans'''
* '''The Asaveans, servants of one of their gods, are scouting for possible targets'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Pride'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the servants of the Red God'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Plenum has continued to send support to the [[Grendel]] in their joint war against the Empire. The priests of [[Asavean_gods#The_Red_God|the Red God]] have sent several of her worshippers to the Bay of Catazar to support the Grendel.

Half a dozen servants of the Red God now lead a company of the Grendel as they put their long, hard-earned experience towards the benefits of the Salt Council. They search for an opening, some weakness in the defences of Necropolis. If they are successful, they will report back to the Salt Lords, who will be able to act on the information, with the region of [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Longbeach]] becoming [[Region_qualities#Under_Threat|under threat]] to the Grendel. It is the responsibility of [[Champion of Pride]], '''Kali Keen-Eye''', to counter the threat presented by the servants of the Red God and their Grendel allies.

===Flags (Mareave)===
* '''The Courath of Icarion is meeting with the Grendel to receive further payment'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''General of the Citadel Guard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the Courath of Icarion'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The rumoured Courath of Icarion has come again. The hero, once the leader of the region of the same name, has announced themselves and bears Stormcaller. They claim that they act with the voice of the ancestor behind them, and the people of Icarion listen. The Grendel have clearly made a significant investment in the Courath of Icarion, with it now having become clear that the Grendel paymaster provided them with the artefact on the [[Lit_up#The_Figurehead|Plains of the Courath]] at the Winter Solstice 386YE.

The [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]], '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', is responsible for defeating the Courath of Icarion, claiming Stormcaller, and defeating the Grendel and Asaveans alongside them. If they are not defeated, then the Courath will firmly establish themself as a rebel presence in the region. The region will become [[Region_qualities#Uncooperative|uncooperative]], and the Courath will surely only continue to create more trouble from there.

''Stormcaller'' was an artefact [[:category:rods|rod]] once wielded by the General of the [[Citadel Guard|Army of the Citadels]]. Drusus, one of the researchers inspired to visit Mareave after the Autumn Equinox 386YE by the statements of principle of [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_180|Verres Aurispire]] and [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_196|Skywise Gralka]] was unable to uncover more on the item beyond its name and that it had properties similar to - but beyond - that of a [[Witches' Hammer]].

===Expectations (Mareave)===
* '''A company of Grendel is guarding a resource cache intended for the Brine Turtles'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Prosperity'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the Grendel and claiming the cache'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The ongoing, delicate diplomacy between the Empire and the Brine Turtles is well known. The sept of Broken Shore orcs, subjects of the Salt Council, have maintained their belief that the Salt Lords will not abandon them or the territory. That they have kept this belief in spite of the Grendel not yet trying to reclaim the territory is perhaps a testament to the loyalty inspired by the Salt Council.

However, just because the armies and navies of the Grendel have not been seen in Mareave since they were forced to retreat, does not mean that the Grendel have not been active in the territory. ''Thieftaker Likkil'', who has been working the streets of Fioroult, has uncovered the location of a recently arrived cache of resources, including Imperial coin, mana and several [[magic items]]. They are intended for the sept and are being guarded by a company of Grendel, supported by several Asaveans.

It is the responsibility of the [[Champion of Prosperity]], '''Tom Appleseed''', to defeat the Grendel and claim the resources. What they do with the resources after that is entirely up to them.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarvos]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Feroz]]

Here comes the night

2026-09-07T14:51:28Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"''Ognjen, let's have another round!''" A chorus of cheers went up from Nadezhda's friends. The mood was high in the tavern; the army was almost ready to move out, ready to take the fight to the barbarians. Ognjen set down a tray of drinks on their table and went off to finish lighting the rest of the candles.

"''To Aleksandr!''" Vlad raised her cup, and the others echoed her, drinking the fine buttered rum fresh from Delev. Mira finished his drink and quickly raised his cup to make a toast of his own. "''To the Little Boyar!''" Again, the table raised their cups and drank deeply. The brightly lit tavern felt safe; it felt like home.

Talk turned to what they might do after their two years were up: Vlad wanted to set up a farm near Delev, trying to encourage the bees back; Nadezhda was planning on making a claim on one of the mines near her family's outpost; Mira was excited by what he'd heard about Reinos, and finally revealed that he hoped that it would be assigned to Varushka when it was claimed; Dušan, youngest and quietest of them, made clear they were planning on staying with the army until all the Druj were dead.

"''To those who paid!''" Nadezhda tried to lighten the mood and raised her drink again. The others joined in, slower this time, but drank much deeper. "''To the Cabal Lyktan!''" Mira made another toast, grateful to the cabalists who brought the heat of Shikal to the forges of Karov. Their cups were almost empty, and Vlad called for another round from Ognjen. Another tray was laid down on the table, fresh cups full of the buttered rum.

Dušan raised their cup high and looked at each of their friends in turn. "''To the Emperor!''" Dušan made their toast quietly, but forcefully. Each drained their cup, basking in this last night of true freedom before they left and became soldiers of Varushka.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tooled Up Boyar.jpg|caption=The warriors of Varushka are known in the rest of the Empire for their black humour, vicious axes, and grim determination to ''get the job done''.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtD2jtHo8RE}}
During the Winter Solstice 386YE, the Imperial Senate passed a [[Raise Third Varushkan Army|motion]] to [[Army#Recruitment|raise]] a third [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army in [[Karov]]. The motion was proposed by ''' Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen''', as the proxy of '''Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad''' the Senator for [[Karsk]], and seconded by '''Myshki Marishka Letuchaya''', as the Senator for Karov. The tale of how they turned up with a box full of mithril and dared their fellow senators to deny them has grown in the telling. Is that what really happened? Does it matter?

Following the passing of the motion, the territory was enchanted with [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]] by [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and then again the next season to ensure that the army would be assembled as quickly as possible. Now, just six months later, the army is almost ready to take the field against the enemies of the Empire, but the army's essential quality remains an open question. The grim-faced [[schlacta]] remember the oath made to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the [[Navarr]] against the threat of the [[vallorn]], and how the Varushkan Assembly called on the nation to seek out deals with the dark powers of the land to see that done. The sovereigns that haunt the deep places of the north-east have sent messengers with offers of aid... and deals. Elsewhere, the stories and inspiration of [[Ratibor of Temeschwar]] remain strong in the minds of the ruthless boyars.

Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad, as the raising senator, is responsible for choosing both the name of the new army and its new forte. They should inform one of the Speakers for the Senate of their decision during the summit.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IronHelms_Colour.png|align=right|width=150}}

==A Name! A Name!==
* '''The new army needs a name, and the task of determining what it will be falls to ''Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad'''''
* '''Most citizens are keen for the legacy of the Iron Helms to pass into history'''
The new army will need a name; one that will echo on the roads of Varushka, and that will join the ranks of the [[Golden Axe]], the [[Northern Eagle]], and the lamented [[Iron Helms]]. The final decision as to that name lies with the former [[Senator]] for [[Karsk]], '''Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad''', but they may wish to take advice from the rest of their nation - to find something suitable for the new army.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Final orders of Alderei the Fair, last General of the Iron Helms">These are times of great change cousins. Even in death we will finish the work in Therunin, with cold flesh quickened we eradicate the Druj on Imperial soil. This shall mark our rebirth. The dark of winter holds no terror over us. Onwards through the snow.</quote></div>
With the [[Under_eastern_skies#Onwards_Through_the_Snow|sacrifice of the Iron Helms]] still fresh in the minds of many, there is a common view in the vales of Varushka that the senator should not choose to try to recreate the lost army. While nobody can dispute that they were effective at what they did, people are eager to see the new army create its own legacy. There is no way for Varushka to create a [[Army qualities#Cruel|cruel or merciless]] army at present, but even naming the new army after the Iron Helms would be seen as disrespectful given how recently they perished. Perhaps in another decade or two, when the bones of those lost soldiers have been interred in an ossuary, and their souls have returned from the Labyrinth, there will be another opportunity for the Iron Helms to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. But not right now.

==Make This Your Purpose==
{{SOP|statement=The greatest assets of Varushka are our Wisdom and resolve. We send Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti with 50 liao to urge every Varushkan to use our knowledge of the dark powers to choose the lesser of two evils. The virtuous apply what they have learned.|by=Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Varushkan Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 280-12|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE|size=small}}
* '''The time has come to choose a special quality for the army'''
* '''The responsibility falls to the former Senator for Karsk'''
* '''Three sovereigns have offered their patronage, one possibility has been presented by those inspired by Ratibor, and there are stories a fourth sovereign might have made an offer as well'''
{{SOP|statement=Varushka has suffered under the malice of the Druj for too long, it is now time to commit to their destruction. With the liberation of Ossium and the strength to build our fourth army we intend to raise an army to follow in Boyar Ratibor's footsteps: do not let anything stand between you and your goals. Light your torches in the enduring flame at Ratibor's Gate as we march to end their threat for good.|by=Ivana Petara Vodjavic, Varushkan Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 312-0|when=Winter Solstice 385YE|size=small}}
Each Imperial army has a quality that defines it. The [[Golden Axe]] might be dour and pessimistic, but ultimately, they represent the legacy of the Vard with their [[Army_qualities#Driven|drive]] to conquer lands. The [[Northern Eagle]] are renowned for their frontier lifestyle, with a solid core of expert mountaineers and ex-prospectors who are exceptionally [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|difficult to shift]] once they have something to defend. The new army will stand beside these two armies in embodying the unique Varushkan approach to war.

At the moment, like any newly-mustered army, the newest Varushkan cohort does not have a quality - they can't take any special orders or actions - but are ripe to gain a new quality once they are battle-hardened. As always, the [[Civil Service|civil service]] has consulted with the soldiers, with the schlacta and [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon-raiders]], with the [[Varushka_religious_beliefs|wise ones]] and the veterans of Varushka who in their time weathered their own storms. The result is a list of possible qualities the new army could possess.

Then the messengers from the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereigns]] came, with their own offers. Some were called specifically, others volunteered their beneficence, but each of them suggests a way they might help. Not all the sovereigns have spoken up so far - some have kept their own counsel and simply watch to see what happens next.

Now the former senator who originally raised the motion must decide which one they choose. There might be an opportunity to improve a quality in the future - much as the Golden Axe did with [[Our choice|the support]] of the Varushkan Assembly - but once chosen, an army's quality defines the essential nature of an army. Most of these qualities come at no extra cost - the nature of the army easily turns to embrace them - but those offered by the sovereigns also require a bargain to be struck.

==Dawn until Dusk==
===New Lands===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ratibor of Temeschwar.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could have the conquering quality'''
* '''Choosing this quality has no additional costs'''
[[Ratibor of Temeschwar|Ratibor]], boyar of Temeschwar, is rightfully recognised as a true [[Don%27t_blame_me#Son_of_Varushka|son of Varushka]]. During the Winter Solstice 385YE, the Varushkan Assembly upheld a [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_173|statement of principle]] from '''Ivana Petara Vodjavic''', that called on the next army to be inspired by Ratibor's example. To not let anything stand between them and their goals. To ensure that the Druj were ended for good. The recent [[Hope and fear|appraisal]] into disrupting the Druj's supply has laid out how they might be defeated - how the septs might be brought to heel by claiming their lands.

The new army could be encouraged to take the inspiration of Ratibor of Temeschwar to heart, and become [[Army_qualities#Conquering|conquerors]], allowing it to take the '''Push the Line''' order when attacking.
<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Push the Line'''
* '''The ability of this army to conquer territory is increased by three tenths
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
The army brings the thousand torches of Ratibor to bear on the enemy, dominating key strategic objectives and focusing on claiming territory from the enemy. </box></div>
===Take What We Will===
* '''The new Varushkan army could have the foraging quality'''
* '''Choosing this quality has no additional cost'''
There has been a long tradition in Varushka of enterprising bands that seek their fortune by launching forays into barbarian lands to grab whatever riches can be found. The [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon raiders]] tend to live in tight-knit communities of hard-bitten veteran soldiers, being especially skilled in the use of shields, and close quarters fighting. They are often treated with suspicion – there are plenty of stories of wagon raiders who bring back more terrible things than riches when they return from the deep forests - and some boyars resent warriors who do not answer to anyone and do as they wish.

Recent years, however, have seen more young Varushkans choosing to embrace this path. The success of the [[Merchant-Boyar_of_the_Stinking_Market#Stinking_Market|Stinking Market]] in [[Ossium]] shows that there is no shortage of greed and reckless bravery in Varushka. At the moment, the [[Wolves of War]] regularly [[Army qualities#Mercenary|offer short-term contracts]] to wagon raiders to help them reap the rewards while fighting the barbarians, but that same enthusiasm could be harnessed to the service of the nation.

The new army could be encouraged to attract wagon raiders, and get them to share their expertise with the soldiers. This would give them the [[Army qualities#Foraging|foraging]] quality, allowing them to take the ''Plunder'' order when attacking.
<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Plunder'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by one tenth'''
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is reduced by one tenth'''
* '''The army generates wealth based on the number of victory points generated'''
The army concentrates on looting enemy forces. They launch attacks intended to capture baggage trains and other financial objectives. They focus on capturing [[mine|mines]], [[forest|forest preserves]], [[farm|farms]], [[business|businesses]], [[mana site|mana sites]] and [[herb garden|herb gardens]]. A portion of this bounty in the form of [[Game items#Coins|money]], [[Potion#Herbs|herbs]], [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|crystal mana]], crafting [[materials]] and potentially even rare materials such as weirwood, mithril or white granite are claimed by the army general.</box></div>

===A Necessary Evil===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Hound's Hall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Delev, Karov; Ivarsgard, Karsk; or Karantzy, Ossium</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 45 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Establishes a place for Varushkan sell swords and recruiters to establish contracts
* Allows the new army to gain the sell sword quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity is lost if the new Varushkan army takes a different quality</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could have the ''sell sword'' quality'''
* '''Choosing this quality requires a recruiting hall to be constructed'''
Alongside the wagon raiders, the [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|sell swords]] of Varushka also have a poor reputation among their countryfolk. They live rough lives, drifting from contract to contract and are often greeted with distrust by the people of the vales. But when there are bandits that need dealing with or shambling wolves sighted in the nearby woods they rarely lack for employment. A necessary evil, perhaps. Weighed against that, this model of mercenary work is appealing to veterans and new warriors alike. Like [[the League]], the only nation with a stronger mercenary tradition, the Varushkans could embrace the idea of recruiting sell swords to add their expertise to their new army, making accommodation with their needs and recruiting former mercenaries to help secure the right kind of contracts for the work that needs doing.

The army could be given the ''Sell Sword'' quality, reflecting their use of expert bands of mercenaries but also the breadth of Varushka. The largest Imperial nation by landmass, there are a ''lot'' of people in Varushka and many of them have very particular sets of skills. The challenge is making sure the general can access the skills they need when they need them. The best way to do this would be to establish a ''Hound's Hall'' - a place dedicated to bringing sell swords and patrons together - somewhere well populated or with a strong martial tradition. The best options would likely be [[Karov#Delev|Delev]], [[Karsk#Ivarsgard|Ivarsgard]], or [[Ossium#Karantzy|Karantzy]]. It would take a season to build, but as long as it were completed in time the general would gain access to a set of special orders.

<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Sell Sword'''
* '''The army can use [[Army qualities#Relentless|cut them down]], [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]], [[Army qualities#Resilient|grinding advance]], [[Army qualities#Hard Bitten|make them pay]], and one of either [[Army qualities#Scouting|gather intelligence or guard the gates]] once each per year'''
The army has experience working with and integrating mercenaries and other independent military units, mostly but not exclusively from Varushka. They take advantage of the expertise they need when they need it through carefully negotiated contracts. The general may employ [[Army qualities#Relentless|ruthless hunters]], [[Army qualities#Scouting|cunning wardens]], [[Army qualities#Foraging|experienced wagon raiders]], [[Army qualities#Hard bitten|armoured guards]] or [[Army qualities#Resilient|veteran schlacta]], but each group can only be employed once each year. The ability to use a specific quality "refreshes" in the season where the general would be elected.</box></div>

==Through the Long Night==
===Deep Earth===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Varushkan Monsters.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Shrine of the Dubik'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Suvretz, Volodmartz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 45 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Establishes a place for the Bargainers of the Dubik to make offerings to the sovereign
* Allows the new army to gain the Bloodthirsty quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity is lost if the new Varushkan army takes a different quality</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could gain the patronage of the Dubik'''
* '''Patronage of the Dubik would give the army the bloodthirsty quality'''
* '''Choosing this quality requires a shrine to the sovereign be built in Suvretz'''
Not a huge amount is known about the ''Dubik'', whose name is spoken in whispers. It is the slumbering one, the one who rests beneath the soil of [[Volodmartz]] and whose dreaming spirit is said to move through the forests of Varushka while it sleeps. While the sovereign itself is rarely seen, it has many progeny; the animate plant-like creatures that share its name and thirst for blood, and inhabit the deepest, most tangled woodlands. They are also known by certain [[cabalists]], and one of these mortal servants, calling themselves only a "''Bargainer of the Dubik''", visits [[Tolvoli Butcher|Tolvoli]] to extend their bloody patron's offer of patronage. Acceptance of the Dubik's offer would see the ranks of the new army bolstered by the blood-thirsty children of the Dubik.

The sovereign still sleeps and dreams, but the cabal has located a place where its power is strong; an abandoned outpost in eastern [[Volodmartz#Suvretz|Suvretz]], all that remains of the old vale of ''Krastavya''. If they have the stomach for it, the outpost could be repurposed for use by the cabal. If a [[Edifice|shrine]] was constructed there, then the Bargainers of Dubik would be able to treat with the Dubik of the forests, and continue their study of the sovereign itself. Several members of the cabal would join the army and provide support - and the general would be able to call on the Dubik no matter how far from Varushkan borders they wandered.

These [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves|wolves]] would need to be kept on a tight leash, lest they prey on the army's allies (and they are known to have a particular taste for the blood of [[changeling|changelings]]). But the general would be able to make use of the monsters when attacking, unleashing them to slaughter the enemy, to drink them dry; or they could feed and cultivate the beasts when defending, allowing them to harvest valuable consumables that only the Dubik can provide.

If the Shrine of the Dubik was created then the army would become ''bloodthirsty''. The general could issue the '''Bleed them Dry''' attacking order, or the '''Gather Blood''' order when defending.
<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Bleed Them Dry'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by three tenths'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by a fifth'''
The army takes every opportunity to engage with the enemy to try and cut them to pieces. They are accompanied by bloodthirsty Dubik, and other creatures of the sovereign, that feast on the hot blood of the enemy. They may claim some territory, but this is secondary to their goal of spilling as much enemy blood as possible. This emphasis on engaging the enemy means that the army loses more troops itself; but the commitment to fighting and preparations it takes mean that it still suffers comparatively less than the opponents it engages.</box>

<box>'''Gather Blood<br>
* '''The army generates consumables based on the number of victory points generated if they are victorious'''
* '''This order does not change army strength, casualties inflicted or casualties suffered'''
The army concentrates on acquiring blood from the surrounding area to feed to the wolves that accompany the army, provided they are not needed to defend the territory. The Dubik produce substances that can empower the soldiers in return, and a portion of this bounty is passed to the army general so that they can make the most appropriate use of it. If the army is victorious, then for every victory point generated during the defence the general receive two doses of ''darkwine'' and either a dose of ''bloodvine'' or a ''blackblood thorn'' (determined randomly). These are the same rare substances associated with the Dubik that are collected by the [[Tolvoli_Butcher#The_Red_Harvest|Tolvoli Butcher]].</box></div>

===Might and Magic===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Charnel Lord.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could gain the patronage of the Charnel Lord'''
* '''Patronage of the Charnel Lord would give the army the ''Branoc born'' quality'''
* '''It's not known yet if the patronage of the Charnel Lord requires any additional effort'''
* '''An emissary of the Charnel Lord will visit Anvil at 22:45 on Friday'''
[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#From_the_Barrow|Last season]], ''Tasya of the Black Feathers'', servant of [[Charnel Lord|the Battlefed]], sent word that her master was pleased to hear from '''Alderei the Fair''' and '''Magnus the Kind''' at the Winter Solstice. Tasya requested that '''Morrigan Mortere''' of [[Dawn]] host a meeting between the two Varushkans and ''Plotikost of the Needle Jaw'', one of the many loyal servants of ''Moundshroud'' to discuss terms of patronage.

''Plotikost'' will arrive in Anvil on the first night of the summit, and will go to the Mortere camp in Dawn to negotiate what the price of such patronage might look like. Tasya of the Black Feathers is at pains to make clear that such a meeting will need to take place over the heart of one recently slain in battle. If the discussions go well, then the new army could take on the patronage of the Charnel Lord and become ''Branoc born''. If that happens, then the army would be able to take the '''Grinding Advance''' order when attacking and the '''Arcane Consolidation''' order when defending. It would also secure the favour of the Charnel Lord for the army - a nebulous quality but one that from time to time was of use to the old Iron Helms (while occasionally producing problems of its own).
<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Grinding Advance'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are reduced by three tenths'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
The army slowly advances, consolidating every gain before moving forward. The army looks to avoid direct engagements with the enemy, ceasing their advance and taking defensive positions if they are engaged.</box>
<box>'''Arcane Consolidation'''
* '''The army generates mana crystals based on the number of victory points generated if they are victorious'''
* '''Does not change army strength, casualties inflicted or casualties suffered'''
The army concentrates on making magical preparations, shoring up their reserves of mana crystals and seeking out nearby sources of magic if they are not needed to defend the territory. A portion of this bounty in the form of mana crystals is passed to the army general so that they can make the most appropriate use of it. They gain seven mana crystals for each victory point they generate on defence.</box></div>

===Endless Strength===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Howling Queen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could gain the patronage of the Howling Queen'''
* '''Patronage of the Howling Queen would give the army the ''accursed'' quality'''
* '''Choosing this quality has no additional costs'''
* '''The Howling Queen will provide the general with a Bloodfire Periapt each year as a symbol of their support'''
Last season, the [[Tales_of_the_Howling_Queen#Court_of_the_Queen|Stzena of Tears]] visited the Varushkan camp in Anvil to [[Wish_you_were_here#Stzena_of_Tears|discuss]] patronage of the army amongst other things. The offer was laid out to the senators of the nation that the Howling Queen would offer patronage of the army. The Stzena of Tears, on their way back along the roads to Varushka, spoke to a civil servant outside the Castle of Thorns. They wished to clear up a few uncertainties around the offer made. The Howling Queen will definitely ''not'' share patronage of the army with any other being, but if the Varushkans take up her bargain then she will send her [[Plaguewulf|plaguewulfs]] to support the army.

The new army could accept the patronage of the Howling Queen, and become accursed. The army could benefit from [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|emergency resupply]] regardless of what territory they were in or whether they were engaged by the enemy. Furthermore they could take the '''Gather Husks''' order when defending.
<div style="width: 900px;">
<box>'''Gather Husks'''
* '''This is a defending order'''
* '''The ability of this army to defend territory is decreased by two fifths'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are decreased by half'''
* '''The army recovers an additional 250 strength in emergency resupply'''
The army spreads across the territory, ready to receive further support from the Howling Queen. Husks are sent to the army, under the thrall of plaguewulfs, to reinforce the soldiers.</box></div>

===...The Night Below===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Blackdamp.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
</div>
* '''The new Varushkan army could gain the patronage of the Night Below'''
* '''The details of the patronage are couched in unclear terms'''
* '''It's not clear if this bargain has any requirements'''
Finally, there are rumours across the nation of a peculiar offer made by a [[Night_Below#Servants|phantasm]] that apparently promised a way to make the army immortal, unkillable, and unharmable. The story goes that the phantasm has promised that, as long as Fly-the-Light was the only patron of the army, ''"the shields of the army will never splinter, nor their armour ever rust. The soldiers will neither age, nor fall in battle. No illness will ever befall them and they will know no pain, nor suffer hunger or thirst."'' Another story. Is there truth to it?

It's not clear that this offer is even real. If it is, then only the newly appointed general of the army could accept it. Unfortunately, nobody seems to know who the offer was made ''to'', if it was made at all, and if it ''was'' made then presumably the people who received it will know what is required to gain that patronage if the general wishes to take it.

==Resolution==
The new Varushkan army was named [[Boyar's Hasta]] by '''Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad''', and the former senator chose to endorse the army's focus on [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon raiders and sell-swords]]. The Hound's Hall was [[Construct_Hounds_Hall|constructed]] and the army's Sell Sword quality took effect.

==Further Reading==
* [[Army]]
* [[Army qualities]]

* [[Night Below]]
* [[Charnel Lord]]
* [[Tales of the Howling Queen]]

Can't give everything away

2026-09-07T14:51:02Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"Signora Ambasciatrice." Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike inclined her head. The Asavean ambassador reciprocated with a nod of her own. It was probably a carefully calculated fraction less deferential than she had measured Annike's to be but honestly the Sarcophan didn't notice or care. Let the Asaveans have their little dominance games.

"Mevrouw ambassadeur." The Asavean was clearly pleased with herself; her smile was self-satisfied and she was practically vibrating with schadenfreude. She obviously felt she had the upper hand. Annike savoured the moment.

"We have heard that your attempt to create a 'Free Seas Pact' has sadly foundered." The Ambassador couldn't contain her glee. "It is always a mistake to put your trust in the Empire. They will always disappoint you. But do not worry. We will not hold against you things said in haste. They are already forgotten!"

"Oh I do hope not," said Annike. "I would hope that you have not forgotten that I reminded you exactly who you are dealing with, Madame."

Confusion. The Ambasciatrice frowned. This was not going the way she had expected when she accepted Annike's invitation. She had been expecting an apology, and came here with every intention of twisting the knife before magnanimously accepting it and then using that apology to launch her own foray into renegotiating trade tariffs.

"I do not understand..." she said.

"That is indeed clear," said Annike. "But I did not call you here to talk about the Free Seas Pact which, as you say, was fatally holed below the waterline. In fact, I asked you to attend me so that I could formally deliver the decision of the Bedelaar Huisbaas to the Asavean Plenum. Please pay attention, I do not wish to repeat myself."

She was overplaying it, she knew. But Annike very much disliked the Asavean Ambassador and given how complicated the next several months were going to be she had decided to try and gain some pleasure where she could.

"How dare you!" The Ambassador stood.

"Sit down!" Barked Annike and, in spite of herself, the Ambassador did so. More from the force of the words than any intent to obey.

"The Free Seas Pact is over," she said calm again. "So now we have no choice but to establish the ''Pax Sarcophan''."

The Ambasciatrice stiffened, eyes widening. She understood that the decision to use Old Asavean was not a coincidence.

"I've had a formal document created, but I wanted to tell you directly what is going to happen. We warned you. We warned your government, and you chose to ignore us. The Bedelaar Huisbaas will no longer tolerate any nation interfering with the flow of trade across the known world. You can have your ''wars''" She spit the word angrily, but reined herself back in again. "You can have your wars but any further attempt to blockade ports or support piracy against third-parties will result in a formal declaration of war. Furthermore, the Delves will use every tool at our disposal - and there are many at our disposal let me be candid - to ruin you. Those nations, I mean."

"We are Asavea! You do not speak to us like this!" spat the Asavean. Annike had to admire the Ambassador's refusal to accept what she was being told. "We were plying the Seven Seas when your ancestors were squatting by campfires and robbing tombs!"

"Indeed!" Annike interrupted her. "Centuries ago the Asaveans bestrode the known world like a colossus! But what have you achieved ''recently''?"

"We will-"

Annike slammed her fist on the table, unconsciously pulling her thin lips back slightly to reveal her fangs.

"You will listen to what I am saying! You will make your Plenum understand! We are ''not'' bluffing and we are ''not'' joking. We may not have been founded by demigods and ruled a third of the world, but please do not let our pleasant demeanour fool you. If you do not start taking us seriously, if you insist on underestimating us, if you remain on this destructive course you have charted, then we will show you what it means to be descended from tomb robbers who built an entire nation from ruins, and believe me when I tell you we will ''eat you alive''."

Annike collapsed back into her chair, breathing heavily. The two women stared at each other for a moment, the Asaveans high colour a stark contrast to the Sarcophan's ivory-white skin. The Ambasciatrice stood slowly, her face blank.

"May I go now, Signora?" Her voice was clipped, two bright red spots in her cheeks the only sign of just how furious and humiliated she was.

"Oh course, Madame. I shall have a copy of the formal document sent -"

But the Asavean was already gone, the door closing behind her. Annike let out a deep breath she had not realised she was holding, and stared into space for a long moment before adjusting her hair, straightening her desk, and preparing for her next appointment - the Imperial secretary to Ambassador Dino would certainly be as punctual as ever.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG|caption=The Sarcophan Delves rarely resort to force, preferring to use economic pressure. But that doesn't mean they ''can't''' resort to force...|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBv6I9KJEQ}}
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.

The merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' - strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade with the Empire, but their neutrality is precious to them. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery without regret, they refuse to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord. Their primary goal is to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, ideally with [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] agreements that allow their merchants to operate without onerous [[tariffs]].

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==An Ultimatum==
* '''They have issued ultimatums to the Empire and every other nation on the Seven Seas'''
* '''The Sarcophan Delves will declare war on any nation that attempts to embargo third-party trade'''
* '''Their ultimatum has brought an end to the Plenum bounty on ships visiting the Empire'''

The Sarcophan Delves approached the Imperial Ambassador about the [[Theory_of_the_crows#A_New_Pact|creation of the Free Seas Pact]] six months ago. The Imperial Ambassador, concerned about potential conflicts with the [[Liberty Pact]] was cautious and ultimately declined to become involved. The Sarcophan plan was to convince the Empire to join, and then use that to put pressure on the Commonwealth and Sumaah and eventually get everyone to agree to the pact. When the Empire equivocated, the plan fell apart; without their endorsement the other nations felt able to ignore the Delves.

In the absence of Imperial support, the Sarcophan Delves have abandoned the communal approach and decided to act unilaterally. They have sent missives to every major nation - the Empire, [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]], the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] - and numerous small nations announcing the imposition of the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a public commitment from the Delves that they will not tolerate piracy of merchant vessels of other nations, they will not permit ''any'' nation to threaten international trade.

They have issued the Empire - and every other nation with an ultimatum. Individual nations may do what they like to nations they are at war with - war is a harsh reality of the world and arguably good for business anyway. But the Delves will not permit anyone trying to prevent uninvolved nations from trading with those they are at war with. Any attempt to do so, by any nation, will cause the Delves to declare war on them. The Delves may not have the largest or most powerful navy in the world, but they will cut off all trade with the nation and hire marines, mercenaries and pirates to harry their shipping across the Seven Seas.

Specifically, any nation that attempts to blockade ports against neutral parties, or employ bounties or other influence to encourage pirates and privateers to attack neutral trading ships, will find their own vessels targeted by Sarcophan captains. The Delves will also place bounties of their own on that nation's shipping and unlike others, the Sarcophan have contacts with several groups who would be more than happy to take up such bounties on a professional scale. They would also bring their economic might to bear - while they prefer to remain neutral in trading matters they would cut off ''all'' trade - imports and exports - with the target nation and use every tool at their disposal to encourage other nations to do the same.

For the Delves to wield political power in this fashion is unprecedented, but it is clear that the Beggar's Banquet is furious about the damage being done to international trade by the Asavean bounty on Imperial ships, and the recent blockade of the Sumaah ports. They have no interest in interfering in war between nations, but they will not tolerate attempts to try and prevent nations that are not involved trading with ''either'' side of a conflict.

It's not yet clear how the other great powers intend to respond to this extraordinary ultimatum by the Delves, but the Asavean Plenum is furious, for obvious reasons. Yet it appears they have also been left with little choice but to reconsider their current strategy of trying to block anyone from trading with the Empire. It perhaps helps the Sarcophan cause that the sheer cost of maintaining the bounty on ships visiting the Empire has become increasingly untenable for many of the Plenum families. The Asaveans have a much stronger navy than the Delves, but the thought of being at war with the Empire, Sumaah and the Delves at the same time was too much even for them. It seems the Delves might have successfully called their bluff.

Not long after the Sarcophan announcement reaches the Empire, word begins to spread that the Asaveans have withdrawn their bounty on Imperial ships. It will take a little while for the news to reach everyone, of course, but it is expected that foreign trade will begin to return to former levels and price increases will eventually settle back down again.

The ultimatum delivered to the Empire is posted in the same strident terms that it is delivered to other ambassadors - but the Sarcophan are keen to point out that the Empire is a major beneficiary of this new arrangements. They are insisting everyone acknowledge the ''Pax Sarcophan'' as the new law of the Seven Seas - but they are clear that it is the Asaveans who have been forced to change their ways and that the Empire need only sit back and enjoy the benefits. The Empire has ended slavery they say, and everyone has benefitted. Now it is time for the Delves to end the scourge of piracy, so that they too may contribute to a Virtuous world.

How the Ambassador responds will be vital to determine what happens next. It's ''possible'' that the Delves are bluffing and that they won't really break off trade with the Empire if they refuse to accept the Pax Sarcophan. The Asaveans clearly thought they were serious enough not to risk that, but relations between Asavea and the Delves have been poor for some time. The ultimatum by the Delves is presented as a fait accompli - but the benefits they claim if offers seem real enough. Are those benefits worth accepting the authority of the Delves to impose their will on the Seven Seas in this way?

==Freed Trade==
* '''The costs to purchase from Sarcophan ministries should return to normal without the Asavean threats
* '''The Sarcophan Delves would prefer to retain the free-trade arrangement but are pragmatic about the situation
The bounty on ships reaching the Empire has been withdrawn, but it will take a little while for this news to reach the pirates and privateers currently attacking merchant ships. It will take a few months for the prices charged by Sarcophan [[ministry|ministries]] to return to normal, but it is anticipated that by the start of the Autumn Equinox the many markets the Delves service in the Empire will have returned to their pre-bounty position - assuming this new Pax Sarcophan holds. This includes the ministries overseen by the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]], [[High Herbalist of Sybella]], [[Master of the Root and Stem]], [[Master of the Clearing House]], [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]], and [[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]], who all experienced an unfortunate one-fifth price increase due to Asavean interference.

At the moment the Delves are profiting from their relationship with the Empire. The profit margins might have narrowed a little, but they are still healthy. As the Imperial Ambassador points out, the Empire lets merchants from the Delves operate under a [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] agreement, and the Beggar's Feast would be loathe to see that situation change. Ambassador Dino, however, has raised some questions about whether that situation will continue. The Beggars Banquet has discussed the matter at length, and while they would prefer to continue benefiting from the agreement they will understand if the Empire chooses to return them to a [[Tariffs#Mercantilist|mercantilist]] position. They'd rather not see that happen, obviously, but they are pragmatic about the chances it will.

It isn't a threat, but if the Senate chooses to move away from free trade, it will certainly impact Sarcophan enthusiasm for investing in the Empire. It won't stop it completely - but they are likely to focus their interests on the Alivetti estate in Sarvos, rather than look for ways to trade with the wider Empire, at least in the short term. And, as the Senate surely appreciates, the cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by the customer.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=200}}
==The Apothecaries Guild==
* '''The Kruidenkenner have asked the Guild Leader of the Apothecaries' Guild to get in touch
* '''One possibility they are interested in is potentially consolidating various markets into one larger market under the Guild's auspices
Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike mentions that representatives of the Kruidenkenner have been in contact regarding news of the newly established [[Apothecaries Guild]]. As they understand it, the new Guild has essentially assumed responsibility for trade in [[herbs]], [[potion|potions]], and the like? There is some interest here in establishing common ground. If the new [[Imperial Sodality]] has the same kind of status as the Kruidenkenner do, as the premier dealers in herbs and potions in the Delves, they may well be able to do business. One weakness of their current arrangements with the Empire is that their markets are scattered around and all need individual protection and such like. It might be possible to establish a more centralised market, working with the Apothecaries Guild. Or any number of other possibilities.

As such the Kruidenkenner have requested that Esmé [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|speaker for the Guild]], consider sending a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike detailing the scope and desires of the Guild, and whether they think there is a benefit in a closer relationship with the Kruidenkenner. They're particularly interested in whether the Guild would be prepared to cooperate on establishing a dedicated herbalist market in the Empire with the Sarcophan Delves.
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
==Schuyler and Holberg==
* '''There is still interest in a cooperative venture to establish a port in Holberg
* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund
* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured
During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea|delivered]]).

There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.

(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is more philosophical about the matter - every great nation has uncountable numbers of things they need to deal with at any given time. Also, she received a well-written explanation and apology from a citizen of [[the Brass Coast]] that laid out the reasoning for the change - even had she minded to be irritated the letter would have settled her temper. While the Lijkkever and the Hyena are intrigued by possibilities in Holberg, the Ambassador need not worry about a risk of "offending" the Delves. Business is business. If the port, or the joint effort to drain the Great Pits of Ennerlund, go ahead that will strengthen Sarcophan interest in the Empire and bring healthy profits to those involved. If they don't... there'll be plenty of other opportunities in the future, most likely. The Delves as a whole has little particular investment one way or another in what happens in Holberg.

==The Coast is Open For Business==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mistress of the Glass Parador.jpg|caption='''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', Mistress of the Glass Parador|align=right|width=250}}
* '''An appraisal could be used to find ways to encourage the Sarcophan Delves to invest in the Brass Coast
* '''The Ambassador might propose something to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike
* '''A plenipotentiary from the Autumn Archmage might secure eternal assistance to encourage investment
* '''There is nothing to stop private citizens writing to the Bedelaar Huisbaas on behalf of the Brass Coast
{{SOP|statement=The Kruidenkenner of the Sarcophan Delves are not Prospering in Sarvos. We are a nation undertaking a grand renewal! Let us welcome these fine alchemists and traders, that our shared Ambitions will uplift us all. Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.|by=Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo|vote=Greater Majority 156-0|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.

Following Ignacio's statement, however, there has been a surge of interest in the possibilities of closer trade ties with the Delves. One of the advantages the Sarcophan enjoy in Sarvos is the establishment (and concedence) of the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estates]]; could the Brass Coast offer a similar opportunity to the Delves? There are plenty of Sarcophan houses, families, and guilds who are eager to access not only the Brass Coast wealth of metals from [[Kahraman]] but also luxury goods such as [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah|syrah]], Freeborn glass and fine cloth, rich spices, and the like. The staff at the [[Redoubt#The_Embassies_of_Cargo|Sarcophan Embassy]] have made a brief assessment of the situation and offered some advice to the Freeborn assembly.

Dealing with the Children of Wrecks is unlikely to be something the Brass Coast could do on their own but there may be other opportunities. The Delves have made it clear they're happy to cooperate with [[appraisal|appraisals]] aimed at improving trade with the Empire. The Senate - or perhaps even [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|die Beurteilung]] - could find ways to allay the concerns of the Hyena, and encourage them to invest in the Coast even with the threat of the Children still ongoing.

Alternatively, the Imperial Ambassador might be able to present a proposal to the Delves that is appealing enough the merchants involved either put aside their concerns about the Children of Wrecks, or find the opportunity too good to miss and so invest in their own methods of ensuring the servants of Siakha are not a problem. The Imperial Civil Service think this would be something of a long shot however; it would need to be something truly appealing to the Sarcophan or one of the [[Founders of the Delves|Beggar Landlords]].

The [[Archmage of Autumn]] might be able to secure assistance from one of the great cities of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]. [[Ephisis]] is an obvious possibility, as are [[Prospero]] and [[Callidus]]. The Civil Service posit that a suitably worded [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] might be easily as effective as an appraisal here; but it would need to be the only request made to ensure if the archmage wanted to ensure it was picked.

Finally, there is nothing to stop private citizens writing to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike about possibilities such as this. While the Sarcophan ambassador is likely disinterested in investing herself, part of her role involves briefing the rest of the Beggar Landlords about opportunities to increase their wealth. The Civil Service have no idea how effective this might be, as it depends on too many random factors. But the fact the Freeborn assembly is behind the move might add additional weight. They also point out that there are other Sarcophan representatives in the Empire, several of whom are prepared to receive [[Call Winged Messenger|missives]] from Imperial citizens.

==Speaking of Trade...==
* '''Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the Ambassador to perform basic "market research" on her behalf
* '''In return for ranking goods of interest to Imperial fleet captains the Ambassador will receive 5 Thrones
* '''The delves will use this information to adjust the goods offered in their ports
Currently there are two ports in the Delves available to Imperial merchant ships; [[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] itself and the luxurious port of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]. The latter remains reasonably popular with Imperial fleets, but there has been a marked decline in the number of vessels visiting Sarcophan itself. The Delves have noticed shifts among the goods offered to captains visiting other ports around the known world, with a growing emphasis on local luxuries or practical substances. At the moment, Sarcophan itself mostly offers [[herbs]], [[beggar's lye]], and [[weltsilver]]. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has been tasked with asking the Imperial Ambassador for advice on the kinds of goods that might be appealing to Imperial traders.

In the past the Senate has been clear it does not favour the trade in recreational substances for the discerning customer - one reason Schedalhaven remains closed. Nor are they interested in Sarcophan apothecary such as might be acquired at the port of Moeraskriden. While these two kinds of trade goods are something the Sarcophan have in abundance, they are by no means ''all'' they can offer. Indeed, the Delves trade with people all over the known world. It's literally impossible for Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike to list everything the markets catering to Imperial fleet captains ''could'' provide.

As such she wishes to engage in some very basic assessments of the Empire's needs. Would the Ambassador be prepared to canvas the merchants of the Empire, and work out which of these broad categories of goods appeal to them?
* '''Luxury goods:''' primarily things that will sell well in the Empire (cash) or items designed for comfort or security
* '''Crafting materials:''' ingots and measures, things of interest to [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]]
* '''Bulk herbs:''' the five magical herbs, which the Delves have in abundance
* '''Medicines:''' potions and items for treating injury and disease or things useful to [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeons]], [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] and [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]
* '''Recreational goods:''' drugs, mostly
* '''Martial goods:''' potions and other consumables that empower warriors and battle-magicians; perhaps some magic weapons or armour
* '''Magical goods:''' substances of use to ritual magicians, perhaps some magic items
* '''Victuals:''' a catchall term for things people eat or drink that provide some kind of enhancement or ability in the right circumstances
If the Ambassador could send Bedelaar Huisbaas a list of these ten items in order from most appealing to least appealing, she is prepared to offer a small payment of 5 Thrones in recognition of the legwork involved. The list would be distributed to Sarcophan traders and serve as a basis for determining which kinds of goods and services to prioritise both for trade to fleet captains, and in opportunities appealing to the Empire, over the next few years. More detail in areas such as preferred herbs, or ideal materials, would be helpful.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Hahnmark in Bloom==
* '''An unfamiliar flower has begun to grow among the vlinderbloem cultivated by Hahnmark farms.'''
* '''The Kraft Brothers hope this may provide further business opportunities for the territory.'''
* '''''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' is interested in gathering draaikolkbloem to experiment with. They will arrive at the Tree of Names at 1pm on the Sunday of the Summer Solstice.'''
* '''Anyone who gives Renaten a draaikolkbloem will receive a dose of viezesmaak brewed with it in their pack next event.
[[Farm|Farms]] across [[Hahnmark]] have spent the past few seasons giving over patches of their land to growing "vlinderbloem" for the [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Brothers_Kraft|Kraft brothers]] - self-styled entrepreneurs from the Sarcophan Delves who use the rare flower to make the narcotic ''vizesmaak''. The harvest has been good and business has been smooth, but this past season's pickers have begun to report something strange. Another plant appears to be growing alongside the vlinderbloem, one they have not seen before.

The flower is difficult to spot. It’s a very similar shade of pink to vlinderbloem, but its petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. It's difficult to say when exactly it began to appear, because the first few reports of it were discounted as imperfect batches of vlinderbloem. The Kraft brothers have coined the name “draaikolkbloem” for the new flower, but seem just as clueless as Hahnmark’s farmers as to where it has come from and why it is growing amongst their commissioned plants. However, the brothers smell business and are keen for the farmers accidentally cultivating the flower to investigate whether it has any properties which would make it worth selling.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box> '''OOC info:''' This is what a draaikolkbloem lammy looks like: ''This pink flower's petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. Once the spiral has captured your attention, it is difficult to look away. There is no mechanical effect when applying this flower to a character.'' </box></div>
A Sarcophan vintner holidaying at the Alivetti Estate is also curious about investing early. ''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' suspects that draaikolkbloem is similar enough in form to vlinderbloem to be able to use it to brew viezesmaak. They see the strange shape of the flower as simply further evidence of the rich terroir of the Hahnmark earth, and believe it could be a great selling point for the Wintermark-grown narcotic. They have hot-footed it to [[Anvil]] and expect to arrive at the ''Tree of Names'' at one in the afternoon on Sunday, where they will be very happy to take draaikolkbloem off Imperial hands. They will use the blooms to brew a batch of viezesmaak and return a dose each to everyone who offers a flower, for them to sample for themselves next season. They hasten to add that this is not a long-term business deal - they will make a loss on their experiments over the coming season, but they suspect that the knowledge gained will prove more than worth the coin sacrificed in the long run.

As for how this strange flower has come to grow? There is no clear reason. Some point to the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|Penumbral Veil]] drawn across the territory these past seasons, and wonder if the [[Night magic]] has begun to leech into the very soil. Others say that it must be because Hahnmark soil is much richer in ores and minerals than the parts of the Sarcophan Delves usually given over to cultivation of vlinderbloem, and that the draaikolkbloem must need these extra nutrients to thrive. Still others point to the [[Stars_and_sigils#Strangeness_in_the_Northwest|strange behaviour of animals]] in some areas of Wintermark lately, and wonder if the appearance of these plants is simply the flora responding just as the fauna already has been.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==The Art of the Tomb==
* '''The Council of Benefactors have endorsed certain Sarcophan merchants buying Highborn funerary goods'''
* '''Every business and mine in Highguard receives an additional 18 rings a season until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
* '''Unfortunately this endorsement of a false faith has damaged the ability of the Highborn assembly to call out heresy and blasphemy for the same period'''
During the Spring Equinox ''Senna van Ijzer'', an art dealer associated with a small sect of the Sarcophan religion called ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen '' but usually referred to as "the Collectors", [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Tombs_and_Tribulations|spoke with the Council of Benefactors]] of [[Highguard]]. The Collectors hold a belief esoteric even by Sarcophan religious standards, that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold immense value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence. This visit followed on from a recent opportunity for Imperial priests to visit the estate of one of the Delves' most beloved celebrities - ''Elian Vloss'', who is apparently themselves a Collector. The upshot of all this attention, is that Imperial iconography and funerary monuments are now extremely fashionable among Collectors, and even growing in popularity with Sarcophan folk with less bizarre understanding of the Labyrinth.

Senna apparently signed an exclusive deal for Highguard white granite and stonemasonry, organising the transport of pieces for the long journey to the Delves. The deal will last until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE, during which all Highborn [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] receive an extra 18 rings production per season. Van Ijzer apparently hopes that by the end of that year, the reputation of Highguard stonemasons will be known internationally (with a little help from the Delves), and a better deal may be brokered.

The deal was not without controversy however. ''Mischa van de Libel'' is a priest of the Way from Sarcophan, a [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], and a serious critic of the Collectors. They believe the fascination with Highborn art, iconography of the Way, and their own faces captured in Imperial white granite, is entirely superficial. The Collectors have never shown interest in the Way itself, only the beauty of its imagery and its fashionable nature. Mischa warned that signing Senna's deal ran the risk of devaluing the Way, of making it all too easy for its followers to be denigrated as putting profit ahead of principle. It's unfortunate but as news of the agreement spreads this very much appears to be the case, especially in the Delves.

Questions are being asked of the Highborn Assembly. Letters from concerned pilgrims of the Way in Sarcophan, and from some worried citizens of Highguard have been sent to both the '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''' the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] and '''Keziah''', the [[Bishop of the Navigators]]. It also seems that the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''Präster'' are wasting no time pointing out that in their opinion the Highborn have sacrificed their [[Pride]] for a few handfuls of coin.

If nothing changes, the brunt of the problem will be met by the Bishop of the Navigators. The prestige of the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|cathedral]] will be significantly impacted. Both the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] permanently lose their top level of production each season the deal with the Collectors continues (that is, following the Summer Solstice the ministry will lose the top level of each ministry and if the deal runs its course the Low Ministry will disappear entirely after the Winter Solstice, and the Merchant Ministry be reduced to a single level). The reputation of the Cathedral will likewise be impacted significantly the longer the deal goes on.

If the Highborn assembly wishes, they may choose to enact a [[mandate]] urging their people to stop trading with the Collectors.

{{Mandate|mandate=While the pursuit of prosperity is virtuous, the Collectors of Sarcophan have taken advantage of our Council of Benefactors. We send (named priest) to urge all those trading with the Collectors to cease doing so already.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - the named priest will be empowered to speak with many of those dealing with the Collectors and explain the problem. The trade will slow to a trickle and then stop. The benefit enjoyed by businesses and mines will be lost, and the damage to the Cathedral of the Navigators will likewise stop before it really gets started.

Unfortunately, this cannot be seen as anything other than a criticism of the Council of Benefactors by the Highborn Assembly. Confidence in the Council will recover eventually, but the amount of wains - of any kind - that the Council can apply will be halved following the event the statement is upheld, recovering by 2 wains a season thereafter until it is restored to full.

'''Dagon''' has provided the wording for an alternate mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=The actions of the benefactors who met with Senna van Ijzer of the Collectors do not represent the Council of Benefactors. We send (named priest) to urge all those trading with the Collectors to cease doing so and encourage their benefactors to seek the Wisdom of the Council before taking such offensive deals in the future.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - then, much like the other mandate, the named priest will be empowered to speak with many of those dealing with the Collectors and explain the problem. The trade will slow to a trickle and then stop. The benefit enjoyed by businesses and mines will be lost, and the damage to the Cathedral of the Navigators will likewise stop before it really gets started. The reduction in wains to the Council of Benefactors would also take effect, and would recover at the same rate.

These two mandates are, unsurprisingly, [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]].

==Beneath the Bay==
* '''There has been some discussion of eternals related to the sea'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is prepared to host a visitor from the Department of Historical Research'''
* '''This would require a normal commission of historical research but cost the Senate 10 Thrones'''
* '''It would only require one historical research but would take six months to complete'''
* '''The chosen researcher would not be available for other projects during that time'''

As part of the discussion of Holberg, Schyuler Koopman, and the Lijkkever, the Imperial Ambassador enquired about "a possible eternal under the Bay of Catazar". Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is sceptical. Not about lighthouses - the Delves appreciate a good lighthouse as does anyone at peril on the sea. Rather, the idea that an eternal might be "under" the Bay of Catazar. Sarcophan magicians know well that eternals cannot enter the material world, existing as they do in their own [[realms]]. They may be connected to the realm of mortals through [[regio]] but the idea of an eternal physically in the world is impossible. Any theory that implies that is happening must therefore be wrong.

There was also a query from '''Allegra i Riqueza''' which clarifies the matter further. Apparently there is concern about an unknown [[eternal]] of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter]] emerging to threaten the Empire? Reference to ''kings of nothing and queens of the void'' means little to the Bedelaar Huisbaas herself, but has apparently sparked some recognition among some of the more peculiar members of magical society in the Delves.

There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).

Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Civil Service|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.

The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==... And Finally==
* '''A Sarcophan coven called the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' want to acquire mysterious black pearls
* '''For a dozen of these peculiar treasures placed in an Ephisis' Box with an anchor image, they offer a magical mask
* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only
* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box
Several Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the Alivetti Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the realm) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, that ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.

('''OOC Note:''' Anyone who takes advantage of this offer will still need to meet with the heralds of Ephisis on Sunday morning, to confirm who will receive the mask. The ribbon will go into the characters' inventory. An ideal phys-rep for such a mask is a white or gold half-face mask with an anchor on the forehead, but with one of the eye sockets sealed, or covered in gauze. It apparently represents ''The Mariner'', a [[Dramaturgy|dramaturgic]] [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|persona]] used to perform magic that strengthens or supports, or that acquires practical information)
{{Sarcophan Links}}

Carved in stone

2026-09-07T14:26:18Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]

<ic>
"It is said that the Deeps are named for an old man, Gulnar, who lived there with his three children. His eldest son was a cunning Suaq called Topi who loved to hunt and fish. The middle child, his only daughter, Kaisa, was a wise Kallavesi whose eyes were so sharp they could see your skein even when it was too dark to see. The youngest boy, was Freki, a wild Steinr who liked nothing more than to run through the wild forests and leap across the streams."

Anni smiled at her wife as they stood back, watching their children sit silent and still for the first time that day, wrapped in awe at the scop's storytelling. "I love this one," she whispered to Lyydia.

"Gulnar's wife had died many years earlier fighting the Thule, and he feared for who would look after his children when he was gone. So he gathered them together and made the eldest two promise to look after their young sibling and always to care for him. Topi swore on his bow that he would never abandon his brother, but Kaisa was too wise for such foolishness. She knew that no one can know what the future brings and to swear an oath that you cannot keep is to summon a storm into this world."

Lyydia frowned, "I dunno" she whispered back. "I think I know this one... it's not a happy ending."

"When Gulnar passed into the Labyrinth, Kaisa and Topi looked after Freki, out of respect for their father's wishes. But then the mystics came from the aviary and invited Kaisa to join them. Her heart broke to leave her siblings, but she knew her calling lay in the reading of the omens and so she left. For a while Topi looked after his young brother, but eventually the wanderlust took him and he put aside his promise and took up his bow and went out into the world to make a name for himself."

"Told you," said Lydia. "They won't sleep tonight... you mark my words."

"When the food was gone Freki thought he would starve but he went out into the forest where he found a boar that the wolves had killed. He was so hungry that he gnawed on the bones and ate what little meat was left. When the wolves returned to the kill, they found the boy sleeping, and thought to kill him. But the thane of the pack knew the boy for a foundling and they took him in and made him one of their own."

"You worry too much, it'll be fine." Anni reassured her, but she made a mental note to keep her eye on the littlest just the same. Little Esa had a heart like the softest snow.

"And so the boy grew into a wolf, with a thick coat of black fur and legs so strong he could keep up with the pack when they ran over the hills and through the dales hunting prey. But wolves live for ten years and not a day more and eventually they passed and now the boy was alone once more. Strong now, but not strong enough to hunt wild beasts by himself. Hunger drove him closer to the places he had once known, to the homes of Gulnar's Depths, looking for any scrap of food."

"When the people saw the wolf prowling round their hall, they worried that he would take one of their children to eat. So they sent away for a great hunter to come and kill the beast. It took Topi many days, but eventually he returned to the place of his birth, where he had sworn that terrible oath all those years ago. He took up his bow and firing three arrows in a single heartbeat, one through the wolf's heart, one through the wolf's leg and one through the wolf's eye."

There was a collective gasp of horror from the assembled children. "Here we go," warned Lyydia. She made to take a step towards their youngest, but Anni put her hand on her partner's arm. "Wait".

"As Topi took out his knife to skin the wolf, a falcon appeared and settled on the branches above the wolf's head. The hunter paid it no thought, but when he cut away the fur, all he found was his brother, Topi, lying dead at his feet. In that moment he knew that he would be forever cursed, as an oathbreaker and a kinslayer. And he wept every day when the sun rose and every day when the sun set for now at least he knew his name."

The scop stood up and bowed low before his assembled audience of younglings. "And ''that'' is why a true hero must always keep their word... And why a wise hero chooses their vows carefully." There was a collective and appreciative "ooh" from the assembled children followed by shouts of "More!" as the storyteller made to leave.

"Time for bed!" said Anni, raising her voice above the hullabaloo...
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Serpent stone.jpg|caption=Only oaths carved in stone truly last.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJU13sp8-Eo}}
A year ago, four members of the Assembly of Nine [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|swore powerful oaths]] to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. They promised to each carry a hallowed item, and do nothing to resist its effects. Since then it has become more apparent that a number of those who swore the oaths have not kept them. The Assembly of Wisdom have [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_135|publicly stated]] that they removed the blasphemous hallow from their cardinal, '''Silas of the Cenotaph''' after a single season and destroyed it. '''Iniska Ashwood''', the [[proxy]] of the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]] had the hallow removed from them at the Summer Solstice, by the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]] who feared their proxy might face condemnation and death for their commitment to keep their oath. Only '''Viviane Barossa''', now of [[the League]], is known to have kept their vow to the bitter end in the face of the clamour to give it up.

Thus far, breaking these oaths does not appear to be ill-omened, for those involved or those close to them. This is not ''entirely'' surprising - [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|oaths]] are powerful hearth magic, especially when they are [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Witnessing|witnessed]], but it is hard to say what breaking one will mean. A child who promises his mother he will be in before dark rarely faces the wroth of fate if he tarries after the sun goes dark. However, the more solemn the oath, the more public the swearing, the more potent the effects usually are for those who break them.

And so it transpires... as the leaves fall from the trees and Autumn comes round again, it would appear that an ineluctable judgement may yet be coming to bear on those whose solemn word has been broken.

Apposite then, that, just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] should choose now to opine on this subject, calling for the creation of a structure dedicated to the collection, preservation, and upholding of oaths.

==The Afflicted Assemblies==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|width=200|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Prosperity.png|width=200|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|width=200|align=right}}</div>
* '''An odd doom is settling over the Wisdom and Prosperity assemblies
* '''The Pride assembly is showing no signs of discord
The effects are subtle at first, like a wind that rises imperceptibly from a breeze to a storm. No-one notices initially, but by the time you are forced to take shelter, it's difficult to imagine how you could possibly have missed it. As the winds and the rain batter you, who can recall the first zephyr that heralded the oncoming gale?

Dissension has always been a part of the Assembly of Wisdom in particular - the faithful pride themselves on testing what they learn - they do not accept the claims of others blindly. Traditionally though, such disagreements have been civil, a respectful exchange of ideas born of a shared desire to find the truth. But as the Autumn equinox draws closer, that respectful dialogue becomes increasingly rare, replaced with a rancorous hostility that seems to permeate every discussion as citizens obstinately refuse to admit when the flaws in their ideas are exposed in front of others. There is no shortage of fools and no shortage of people eager to chastise them for their folly.

The Wisdom Assembly are not only ones affected. Priests of the Assembly of Prosperity find their [[congregation|congregations]] bickering and feuding over every issue. Some followers of Prosperity normally use their priest's sermon as an opportunity to meet with like-minded people with whom they can collaborate on new endeavours. This benign networking fades like a puddle drying in the sun, to be replaced with bitter competition between those who operate rival businesses. The tenets teach people to share what you have with those who deserve it, but who wants to share what they have with grasping misers, thieving bandits, and lazy wastrels that they increasingly find themselves surrounded by?

Eventually it becomes clear that both assemblies are labouring under a potent curse. [[Winter magic]] - the [[Wisdom of the Balanced Blade]] - reveals that some kind of ''doom'' has settled upon the assemblies, sowing strife and discord in its wake. It is only projected to last for a year, but the months ahead are likely to be contentious and quarrelsome, marked by altercations and strife. The curse hasn't reduced attendance, but it has made the atmosphere febrile and argumentative.

Unlike the others, the Pride Assembly appears to be unaffected. Why that might be is unclear. Some claim it is because '''Zadkiel de Coeurdefer''' has kept their oath, but the court records state that they were mugged and the item taken from them and destroyed. While that might absolve the former [[Cardinal]] from any personal responsibility, it wouldn't do anything to avoid the oath being broken. [[Hearth magic]] does not care ''why'' something happens, only that it does. Whoever took and destroyed that item did so in the sure knowledge they were condemning Zadkiel to a terrible fate - forcing them to break their oath. Despite this, nothing bad has befallen the Assembly.

Magicians who study such things believe it is most likely due to their Proud decision to immediately step down as Cardinal of Pride after swearing the oath. That prompt action may well have somehow saved their Assembly from any debilitating effects when the oath was broken.

===Participation: Wisdom Assembly===
* '''Any character who preached Wisdom to a congregation in the last year is afflicted by a curse'''
* '''The effects will last a year, but may leave your character permanently altered'''
Any character who preached [[Wisdom]] in the last year is under the effect of a curse for the coming year that makes them experience the following [[roleplaying effect]]: ''You are keenly aware of the limitations of other people's thinking. Foolishness grates on your nerves more than usual. When people say things you believe to be wrong you are reminded of the guidance of Wisdom that tells you to despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it.''

The curse will fade after a year, but players whose characters succumb often to the effects may choose to have them be permanently altered by the curse, remaining more willing to challenge others and rebuke folly after the curse fades. The curse can be broken by publicly swearing a significant oath. Provided the oath is profoundly meaningful for your character and they are honest in their intent to stick to it, then the curse will fade. ('''OOC Note:''' Let a referee know if you decide your actions have broken this curse.)
===Participation: Prosperity Assembly===
* '''Any character who preached Prosperity to a congregation in the last year is afflicted by a curse'''
* '''The effects will last a year, but may leave your character permanently altered'''
Any character who preached [[Prosperity]] in the last year is under the effect of a curse for the coming year that makes them experience the following [[roleplaying effect]]: ''You are more keenly aware when others try to take advantage of you, especially when they try to take more than they deserve. People assuming you will aid them rankles more than usual. When they take what belongs to you and yours; you are reminded of the guidance of Prosperity that tells you to despise the thieving bandit, the lazy wastrel, and the grasping miser.''

The curse will fade after a year, but players whose characters succumb often to the effects may choose to have them be permanently altered by the curse, remaining more aware of when others are trying to take advantage of you. The curse can be broken by publicly swearing a significant oath. Provided the oath is profoundly meaningful for your character and they are honest in their intent to stick to it, then the curse will fade. ('''OOC Note:''' Let a referee know if you decide your actions have broken this curse.)

===A Note on Roleplaying Effects===
* '''How you respond to a roleplaying effect is down to your characterisation'''
All roleplaying effects describe emotions and feelings that your character is experiencing - how you react to these feelings will be dependent on your characterisation. You can't ignore the effects - even if you are able to resist the urge, your character is still experiencing it. But as a player, you choose how your character responds to the roleplaying effects they are experiencing. It is fine if your awareness of these effects, and the intensity of them, naturally wax and wane during the event.

<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|width=200|align=right}}</div>

==The Vigilance Assembly==
* '''Every congregation that preached Vigilance last season has gained two additional votes'''

The other Assembly that has avoided any ill effects of the oath of their cardinal at the time is the Assembly of Ambition. In theory they might have avoided any consequences because they roundly rejected the Cardinal's actions and ordered them to leave the Assembly. That could well have been enough to grant them a measure of protection against any magical repercussions had there been any.
{{SOP|statement=Penance: The assembly has heard Viviane's inquisition and her reasoning. While her original intentions in taking the hallow were not heretical, there were clear and catastrophic failures of vigilance. As penance she will: Make a statement in the Assembly of Nine denouncing "Peace". Join the vigilance assembly in ensuring the virtue of Imperial priests travelling to Axou. Step down as Cardinal of Ambition.|by=Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=214-16|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
However the fact that Viviane Barossa found a way to hold true to their oath, steadfastly refusing to break their word, despite the barrage of criticism they faced, was also enough to ensure that there were no repercussions. There is only one known way to absolutely ensure that you avoid the baleful hearth magic of oaths and that is that ''your word is kept, no matter what''.

It is commonly believed that Viviane Barossa took on the aura in the hope of building diplomatic bridges with the [[Axos|Axou]], seeking a bridge to try and bring them to the Way. The idea of opening the eyes of an entire nation of people and bringing them to the Way is certainly in keeping with the Virtue one would expect of the Cardinal of Ambition. The fact that they dramatically paid the price for their dreams only serves to underscore what the Virtue teaches - that "Consequences are the price of Ambition".

Castigated by their own Assembly they were instructed to step down as cardinal and ordered to join the Vigilance Assembly to ensure the virtue of Imperial priests travelling to Axou. They have preached faithfully as a member of the Assembly ever since, and what's more they have practiced what they preached. While their peers were forcibly separated from the hallows they were given, allegedly by members of their own assembly, Viviane Barossa has ensured that the item she swore to carry has never left her sight. In Summer, the Assembly of Nine [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements|called Viviane Barossa to inquisition]] and ordered her to destroy the blasphemous hallow as penance. And yet ''still'' she refused to break her oath. It might not have been ''Wise'', it might not have been ''legal'', but arguably it was ''Vigilant''. She understood the terrible repercussions that might come from breaking an oath and she did everything to make sure that didn't happen.

Their success and Vigilance has inspired many in their new Assembly. There is no shame for the others, who lost their hallowed items through no fault of their own. But Viviane Barossa achieved what others could not and kept her oath to the bitter end. Priests preaching Vigilance to their congregations find newcomers attending their sermons for the first time, interested to learn more about the Virtue. Too late to have more liao assigned to their congregations by the civil service, but not too late to have the effects registered for their votes at the coming summit. Every congregation that preached Vigilance last season has gained two additional votes. The effects will fade after the next summit.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=In Winter 386YE, the Loyalty Assembly named Veikko Bondforger their Oathkeeper. Veikko has tirelessly collected the resources necessary to build an edifice and formalise this position. We seek a location in Wintermark to build this edifice. This will be an oathing place, called the Forge of Bonds, maintained by the Oathkeeper. The Oathkeeper’s responsibilities will be the collection, preservation and upholding of oaths. We welcome the suggestions that this position enable the Loyalty Assembly to commit one oath a season to those White Granite walls.|by=Hal IronBelly, Wintermark Assembly|vote={{GM}} 354-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
{{SOPInner|statement=In Winter 386YE, we named Veikko Bondforger our Oathkeeper. They have tirelessly collected the resources necessary to build an edifice and formalise this position. We seek a location in Wintermark to build this edifice. This will be an oathing place, called the Forge of Bonds, maintained by The Oathkeeper. The Oathkeeper’s responsibilities will be the collection, preservation and upholding of oaths. We would, if possible, like to commit one oath a season to those White Granite walls.|by=Veikko Bondforger, Loyalty Assembly|vote={{GM}} 500-10|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
</div>
==Deep Magic==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|width=200|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|width=200|align=right}}</div>
* '''The Empire could build the Forge of Bonds at the Fingers in Hahnmark'''
* '''Each season, the Keeper of Oaths could cut the words of a single oath into the stones of the building, to ensure that they endured'''
* '''If the Keeper of Oaths recorded a solemn vow it would be much more likely to invite disaster if it were broken, due to the hearth magic of witnessing'''
With the crucial importance of oaths so powerfully demonstrated, the Wintermark Assembly and the Loyalty Assembly have passed complementary judgements calling for the creation of a new position, the Oathkeeper. The idea is simple enough - build a simple edifice, one that could be looked after and maintained by the Oathkeeper - they could then immortalise the words of an oath by cutting them into the stones of the building itself, ensuring that the promise was quite literally carved in stone.

Most Wintermarkers quickly agree that [[Hahnmark#The_Fingers|the Fingers]] is the ideal location for this edifice. A Virtuous site, one that celebrates, [[Pride]], [[Loyalty]] and [[Courage]] - all crucial Virtues for those that need to find the strength to keep their vows. What better place to record the words of heroes than here, in the very spot where the formation of Wintermark is celebrated?

The idea of someone who will witness oaths, and work to ensure they are kept makes a lot of sense to many Wintermarkers, echoing as it does in many ways the role of the [[Wintermark_religious_beliefs#Stormcrow|stormcrow]]. The folk of the Mark understand that breaking your word is one of the surest ways to warp your [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein|skein]] in ways that can be hard to unwind. Having your oath witnessed and recorded can be invaluable in shoring up your Courage when it comes to sticking to your word. Thus, the idea of creating a sacred site, somewhere to record the most important oaths, feels ''right'' to many.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Forge of Bonds'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Wood_Heath|Wood Heath]], [[Hahnmark]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 11 white granite, 33 crowns thrones in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the position of Keeper of Oaths</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Winter Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Keeper of Oaths'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial or National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Loyalty Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can use a judgement in the Wintermark or Loyalty assembly to add an important oath to the walls of the Forge of Bonds</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' The collection, preservation and upholding of important oaths</td></tr>
</table></div>
But some people do question if this is really wise. Oaths are an important hearth magic: there is something in the nature of swearing a vow that changes the world in ways that can often be difficult to predict. Scops know many tales of Courageous heroes who swore foolish oaths and then found themselves trapped by them. Witnessing an oath makes the hearth magic more potent, more likely to twist your skein if you break it. What would happen if you cut the words of an oath into the very rocks of the Fingers? Woe to anyone who broke that oath... Anyone who had their oath carved into stone like that would be inviting the world to extract a terrible price if they broke their vow. Is it really wise to do that... to invite that level of scrutiny? To tempt fate in such a way?

On the other hand... what better way to demonstrate how important an oath is? What better way to laud those who uphold their vows?

If the Empire completes the Forge of Bonds, then the Loyalty Assembly could appoint the Keeper of Oaths to oversee it and to choose which vows were cut into the walls. It could either be a national or an Imperial position, depending on the wording of the Senate motion used to commission the edifice (it would need to be a Senate motion since it would also create a title).

==Further Reading==
* [[Hearth magic]]

* [[Know your enemy]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune about the continuing fallout
* [[The final cut]]- 387YE Spring wind of fortune about the ongoing situation
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about the response to the oaths
* [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|Victory and unity]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune

<small>'''Inspiration''': The flavour text accompanying this wind is inspired by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_and_the_Wolves The Boy and the Wolves] collated by Andrew Lang and based on a traditional native American story.</small>
==Game Design: Oaths==
Oaths are a powerful hearth magic in Empire, reflecting their importance and significance in traditional stories. In classical myths and stories, breaking an oath is ''invariably bad'' - and the outcome is usually disaster. It is important to note that volition is not a relevant factor here - indeed in ''most'' stories the oaths are usually up broken through no fault at all of the individuals involved. A seminal example of this is the classic story of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%BA_Chulainn#Death death of Cú Chulainn]. The legendary Irish hero has a geis, an oath, that prohibits him from eating dog meat. But in early Ireland there was a taboo against refusing hospitality, so when an old crone offers him a meal of dog meat, he has no choice but to break his geis. It's not his fault, but he still dies as a result.

LRP does not have to be like a story, so the outcomes can be different, but the themes are the same. If you swear an oath, you have to make sure your vow is kept otherwise bad things happen. Oaths create a weakness for your character, they make you vulnerable to others putting you in a situation where you have to break your oath - or simply breaking it for you - as happened to the members of the Assembly of Nine. Obviously we can't keep track of every oath every character swears, but if the plot invites you to swear a big important oath - like the Assembly of Nine were invited to do here, or like the Marchers generals were encouraged to do - then you can be sure that that oath is likely to matter a lot. The more public an oath, the more important an oath, the more likely we are to be aware of it, and the more likely it is that something bad will happen if it's broken.

In many ways oaths are ''meant'' to be broken. There are relatively few classic stories in which the hero publicly swears a solemn oath to do something and then they just keep their oath and everything turns out fine. That would be an unusual story structure - a violation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun Chekhov's gun]. In LRP it's cool to strive to keep your oath - the struggle is meant to be fun. But there will be more drama for everyone if the vow gets broken. Breaking a vow brings consequences, and that in turn leads to more roleplaying - which is what we want for everyone at the event. It's meant as a punishment for the ''characters'', but the penance is to have more roleplaying to content with - we do that in the hope that it will complicate player's game and give them even more things to have fun sorting and dealing with at the event.

There's no suggestion that anyone has done anything wrong - the plot would be much more boring if everyone had just kept their oaths and nothing happened. The characters who stole and destroyed the hallowed items and thereby broke the oaths haven't done anything wrong - to the contrary, their actions have meant more game consequences down the line - they acted in a way that makes the game more interesting - which is something we want to encourage to do. That's why the curses here are not meant to be punitive - they're carefully designed to be roleplaying curses that a character can escape with more roleplaying at the point where they decide it's right for their character to achieve that. This curse is out of the control of the characters - but the players remain in control of the consequences and of what is happening to their character. That way people can engage with the roleplaying as much or as little as they want - depending on how much enjoyment they get from it.

We give the future to the winds

2026-09-07T14:25:48Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Makra lifted the cloth that covered the little statuette, and braced herself. She had no idea how her teacher might react. As it happened they reacted by leaning forward slightly and squinting at the sculpture, then rocking back into the seated position.

"What is this meant to be?"

"It is a statue of... Lord Isso Mouse de Uwu... I think." She replied. "I'm not sure I'm pronouncing that correctly mind you. It's the Golden Handed God of merchants and traders. The Asavean god, I mean."

Her teacher nodded, and continued to peer at the figure. It was carved of yellow stone, inlaid here and there with orichalcum details. It depicted a broadly smiling baldheaded man wearing a fine coat and trousers in the Faraden style, richly detailed. Its hands were outstretched before it, slightly off balance from each other, palms turned upwards. On each palm glittered a deep topaz lightstone, carefully carved into the shape of a leaping flame.

"The flames are a clever touch," mused their teacher. They reached out and prodded the statuette. First its stomach, and then its face. "Where did it come from?"

"It was given to Ongata Khumtragoni by one of the Asavean merchants." Makra had expected her teacher to be angry, and wasn't sure what to make of their present calm demeanour.

"Of course it was." The old priest chewed his lips thoughtfully.

"He - Ongata - was worried that it was blasphemous or offensive or something. The Asavean said it was to show that Lord Mouse was Prosperous, and knew the value of the Five Flames, or something. Ongata said he couldn't really say no without risking the gloaming deal, so he took it and now he wants me to tell him what to do about it. I don't know what to do about it."

"It's clear what they are trying to do." Boora looked off into the distance, ignoring the statue and gazing out of the window into the garden. "It's not quite an insult, but it also makes me uneasy. I'm put in mind of the stories of Keshiri; the slow and gentle eroding of ones pride by pleasant smiles and apparent humility."

He sighed heavily.

"It would be better in a way if they were more objectionable. If they tried to come at us straight-on with Courage rather than this... this corrosive civility. This eating away at our future, with gifts and pleasantries. If Ongata has one of these then it is likely there are more out there. It's only a matter of time until large versions start showing up, or depictions of some of their other gods with flames and winds and the like."

"What do we do about it?" Makra asked. For the first time, her mentor showed some surprise as if he had not been expecting so obvious a question.

"Do?" said the High Priest of the Silver Tree. "Why, we fight them of course. What ''else'' would we do?"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Blue Silk Printing.jpg|caption=The Faraden adore fine clothing, rich cloth, clever printing, and beautiful embroidery.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhFvGbw3CY8}}
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.

The lifeblood of [[Faraden]] is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, courageous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the [[Jotun]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]], but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.
{{Nation|nation=[[Faraden]]|port=[[Sea_of_Snow#Pelabuhan|Caitun]]|ambassador=Ebenezer of [[the Marches]]|status=Foreigner}}
The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is ''Mistress Singua Karadragha''. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.
==Flames and Faith==
* '''The Asavean priesthood continues to make inroads in Faraden despite assistance from the Imperial Synod
* '''A plan has been proposed to create a site of spiritual power dedicated to the Five Flames
* '''The Faraden priests involved ask the Gatekeepers for a dose of precious true liao
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=The General Assembly|align=right}}
Following the Spring Equinox, a quiet coalition of Faraden priestly families [[A_pillow_of_winds#A_Matter_Of_Faith|made a covert approach]] to the [[Synod]]. Concerned about Asavean efforts to syncretise their gods with the [[On Faraden faith|Five Flames]] - roughly analogous to the Imperial understanding of [[Courage]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Vengeance]], [[Loyalty]], [[Pride]], and [[Prosperity]] - they asked their opposite numbers in the Virtue assemblies to offer their aid. The Synod response was positive, but the attempt [[Wild_is_the_wind#Flame_and_Virtue|ultimately failed]].

Despite Ambassador Ebeneezer's positivity, the families believe the situation is worsening. Slower than it might have without Imperial involvement, but the Asaveans are still gaining ground. Their proselytisers remain civil and polite on the surface, but their efforts are insidious. Those who deal with Asavean merchants are encouraged to participate in religious ceremonies or visit the small number of shrines that have grown up around the nation. There are obvious advantages to Faraden merchants in paying lip service to their “Golden Handed God” of trade - and it is unfortunately a short step from lip service to viewing [[Asavean_gods#Lord_Isso_Mãos_de_Ouro|Lord Isso Mãos de Ouro]] and the [[Prosperity|Flame of Prosperity]] as being interchangeable. The longer it goes on, the more the Asavean priests dig their claws into Faraden society.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Messages sent to ''Boorra Talighar of the Silver Tree, at the Temple of the High Flames, Court of the Five Winds, Faraden'' will be received by the priest following the Autumn Equinox. After that, they will have returned to their own temple and such messages will not reach them.}}
Now Mistress Karadragha passes on another message from the priestly families - again with an element of the covert about it. A very well respected Priest of the Five Flames named ''Boorra Talighar of the Silver Tree'' has considered the matter at length and has another request for the Imperial Synod. They are aware that the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]] of the Empire are responsible for distributing the precious [[liao#True Liao|True Liao]], a substance that can be used to enact miracles of spiritual power. Faraden itself has no access to this substance; its capabilities are somewhat legendary among the faithful of the Five Flames. Almost all [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]] [[Aura|auras]] in the nation are the result of [[Aura#Spontaneous_Auras|spontaneous manifestations]].

The Asavean priests, however, have nothing approaching the spiritual ceremonies that followers of the Five Flames - and the Way - can create. Boorra Talighar proposes to create a [[Consecration#True Liao|true consecration]] at the ''Temple of the High Flames'' - the most prestigious seat of the Faraden faith - using the ceremony of the [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|Flame of Honour]]. The other priestly families broadly agree that this will draw pilgrims from across Faraden, and provide a potent anchor to their beliefs against the attack of the Asaveans.

Unfortunately, none of the priests have true liao... unless someone is prepared to give it to them. Another major stumbling block - over and above the problem of persuading the Empire to part with a dose of this precious substance - is that it is illegal for Imperial citizens to trade true liao to anyone who is not an Imperial citizen. As such, they literally cannot offer anything in return for this gift, and they can ''only'' accept it from the Gatekeepers (who could simply indicate they intend to distribute it to Boorra Talighar, and the Civil Service would arrange for it to be delivered on their behalf).
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="List of Criminal Offences 387YE">It is illegal to trade true liao to anyone who is not an Imperial citizen. However, the distribution of true liao by the gatekeepers of virtue, for no payment, does not constitute "Trade" for this purpose.</quote></div>
Or rather, they can only accept it ''legally'' from the Gatekeepers. If a private individual were to acquire a dose and use a ritual such as ''[[Ethereal Courier]]'' to dispatch it to Boorra, they would be able to use it for the consecration regardless of Imperial law. The civil service are quick to point out that this would be serious crime, if any Imperial citizen were to consider doing so. It would be quite hard to conceal that the crime had taken place - given that the whole point of the consecration is that it become common knowledge - and even thought Boorra and their compatriots would of course refuse to give up the name of a mysterious benefactor, there are only so many doses of true liao in the Empire and it is unlikely that one would be provided by anyone else with access.

The window of opportunity for this plan is quite narrow; Boorra believes that it would be most effective as part of the grand celebrations that take place each year at the end of the year in Faraden. If the dose has not reached them before the start of the Winter Solstice, it will be too late to have a meaningful impact. The consecration will still go ahead but its effects will be significantly reduced.

==The Hills of Reinos==
* '''The Faraden have a peace treaty with the Jotun that is due to be renegotiated during the Summer Solstice 388YE
* '''Unless the situation changes significantly the Faraden will seek to maintain the peace treaty with the Jotun
The Faraden have a tumultuous relationship with several of their other immediate neighbours, especially the [[Jotun]]. Parts of their territory are under the control of that barbarian nation, and without the historic aid of the Empire it could have been much worse. They have maintained a state of peace with the Jotun for nearly ten years now, through a series of treaties that allow them to trade with the Empire but at the cost of punitive "tithes" given to the Jotun and Lasambrian Jotun jarls of [[Reinos]]. There was [[A_pillow_of_winds#War_in_Reinos|significant excitement]] when news reached the Court of Five Winds that the Empire had [[Follow_me_my_friend|invaded the Lasambrian Hills]] but sadly this [[Wild_is_the_wind#War_in_Reinos|came to nothing]] when the [[Military Council]] withdrew its [[Army|armies]] following the Spring Equinox.

Ambassador Ebeneezer has suggested that the "''military situation in Reinos wasn't favourable''" and urged Mistress Karadragha to "''consider what would it take to form a better treaty between our virtuous peoples''." In response the Faraden Ambassador has laid out the reality of the situation. Talk of a "''Prosperity pact''" is all very well but Faraden cannot afford to go to war with the Jotun, and the Jotun would prefer to focus their efforts on fighting the Empire at this time. Next year, in Summer 388YE, the existing treaty between Faraden and the Jotun is due to be renegotiated - and the Liege of Five Winds has instructed their diplomats to ensure that the peace continues especially given the growing turbulence within the nation caused by the twin-pressures of Asavea and the Empire.

It is Mistress Karadragha's opinion that the given current circumstances it seems likely the peace treaty will continue for at least another two years. As long as it is in place the Faraden cannot offer direct military support to the Empire in fighting the Jotun. If it fails, then the Faraden likewise would not be able to spare any martial support for the Empire as they would be fighting the Jotun - indeed it is likely they would ask the Empire for aid in securing their borders. She does let slip however that there is another possibility on the table. Representatives of the [[Iron Confederacy]] have been in touch with Mistress Karadragha to discuss, in theoretical terms, the possibility of a Suranni invasion of Reinos. They are apparently itching to wipe out the Lasambrian septs once and for all regardless of who their allies are. They've already offered quite favourable deals to the Faraden if they offer covert support to their efforts, and in the candid opinion of Mistress Karadragha this might present a much more favourable outcome to her people than waiting on the Empire.

The civil service note again in the wake of the Faraden Ambassadors words that one of the few things allowing Faraden to maintain their strained peace with the Jotun is that the western barbarians are focusing their attention on the Empire the treaty the High Liege of the Five Winds relies on will not last long if the Empire achieves peace with the orcs.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A Yak.jpg|align=right|caption=The yak of western Faraden are like very hairy oxen but adapted to live at high altitudes and in cold weather. Their wool, milk, and meat is much prized.|width=400}}</div>
==Yaks and Cheese==
* '''A statement of principle in the Marcher assembly has been enthusiastically received by the Hakhandra family
* '''They have proposed to pay some of the white granite cost should Yakholme Grange be commissioned
* '''The statement has allayed fears of further disruption and attracted interest from some Faraden priests
Following the visit of [[Wild_is_the_wind#Gratitude_and_Grain|visit of the Hakhandra]] to [[the Marches]] last season, enthusiasm for [[Wild_is_the_wind#Yakholme_Grange|Yakholme Grange]] remains high among that family and their allies. ''Khutulun Hakhandra'' has sent personal thanks to Ambassador Ebeneezer for speaking on behalf of his family to the Marcher Assembly, and to '''Sister Meredith''' for her kind words and winning the friars and monks of her nation around.
{{SOP|statement=The Marcher Assembly wishes to welcome our Faraden neighbours to break ground together for the creation of Yakholme Grange, in the spirit of shared Prosperity. We offer as Marchers, and expect from the Faraden that theological discussion (where we differ) be limited to Priests, to maintain a convivial marketplace. Sensible heads that obey these rules are welcome. Chattering loudmouths can take their trade elsewhere. See you there for cheese & ale!|by=Sister Meredith, Marcher Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 176-10|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
As intimated last season, the [[statement of principle]] upheld by the Marcher assembly has gone some way towards mollifying those in the Marches concerned about a repeat of the [[Upwold#Moonwater_Hall_(ruins)|Moonwater Hall]] fiasco. News of it has also encouraged the Hakhandra that any lingering animosity truly has been buried.

As such the Hakhandra family has put its hands in its pockets and proposes to provide 15 wains of [[white granite]] and 45 crowns towards the labour costs of Yakholme Grange should it be [[commission|commissioned]]. Khutulun Hakhandra also sends a basket of ''mooncheese'' to the Ambassador, asking them to pass the goods along to Sister Meredith and her fellow friars and monks as a sincere sign of thanks for their work in this matter. ('''OOC Note:''' A small amount of mooncheese has been left with the Civil Service at the Hub for collection by the Ambassador, to distribute as appropriate to those involved).
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|width=150|align=left}}
The statement has more immediate effects, reducing the likelihood of problems while the Grange is being built. The Hakhandra also respond enthusiastically to Ambassador Ebenezer's suggestion that if any problems ''do'' occur they can be talked out by a combination of Marchers and Faraden representatives - presumably rather than one side or the other simply burning everything down. If there is a downside to this ''détente'' it is that if any trouble ''does'' erupt between the Faraden and the Marcher farmers, and it proves insurmountable, people on both sides are likely to end up pointing the finger at the Assembly for saying everything would be fine.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">There's more than one way to bury a hatchet.</quote></div>
On a final note, apparently the possibility presented by the Assembly that there may be chances to discuss matters of faith with Marcher priests has caused some interest in Faraden. There are a few among those who dedicate themselves to the Five Flames who have an interest in visiting the Marches one Yakholme Grange is completed - especially among those who particularly follow the teachings of the flames analogous to Imperial Prosperity, Pride, and Loyalty - with an intention of enjoying Marcher ale and cheese and seeing if it is all it is cracked up to be.

==Great Hall of Fabric Arts==
* '''There is interest in Faraden relating to the Great Hall of Fabric Arts in Delev
While discussing plans for [[Wild_is_the_wind#Firewind_Market|Firewind Market]] in Holberg, some of the Faraden expressed an interest in trading with the people of the "evil forests of [[Varushka]]" with an eye towards both the wealth of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]] that grow there but also their fine cloth and embroidery. With news of the completion of the [[The_Deer_in_the_Sun#Warp and Weft|Great Hall of Fabric Arts]] in [[Karov#Delev|Delev]] that interest has solidified further. An invitation passed along from the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]], '''Alexandrina Ivanova Cherenkov''', to Faraden merchants has been eagerly received in some quarters. Not long after the Summer Solstice, a caravan of Faraden arrive in Delev to take a proper look both at the city and the Hall of Fabric Arts.

The contingent represents the Nekmelchida family - who make their money from trade in fine cloth and clothing - and a small contingent from the ''Guild of the Blue Silk Scarf'' - a wizard family who specialise in fine magical garb who have had [[All_the_wind#Blue_Silk_Scarves|some dealings]] with the Empire before albeit at one remove. While the main focus of the Faraden approach remains on Holberg, the Nekmelchida and the Blue Scarf feel they likely have more in common with the weavers of Varushka - and the merchants of Delev. Especially after they have an opportunity to tour the Great Hall and speak to the weavers.

Initial responses are very positive, but there are some concerns about the danger of Varushka and its "carnivorous geography" as one Nekmelchida puts it. There is also the question of whether the city has sufficient draw for the merchants the two Faraden groups would want to deal with. Some discussion of the plans to build a [[Outside_the_wall#A_Great_Market|Great Market]] at Delev, put together as the result of the [[appraisal]] from [[Outside the wall|earlier in the year]], mollify these concerns to an agree. The idea of having a quarter as part of this ambitious trading hub appeals - but without the Great Market there is concern about the viability of establishing such an enclave. In the end the Nekmelchida regretfully indicate that until the Great Market or something similar is built they will not seek an opportunity to establish close ties with Delev.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Coloured cloth.jpg|align=right|caption=The artisans and wizards who work with the Blue Silk Scarf guild are masters of creating magical garb.|width=400}}</div>
===Arts of the Loom===
* '''The Blue Silk Scarf guild are interested in establishing a presence in Delev
The Guild of the Blue Silk Scarf however are significantly more interested. They are aware that Varushka has a strong magical tradition - and that their wares might well be of interest to both [[volhov]] and [[cabalists]]. They also tend to deal in small numbers of valuable goods rather than the kind of bulk transportation of cloth and vestments the Nekmelchida specialise in. As such, their representatives make a separate approach to the Great Hall of Fabric Arts.

They propose securing a small base of operations within the walls of Delev, staffed by members of the Guild. They can [[Crafting skills#Artisan|work their craft]] in Varushka as easily as they can back home - and indeed access to cheap materials such as [[dragonbone]], [[iridescent gloaming]], [[beggar's lye]], and both [[orichalcum]] and [[weltsilver]] are very appealing. A permanent address would also allow them to both bring in and remove valuable goods without the risks of transporting materials through the Lasambrian Hills using a ritual they call the ''Celestial Caravan'' (which on the surface at least appears similar to the ritual known in [[Urizen lore]] as [[Ethereal Courier]]).
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Blue Scarf Guildhouse'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Ministry</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Karov#Delev|Delev]], Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 [[weirwood]] and 8 [[mithril]], 60 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Blue Silk Scarf Guild will provide 8 mithril toward completion of the ministry</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates a ministry and the title of ''Blue Silk Weaver'' (unless a title that oversees the Great Hall of Fabric Arts has been created
</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Blue Silk Weaver'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Varushkan</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can acquire magical clothing</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To serve as a liaison between the Faraden Blue Silk Scarf guild and the people of Varushka; to encourage Faraden merchants to trade with the city; to smooth over any disputes; to make decisions based on any opportunities related to Blue Scarf Guildhouse</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' Establishing the Blue Scarf Guildhouse will result in Faraden wizards meeting Thule merchants</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Blue Scarf Artisans'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 iridescent gloaming, 5 crowns</td><td>1 Moonmoth Coat</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 iridescent gloaming, 5 crowns</td><td>1 Windwing Cowl</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 iridescent gloaming, 8 crowns</td><td>1 Nightfire Sash</td></tr>
<tr><td>45 iridescent gloaming 10 crowns</td><td>1 Wildwind Coat</td></tr>
</table></div>
Such a base will require some work, and a [[commission]] to ensure all the appropriate permissions are secured. The entire thing would cost around 20 wains, but the Blue Silk Scarf are enthusiastic enough to pay part of the costs themselves - specifically the [[mithril]] their proposal requires. The Varushkans would need to pay the 12 wains of weirwood their plan requires, while the Faraden provide the 8 wains of mithril needed to create looms, artisans tools, and assorted secure vaults in which to store their materials. It would create a title ''Blue Silk Weaver'' who would be responsible for smoothing over any problems that might arise between the Faraden wizard-artisans and Imperial citizens, and in return could purchase up to three pieces of magical garb each season.

The commission would create a new title ''unless'' the Senate chose to create a title with responsibility for overseeing the Great Hall of Fabric Arts specifically - in this case the Faraden wizards would deal with them directly. Indeed, if the Senate later created such a title the Faraden would expect the ''Blue Silk Weaver'' to be rolled in to that title.

There is one caveat the Civil Service have identified. A Faraden presence in Delev, especially the presence of members of a wizard family who explicitly make clothing of interest to magicians, would certainly lead to interest from the Thule. Mistress Karadragha has expressed interest in securing contact with the Thule and such contact could not help but be facilitated in Delev given the presence of Delev Market and its regular visitors from [[Otkodov]].
<br><br><big>'''Blue Scarf Merchandise'''</big>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
The Blue Silk Scarf Guild makes several articles of magical clothing that were [[All_the_wind#Blue_Silk_Scarves|previously]] only available via [[Ephisis' Scale|commerce]] with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. The items they offered in the past, and are offering for sale now in Delev, are as follows:
* '''Moonmoth Coat''', a deep blue jacket with moonsilver embroidery that can be invoked once each day by a magician to allow them to increase their ranks of [[Night magic|Night lore]] by one (subject to the usual limits) for the performance of one ritual.
* '''Windwing Cowl''', a bright yellow hood with sungold embroidery. It can be invoked once each day by a magician to allow them to increase their ranks of [[Day magic|Day lore]] by one (subject to the usual limits) for the performance of one ritual.
* '''Nightfire Sash''', a multicoloured silken sash that absorbs and stores magical energies (much like an [[Ashen Mantle]]) that also imbues the wearer with a particular appreciation for music, fire, and dancing.
* '''Wildwind Coat''', a potent padded coat decorated with fragments of tempest jade and weltsilver thread that allows a wearer versed in its use to swift cast the [[purify]] spell at the cost of only a single mana rather than two, and also provides a source of spiritual strength for overcoming any roleplaying effect that relies on fear and despair.
</div>
Click ''Expand'' to see a summary of the items that the artisans of the Blue Scarf Guild propose to make available in Delev.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NationBannerDawn.jpg|width=300|align=right}}

==The Richest Wines==
* '''The Faraden have an interest in trading in Dawn
* '''There is some interest in a proposal that a market in The Barrens might be profitable but also questions to be answered
After the Summer Solstice Mistress Karadragha received interesting missives from '''Earl Seraphine de Sarroi''' and '''Lady Cassandra du Creed''' encouraging Faraden interest in Dawnish markets. A particularly compelling case was made by Earl Seraphine for establishing a trading enclave in [[the Barrens]]. In particular the idea that "''Any Faraden market here would not be a guest among many''" but rather "''would be the first, with space to shape your own trade without opposition or interference''" is intriguing. The proposal suggested that [[The Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]] might be ideal due to the Dawnish intention to establish a port there, but Mistress Karadragha finds that quality makes it ''less'' appealing to that sea-fearing nation. Rather, they would be more interested in the opportunities presented in the west of the territory - ideally in [[The Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]], [[The Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], and the [[The Barrens#Carmine Fields|Carmine Fields]].

Faraden interest in Dawnish wine is well known, as is their appetite for other luxuries produced by the nation. The offer of ''barrensberry wine'' is especially appealing. An invitation for Mistress Karadragha to send a representative to join Seraphine and Lady Gwendoloena de Sarroi, Senator of the Barrens, at Anvil to discuss matters further leads to nothing but the Faraden Ambassador has an alternate proposal at this stage.

[[Wild is the wind#Further Markets|As previously discussed]], Faraden merchants are keen to establish a market in Dawn dedicated to the purchase and perhaps sale of fine wines and luxury goods. However, the merchants of the nation are already [[Wild_is_the_wind#Firewind_Market|in negotiation]] with the burghers of [[Holberg]] to establish a major enclave there. Presuming that this is successful, Faraden merchants would pass through [[Astolat]] and [[Semmerholm]] where they would be able to trade for the goods they want.

As Mistress Karadragha understands it, the Barrens is still something of a wild frontier - and while there are clearly opportunities for profit in that kind of environment they are a little different to those available in more established areas. Surely it would make more sense for Faraden and Dawn to cooperate on the establishment of a market in prosperous Astolat or Semmerholm, along the planned “Faraden trail” than extend their journey into the wild Barrens?

Not all the Faraden merchant families are so conservative, however. Mistress Karadragha informs the Ambassador that a small contingent of Sansar family explorer-merchants intend to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox to speak with the people of the Barrens about potential trade connections.
===Winds Blow Eastward===
* '''Three merchants of the Sansar family will be attending Anvil at 10:15 on Sunday.'''
* '''They intend to visit the people of Dawn to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation.'''
There is a saying in Faraden: the truest friendships are built on a foundation of gold. Diplomats, warriors, priests and wizards live among them, but at their heart the people of Faraden are merchants. As such, a pair of unexpected offers from Lady Cassandra du Creed and Earl Seraphine de Sarroi to discuss trade enclaves in the distant nation of Dawn are received with a great deal of cheer. Most people in Faraden think of the Dawnish as a nation of knights and witches, more concerned with great battles and epic stories than with sound economics. They are not entirely surprised, however. As many point out, it takes a lot of very sober and sensible merchants to feed and clothe so many glory-seekers. Whatever the case, money talks, and can be heard over surprisingly long distances by those willing to listen.

The Sansar family are known for being more tolerant of risk than many amongst their people. A distant enclave on the opposite side of the Empire is no small investment of time and resources, but there are already those seeking to profit from the vast metropolis of Holberg, and other merchants are keen not to fall behind. As such, the Sansar have assembled a small consortium of mercantile families to potentially go in with them on a venture to Dawn. Any such partnership will need some more details to begin with. What do the people of Dawn have to sell to their friends in Faraden? Mention has been made of the unique Barrensberries - are they medicinal, recreational, magical? Some combination of the above? What would the people of Dawn be most interested in purchasing in return? Where would any potential trading enclaves be built? These matters could be hashed out by Winged Messengers, but there is no substitute for looking a potential business partner in the eye. As such, three cousins of the Sansar family will be attending Anvil at 10:15 on Sunday, whence they intend to go to the Dawnish camp to receive hospitality and hash out potential details. Everything will need to be confirmed with each nation's respective civil service to get the exact numbers straight, but if all goes well, the outline of a deal could be drawn right there in Anvil.

The Sansar are, of course, primarily there to speak with the people of Dawn, and will not disrespect their hosts by turning their eyes away to other projects. However, if members of other nations were to express a polite interest in future cooperation... well, opportunity is a dish that curdles quickly. It would be foolish ''not'' to at least hear anyone else out, even if no final decision would be made.

==Ashes On The Breeze==
* '''The religious extremists known as the Cinders are suspiciously quiet.'''
Last season, the Liege of the Five Winds publicly condemned the violent ultra-orthodox sect known as the Cinders for making an attempt on the life of an Imperial citizen who had done them no wrong. Many across the nation rightly joined in such a condemnation, and the Cinders were, as predicted, driven underground. Some arrests were made, but ultimately the result was... silence. Eerie silence. There have been no retaliatory strikes, no defiant public statements. Nothing. Gossip around the Court of the Five Winds paints the Liege's mood around this issue as fretful - "If there is a wasp in the room," they are quoted as saying, "I would rather be able to see where it is before it stings me." Perhaps the wasp has quietly died somewhere out of sight, or perhaps it simply waits for the opportune moment to strike. For now, nobody knows.

{{Faraden Links}}

A dark and stormy night

2026-09-07T14:25:21Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
''"...we have noted and understand the need to change your staff in Redoubt but I personally found the increase in numbers perplexing since you will be reducing the staff over the coming season prior to the embassy being shuttered for the duration of the conflict..."''

Malachi's voice trailed off as he finished reading aloud from the dusty scroll. He handed the letter to his colleague so that it could be placed with the others. "It's signed Abel of Zenith Ascendant, Ambassador to the Grendel. He's telling them they have to get out," he said, by way of explanation.

"Cheeky fuckers," said Naomi shaking her head. "Hard to believe they were under our noses this whole time. We invite them in - and the first thing they do is start spying on us. First thing and the last thing too, it seems. Virtueless little shits."

"Hm... maybe." Malachi cocked his head to one side considering Naomi's statement. "Would you do as you're told if it were Grendel giving the orders?"

Naomi grinned at the rebuke. "I guess not. What is it Myfanwy says? ''You can't betray your enemies...''"

"Right." said Malachi grimly. "And what this little episode so neatly demonstrates is that the Grendel will always be our enemies..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Berechiah.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Berechiah]] taught the importance of being prepared to get one's hands dirty when pursuing threats to the safety of one's people.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_6awUf46ag}}
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued ''Victo von Temeschwar'']] and helped him regain his senses after he managed to successfully infiltrate the [[Grendel]] operation in the territory. Once he was fully debriefed, the Empire were in a position to either shut down the outpost in Apulian, or attempt to subvert the network at the risk of letting the spies get away.

While this has been happening, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt for enemies of the Empire]]. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. Thus far their work had been largely unsuccessful - which is to say that they were all set to report back that there were very few, if any, real threats in the territory beyond the obvious.

Then, at the very last moment, they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Black Iron Blade==
* '''The Military Council have shut down the outpost of the Grendel espionage ring in Spiral'''
After due consideration, the [[Military Council]] opted to shut down the Grendel operations in Spiral. Perhaps the benefits of trying to subvert the network were too intangible, perhaps the risks of letting the spies get away were simply too great. Only those who were present for the discussion will know for sure what was discussed, but the decision is not in any doubt. Orders go out to the Imperial magistrates, who gather together groups of League bravos, hastily recruited as militia and supplemented with a handful of sentinels and magicians from the spires outside the city. They move decisively to arrest the ringleaders - with a series of dawn raids the perpetrators are quickly taken into custody.

Those involved are a motley collection. Around half are Apulian orcs, most of whom never become League citizens when the territory switched sides under the leadership of Salt Lord Kaliact. A third are League citizens, whose loyalties have been bought with coin and promises of more. The remainder are a sorry mix of malcontents and ne'er do wells, mostly disgruntled Urizeni unhappy with the new regime.

Their arrest marks the end of Grendel operations in Spiral. There's no doubt some informants will have got away, you never catch everyone, but under questioning it is clear that the hard-headed choice of the Council has ensured that all the key people have been caught. The ones that refuse to cooperate are swiftly tried and executed, the handful that wisely chose to spill their guts and tell everything they now get off "lightly" - allowed to board ship and set sail never to return to the Empire. A chance to escape with their lives is too much for some of them to resist and the magistrates are able to gather a trove of invaluable information.

The first thing they discover is that the Grendel are operating "jewels" in [[Sarvos]] and ''another'' in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] as well, despite the [[The_cities_and_the_city#Sarvos:_Agents|work done to root them out from here two years ago]]. There were apparently plans to establish a new outpost in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Black City in Necropolis]] after the last one was [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|rooted out by the Empire]], but thus far the Grendel were unable to spare the resources needed. However, there is one in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]] - based out of the old embassy building.

These spies have no information on other territories, but it's likely that there are jewels in [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. Certainly the actions of [[Fake_empire#Gallum_Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]] in response to [[A circle sewn with fate|the Wrecker attack on Feroz]] strongly suggest that must be the case in that territory.

However, the Empire can be confident that the Grendel espionage ring does not extend beyond this. The interrogation of the captured Grendel agents reveals that the Grendel use their navies to set up these espionage rings. A single navy is all it takes, and any of the forces can accomplish it. All it takes is for the navy to spend a season in the waters off the coast and the scouts and spies go to work infiltrating the coast and suborning those whose loyalties are for sale. It's not cheap, it costs the Grendel a heavy purse to set a new jewel in their ring and crucially the navy can't do anything else that season. Worse, if the navy is driven off or intercepted by another navy then the efforts are wasted.

The only other way they can set up an espionage ring is if they control the territory itself. Based on that information, the only places the Grendel could have outposts of their espionage ring is in Feroz, Madruga, Sarvos, Necropolis, Redoubt, Spiral and Mareave. Of those, the Empire can be certain they are not in Spiral or Necropolis, but the others are all suspect, and Sarvos and Redoubt are a certainty.

And that it turns out, was all the followers of Berechiah needed to spring into action.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Watchers' Flute==
* '''The Grendel were using the embassy building in Cargo to spy on the Empire'''
* '''The followers of Berechiah have used the information from Spiral to shut this operation down'''
With a tip-off from the ongoing investigations in Spiral, the followers of Berechiah searching Redoubt for spies leap into action. It's one thing to search a whole territory, it's another to know that the thing you're looking for is in one city. If Cargo were a city of the League that might still leave a lot of rocks to look under, but [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] is much smaller than even Apulian, the smallest of the five League cities. Moreover, the open planning preferred by the Urizen leaves fewer hiding places for cockroaches than the Grendel might have liked.

The information provided by the informants the magistrates have captured isn't enough to pin down the location of the Grendel operations - here or elsewhere, but it's enough to get them started. Spurred on the need to act quickly, before the information becomes stale, the Vigilant run down every lead and to their astonishment discover the Grendel have been hiding in plain sight.

The old [[Construct_Grendel_Embassy|Grendel embassy building]] was commissioned by the Senate in Redoubt in Spring 384YE and the work was completed two seasons later. The Grendel quickly settled into the new building but when the treaty came to an end, it seems that not ''all'' of them moved out. There had been clear signs of trouble - odd reports of Grendel activity in and around the embassy as the end of the treaty grew closer. The Ambassador to the Grendel at the time wrote to them reminding their counterpart that they would need to depart the embassy if war began. The Grendel protested the issue - claiming that as civilised people they should keep the channels of communication open - even during the war. However there were no instructions to the contrary by the Senate and so the ambassador's instructions were carried out and the embassy was closed and the occupants offered free passage out of the territory.

Now it seems that not all of them may have left. In fact, it transpires that the Grendel were using the embassy building to spy on the Empire at the time, with spies coming and going at all hours of the day. The diplomatic staff duly left when the embassy was closed, sadly the spies did not, it appears. Rather than get on a boat with their colleagues they chose to hide in the city and have been operating clandestinely ever since. Incredibly, the spies have actually been hiding out in the old embassy building itself, using a secret tunnel to come and go unobserved.

The Vigilant place the embassy building under close scrutiny, being careful not to tip off the enemy. Once they've gathered enough information, they call in the magistrates who move swiftly to arrest and execute the spies. A handful of corrupt merchants are rounded up with them, it seems that more than a few Urizeni captains have been paid handsomely for reports of what they've learned while sailing the Bay. Sadly there's no new information beyond what had already been discovered in Apulian, but the magistrates are able to confirm what those in Spiral discovered. Each espionage ring requires a navy taking special orders to sit in the waters off a territory for a season to set one up. They're expensive, not just to set up but to run. Paying informants is costly business it seems.

All-in-all it has been a surprisingly effective process - for all that it has been mostly good luck. If the followers of Berechiah hadn't been here at just the right moment, then it's likely that the Grendel spies would have got away with it. As it is, they've been able to capitalise on the success in Spiral to clear Redoubt - and in doing so clear the entire Eastern half of the Bay.

That just leaves Sarvos, Feroz, and Madruga to deal with...

==Countering the Grendel==
* '''The Grendel espionage ring has offices in Sarvos and Madruga and is suspected of having offices in Feroz'''
* '''The Imperial Spymaster and the Shuttered Lantern could be empowered to go after these operations'''
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2">Grendel Espionage</th></tr>
<tr><th>Territory</th><th>Status</th></tr>
<tr><td>Feroz</td><td>Suspected</td></tr>
<tr><td>Madruga</td><td>Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sarvos</td><td>Two Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Necropolis</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Redoubt</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Spiral</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mareave</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Removing the remaining "jewels" of the Grendel espionage ring will not be easy. The Vigilant might favour the use of the [[Silent Bell]], it's certainly within their remit, but their focus is currently in the east on the Druj where they are suffering heavy losses. Much more of that and there won't be a Silent Bell to send.

There are three options that the Empire could employ, all of which would work. The first is to empower the [[Imperial Spymaster]], [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Spymaster|recently granted responsibilities for counter-espionage]], the power to set up and coordinate counter-espionage efforts. An alternative would be to empower the [[Shuttered Lantern]] by building them a [[The_shape_of_things_to_come#Each_in_Order|Grand Lodge]]. Finally, the Empire could ask one or Imperial generals with scouting armies, the Seventh Wave or potentially the Wolves of War to [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scout the territory]]. The last requires the least upfront investment, but it does mean having an entire Imperial army unable to fight that season.

===Lowther's Gaze===
* '''The Imperial Senate could commission offices for the Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to set up a counter-espionage operation in a territory'''
* '''Each operation would cost 10 thrones and require the support of military units with a combined strength of two thousand to be successful'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Spymasters Offices'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Any Imperial controlled region with the city quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Amends the title of Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to announce a counter-espionage operation in one territory each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Counter Espionage'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Use:''' Announcement in the Military Council</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Once per season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates a [[Venture#Scouting_Ventures|scouting venture]] to conduct counter-espionage in the territory in the coming season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:'''
* Gains information on the existence of espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 1000 or more
* Gains opportunity to counter espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 2000 or more
* Only military units from the nation in question could help with counter-espionage efforts in their nation
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Veto:''' Can be vetoed by the General Assembly, the Assembly of Nine or the national assembly of the nation the territory is in</td></tr>
</table></div>

The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to build substantial offices for the Imperial Spymaster. The best place for such offices would be in one of the great cities of the Empire, it wouldn't have to be one of the League cities but it would need to be a large settlement.

Once the offices were complete, the Spymaster could use them to coordinate counter-espionage efforts in the Empire. These efforts wouldn't be cheap, but they would be flexible, the Spymaster could choose any Imperial territory (that is a territory eligible to elect a [[senator]]). All they would need to do is use an announcement in a Military Council session to issue the orders. It wouldn't be cheap - each use of this power would cost the Imperial treasury 10 thrones that season, reflecting the expenses of setting up and coordinating scores of independent scouts.

That latter part is crucial - the Spymaster would need significant support from Imperial military units. The announcement would create a scouting venture that military units ''from the nation in question'' could choose to support the venture. If the venture had the support of military units with a combined strength of a thousand or more, then the Spymaster would get a full report on any covert activities by spies in the area and ''might'' discover illicit activities by cults or similar. With a strength of two thousand or more, the Empire would gain an opportunity to shut down any covert activity, if there was any.

One drawback of this approach is that the military units would need to be drawn from the nation where the action was taking place. Marcher bounders would be highly effective in counter-espionage efforts in Mitwold or similar - but they couldn't help in the League or the Brass Coast, or other nations.

===Cartographer's Eye===
* '''The Imperial Conclave could use a declaration of concord to look into establishing a grand lodge for the Shuttered Lantern in one of the afflicted territories'''
* '''The presence of the Shuttered Lantern grand lodge in a territory would make it impossible for an enemy to establish a spy network or an espionage ring there'''
With the [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] in [[Mareave]] completed, the Conclave could use a declaration of concord to identify which order ought to benefit from such prestigious quarters next. There is considerable competition for this honour, but if the Conclave chose to honour the Shuttered Lantern it would give them an opportunity to base themselves in a territory. Any grand lodge is bound to provide an array of benefits - assessing those options is part of what the declaration is for. It's not possible to know what the exact benefits might be.

However, one thing is clear - once a grand lodge of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] was complete in a territory, it would not be possible for the Grendel to set up a new office of an espionage ring there, nor for any enemy power to build a spy network there. With so many wizards dedicated to the detection and monitoring of threats in the territory, it would be impossible for a ''new'' network to be created.

The obvious drawback is the costs - a grand lodge is a huge edifice that requires a massive investment of time and resources from the Empire. And if it did provide opportunities for the order to engage in counter-espionage, there is no reason to think they would be any cheaper than those potentially available to the Imperial Spymaster. As such it is impossible to tell at this time which route would be the best, although given the scale of the problem, there is no reason the Empire couldn't pursue both avenues.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Radiant Orb==
* '''Spies have not been able to locate the missing prognosticator Eilian Sweetwater
One matter that comes to light not long before the Autumn Equinox is that of [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], the [[Navarr]] Imperial Prognosticator. It seems that the prognosticator left [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] literally a day before the Grendel armada swept into [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]] and laid siege to the town. Unfortunately, he left on a boat chartered to bring him and his fellows to the site of the old Lighthouse of Nikepheros. There has been no further news of either the well-loved Navarr researcher, nor those who travelled with him, and fears are growing that he has fallen into the hands of the Grendel. There is some concern that Eilian is well-acquainted with any number of Imperial projects and plans, and has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Empire to boot. If he is in the hands of Grendel spymasters... well they are unlikely to be gentle in trying to pry open the lid of his knowledge.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>Any character who was involved in Eilian's work - he was on sabbatical exploring historic lighthouses - is welcome to create a story as to why they were not with the prognosticator when he set sail. These stories might involve unlikely coincidences, the intervention of odd and enigmatic strangers, weird presentiments of doom, or just a plan to follow on later once some pressing business was concluded. They might also involve a desperate flight from the island on the chartered boat, moments ahead of the Grendel attackers, and the discovery once it was too late that the prognosticator is not aboard. In the end, it appears to be only Eilian and ''[[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Surprise_Guest|Fotismos]]'' who are unaccounted for.

My passions from a common spring

2026-09-07T14:24:44Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Sofia backed away, eyes darting left and right, her shield covering her body, ready to shift to protect her legs at a moment. Her tempest-jade rod has bloodied in her hand but despite her exhaustion it did not waver. The two heavily armoured soldiers kept their own shields raised, advancing carefully. She and her coven had shown them the danger of underestimating their power. The moment one of them overextended, she could send them flying into the bitter sea and they all knew that the steel that so effectively protected them from blades and arrows was useless against her magic.

Of the rest of her unit, she could only see Rasmus. He lay on his back staring sightless up at the sky, two crossbow bolts nested in his chest. In his heart. She couldn't afford to look at him for too long, to take her eyes off the two soldiers for too long. The chaos of battle raged around them, ships burning and sinking, spells and steel clashing, voices shouting or crying, smoke and salt and blood mixing together in the attar of war.

She hoped the others were below decks, somehow. Securing the vessel, as they had been ordered. At any moment, perhaps, her comrades would erupt from below, put down these arrogant dogs, capture the ship. Surely all she had to do was keep them busy for a little longer. Surely.

"Come on then," she spat, with a bravado she did not feel. "I do not have all day!"

She didn't speak a lot of their grating "Common Speech", only enough to threaten and brag. She didn't expect any of them to speak a civilised tongue, so was startled when the one on the left spoke haltingly in the language of her home.

"You are beaten. Give up. You will not be hurt." The warrior's accent was atrocious, like they were speaking through a mouthful of mush. She couldn't see their face, hidden behind the same encasing steel that sheathed their body.

In response she spat a word she had learned was a terrible insult to the Commonwealth. The other soldier growled deep in their throat, and advanced half a step. A mistake, and a potentially fatal one. Sofia darted forward swinging her rod and speaking the words of power without thought, as she had been taught to do in battle. She flowed from one motion to the next and with a roar the soldier went sprawling backwards, over the rail, out of sight, into the welcoming embrace of the bloody water. She didn't see them fall - she was already spinning to strike their companion in the same movement, invoking the power of her implement, feeling the power of Summer erupt through her. The angle was wrong, though. They were hurled across the deck into the mast, hitting it with crushing force, held in place for a few precious moments by the power of her magic.

The sudden pain in her leg was excruciating. It robbed her of breath - too immediate and intense even to let her scream. She went down heavily, sprawling. Her knee was shattered. A snub, vicious little bolt buried almost to the fletching protruded from her mage armour. Tears of agony blurred her vision. She scrambled for her rod, and a second bolt took her in the shoulder tearing sinew and shattering bone. She cried out this time, tried to sit up, tried to bring her shield to bear but she couldn't seem to focus. Her limbs wouldn't obey her.

As her vision started to darken, she saw the third Commonwealth soldier walking slowly toward her across the deck, carefully loading the third and final bolt into their crossbow. She tried to find something defiant to snarl, but she couldn't seem to remember anything pithy for some reason.

"I hate you," she whispered at last, as her enemy raised the crossbow toward her.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tumultuous Ripples.jpg|align=left|caption=Tumultuous ripples spread out from the little land-locked nation of Lantir and risk swamping shores across the known world.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cae6pmQb_Q8}}
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.
==War in the East==
* '''The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues in the east
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. ''Militärattache Schöningen'' indicates that the Commonwealth armies continue to make good use of some of the battlefield rituals shared with them by the [[Conclave]]. The Principalities of Jarm continue to appreciate the decision of the Empire not to become involved in a "boots on the ground" capacity. There is no indication that either side is going to declare victory any time soon - but likewise there is no indication that they plan to back down.

Both the Commonwealth and Jarm are Proud, stiff-necked nations, and this conflict isn't ''really'' about Lantir so much as it is a clash of ideology - for all that the Magician-Princes might claim otherwise. It is a bitter irony perhaps that both sides are motivated by the desire for liberty and freedom. The Commonwealth wishes to embrace the people of Lantir and the other border nations in their Common Good where all are able to achieve their potential in service to the wider picture. The Jarmish on the other hand are fighting for the right to self-determination, to live their lives and follow their traditions as they have for more centuries than the Commonwealth has even existed. Those traditions might be unpalatable to the members of the Liberty Pact, but there is more to it than a simplistic hatred of slavery. Or at least so Lord-Magister Anton Trescher insists. The Commonwealth, he argues, attempt to force everyone to believe and act as they instruct while the Principalities allow people to explore their own understanding of creation and make their own choices.

Regardless, the war continues. It's hard to say for sure but from some reports made by merchants visiting [[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]] and [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]] it certainly ''seems'' as if the Commonwealth are slowly being pushed back - Jarmish battlefield magic is just too potent and effective against armies that even with donations from the Empire struggle to match the power of their enchantments. But it is far too early to say for sure how this war will eventually end.
==Commonwealth==
* '''The Commonwealth remains friendly to the Empire, and allied via the Liberty Pact'''
The [[Commonwealth]] is a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. They are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. This is in no small part due to their membership of the [[Liberty Pact]], dedicated to destroying the abhorrent practice of slavery across the world. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. The Empire shared their mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the [[A beacon of smoke|fall of Siroc]].

Their ambassador to the Empire is ''Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen'', of Die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.
{{Nation|nation=Commonwealth|status=Foreigner|port=[[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_(Eastern_Commonwealth)|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_(Western_Commonwealth)|Volkavaar]]|ambassador=Finn Pridetalker of [[Wintermark]]}}
===War by Other Means===
* '''The Ambassador has provided a significant amount of crystal mana to the Commonwealth'''
* '''Another opportunity to trade large amounts of mana for Commonwealth goods is available'''
Militärattache Schöningen thanks Ambassador Pridetalker for the work they have done securing a significant investment of Imperial crystal mana into the Commonwealth war effort. A request [[Beat_of_your_drum#Power_and_Responsibility|last season]] for a significant amount of mana has been fulfilled, and Commonwealth merchants have delivered the agreed on payment in the form of Soldier's Booze, Bloodclay, Spice Paste, and Hero Stones. The mana is being put to good use, according to the Militärattache. On the matter of another shipment of mana, Die Stahlhalle concurs with the Ambassadors proposal. For 200 more mana, a shipment of forty Soldatentrunk, forty Würzpaste and twenty Blutlehm will be delivered to the (hopefully newly completed) embassy.

Unfortunately on the matter of the proposed [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisanry]] Die Stahlhalle is less interested. It is not a lack of [[:Category:Paraphernalia|ritual paraphernalia]] that is afflicting the Commonwealth armies. The covenstones the Ambassador mentions are not unknown, but simply shift the economic burden from crystal mana to the materials that are desperately needed to equip soldiers with [[Magic items|magical weapons and armour]]. It is a fine idea but not one that Militärattache Schöningen feels is worth taking advantage of at this time.

As to the matter of the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[runesmith]], as far as Militärattache Schöningen knows the artisans of the Commonwealth do know how to create a number of magic items that their Imperial counterparts do not. However, these crafters balk at the very idea of passing their knowledge to the Empire simply because right now they have a monopoly on both the "Little Iron Fists" and their more complex cousins. Selling that knowledge to the Empire at any price would ultimately be thieving from their future selves, their descendants, and their colleagues. It is selfish, but it is hard to argue that it is not also good sense.
===The Liberty Pact===
* '''The Commonwealth is not happy that Axos has called a meeting of the Liberty Pact
* '''They are interested in the Empire's intentions in this matter
Die Stahlhalle is a little surprised to receive a summons from the nation of [[Axos]] to attend a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] during the Winter Solstice. Obviously, as signatories to the Liberty Pact, Axos has every right to convene the Pact. The Commonwealth, however, are not entirely amused. Militärattache Schöningen asks directly if this has been done at the urging of the Empire. Obviously they will attend - and it is difficult to turn down a congress that takes place via the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] given how easy it is to reach - but they are initially uncertain as to what is going on. When the Axou indicate their intention to call for the removal of the requirement that Pact members [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the Commonwealth progresses from uncertainty to annoyance. Does the Imperial Voice of Liberty ''also'' intend to call a meeting of the Pact in Spring?

For their part, the Commonwealth indicate that they will again be presenting a motion to remove Axos from the Liberty Pact and restrict membership to the "Great Powers" rather than any number of smaller nations regardless of their attitude to slavery. They have little hope of it succeeding given they anticipate the Empire and the Axou will vote together again to defeat such a motion, but perhaps their Imperial allies are prepared to see sense on this matter.

They are also considering a motion before the Pact that is a little more delicate matter they are interested to hear from the Ambassador what the Empire's opinion on the other [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|Summer Amendment]] - that requiring that signatory nations maintain [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] with other signatories. Frankly, the Commonwealth is beginning to feel the pinch of their ongoing war with the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Apart from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] they are broadly ''only'' trading with other members of the Pact and the lack of trade tariffs is beginning to make itself apparent. Fighting a war costs money and not being able to raise any taxes from mercantile activity is proving to be a significantly greater burden than they had initially expected.

Perhaps the Ambassador would be good enough to speak with '''Jarrigk Silktongue''', the [[Voice of Liberty]] about these matters and perhaps give their Commonwealth opposite number a "heads up" on the Empire's intentions for this meeting. Further information about the upcoming convention of the Liberty Pact can be found in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Liberty|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.

===Questionable Confederacy===
* '''The Commonwealth is not entirely convinced that Suranni serfdom equates to abandonment of slavery
In response to the [[Beat_of_your_drum#Liberty_and_Liability|concerns expressed]] by the Commonwealth, Ambassador Pridetalker has offered reassurances that the [[Iron Confederacy]] has indeed abandoned the practice of slavery. They directly referenced the opinion of '''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], who apparently believes "''their practices meet the minimum criteria laid out in the Liberty Pact''." While Militärattache Schöningen still expresses some scepticism, she reiterates that unless the Empire forces the issue by trying to get the Confederacy to become signatories to the Liberty Pact they remain broadly a matter for the Empire to deal with.

All that said, however, it is likely that the Commonwealth delegate will wish to discuss the matter with the [[Voice of Liberty]] at the upcoming meeting of the Liberty Pact - at least off the record.
===Diplomacy and Philosophy===
* '''The Commonwealth is pleased to hear that the Diplomatenschloss is nearing completion
* '''They suggest Highguard might employ ''die Beurteilung'' to see how closer ties might be established with the Commonwealth
* '''Professor Gelberg and his team remain available to perform an appraisal
Militärattache Schöningen is pleased to hear that the materials to finish the [[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|Diplomatenschloss]] have been secured. There are of course still concerns about the risk of Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels in close proximity along the river, but she is reassured that the intervention of the Assembly of Vigilance may be a first step in ensuring no conflict occurs in Imperial waters. What steps have been taken in this regard, she queries?

She is interested to hear that the [[Highguard|Highborn]] are interested in fostering good relations and open dialogues on military doctrine, trade, and philosophy but is a little uncertain as to how this might best be achieved. A trade enclave is possible certainly, once the Diplomatenschloss is completed, but obviously there is a war on and much of the Commonwealth attention is directed at the ongoing conflict. A symposium to discuss moral philosophy will likely interest the scholars and students of the universities, but for the moment must remain theoretical.

On the other hand, she points out, there is an entire delegation of Commonwealth scholars and philosophers in the Empire at the moment - Professor Gelberg and his team are just the kind of people to be able to rigorously discuss such matters. Several of the academics have military experience as well, of course. Perhaps the Highborn could make use of [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|die Beurteilung]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] how they might secure stronger ties with the Commonwealth in matters of trade and such?

Speaking of the Professor, he and his team remain in the Empire. They have recently [[Threats_that_are_to_come|completed an examination]] relating to sieges in [[Holberg]] and their aid can once again be secured at the Autumn Equinox by anyone prepared to participate in the open auction for their services.
===Funerary Rites===
* '''The Militärattache has been asked about Commonwealth funerary practices and provides a short overview
Militärattache Schöningen is not an authority on Commonwealth funerary practices, and asks the Ambassador to make apologies in that regard to '''Stormcrow Cynerik''' of Grayholm Hall. Most funerals are quiet, discreet affairs. Details vary widely across the Commonwealth from simple burial to ornate tombs to funeral pyres. This should not be a surprise - the Commonwealth is made up of many different cultures just as the Empire is. The most common feature across the whole nation however is the creation and respect for memorials to the dead especially those who have died fighting for the Common Good. These often take the form of white granite obelisks, inlaid with the names of the dead. More rarely a statue of a soldier might be erected - not of any specific soldier of course because that level of individual aggrandisement is distasteful to many citizens of the Commonwealth - to commemorate a specific battle.

Unlike less developed nations, it is comparatively rare to see depictions of a martial nature in the Commonwealth. Most statues of people are dedicated to philosophers and scholars who have expanded understanding of the Common Good and helped spread its teachings. A common tradition in the Commonwealth is that the soldiers fight for the greatest good but it is the thinkers and teachers who help define precisely what that common good is. There is also a historic distaste for vain statues and the like due to its widespread practice in the time of the old monarchies, where funds would be fruitlessly frittered away on arrogant and expensive monuments to people whose only claim to significance lay in their "noble blood".
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption=Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn, has been hosting Professor Gelberg and colleagues at the Great Library of Hacynian|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A Sungold Tablet===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn has set a price for the cracked tablet of Terunael lore recovered from the sinkhole'''
* '''The University of Volkavaar is more than prepared to meet that price'''
So far, die Beurteilung has been reasonably successful. The visiting scholars have been taking advantage of various invitations to visit with their fellow academics, including [[Beat_of_your_drum#Sun_and_Gold|a trip]] to the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] at the invitation of '''Nathair Autumngale''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. During their stay, they expressed a great deal of interest in a [[Report_on_Terunael_mineworkings|certain cracked tablet]], recovered from the depths of the [[Brightness long ago|northern sinkhole]], which details the practice of fashioning a particular form of sungold - an alloy of [[orichalcum]] and [[mithril]] that it seems has remarkable properties to store and transfer heat and warmth.

After making a cursory study of it, they were delighted by the techniques it presents. ''Doktor Lola Kunz'', a scholar of the material sciences, asked as to what circumstances might convince the Library to part with the tablet. The University of Volkavaar has backed up the Doktor's enquiry and confirmed that they are very interested in the lore it contains. The Advisor on the Vallorn has apparently set a price, and Ambassador Pridetalker has passed it along. It seems that it is quite acceptable to the University, and to Doktor Kunz.

As such, in return for allowing Lola to claim the tablet and bring it back to the University, the faculty at Volkavaar commits to offer their expertise to the Empire in the future in a specific capacity. When [[Therunin]] is liberated from the [[Druj]], they will offer their assistance to appraising how the territory might be restored. All that would be required is that the Ambassador to the Commonwealth request that the University makes good on its promise and they would dispatch experts to the Empire to explore ways to put their expertise at the disposal of the people of Therunin. In addition, they agree to make any material or applications that arise from a study of the tablet available to the Empire before any other world power.

Professor Gelberg is by all accounts ''very'' put out by this development; the delegation is here to raise money for the war effort not to pursue personal interests. Doktor Kunz remains unrepentant, however.

('''OOC Note:''' After the Autumn Equinox, the Advisor on the Vallorn can email {{plot}} to let them know if they are allowing Doktor Kunz to take custody of the sungold tablet or not. If they do, it will be assumed to be taken back to the University of Volkavaar.)
===Die Akademie der Aufsteigenden Welle===
* '''The Commonwealth is not interested in attending the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''They counter with an offer to study defensive naval combat at the Academy of the Cresting Wave
Ambassador Pridetalker has made a handsome offer to the Commonwealth, to allow them to attend the Zemress Naval Academy for a fee. Unfortunately, as Militärattache Schöningen points out, they have their ''own'' naval academies, and so there is not much appeal of visiting an Imperial one as anything other than guests. There is no intention to be insulting here - it is simply that the Commonwealth takes ''all'' the arts of war very seriously and so has made its own study of the maritime battlefield.

As a counteroffer, perhaps some of the Imperial admirals would be interested in visiting the Commonwealth? The generals would be prepared to offer the chance to study at ''Akademie der Aufsteigenden Welle'' (the Academy of the Cresting Wave) in Küstenstadt. This academy is particularly dedicated to the study of defensive maritime warfare, and has supplied admirals over the years to both the ''Unbreakable Prow'' and the ''Wings of Justice''. As near as the Civil Service can make out, a six-month semester of study here would allow the Empire to provide benefits related to [[navy orders|strategies and tactics]] designed to specifically reduce casualties in naval engagements for a suitably equipped and trained Imperial navy (that is, create a Navy with a specific defensive quality).

The generals propose that the Imperial Ambassador liaise with the Military Council and determine whether or not they wish to take advantage of this offer. Obviously Commonwealth citizens attend the academy free of charge, but hopefully the Ambassador understands that there would be a small fee for Imperial students - 50 thrones would cover the entire semester.

==Principalities of Jarm==
* '''The principalities of Jarm remain at peace with the Empire, but relations are frosty'''
One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are no friends to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
===On Diplomacy===
* '''Diplomatic overtures have been made to the Principalities but largely rejected'''
Lord Magister Anton Trescher thanks the Ambassador for their words, and appreciates the effort they are going to. However... there still appears to be a misapprehension. The Jarmish ambassador mentioned the Iron Confederacy as an illustration rather than anything else, of how shallow the Liberty Pact ultimately is. The House of Princes has absolutely no interest in "proving" anything to the Liberty Pact. The idea that ''any'' great power might need to "prove" anything to another is untenable.

Jarm has no interest in ''"presenting evidence"'' that Jarm no longer falls under the definition of slavery. Why would it? It is a sovereign nation and it has the fundamental right to do whatever it wishes within its own borders - just as the House of Princes respects the right of the Empire to do the same. So there will be no "''evidence of the social mobility within the slave caste''" and no "''evidence that could support the other points of the definition''" for the Ambassador to present to the Imperial Senate or to Imperial allies. To do so would be to accept the right of the Liberty Pact to stand in judgement of the Principalities of Jarm - it is that arrogance which is unacceptable to the Jarmish princes.

The idea that an "influx of trade this would create would more than make up for any income that is and would be lost in slave trade cessation" misunderstands the basic problem. Jarm will not be dictated to by outside powers. It is as simple as that. The Empire may by all means refuse to trade with Jarm, but the people of this elder nation will not sell their pride for a few merchant vessels today any more than it would in the time of Ambassador '''Oswi Twice-burned'''.

In a more mellow missive sent shortly after the more angry one, Lord-Magister Treschner explains that he does understand that Ambassador i Martan is doing their best to try and unpick a difficult situation. There are plenty of people in Jarm who would also very much like the two nations to be on better terms. But the fact remains that, with the best will in the world, that ambassador after ambassador has tried to change Imperial relations with Jarm by trying to change Jarm.

Imagine, the Lord-Magister adds, if Jarm were to inform the Empire that in order to keep trading with Jarm and its allies, it must stop following the Way? How would the Empire respond to such a demand? Would they acknowledge Jarm's right to make such demands of them and look to see what compromises they could make? Surely their Pride would not allow such a response?

===Spice===
* '''The Ambassador has returned a spice grinder to the Magician-Prince of Vezakr from whom it was stolen by Imperial pirates '''
As to the matter of the Magician-Prince of Vezakr and their spice grinder... The response is a little mixed, according to Lord-Magister Anton. The grinder was indeed intended as a gift for the Prince, but it was stolen by Imperial pirates in early 372YE. The crafter ''Tamary Jasichim'' was killed during the raid. It was presumed lost along with the rest of the cargo - a shipment of ''Djana’s Perets'' and a significant amount of mundane spice. Now it has arrived in Vezakr, a decade and a half after it was pirated. The Prince it was intended for is now dead; her niece now holds the position. It is difficult to determine exactly what the Ambassador wants - the Prince of Vezakr thanks them for returning the stolen grinder but feels it would be inappropriate to deliver any kind of reward given that it was Imperial thieves that stole the item in the first place.

For his part Lord-Magister Treschner thanks the Ambassador for their good intentions. Honourable people should return stolen goods to those they have been taken from, after all.
===Free Ports And Free People===
* '''Prince Mila has persuaded the Jarmish Princes to encourage the port of Radosmo in Zemelslo to open to the Empire'''
* '''While this nation is independent, the decision to open up has clearly been directed by the Principalities of Jarm.'''
Nobody at the Imperial embassy to Jarm has ever heard of Zemelslo before. The fact that a port called Radosmo exists in this nation has never crossed their desks or their minds. The world is full of small nations whose influence extends no further than the continents on which they live, and whose Prosperity is tied inextricably to the larger nations who are their neighbours. Most of these minor nations are small enough that they rely on their nearest neighbour for protection. Zemelslo is no exception, it is by all accounts a de facto protectorate of the Jarmish Principalities. Self-governed, by a concilium of magicians, it rules itself on paper at least. In practice it takes its marching orders from the Princes.

Initial research provides more information but little context. Membership of the Concilium is by examination, with power awarded to those who can demonstrate the most magical power. On the face of it, it appears to be an egalitarian structure, in practice it is riven by corruption, with individuals striving for the patronage of certain eternals, the better to advance their own position. There is little in the way of Virtue here, but there are constant undercurrents of Freedom and Anarchy, essential rights to which are enshrined in the island's laws. It is not a wealthy nation, and is largely dependent on Jarm for supplies of mana crystals mostly paid for with exports of salted fish and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit, an alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk which is then distilled. It is, to say the least, something of an acquired taste.

At the request of the House of Princes, the Concilium of Zemelslo have extended an offer to Imperial merchant ships to dock at Radosmo, effectively the capital, with a view to trade. While there is zero demand for Bidderskit in the Empire, Jarmish merchants dock there all the time, so Imperial merchants docking there would be welcome to trade with other visitors. That would give them access to the same kinds of products that are available in Jarm, but without needing to actually dock there.

Having investigated as best they can, the civil service have discovered that Prince Mila, the ruler of the Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, is behind the push. This young prince is deeply involved with Jarm's foreign policy, and is not content to simply accept the status quo. As best anyone can surmise, this new port is intended to see if the Empire are genuine about wanting to trade with Jarm - and looking for a way to enable that - or whether they are simply hiding behind the terms of the Liberty Pact to support the Commonwealth's embargo without having to come out and actually say that. Exploiting this obvious loophole to trade with Jarm is likely to annoy the Commonwealth - a fact that only makes the whole thing more appealing to the young prince and his supporters.

As written, any competent [[advocate]] could make a persuasive argument that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. It's not actually part of Jarm - it's just a tiny nation on Jarm's borders that pretty much does whatever the House of Princes tells it to. Taking that approach risks annoying the Commonwealth - if they discover what is happening they're likely to immediately try to rewrite the terms of the Pact to prohibit trade with all Jarm's close allies (which definitely would include Zemelslo).

Given the complexity of the situation, the civil service have instructed the office of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative [[Senate motion]] at the Saturday evening [[Senate session]] to confirm that the Senate agrees that trade with Zemelslo is permitted under the terms of the Liberty Pact.
<table class="wikitable"><tr><th>Port</th><th>Material</th><th>1</th><th>2</th><th>3</th><th>4</th><th style='background-color: pink;'>5</th><th>6</th><th>7</th><th>8</th><th>9</th><th>10</th><th>11</th><th>12</th><th>13</th><th>14</th><th>15</th></tr>
<tr><td rowspan='5'>Radosmo (Zemelslo)</td><td>Ambergelt</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dragonbone</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green Iron</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Roseweald</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mana Crystal</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
</table>
{{Commonwealth Links}}
{{Jarm Links}}

Forever is composed of nows

2026-09-07T14:23:16Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>The big ''schlacta'' sat with his hands on his knees, his back ramrod straight, looking Gerard straight in the eyes with an intensity that made the Imperial Auditor of the Imperial Treasury uncomfortable. La Salle always did his best not to let his dislike of the old campaigner colour his judgement, but Mladen did not make it easy.

"So you're prepared to come back for 'one last job'? Again?" Gerard's sarcasm was clearly lost on the Varushkan.

"Yes. The Empire is threatened on all sides by enemies and it is more important than ever that we do not leave anything in the pantry that could be on the table with the picklebread."

Gerard sighed inwardly. Leontes was bad enough, with all those Marcher proverbs that he was pretty sure were made up on the spot. Mladen was another of the same ilk. They only did it to annoy him, he was reasonably certain.

"What kind of support will you need," asked Gerard glancing down at the ledgers piled to either side of him. Whenever he finished collating and summarizing the Imperial accounts for one summit, it was immediately time to start again.

Mladen stiffened, which was an impressive feat for a man who was generally as flexible as cast iron and weathered oak.

"Don't worry, it won't cost you any ''money''" he spat, bitterly. Gerard made a noise halfway between exasperation and irritation.

"That's not what I..." he began but Mladen interrupted his senior colleague.

"The problem with your office is that you understand only the cost of things, not their worth." Mladen has expressed these sentiments before. "When you consider costs at all! Half the prognosticators you have today seem to see it as a virtue to discount the straightforward in favour of the baroque! Spurn the traditional in favour of the novel! And where does it get us? The Senate expressing real concerns about the collapse of the economy is where it gets us!"

"Mladen, we have had this conversation before and..."

"All I am offering to do is to come out of retirement ''one last time'' to clean up the mess created by an approach to appraisal that relies so heavily on coming up with ''new'' ways to do things that almost before the work is presented it is out of date! And you start talking about budgets and money and what it will cost your office!"

"That is very much not what I said and..." Gerard took a breath and calmed himself. This was why he had been happy to see the back of Mladen and why he privately wished the man would just ''stay'' retired. It wasn't that the Varushkan was a bad man - around other members of the civil service he was civil and constructive, and he'd given good service in his day. He just didn't like Gerard, any more than the Auditor liked him. So any conversation always ended in an argument about budgets. They could barely exchange a "good morning" when passing in the hall without reigniting a bitter disagreement about a proposal from fifteen years ago.

"Look," said Gerard in a conciliatory tone. "You suggested working with the Imperial Master of Works and that's an excellent idea. It's a good initiative, and in most cases the work has already been done. You're just going to revisit things and check that they will still work. It'll be for the general good, and while budgets ''are'' tight at the moment it won't add any extra costs. I'll just record you as part of the Master's staff."

Mladen looked pleased, and stood - a complicated motion that involved a lot of creaking and sharp intakes of breath. "I'll get started then," he said in a tone that indicated he felt he had won a victory over the hated ''accountant''. "And I'll do my best to ensure any work is ''budget neutral''."

He clearly considered that parting shot to be some sort of stinging rebuke, but Gerard took it at face value, nodded, and smiled as the Varushkan left his office. He did like things that were budget neutral, after all.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Scrutiny.jpg |caption=Gerard La Salle, Auditor of the Imperial Treasury, oversees the Prognosticators Office.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKapxkbd4Jw}}
One of the powerful tools available to the [[Senate]] is the ability to commission an [[appraisal]]. The Prognosticator's Office works with the rest of the civil service, and with Imperial citizens, foreign representatives, and even [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] to try and find solutions to problems plaguing the Empire. Once the investigation is complete, they present [[opportunity|opportunities]] to overcome obstacles, achieve ambitious goals, or improve the prosperity of the Empire.

There are limits to what the civil service can achieve however, and competition for the resources of the Prognosticator's Office is often fierce. There are only a handful of Prognosticators at a time, and in recent months they have become a little stretched with retirements, in-depth long-term projects, and at least one sabbatical/disappearance. With that in mind, several opportunities have been discussed related to the department of the civil service responsible for establishing, evaluating, and presenting opportunities.
==The Mladen Initiative==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnAndUrizen.jpg|caption=[[Fortification|Fortifications]] protect both Imperial borders and the heartland of the Empire, and there are regular opportunities to build new ones or strengthen existing [[fortification#bastion|bastions]].|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''Retired prognosticator Mladen Escovitch offers to work with the Imperial Master of Works to review opportunities related to fortifications'''
* '''The opportunity makes use of their existing ability to prepare an announcement for the Senate'''
* '''It is available only during the Winter Solstice'''
* '''The title of Imperial Master of Works is currently vacant'''
Over the years there has been a lot of work done designing plans for [[fortification|fortifications]] in all corners of the Empire. Many of those designs were based on now outmoded approaches to the castle-building sciences. While the more recent opportunities are easily revisited, there are dusty plans stretching back years that are now effectively obsolete. Some came from exotic sources such as [[eternal|eternals]], while others were put together based on specific situations that are now either moot or no longer current. In theory it should be possible to recreate some of those opportunities in light of the new developments but doing so is likely to be "''a pain in the arse''" to be indelicate.

The Prognosticator's Office has been very cautious. There is no way, they say, to look at every castle-building opportunity as part of a single [[appraisal]]. There's no reason new appraisals regarding the defence of a particular territory or nation might not be raised by the Imperial senate, and they would obviously look at earlier opportunities as part of their work. But simply going back and looking over every opportunity is unfeasible.

Enter ''[[Appraisal#Mladen Escovitch|Mladen Escovitch]]'', "retired" prognosticator. Since leaving full-time service in the Prognosticators Office he has done a little "freelance" work, including the recent appraisal regarding the [[Hope and fear|vulnerabilities of the Druj military]]. The old campaigner has offered to come out of retirement again to do "one last job" - in this case to go over existing opportunities to create fortifications and update them. Or, more specifically, he's prepared to work with the [[Imperial Master of Works]] in this matter. They already have the ability to make an [[Senate announcement|announcement]] to the Senate regarding the repair and improvement of fortifications. Mladen proposes they use this power to select three existing opportunities that involve building a new fortification, or improving an existing one. At the Spring Equinox, Mladen will present his findings as to how the Empire can take advantage of those opportunities despite recent changes.

Mladen is not a patient man; should the Imperial Master of Works wish to take advantage of his offer, they will need to do so during the Winter Solstice. Awkwardly, the position of Imperial Master of Works is currently vacant, so the Military Council will need to appoint someone to the role if they wish to see previous opportunities for fortifications revisited.

==The La Salle Stratagem==
* '''Gerard La Salle plans to employ an additional prognosticator while Eilian Sweetwater is indisposed'''
* '''There will be an administrative motion on Saturday afternoon for the Senate to choose which candidate they want to recruit'''
At the moment there are three prognosticators with experience and resources to perform an appraisal for the Senate. ''Technically'' there is also [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], but he has been [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Grant_Sabbatical_to_Eilian_Sweetwater|granted a leave of absence]] to investigate historical lighthouses... and before he could get very far with that he and his companions went missing in [[Redoubt]]. They may be prisoners of the [[Grendel]], or they might be in the hands of a Winter eternal or... well anything really. Such is the life of a prognosticator.

The [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|recent appraisal]] concerning [[ministry|ministries]] commissioned during the Summer Solstice has seen [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] caught up in an intensive and [[the circle game|detailed assessment of the various ministries]]. For the last six months, then, the weight of the entire Prognosticator's Office has fallen on the shoulders of [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] and [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]. They have managed the workload well enough, but some cracks are showing here and there.

With that in mind, the Imperial Auditor proposes to hire someone to work in the Prognosticator's Office until Eilian Sweetwater returns to active duty. He has short-listed three possible candidates for the Senate to consider. La Salle's office has prepared a short dossier introducing each individual and covering their strengths and weaknesses. The Imperial Auditor is quick to reassure the Senate that there will be no increase to the costs of running the Prognosticator's Office - while Eilian is on sabbatical.

At the Saturday evening Senate session, an [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] will be raised to allow the Senate to decide which expert they deem the most useful. If the Senate selects one of the candidates, they will be able to deploy them during the Winter Solstice if they wish.
===Candidates===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}
====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'' is currently [[earl]] of the house, but has been looking for a successor for some time. Earlier this year, she found one, and is now preparing to retire and spend her time "keeping bees". Gerard La Salle plans, with Senate approval, to approach her with an eye toward joining the Prognosticator's Office on a temporary basis.

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=200|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.

If Gerard approaches her to come and work with the Prognosticator's Office, he's sure she will agree. 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 would be 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=200}}

====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.

===Budget Matters===
* '''The Imperial Senate could instruct Gerard to take on all three prognosticators on a permanent basis'''
* '''Doing so would increase the upkeep costs of the Prognosticators office by 6 thrones a season'''
* '''Additional prognosticators would give the Senate more options to choose between - it would not allow for more appraisals'''
Gerard can afford the temporary secondment of one of these three, but candidly would prefer to bring ''all'' of them into the Civil Service. The wider the range of prognosticators, he says, the more options the Senate has and the less strain is placed on the individual civil servants - who often have to spend months at a time in the field in often quite stressful situations. Temporary secondment would allow one of the three to join the office for as long as Eilian Sweetwater is on sabbatical, and they would retire once the [[Navarr]] historian returned to active duty (assuming he survives the apparently dangerous matter of looking at lighthouse ruins).

The Senate could choose to instruct Gerard to approach ''all'' three candidates, to offer each of them a permanent position with the Prognosticators Office. If this were done, Gerard would be able to retain all three potential recruits even when Eilian returns to work. The downside is that it would increase the upkeep of the prognosticators office by 6 thrones - the money would cover both the expenses for the prognosticators and for a larger staff of dedicated civil servants supporting them. Hiring additional prognosticators would '''not''' give the Senate the ability to conduct more appraisals, but it would mean that they had more options to choose between.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MasterMint.jpg|caption='''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''', Master of the Imperial Mint|width=300|align=right}}</div>
====Opportunity Knocks Again====
* '''If the Senate increases the Prognosticator's budget then there is an additional opportunity to expand the powers of the Master of the Mint'''
* '''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'''
* '''The Senate could use a Senate motion to grant this power to a different Senate position'''
* '''The current Master of the Imperial Mint is ''Tristan Ramson von Holberg'''''
There is another opportunity here as well. If the office were expanded, there would be more prognosticators ''not'' involved in appraisals as well as more staff available. Taking inspiration from [[#The Mladen Initiative|Mladen's offer]] regarding fortifications, Gerard has another proposal for the Senate to consider. The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] could be given the power to commission a kind of "mini appraisal". Rather than addressing a new problem, the office would look at a previous [[opportunity]] offered to the Empire, and assess whether it was still accessible, or under what conditions it might be made so.

This would result in an entry in the winds of fortune looking at a single opportunity - such as a [[commission]] from an earlier wind of fortune - that is no longer available. The civil service would determine how to "refresh" that opportunity. For opportunities arising from within the Empire they might be able to simply prepare a new proposal or confirm that the old proposal is still practical. For those coming from eternals or foreign nations they will at least be able to point out a reasonable path to approach the matter.

If the Senate instruct Gerard to expand his team and increase the upkeep of the office accordingly, then the civil service will raise an administrative motion at the next session to amend the title of Master of the Mint to give them the power to select a single opportunity to reassess. After some discussion among the Constitutional Court, advice is given that while Gerard has selected the Master of the Imperial Mint as the obvious candidate to receive this power it could instead be given to any [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|Member of the Senate]] in good standing - including [[the Throne]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Imperial Magus]], [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], or [[Imperial Consul]]. A [[Senator]] would need to raise a [[Senate motion]] to name the title whose powers they wish to amend if they prefer to select a different office to receive the power.

There is nothing to stop the Senate keeping the power for themselves - they would determine which opportunity to revisit via a [[Senate motion]]. What they ''can't'' do is give a senator the ability to make an announcement to use the power in that way - the method for Senators to wield political power is via Senate motion.

'''<big>OOC Note</big>'''<br>
One of the challenges of a game like Empire, that has been running for over a decade with multiple winds of fortune every event, is keeping track of opportunities offered. Sometimes the actual rules of the game change in a way that means an earlier opportunity is no longer available, as with the [[Rules_update_2026|recent changes]] to the [[Rules_update_2026#Fortifications_and_Citadels|fortification rules]] or details of how the [[Rules_update_2026#Vallorn|vallorn may be fought]]. Other times, the situation has changed significantly - the opportunity to fortify Sarcombe being presented before two years of war saw the town conquered and liberated. At the moment the only way to check in on an opportunity is to e-mail Profound Decisions which is ultimately unsatisfactory, not least because the outcome is likely to be either a binary "yes" or "no". Many other opportunities are designed with a one-year "sunset clause" that means they are no longer available after a certain point even though there is not always a narrative reason they should not be.

The idea of this power is that, if the Senate wishes, they can "refresh" an existing opportunity without needing to commission an entire new [[appraisal]]. It's not possible to ask for a "refresh" on an entire wind of fortune, but pointing to a specific opportunity - such as the "Third Pie" in Mournwold or the opportunity to establish a certain trade route - allows us to review that opportunity quickly and come up with an in-character answer that is then available to everyone. As with an appraisal our intention is that, wherever possible, we'll provide something constructive in response to this request to refresh an opportunity - and if for whatever reason it's not possible to do that due to changes in the game or its rules we will provide some direction as to how something similar might be achieved.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|caption=The [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]].|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|caption=The [[Magpies]].|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sun Chamber.png|width=200|align=right|caption=The [[Sun Chamber]].}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|caption=The [[Vallornguard]].|align=right|width=240}}</div>

==The Abraham Gambit==
* '''The Throne can use an announcement in the Senate to instruct the civil service to appraise the constitutional implications of a new sodality'''
* '''This appraisal will not count against the limit of the Empire's appraisals'''
* '''The power is available for the next year'''
Creating an [[Imperial Sodality]] is a significant undertaking for the Senate, in that each has a potential to greatly change the political landscape of the Empire. It is a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|Constitutional vote]], and one that requires [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratification]] by a [[the Throne|Throne]]. Creation of an Imperial Sodality is often controversial however. The Senate is arguably reticent to create sodalities due to uncertainty about what a new organisation might portend - as seen recently with the constitutional implications of the [[Magpies]], [[Vallornguard]] and [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]].

There is nothing to stop the Senate from instructing the Prognosticator's Office to undertake an appraisal into the implications of a new sodality, were it to be created, but they can only commission two such investigations each season and there are always other demands on this limited resource. Since the Autumn Equinox, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has been discussing this situation and have hit upon a potential solution. The Throne's ratification is a required element of any Imperial Sodality, so it is the opinion of Magistrate Abraham that the civil service should offer them what assistance they can in determining whether to recognise new bodies.

Starting with the Winter Solstice, ''Abraham'' (a constitutional scholar) and ''Leontes the Scribe'' (the Imperial Archivist and an expert at navigating the libraries of the Empire), will divert some of their attention to the matter of a sodality. Each season for the next year, the Throne can make a [[Senate announcement]] instructing Abraham and Leontes to look into the potential implications of a single new Imperial Sodality. The only requirement is that the proposed sodality ''must'' have a name, a symbol, and a clear manifesto in the style of those expressed by any [[Conclave order]]. This manifesto ''must'' consist of three concise claims that the sodality believes to be true followed by three clear statements expressing what the sodality exists to do. In addition they must have a symbol that will be used to represent the sodality.

The Throne needn't recite the entire manifesto as part of their announcement, but one must be submitted in writing to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] shortly after the end of the summit ('''OOC Note:''' Emailed by the Throne to {{plot}} before downtime closes following the event). The manifesto must be ''complete'' and ''precise''. The job of the civil service is made infinitely harder if they need to speculate over what a particular element of a manifesto might mean. It must also be precise in that it is the actual wording that will make up the Sodality manifesto, rather than a list of alternative or possible manifesto items.

Abraham and Leontes will work with other civil servants to examine the manifesto and lay out the implications of what an Imperial Sodality based on it would look like. They might propose amendments to the manifesto that would have different effects, or confirm potential benefits and pitfalls that will arise if the Sodality is created. This will take the form of an appraisal which will be released to the Empire before the next summit.

The two Court members are prepared to commit to make the facility available for the next year. Whether the civil service have the capacity to support the arrangements beyond that point is a matter of disagreement between Leontes and Abraham. The former publicly opines that there's no reason they shouldn't be able to keep doing it after that point if it proves useful to the Throne. "After all," he says gloomily "we'd probably have to do the work anyway it's just a matter of ''when'' we have to do it. And at least this way the Senate can see what they are buying before they get their sack home and discover it's full of rats." Abraham seems more circumspect, at least for now, arguing that the civil service can't offer the support indefinitely until they know how much work it takes. The ageing magistrate seems to have gotten his way, at least for now.

'''OOC Note:''' If you want to send a letter to the Emperor about your sodality, they're happy to receive them but please send it to Vesna.Borkovna.Prochnost@gmail.com rather than direct messaging. It's also important to remember that Vesna is a player character, and has a very busy real life job as well as being the Imperial Throne.

<big>'''Design Note'''</big><br>
As should have become clear, the creation of an Imperial Sodality is a significant step. Each one has constitutional implications, and cannot help but reflect a shifting of power from one house to another. Rather than "ambush" the Senate with the implications of a new sodality - one they have given legal powers to without knowing what they are - we want to create a route toward dispelling this uncertainty. In essence, we will write the wind of fortune that we're currently writing ''after'' the sodality is created ''before'' the sodality is created. The crucial requirement here is that the six-line manifesto be submitted in its entirety, with the wording that would be used to create that sodality, so that we can give our best response to what such a group would mean for the Empire.

This also means that rather than the current situation, where we have listed changes to the manifesto that would increase or decrease the power of a sodality, we'll be able to issue that guidance in-character ''before'' the Imperial Sodality is created meaning that any changes can be made before the senate motion creating the sodality is presented.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Theodolit-zeiss.jpg|align=left|caption=Commonwealth universities take a role similar to that of the civil service in Commonwealth affairs - including the presentation of appraisals for discussion by the nation's generals.|width=400}}</div>

==Die Beurteilung Betrieb==
* '''Professor Gelberg remains committed to working with the Patron of the Beurteilung until at least Winter 388YE
Last Spring the Senate [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Endorse_Professor_Gelberg|endorsed]] the visiting [[Commonwealth]] academic, Professor Immanuel Gelberg. With the support of the University of [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]], the professor brought a cadre of scholars, engineers, and students to the Empire to offer their services to Imperial citizens as a way to raise funds for the war against Jarm. They have established [[Germinating_a_city#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]] - a kind of freelance appraisal team whose services are secured through Imperial auction - and offered their expertise in a variety of situations. They are also, by all accounts, greatly enjoying the warm reception they have received and the chance to explore the Empire.

With [[Cold war|recent events]] in the east, there is some discussion about whether Gelberg and his peers will return home to help against [[Cold Sun]]. When asked directly, Gelberg shrugs and opines that a handful of academics are not going to make any more difference in a war against an eternal than they would in the war against Jarm and that they serve their country best by continuing to strengthen ties and sympathy in the Empire. And by making money, of course. As such the [[Patron of the Beurteilung]] title will continue to remain available to the Empire's citizens until at least the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE.
==The Sweetwater Scenario==
* '''Eilian Sweetwater remains unaccounted for
One final matter relates to the whereabouts of beloved prognosticator and former researcher ''[[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]]''. He and his small team disappeared during the Grendel attack on Redoubt, which unfortunately started just as they arrived at the fallen [[Urizen_groups#The_Lighthouse_at_Nikephoros|Lighthouse at Nikephoros]]. There has been no concrete news about his whereabouts, although rumour has begun to spread that the eternal ''Khobel Tavah'' alluded during the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed|Autumn parley]] to either having Eilian in custody, or having provided them a sanctuary, or perhaps even having consumed him and his associated, depending which version of the story one listens to. For now Gerard La Salle is obviously concerned, and interested in hearing from anyone who might have any concrete information about his whereabouts.

==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Senate motion]]
* [[Opportunity]]
* [[Imperial Master of Works]]
* [[Master of the Imperial Mint]]
* [[Patron of the Beurteilung]]

My friends are my estate

2026-09-07T14:22:40Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]

<ic>Arius didn't roll their eyes, but focused on making last minute adjustments to the plans laid out across the table. Their appointment with the prognosticator was in barely an hour and the architect still wasn't entirely happy with some of the details. Also, the Leaguers were arguing again, something which had become a theme every time they came together to discuss the plan.

"I'm sorry," said Karolin, trying to keep her patience. "But I do not see why this proposal requires a big statue in the middle of it. How does that promote the shipwright's arts exactly?"

Rafe shook his head, grin fixed, hands dancing as he talked as usual. "No, see, it makes perfect sense."

"But it's the ''mountebank''. They may be dressed up as the sailor, but in many ways that makes things worse given some of the resonances."

"Oh for sure," agreed Rafe in a way that made it clear he did not, in fact, agree with his colleague. "But also, think about it. As a mascot for Apulian it's ideal! Let me explain!"

"I doubt we can stop you," interjected Hyame d'Apulian. The orc was leant back in his chair, boots on the table, dividing his time between the conversation and a large box of chocolate-covered cherries balanced on his stomach. Rafe ignored him.

"Everyone talks about Apulian as the fifth city of the League," explained Rafe. "We'll always be the newest city, until the nation incorporates somewhere else, and even then we'll be listed ''after'' the other four. Tassato, Temeschwar, Sarvos, Holberg. They all have centuries of history."

"Apulian has centuries of history," interrupted Arius. The Urizen architect didn't look up from the plans scattered across the table between them. They leant forward as they spoke and made a slight adjustment to one of the diagrams. "Indeed, it could be argued that the city has ''more'' history than some of the League given my people were here before yours arrived on these shores."

"I don't disagree," said Rafe. "But also no. That was, without offence, Urizen history and that doesn't entirely count. You see?"

"I'm not sure I do..." began Arius, but Rafe continued speaking as if they had not spoken. The robed merrow closed their eyes momentarily, drawing their poise around them like a cloak, and continued tweaking the plans. Karolin noted their lips were quite thin, however, and suspected they were not used to being talked over.

"For hundreds of years it was a glorified town - no offence Arius - and then it was Grendel - and now it's League and I'm sorry but that counts for a great deal. But we're the newest child on the street, here. We've not really claimed our place. We're "the place the orcs came from" - no offence Hyame - and the "city below" where all the night magicians are dicking about - no offence Karolin - and that's about all the rest of the League thinks of us. The Mountebank is ''exactly'' the iconic presence we need. The upstart, the clever rascal, the spirit of transformation and... and..."

"Unleashed primal forces and destruction?" said Hyame, even more amused. The League orc dropped his feet from the table and leant forward. "Disguise and concealment? Dangerous emotions? Or given you've chosen the Sailor, a short-lived period of lavish entertainment that leaves you with a sword with no hilt? A blowhard and a braggart?"

Rafe coloured a little, but soldiered on.

"Look, I'm just saying. This is only part of it. I hear people saying we can't compete with Sarvos, or Holberg. We were barely in the great competition for paragons' sake! But I say where's your ''ambition''? What are we even ''here'' for if we ''don't'' compete with the other cities? If we don't nail our sails to the mast and show them that we are ''here'' and we are ''League''!"

"And a statue of the Sailor says all that does it?" Karolin asked quietly. Rafe fell silent, and huffed a great sigh.

"Well, only a bit. Unless... unless..." His eyes flared with light again, and he became animated again. "Unless we build the biggest goddam statue of the Sailor the world has ever seen and stick two fingers up to il Volpe and Sarvos! Then we'd ''really'' be sending a message to the rest of the League that we're coming after their crowns!"

As he'd spoken, Rafe had jumped up onto the table and posed dramatically, one foot in a plate of rice and the other on the plans for the new boatyard, two fingers raised in a traditional gesture of defiance. Hyame applauded, only slightly sarcastically. Karolin shook her head, face clouded with doubt.

Arius didn't roll their eyes, and held their peace, and not for the first time wondered why the League was like this, and why they were so drawn to their often misplaced enthusiasms. Not for the first time they promised themselves that when ''this'' project was done they would head back up into the mountains for a little peace and quiet... knowing as they did so they were fooling nobody least of all themselves.</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption='''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', Senator for Spiral|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9oNjjZmF3w}}
[[Spiral]], for centuries [[Urizen]] heartland, now part of [[the League]]. The transition has not been entirely trouble-free, but [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Urizen_of_the_Silver_Flame|the treaty with the Silver Flame]], the non-Imperial Urizen has tamped down the risk of open conflict. Members of the Synod have been attempting to heal the rift, with more positive sentiments emerging from both sides. The League Assembly endorsed [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_71|Isaia Pavone di Sarvos' statement of principle]] calling for people to ''"enjoy the fruits of both nations’ labour together, now and in years to come"'' with a greater majority. If the Urizen Assembly were a little less enthusiastic about [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_163|Halkyon of the Myriad Stream's complimentary statement]] that is perhaps understandable given the circumstances.

Where the two sides have managed to cooperate, the results have been impressive. Projects like [[We_all_stand#Trade_Routes|Curstag's Way]] and [[Damming the Doubt]] demonstrate what can be achieved for both nations when they work together. During the Autumn Equinox, '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''' the [[Senator]] for Spiral, proposed a timely [[appraisal]] to build on these successes by looking "for ways to draw on the best of League innovation and Urizen wisdom to bolster Spiral's prosperity." The Senate agreed, and as requested [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] was dispatched to explore [[opportunity|opportunities]] in the south-eastern Empire.

As is ever the case in Spiral, the work is made more difficult by the omnipresent yoke of the {{Black Plateau}}. The malignant force that squats at the centre of the [[territory]] exacerbates every bad feeling, every doubt, and if not checked seeps into the spirit of anyone who spends time in the territory. Urizen ingenuity in the form of [[Spiral#The Block|the Block]] has helped blunt its effects, at least in the remaining [[spire|spires]] and in the settlements of the League, but the rocky land between settlements remains difficult and dangerous.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
Fleets, businesses, military units and farms are all suffering particularly badly from the effects of the {{Black Plateau}}. There's precious little point in trying to help farms, since there are so few of them, but it is clear that one of the simplest ways to boost the Prosperity of Spiral might be to find an approach that could mitigate the problems that the other resources are suffering.

==Situation in Spiral==
* '''Relations between the League citizens, and remaining Urizen citizens, are becoming easier
Some have compared the city of Apulian with [[Temeschwar]] - a League city with a similar past in that it combines [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Wisdom]] with League [[Ambition]]. While the Plateau remains a problem, recent developments have gone some way towards helping bolster the prosperity of Spiral. The creation of the [[Road_out_of_nowhere#Southern_Skyways|Bridge of the Air]] has seen several smaller "skyways" link isolated spires and settlements, ease passage through more difficult areas, and greatly improve trade between and through the mountains. The completion of [[We_all_stand#Trade_Routes|Curstag's Way]], the grand highway that runs through southern Spiral and links [[Mareave]] to the rest of the Empire, has likewise done wonders for the wealth of the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] in particular.

Naomi is the ideal choice to try to bring League and Urizen minds together to work on the problem. She always focuses on finding the most diplomatic possible solution to the problems she is dispatched to examine. She is known to be adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected though she tends to concentrate on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The timing is also apposite - work on the [[Construct_Barossa_University_of_Dramaturgical_Arts|new College of the Dramaturgical Arts]] is underway, but the high costs involved have meant progress is slow. The College should prove a valuable boon for the territory, especially for those interested in the arts of [[Dramaturgy]], provided some way can be found to fund the development.

There are several areas, then, that Naomi has explored. The independent city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] lies just to the south of Spiral and has recently become a "protectorate" of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - a people known for their love of trade and enthusiasm for wealth who are already invested in the Empire. The city of Apulian is expanding and growing in leaps and bounds, clearly benefitting from the fusion of Urizen and League magical lore. The spires of the highlands are rich in magical understanding, crystal mana, and magical metals.

==Night Sailing==
* '''Building a specialised dock in Apulian would remove the penalties suffered by Imperial fleets in Spiral'''
* '''It would also provide benefits to Spiral fleets engaged in espionage, scouting, and smuggling'''
* '''It could serve as a refuge for an Imperial navy'''
* '''It would bring more maritime trade into Apulian and increase taxation by 2 thrones a season'''

The city of Apulian is a bustling port with an eclectic feel. It grew slowly over the years, but the infusion of settlers, first the Grendel and then the League have ushered in two major waves of expansion. Now the docks are extensive, but syncretised, merging many different styles of architecture, Imperial and otherwise. Trade has grown with it, with more ships from foreign ports as well as vessels from Highguard and the Brass Coast seen entering the harbour.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Obsidian Shipyard'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 35 wains of weirwood, 25 wains of mithril, 200 ingots of weltsilver, 180 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the penalty suffered by fleets in Spiral due to the presence of the {{Black Plateau}}
* Raises the level of investment in Spiral for fleets taking a [[Fleet#Scouting|scouting]] action
* Raises the level of investment in Spiral for fleets trading with any Sarcophan port
* Lowers the level of investment in Spiral for fleets trading with any Sumaah or Commonwealth port
* Provides [[Shipyard#Refuge|refuge]] to Imperial navies
* Increases taxation by two thrones a season
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Increasing the costs to 85 weirwood, 50 mithril, 200 ingots of weltsilver and 405 crowns would increase the ''benefits'' to fleets to two ranks rather than one and increase the taxation by five thrones a season</td></tr>
</td></tr>
</table></div>

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''</big>Ambitious Statuary</big>'''<p>While the statue of the Sailor is integrated into the Obsidian Shipyards, it is not a rival to the Colossus of Sarvos. On the other hand, Ambition is a virtue and there's no reason it ''couldn't'' be a rival to the Colossus of Sarvos... All it would need is a little vision, some engineering know-how to scale it up a little, and a large amount of white granite.</p>

Whoever commissions the Obsidian Shipwrights could choose to increase the costs by 50 white granite, 25 mithril, and 225 crowns, and add an extra six months to the construction. The Sailor would then be a massive figure, gazing indulgently down on the docks and towering over the city of Apulian. Another wonder of the world! This would increase the level of investment in Spiral's fleets by another rank, fleets engaged in trade with Sarcophan or [[Fleet#Scouting|scouting]] actions would gain a total of two ranks. It would also increase the taxation by five thrones rather than two and further cement Apulian as a rival to Sarvos, as well as a centre of dramaturgical excellence.

One of the Urizen dramaturgists, incidentally, points out that whether a giant statue is built or not is besides the point because they argue that instead of the Sailor, the best choice for a statue on the Obsidian Shipwrights is [[the Witch]] who represents mysteries, common sense, and [[Prosperity]]. There's no reason that whoever commissions the construction couldn't specify that the statue should be of the Witch instead of the Sailor - either would work fine (other personae would be too dissonant with obfuscation to complement the work).</box></div>
The looming presence of {{Black Plateau}} remains the biggest impediment to further expansion of the trade. Until recently, moving goods and passengers across the Bay of Catazar by sail was preferable to travel under the Plateau's sinister gaze. The creation of Curstag's Way, complete with rest stops infused with mithril, made it easier to move goods by land in the territory. Could a similar solution benefit the Apulian docks?

While [[Spiral#The Block|the Block]] protects any structure properly infused with [[mithril]], that's little comfort to ship's crews. Among some of the first people to arrange an appointment with Naomi when she arrived in Apulian were a loose association of ship owners and merchant traders supported by members of the Purple Sail ''sodality''. While most were League citizens, there were a handful of Urizen interests represented as well as some [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] and a merchant from [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]. All were keen to find a way to ameliorate the effects of the Plateau on shipping.

Much discussion between various experts ensues, but in the end, it is the seagoing expertise of Danilo di Tassato, a former gondolier and reckoner, and an Urizen [[seer]], Procopius of the Shadow Moon that provides the answer. Between them they have developed a way to infuse [[mithril]] and [[weltsilver]] into the hulls and sails of ships to protect them from the {{Black Plateau}} by wrapping the vessel in whispers of shadow pulled from the Night realm. According to Procopius, it works because the enchantments woven into the ship make it harder for the {{Black Plateau}} to "see" the vessel, which has some rather disturbing implications. Regardless of how the magic works, a nighttime trip across the bay in Danilo's converted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumboat Sarcophan Bumboat] is enough to prove to Naomi and her team that the approach is undeniably effective.

The demonstration draws interest from many, including the Sarcophan ''College of Silent Voices'' and the League orcs of the [[Pebbles_drawn_from_a_heap#The_Circle_of_Black_Sand|Circle of Black Sand]]. Working together produces an ambitious proposal that might see Apulian eventually rival [[Sarvos]] as a seat of trade. The Obsidian Shipwrights would be an area of the docks dedicated both to building trading vessels and refitting existing vessels with mithril traceries to protect them from the {{Black Plateau}}. A centrepiece of the construction would be a large mithril inlaid statue of the [[The_Mountebank#The_Sailor|Sailor]]. This raises a few eyebrows - the Sailor is a specific version of [[the Mountebank]] in [[dramaturgy]] associated with suspicious gifts, good times, and trouble. Yet they are also an excellent fit for magic that hides folk from unfriendly eyes. It would in no way rival the [[Sarvos#The_Colossus_of_Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]]... but it might send a message about the Ambitions of the people of Apulian.

The shipyards would remove the penalty suffered by fleets in Spiral due to the presence of the {{Black Plateau}}. However, the benefits go further than that. The Night magic would suffuse fleets based in the territory, allowing them to move quickly and quietly, making them excellent spies and smugglers. Every [[fleet]] based in Spiral, both League and Urizen, would receive a one rank bonus whenever they undertake a [[Fleet#Scouting|scouting]] action. Such vessels would also be well received in the Sarcophan Delves, providing the same bonus to any [[Fleet#Trading|trading]] action with the Delves - both the [[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|city itself]], the [[Foreign ports#Betovering|Betovering docks]] but also the less accessible, satellite ports allowing improved access to the medicines of ''Moeraskriden'' or the contraband of ''Schedalhaven''.

Sadly, the approach is not completely without drawbacks - the obfuscation provided by the lingering Night magics would inevitably cause consternation in Sumaash and Commonwealth ports. Both nations are sticklers for the rule of law, with little time for smugglers. The suspicion that such a vessel would be sure to arouse means every [[fleet]] based in Spiral, both League and Urizen, would receive a one rank penalty whenever they undertake any trading action with a port controlled by either nation.

This focus on swift, subtle vessels with low draughts means the Shipwrights would be unsuitable for creating an [[Imperial navy]]. Built in harmony with the magics coursing through Apulian, however, the Obsidian Shipwrights would provide a safe haven for warships - it would provide the [[Shipyard#Refuge|refuge]] benefit to a navy that docked in Apulian, where the [[Spiral#Apulian|Palace of Apulian]] provided further protection.

On which subject...

==Mellow Mists==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Palace of Mists'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification Upgrade</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 wains of white granite, 240 crowns, a year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Improves the fortification at Apulian to rank two
* Forces attacking the region from the sea (such as [[Navy_orders#Shore_Offensive|shore offensive]] or the equivalent) suffer a 20% penalty to VPs
* Improves taxation by 5 thrones a season
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Naomi's proposal would upgrade the fortification at Apulian to rank two'''
* '''Forces using shore offensive or equivalent orders would suffer a twenty percent penalty to VPs'''
* '''Bolstering the defences would increase taxation by five thrones a season, offsetting some of the increased upkeep'''
The sea is the lifeblood of Apulian, but it brings with it additional threats. The [[Grendel]] have demonstrated their ruthless capacity to seize Imperial ports with their recent [[To ruin|attack on Elos]]. The [[Children of Wrecks]] have been [[Red_skies|defeated but not destroyed]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] warships that [[A beacon of smoke|burnt Siroc]] are still out there. Apulian is protected by the [[Spiral#Apulian|Palace of Apulian]] but there is a limit to what it can achieve, especially against a maritime threat.

League engineers and Urizen architects have worked together to address the problem that is the flip-side of a lot of Apulian's prosperity. Their proposal is to build on the foundation laid by Salt Lord Kaliact. The beautiful, well-fortified palace takes pride of place near the docks but there is more to expanding it's defences than simply building its walls up. Part of their inspiration comes, unsurprisingly, from the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain of Sarvos]], a mighty series of walls, towers, and barracks, coupled with great iron chains attached to blocks of white granite that can be raised or lowered to provide a serious obstacle to naval forces attempting a shore offensive aimed at capturing [[Sarvos#Cigno|Cigno]]. Part of the defence incorporates a similar set of obstacles, but thanks to the ingenuity of both Urizen and the League there is more to their plan.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sadogua001d.webp|caption=Heralds of [[Sadogua]] have offered advice on ways to weave Night magic around Apulian.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
The [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] is a useful [[ritual]] that weaves wards of obfuscation and misdirection through an area of [[Region_qualities#Marsh|marshes]]. While [[Night magic]] is generally of [[War_magic#Night_Magic|limited usefulness]] in a war, the [[Night magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation|obfuscation]] presents several opportunities to protect against assault. Urizen Seers calculate that it would be possible to permanently tap into some of the rich veins of Night magic that now permeate the city, and focus it across the coast of Apulian.

Keen eyes study the effectiveness of the walls of mist that surround [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|the Lyceum]], and the involvement of the eternal [[Sadogua]] in protecting that place. Heralds of the ''Black Sloth'' have been sought out - some Urizen make the long trek to the Marches to put some of those celebrating the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Wassail|wassail]] there on the spot - and it seems that the ''Globbersnotch'' has provided some advice on ways to make the most of the magic in Apulian. While being a little shifty about Night magic and its relationship to the sea (recent [[historical research]] into the nature of eternals associated with the sea might provide some insight here).

Under the proposal, the Palace of Apulian would become the Palace of Mists, capable of calling up confusing fogs to misdirect invading ships and even armies attempting to attack Apulus. It would become a fully effective level two fortification, and in addition, any force attacking the region from the sea - any navy and armies using shore offensive - would suffer a 20% penalty to VPs.

The palace would require 80 wains of white granite and 30 thrones in labour costs, take a year to complete. It would increase the upkeep of the Palace by an additional 10 thrones each season, however, the presence of such a powerful defence protecting the port and the ships using it would boost trade in Spiral. As a result the taxation of the territory would increase by five thrones a season, offsetting half of the increased upkeep.
==Swords Against Darkness==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Swords Against Darkness'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires a statement of principle in support of raising swords against the darkness to pass the League and the Urizen Assembly at the Winter Solstice 387YE
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the Venture - '''Swords Against Darkness''' - available to League, Urizen military and Dawnish military units
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: HotPink;">'''Swords Against Darkness'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Venture Type:''' Questing</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' The League, Urizen and Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' One year
<tr><td>'''Rewards:'''
* A standard military unit would receive 3 mana crystals and 2 liao
* A military unit that is enchanted or upgraded will receive proportionately more
* A rank 6 or higher military unit (from upgrades or rituals) will receive a Circlet of Fallen Snow as part of the rewards
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Duration becomes open-ended if supported by military units with a total effective strength of 2000 for at least three of the four seasons
* If that happens, the taxation of Spiral will increase by 6 thrones, and the penalty of military units from the {{Black Plateau}} will be removed
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The League and Urizen national assemblies could use a statement of principle to create a new questing venture in Spiral'''
* '''If enough military units undertake the venture over the next year, then it will increase taxation by 6 thrones a season and remove the penalty on Spiral military units'''

One of the challenges in Urizen is that after three decades of war, and the chaos that followed, and the influence of the {{Black Plateau}}, the places between spires and outside the walls of Apulian and [[Spiral#Ballaghadruh|Ballaghadruh]], are filled with unknown dangers. Of course, there are dangers in many of the less-travelled parts of the Empire, but Spiral is particularly afflicted.

[[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Lost|The Lost]] is the common term for those folk whose minds and spirits have been undone by the baleful glare of the plateau. They are not the only threat however - there are still remnants of the [[Druj]] insurgents and [[Grendel]] invaders, small groups of orcs belonging to neither nation hiding out in the wilds. There are also rumours of disciples of [[sword scholar|Sulemaine i Taziel]] hiding in the nooks and crannies of Spiral. These former sword scholars have decisively split with the Empire and represent a real threat to those who remain loyal. All in addition to the usual threats posed by dangerous creatures from the realms, unliving horrors, bandits and outlaws, and allegedly even some rogue ushabti.

Most [[spire|spires]] are sufficiently well-defended to be protect them against incursions and the city of Apulian is far too large to be threatened. As a result, many inhabitants of Spiral have been able to ignore these threats - the League can go about their business in Apulian, while the spires communicate via the heliopticon, and keep to the most well-trod routes when travelling. As a result, thus far, it has not been a pressing problem.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: right;">
[[file:Assembly_League.png]]
[[file:Assembly_Urizen.png]]
</div>
Just because the threat is not urgent does not mean it is not important however. The Urizen are having to employ extra sentinels to keep their spires safe - and can only travel abroad in large well-protected groups. League merchants moving cargo down the Great Apulian Way are struggling to hire enough guards to protect the caravans. Everywhere you look, there is a need for competent warriors to keep loyal Imperial citizens safe. To many that's just life in Spiral - but to Naomi, it's a subtle but pervasive tax on the Prosperity of everyone who lives here.

After a lot of work persuading some of the wealthier Apulian merchants and key [[arbiter|arbiters]], Naomi is 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.

If her proposal is successful, then it wouldn't just help to make Spiral safer, it would boost Prosperity and taxation in the territory and free up numerous [[sentinel|sentinels]], and [[bravo|bravos]] to find work elsewhere, which would make efforts by military units based in the territory more profitable. The challenge is logistics - getting enough volunteers for the dangerous work won't be easy.

For that to happen, will require a suitably worded Statement of Principle in support of the [[venture]] in both the League and the Urizen Assembly. If both passed in the same season, the proposal would draw enough support from both League and Urizen backers to be viable. That would create a new questing venture, Swords Against Darkness, which would be available to League and Urizen military units (and Dawn since it's more trouble than it's worth to keep their glory hunters away from a quest). 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.

Given the plan needs the support of enough military units over the coming year, there's a brief discussion of whether it would be easier to just send an army to do it. It wouldn't be a cheap option - armies operating in Spiral suffer badly, but the idea is abandoned when the real cost becomes clear. Sending in an army to attack hundreds or more enemies is almost certain to rouse the {{Black Plateau}} still further. Dozens of small scale operations to hunt down dangerous individuals will be fine - an attempt to have thousands of soldiers comb the mountain side would not...
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueDrawing.jpg|align=right|caption=The people of the League are adept at finding ingenious solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.|width=250}}</div>

==Spiral and Zenith==
* '''Building a road to connect southern Spiral with Zenith could bring significant benefits
* '''The special ushabti created at the Crucible of Fate would work well in the Legacy
Since it was recovered from the [[Druj]], the Urizen territory of Zenith has seen significant investment in its prosperity. Between the restoration of the [[Zenith#Proceris|Golden Cascade]] and the establishment of the [[Zenith#Crucible of Fate|Crucible of Fate]], great wealth has accrued to the spires north of Spiral. Some of that wealth has filtered through to the spires of Spiral - via the [[Zenith#Bridge_of_the_Air|Bridge of the Air]] in particular - but Naomi believes that more could be done. She is very interested in fostering more communication between the arcanists and [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] of Zenith and their opposite numbers in the city of Apulian.

At the moment, while the Bridge of the Air provides benefits to the people of Spiral, the ''skyway'' is mostly restricted to the northern and western mountains. However, the success of [[Spiral#Curstag's_Way|Curstag's Way]] presents obvious opportunities. The highway is already proving to be a success, both for its ease of use and the well-protected hostelries along its length. After consulting with [[We_all_stand#Trade_Routes|Lucia, Sheeva, Tressida and Croilus]], Naomi proposes to build on that success - much as the they intimated might be the case when [[We_all_stand#Trade_Routes|the four first proposed the new road]].

The Grendel have laid in cursory highways between Apulian and the [[Legacy]]; Naomi suggests that it would be possible to expand those roads, and most importantly the stopping points along their length, up through the [[Spiral#The_Passes|Twilight Gate]] into [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], there to connect with a major artery of the Bridge of the Sky connecting the farms around the Golden Cascade to the Crucible of Fate. Running through Apstrus and Ossuary, the route would give [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]] a wide berth but would provide a useful trade connection not only for Apulian, but for the spires both in Spiral and Zenith, and potentially to the Imperial orcs in Mareave as well.

===Northern Way===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Northern Way'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of white granite, 30 wains of mithril, 240 Crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until another great work that increases investment in businesses is commissioned in Zenith</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' If the Master of Rings commissions the road 6 wains of white granite will be provided by League citizens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' If the Urizen Assembly supports the road with a suitably worded statement of principle, 4 wains of mithril will be provided by Urizen spires</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level of investment in Zenith by one providing 36 rings for each business in the territory
* Removes the penalty to businesses in Spiral from the {{Black Plateau}}
* Enables the Crucible of Fate to boost the output of the Legacy and upgrade personal resources
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A great work investing in roads between Apulian and Zenith would boost businesses in Zenith'''
* '''It would also remove the penalty imposed on businesses by the {{Black Plateau}}'''
Naomi isn't worried about what the road is called, apart from to note with amusement that the chances it will be called the ''Northern Calumo-Sheeva-Nightshadow Highway'' are vanishingly low. Whoever commissions it will determine how it is referred to in official documents. It builds on the success of Curstag's Way, providing not only a safe and reliable route through the lowlands but plenty of specifically established stopping places for caravans and travellers protected by the power of [[Spiral#The_Block|the block]].

The costs will be greater than those associated with Curstag's Way, as it must pass through much more difficult terrain. The immediate benefits will accrue not in Spiral, but in Zenith. Easing trade between Urizen and the League allows the benefits of cargos brought into Apulian to be felt in Zenith, and creates new markets for Urizen goods - especially books and magic items. This would represent another level of investment in Zenith, over and above that provided by the Bridge of the Sky.

Securing a second - and arguably more lucrative - trade route through Spiral to Apulian would also provide significant benefits to businesses and farms in the territory. The impact of the {{Black Plateau}} is particularly acute on those moving cargoes overland through the territory. With regular stopping places, and a road to speed travel, this impact would be almost entirely mitigated. The penalty to businesses from the plateau would be cancelled as long as the roads were operable.

The project is expensive, but the costs could be cut slightly if the project has the clear backing of prominent citizens of Urizen and the League. If the Master of Rings commissions the road, 6 wains of white granite will be provided by enthusiastic League citizens. If the Urizen Assembly passes a suitably worded statement of principle in support of the new road then 4 wains of mithril will be provided by Urizen spires.

===Dark Depths===
* '''Completing the Northern Way could enable the Architect of the Crucible to employ members of League artisan guilds'''
* '''Employing more artisans would enable the Architect to boost production of the Legacy'''
* '''It would also restore and extend the ability to upgrade personal resources'''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Urizen.jpg|align=right|caption=The people of Urizen have rebuilt Zenith in the wake of the [[Druj]] occupation. Their mastery of the form and function of the ''ushabti'' goes from strength to strength.|width=250}}</div>
The road would obviously run past the Legacy; while the raw mithril here shelters the miners from the dank miasma of the plateau while they are working it still requires the Senate to pay a significant dividend to attract those workers to the location. With an easy route between Zenith and Spiral, however, another opportunity presents itself.

At the moment, the [[Architect of the Crucible]] is providing [[Architect_of_the_Crucible#Miracle_And_Wonder|specialist ushabti]] to the [[Brilliant Star]] in Redoubt. These ushabti are designed to operate in the deadly light that infuses the mines, a legacy of [[Cold Sun]]. Rather than support the Brilliant Star, the Architect of the Crucible could instead create a workforce of ushabti infused with weirwood and mithril to help operate the Legacy. That would boost the output of the Legacy by three wains of mithril at the cost, but production at the Star would drop by the same amount.

What is really needed is a way to expand the output of the Crucible of Fate. As is common with Urizen structures, the facility is large and spacious; the problem is getting enough skilled artisans to work the forges. Urizen has never been a very populous nation, and there simply aren't enough artisans available to make it worthwhile running the forges night and day.

However there are more than enough League artisans in the various guilds that have moved to Apulian who are eagerly looking for work. If the Architect of the Crucible invited them to travel to the Crucible of Fate, then they could quickly learn how to make ushabti and once they had mastered the arts it would significantly improve the Architect's capacity to create ushabti.

If the Northern Way is completed, then at any time the Architect of the Crucible could email {{plot}} and indicate that they are overseeing the creation of ushabti for the Legacy rather than the Brilliant Star. That would reduce the output of the Star by 3 wains and increase the output of the Legacy by 3 wains.

Alternatively the Architect could email {{plot}} to indicate that they are inviting League artisans to come to the Crucible to learn how to make ushabti. With the benefit of so many additional artisans, the output of the Crucible would double - the Architect could support the Legacy and the Brilliant Star, increasing the output of both bourse resources.

In addition, the extra workforce would restore the ability of the Architect of the Crucible to upgrade personal resources. With Spiral back in Imperial control and League magicians receiving training in the creation, use and maintenance of ushabti, it would be possible for the Architect of the Crucible to upgrade League or Urizen personal resources in Spiral.

Once each season during [[downtime]], the Architect of the Crucible could select a single Urizen or League character with a mine, forest, herb garden, farm, or business in [[Morrow]], [[Redoubt]], [[Spiral]] or [[Zenith]], and commission the artisans at the Crucible to create bespoke ushabti for them. This would upgrade their personal resource by one level at a cost of three thrones for each level it is being upgraded to (so to upgrade a standard resource costs six thrones, while a level three resource would require twelve thrones to upgrade to level four). This is in place of all other costs - no [[mithril]], [[white granite]], or [[weirwood]] is required.

Of course the Architect of the Crucible might not want to share the secrets of ushabti with members of the League. That would be a decision that was down to them. But in either case, nothing could happen until the proposed Northern Way was completed.

==The Dark Mesa==
* '''The opportunity to build a fortification designed to enclose the {{Black Plateau}} is still viable'''
* '''The proposal for Oblivion's Edge would mitigate the impact of fighting in the territory for a season'''
* '''As long as the Block remains in tact it would also reduce the impact of the Plateau on life in inhabited areas of Spiral'''
* '''This proposal completely replaces the previous details for the creation of Oblivion's Edge'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oblivion's Edge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' The {{Black Plateau}}, Screed, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 20 mithril and 300 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 4 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 10 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a level one fortification in Screed
* Removes the threat from naifs in the territory
* Would help to defend against any direct attack on the {{Black Plateau}}
* Provides spartan accommodation for the Oblivion Sentinel
* Would prevent the {{Black Plateau}} being roused by a single season of fighting in the territory
* Raises taxation by 4 thrones a season
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* If the Imperial Senate build the fortification and change the position to a League and Urizen national appointment then the title would gain donations worth 5 crystal fire each year and 20 crowns per season
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
As part of their work to assess the threats present in Spiral and suggest ways to counter them, members of the [[Vigilance]] Assembly suggested the [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#Oblivion's_Edge|construction of a fortification to enclose the {{Black Plateau}}]]. Their goal was to wall off access to the area, to prevent people blindly wandering into the most dangerous part of the territory, but also to prevent any opportunity for malicious actors - such as the Druj or the Grendel - from deliberately rousing it to violence by directly attacking it, as [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|the Iron Helms did so dramatically five years ago]].

Of most interest to Naomi is the idea that the fortification might include mithril laced into the walls to try and contain some of the fell energies seeping out of the mesa. She has been charged with finding ways to improve the Prosperity of Spiral, but one of the first tenets of the Virtue enjoins people to "enjoy the fruits of your labour". It is harder than it should be to enjoy life in Spiral with the fearful shadow of the {{Black Plateau}} hanging over the territory. The more that can be done to contain it - the better people's lives will be.

Thus she is interested in the proposal to fortify Screed, because of the potential it offers to contain some of the fell energies leaching from the heights. The effects are small, but combined with the protections provided by [[Spiral#The_Block|the Block]] it would make life in Apulian and the lofty spires in the mountains much more liveable. At least it will for as long as the great mithril structure remains in good working order, which should be fine provided relations with the Cinion rebels who control the Block remain stable.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenwe001.webp|caption=[[Ylenwe]], the Dove of the Morning, offers some protection from the malign influence that fills the air in Spiral.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
Thus, Naomi has spent time revising the original proposals to bring them up to date with the latest techniques. The fortification would not be cheap - it would require 80 wains of white granite and 20 mithril and take a year to build, but now that the Empire has given [[Ylenwe]] amity, zie is prepared to shield the workers from the Dark Eye's baleful glare so the labour costs would be no higher than normal

The fortification would offer a number of benefits; it turns out the area is not as defensible as first assumed, but the bastion would make the region much harder to take (the region would require 20VPs to capture) and provide a base for a garrison to patrol Urizen. That would be enough to dissuade the Druj or the Grendel staging a lightning raid on the {{Black Plateau}} to try and trigger it.

The mithril spines incorporated into the structure would slow the flow of energy to and from the Plateau, That wouldn't completely remove the risks involved in fighting in the territory, it wouldn't even reduce the losses inflicted on armies, but it would mean that the plateau would not be triggered by a single season of campaigning in the territory - and it would mean there might be an [[opportunity]] to prevent an eruption if the fighting went on longer than a season. Far from ideal maybe, but still a lot safer than the current situation.

When the fortification was first put forward, there was a suggestion that building it would help to reassure League and Urizen citizens in Spiral that the Empire was not ignoring the dangers posed by the {{Black Plateau}}. Interest in the work of the [[Oblivion Sentinel]] has only grown since then and after some effort Naomi is able to convince various League guilds to offer 20 crowns in support of the position - to match the five crystal fire provided by the Deathless Caves - but on the proviso that the title becomes a League and Urizen national appointment - (like the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]]). It's not these League businesses particularly want to control the title, but they want to know their senators have a say in who holds the position.

The real gains though are the improvements in quality of life for the folks living Apulian as well as the spires, citadels and temples that dot the mountains. Most of these structures are now protected by mithril filigree that shields people from the worst of the {{Black Plateau}} while they are indoors. Crucially as the density of buildings in Apulian continues to rise, people have noticed that some of the narrower streets are now benefitting in the same way.

If the fortification were built - then it wouldn't just protect Screed, it would ameliorate the impacts of the {{Black Plateau}} on anyone who is protected by the novel architectural techniques developed by Urizen magicians. It would do nothing for the wilderness - that would remain a treacherous and dangerous landscape, one only the hardy or the foolhardy might contemplate - there is [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Aid_of_the_Dove|a complimentary offer from Ylenwe]] that ''might'' be able help with that problem. But the fortification would mean that most citizens living in Spiral could go about their business without having to endure the constant pressure the Plateau creates while they were indoors.

That would be invaluable. Naomi calculates that taxation from the territory would rise by four thrones a season, but the real benefits would be to the everyday life of the people who live in Spiral. Their capacity to enjoy the fruits of their labours would be much improved.

==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Ylenwe]]

* [[The moth for the star]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune, relating to dramaturgical eccentricities in Spiral
* [[Daybreak in Spiral]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune, discussing events in Spiral as a whole
* [[Nightfall in Apulian]]- 387YE Summer wind of fortune discussing events in the city of Apulian
* [[Damming the Doubt]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing options and concerns related to Solen's Doubt
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune summarising the situation in Spiral
* [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to flood the Doubt

The circle game

2026-09-07T14:21:59Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>Graciana reached out carefully to receive the proffered book. He passed it to her slowly, handling the book as reverently as if it were a relic of the Way.

A relic of the past, I suppose, she mused to herself. "The Foundation of the Bourse" by Apomedes of Heaven's Reach. She could just make out the letters stamped into the leather bound cover, the paint that had once filled them, had long since cracked and fallen away.

"Giovanni's contribution to the Empire is often overlooked." the old man said sadly. "It's because it's so pedestrian I guess. There's no great battles. No epic wars. Apomedes claims he killed more forgers than barbarians. No moments of heroism. Well apart from Miaren I suppose and it's pretty clear that he thought that campaign was a disaster."

Graciana cupped the priceless book in both hands, unsure if it would be safe to open the cover. "I'm not sure how this will help me?" she queried.

"Apomedes first" he replied inscrutably, "then we can have a talk."
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer .jpg|caption='''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''', Senator for Sermersuaq|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i6Gl4G0sCs}}
Six months ago, during the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate charged the Prognosticator's Office with examining "''the ministries of the Empire to identify any alternative trades their associated titles could make that would '''not''' involve us paying coin.''" On the advice of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]], [[Senator]] for [[Sermersuaq]] who raised the motion - '''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''' - acknowledged that the prognosticator would need additional time to complete their review - that period has now been completed.

The Senate did not select a specific appraiser to oversee the work, so the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury Gerard La Salle assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee it. His first choice - the diplomatic [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi]] - had unfortunately already been assigned to oversee an [[Any_port_in_a_storm|appraisal of Utterlund docks]]. The Freeborn has some expertise in this area, having been a successful merchant herself before joining the Civil Service. As an experienced practitioner of [[Night magic]], she is known for approaching problems in ways that are novel, albeit often expensive.

Despite her talents, it is clear that Graciana has found the task extremely challenging. The truth is that there are precious few options for alternative trades for the various existing ministries that would provide alternatives to spending money. Frustrated, the prognosticator has tried to take a broader view and look at what she has ''guessed'', is the more fundamental problem - declining revenues for the Imperial treasury, using the time available to study the problem as thoroughly as possible. She has included the findings of that investigation as part of the overall appraisal.

<div style="float:right;"><quote by="William Stanley Jevons">Money's a matter of functions four,<br>
A Medium, a Measure, a Standard, a Store.</quote></div>
==The Liquidity Problem==
* '''Imperial citizens prefer to deal in money in most cases'''
* '''Most foreigners prefer either Imperial coinage, or to deal in high-value commodities such as wains and rings of ilium'''

The fundamental problem that Graciana identifies is that the majority of potential customers would vastly prefer to deal in coin than engage in barter. There are exceptions of course, the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] for example, is able to trade dragonbone for white granite. But these rare cases are the exception - most citizens strongly prefer to deal in coin rather than barter.

Coin has many advantages, as a medium of exchange it ensures that a trade isn't reliant on both parties wanting what the other party is selling. As a measure of value it is quickly and easily quantified and transferred - it is much quicker to count and transfer 20 thrones than 300 ingots of weltsilver. Coins allow people to accumulate and tally obligations and debts in ways that allow for payments to be easily deferred. Imperial coins, backed as they are by the full weight of the Empire and the tireless work of the Master of the Mint to prevent forgeries, act as a peerless store of wealth. They make it simple to keep wealth safe, so that it can be employed in the future.

In simpler terms, money is just much more desirable for buying and selling than barter is. It's flexible, and at the end of the day it is much easier to give people money to buy the things they need than it is to swap the thing you have for the thing they have. It's no use having a cart-load of weltsilver to trade for dragonbone if your opposite number actually wants orichalcum. Most established, prosperous people look at "barter" - swapping things for other things - a little askance.

While there are a few possibilities, they seem to be very specific and very limited in scope. The established ways within the Empire to buy and sell resources, all rely on money, and there is no appetite to change those. There may be some limited opportunities to create new deals with foreign nations - trading liao and dragonbone to Axos for example - but they would require careful diplomatic negotiation. In all cases foreign nations usually prefer to take payment in Imperial coin when dealing with Imperial traders - none of them are likely to accept barter unless it comes with a considerable discount that favours them.

Stymied by the inability to find any systematic or extensive solution to the appraisal, Graciana has tried to look at what she ''assumes'' is the more fundamental problem - a concern about the finance available to the Imperial treasury.

==Giovanni's Legacy==
* '''The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down by Emperor Giovanni'''
* '''Giovanni deliberately constrained the ability of the Empire to tax or borrow to ensure the burden of government fell on the wealthiest'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Appendix-A---Economy-Flowchart.jpg|caption=Leaflet reproduced with the kind permission of '''Laurencio di Sarvos'''.<br>Art created by '''Persephone Sage-Fletcher'''|align=right|width=350}}</div>

The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down in a series of reforms instituted by [[Emperor Giovanni]]. He established the modern currency based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, (which he ensured was based in Tassato). Giovanni also laid the foundations of the Bourse, and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. Crucially it was Giovanni that ''fixed'' the taxation that Imperial citizens must pay - by reinterpreting "a measure of silver" to be a single crown. The few texts that survive that describe this period suggest that before Giovanni, the early leaders of the Empire had anticipated that they might vary how much silver citizens might be taxed. Giovanni closed the door on that possibility.

Instead he established the Imperial Bourse as the primary method by which the nascent Empire would raise funds for the Imperial treasury. He did so at the same time that he instituted a tradition of meeting once every three months at Anvil. The few accounts of Emperor Giovanni that survive paint him as a shrewd and brilliant politician, but on a personal level he was widely regarded as cynical man whose studies of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dismal_science the dismal science] led him to expect the worst of literally everyone. According to the [[Torchbearer]], Apomedes of Heaven's Reach, Giovanni deliberately created the Bourse to ensure that the burden of paying for the decisions of the Senate would fall on those who made them and those who put them there.

Interest in Emperor Giovanni tends to wax and wane. When economic times are good, few people pay any attention to his life's work. These periods are often marked by ''years'' of steady rises in the price of wains, accompanied by a growth in expenditure authorised by the Imperial Senate. When the wheel turns, the price of wains begins to fall and the pressure on the Imperial treasury begins to rise dramatically. When that happens interest in the Imperial economy suddenly becomes more pressing.

In recent years, noted Imperial economists like the respected Wintermark scholar, and current [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] '''Vauraus Korppitkotka''' of the [[Wintermark_groups#Sussivari|Sussivari]], have published insightful analysis that map out the flow of money into the Imperial treasury. Similar work by the tireless campaigner, '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' of the First Spark, have aimed to drill home just how important the impact of things like ministries are on the "Anvil economy". Graciana's research largely confirms what both these economists have long been saying - all the money spent at Anvil ultimately circulates around Anvil until it ends up returning to the Imperial treasury.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sussivari.png|align=right|width=200|caption=The Sussivari are known for a particual appreciation of matters magical.}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|align=right|caption='''Laurencio di Sarvos''', economic analyst and hammer owner.|width=200}}</div>
The document produced by Laurencio di Sarvos, graphically illustrates how the Anvil economy works. The yellow boxes show where money enters the system - taxation by the Senate, the personal income of wealthy citizens, and so forth. The blue boxes show how this money circulates around Anvil - guerdon payments don't leave Anvil because they are paid to people who then bring the money back to Anvil to spend it. The Bourse works to draw money from everyone attending Anvil, ever directly or indirectly, which it then funnels back to the Senate. Wealth only leaves the system through the red boxes, the upkeep of armies and fortifications or the spending in ministries and similar.

When more money enters the system than leaves the system, the price of wains goes up, and the Senate grows rich. When more money leaves the system than enters it, the price of wains goes down and the Senate's budget is squeezed. Encouraging citizens to pay more at the Bourse auctions might feel virtuous, but since it doesn't change the fundamental money supply in the slightest, all it can possibly do is delay the inevitable correction. Virtuous citizens moving money from the Anvil economy to the Bourse and from there to the Senate cannot be sustained, if the money in circulation in the Anvil economy continues to decline.
<div style="float:right; clear:right;"><quote by="Emperor Giovanni">Those who call the tune must pay the piper.</quote></div>
This design perfectly reflects Giovanni's gloomy disposition. The Emperor ''expected'' his Senate to be profligate in their spending - he changed the constitution to ensure that the burden fell squarely on the heads of the citizens coming to Anvil. His belief was that they, and they alone, might have the collective political power to restrain their senators.

If alternative trades could be found, so that Imperial citizens who attend Anvil could make significant purchases using wains, resources, mana, herbs or similar, that would result in significantly less money leaving the Anvil economy - and by extension more money ultimately flowing into the Imperial treasury. However that is very difficult to do, there are few good options for doing that for the reasons described above, most people want to get paid, in coin, for their services or goods. However increasing the money flowing into the Anvil economy would have the same net effect as decreasing the money flowing out of the Anvil economy - and that might be easier to achieve.

==Cutting Corners==
* '''There are few good options for alternative trades for ministries, but the Senate could abrogate them'''
* '''There are some ministries that could provide a benefit to the Empire without requiring money to operate'''

As mentioned, there are few good options for alternative trades that don't involve coin. The handful that do exist are ad hoc limited options that affect some of the smaller ministries; Graciana is dubious that these will produce significant net benefits to the Imperial treasury.

The drastic solution would be to abrogate all ministries. The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to abrogate every ministry in the Empire. That would have a huge effect, dramatically curbing the powers of some titles and disestablishing others (any title whose only power was to operate a ministry would be abrogated at the same time). Such a motion would mean any investment into the ministry in question was lost - there would be no way to recover the materials used to build the commission and no easy way to repurpose them for some other use.

A less drastic answer might be to abrogate certain specific ministries. With a more tailored approach, it is possible to address the changes as they happen, shifting commissions so that some benefits still accrue. Graciana has looked at four "groups" of ministries - the [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Conclave]], the [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Northern trade network]], and the Prosperity ministries that provide bourse resources. In the first three cases, she has identified some benefits that could be had if the Senate acted to remove their ministries. She has not been able to identify benefits that would flow from abrogating the Prosperity ministries and she advises ''against'' dis-establishing them.
<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Lebannon of Haros Water">No, Grandmaster. It is not 'yours'.

It is ours.</quote></div>
====Grandmaster Ministries====
* '''The ministries that provide Grandmasters with crystal mana could be abrogated'''
* '''Doing so would mean an additional 127 crystal mana going directly to the font'''
One group of ministries that see a large amount of money flow from Anvil into the wider Empire are the so-called "mana ministries" possessed by each [[Grandmaster]]. These ministries were greatly enhanced in 384YE when the Senate [[Honey_and_vinegar#Old_Stones|took advantage of an opportunity]] to expand the mana exchanges in [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange|Tassato]], [[Magic Butcher|Temeschwar]], and [[Steward_of_the_Sarvos_Mana_Exchange|Sarvos]]. Graciana estimates that, in total, the Grandmasters have spent over a hundred thrones collectively buying over a thousand crystal mana for their orders over the last year. This is in addition to the mana that is distributed to them via [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the font]]. It is clearly valuable to have so much additional mana available to the Empire, but the Senate might consider that the costs are not worth the benefits.

The Senate could use a single senate motion to shut these ministries down. If that happened, the civil servants responsible for securing crystal mana for the grandmasters could be redeployed, and the structures used to support them could be repurposed to support a public trade in mana crystals between citizens, with the profits from that operation being used to fund mana purchases for the font.

Graciana calculates that this would result in an additional 127 crystal mana each season being raised for the font, at no additional cost to the Empire. That would be a significant loss for the Empire - five hundred mana crystals a year is significantly less than the thousand mana crystals that the grandmasters purchased between them - but it would represent a considerable saving to the Anvil economy.

====Diplomatic Ministries====
* '''The Senate could end the practice of merchants offering favourable rates to ambassadors'''
* '''They could redefine the role of the ambassador and indicate such gifts are for the benefit of the Empire rather than the ambassador'''
* '''Doing so would remove the ministry, but would also remove the upkeep costs of the embassies the Empire has not embargoed'''

As it currently stands, the [[Imperial Consul]] and each [[ambassador]] oversees an [[embassy]]. Alongside the political powers and prestige an embassy affords an ambassador, they also support a degree of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile activity]]. Merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question, or vice versa, visit the embassy to curry favour with the ambassador. Commonly they take a portion of the items they buy and sell and make them available to the ambassador at favourable prices. This benefit is represented by a ministry that allows the ambassador to directly purchase raw materials from traders and merchants of the associated nation.

This practice obviously leads to questions about what exactly is going on. Virtuous individuals in particular sometimes look at this behaviour with raised eyebrows - these merchants are trying to curry favour with the ambassador to get special treatment. This is usually perfectly innocuous, merchants offer incentives to get their shipments cleared by the dock authorities more quickly than their rivals, or to expedite permits to sell their wares, arrange meetings with their Imperial counterparts, or the like. But in theory, if a merchant were engaged in criminal activity, the ambassador might be the first person they would seek to bribe to look the other way...

It would be relatively straightforward for the Senate to end this practice. With a suitably worded Senate motion they could make it clear that such lobbying is no longer acceptable, for all existing embassies and future embassies. The ministries would be lost. Ambassadors would still be able to engage in direct trade with foreign nations of course, but the practice of merchants bringing goods to the embassies to "trade" at a "special discount" to the Ambassadors would end. None of the diplomats from the foreign nations would bat an eyelid at this change.

That is not to say that the giving of "gifts" is the problem. In practice most of the actual work of operating an embassy is done by the civil service - they could still help foreign merchants with their trade, but any gifts would be understood to a gift to the embassy itself, and by extension the Empire. The civil service could sell these gifts, at least those that had real value, and use the proceeds to pay the costs of running the embassy. That would mean the Empire not need to pay the upkeep costs of any embassy unless they declared war with the nation in question - or embargoed their trade.

The Imperial Senate could remove the ministries from every embassy with a single motion. The impact is not small - removing the ability of the Consul and the ambassadors to purchase goods would save nearly two hundred thrones a year, but it would also cut nearly thirty five thrones a season in upkeep costs.

Of course impoverishing the diplomatic corps, who have presumably been using the profits of their embassy to fund the vital work they do, might be too high a cost for the Senate to stomach. If that was a concern, the Senate could give each title a stipend - that would be drawn directly from the Imperial treasury of course, but it would mean those funds weren't leaving the Anvil economy.

====Northern Trade Network====
* '''The Northern Trade Network was established as a set of ministries but Graciana believes that lacks ambition
* '''Investing in the Northern Trade Network would remove the small-scale individual benefits and improve the situation for the entire territory where they are built
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Territory
|-
| [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]] || [[Skarsind]]
|-
| [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]] || [[Hercynia]]
|-
| [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] || [[Karov]]
|-
| [[Northbound Trademaster]] || [[Temeschwar]]
|-
| [[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]] || [[Hahnmark]]
|-
|}

A series of ministries have been established across the northern Empire that together became the [[Northern trade network]]. These ministries, anchored by the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post|Torfast Trading Post]] in [[Skarsind]] connect [[Hahnmark]], [[Hercynia]], [[Skarsind]], [[Temeschwar]], and [[Karov]]. Their establishment saw the northern territories establish closer trade ties among themselves. The Thule also participate in this trade, exchanging their own crystal mana for Imperial ingots and measures.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kalapaheim Tradehall'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark, Hahnmark]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Kalpaheim Tradeholder, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Hahnmark by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Kalpaheim Tradeholder to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra ingots of a chosen metal by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Torfast Trading Post'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Skarsind#Southpine|Southpine, Skarsind]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "southern", "western" and "eastern route" from the Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post, leaving only the northern Urdur trade route
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Skarsind by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Bonesetter to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra measures of a chosen forest resource by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Treji Wayhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hercynia#The_Glen_of_Shadows|The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in herb gardens is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Broker of Treji Wayhouse, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in herb gardens in Hercynia by one, providing two additional bladeroot and one additional marrowort to every herb garden in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional herbs provided by the great work to 3 bladeroot, or 3 marrowort or 3 true vervain or any combination thereof by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Delev Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani, Karov]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of [[white granite]], 150 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in mines or forests is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalpaheim Tradehall have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" from the Overseer of the Westward Road, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in mines and forests in Karov by one, providing 2 additional materials to every mine and forest in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional ingots and measures provided by the great work to 36 rings instead by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Northbound Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Temeschwar#Hanuri|Hanuri, Temeschwar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 wains of [[white granite]], 180 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post, Kalpaheim Tradehall, and Delev Market have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Northbound Trademaster, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Temeschwar by one, providing 36 additional rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Trademaster to change the additional money provided by the great work to two measures or two ingots by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be commissioned before the [[Construct Silver Fox Mines|Silver Fox Mines]] are completed, abrogated, or lapse</tr></td>
</table>
</div>

The network itself grew up fairly haphazardly, with each new member added improving the opportunities for each of the others. In each case, money is used to buy trade goods that the other nations in the network have in abundance. Graciana sees an opportunity here; rather than focusing the trade through one location, these ministries could be the basis for securing larger-scale prosperity across the territory.

In each case, the existing structure would need considerable further investment - and the costs involved are not small. Each would require a Senate motion or announcement by someone able to commission a great work - they could '''not''' be done with a single commission. In each case, the relevant title holder would see the loss of all trade privileges currently granted by the ministry, bar the oversight of trade with the Thule. Once the work to upgrade the existing commission into a great work was complete, the ministry would only be able to acquire mana crystals from the Urdur trade option in each case - all other options would be lost.

The benefits could be considerable however, providing significant boosts to income for businesses and other personal resources across the north territories of the Empire. In most cases, the work could be done independently of the other branches of the northern trade network, with the exception of the Delev Market in Karov and the trade hub in Temeschwar. The Delev Market would only provide benefits to mines and businesses once the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall were upgraded. The trade hub in Temeschwar would only provide benefits to businesses once the overhaul of ''all'' the other branches of the network was complete. In Temeschwar, the Northbound Trade hub synergises well with the [[Construct Silver Fox Mines|Silver Fox Mines]]. The cost of neither great work is increased if the other is completed.

====Prosperity Ministries====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Nation !! Resources
|-
| [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] || Highguard|| Mithril
|-
| [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]] || Varushka || Mithril
|-
| [[Mistress of the Dust Parador|Parador of Dust]] || Brass Coast || Mithril
|-
| [[Reeve of Boar's Market|Boar's Market]] || Dawn || Mithril, white granite, and weirwood
|-
| [[Broker of the Invisible Cord|Invisible Cord Brokerage]] || Navarr || Weirwood
|-
| [[Talon of Kauppahall|Kauppahall]] || Wintermark || White granite and ilium
|-
|}
* '''The six "Prosperity ministries" allow title holders to purchase wains and rings of ilium from Imperial citizens'''
* '''They were established following the efforts of the Prosperity Assembly to ensure virtuous citizens are paid fairly for their resources'''
* '''Large sums of money are spent acquiring bourse materials through these ministries'''
* '''Abrogating these ministries would be counter-productive, citizens would find other ways to sell wains to people coming to Anvil'''

In the last several years, a series of ministries arose as a result of the Prosperity assembly drive to disband the private and public auctions and ensure Imperial citizens with wains to sell received ''just reward for their labour''. The first was the [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] in [[Highguard]], but the practice quickly spread to other nations. These specialised ministries allow the purchase of [[white granite]], [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[ilium]] from citizens of a nation at a "fair price", as determined by the prosperous citizens of the Empire. While the money spent on these resources continues to enrich Imperial citizens, those who receive it rarely come to Anvil so it does not appear in the Imperial treasury.

Graciana looks into the possibility of altering these ministries so that they would not rely on Imperial coinage but she stops once she identifies the fundamental problem. These ministries replaced the need for citizens to send wains to Anvil to be sold by public auction - if they were abrogated or repurposed in some way - then it is certain that citizens would find some other way to sell their excess wains to the wealthy citizens at Anvil. It might mean less money leaving the Anvil economy - but it could mean ''more'' money escaping the Imperial treasury, it is impossible to predict.

As such Graciana suggests that the Senate avoid changing any ministries that allow the title holder to purchase bourse resources from Imperial citizens, at least if they are seeking to increase the amount of funds available.

==Clipping Coins==
* '''Graciana has identified half a dozen opportunities to alter existing ministries to operate without spending coin'''

While Graciana has found few systemic ways to remove the need to spend coin when operating ministries, she has identified a number of individual opportunities to change specific ministries. In many cases these opportunities involve deals with foreigners. Graciana is no diplomat, but [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] is able to help with these negotiations - any of which the Empire could take up or turn down without causing undue offence.

As ever, any deal with foreigners is inherently fragile - any ministry that relies on a deal with a foreign power will cease to function if the Empire finds itself at war with that nation.

===Axos and the Bursars===
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to exchange crystal mana for the materials they need to make magic items'''
* '''The Halls are interested in closer links with the Bursar of the Conclave'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Bursar of the Conclave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 Dragonbone</td><td>8 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 6 Beggar's Lye</td><td>16 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 7 Ambergelt</td><td>24 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>32 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 Dragonbone, 15 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>40 mana crystals</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Spirits'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 liao</td><td>1 ring of [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 liao</td><td>2 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 liao</td><td>3 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>175 liao</td><td>4 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>230 liao</td><td>5 rings of ilium</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The [[Bursar of the Conclave]] has been empowered by the Imperial Senate to purchase mana for the Conclave from Imperial citizens. The Axou are usually a good source for mana and it appears they are open to getting involved with the ministry. Two things make them suitable for this, one is that the Axou from the Halls of Maykop seem keen to forge closer links with the Bursar - and the other is that this citadel would be prepared to take payment in forest materials rather than Imperial coin.

The [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] is responsible for the House of Spirits in [[Casinea]]. This remote campus hosts students from the College of Necromantia in Maykop. Despite their willingness to help, the Axou are not prepared to accept forest materials for their precious ilium, however they would be prepared to accept large amounts of liao instead.

The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to accept the two Axou offers.

===Sarcophan and the Kruidenkenner===
* '''The Sarcophan are prepared to barter metals for herbs in the two Kruidenkenner trade enclaves'''

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Cerulean Mazzarine'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 green iron</td><td>12 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 green iron</td><td>24 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 green iron</td><td>36 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Herbs'''</td></td>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade</td><td>16 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 tempest jade</td><td>32 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 tempest jade</td><td>48 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Root and Stem'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 orichalcum</td><td>12 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 orichalcum</td><td>24 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 orichalcum</td><td>36 bladeroot</td></tr>
</table>

The Kruidenkenner, the large Sarcophan trading house that supplies herbs to the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and the [[Master of the Root and Stem]], are also prepared to indulge the Empire switch to barter at their establishments. They are quick to produce a proposed schedule of purchases and prices at each of the two establishments. There is some suggestion that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements - the Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation exactly - rather they point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Kruidenkenner - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to operate them from then on, rather than coin.

===The Ossium Trade===
* '''Merchants in Ossium would be prepared to accept ingots in place of coin for the goods available to the Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market and the Apothecary of Orieb'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Merchant Boyar Ossium herbs'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>8 weltsilver</td><td>6 doses of [[marrowort]], 10 random [[herb|herbs]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 weltsilver, 8 orichalcum</td><td>13 doses of [[marrowort]], 20 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 weltsilver, 10 orichalcum, 10 green iron</td><td>20 doses of [[marrowort]], 30 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Orieb Apothecary Herbs'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 tempest jade</td><td>14 random herbs, 1 dose of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver</td><td>28 random herbs, 2 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver, 6 green iron</td><td>42 random herbs, 3 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
</table>

</div>
Not all the opportunities that Graciana has identified involve trade with foreigners. Citizens in Ossium have an insatiable desire for ingots, which are used by artisans in the territory to make fine magical weapons for sale. The Ketsov are open to the idea of procuring the herbs currently purchased by the [[Apothecary of Orieb]] and the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] in exchange for ingots.

On the face of it, this seems like a simple deal, but Graciana cautions that the Ketsov, in particular, have proven "touchy" in recent years, having had run-ins with the Synod and with some of their Varushkan peers. This proposal won't make those problems any worse, but it would make the trade through the Stinking Market and the Orieb dependent on the continued involvement of the Ketsov. If relations with them soured, the Merchant-Boyar and the Apothecary would need to deal with the fallout of that if they wanted to continue operating their ministry.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Ketsov - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to purchase herbs them from then on, rather than coin.

==Growing the Pot==
* '''Graciana has looked for alternative ways to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy'''
* '''She has identified numerous outstanding opportunities for great works, all of which ultimately mean more money paid to the Senate in the bourse auction'''

Graciana has done her best to find ways to repurpose existing ministries, but it is clear that the options are limited. At the point where it is clear that there are no further opportunities to do so, she devotes the remaining time to looking for alternative solutions. As with any appraisal, the ideal is for the prognosticator's office to know what the underlying ''problem'' is that the Senate are looking to solve. Stopping ministries spending coin to buy goods is a "solution" to a problem - the outcome of which would be that less money left the Anvil economy. It seems reasonable therefore, to guess that the real problem the Senate are trying to solve is to get more money to flow into the Imperial treasury. Stopping ministries from spending coin would achieve that, but it's far from the only way.

The clear alternative to stopping money leaving the Anvil economy is to take steps to make more money flow into the Anvil economy. The obvious way to do that would be to build great works that boost the profits of farms and businesses across the Empire. It's not a cheap solution, but the benefits are clear - yeofolk and business owners with more money in their pockets to spend at anvil means more money in the Imperial treasury. It's not possible for Graciana to invest a lot of time into looking for new opportunities to raise great works, that is outside the scope of the appraisal, but she has been able to do a thorough review of outstanding opportunities to see which ones are still available.

===Inkworks at Joharra===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one.
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri.
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year.
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The bustling industry of Joharra was ruined by an attack from Isidore i Boyaga'''
* '''An inkworks could be built in Oranseri to aid and assist businesses in Feroz'''
* '''The inkworks would remove the impoverished quality from the region'''
*'''It would also boost the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year once completed'''
In Winter 386YE, Graciana presented a proposal for a new [[Send_for_me#Inkworks_of_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in Feroz. The facility offered a number of useful benefits, removing the impoverished quality from Oranseri and boosting income of businessholders across the territory. As it turns out, it would also boost the income of scriveners by 22 rings for one year after completion, all of which would help to sustain the Anvil economy.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Fish and Fur in Sermersuaq===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Fishery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 weirwood, 25 mithril, 300 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in farms is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in farms in Sermersuaq from two to three.
* Allows farms owned by Suaq characters to diversify their farm to produce a mana crystal.</td></tr></table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Tradehall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 weirwood, 150 crowns, 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in businesses in Sermersuaq by one.
* Increase taxation from Sermersuaq by 4 thrones.
* Increases income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns
* Boosts income of Wintermark fleet owners by 36 rings for one year whenever they engage in trade with foreign nations</td></tr></table></div>

* '''A fishery built at the town of Atalaq would support farms and fisherfolk across the territory'''
* '''A grand trading post in southern Sermersuaq would provide a significant boost to businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would provide additional benefits to Wintermark ships trading with foreign ports by providing rich luxury goods to sell'''
* '''The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage would be in prime position to make a profit from the increased availability of fine, exotic meats'''
Graciana also provided a [[Farm, fur, and fish|report]] on opportunities for investment in Skarsind in Summer 386YE. The proposal for the Atalaq Fishery would have provided 36 rings to every farm in Skarsind as well as allowing them to diversify their farms to acquire mana crystals.

Perhaps of more interest to the Senate is the less ambitious project to establish the Atalaq Tradehall. That would have increased investment in businesses in Sermersuaq, but it would also benefit the treasury directly, increasing taxation from the territory by 4 thrones. The burst of luxury goods and materials the trade post provided would have also helped Wintermark traders, providing an additional 36 rings to any fleet owner in a Wintermark territory whenever they engaged in [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] with foreign nations. It would permanently boost the income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns each event.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Marshways in Kallavesa===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kallavesa Marshways'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in herb gardens or businesses is commissioned in Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level investment in businesses in Kallavesa by one providing an additional 36 rings
* Raises the level investment in herb gardens in Kallavesa by one providing two true vervain, and one Marrowort in Spring, one Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, one Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and one Bladeroot in Winter
* Creates a [[Venture#Guarding_Ventures|guarding venture]] for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect the merchants using the marshways in exchange for herbs
</td></tr></table></div>
* '''The marshways would raise the level of investment in herb gardens and businesses by one in Kallavesa'''
* '''It would cost 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns and take a year to complete'''
As part of her appraisal on [[Road_out_of_nowhere#Marshways|roads]] in Winter 385YE, Graciana suggested the Senate could establish marshways across the marshy territories of the Empire, Kallavesa, Therunin and Bregasland. All three territories have a strong tradition of boat use – not sea-going ships but various incarnations of flat-bottomed skiffs and punts that pole the shallow waters of the fens. The ideas was to establish a number of ferries, river-side wayhouses, strategically placed bridges, jetties, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage portage rails], and boatworks that she called the ''Marshways''.

Sadly Therunin and Bregasland are currently suffering from invasion and war; no longer controlled by the Empire, the idea of building there is out of the question. However, Kallavesa is still ripe for investment - so Graciana has updated the costs for just the Wintermark territory. That would cut costs considerably - to 80 wains of weirwood and 240 crowns - but it could be done in six months. Once it was finished, it would raise the level of investment for businesses providing an additional 36 rings every season. It would also raise the level of investment for herb gardens by one, providing two true vervain, and one seasonal herb - Marrowort in Spring, Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and Bladeroot in Winter.

In the original proposal, Graciana suggested that the Senate establish a title-holder to oversee the marshways and be responsible for their safety. The position would then be able to fund their operations by purchasing herbs from merchants using the marshways. Given the purpose of the appraisal, Graciana has updated the original plan - now the completion of the marshways would create a new guarding venture for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect merchants using the Marshways. The new version of the opportunity replaces the original.

===Docks in Madruga===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work (Shipyard)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Calvos Sound, Madruga </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 40 weirwood and 45 thrones, 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in fleets is commissioned in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Madruga
* Reduces the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion
* Raises income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion
* Boosts taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season
* Protects Calvos Sounds as a level one fortification
* Acts as a shipyard allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time
* Creates a new questing Voyage for Freeborn fleets, Hunt the Free Landing Kraken
* Creates the Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks
* Includes personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase goods from Commonwealth ships docking at Calvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Municipal Docks</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Volkavaar'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 rings</td><td>1 Hero Stones</td></tr>
<tr><td>120 rings</td><td>2 Hero Stones</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Leerdam'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 rings</td><td>1 draught of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 rings</td><td>2 draughts of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''There is a proposal to build the Municipal Docks in Calvos to spur the growth of the town in the coming years'''
* '''If built, the municipal docks would create conditions for Calvos to ultimately grow into one of great cities of the Empire'''
* '''The Docks would have an upkeep of 5 thrones a season but would increase taxation by 12 thrones a season'''
* '''Once complete the docks would provide significant benefits in Madruga, and in the Brass Coast as a whole'''
In Spring 387YE, Gisli 'the Provider' Baerson paid Professor Immanuel Gelberg's team of visiting scholars to investigate the possibilities for building a new city in the former Freeborn territory of Madruga. The Commonwealth academics created a [[Germinating_a_city|plan]] to build new municipal docks in Madruga that would raise the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding and raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory. They would raise the income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion and boost taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season. All these benefits would result in more money flowing into the economy at Anvil.

Those are not the only benefits - the new docks would reduce the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade their fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion and protect Calvos Sounds as a level one [[fortification]]. The docks would also act as a [[shipyard]], allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time and create a new questing voyage for Freeborn fleets; '''Hunt the Free Landing Kraken'''. None of these additional benefits result in more money directly in the Imperial treasury, however.

Professor Gelberg's plan also included the creation of a Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks which would include personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family and give them access to a ministry that would allow them to spend a small amount of money to purchase rare items and potions. That would result in ''less'' money flowing into the Anvil economy - a clearly net negative if the Senate is seeking to get rid of ministries. However, the sums of money involved are relatively small - a tiny fraction of the benefits. Graciana is absolutely certain that the net effect would be significantly more money coming to the treasury.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Markets in Delev===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Great Market at Delev'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Delev, Duzekani, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 150 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until another great work that increases investment in businesses is commissioned in Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one
* Allows citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion
* Adds an additional purchase rank to the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]], [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak|Korotny Docks]] and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road|Delev Market]]
* Increases taxation of Karov by an additional 4 thrones a season if the Little Boyar's Welcome is also upgraded
* Would allow Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Delev Market could be expanded to make the place a true centre of trade and commerce to rival Temeschwar'''
* '''Completing the expansion of the market would require 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, and take three months'''
* '''It would increase investment in businesses in Karov by one rank, adding 36 rings each season to their production'''
* '''As the Little Boyar's Welcome has been warded, the market will ''also'' improve taxation from the territory by 4 thrones'''
* '''This commission would replace the opportunity to upgrade the Delev Market run by the Overseer of the Westerward Road'''
* '''It could increase the money spent by several existing ministries'''

Rather than the fairly simple upgrade of the Delev Market that Graciana proposed to curtail the trade conducted by the Overseer of the Westward Road, the Senate could choose to engage in a major upgraded of the Market.

The proposals for this were published nearly a year ago in an appraisal by Naomi of Virtue's Rest. Her plan involved the creation of the Great Market at Delev which would raise the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one, but would also allow citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion. If her proposal for the Little Boyar's Welcome was also commissioned it would increase taxation from Karov by four thrones a season and allow the Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission.

There are two key drawbacks to this plan - the first is that it is incompatible with the plans Graciana has drawn up to convert the existing market facilities run by the Overseer of the Westward Road. The Senate could commission the Great Market or convert the existing ministry to a great work - but not both.

The second drawback is that the work would provide additional trade opportunities for the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]], and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] to trade. It will also provide options for [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] as prosperity spreads. The net effect would be to add an additional rank to each of the main ministries overseen by these titles.

This commission could easily result in significantly more money leaving the Anvil economy than it brought in - if the Bargainer and the Harbourmaster took full advantage of the opportunity. Of course, they would have more goods to show for that coin, but that might be slim consolation to a Senate that is focused on saving the Imperial treasury from running dry.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Friends in High Places===
* '''There is a recent proposal to build roads in Zenith which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory'''

Finally, Graciana notes that there is a new appraisal published by her colleague Naomi of Virtue's Rest which includes proposals to [[My_friends_are_my_estate#Northern_Way|build roads in Zenith]] which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory.

==Stirring the Pot==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
* '''One way to increase funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be if more citizens operated farms and businesses'''
* '''The League and Marcher Assembly could enact mandates to encourage their citizens to embrace tradition and support the Imperial economy'''
* '''Such mandates would make it easier for people to switch resources to take a farm or business and cheaper to upgrade a farm or business'''

Studying Laurencio di Sarvos' guide to the Anvil economy, it is clear that another way to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be to increase the amount of asset income that citizens coming to Anvil have available. Great works are one way to do that - as are casting rituals like [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], and the seasonal [[Farm#Rituals|rituals]] for farms. But one of the most effective ways to increase the money available would be if more people at Anvil had farms and businesses, and fewer people operated other resources. In the last decade, there has been a push to encourage citizens to sell their farm or business and take on the running of a [[military unit]] to support the war effort. However, Graciana claims that a better way to support the war effort might be to dispense with military units and acquire a business or a farm.

In practice, there isn't great demand for this in most places, and Graciana has little success in looking for opportunities to help encourage the practice, with two notable exceptions. Both the League and the Marches have strong cultural traditions that make ownership of businesses and farms important respectively - and what is more, owning a business in the League or a farm in the Marches comes with considerable political influence.

Of course, the Senate can't mandate that Marcher and League citizens put down their arms and take up running a farm or a business - but there is one body that could encourage it. The Synod could use a mandate to urge citizens of the Marches and the League to embrace traditional values, not just out of Pride and Ambition - but out of Loyalty to the needs of the Empire.

{{mandate|mandate=Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Marcher citizens to settle the land. War is a thrice-ploughed field.|assembly=Marcher Assembly}}

{{mandate|mandate=Nothing great without cost. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage League citizens to invest in a business. Coin counts, and everything costs.|assembly=League Assembly}}

If these mandates are passed in the relevant assemblies, then it will create an opportunity for one year for any character of that nation to change a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest to a farm (in the Marches) or a business (in the League) in the same territory without incurring a cost. Crucially, the new resource will be the same level as any resource they give up to make the change - reflecting local support for their efforts to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy.

What is more, there will be a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources. If the Marcher mandate is passed then any farm in the Marches can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year. If the League mandate is passed then any business in the League can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year.

==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Ministry]]
* [[Imperial treasury]]

To fight aloud

2026-09-07T14:20:57Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Listen carefully Aquila: they are ''right'' to cast us out, we are unwelcome visitors in their land, as we have always been. The tragedy is that they do not understand why they are right, they have found the right conclusion from the wrong reasoning. They have come to possess a beautiful painting yet display it facing the wall."

The soft-spoken Acolyte looked up from their whetstone; "But if they're right, why must we be at such odds?"

The old teacher smiled and shook his head. "The Way of Virtue does not lead to harmony. Two warriors can choose the same path, yet still fight when their paths cross."

Aquila looked confused "Yes master, but what of the other sword scholars? Are we not to unite our own community? You were alive to remember before we rejoined the Empire and our friends ascended the ranks of the Imperial hierarchy. Why did they turn on us?"

"Tolerance is the crack in the foundation of a strong society. Remember the words of Sulemaine: If you love a thing, be prepared to destroy it. Only then are you strong enough to protect it. Our fellow scholars turned to the Empire. They've compromised their beliefs, made their lives easier, and in so doing dulled the edge of their souls."

"And the suffering of those souls?"

Phocas hardened his gaze "Attend your work, Aquila. That is not our problem. The only soul you should concern yourself with right now is your own."

Aquila did not resume. Sharpening his blade was dull work, especially when compared with discussing the teachings. "And...and if they kill us all?"

"They may try. So too did General Cetratus, so too did the Druj at the Fall of the Four Winds. How quickly some forget the old lessons." The old Sword Scholar pressed his acolyte's sword back to the stone. "And if they succeed, that is alright too. We few shall walk in a straight line through the Labyrinth, slicing through its walls and return with renewed determination. Alas, if I do not survive this, I will not leave our former homes with no record of who we were."

"You mean ... you intend to use it?"

"Perhaps, Aquila. Perhaps."

Swordsinger Phocas stroked the pouch strapped tightly to his chest, a small vial with a purple sparkling substance barely visible in the darkness of the cellar where they had taken refuge for the night.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sword.jpg|align=left|caption=Unwholesome influences must be eliminated if the innocent are to be protected.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuIMDzczHuI}}
The re-integration of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] to [[Urizen]] and the wider Empire has never failed to be eventful. In the most recent development, the sword scholars split into two factions; one group who decided to forgo the teachings of Sulemaine that some claimed invoked the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hate|malign spiritual force of Purity]], and stay aligned with the Empire. Many of these scholars now hold high office in the Imperial bodies of state.

The other group, under the ''nominal'' leadership of [[The_deepest_cut#Interred_With_Their_Bones|Severus of the Blinding Sun]], chose to withdraw from the Empire and remained committed to what they believe are the true teachings of [[Sulemaine|Sulemaine]] i Taziel. Facing the risk of execution should Imperial law catch up with them, most have gone into hiding in the Urizen mountains.

A tension had grown in the mountains, one that could only last so long before something broke it. Last summit, a decisive blow was made that has completely unravelled the Disciples.

==Judgement==
*'''The Disciples of Sulemaine have been driven out of Urizen'''
*'''Some have gone down fighting, unwilling to surrender their beliefs to the Empire's edicts'''
*'''Those who have not been killed have been forced to flee'''
*'''Several hallowed items have been recovered from the defeated Disciples'''

In the Autumn of 387YE, three bodies of state spoke with a single voice. In the [[Senate]], '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' and '''Thalia of Netherwatch''' brought forward the [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Disciples_of_Sulemaine|motion to criminalise membership of the Disciples of Sulemaine]]. At the same time, through the arguments of '''Elagabala''' as [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]], [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Hunt_Disciples_of_Sulemaine|the Conclave declared]] that all magicians should ''render aid by blade, spell, or mind to the people of Urizen as they hunt and kill the Disciples of Sulemaine and Severus of the Blinding Sun.'' Unsurprisingly, the Imperial [[Synod]] passed multiple statements with a greater majority urging the faithful to take action:

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Captains of Urizen! There is a poison in our fields. The Disciples of Sulemaine threaten by spreading the Blasphemy of Hatred, an idea long since tested and discarded as lacking. We send Herminius of the House of the Wanderer with 50 doses of liao to urge all to go forth and excise this pestilence from our home.|by=Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun, Urizen National Assembly|vote=216-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=On behalf of the Urizen National Assembly, and I, a sentinel of Sunshaper Citadel. We recognise the Vigilance and Courage of captains sending their military units to kill Severus' Followers of Sulemaine. We recognise that military action taken against fellow Urizen is not a decision taken lightly, but that it remains a necessary one. Thanks to the recent developments in the Imperial Senate, it is now a legal one, too.|by=Leyna, Urizen National Assembly|vote=216-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
</div>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;"
|-
! Military Captains who Drove out the Disciples
|-
| Alcuin
|-
| Athenus
|-
| Atreus
|-
| Boagrius Stillwater
|-
| Caius stillwaters
|-
| Camilla Stillwater
|-
| Cincinnatus
|-
| Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer
|-
| Cyrus Stillwater
|-
| Delara i Fijadoz i Guerra
|-
| Demicius Stillwater
|-
| Elagabala
|-
| Erebus Kentigern Highwind
|-
| Floria Sunshaper
|-
| Gavynn
|-
| Herminius of the House of the Wanderer
|-
| Hugh Ravenspire
|-
| Magnus
|-
| Marcus
|-
| Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach
|-
| Scipio
|-
| Tancred de Coeurdefer
|-
| Valens Leos
|-
| Valerius
|-
| Varrus
|}

Over half an Imperial [[army|army's]] worth of Urizeni military captains sweep methodically across [[Redoubt]], [[Morrow]] and then [[Zenith]] visiting known temples and investigating leads provided by local spires. Many citadels are keen to lend aid in the form of information and supplies to the roving groups. When found, most Disciples resolutely unsheathe their eponymous weapons and make their final stand. They are quickly overwhelmed, even those scholars who are exceptional individual combatants are no match for a squad of sentinels acting in unison. A handful have attempted to flee with varying degrees of success, but there is no doubt that the Disciples of Sulemaine as any kind of identifiable group has been completely demolished.

{{SOP|statement=Vigilance teaches us to seek out the poison in your neighbour's fields, let your own crops be blighted. This assembly requests the writings of the Disciples of Sulemaine are preserved so they can be studied at a later date in order to prevent similar groups forming and to aid in detecting followers of the false virtue of hate.|by=Theodora, Vigilance Assembly|vote=256-30|when=Autumn 387YE}}
The Vigilance Assembly requested that the writings of the Disciples be preserved, a call which some felt ran counter to the spirit of the the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7|recent mandate]] enacted by long-time Cardinal Viviane Barossa which warned of the dangers all malign spiritual presences pose. As it was, the mandate did not get a greater majority in the General Assembly, and so many in Urizen openly question it, ironically a recent practice very much spear-headed by the sword scholars themselves and their open hostility to the Synod's authority.

As it is, this excursion was one of a military nature, rather than a delegation of [[seer|seers]] looking to gather information and little is discovered about Sulemaine that is [[Sulemaine|not already known]]. However those involved ''have'' managed to recover several hallowed items. (Anyone who took part in the Hunt the Disciples downtime action will receive a ribbon to attach to an appropriate item, ideally a weapon or piece of jewellery. If your character would have destroyed or disposed of the item, just hand the ribbon back in to GOD).

You can read more about opportunities for the Urizen National Assembly to capitalise on this Vigilant fervour in the '''[[Everything is trying to kill us]]''' wind of fortune.

==Fallen Hero==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 50%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>
<p>'''Surviving Disciples'''<br>
The military action has been a resounding success, breaking the power of the Disciples of Sulemaine. Everyone who could pose a threat to the Empire at this time is dead or captured. Only three groups are known to have escaped and none of them possess the power to cause any trouble for the Empire at this time.</p>

<p>We've presented details here about those groups to foreshadow any ''new'' plot that we ''might'' create in the future. Nothing will happen with these groups until that happens - the only way to track one of them down would be to use a plenipotentiary to [[Kimus]] to find where they have gone.
</box></div>
*'''The leader of the Disciples of Sulemaine ''Severus of the Blinding Sun'' has been captured and will be brought to Anvil for trial on 13:30 on Sunday'''
*'''Severus of the Blinding Sun will travel to Anvil at 15:00 on Saturday to face a potential inquisition'''
*'''Remaining groups who survived the purge have splintered into a multitude of sub-factions who are primarily focused on survival'''
Severus of the Temple of the Blinding Sun has been captured. Commonly regarded as the defacto leader of the Disciples of Sulemaine. It is undeniable that he was their most prominent scholar and teacher, the best known by far, and widely respect by other Disciples. He is being brought to Anvil to face trial and presumably execution at the Winter Solstice as an unrepentant member of the Disciples of Sulemaine.

Despite his membership of the recently outlawed order, the Synod are yet to pass judgement on whether he has committed any crimes against the faith. [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_87|Aspar's request]] for a [[Writ of Excommunication]] received heavy support, but did not get the legally required greater majority. In some ways, the timing of his arrival at Anvil is poor, since it coincides with the release of new guidance for magistrates on how to apply Imperial law when prosecuting a [[religious crime]]. Given the circumstances, the magistrates have indicated that they will make Severus available to the Synod for inquisition, should they wish to do so, before the trial is conducted.

Severus has consented to face an inquisition by the National Assembly if any priest is brave enough to challenge him. The only condition is that it must be the raising priest, and only the raising priest that he will engage with. It must be a true duel.

If multiple priests manage to successfully pass a call to inquisition by the time he arrives at the Urizen Camp in Anvil on Saturday at 15:00, he will only recognise the authority of the priest whose inquisition passed with the highest margin, legal requirements of the Synod be damned.

Severus's Trial will take place on Sunday at 13:30 in the Sodality Chamber. Chief Magistrate ''[[Civil_Service#Imperial_Magistracy|Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra]]'' is scheduled to preside over proceedings. Severus has not made any comment on whether he intends to seek a member of the Synod to plead [[clemency]] on his behalf, though it seems astonishingly unlikely.

With Severus captured, and the majority of the Disciples of Sulemaine slain, some groups have attempted to flee or go into hiding. The refugees from the ''Temple of the Inviolate Spirit'' attempted to seek refuge with the Silver Flame in Cinion, Spiral, but were turned away and summarily captured. Either Caela and her people have no sympathy for blasphemers, or perhaps they are just aware of the precarious nature of their independence. The ''Last Word'' sect attempted to flee into the Mountain of The Moon, but by the time Imperial forces arrived they were found tied up with a brief note attached to their [[arbiter]] - "In reciprocity, the people of Tsark shall not intrude into Imperial matters."

A handful of those who were once Disciples have managed to escape Imperial justice. A lone survivor from the ''Fellowship of the Door'', a [[stargazer]] named Valeria, was seen being escorted by a Herald of Hayaak to a Summer regio. A dozen members of the ''Wayfarer's Answer'' temple have definitely hidden somewhere in Spiral, possibly by taking advantage of the statues offered by [[Sung]] to support Urizeni still living there. Finally the ''Ten Echoes'', a small coven from Lustri, fled north apparently heading for the Sarangrave or even further.

Urizen is second perhaps only to Dawn in prevalence of Heralds of the Eternals being seen among citizens, some fear that there will have been Disciples who will have used a [[Treacher%27s_Quill|certain ritual]] from Urizen Lore to turn to the one eternal who is [[Agramant|always willing to help]]. So far there is no evidence of that happening, but nobody can completely rule it out.

==The Forge==
{{SOP|statement=Damakhan's Wisdom, the blade intended for Sulemaine is reforged and her riddle solved by its wielder Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer. It would not have been possible without the following: Esteban of Zenith Ascendant; Athenus, Cato, and Orania Neofoti of the House of the Wanderer; Kindra Surefoot of Wintermark; Xenia of Urizen; Edmundo of Damakhan's Forge; Members of the Wise Citadel and the Magpies. Your virtuous efforts are recognised.|by=Delara of the Wanderers, Urizen National Assembly|vote=264-0|when=Autumn 387YE|size=small}}
*'''News of the sword originally intended for Sulemaine has spread far and wide across the High Peaks'''
*'''The words of the Synod have provoked interest in the fate of such an important piece of Urizeni history'''
The Urizen National Assembly have let it be known that ''Damakhan's Wisdom'', the blade crafted for Sulemaine by the legendary Urizeni artisan has been reforged. Had the Disciples of Sulemaine endured, they might have sought to reclaim the false paragon's heirloom, but now they are scattered and broken, that threat is gone. With the sword scholars [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_40|turning their back on Sulemaine]], this relic has lost some of its religious importance to the people of the High Peaks. That said, it is still a masterwork sword created by Damakhan herself, a link to Urizeni history from a time before the Empire was even forged. As a result, people are interested to know what will become of the Damakhan's legacy, now that the Disciples of Sulemaine are dealt with.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Esteban Ezmara of Zenith Ascendant.jpg|caption='''Esteban Ezmara of Zenith Ascendant''', Architect of the Crucible|align=left|width=200}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Clytemnestra.jpg|align=left|caption='''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', General of the Argent Sword|width=250}}</div>
Damakhan's Forge was recently moved by the [[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]] and has become part of the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|Crucible of Fate]]. If Damakhan's Wisdom were made part of the [[New_Imperial_titles#Regalia|regalia]] of the [[Architect of the Crucible]], it would boost the prestige of the Architect and make it clear that they were Damakhan's heir. It would ensure the importance of the Crucible as an ideal location for a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]], if Damakhan were ever to be [[Recognition|recognised]] by the Imperial Synod and make it easier to [[historical research|research Damakhan's life]]. One enthusiastic young Architect suggests that one day, it might be expanded into a full [[Runeforge]], however they were quickly chided for getting far too ahead of themselves.

Of course the sword could be made the regalia of any Urizeni national position - it might even be better to create a new title, one specially designed to bear the sword and preserve Damakhan's legacy. However it is not just the Urizeni who are interested in the sword. Two [[eternal|eternals]] have both shown interest upon hearing the true sword has been recovered.

''[[Leviathan|She Who Counts the Ripples]]'' is a noted collector of items of historical significance, liking to keep such artefacts safe from the erosion of time. The ''Abyssal Lord'' notes with approval that the sword's wielder is part of the ''Eye of the Wanderer'', a Coven more than capable of casting her ritual. Should they do so and submit the question "What might Leviathan offer us for Damakhan's Wisdom?" and include a few suggestions of what they might be interested in, ''The Deepest One'' will make an exception to her usual rule in order to briefly discuss what Boon he might offer in exchange for allowing him to become the sword's custodian.

On the other hand, the ''[[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Ashen Knight]]'' has also expressed an interest in acquiring this artefact that was meant for "one of the great haters of Imperial history." The [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] relaying this information notes that the Court were apparently rather fond of the previous [[general]] of the [[Citadel Guard]]; '''Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' and would be more than happy to be friends with a new Urizeni general of similar temperament. If '''General Clytemnestra''' joins the party going to the [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Civility|parley with the Thrice-Cursed-Court]] and offers the sword to the ''Burnt Steward'' as a gift, he will provide the ritual text for ''Bond of Thorn and Razor'' in return, as a gift for her people. Imperial records make no mention of what this ritual does, only that [[Zakalwe|Zakalwe]] clearly [[Carve the Crystal Guardian#Assurance|takes some issue with it]].

Whatever happens, the Sword currently belongs to Clytemnestra. Unless she had stolen it from someone protected by Imperial law, the [[Imperial Constitution|constitution]] grants her freedom to do with it as she wishes, be it to take advantage of any of these opportunities, continue to bear it as a personal weapon, or indeed mount it on her mantlepiece as [[Pride_of_the_Marches#The_Blade_of_Tom_Drake|Tom Drake famously did]] with his forebear's heirloom. The act of the national assembly has aroused a great deal of interest in the heirloom, but only Clytemnestra has the power to decide what happens to it now.

==Fight or Flight==
* '''Three conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate have been identified that involve the disciples of Sulemaine
The War Scout has informed the civil service of several conjunctions Imperial Heroes may wish to take advantage of to eliminate some of the fleeing groups of Disciples.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala.jpg|align=left|caption='''Elagabala''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|width=250}}</div>
===Unexpected (Spiral)===
* '''A group of Disciples are attempting to flee into Mareave'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for intercepting them'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
A tall, thin creature in sparkling robes with sharp eyes and feathered brow, ''Pythia of the Silver Fields'' emerges from the Imperial [[regio]], somehow managing to ''saunter'' through the portal. They bear a message following the [[declaration]] of [[concord]] of the Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path]]. Apparently, the ''[[Jaheris|Arbiter of the Ardent Spire]]'' is keen to help '''Elagabala''' hunt down the members of her former 'lawless sect whose philosophy promotes silence, shame, and inaction' and is willing to share the location of one such group who are attempting to flee across the border of [[Spiral]] into [[Mareave]] where they may be able to get lost in the rocky hills of this new Imperial land. The ''Silverbrow'' does not ask for any formalities such as a declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]], any payment or anything so transactional and gauche as that; they merely wish to continue improving their relationship with the magicians of the Conclave by helping out where they can. That said, a token of the Grandmaster's gratitude the next time they receive a plenipotentiary from the Archmage of Summer wouldn't go amiss, of course.

As this is a direct offer to the Grandmaster, those interested in catching these criminals before they escape should seek '''Elagabala''' to venture through the [[Sentinel Gate]].

<box><big>'''{{Black Plateau}}'''</big><br>
All characters on the ''Unexpected'' 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>

===Borderland (Redoubt)===
* '''A fleeing band of Disciples is attempting to take refuge with the Grendel'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for dealing with them'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
One group of Disciples of Sulemaine who are attempting to flee south to throw themselves upon the mercy of the Grendel are the members of the ''Temple of the Stinging Blade'' of [[Redoubt#Limus|Limus]], [[Redoubt]], famous for using blade oils to make certain that only one well-placed strike is needed to fell any given foe. They have a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] they are hoping to barter for safe passage away from Imperial persecution.

The civil service has determined that whoever is appointed as the [[Champion of Loyalty]] is the best person to arrange the expedition to catch these betrayers before they sell such a powerful resource to barbarians.

===Precious Cargo (Morrow)===
* '''A band of Disciples are planning something with a dose of true liao'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* ''' The ''Polemarch of Highwatch'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping them'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}

Finally, there have been reports from sharp-eyed sentinels in [[Morrow]] of a band of Disciples who are said to be in possession of a rare errant dose of [[Liao#True_Liao|true liao]]. They appear to be making their way towards [[Morrow#Highwatch|Highwatch]], but the conjunction found by prognosticators opens in their path. What's most concerning is that they might be intending to use the dose of true liao to create a permanent aura of the malign force of Purity there, the site where Urizen committed to the Empire over three centuries ago. The effects of such a thing are impossible to predict, but at the worst, it could send shockwaves through the very bones of the nation.

The sentinels have sent a request to whoever is elected as the [[Polemarch of Highwatch]] at the upcoming summit to send reinforcements to defend the historic site. Traditionally speaking, Sentinels ''are'' the way one deals with Sulemaine's followers, after all.

{{Sword Scholar Links}}

Flight of birds

2026-09-07T14:20:27Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
Leofric stared at the pair of burning candles, his mind wandering. It was dark in the ruined hall; the windows that had once let light pour into the main dining area were now choked with growth. The marsh was slowly reclaiming this place, in another century or so it would likely be gone if nothing were done to save it. In life the warriors of this Hall would have drunk and celebrated here. Now they were likely interred, in the waters outside, their weapons and armour lying in the dark mud along with them. It amused Leofric to imagine that soon their mead hall would be joining them.

Of course that was only if nothing was done to shift its skein. There was something here, he could feel it. He hadn't just stumbled on this place, the birds had known where this abandoned nest would be found. They'd led him here, a pair of Whooper Swans, their wings pointing the way as they took flight, their distinctive call beckoning him on. Not their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_song swan song], but an invitation to something just as important. This building was trapped here, caught at the boundary between life and death, like a hero on his death bed drawing his final breath.

The mystic picked up the first candle, taking care not to spill any of the precious wax. Holding it over the bowl, he let the hot melt slowly drip into the cold water below. As soon as the first drop of clear wax touched the water it turned instantly cloudy as it blossomed into shape. A second drop joined the first and then a third. Three drops was enough he decided.

Three wax tears for the three people of Wintermark. Ready to show him a vision of the future. Of what might be.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Whooper Swan.jpg|caption=The Whooper Swan, found all across Wintermark and the north, is an important symbol of Pride.<br>It is also the national bird of Finland.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxNDEu-6VYA}}
For some time now, the [[Raven Seer|mystics of Ishal]] have been travelling the length and breadth of Wintermark, studying the flights of birds, interpreting dreams, reading the entrails of slaughtered animals - all attempts to see beyond the limits of the mortal world to perceive something about the nation's skein. To date they have been guided in their journey by the messages sent them to by the [[Raven Seer]] each season, as a way to try to focus their divinations on the things that matter most to Wintermark.

Last season the Raven Seer asked the [[mystic|mystics]] to help with the creation of a new Wintermark army, a [[Kallavesi]] [[army]] to lift up the blade that was laid down when the heroes of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] lost their lives in [[To_ruin|battle in Redoubt]]. The mystics are not warriors, but they have studied the omens and gathered what information they can and presented it for the nation to consider.

The mystics have done what they can, but it is apparent to everyone that they could have done more, had their remit run wider. If they'd been more free to collaborate with the nation's [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|banner-bearers]], [[thane|thanes]] and [[runesmith|runesmiths]], they could have achieved more. If it was clear they had the mandate of Wintermark to pursue their divinations they could have worked with people across the nation to accomplish more.

To that effect, the mystics have put forward a proposal for the nation to consider. To work as one, they must be guided by the whole nation - for that they need the Witan to speak...
==The Witan==
* '''The mystics of Ishal have asked the Wintermark egregore to host a Witan in Wintermark at the coming summit'''
* '''The Witan will take place in the centre of the Wintermark camp on Saturday at 14:30'''
* '''Those assembled will need to decide how best to direct the mystics over winter'''
* '''This will allow the Witan to select a single topic for appraisal this season'''

The Witan is the [[Wintermark_history#The_Troll_Wars|traditional grand moot]] held most famously after the people of Wintermark were victorious in the Troll Wars. For centuries, the Witan played a key role in Wintermark's leadership - it was the Witan that would [[Crown_of_Three_Tears#As_the_Crown_of_Wintermark|select]] who would next wear the crown when the current king or queen died. The Witan would meet whenever the monarch needed to call on the counsel and support of the nation.

Not everyone realises that the design of the Imperial [[Senate]] was [[Senate#History|based on the Wintermark Witan]], but the parallels are clear. The Senate elects the Throne, just as the Witan once selected the next monarch. The Throne can only rule effectively with the support of the Senate, just as the Wintermark crown once relied on the support of the Witan to get things done. Even the method of voting used in the Senate - with those present moving to stand on one side or the other, or behind their preferred candidate - traces its roots back to the Witan. There are no hidden ballots in the Witan, no secret votes; a hero stands for the cause they believe in.

The mystics have asked the Witan to decide what subject they should turn their attention to this season. They want the Witan to determine what problem is most pressing, so that the mystics can use their insight and wisdom to find an [[opportunity]] to influence the situation. By gaining the backing of the Witan, the mystics predict they will gain wider support for their goals - instead of just the mystics, it becomes a problem that everyone can work on. Working together the mystics will lead efforts to [[appraisal|appraise]] the single problem named by the Witan. They will do everything possible to find at least one solution, presenting any ideas or possibilities they find to the nation in time for the following summit, just as they did this season when looking to see how Wintermark might best raise a new Kallavesi army.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EmmaStanton.jpg|align=left|caption=Wilda|width=300}}</div>
There are significant limits on what the mystics can achieve even with the help of Wintermark. Any appraisal they perform will likely provide interesting or useful insight into a situation or problem, but it's not likely to produce the sheer volume of opportunities the Prognosticator's Office provides. It will certainly provide at least one opportunity to engage with the matter they have been asked to look into, but it's unlikely to produce an entire wind of fortune the way a full appraisal does each season.

Crucially, the problem needs to be one that is relevant to Wintermark. Wintermarkers have neither the time nor the inclination to study the problems of other nations. That restriction is cultural in nature, not geographical. A question was raised if the mystics might investigate Tsirku in some way - and they are happy to confirm that they consider Sydanjaa to be "Wintermark", given that it is a key part of the nation's cultural traditions. What the mystics cannot and won't do is travel far abroad to investigate things that have nothing to do with Wintermark.

To provide wise counsel, the crucial thing the mystics would need the Witan to provide is a concise outline of the problem that Wintermark wants to address. Anyone who brings an idea for an appraisal for the mystics before the Witan should ensure that they can articulate a clear idea of what the problem is and avoid details like how the problem should be addressed or how it should be solved. If the Witan favours their option, then Wilda will pass those details to the mystics.

The mystics have asked Wilda who is [[Wintermark Egregore|Sulkavaris, Knower of Names]], to call a Witan at the coming summit. She has indicated that she will do so on Saturday afternoon at 14:30 in the centre of the Wintermark camp, after the election of the Senator for Kallavesa. The format will be simple. Anyone with a suitable proposal for an appraisal can put it before the Witan. The egregore will give each proposer a minute to make their case, and a chance to answer questions. Once the conversation becomes repetitive, she will ask those assembled to move to stand with their preferred candidate. The one with the most support will be the proposal deemed to have the backing of the Witan.
<quote by="Leofric, Mystic of Ishal">A hero's skein is like weather... the closer it is to now, the easier it is to read.</quote>

==New Model Army==
* '''The mystics of Ishal have been studying the omens to see how Wintermark might raise a new Kallavesi army'''
* '''A new Kallavesi army could be relentless, glorious, or resourceful'''
Last season, the Raven Seer set the Mystics of Ishal the task of seeing how Wintermark might best inspire and empower a new army. The [[Fist of the Mountains]], the first army of Wintermark, has been destroyed in battle. Their lives were spent defending the people of [[Urizen]] against the depredations of the [[Grendel]]. That army is gone - the [[Fight_with_monsters#Three_Tears_Entwined|Runebound mystics who served under Emperor Guntherm]] slain alongside their warrior counterparts. Maybe in years to come, when their souls are reborn, there will come a time when mystics once again march with Wintermark's armies, but that time is far away, beyond even the sight of the seers of Ishal.

While the Fist of the Mountain may be gone, Wintermark endures. The Imperial [[Senate]] could pass a [[Senate motion|motion]] authorising the raising of a new Imperial army that draws on the Kallavesi people at any time. There are [[Army#Recruitment|costs involved of course]], it requires 200 wains of mithril to outfit a new army, costs 75 thrones and takes a year to complete. There's nothing the mystics can do about these costs, it takes time, resources and money to outfit and train an army.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 50%; width=300px; margin-left: 10px;"><quote by="Raven Seer">
We mourn the loss of the fist of the mountain, but must look to who will take up their blade. How can we best inspire and empower a new army such that it can become something unique and steeped in the traditions of Kallavesa? Show us opportunities, seeds that we might grow into a Kallavesi force of arms.</quote></div>
They are able to read the omens enough to predict what quality such an army might possess, if it were indeed raised from the Kallavesi. There are not enough mystics left who are ready to go on campaign with an army, so any new army could never be as [[Army_qualities#Farsighted|far-sighted]] as the Fist was. However there are Kallavesi warriors who could be recruited; many of them from the [[Kallavesi#Overview|"naga-dominated halls that disdain magic"]], these fighters take joy in battle, often making use of the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh|strange plants that grow in Kallavesa]] to disarm their fear of dying, allowing them to commit to their skein no matter the cost.

As things stand, any new army that was raised from the Kallavesi could draw on these strengths to become [[Army_qualities#Relentless|relentless]] or [[Army_qualities#Glorious|glorious]]. Alternatively, it could employ some of the quieter Kallavesi traditions, their expertise as foragers and herb gatherers who know how to live off the land, to become [[Army_qualities#Resourceful|resourceful]]. In addition to this, the omens have yielded two jealously guarded secrets.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kallavesi_Hatchet_Warrior.jpg|caption=The warriors of Kallavesa fight furiously, unafraid.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===No Half Measures===
* '''Wintermark could commission the Hall of the Soturi in Kallavesa to train heroes in readiness for a new army being raised'''
* '''The Hall would allow Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the fearless quality'''

When they die, the greatest heroes of Wintermark are interred in [[Kallavesa#The_Sovevann|The Sovevann]], the ever-shifting haunted marshes. According to the legends, their spirits dwell there still, and will sometimes come forth to welcome one of their own to their final resting place. The Sovevann is a place of mysticism and spirituality, where the veil between life and what comes after, grows thin.

Leofric, one of the mystics of Ishal, was inspired by the flight of birds, to venture deep into the Sovevann as he sought inspiration to answer the Raven Seer's riddle. There he discovered the dwindling remnants of a once great dwelling, the Hall of the Soturi. Once home to a banner of Kallavesi warriors, they marched to war with [[Empress Aenea]] and never came back. The walls of the Hall bore the Soturi's oath, "A hero who commits their all never loses, they know only victory or death." The oath epitomised the Soturi's approach to battle - once a course of action was chosen they must commit themselves to it without reservation. They were fierce exponents of the Kallavesi warrior tradition, committing themselves fully to the fight with no half-measures, no looking back.

All the omens agree that it would be auspicious to rebuild the lost hall. Doing so would promote the fighting traditions of the Kallavesi, reminding everyone of why these fierce warriors are so feared. Such an effort would not be cheap - but if the Empire [[commission|commissioned]] the Hall of the Soturi as an [[edifice]] here in the heart of the Sovevann, it would draw young, aspiring warriors from across the territory. They would come here, to spar and train with each other, surrounded by the ghosts of some of the most legendary figures from Wintermark history. If that happened, it would allow Wintermark to raise a new Kallavesi army with the fearless quality.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Hall of the Soturi'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa Marsh, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 20 weirwood, and 120 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the fearless quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Autumn Equinox 387YE or if the Hall of Names is commissioned</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Hall would require twenty wains of white granite, twenty wains of weirwood, 120 crowns and take a season to complete. Once complete it would allow Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the fearless quality, drawn from the warriors training here. Once used once, there would be no further benefit.

====Fearless====
* '''Can use the ''no half measures'' order when [[army orders#Attacking|attacking]]'''
* '''Other Descriptors: Resolute, Whole-hearted, Fervid'''
A ''fearless'' army throws itself into battle heedless of the consequences, determined to achieve victory no matter the cost. Some Kallavesi warriors employ rare herbs drawn from the marshes of the Soveann that take away your fear of death. Once they are committed in battle they throw themselves into it without reservation fearless of the consequences.

<box>'''No Half Measures'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by a fifth'''
* '''The ability of this army to conquer territory is increased by a fifth'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by three tenths'''

A fearless army takes every opportunity to defeat the enemy, committing themselves to victory no matter the cost. There can be no half measures for heroes in battle, only victory or death. Fighting without concern for the losses allows the army to drive enemies before them, but only at great cost, losses will inevitably be higher than they would otherwise have been.</box>
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kallavesi Warrior.jpg|caption=The scops of Wintermark record the names of the great heroes who have fought the enemies of the three people since the end of the Troll War.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

===A Hero has a Name===
* '''Wintermark could commission the Hall of Names to gather and record the names of Wintermark's heroes'''
* '''The Hall of Names would allow Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the named quality'''
After some discussion with various scops, the mystics agree that there is an alternative. Rather than restore the hall as it once was, a monument to the Kallavesi fighting spirit, the Empire could build on the ruins to house a memorial to the achievements of generations of Wintermark heroes. The proposed Hall of Names aims to gather the names of the countless Wintermark heroes and chronicle their deeds. All could be included, the greatest heroes of ages gone like [[Inga Tarn]] and [[Emperor Guntherm]], alongside the deeds of the heroes who live today.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Hall of Names'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa Marsh, Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the named quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Autumn Equinox 387YE, or if the Hall of the Soturi is commissioned</td></tr>
</table></div>
Alongside the names of the original inhabitants of the Hall, would go the names and deeds of countless other Wintermark heroes. When the [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Scops|scops give someone a name]] it could be added to the records kept in the Hall, creating a living register of those who had proved their worth to their fellow Wintermarkers.

It would take many years to gather the names of all the living Wintermark heroes spread across the nation. Initially most of the names added to the records would be Kallavesi heroes, simply because of the Hall's location near the centre of Kallavesa. Such an effort would be much appreciated by the people of Kallavesa whose individual heroism can be easy to overlook compared with the more martial and cunning traditions of the [[Steinr]] and [[Suaq]]. It would inspire their Pride and Loyalty and encourage them to further acts of heroism. If that happened, it would allow Wintermark to raise a new Kallavesi army with the named quality.

The Hall of Names would require twenty five wains of white granite, twenty five wains of weirwood, 150 crowns and take a season to complete. Once complete it would allow Wintermark to raise a single new Kallavesi army with the named quality, recruited from the stories of the heroes recorded at the Hall. Once used once, there would be no further benefit.

====Named====
* '''Can use the ''fight like heroes'' order when [[army orders#Attacking|attacking]]'''
* '''Other Descriptors: Brave, Valiant, Lofty'''
A ''named'' army contains countless soldiers who have earned themselves a name from the scops of Wintermark for their heroism. These Proud warriors are determined to live up to their name; they accept nothing short of heroism from each other - and from the people they fight alongside. They have no time for those who seek to win by treachery or fight with needless savagery or cruelty. They are able to take the attacking order to fight like heroes building on recent Wintermark strategies involving [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fighting with honour]].

<box>'''Fight Like Heroes'''
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is increased by a fifth'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are decreased by a tenth'''
* '''Any allied force that issues with orders to ''[[Army_qualities#Foraging|plunder]]'', ''[[Army_qualities#Relentless|cut them down]]'', carry out a ''[[Army_qualities#Cruel|merciless assault]]'', do ''[[Army qualities#Cunning|whatever it takes]]'', or employ ''[[Army qualities#Venomous|fire in the blood]]'' is changed to a ''balanced attack'' '''
* '''The presence of an army fighting like heroes is always obvious to other armies in the same territory'''

A named army instructed to fight like heroes will seek to demonstrate the heroism that won them their names when fighting the enemy. They will be inspired to give their all in battle, pushing the enemy back but giving quarter where it is asked for. In addition, they will ensure that any forces that fight alongside them are prevented from taking orders designed simply to rob, kill or maim the enemy. This will ''not'' inflame tensions between the two forces, the inspiring example set by the heroes of Wintermark will be enough to ensure that others follow their example.

In addition, the army will actively seek to protect innocent civilians on both sides. Settlements will not be looted and the occupants will be protected from harm by either side.

Fighting like heroes does not prevent ''enemy'' forces from issuing orders to plunder or kill.</box>

=====Design Note=====
We've done a quick update to this wind of fortune, to change the name of the order that a [[#Named|Named]] army can take to "Fight like heroes". There were a couple of queries about the mention of ancestors in the name of the order. We originally used that motif because it draws on some very traditional heterodox Kallavesi beliefs about the ancient heroes who sleep in the swamp (which are referenced on the bottom of the [[Kallavesi]] page). On reviewing it, we realised that didn't make sense because the actual set-up for the quality is about scops and the Wintermark tradition of names - and how a hero gets a name. So we've changed it to make it consistent.

==Further Reading==
* [[Raven Seer]]
* [[Heroism]]
* [[Kallavesa]]
* [[Appraisal]]

When peace was far away

2026-09-07T14:19:59Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The port of Radosmo is the richest, most prosperous settlement in all of Zemelslo. It rises above three bays, each one separated by hilly splits of land. They are named for the twilight at morning, the brightness of high noon, and the gloaming that comes with night. At the landward side of each is a dock, and which goods land and ship from each dock is decreed by the laws of the Concilium. Radosmo is where the Concilium meets each month, to discuss matters of governance and magic. They are well advised by the Jarmish Consul, who by all accounts does not speak often but when they do their words are listened to. It is common for heralds of the realms to attend these meetings, to observe, and to present minor boons to the magicians in return for small concessions.
Zemelslo is not a wealthy nation; it primarily exports salt fish, salt lamb and mutton, and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit that is at best an acquired taste. The largest structure is the Concilium Hall, but the second largest is the palace of the Jarmish Consul which stands on one of the hills overlooking Radosmo. It is very beautiful, and the first thing a sailor sees on their approach to the port. The people of Zemelslo are cousins to the folk of the Principalities, in much the same way the people of Sarvos or the Brass Coast are cousins to the Highborn. Their people diverged long ago, but are close enough that cordial relations and strong bonds of wealth and politics unite them.

There are no slaves in Zemelslo. Instead, there is a caste of folk whose name translates roughly as "''ungrateful''" in the particular dialect of the Zemelslona. People who have committed crimes against their fellows, or against the state. They are kept in the most squalid possible conditions, forced to toil at the most back-breaking, filthy jobs until their sentence is completed. One might imagine that in a state as law-abiding and civil as Zemelslo there would not be many ungrateful; yet there always seem to be more than enough to ensure the fields are tilled, the bays are dredged, and the streets are cleaned.

There are no temples or shrines here; the Concilium of Zemelslo does not proscribe religion so much as discount it. Faith, teach the leaders of this tiny island nation, is a distraction. A warm blanket fit only for children. Nothing exists beyond the world, and the six realms of magic. Miracles and the so-called ceremonies of priests are nothing more than magic, practiced by amateurs who do not truly understand what they are doing. The people of Zemelslo patronise evangelists and missionaries, listening with every sign of amused tolerance, even applauding skilled oratory or rhetoric, and then... they just move on.

(Yet be careful; these people pride themselves on their liberty to a degree that an outsider might misjudge as a kind of faith. Their civility is as much as learned response to living in a society where anarchy bubbles beneath the surface as it is their vaunted rationality. The ''ungrateful'' toil, openly degraded, as much as a reminder to the common folk about what will happen if they forget their social contract with the Concilium and try to overthrow them. Reading between the lines of the history books, this has happened at least twice and each time there is a period of chaos and a new Concilium rises to replace the old.)

Most of the visitors to the docks of Radosmo are foreigners; traders from the western Principalities exchange crystal mana for victuals; for metals cut from the hearts of the hills; and for softer treasures harvested from the inland trees. They are equally happy to trade with other visitors, these visiting merchants; and for those who do not wish to dirty themselves dealing with the emissaries of Jarm there is ample opportunity to purchase their fine goods from the markets of Radosmo, engaging in trade at one remove.

That, perhaps, is the zeitgeist of Radosmo, of Zemelslo. They exist at one remove. Comfortable with the protection of their "cousins" to the east, comfortable to live quiet lives, comfortable to be insulated from the chaos of the world. Happy that war and hard choices both are far away.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hausziege 04.jpg|align=left|caption=Among other things, the nation of Zemelslo is known for its clever goats; by long standing rule of the Concilium they may be herded and milked but not eaten.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWtARZon2to}}
* '''The Empire remains at peace with the Principalities of Jarm, but trade with that nation is embargoed
* '''The Senate has approved trade with the tiny independent nation of Zemelslo that lies within the Jarmish sphere of influence
* '''Jarm is at war with Imperial allies in the Commonwealth
* '''Jarm has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
* '''The Imperial ambassador to the Principalities is Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of the Brass Coast
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.

One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are not exactly friendly to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
==War in the East==
* '''The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues
* '''Cold Sun has erupted into the borderlands between the two nations
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues despite the [[Cold war|eruption]] of [[Cold Sun]]. Diplomats from both sides have made attempts to arrange a summit to discuss the matter, but so far without success. There is nothing approaching a coordinated response between the two rivals to the ''scions'' pouring into Lantir. Indeed, as discussed in the '''[[Cold war]]''' wind of fortune, both sides suspect the other of having been responsible, and believe that the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] are targeting ''their'' forces particularly.

The conflict between the Principalities and the Commonwealth is at its root a clash of ideology. Jarm fights for the right to self-determination, while the Commonwealth strives to spread its idea of the Common Good to all. Jarm remains unable to match the Commonwealth on sheer logistical and military might; the Commonwealth cannot equal the magical prowess of the Principalities. Neither side will submit to the other and so the war continues. The addition of this third force means it is impossible to tell who is "winning".
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], and [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==The Third Letter==
* '''Lord-Magister Anton has responded candidly to the Ambassador's communications
* '''He believes that if things continue on their current course it could lead to a thawing in Imperial-Jarm relations
Normally, the language of diplomacy is full of caveats and circumlocution, comments Lord-Magister Anton. The Imperial Ambassador's interestingly candid approach, however, is in all honesty quite refreshing. It is a relief sometimes, he writes, to be able to speak directly. As such, he acknowledges that the Ambassador may be feeling a little rebuffed. Yet he feels that he was very clear about why the Magician-Princes were not particularly impressed by the return of the [[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Spice|Vezakri spice grinder]]. When one is honestly sending something without expectation of reward, one cannot really complain if they don't then get a reward.

More constructively, the matter of the spice grinder is ultimately unimportant by itself but it is not without symbolic weight. Coupled with the efforts of other Imperial citizens, there ''is'' more of a taste in the House of Princes for dealing with the Empire. Embargo costs both countries, and is good for neither. Right now the House of Princes is busy with other matters - war with the Commonwealth and the [[Cold war|destruction of Lantir]] being foremost in their minds. While it might not seem like it, the situation is improving. And in Anton's opinion part of that is down to '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and their immediate predecessor '''Nikita Teanga Volkov'''. There have obviously been several fine ambassadors from the Empire, but they are often judged against the example of the former ambassador '''Oswi Twice-Burned''' - someone who understood the realities of doing business on the international stage and put pragmatism ahead of ideology.

As long as the Empire respects Jarm's independence as a sovereign nation; as long as they stay out of the war with the Commonwealth; and especially if they are able to offer practical support against these damned ''scions'' pouring out of Lantir, relations between the Principalities and Imperial citizens can only improve. Indeed, the assurances ''Ambassador Damiàn'' has issued regarding their intention to provide aid to the Jarmish in containing the forces of ''Oblivion'' has caused several otherwise disinterested princes to sit up and take notice, especially those potentially threatened by the ''scions''. If they are able to deliver on those promises - if the [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|Conclave]] offers real, measurable support to Jarm - then it will not only prove the Ambassador's calibre but see more Magician-Princes prepared to soften their attitudes to the Empire. If they fail of course... well that will just reaffirm the perception of recent Imperial ambassadors being little more than chair-warmers.

The civil service are a little taken aback by the tone of Lord Anton's correspondence, but cautiously suggest that by speaking candidly in response to the Ambassador, Trescher is in his own way showing his respect. Maybe?

==Free Port==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Bidderskit</big>'''<p>
Goat milk is a common staple of the Zemelslo diet. One of their main exports is Bidderskit, an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting goat milk and adding certain local ingredients. There are a range of strong flavours, but it is something of an acquired taste. Any Imperial fleet captain who has visited the nation is free to phys-rep Bidderskit with almost any kind of milk or milk-like liquid, especially flavoured milkshake.</box></div>
* '''The Senate approved access to a port in the independent nation of Zemelslo
* '''Imperial captains now trade at Radosmo, primarily with Jarmish merchants
* '''Lord-Magister Anton has praised the Imperial Ambassador for their work in negotiating trade with Zemelslo'''
* '''Communication with Zemelslo technically lies under the remit of the Imperial Consul, Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason
During the Autumn Equinox, the [[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|tiny nation of Zemelslo]] opened their port at Radosmo to Imperial traders at the urging of ''Prince Mila'' of the Violetinu Mishkas. Zemelslo lies in the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel|Sea of Steel]] and is firmly within the Jarmish sphere of influence. Technically self-governed by a ''Concilium'' of magicians, in practice it is a protectorate of Jarm and looks to the House of Princes in all things. The Jarmish Consul officially is an ambassador from the great nation to the east; in practice it operates a lot more like a governor albeit one that mostly observes and offers polite advice.

Its primary exports are salted fish and a beverage called Bidderskit (a strong sour alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk). There is not much demand for Bidderskit and salted fish in the Empire, but Jarmish merchants visit Radosmo all the time. Imperial merchants are welcome to trade with other visitors... which means access to the same kinds of products that were available from Jarmish ports. This is a polite fiction that allows Jarm and the Empire to trade without either side having to open their ports to the other. Obviously the argument is that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. While the Commonwealth might [[The price is great#Zemelslo|take a different view]], the Senate [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|have been clear]] that they do not see any legal obstacle to Imperial traders dealing with Zemelslo and confirmed that it is not part of Jarm.

It is too early to make sweeping generalisations - whatever Anton's esteemed colleague the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas might believe - but the preliminary successes seen in Radosmo are encouraging. Perhaps it ''is'' possible for the Empire to visit an island without [[Mosaic|burning everything to the ground]] in the name of religion? While Zemelslo isn’t Kavor or Zemech, it is a good start. Lord-Magister Trescher is not alone if that he would be perfectly happy to see relations between the nations thaw out enough to allow trade to prosper again. The Empire is after all an excellent market; and everyone would be happier if they did not have to listen to the Golden Peacock faction banging on about the "Casinean Hegemon Threat" every five minutes.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Winged Messengers can be dispatched by anyone interested in further discussing trade via Zemelslo to ''Magician Prince Mila, The Tepesch Palace, Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, Principalities of Jarm''. The Concilium has asked that the youthful Magician-Prince serve as their liaison to the Empire.}}

==Weirwood for Free People==
* '''Zemelslo has requested an opportunity to purchase a large amount of weirwood from the Empire
* '''The Senate has clarified that the Concilium is a sovereign nation distinct from Jarm
* '''They thus fall under the remit of the Imperial Consul'''
* '''The current Imperial Consul is Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason'''
The inference taken from the Senate's decision is that it is the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''', who is responsible for any further dealing with Zemelslo, rather than the Ambassador to Jarm. The Concilium of Zemelslo have not invited any kind of diplomatic contact; any formal Imperial correspondence should go via their close ally, the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas. It is not that they are incapable of making their own decisions, simply that Prince Mila has more experience dealing with Imperial citizens and is unlikely to accidentally offend against their sensibilities or religion. Mila has graciously agreed to serve as a go-between.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=500}}</div>
With his assistance the Concilium of Zemelslo have made an overture to the Imperial Consul offices indicating that they are in the market to purchase a large amount of [[weirwood]]. They are looking to secure 200 wains toward the [[Navy#Costs|construction]] of a [[navy]] to help protect their island against Commonwealth aggression. They are able to offer 20 crowns a wain for any amount that the Imperial Consul can arrange. If the Consul wishes to take advantage of this offer, the Civil service can help facilitate it. ('''OOC Note:''' The Consul should ensure the weirwood is in their inventory at the end of the event and e-mail {{plot}} to let us know how much they are providing to Zemelslo. We'll then remove the wains and replace them with the money at the agreed price.)

Regardless of what the Imperial Consul may choose, any private citizen could take advantage of this trade. The [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizeni]] ritual ''[[Ethereal Courier]]'' could certainly be used to send weirwood Bourse notes to Magician-Prince Mila. This would require a little more effort to claim, but there is no legal impediment to ships from Zemelslo collecting wains from Imperial warehouses. The citizen trading in this way would either receive the payment mentioned, or have their Bourse notes returned if the Consul has already provided all the weirwood required.

The civil service assessment is that on the surface it seems to be a legitimate attempt by the Concilium of Zemelslo to establish their own navy. However as a nation in the pocket of Jarm, helping Zemelslo arm itself effectively provides Jarm with access to another navy. It is very likely that Magician Prince Mila is behind this trade offer, and the likely source of much of the money to pay for it.
==Equal Weight==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fortified Embassy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification Upgrade</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Limus, Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril, 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Gives the Walls of Cargo the ''Jarmish Warwizards'' quality
* Allows Jarm to defend shipping along the Couros against Commonwealth interests</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires concedence of the embassy</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Jarm proposes the Empire cede the Jarmish embassy in Cargo to them'''
* '''In return they would station of garrison of warwizards in Cargo to help defend the territory if it was attacked'''
Lord-Magister Anton has received correspondence from the staff at the Jarmish embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] regarding the building of a [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth#The Diplomatenschloss|Commonwealth castle]] across the river Couros in [[Necropolis]]. Concerns have been expressed in the House of Princes about notoriously warlike Commonwealth soldiers travelling the same river as peaceful Jarmish emissaries - especially given the Empire's obvious favouring of the rival nation. As such he proposes that the [[Senate]] expand and also [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concede]] the Jarmish embassy in Cargo. Jarm would cover some of the costs, and would establish a cadre of elite Jarmish battle-magicians at the embassy to protect the interests of their citizens both in the embassy and travelling along the river. They would also be in a position to help garrison the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] - which Lord-Magister Anton points out they [[The_whole_world#The_Magic_of_Jarm|also helped create]]. In the event that the Commonwealth chose to commit piracy against Jarmish ships in Imperial waters, they would be in position to defend their diplomats and take appropriate retribution against any attack.

The civil service have assessed the proposal - they estimate that in the event the walls of Cargo would gain the ''Jarmish warwizards'' quality. If enemy forces threatened the region of [[Redoubt#Limus|Limus]], the Jarmish war-magicians would add an extra 1,000 strength to the garrison for purposes of defending the territory and inflicting casualties on the attackers in same way as if they were a number of [[military unit|military units]] taking a [[Military unit#Guard|guard action]]. The required concedence would give the Jarmish free reign to operate within their own embassy without any hint of Imperial oversight - and if relations between Jarm and the Empire collapsed entirely, a band of Jarmish war-wizards in Urizen could arguably do some significant damage before they were stopped. They also speculate that this is a naked political ploy - to "balance" the fact that the Commonwealth has stationed troops on Imperial soil and has direct control of their own ''diplomatenschloss''.

==Herbs for the White Palm==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}
* '''The House of the White Palm in Jarm seeks aid in dealing with the cursed injuries caused by the ''scions'' of Cold Sun
* '''They would like the Imperial Apothecaries Guild to send them a package of marrowort and bladeroot using ethereal courier
* '''In return they offer a herbal for a healing salve
* '''The Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo
While magic is excellent for dealing with serious injuries in the short term - rituals such as ''[[Stout Resolve of the Unyielding|Kaljulaid's Resolution]]'' can help warriors endure these kinds of injury - they are ineffective at actually treating the injuries. The Principalities have fewer battle-trained [[surgical skills#Physicks|physicks]] than the Empire. While the profession of physick is respected, those who master the arts of the body are more inclined to operate in cities tending to wealthy clients than risk their lives fighting.

The ''House of the White Palm'' is an old establishment that trains battlefield physicks to support Jarmish armies. The incursion of [[Cold Sun]] has left them overwhelmed - and both mundane soldiers and [[Magical skills#Battlemage|battlefield wizards]] are paying the price. The White Palm ''lekár'' - the battlefield medics facing the destruction of Cold Sun - are in desperate need of [[marrowort]] and [[bladeroot]]. Large amounts, very quickly.

As such they have decided to go outside the traditional diplomatic channels and make a direct appeal to a body they apparently consider to be their peers - the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]]. They need 200 drams of both marrowort and bladeroot, and they cannot wait for the slow transport of goods by sea. As such they request that the Guild collect 200 drams of each herb and deliver them via [[Ethereal Courier]] during the Winter Solstice. In return, the White Palm will share with the Guild a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] detailing the recipe for ''Palma Balzam'' - a preparation that translates roughly as "Palmtree Balm".

This [[potion]] is part of the [[Master Medicinal]] body of lore and creates a salve that can be applied to an injured warrior to simultaneously restore a damaged limb and heal the wounds that caused it. From the description, it appears to harness the power of [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] and [[True Vervain]] in the same way that [[Maledict's Medicament]] captures the healing properties of [[Bladeroot]] and [[Imperial Roseweald]]. What the Guild does with the herbal is up to them - keep it for their own use or share it with the rest of the Empire the House of the White Palm cares not.

The civil service advise that this appeal has apparently caused outrage in the House of Princes; the idea that a mundane college has shown Jarmish weakness in this way in untenable. On the other hand nobody is prepared to censure the White Palm given their vital role in battle (and the numerous wealthy doctors trained there who serve Magician-Prince households). While trade from Jarm is [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargoed]] that prevents Jarmish vessels bringing trade goods to Imperial ports. Further, the Apothecaries' Guild is [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#The_Manifesto|responsible for]] the "''Coordination and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, education, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes''" and to "''Represent and support the economic, political, and magical interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire.''" If they choose to take advantage of this offer - or anyone chooses to fulfil the order on their behalf - there is no immediate legal restriction. But there might be ethical and moral considerations that the [[Synod]] in particular might wish to offer guidance with.

==Matters of Measure==
* '''The Principalities are not interested in further discussion of the shield Measure
Lord Anton finally requests that the Ambassador should let '''Ser Rhydian de Rondell''' know that he is disinclined to engage in further discussion of the [[Pilgrim's Shield|shield]] ''Measure''. They offered to trade with the Empire and were rejected and that is just how diplomacy works, but they have no interest in putting Imperial citizens in touch with the current owner. There's also no interest in a challenge of eight champions - that may be how things are done in the Empire or the Commonwealth but Lord-Magister Anton doesn't feel Jarm has anything it wants to prove here. So in short, the answer is "no."

He does however wish to correct a misapprehension. The Principalities do not need details of the "underpinning" of Brotherhood of Tian. Those principles are known just as much in Jarm as they are in the Empire. A ''completed ritual text'' is very valuable, especially one that represents a year and a half at least of work during which the [[college of magic]] preparing the text can do nothing else. And, in the words of the Lord-Magister, a triumph of political will to encourage an entire college to focus on codifying a useful, practical ritual instead of some charismatic wizards' pet project involving the moon. It seems that Trescher is very bitter about something.
{{Jarm Links}}

The concisest tenant

2026-09-07T14:19:31Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"''"You wicked fiend!" snarled Giuseppe. "When were you going to put this unspeakable plan into operation?"''

Louisa was very proud of her impression of Senator Giuseppe. She also enjoyed being the centre of attention. The rest of the company were hanging on her every word, as she read the latest instalment of ''War of the Rats'' in a poky little pub in the stews of Temeschwar. She could see that some of the folk at nearby tables were straining to hear her words.

"''"Hahahaha my proud beauty!" laughed the villainous King of the Rats. "Do you mistake me for some Sarvosan theatricalist? I did it before you arrived, and now it is far too late for you to save your precious orphanage!"''"

There was a gasp and some baleful muttering from the company. Kiever slammed his fist on the table, shaking his head at the wickedness of the King of the Rats.

"''Senator Giuseppe lunged forward, rapier piercing the shadows like Ratibor's torch, but the King of the Rats was already moving. His cloak swirled like a whirlpool as he leapt toward the sewer grate and scrambled through. His crazed laughter echoed from the drain as he scurried away, to some even deeper subterranean lair. But there was blood on the tip of the rapier - the proud senator had wounded the vile malefactor at least!''"

"Yes!" Kiever crowed. "You show him senator!"

There was some laughter at just how into the story the scarred veteran of a dozen conflicts was. He smiled a little ruefully, sipping his half-full tankard and giving the rest of his friends the impudent finger. This caused more gentle laughter and a little banter.

"But what about the orphanage?" Emilio was the youngest of the gang, the newest recruit.

"Well we might all find out if you stop interrupting me," replied Lou a little primly. She found her place in the tatty little booklet, tracing the words with one finger stained dark grey with cheap ink.

"''Giuseppe made to try and follow the villain, but Bishop Vitore grabbed his arm. "There's no time senator! We have to get back to surface and warn the priests of the Little Mother! It may not be too late!".''"

Everyone at the table was agog.

"''"Surely not!," growled Senator Sanguineo. "You heard the fiend, he has already put his dreadful plan in motion!" The proud bishop shook his head, resolute. His eyes seemed to glow with virtuous light in the dim cellar. "We must not give in to despair!" he urged. "Do you think Ratibor would abandon the orphans to their fate because it might be too late? On the word of a villain such as this? No! A thousand times no! He would strive against any odds set against him, and if we follow his example I think we might still prevail. The future is not set and by our actions we can shape it how we will! Even in the darkest hour, the dawn may still come!" Giuseppe nodded, tears in his eyes. The two heroes clasped hands for a moment, then as one they turned and raced back toward the ladder. The King of the Rats would have to face justice another day because if there was any chance at all that they could save the children - and of course the beautiful priest of the Little Mother who looked after them - then they had to take it!''"

Lou was less convinced that she had the Bishop's voice right but she didn't really care. One of the drinkers at the nearest table, no longer trying to conceal his eavesdropping, muttered "yes" under his breath and then looked around suspiciously to make sure nobody had spotted him being drawn in by the tale.

"Will they be in time?" asked Emilio, eyes wide.

Lou smiled, and shrugged. "We'll have to wait until next week to find out," she said. "That's all there is for now." She turned the pamphlet to show her friends the "TO BE CONTINUED" written at the bottom of the page. There was a chorus of groans, that quickly gave way to spirited discussion of how ''they'' would have dealt with the King of the Rats if they were in Giuseppe's place.

Lou leaned back, pleased, and took a deep gulp of her beer. Something shifted in the corner of her vision, and when she turned to look she caught a brief glimpse of a long naked tail disappearing into a hole between two of the skirting boards. She frowned slightly, but decided it was not worth worrying about, and instead leaned into her role of the arbiter of what the King of the Rats would ''probably'' do in the scenarios her comrades came up with.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dwarf rats sleeping.jpg|caption=The rats of Temeschwar are quiet. For now...|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Through much of last year - 386YE - the city of Temeschwar was bedevilled by rats and rat-adjacent creatures. The situation was calmed in large part due to a municipal contract with an old [[guild]] called the ''Rat Kings''. Fancying themselves one of the "founding guilds" of Temeschwar, this somewhat disreputable organisation makes its money catching vermin and delving the stinking sewers beneath the city for lost treasures. For the last year or so they have also been "protecting" the city from the rat plague - and in the process absorbed several smaller guilds in a similar line. Their influence in the city has waxed, but they seem broadly disinclined to do anything with it.

There are also rumours - this is the League so of course there are rumours - of an ancient rat-creature living deep below the sewers. A creature that dates back to the time when Temeschwar was first founded, long before there was an Empire, before there was a League, when this entire territory was part of Varushka. Ringblack periodicals talk in hushed, but nonetheless lurid, tones of [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereigns]], and include thinly-veiled pastiches of prominent Temeschwari citizens including most notably [[senator]] '''Giuseppe Sanguineo von Temeschwar'''. Some stories have them thwarting this malign "king rat" and some hint at dark bargains and terrible sacrifices. It's thrilling for the [[bravo|bravos]] and [[mountebank|mountebanks]] of the city to speculate about what goes on in the circles of the elite, after all. The truth is uncertain, but between the Rat Kings and whatever else is going on, the rats these days mostly come out at night. Mostly.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Intensity.jpg|align=left|caption=The Doctor is usually calm, albeit intensely focused. yet this is not the only guise the Doctor takes in dramaturgy.|width=300}}</div>
==Rat Doctor==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDP9496Az4U}}
* '''The dramaturgical character of the Doctor appears to be influencing Temeschwar'''
* '''Temeschwari characters wearing an appropriate mask may draw on this influence to overcome some roleplaying effects'''
* '''League magicians wearing an appropriate mask may use three personal mana as crystal mana once during the summit when performing a Day or Winter ritual'''
There's been something ''going on'' in [[Spiral]] for half a year or more by this point. A [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Something_Dramatic|wild tumult]] of [[dramaturgy]] that has League and Urizeni magicians both scratching their heads. As far as anyone in Temeschwar can tell that is all still going on. Or not. Spiral is a long way away. What's noticeable however is that for the first time it seems to be bleeding over into the city that is as far from Apulian as you can get and still be in the League. This being Temeschwar, however, it is taking its own particular form. Specifically, the form of [[the Doctor]] - and a unique one at that.

The Doctor is an esoteric figure. Calm, reasonable, and above all dedicated to the idea that sufficient knowledge can be used to overcome any problem. Confident in her own skills, the Doctor also knows her limits and when to seek aid and outside sources of knowledge. Most often she dispenses aid to others, whether they appreciate or ask for that aid or not. In street theatre, she is often a sinister figure who possesses secret knowledge. She is rarely the butt of a joke, and she may spell the doom of a foolish or unwise character, or the final punishment of a wicked character.

Commonly she combines the calm reason of [[Day magic]] with the sharp edge of [[Winter magic]] in a way that balances aid and understanding with the power of oaths and righteous vengeance. Her mask is usually hooked and curved like a beak - perhaps suggesting the carrion birds that feed on dead flesh and learn secrets thereby - but that is only the most common form the imagery takes. The ''rat'' is not a popular shape for the mask to take, but in recent years, especially in Temeschwar, it has become more common. Some popular plays that have fallen out of fashion - the steadfast soldier and the king of rats for example - have recently been dusted off and given a fresh coat of dramatic paint. This winter, there are five separate performances of the tale doing excellent business in the theatres of Temeschwar - with both traditional endings proving equally popular.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>The Steadfast Soldier and the King of Rats</big>'''
<p>This is an old, tragic story with roots in the distant past. Originally a Varushkan tale, it has a number of different interpretations but always contains certain key elements. A steadfast soldier ([[the Captain]]) who has returned weary from war. They have sworn a powerful oath, one that they are tricked into breaking. They come into conflict with a cold, ruthless opponent ([[the Doctor]]) who holds them accountable for their oath and actions in war.</p>

<p>The Doctor is privy to secret lore - sometimes they are vyig, sometimes a powerful wizard, sometimes they are a Merchant-Prince or Bishop. The two skirmish around one another with tragic consequences. Sometimes one or both figures are actual rodents. At the end one or both central figures die. Sometimes ballet is involved, and there are versions where either the Captain and the Doctor are represented by [[Ratibor of Temeschwar]].</p></box></div>
It's become apparent over the last few months in particular that a little magic is seeping into the city, specifically in regards to the mask of the Doctor, and most specifically of all to those who evoke the Doctor with the rat-mask.
<br><br>
<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
During the Winter Solstice, any League character whose resource is in Temeschwar can draw on the power of the Doctor as a [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|source of spiritual strength]] to overcome any roleplaying effect that would cause them to become confused, afraid, or uncertain, or that would urge them to act compassionately. They may instead become cold and hard, suppressing uncertainty or empathy behind a steely resolve to act as they think best. You may do this at any time during the summit, as often as feels appropriate, but only if you are physically wearing a mask that is recognisable as that of the Doctor - the hooked beak mask commonly associated with the persona, or the rat mask that has become popular in Temeschwar.

In addition, if you are a League magician with knowledge of [[Day magic]] or [[Winter magic]] and wearing a rat mask during the performance of a ritual, you can invoke the connection to the cold, judgemental aspects of the Doctor to spend up to three points of personal mana as if they were crystal mana during a ritual of Day or Winter lore. This ability can only be used ''once'' by each character during the ''entire summit''.

==Rat Kings==
* '''Members of the Rat Kings guild are returning to Anvil for the Masquerade of the Reaper
The Rat Kings are one of the oldest guilds in Temeschwar, and yet they are rarely invited to parties. Possibly due to the fact that as well as dealing with rats and other vermin, they also maintain sewers and engage in ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosher toshing]'' beneath the city. As one of the oldest cities in the Empire, there is a lot to be found in the bowels of Temeschwar.

This year, they've let it be known that a number of them intend to attend the Masquerade of the Reaper at Anvil, wearing their traditional rat masks. They look forward to discussing the situation in Temeschwar and in particular their work dealing with the rat problem in the city which, while it is nowhere near as bad as it was a couple of years ago, remains under control mostly due to their efforts.

==Virtue's Respite==
* '''With Empress Giselle returned to Sarvos there is a question about what to do with her tomb
* '''The Guardian of Giselle's Tomb retains their title but it is a misnomer
* '''Casimir Marcelino di Sarvos is the current Guardian of Giselle's Tomb'''
Last year, '''[[Archbishop of Capodomus|Archbishop]] Estella Lucati''' arranged for the mortal remains of Empress Giselle to be [[Golden_light#The_Woman's_Work|relocated]] for what everyone hopes will be the final time. Carried with all due ceremony on a black-draped barge down the length of the broad banked Gancio back to [[Sarvos]], she now rests in a quiet courtyard at [[Archbishop of Capodomus#Capodomus Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. This had only a mild impact on the [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]], a post filled by '''Casimir Marcelino di Sarvos''' since the memorial was established in 381YE following the unfortunate [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|sacking of Sarvos]], the theft of her body by the [[Grendel]], and its subsequent recovery. Built by then-Senator '''Gant Archama''' ''[[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue's_Respite|Virtue's Respite]]'' is visited more often as a memorial to the history of [[the League]] and the successes of [[Temeschwar]] than it is the tomb of an Empress. Indeed, for the tomb of a dead [[the Throne|Throne]], the structure felt more like a tribute to the Senator's father Demitri Archama than it did a resting place for an Empress.

A year later and the stream of visitors to the site remains a thin, but consistent, trickle. The visitors come to see the memorial to the history of Temeschwar have been supplemented somewhat by thrill-seekers wishing to visit a location that in recent years has become synonymous with the [[Temeschwar#Rat Plague|Rat plague]] that fell on the city a few years ago. During the height of the plague there were several vicious verminous attacks by rodents against visitors here and while there have been no serious attacks since the body of Empress Giselle was reinterred in the south, one remains much more likely to encounter a rat here than almost anywhere else in the city. A popular tale suggests they are "keeping watch" - as if to make sure nobody sneaks the Sarvosan Empress' remains back in by stealth.

The title of [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]] has not been reappointed since it was established, but the name raises eyebrows in several places. A local burgher has asked the Bishops of Temeschwar to consider supporting a local campaign to rename the position "Guardian of Virtue's Respite". A more ''earthy'' proposal that the place be renamed "Rat's Rest" instead receives a fair amount of support among [[bravo|bravos]] and [[mountebank|mountebanks]] and almost nowhere else.

Legally, changing the name of an Imperial title is something that would require a [[Senate motion]] and nobody is foolish enough to believe any Senator would waste their time on such a frivolous matter. So with that in mind...
===Pride of Temeschwar===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Amend Virtue's Respite'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''Sinecure (Amendment)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Hanuri, Temeschwar</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases the income of the title associated with Virtue's Respite to four drams of liao and 7 crowns each season
* Allows Temeschwari congregations to use the ''Pride of the City'' lecture for six months
* Includes an opportunity to rename the Imperial title "Guardian of Giselle's Tomb"'''
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Virtue's Respite could be remodelled as a memorial to Temeschwari history inspiring Pride in the cities achievements'''
* '''This would encourage a celebration of Pride throughout the city and potentially beyond'''
* '''Temeschwar congregations would be able to deliver the "Pride of Temeschwar" lecture (putting them in the Pride Assembly)'''
* '''If the League assembly uses a statement of principle to encourage it, the lecture will become available across the League, but it will bring out citizen's competitive instincts'''
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|width=300|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|width=300|align=right}}</div>
''Bishop Jarek von Temeschwar'' has been at the forefront of the quiet movement to rename the Guardian of Giselle's Tomb. The Bishop, who regularly preaches on the importance of Temeschwari [[Pride]] and [[Ambition]], never made any secret of his distaste at the presence of "the Sarvosan Empress" in the city. Now that she is gone, he has spent the last year or so talking about the importance of celebrating Temeschwari achievements. His cause gained a fair amount of support when he was one of those who threw open their churches to help those injured in the rat plague, and his sermons are sometimes quoted in various Temeschwari broadsheets since then.

Jarek proposes that the Senate couple a change to the name of the title with a redesign of Virtue's Respite itself. The amphitheatre already contains friezes depicting various League successes - the raising of [[Caricomare]]; the liberation of [[Holberg]]; the rebuilding of Sarvos after the Grendel attack; and the escorting of the body of Giselle from Highguard to Temeschwar by a company of soldiers bearing the tattered gonfalon of the Brotherhood of Torn Banners, with the Brotherhood's Colonel Iacob Genoshu clearly identifiable as the figure leading the procession. Indeed the Brotherhood of Torn Banners are prominent in the other friezes as well.

With some additional investment and work, Temeschwari artists could be commissioned to create more friezes depicting uniquely Temeschwari achievements to add to these. The destruction of the [[Vyig]] (both recent and historical), the raising of the walls, the victory over the [[Into_the_woods|night terrors]] of [[Temeschwar#Metri|Metri]] and the like. Several more granite spaces could be left empty for future imagery celebrating Temeschwari successes yet to come. As such, Virtue's Respite would become a place that celebrates the Pride of Temeschwar.

Nothing else would change beyond the name, the scope of the memorial, and perhaps the removal of the empty tomb (although it could also be incorporated into the new decor). As it involves the amendment of an existing commission, however, this would still require a [[Senate motion]] to authorise the work and a small expenditure of money.

If that happened, then Virtue's Respite would remain a place of pilgrimage, but especially for Temeschwari returning home to remind themselves of their Proud history and the strength of their city. The income of the ''Guardian of Virtue's Respite'' would continue to receive 4 liao each season, but the income it provides would rise to 7 crowns each season - significantly more than the title currently provides.

Once the work were complete it would also provide an encouragement to Temeschwari bishops to speak about the history of their city. This would create a [[Congregation#Lectures|lecture]], ''Pride of the City'', that any Temeschwari citizen with a [[congregation]] could preach on for the next six months. The lecture would employ liao to incorporate anointings, consecrations, and hallows designed to increase Pride in Temeschwar's great history and its incredible achievements. The congregation would provide no liao at all, but would gain 2 additional votes in the Synod as their congregations grew in size with Proud citizens swelling the ranks.

In theory, such celebrations need not be confined to Temeschwar. If the memorial was remodelled then the League Assembly could use an appropriately worded statement of principle to encourage every city to draw inspiration from their own achievements. If that happened, then the Pride of the City lecture would become available to priests in every city in the League. There's just one problem... citizens in the League are notoriously competitive... There's simply no way to encourage every League citizen to celebrate their city's greatest achievements some of them immediately asking ''which'' city has the greatest achievements. Some thought that that contest was [[The_greatest_city_in_the_world|settled recently, when Holberg claimed the crown]] but which city is the greatest is an argument that the league will ''never'' settle...

It's impossible to know where such a competition will lead, but at least it will be easy to keep track of who is winning. The civil service already keep careful records of the size of every congregation along with sermons delivered, to determine what Assembly people are in and how many votes they should have. It will be trivial for them to determine the total size of all the congregations delivering the lecture urging fellow citizens to take Pride in their city's achievements. Once that gets out, it's bound to [[opportunity|create a reaction]].

===Rat Memorial===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Rat Garden'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''Sinecure (Amendment)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Hanuri, Temeschwar</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Changes the income associated with the commission to four crystal mana and six crowns each season
* Creates an opportunity to learn more about the rats of Temeschwar and what lies beneath it
* Includes an opportunity to rename the Imperial title Guardian of Giselle's Tomb'''
</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Virtue's Respite could be remodelled as the Rat Garden, a memorial to the rat plague'''
* '''Doing so will provide insight into the rats of Temeschwar and their master'''
''Lorainne Brouat di Temeschwar'' is very much not a bishop - quite the contrary. A hard-bitten woman who wields a razor-sharp wit and a finely-honed blade with equal facility, she came up as a [[bravo]] from the streets of Temeschwar. A known associate of [[mountebank|people of dubious repute]] in the city, she and her coterie have been in the thick of every major violent event in the north from the war against the vyig to the raid on Isember, to fighting alongside the Varushkan armies in the conquest of Ossium. She's well respected by people for whom respect is won in blood and ruthlessness. She's also one of those supporting a slightly different interpretation of Virtue's Respite.

Her suggestion is to gut the place. It's the result of a clever stratagem, which should be remembered, but it's also a memorial to the rat plague. There's no need to rip out the friezes or anything, but it should be repurposed with a more ratty decor. People in the know, know that there is a spirit under Temeschwar, something that dates back to the days of the Vard and even earlier. The ''King of Rats'', the ''Eyes in the Sewer''. What the Varushkans call a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign]] and what clever members of the League might call an ''opportunity''.

Evidence suggests the thing eats volodny, and that it has a peculiar affinity for the city and its people. It wanted Giselle gone because she was a ''foreigner'' squatting in Temeschwar. There's stories of a little cabal of people who honour this rat thing and try to curry favour with it - but that's the kind of thing ''Varushkans'' would do. Lorainne suggests that the League should take a different approach. Transform Virtue's Respite into the ''Rat Garden''. Add decorations celebrating the rat plague - the ratcatchers guild, the captains who answered the call to protect the city, the cleverness of the [[Unfettered Mind]], the virtue of the bishops who helped fight pestilence, all the rest. Instead of trying to keep rats out, welcome them with candle-wax, cheese, and bacon rinds.

The place would still be attractive to pilgrims - the kind of pilgrims who want a bit of a thrill along with their white granite statues. It'd also be an acknowledgement of the spirit under Temeschwar. Not a place to worship it - because the League doesn't worship dark spirits - but an acceptance of the fact it is there. By all accounts it is as ruthless, as relentless, as cold, and hard, and vengeful, as any scion of Temeschwar. And who knows, it might come in useful. More useful than another shrine dedicated to a senator's parent at any rate.

The visitors it would attract would be more esoterically minded, and would be prepared to make donations of crystal mana as well as small amounts of money. More relevantly, says Loraine, the rats themselves would appreciate the gesture and would share some of their wealth with Temeschwar. Trinkets, gold, things of that nature dredged up from forgotten corners and lost down sewers. Between the visitors and the rat gifts, the new ''Rat Gardener'' would get a 6 crown income each season easily. When asked why she seems to have such an insight into what possessed rats might want or do, the bravo repeatedly threatened to punch the querent in the face until they withdrew the question.

Interestingly, Lorainne and her fellow bravos and mountebanks are not the only people who are interested in the repurposing of Virtue's Respite in this fashion. Members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] who visited Temeschwar to [[Pitter_patter#Seers_and_Shitpipes|help address the initial plague]] suggest that an opportunity to study the rats of the city in a "natural environment" might prove valuable. Especially if the place attracted any of the more [[Pitter_patter#Rodents_of_Assorted_Sizes|exotic creatures]] that were associated with them. At the very least they could glean a little more insight into what exactly is going on beneath the city, and the nature of the rat spirit that seems to be involved in these events. Is it ''actually'' a sovereign? Or could it be an eternal? Or something else entirely! There are not many Unfettered Mind members in Temeschwar, but they are very excited at the possibility of learning more about magic related to murderous rats. Why, argues the Winter magician ''Heinrich von Hanuri'', further research here might help develop a ritual that causes rats to rise up and eat people in enemy cities. How cool would that be?

('''OOC Note:''' If the Senate chooses to make this change, when the work is complete the wiki would be updated with more information about the rat king of Temeschwar, and the Grandmaster of the Unfettered mind would have the opportunity to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] to do deeper investigations into the rats of Temeschwar in the season following its completion).

==Further Reading==
* [[Temeschwar]]

* [[Graveyard rats]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the rat plague
* [[Pitter patter]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the rat plague
* [[They bit the cats]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the rat plague

Mermaids in the basement

2026-09-07T14:18:50Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
Albrecht von Temeschwar stared mournfully at the invader in his study. Time was a precious commodity, one he didn't have to spare since his class on buttresses was due to start in barely two hour's time and nearly a third of their papers were not yet marked. Still, it didn't do to give short shrift to one of La Salle's people; the chancellor would have his guts for garters. Best to be polite - civil even - he thought with a smile he kept off his face.

"I'm sorry Madam Lutomysla, " he said somewhat unsure of her correct title, "I hadn't realised your request was... serious." He spread his hands, painfully aware of what a poor answer that was.

The hard-faced Varushkan woman's eyes narrowed and her lips pinched. "I see. Well, for future reference... please understand that I am ''always'' serious." He expected her to say something further, but she fell silent simply staring at him. His eyes fell on the pile of unmarked papers... surely she didn't expect him to attempt this now?

"It's just the costs... they would be... incalculable" he protested.

"Just so I understand you - are you saying that your knowledge of engineering is not sufficient to calculate the costs?"

Albrecht bristled with indignation even as he appreciated that was exactly the response his visitor had wanted. "Look" he demanded, pointing to the picture on his wall of the Spider's Tollkeep. "That was one of finest works of engineering proposed in the Empire! When it was damaged it needed thirty wains of mithril and ten wains of white granite ''just to repair it!''"

The prognosticator's gaze didn't waver, so he tried again. "The Spider's Kiss spans the Vassa - but it's barely a mile wide at that point! You're proposing a bridge, no!, a set of bridges, fifty times that size! It would take literally thousands of wains of white granite to join all those islands to the mainland! It would take decades!"

"But it could be done? We could calculate the costs?" she asked in a voice that implied she was asking him to price up a baker's dozen warm rolls.

"No!" he said firmly, trying to keep control of his temper. "It most certainly could ''not'' be done, Madam Lutomysla. The Spider's Tollkeep is built to withstand the rushing waters of the Vassa. But that terrible river pales into insignificance compared to the winter storms that trouble the Brass Coast. You'd need to design something capable of surviving waves as high as the walls of Holberg! You'd need a way to sink the piles two hundred feet and more into the sea bed. And that's not counting for all the blood-thirsty monsters the crazy shark worshippers let loose! So no Madam, it can not be done."

The last was said with a voice of complete finality. Or at least that was what he was aiming for. It always worked with his students. Sadly he had misjudged either his tone or his audience. Possibly both.

"Thousands of wains..." the woman's quill moved across the parchment, as she made hurried notes. "And you would need a design capable of withstanding the waves and the monsters." She looked up at him, and smiled, "Now we're getting somewhere professor..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Andaman Islands at sunset.jpg|align=left|caption=Under the domination of the Children of Wrecks, the islands of Free Landing and Cazar Straits have become much harder to reach.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0yfuLzaS-g}}
At the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial [[Senate]] approved a [[Senate motion|motion]] calling for an [[appraisal]] into the potential for constructing a bridge between the mainlands and the islands of [[the Brass Coast]] to enable [[army|armies]] to move easily between them. ''[[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]'' was selected to investigate the possibilities.

Regrettably, Lutomysla quickly confirms that it is effectively impossible to connect the islands to the mainland with bridges in this way - the costs are astronomical and the work would require a feat of engineering greater than any the Empire has ever achieved. Rather than waste too much time pursuing this approach, the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticator]] has summarised the problems involved. They're not ''technically'' insurmountable - but the experienced prognosticator knows a cliff face when she sees one.

This is not an unusual state of affairs - the prognosticator's role in an appraisal is to ''find'' a solution to a '''problem''' the Senate have identified. If it were possible to know what approach would work best before the appraisal has been carried out, then no prognosticators would be needed. The civil service guidance is clear that all prognosticators can [[Appraisal#OOC_Design|ultimately ignore a suggestion]] on ''how'' to solve the problem, if it is clear, this will only make the work more difficult. While that is rare, it definitely applies here.

Rather than linger on what can't be achieved, Lutomysla has spent what time she has left looking at what might be achieved...
<quote by="Proposed Madruga, Seconded Kahraman">To appraise the construction of bridges between the mainlands and islands of the Brass Coast to remove the island quality. Lutomysla Niegoslava</quote>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Madruga_Made_Anew.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==A Bridge to Nowhere==
* '''Building bridges to join the islands of the Brass Coast to the mainland would be difficult and prohibitively expensive'''
The Empire has significant experience creating bridges - the city of [[Sarvos]] has many beautiful constructions that join the mainland to the nearby islands, albeit over shallow waters. The [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is a unique suspension bridge linking [[Madruga]] and Sarvos, designed by the talented engineer ''Carmen i Dehasa i Erigo'' to bridge a very specific river. These examples are deceptive; however, they all feature relatively small bridges, or at least small in comparison to the distances that would be needed to span the waters of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazaar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]].

The actual bridges themselves would represent a massive investment of time, resources, and labour. Even without the threat of monsters, pirates, and [[Grendel]], these bridges would be built over very deep water indeed. Connecting the six major islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]] - a [[territory#Regions|region]] that runs the length of the [[Feroz]] coastline - would require more than half a dozen miles-long bridges. [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] is a little more feasible - by which Lutomysla means it would require "''only''" half a dozen bridges. Total costs for the project would end up in excess of three thousand wains of white granite.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofFeroz.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
That is only the start of the problem - any concrete plan would require both Free Landing and Cazar Straits to be in Imperial hands. Despite [[Red_skies#Chase_them_where_they_run|recent victories]], Free Landing remains under the control of the Children of Wrecks. In the south, the [[Iron Confederacy]] has [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|taken control]] of the Cazar Straits. The threat posed by the creatures of [[Siakha]] still remains - building anything while literal sea monsters are attacking the builders would be impossible without the use of slaves. Nobody would take that job out of choice, not for all the crowns in [[Emperor Giovanni|Giovanni's]] purse.

Creating a bridge capable of withstanding the kind of sea storms that occasionally batter the Brass Coast would require a reinforced bridge deck and need supports that reached all the way down to the seabed. The Empire lacks the engineering know-how for such a feat, but it is ''rumoured'' that the [[Commonwealth]] might know a way it could be done. Given the good relations that exist, it is likely that the Empire could find a way to acquire such knowledge if it were genuinely determined to proceed. The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] might make such an enquiry, or a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] dispatched to [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|Professor Gelberg]] might also determine if this is the case.

Even if all the other hurdles could be overcome, the bridges would ''not'' remove the [[Region_qualities#Island|island quality]] from either region. Rather, they would provide the ''bridged'' quality, allowing armies to move between the mainland and the island regions and back again... as long as nobody destroyed any of the bridges. That might suffice, but it is important to remember that the Grendel in particular have demonstrated a talent for smashing bridges up...

Magical alternatives to mundane methods are equally difficult. While some eternals are capable of impressive feats, Lutomysla cautions that their powers are neither boundless nor without cost. The [[Semmerholm#The_Golden_Causeway|Golden Causeway]] is a boon from [[Eleonaris]] that allowed the armies of [[Dawn]] to [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#In_The_End_.28The_Mallum.29|march across]] the massive [[the Semmerlak|Semmerlak]] to invade [[Ossium]]. But the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'' created the Causeway to enable the Empire to go to war with the [[Druj]]. The ''Queen of Summer'' always seems eager to plunge the Empire and their neighbours into conflict - and is more than ready to use her magic to help make that happen. In many ways, her "payment" was the years of warfare that followed the act. But a causeway in the Brass Coast would offer little in the way of [[glory]]. As [[Red_skies|recent events]] show, the Wreckers are a danger, but they are a pale shadow of the threat cast by the Druj. This project would require dozens of bridges and risks angering the ''Lion of Summer'' if she thinks the Empire are invoking her aid to do something which is beneath her regal demeanour.

[[Adamant]] and [[Estavus]] are more than happy to help the Empire building things - and for ''the King Under the Mountain'' the bigger, the better, and the more white granite is involved the more enthusiastic he tends to be. Having the aid of either eternal would remove the need to ask the Commonwealth to help with the engineering. Adamant could also help protect the commission from casual destruction by the Grendel, if the Empire were prepared to meet the eternal's price to infuse the bridges with indestructible adamant. However, the ''Deep Dragon'' would be certain to require the Empire to foot the bill, so someone would still have to find at least three thousand wains of white granite. It also risks marring the Empire's good relations with the ''Throne of Stone'' if, as seems likely, thousands of ''koboldi'' are killed and eaten by the [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken|immature kraken]] and other monsters that currently dwell in the waters while the work is underway. Estavus might take a more pragmatic approach, but any construction she oversees is likely to involve at least as much [[mithril]] as white granite, and while she seems less concerned than Adamant about the wellbeing of her workers she would surely expect a premium be paid for any harm done to them.

When the appraisal was discussed in Senate at the time, there was some debate about whether tunnels would be a better solution than bridges. League engineers are quick to scotch that idea - even the most experienced mining professors of [[Temeschwar]] have never heard of anyone attempting to dig such a massive series of tunnels. They would need to stretch for many miles, all under the seabed. The slightest mistake would mean that the entire thing would collapse and quickly flood even with the best pumps the engineers of [[Holberg]] could design. They are confident that the methods and skills needed to create tunnels under the sea do not exist anywhere in the world.
<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====OOC Design====
<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.

In this example, the Senate motion stated that the method should be to employ bridges. We've ultimately ignored that element, as per the published guidance, because we considered it wouldn't be possible to construct a vast network of sea bridges in the time of the Empire. The Senate motion also stated that the outcome would be the removal of the island quality. That isn't possible at this time, so we've had to guess at what the problem is that the appraisal was intended to address. We have ''inferred'' that the problem is most likely to be a way to allow the Empire to extend its military control to the island chains, so we've offered ways to address that.</box></div>
==Adapt and Prosper==
* '''Given the challenges of meeting the terms of the assessment, Lutomysla has looked at alternatives'''
* '''She has tried to guess what the underlying goals for the Senate motion are'''
Lutomysla is frank that the prospects are dim for building enough bridges to the islands to end their current isolation. While it might technically be possible, the volume of white granite required seems prohibitive. The first limit of magic is not what you can achieve but what you can afford, as Lutomysla's grandmama was fond of saying.

Worse, Lutomysla can see few options to achieve the specific ''outcome'' stated in the motion. Removing the island quality from the Brass Coast archipelago is [[Limits_of_magic#Changing_Qualities|beyond the limits of ritual magic]], and despite Lutomysla's best efforts, she has not been able to identify any way to achieve that outcome. Even if bridges could be built - the islands would still be islands - and the problems would immediately return if the bridges were destroyed.

That being the case, Lutomysla has focused her remaining efforts on what problem she believes the Senate were looking to solve with this appraisal. The most likely answer is that the [[Military Council]] were looking for a way to extend military control to the islands, but even that creates more questions than it answers. Is the aim a way to quickly move armies to and from the islands, or does the Council simply need a way to secure them from attack? Or is the concern more economic? That the isolation of the islands might be injurious to the Prosperity of the Coast? It is unlikely that the Senate simply want the islands themselves gone, but even that is not unthinkable. Difficult, yes, but not unthinkable.

Lutomysla has tried to look at each of these problems in turn, to outline possible solutions.
==Reaching the Islands==
* '''The cheapest way to enable any Imperial army to reach the islands is to commission a navy'''
* '''There are ways the Empire could allow two Freeborn armies to reach the islands without building a navy'''
The prognosticator hasn't found any way to be rid of the insular quality of the islands, but she has identified ways the Empire might enable two of the Freeborn armies to reach them. The simplest way to reach the islands is to commission a [[navy]]. That might prove challenging, and the Senate already has the ability to do so, so Lutomysla has left that option to the last.
===The Red Wind Wharfs===
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs could reach the islands at any time'''
* '''Creating dedicated berths at Oran would allow the Red Wind Corsairs to cross the straits without delay'''
* '''Plans for municipal docks at Calvos could be expanded to create the same potential in Madruga'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''New Berths in Oran'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Shipyard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 weirwood and 15 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Allows any army with the Forayer quality to move normally between the Cazar Straits and the mainland ignoring the island quality
* Increases the upkeep of the wharfs by 1 throne</td></tr>
</table></div>
[[The Brass Coast]] already has an [[army]] that can reach Free Landing and Cazar Straits. The [[Army_qualities#Forayer|unique ability]] of the [[Red Wind Corsairs]] to put to sea means that they could do so relatively easily. For that matter, they could even transport an army with them if needed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}
The problem with putting to sea - and back again - is the time and risks involved. It takes a season for the army to put to sea, and they are exposed throughout. Delays are expensive, and no general wants their army vulnerable. But the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran|wharfs at Oran]] offer one way around that problem. If new berths were constructed and set aside for the sole use of the Imperial military, then it would allow the Red Wind Corsairs to move normally between the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] and the mainland ignoring the island quality.

The proposals for [[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor|municipal docks in Madruga]] have not yet progressed, but if the Senate wished, then it would be simple to include similar dedicated berths at those docks. Once complete, they would allow the Red Wind Corsairs to move normally between [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Madruga]] and the mainland ignoring the island quality. If both sets of berths were built, then the Red Wind Corsairs could move normally between Free Landing and the Cazar Straits.

Obviously, this outcome doesn't allow ''any'' Imperial army to reach the islands quickly - but it does have the advantage of being pleasingly cheap (at least relatively speaking). It would only take 5 wains of weirwood and 15 crowns to build the dedicated berths in Oran - though it would increase the upkeep of the facilities by one throne a season. Professor Gelbert's municipal docks have not been approved, but if they were, the Senate could easily include dedicated berths in the plans. It would increase the construction costs by an additional 5 wains of weirwood and 15 crowns and increase upkeep by a throne each season, but it would mean all the work could be done at the same time.

===The Alcazar of Flame===
* '''Janon has maintained a great interest in the Burning Falcon'''
* '''The eternal will enable the Falcon to reach the islands if the Empire builds a fane on Free Landing'''
* '''A fane would allow the General of the Burning Falcon to submit a special defensive order to improve natural resupply'''
* '''The Fane would allow the Keeper of the Flame to exchange liao for crystal fire'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Alcazar of Flame'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Free Landing, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 white granite, 10 mithril, 10 rings of ilium and 78 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Allows the Burning Falcon to move normally between Free Landing and the Cazar Straits and between the islands and the mainland
* Allows the Burning Falcon to submit the fervent celebration defensive order, increasing their natural resupply by 250
* Creates the Freeborn national position, Keeper of the Flame of Passion
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Keeper of the Flame of Passion'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' National Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction:''' The Keeper can only purchase crystal fire and communicate with Janon if they are a [[Sutannir]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Voice of Janon
* Can purchase Crystal Fire in exchange for liao at the Fane
* Can send a winged messenger to the servants of Janon once per summit
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To inflame the passions of the Freeborn people to set the world ablaze</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Enflamed Passions'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>2 liao</td><td>1 Crystal Fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>5 liao</td><td>2 Crystal Fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>9 liao</td><td>3 Crystal Fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>14 liao</td><td>4 Crystal Fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 liao</td><td>5 Crystal Fire</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
There is another Freeborn army that might be able to reach the islands... if they had the right help. There are far fewer experienced sailors in the [[Burning Falcon]], and they lack the access to the ships and support that the Red Wind Corsairs enjoy. But they do benefit from the friendship and approval of the [[Janon|Shadowed Fire]], the strange eternal of [[Realms#Night|Night]] whose remit is passion and conviction. Aided by the ''Muse of Fire'', the army already burns with [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|true conviction]], a fervour that drives them to treat every battle like it is their last.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BurningFalcon_Colour.png|align=left|width=200}}
Given their recent history, Lutomysla is able to track down a herald of ''Firebrand'', a performing musician which calls itself Qraqeb. With some care, she outlines the problem to it... ''"The soldiers of the 'Falcon burn with desire to retake their homeland from their enemies, but their ardour is stymied by the treacherous waters. The straits are holding their passions in check... will Shadowed Fire help them unleash their fury on their enemies?"''...

Qraqeb soon returns with the answer that Shadowed Fire is eager to support the passionate soldiers of the Burning Falcon, but he cannot do so without a little help from the Empire. If the Coast wishes the Night eternal to aid them, they must build a temple to their passions on the islands. Qraqeb describes the ideal for this temple, a simple palace of white stone that will resound with music and become a crucible for passion. If the Empire grants Shadowed Fire [[Eternal#Dominion_in_the_Empire|dominion over the temple]], then his followers will abide there, joining the soldiers of the Burning Falcon in revelry, dancing and passion whenever they visit the isles. The Alcazar will become a sanctuary for the army, reviving their spirits whenever they might flag. Crucially, once Torchbearer is able to extend their power throughout the region they will ensure that nothing prevents the Falcon from moving swiftly to or from the islands.

After some discussion, it is clear to Lutomysla and her team that Qraqeb is proposing a [[fane]], albeit one that is particularly large and grandiose. That means it would ''have'' to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceded]] to the eternal to function - a solution the Senate has only rarely permitted in recent times. Janon isn't asking the Empire to cede the entire region, just the palace itself, but it is clear from the discussions that such a move would permit the eternal to use their power unhindered throughout Free Landing ''and'' the Cazar Straits.

If that happened, then the Alcazar of Flame would allow the Burning Falcon to move normally from Free Landing to the Cazar Straits and from the islands to the mainland. Qraqeb will not be drawn on what magic Shadowed Fire would employ to achieve this, but it assures the prognosticator that the soldiers - nor any local civilians - will not be harmed - all the general need do is issue the relevant orders and Qraqeb and its fellow musicians and performers will handle the rest.

In addition, the Alcazar of Flame would allow heralds of the Night eternal to travel abroad, allowing them to join with the Burning Falcon wherever they were. Their presence would enable the general to submit the '''fervent celebration''' defensive order, causing the army to engage in wild festivities and Night-fuelled revelry. Soldiers and anyone living nearby would be drawn into these uninhibited celebrations, raising the blood of all those who took part. The army would regain an ''additional'' 250 force provided they were eligible for [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]], as they spread Janon's message of embracing your emotions. The order would default to [[Army_qualities#Fast|desperate reinforcement]] if the army were attacked (in terms of how it affected the army's ability to defend territory rather than movement).

Janon would require the Freeborn National Assembly to appoint a suitable [[sutannir]] to oversee the celebrations and festivities on the island. This ''Keeper of the Flame'' would be charged by Janon to work to inflame the passions of the Freeborn people, encouraging them to throw caution to the wind and commit themselves utterly to their destiny.

==Defending the Islands==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Song of Salt and Sand'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' None required</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Quzar, Lightsea, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Free (Lashonar may demand payment for their aid)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:''' Requires the agreement of the eternal Lashonar</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows the Hakima of Salt and Sand to call the corsair families to defend the Brass Coast
* Creates a garrison of 3,000 force protected just Free Landing and the Cazar Straits for one season
* Creates a defensive voyage for corsair fleets to join the defence of Free Landing and the Straits
* Costs the Imperial treasury six thrones each season it is employed</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''If the Empire is concerned about defending the islands from attack, they could fortify them'''
* '''Lashonar could provide a way for the corsairs to defend the islands'''
Given the [[Red_skies|recent victory by Imperial fleets]], the Red Wind Corsairs should face little opposition if they attempt to take the islands back from the Children of Wrecks. However, that might not be the case in the future and with the Grendel's armada still controlling the seas, the islands could easily become a vulnerability for the Empire if their armies cannot reach them. If that is what the Senate are concerned about, then a better alternative might be to look at some way to defend the islands.

The obvious way to do that would be to build a massive [[fortification]] at a suitable location in each territory. That would be expensive, of course, but it would still save a fortune compared to bridging all the islands together. The Empire wouldn't need an appraisal to do that, so it may be that the Senate considers even this cost too much.

Seeking a cheaper alternative, Lutomysla explores many avenues before finally managing to secure a possibility that could help defend the islands of the Brass Coast. In her view, the best way to defend the islands would be to call on the combined might of the [[corsair]] families. If they sailed to the defence of Madruga or Feroz they would represent an effective force that would prove a powerful deterrent. The problem is how to coordinate the defences - corsair vessels would pile on sail to come to the rescue of their homes from any attacker, but they can't afford to abandon their livelihoods and commit to this full-time. The Coast would need some way to call their wayward scions home for the fight.

After some searching, Lutomysla discovers a possible solution in the ''Burning Feathers'', a [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors|parador]] in Calvos. The establishment is run by a retired corsair who goes by the name of ''Sabella i Tourez i Erigo'' and her husband, a hakima called ''Ramiro i Erigo''. The Tourez family have a small choir of beautiful songbirds with brilliant red and gold feathers - all of which exhibit a most peculiar talent. The birds know more than a dozen different tunes which they will sing on command, but they always sing the same song, ''no matter how far apart they are''.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|caption=Lashonar is currently under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].|align=right|width=200}}</div>
When pushed, Ramiro admits that the birds were a gift from the ''[[Lashonar|Guardian of the Southern Skies]]'', though he is coy about what moved the ''Eater-of-Silence'' to make the endowment. What he will say is that they were gifted to the pair many years ago so that they could remain in touch - so he could know that his wife was safe, even while she was far away at sea. Now they are retired, the birds are little but a curio; an amusing entertainment for the guests staying at the Feathers.

Lutomysla is confident that if ''Lashonar the Loquacious'' were approached in the right way, the eternal would be more than happy to provide more songbirds for the people of the Brass Coast. Those corsairs who wanted to help with the defence of the islands could keep one on their boat - while the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] could maintain a small breeding flock in a volery. If the need presented itself, the Hakima could call the birds to sing an agreed warning song, which would be immediately mimicked by the birds on the ships. It's no [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|heliopticon]], but the prognosticator is confident it would work.

If the eternal agreed to support the Coast in this way, then Lutomysla calculates that the Hakima of Salt and Sand could use the songbirds to call the corsair families to the defence of the islands off the coast of Madruga and Feroz. That would amount to a naval garrison with an effective military strength of three thousand that would be effective against any attack on Free Landing or the Cazar Straits. This garrison could benefit further if those corsairs who regularly attend Anvil also took up the call ('''OOC Note:''' characters with a fleet resource and the corsair archetype could choose to defend the islands).

There are two clear drawbacks to this approach. The first and most obvious is that the eternal Lashonar is under enmity by the [[Conclave]]. It would not be illegal for the Archmage of Night to use a plenipotentiary to discuss the idea with the eternal, but unless the Conclave changed Lashonar's status, it definitely would be illegal to make any exchange.

The other problem is the costs. The approach wouldn't require any substantial upfront investment - cages for songbirds are not dear. Lashonar would have to be convinced, however and might demand a high price. It is impossible to tell what price Lashonar they might require for their aid without asking them, but this subtle magic would be well within Lashonar's purview.

More importantly, calling the corsairs to fight to defend the islands, even for a single season, would mean a loss of trade. Taxes in both Madruga and Feroz would fall - reducing the money flowing to the Imperial treasury by six thrones in the season immediately following the call.

Crucially, the corsairs themselves would lose all their income for the season, unless the guerdon were made available to them in exchange for their efforts. Corsairs who regularly attend Anvil and sailed to the defence of the islands would find themselves with nothing but their personal income the following season - all the corsairs in the Brass Coast would lose out in the same way. They would cheerfully shoulder that burden to protect their homes for a season or two, but if they were being called to defend the islands every season and there was no enemy in sight, they would soon lose patience to match their lost profits.

==Counting the Coins==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Archipelago Parador'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Cazar Straits, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 3 wains of mithril, 7 wains of white granite, 2 rings of ilium and 30 crowns </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Removes the impoverished quality from the Cazar Straits
* Creates the Freeborn national position, Proprietor of the Thousand Islands
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Proprieter of the Thousand Islands'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' The Proprietor receives twenty random materials each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Parador and encourage the Freeborn to embrace change</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The insular quality of Free Landing and the Cazar Straits has not damaged the Prosperity of the Brass Coast'''
* '''If the Brass Coast embraces the islands, Azoth will help the people of the Cazar Straits restore their fortunes'''
* '''Building the Archipelago Parador will remove the impoverished quality from the region'''

For the most part, Lutomysla concentrates on the military problems posed by the island, but the canny Varushkan does not rule out the possibility that the Senate was concerned about any impact the isolation of the islands might have on the [[Prosperity]] of Madruga and Feroz. While bridges might conceivably have provided some economic benefits, she calculates they would not be significant, if only because sailing to the islands would be likely to remain appealing compared with a slow, dangerous journey along a vast windswept bridge. There may be monsters hunting the waters, but the Freeborn are born to the sea, so there are still plenty of smaller vessels prepared to risk sailing out to the islands to allow trade to occur. These ships aren't large enough to convey an army across the waters, but they are more than enough to allow the people who live there to get by.

At least that is true in Free Landing. The situation in the Cazar Straits is a little more complicated. The entire territory suffered under the brutal rule of the Grendel governor Rahab. Constantly provoked by Freeborn partisans, the tyrant squeezed his holdings harder and harder with each new assault, desperate to try to replenish his dwindling coffers. He is gone now, but much of the territory, including the Straits, has been left [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] as a result. [[Region_qualities#Abandoned|Abandoned]] and [[Region_qualities#Underpopulated|underpopulated]], there seems to be little hope for the region to recover.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|caption=The Rebis is fascinated by transformation, and already has an interest in the Brass Coast thanks to the [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]] in Madruga.|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Lutomysla has spent some time in discussions with the servants of [[Azoth|the Rebis]]. This esoteric serpent is fascinated by change and transformation. Rather than offering to help remove their insular quality, ''Crucible'' has instead suggested that it would aid the Freeborn to recover their wealth if they ''embrace'' the changes they have experienced, and look for the new opportunities that the islands might present. The ''Great Work'' claims that the islands are one expression of the true nature of the Freeborn. ''"What are islands, but great ships of stone? Homes afloat upon the sea, encircled by the waters that bear them up to the sky. To live on an island is to dwell upon the sea. What could be more Freeborn than that?"''

After discounting a not entirely serious proposal by ''the Azoth'' to find a way to tear Feroz free of the mainland in its entirety, Lutomysla works with the eternal's heralds to congeal an idea that would provide a concrete benefit to the prosperity of the islands. The Azoth's peculiar request involves the creation of a new sinecure, which the eternal calls the Archipelago Parador. The eternal's heralds describe an intriguing restaurant whose kitchens are infused with Night magic, so that every meal they produce is unique in aroma, taste or texture. The alluring prospect of a meal in such an establishment would draw people from afar, eager to sample the wares. The Parador would quickly attract other businesses to the island, helping to create Prosperity and spread it across the Cazar Straits.

Lutomysla is at pains to stress that the Parador would <u>not</u> be a fane. The [[Azoth]] has no interest in the location being ceded to the eternal; in fact, it seems to think that that would be a very bad change for reasons which remain inscrutably opaque. The Crucible would send heralds to help with work in the kitchens of the Parador, but other than that, it seems to have no designs on the place. The eternal's only requirement is that the [[Senate motion]] or similar, that is used to create the Parador, must explicitly stress the importance of embracing change and make sure that promoting such an attitude is the primary responsibility of whichever Freeborn citizen is elected to oversee the operations of the Parador.

Once the Archipelago Parador was established, its impact would remove the impoverished quality from the Cazar Straits. This benefit would be permanent; if the Azoth were ever subject to [[Alignment|enmity]], the Parador might slowly lose its eclectic nature but the economy of the islands would have already recovered so they would not become destitute.

==The Eye of the Storm==
* '''The Archmage of Winter could use plenipotentiary to ask Khobel Tavah to pull the islands beneath the waves'''
* '''The impact would be a small loss of life and some economic damage but the islands would be gone'''
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|caption=The Queen of the Vast and the King of Nowhere are relative newcomers to the Empire.|file=KhobelTavah.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Lutomysla has found one way that the Empire could be rid of the islands of the Brass Coast. If the [[Archmage of Winter]] used plenipotentiary to approach the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', Khobel Tavah, then they could implore that eternal to sink the chain of islands beneath the waves. It would need a careful approach as ever, but if the Winter Archmage made it clear that the islands were doomed and that the Empire had decided to cut its losses, then the eternal might be persuaded to help.

Of course, the impact would be severe - some loss of life would be inevitable. The wars that have ravaged the island chains have left them mostly uninhabited, but there are still some Freeborn clinging on. The Empire could warn them of impending destruction, but there are ''always'' some people who refuse to flee.

The permanent loss of the islands wouldn't damage the economy of Feroz and Madruga - much of what would be lost in that way was swept away by the wreckers. The loss of the islands would mean that wealth would never return, but it would create as many opportunities as it destroyed.

What would be lost is the connection to the past. The islands are often seen as the birthplace of the Brass Coast, tied as they are with [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Conquest_of_the_Coast|the story of the three sisters]]. With the [[Madruga#The_Shining_Pillar_(Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] destroyed, can the Freeborn afford to condemn the last of their heritage to the abyss?

Even if the islands meant nothing to anybody, Lutomysla advises caution. Magic of this kind is deeply unpredictable, with far-reaching consequences that are impossible to predict. A forest fire bring news opportunities, but only at the cost of destroying everything it touches...

==Commissioning a Navy==
* '''The Empire could commission a navy capable of transporting two armies to the islands'''
* '''The Empire cannot launch a navy without building a shipyard'''
* '''The Empire's military rivals have repeatedly destroyed every Imperial shipyard'''
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg|caption=The corsair families once held court in Free Landing and Cazar Straits, and might do so again.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
As a result of the dreadful magic of [[Siakha|''the Maelstrom'']] unleashed on the Coast, the waters separating the islands from the mainland have become treacherous and dangerous to navigate. The terrible sea beasts spawning in the waters will become a threat that only grows with time, but for now, they aren't powerful enough to prevent a military force from making the crossing. As [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|recent events]] demonstrate, an army or navy can make a passage if they have the means to cross the waters.

The simplest way for the Empire to allow any army to reach the islands would be to employ a [[navy]], ideally one with [[Navy#Large_Hulls|large hulls]] capable of carrying two armies with it. Now that the Red Wind Corsairs have put to sea, they could transport an army to the islands, but a lone navy carrying a single army could be at risk if they were attacked by a large Grendel force. A second navy, could double their fighting strength or more, making any military action on the islands more secure.

Commissioning a navy would require the Empire to maintain a suitable [[shipyard]], which has proved to be a stumbling block. Lutomysla notes that the Grendel took pains to destroy the shipyards at Atalaya, and [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE|the short-lived peace treaty]] forbade the Empire from building any more. It is clear that the Grendel fear this outcome more than any other.

Commissioning a new shipyard is expensive, but there are some outstanding opportunities that the Empire could take advantage of, such as the [[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor|Municipal Docks]] proposed by ''Professor Gelberg''. Simply building a shipyard might not be enough however, the Empire would need to find a way to stop the Grendel targeting them. Lutomysla can imagine various possibilities, perhaps defending the shipyard with a massive fortification, or using powerful magic to hide its existence behind impenetrable mists. The prognosticator hasn't had time to look into this matter in depth, but she would be happy to do so if the Senate used a subsequent appraisal to request it.

===Old Rope===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Expand Elos Shipyards'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Shipyard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Naris, Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 white granite, 10 weirwood, 60 crowns, and three months to construct</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows navies to be raised at Elos. A Navy could be commissioned here at the same time the shipyard is being
built</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE or the situation changes</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Rebuild Atalya Shipyards'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Shipyard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Free Landing, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 white granite, 10 weirwood, 60 crowns, and three months to construct</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows navies to be raised at Atalaya. A Navy could be commissioned here at the same time the shipyard is being
built</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE or the situation changes</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Expand Oran Wharf'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Shipyard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 20 weirwood, 105 crowns, and three months to construct</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows navies to be raised at Oranseri.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended or the situation changes</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The cheapest option would be to expand the facilities at Elos and Atalya into a shipyard'''
* '''Either facility would allow the Empire to commission a navy while the shipyards were being built'''
* '''The wharfs at Oran are less expansive but could still be expanded to build a shipyard'''
* '''Only Oran is under Imperial control at this time'''
There is a set of outstanding opportunities to build new shipyards, which could cut costs and, in some cases, save precious time. It would require 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood and 60 crowns to [[Elosian_Architect#Further_Opportunities|expand the existing facilities at Elos into a new shipyard]], and the Empire could commission a navy as soon as the work began, potentially allowing them to launch a new navy a season earlier.

A similar opportunity exists to expand the docks at [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_(Ruined)|Atalya]], given that Miroslav's seawall still exists. This would cost 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood, and 60 crowns to create a shipyard here, and work could start on a new navy in the same season the shipyard was being built. Any facility here would be exposed to attack from the Grendel, but it would be a bold restatement of the Freeborn commitment to control their own destiny and their own waters. Given the destruction of the Shining Pillar at the hands of the Children of Wrecks, it would help to raise sentiment across the Coast.

Unfortunately, the Elos docks are currently in the control of the Grendel, and Atalya Harbour was seized by the Wreckers. The Children of Wrecks navy might be gone, but the pirates still control Free Landing, at least for now. Nothing could be done with either of them until they are back in Imperial control, and Lutomysla warns that it's impossible to know what state the docks will be in by the time the Empire does reclaim them.

Realistically, it might be more practical to [[Corsair_of_Oran#Expansion|upgrade the wharfs at Oran]]. That would be more expensive, costing 15 wains of weirwood, 20 wains of white granite, and 105 crowns. It wouldn't make building a navy any quicker, but it would secure Oran's position as a crucial port on the Bay of Catazar.

===New Sails===
* '''Urizen has an existing opportunity that could allow them to raise a navy'''
* '''If the Empire had a shipyard, they could use the prow of the Storm's Child to commission a new Freeborn navy'''

Assuming that the Empire had access to a shipyard, they could commission a navy, but it would cost 200 wains of weirwood. There is nobody working in the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticators office]] today who is capable of devising solutions that are ''cheaper'' than the standard methods. Whatever happens, raising a navy is going to be expensive.

However, there are other limitations as well. Several Imperial nations are already supporting as many forces as they can, including every nation that adjoins the Bay of Catazar. [[Urizen]], [[The Brass Coast]] and [[Highguard]] are all supporting as many forces as their nation can supply and [[the League]] will be in a similar situation as soon as their [[Raise_Third_League_Army|new army is completed]]. There seems to be little point in building a shipyard if the Empire cannot supply a navy.

Where there is a will, there is a way, however. The people of Urizen have an existing [[opportunity]] that would allow them to raise a navy if they were able to [[An_angry_blade#Dear_Perfection|build all the maritime infrastructure required]]. The Nostos and Elos Docks are now complete, though of course the latter would need to be in Imperial hands to serve in that capacity. But if the Empire reclaims Elos without major damage, and constructs the Cargo Cranes, then they could support a navy in addition to the [[Citadel Guard]] and the [[Argent Sword]].

In the meantime, another opportunity has presented itself that might be useful. The Empire could employ the mystique surrounding [[Red_skies#Game_Information|the prow of the Storm's Child]] - the flagship of the Gathered Storm, which bears the stolen figurehead which once sailed at the front of the Freeborn Storm.

If the prow were given to the Freeborn egregores, they could use it to rally the families to support the creation of a new navy. It would need to have a new name, it is decades before anyone will be ready for the Freeborn Storm to ride the waves again. But the prow would be a symbol of the Freeborn victory over their enemies and an important link to the past. It would inspire corsairs and others to join the new flotilla and seize the opportunity to take the battle for control of the waves to the Grendel. The Empire would still need a shipyard - there's no easy way to get around that problem - but with the additional support that the prow would produce, the Brass Coast could afford to supply an additional force, provided it were a navy.

==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[The Brass Coast]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor|Germinating a city]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune with an opportunity to build a shipyard that can raise and/or harbour two navies at once

Invited with asperity

2026-09-07T14:18:05Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Thule]]
<ic>
"Why, Mistress Tasya, the Castellan of Krevsatyzmei is always pleased to receive you and any tidings you bring from The King Beneath the Hill. Even when, uh, so unexpectedly."

The on-duty guard, Pallad, looked up to her colleague Mor in the nest for some confidence, but received nothing but a deeply concerned glance. She-Of-The-Black-Cloak is not someone you want to walk up to you at the best of times, let alone in the middle of a harsh Karskian blizzard in the small hours of the night where it is all too easy to interpret every sound as a monster sneaking up on you. They were south of the mountains, making it much more likely that something awful was prowling nearby.

"Given the hill you stand on and who you bought it from, Pallad-daughter-of-Rith, you and your Castellan should always be prepared to engage in the tradition of hospitality. Please tell Mors-son-of-Ganax to kindly remove his hand from his crossbow lest I be made to feel ... unwelcome"

''Shit, how does she know our names?'' thought Pallad, trying not to let her fear show.

"Of course, ahem, honoured guest. May I offer you a pour of wine from my own flask, and perhaps some of this Holtfordian fruit?" The guard noted that while most of this small delegation were human, inasmuch as she could make out any details beneath their cowls and fur-lined cloak, one of them at least was a fellow orc. But not a Child of the Dragons, she thought.

"That will do nicely," Tasya let a smile escape her thick hood as she slowly and clearly partook of the wine and dates, unbothered both to stand before a fully garrisoned outpost of the Thule and by the biting cold the guards were so heavily wrapped up against.

Mors regained his composure first and shouted down from the tower; "And what business does Irontooth bring to a Tower of the Dragons?" This was a Thule outpost. There was surely no doubt that the Dragons were more powerful than any Sovereign. Probably older too. There was certainly no need to be scared of a messenger! Even if she already somehow knew yours and your parents names? Right?

"Business?" Tasya crowed. "What business can there be between the Wolf and the Raven? Between the Warrior and the Grave? I am here to speak the words of the Charnel Lord, and I will do so, to your Castellan, without further delay."

Best not push it. This was clearly the Castellan's problem and the warlock would not appreciate the intervention of mere gate guards.

"Of course, Mistress Tasya, enter and be welcome in our hall in the names of the Five. I shall go waken the Castellan."

The gates swung open, and the delegation of the Broken Barrow swiftly disappeared inside.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconThule.jpg|align=left|caption=For all that they take a long view of events, when the Thule Dragons choose to act their nation can move with dangerous intensity.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWkghbTwf6E}}
The [[orc|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] - the [[Thule]] - live to the north of the Empire. They share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], with the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], and particularly with [[Varushka]]. Their magocratic nation is ruled by the five [[Thule_lore#Dragons|Dragons]] - allegedly immortal sorcerers of immense power who the folk of their nation treat as living ancestors or perhaps even gods. For much of Imperial history, they were at war with the Empire. In recent years a series of treaties have secured peace - mostly by [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceding]] parts of the northern Imperial nations.

It is not a universally ''popular'' peace. There are grumbles from Wintermark that the Empire keeps surrendering to the orcs of the north, although they are subdued and rarely enter the public discourse. The Imperial Orcs of [[Skarsind]] keep the Thule at arms' length where possible. It is the nation of [[Varushka]] that has been most critical of the peace treaties - and it cannot be argued that they have been called on to sacrifice more of its northern lands to the Thule than any other nation. The priests of Varushka expressed a commitment to never hand over Varushkan soil to the orcs again - with [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|judgement 57]] in their own assembly, and [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_67|Judgement 67]] in the General. Neither achieved a [[greater majority]] however - hardly surprising for the General but perhaps unexpected in the Varushkan assembly. It seems that '''Lenochka Zabotovna Vypalse''' and '''Father Drakov''' may not speak with a single voice on this matter.

For now, though, peace endures. The [[Ratify_Thule_Treaty_Spring_387YE|treaty has been ratified]]; it is law. Two nations - [[the Marches]] and [[Navarr]] - are sending great amounts of food north to help feed the people of Otkodov and support their armies. It is illegal to preach the Way of Virtue in Otkodov to their citizens. For their part the Thule agree to share the [[white granite]] of the [[Night Quarry]]; pay for the food delivered to them; ensure Imperial access to the
[[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]], in return for the right to send warlocks to study at the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. And, of course, to maintain their current policies for the reasonable treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands. All that remains is for the pageantry and theatre of a formal signing.

==State Visit==
* '''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided will attend the Senate Chambers at 18:00 on Saturday to celebrate the recent signing of the [[Ratify Thule Treaty Spring 387YE | five-year peace treaty]].'''
* '''Rak intends to retire soon, and he will be accompanied by a coterie of potential successors. This may present an opportunity to shape the tenor of Imperial/Thule relations for the next few years.'''
* '''The party will discuss the future of cooperation between the two great powers, the fate of the Druj, the vallorn, and other matters of import.'''

Last season, a delegation from Otkodov was waylaid and unable to make it to Anvil as planned to formally sign the treaty. They are now on their way to complete the intended state visit. Whilst a formal signing of the treaty is not legally required (indeed Rak is satisfied that everything is in order, and the flow of merchants across the border in both directions is testament to the fact that the treaty is holding) the Thule do consider the symbolism inherent in ink and parchment to be valuable.

More pressingly, there is much to discuss as regards making the most use of the period of peace. Cooperation between nations of such might and prowess could yield great benefits, so long as fair terms can be agreed. There is the matter of the vallorn to discuss, the fate of the Druj and their territories, and the ever-present Jotun in the west. There might also be opportunities for trade, for magical cooperation or simply for friendship between peers. It would not do to pass up this opportunity for the great and good of the Empire to liaise with the representatives of Otkodov. No actual agreements will be worked on at this meeting, such things are a matter for Winged Messengers or small private meetings, but the seed of discussion bears the fruit of cooperation.

Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided has served as the Dragon's emissary to the Empire for several years now, and has decided that the time is coming to step aside. Not immediately, perhaps, but soon. To that end, he is bringing with him a selection of potential successors; apprentices and mentees who have worked with him on Imperial Diplomacy and may be poised to take up the challenge. Ultimately, the Dragons will make the final call as to who replaces Rak, but it would be foolish to assume that they will not be paying ''very'' close attention to proceedings to assess the candidates. Imperial Citizens who wish to shape the future of Thule foreign policy may benefit from attending the event.

They have informed the civil service that the Thule delegates will be:
* Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided (he/him) - Ambassador to The Empire
* Runa, of the ''Circle of Thrice-Turned Stones'' (he/him) - An accomplished Night and Autumn warlock with an interest in trade.
* Hekla, of the ''Unbroken Chain of Gilded Fire'' (he/him) - A prodigious Summer warlock specialising in military matters.
* Galk, of the ''Sunken Orb of Brilliant Sapphire'' (he/they) - A studious Winter, Spring and Day warlock at the forefront of theoretical magic.
* Orn The Scribe (he/they) - a servant bonded to the offices of the Speaker for the Dragons Undivided.

The party will arrive in Anvil at 18:00 on Saturday and proceed to the Senate building. They have asked that any interested citizen be allowed to attend, but leave the facilitation of the event itself in the capable hands of the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]], '''Kindra Surefoot'''. They expect to be in the Senate for at most an hour, but if there are still worthwhile discussions ongoing by that point, they may adjourn to the Imperial Offices for a short additional time.

==A Cultural Exchange (Redux)==
* '''Imperial storytellers are invited to meet with skuldyr in Otkodov to exchange and discuss cultural tales on the themes of Heroism and Duty.'''
* '''The [[High Bard of the Empire]] is tasked with arranging the conjunction to Leopard-Tooth Pass on Friday at 23:15.'''
* '''The warlock Hoosfa Mek offers to continue exchanging written records of folk tales in the Tome of Shared Lore.'''

[[About today#A Cultural Exchange |Last Winter]], ''skuldyr'' from Otkodov attended the Wintermark camp in Anvil to exchange stories with the scops. The event appears to have been judged a success by the warlocks, as an invitation has been sent to the Empire, via the civil service. A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified that would allow up to 12 people to take the Thule up on this invitation by travelling to Leopard-Tooth Pass in Kógur, Skuld at 23:15.

Eirikur the skuld asks for the storytellers of the empire to bring no more than five tales, which should be focused on the themes of Heroism and Duty. Last year, Eirikur spoke with many scops in Wintermark, but also spoke to some Navarri. Since then, he has been learning more about the narrative traditions of The Empire's northern peoples. For this exchange, he would like the visiting party to be composed of Wintermark Scops, Varushkan Storytellers, and Navarri bards.

The Civil Service have assigned responsibility for this conjunction to the [[High Bard of the Empire]], '''Mikael Reskovich'''. They would also like to remind any potential attendees that it is [[Ratify Thule Treaty Spring 387YE| currently illegal]] to preach [[The Way]] in Otkodov. It is not clear how strict the Thule will be on this, but guests of the Dragons might do well to avoid overtly religious messages in their stories.

At the last meeting with the skuldyr, the warlock Hoosfa Mek gave a gift to the [[Ambassador to Otkodov|Ambassador]], a book of Thule tales. They will be present at this meeting as well and have expressed that, if the Ambassador wishes, they would be happy to take custody of the book once again and have more stories added to it. They would be especially keen for this if their Imperial counterparts have been able to record some of their own tales in the tome.
==A Northern Passage==
* '''The Thule have responded negatively to a proposal to map the northern parts of the Sea of Snow and the coast of Otkodov
Ambassador Surefoot has carefully raised the matter of securing a sea-route to Otkodov through the north-eastern [[Sea of Snow]]. As they point out, there was a fleet mapping expedition of the frigid sea [[Never_be_found_at_home#Senate_Motion|a few years ago]]. While it uncovered [[Midnight_rain#Mapping_the_Sea_of_Snow|a great deal of information]] it did not manage to follow in the [[Never be found at home#Passage to Ultima Thule|wake of the ''Sea Hawk'']] and discover if there ''is'' a navigable passage to the coast of [[Otkodov#Nithoggir|Nithoggir]]. There is an invitation for cooperation between the Empire and Otkodov, with an eye toward developing a sea trade route.

Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided explains that the Dragons recently permitted an attempt to find a trade route between western Otkodov and Wintermark, overland through the wastes of Tsirku, and it was an unmitigated disaster that cost many lives. They do not see that any attempt to open a sea route would be any more successful - there are beasts in the ice-strewn waters off the coast of Otkodov that are truly terrible even for the Sea of Snow. Weighing the risk and the reward, they see little advantage to allowing the Empire to create - and ultimately control - a maritime route to their shores. They would rather leave that door unopened at least for the time being. Rak goes further - not only will the Dragons not authorise cooperation in this endeavour they will not permit a trading post on their coast. Trade with Otkodov will continue overland, as it has done for the last decade or so.

Reading between the lines, it is very clear that no matter what Rak says, fundamentally the Dragons do not want the Empire to have a way to bring fleets to their coast. Relations may have thawed in the last decade, but not so much that the Dragons will tolerate Imperial ships sailing through open waters to the lands of the Thule.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but large parts of the territory remain a mystery.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Hinodir, Tathenon, and the Eastern Woods==
* '''Reports from Varushka speak of Thule armies on the move'''
* '''An agent of the Charnel Lord is speaking to the Thule in Krevsatymei'''
* '''The Thule are preparing an invasion of the Forest of Ulnak and invite Imperial warbands to accompany them'''
* '''They also welcome Imperial armies provided the generals are prepared to follow the lead of Tathenon the Gyre'''
Following the Autumn Equinox, Thule hunters swept into the [[Forest of Ulnak]], using the [[spy network]] there at the invitation of the [[Imperial Spymaster]]. One of the Dragons, ''Hinodir of the Bright Orb'', [[Bedight_in_veils#Forest_of_Ulnak|negotiated access]] allowing the orcs of Otkodov to take advantage of existing framework laid down by the Empire. There are Imperial scouts using the spy network as well, but the Thule make no effort to cooperate with them. These hunters are fairly different to the warriors more often encountered by the Empire - bow and spear warriors with thick hide armour and dark blue hoods, accompanied by battle warlocks and practitioners of [[Night magic]]. The warbands are all shrouded by an [[enchantment]] that makes them hard to spot against natural landscapes and guides them through the wild woods of the territory. Their work completed, they return to Otkodov shortly before the Winter Solstice.

Even as the hunters already sent out, the Thule are on the move. Eyewitnesses observe significant Thule military forces entering [[Ossium]] - moving into the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]] and [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]]. Both woodlands have apparently been woven with Spring magic; at first there is a concern this is an attempt to unleash the [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]. Rather than becoming mobile however it seems the forest is possessed of a magical awareness that causes the trees to attack intruders and trespassers in a manner more similar to [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. There's talk of other movements as well - ''Tasya of the Black Feathers'', the mouth-piece of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign]] known as the [[Charnel Lord]] - has been spotted visiting ''Krevsatyzmei'', the Thule fortification in Karsk. At various points in the past the Charnel Lord has allied with the Thule, betraying them with equal ease when the tides of battle shifted. It seems another cycle of diplomacy may be beginning.

Ambassador Kindra has raised the possibility of a joint effort to attack the Forest of Ulnak, but Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided politely requests that the ambassador keep the military strategists at arms length during the coming delegation. At the same time however, he issues an invitation from ''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 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 crystal mana, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

Furthermore any Imperial army that wishes to join the assault is welcome to do so ''provided'' the [[general]] acknowledges the sovereignty and strategy of Tathenon the Gyre. They will fight alongside the orcs of Otkodov, just as the orcs of Otkodov fought alongside the Empire to liberate Sermersuaq. Rak is aware that the level of secrecy requested may disincline the Military Council to support the attack but the Dragons have weighed that risk as being acceptable to ensure the Druj do not become aware of their strategy. Regardless, while the Empire fight to conquer [[Sarangrave]], and fight along the border with the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], they help Otkodov achieve its goal even if no armies provide any aid in Ulnak.

The civil service believe there is no legal issue with Imperial military units supporting the Thule - they are foreigners and have in the past been military allies, and the Druj are definitely barbarians. They caution that sending armies into the Forest of Ulnak this season ''without'' agreeing to accept the strategy of Tathenon the Gyre will mean that the Empire's troops will act as a separate force. It's doubtful the Thule will fight the Empire directly, but depending on where a general launches their attack the possibility of Imperial and Otkodov forces clashing over the eastern Forest of Ulnak cannot be discounted - it is not feasible to predict exactly what might happen here. One thing they are certain of; even if a general does wish to support the Otkodov armies they will still be free to issue orders as to the conduct and [[army orders|tactics]] their army will employ. The only thing that will be determined by Otkodov is the order in which the regions of Ulnak are assailed.
==Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers==
* '''The Thule are prepared to have the Claws of the Dragon work with Varushkan warriors to root out the face-peelers
* '''This creates a raiding venture for Varushkan military units
* '''The Boyar's Hasta can take support the raid if it takes certain specific actions
* '''The consequence is disruption to draughir citizens of Karsk and Ossium
Another matter of a military flavour concerns the "face-peeling shapeshifters" known to exist in and around the Webwood, among other locales. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided stresses again that the Thule do not consider them to be a particular concern but they are also not by any stretch allies of Otkodov. Cleaning out a den of rabid wolves is usually a good idea; while they may favour attacking humans they might easily shift their depredations to orcs. With that in mind, Rak conveys an invitation from the Dragon known as ''Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths'' inviting '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to gather some bands of Varushkan warriors, [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|sell swords]], [[warden|wardens]] and the like to work with the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to exterminate the "trudnik" in Ossium and [[Karsk]]. The Claws of the Dragon are a small fellowship of warlocks that serve the Dragons by rooting out magical threats to Otkodov - they have recently been involved with the folk of Wintermark in dealing with both cults of [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-Snow]] and the monoliths of the Falconer. Caridis the Binder has instructed them to work with Sławomir to deal with the "face stealers" and so they have focused their efforts into eastern Varushka even as the armies of Otkodov begin to move.

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 7,500 strength of military units participate in the raid, the trudnik will be driven out of their lairs in Karsk and Ossium. The Empire will be able to expand their knowledge of these creatures, and finally get some reliable evidence of what they are and what they are doing. There may 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. The matter of "spoils" however has already been set by Caridis - the Empire will claim whatever trudnik "loot" lies in Imperial Varushka, while the Thule will take custody of anything seized from the trudnik that lies in Thule lands. This would include Slomavetka, allegedly a lair of the trudnik set in a rich forest and with deep caverns carved into the hill beneath it, which lies just across the border in the Webwood.

Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BoyarsHasta Colour.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success (that is, it would add its strength ''before'' orders or the presence of military units taking a [[military unit#campaigning|campaigning]] action to support the army are taken into account - military units supporting the Boyar's Hasta would ''not'' count toward the strength requirement of the action, only those specifically taking the raiding action would count).

Obviously it is up to '''Serafina Semenov''', the general of the Boyar's Hasta, whether the army chooses to take advantage of this opportunity or not.

==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives can be sent to ''Thania of the Blackstaff, Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, Miekarova, Varushka'', who is the spokesperson for the Thule orcs living in and around the Icy Crag. She is interested only in matters related to the college and the warlocks attending; anything else should go through the Ambassador from Otkodov.}}
* '''Thule warlocks have taken up residence in Miekarova, around the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
* '''Their spokesperson is Thania of the Blackstaff, an aged Thule warlock
* '''Thania is interested in acquiring certain ritual texts codified at the college and prepared to offer mithril for them
The contingent of warlocks have taken up residence at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, studying with the Imperial scholars. Their presence makes some magicians uneasy; many of these orcs are veterans of the various wars with the Empire. Others bring an unnervingly intense reverence for the Dragons. For the most part though they are distant, reserved, and primarily interested in researching and discussing magical concepts alongside their peers. Their "leader" is a warlock named ''Thania of the Blackstaff'', an aged orc who has made a study of all six realms of magic. She speaks on behalf of the Thule orcs on matters related to the Icy Crag, but indicates that any more political matters need to go via the Ambassador to the Empire.

A couple have attempted to introduce the Imperial students and professors to a ball-game from Otkodov that uses staves and [[Spellcasting#Offensive_Spells|offensive magic]] to keep control of a [[tempest jade]] sphere. The "excitement" of the contest comes from the fact the "ball" is enchanted to explode violently if it is struck too many times over a short period. It is very much an acquired taste but those who have participated say it is great for "getting the blood pumping" if nothing else.

The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.

For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the Conclave (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.

One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.

==Fraynir and the Black Waste==
* '''The Thule have made preparations to defend Sküld from an active vallorn
* '''Fraynir, one of the five Dragons, wishes to acquire the ''Dreadful Ending'' ritual
* '''They are offering a ritual that already seems to exist in Imperial lore under a different name'''

Ambassador Kindra has provided some guidance regarding the concerns of '''Dylan Thornweaver''' and the [[vallorn]]. It is now common knowledge that there is a vallorn in [[Otkodov#Sküld|Sküld]] - occupying the ruins of the ancient city of Emrys. Ambassador Rak offers reassurance that the Dragons' opinion on the matter has not shifted from [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North|where it was]] when the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] completed their research. Research he is keen to remind the Empire that the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North|Thule supported]]. Otkodov remains enthusiastic about the reunification - the "ascension" - of the vallorn. They remain ready to deal with the vallorn of Sküld - but would appreciate a season of advance warning before the Empire completes the [[trods]] network and begins the transformation. They remain confident that their armies and their magic will be more than a match for it given its size and sluggishness. They've sacrificed a thousand years of prosperity in Sküld to keep it weak, after all. With the vallorn gone they would no longer need to keep Sküld under a [[Wither the Seed|shroud of Winter magic]] and could restore it to full fertility. There is also speculation that the Thule are eager to finally get at the treasures of Emrys which legends suggest was perhaps the most magically advanced city of the Terunael Empire; the warlocks refuse to be drawn.

There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].

The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.

Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.

==Orobus and the Bonewood==
* '''The Dragon Orobus is keen to acquire living weirwood trees'''
* '''She specifically wants living trees from the Heartwood of the Great Vale and/or the Golden Trees of Seren'''
* '''She will pay 12 rings of ilium for the ability to collect some trees and transplant them to the Bonewood
* '''Agreeing to this arrangement will reduce the production of the weirwood forest by 1 wain each season, permanently'''
Fraynir is not the only Dragon interested in Emrys, and in preparing Sküld. Orobus the Chained, said to be the Dragon most adept at negotiation and binding magic, and wielding influence over the [[Realms|eternal realms]] has also placed a proposal before the Ambassador. Orobus wishes to purchase several living [[weirwood]] trees; specifically from either the [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] in [[Hercynia]] or the [[Golden Trees of Seren]] in [[Miaren]]. The details appear to be straightforward enough. She plans to transplant the trees into the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Silent Pines]] in [[Ossium]]; she is looking for trees that "remember" the vallorn, who will be able to "share" their experiences with the trees of the Bonewood.

This sounds fairly esoteric; there's no indication about what this will do if anything but Orobus is still keen. If the current holder of the Heartwood or the Golden Trees is interested, they can instruct the Ambassador to relay their agreement. Orobus will provide warlocks versed in [[Spring magic|Spring]] and Winter magic to ensure the trees arrive and that their transplantation is successful. It's estimated that the removal of the trees will reduce the weirwood production of the forest permanently by 1 wain each season. In return Orobus will provide 12 rings of [[ilium]] to the holder of the seat as payment for the trees.

The civil service have been unable to get a clear idea of exactly what Orobus is aiming for here. It's not possible to move weirwood production around, for example. The idea of trees "remembering" the vallorn appears to be a mystical or metaphysical idea rather than one rooted in magical theory. There are suggestions however that this is part of a deal that Orobus has brokered with an eternal designed to provide some sort of protection to the Bonewood against the vallorn. It might be possible to discover more through negotiation or diplomacy, but the Dragon is playing her cards quite close to her chest.

Both the Heartwood of the Great Vale and Golden Trees of Seren are due to be appointed at the Winter Solstice summit, via the [[Auction of the Seats]]. The decision about whether to take Orobus up on her deal will need to be made by whoever has control of the seat after the auction as the weirwood forests are their responsibility.

==Further Reading==
* [[Thule]]
* [[Thule lore]]

Figure of eight

2026-09-07T14:17:35Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
The exarch nodded to the two guardians standing to attention. Alert to the signal, they stepped forward and lowered their torches. The kindling stuffed into the foundation of the pyre quickly caught and the flames began to rise.

"We are gathered here to say farewell to our friend. Esther, daughter of Ruth, beloved mother of Eli, Enoch, and Ephraim. The body burns, but the soul has fled to the Labyrinth."

He paused for a moment, to catch his breath. He knew the words off by heart of course, but it was different this time, different now it was Esther. He swallowed in the cold morning air, drawing the bitter draught into his lungs. As exarch of Virtue's Ride it was his duty to conduct this ceremony with all the solemnity that he could muster. It would not do for the others to hear his voice breaking so he let the pain of the frosty morning steel him to his duty.

"The virtuous soul pushes the world aside in its wake, leaving a mark on all those it touches as it passes. Now that the soul is gone, all that remains is for us to remember Esther's virtue."

The flames were rising higher now, obscuring the shrouded body on top of the bier.

"We commend the soul of our beloved sister Esther of Virtue's Rest to the Labyrinth and beyond, to the Land Without Tears."

The audience intoned the last and then all fell silent. The only sound was the pyre itself, the wood cracking and spitting as the flames took hold.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg|caption=The way is a union of seven virtues, with the Synod guiding pilgrims along the path.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0h5WPiyVL4}}
Almost a year ago, members of the [[Synod|Imperial Synod]] provoked a constitutional crisis when the [[Vigilance]] Assembly [[condemnation|condemned]] four members of the Assembly of Nine for their [[the final cut|public embrace of the malign spiritual presence of Peace]]. The resulting trial collapsed in dramatic fashion after [[Civil_Service#Imperial_Magistracy|Chief Magistrate]] ''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra'' ruled that it was not possible to proceed with the prosecution following [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|a contentious statement of principle]] that had been subsequently passed by the [[General Assembly]] that presented ambiguous guidance for the prosecution of religious crimes. After a hurried debate, the chief magistrates cancelled the trial, ultimately arguing that a fundamental philosophical principle of Imperial jurisprudence was at stake - if the magistrates can't determine if someone is guilty of [[blasphemy]] or [[heresy]], if the [[Synod]] can't agree what constitutes a [[religious crime]], how can ''any'' citizen be expected to observe the law?

To rectify this problem, the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] announced that they would oversee a major review of how [[Imperial law]] is interpreted and upheld by the magistrates. The [[Senate]] has made crimes such as heresy and blasphemy illegal, and the [[Imperial Constitution]] dictates that it is the role of the Synod to determine what constitutes a religious crime. Traditionally that has been achieved through the use of a [[Judgement]] of [[Sanction#Condemnation|Condemnation]] - but the shortcomings of that approach have been rudely exposed by the collapse of the trial of the so-called "[[A_little_understanding#Vital_Evidence|peaceful Four]]".

Rather than rush to judgement, so to speak, the Court have taken almost a year to review current procedures before drawing up and issuing new guidance. With that process now complete, the ball will return to the Synod's court to determine what happens next.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MagistrateKarkovich.jpg|title=Stanislav Karkovich, Chief Magistrate|caption=Stanislav Karkovich, Chief Magistrate|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=116_103_7872813_56749560_6.png|title=Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra, Chief Magistrate|caption=Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra, Chief Magistrate|width=250}}</div>
==Imperial Law==
* '''The new approach changes the way existing Imperial law on religious crime is upheld and updated'''
* '''Imperial law is set by the Imperial Senate through the use of Senate motions'''
* '''Henceforth, the scope and application of religious laws will be set by the Imperial Synod'''

Current Imperial law defines five different types of [[religious crime]]: [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]], [[blasphemy]], [[desecration]], [[heresy]], and [[idolatry]]. Each has its own definition, but in all five cases these definitions are broad, and leave a great deal of room for interpretation. Heretofore, the assumption has been that the Synod would identify when someone's actions contravene the law using a judgement of condemnation. When that happened, the magistrates would prosecute those involved.

These definitions will not change under the new proposals adopted by the magistrates. Imperial law will continue to be set by the [[Senate]]; any changes to the underlying laws can only be made by a [[senator]] using a successful [[senate motion]].

What ''is'' different is the religious crimes will be interpreted and enacted. Under the new approach laid down by the Constitutional Court, members of the General Assembly will be able to use a judgement of [[Proscription]] to identify specific actions that are illegal under the existing Imperial laws. These proscriptions will undergo [[scrutiny]] by the Constitutional Court to ensure that they are compatible with the Imperial Constitution, and with the body of Imperial law. Proscriptions that pass scrutiny, will be added to the rules employed by magistrates to determine if a crime has taken place.

The practical impact of this approach is that the Imperial Synod will effectively write how religious laws are applied, similar to the leeway that the Conclave has to determine the appropriate use of magic. Successful proscriptions will determine how Imperial law on religious crimes are applied, they will determine what is investigated and enforced by the magistrates.

The main advantage to this approach identified by the Constitutional Court is the clarity it will provide to citizens - who will be better able to judge what does or does not constitute a religious crime. In the past, some citizens have been executed for carrying a [[hallow|hallowed item]] drawn from a so-called "false virtue" or for being [[dedication|dedicated]] to a spiritual force other than one of the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|seven virtues]]. In other cases the Synod has chosen not to condemn those who have committed the same crimes. This uncertainty has made it almost impossible for anyone to determine in advance whether their actions might be considered a religious crime or not. In the example of the [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|peace]] hallows adopted by members of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]], the facts of the matter were not in doubt; what was disputed was whether such actions breached the law. Ambiguity such as this is fundamentally undesirable in a judicial system - it should be as easy as possible to know in advance whether an action constitutes a crime or not.

While the approach removes the power of the Synod to stand in judgement of individuals, it provides more control of Imperial law as it relates to the Virtues and [[the Way]]. The Synod will be able to proscribe specific [[Schisms and Heresies|actions and beliefs]] that they judge to be fundamentally incompatible with the Way. They will need to rely on the magistrates to enforce their proscriptions, but the magistrates will then be able to act without further recourse to the Synod, allowing them to pursue heretics, blasphemers, and idolators across the Empire. People will no longer be able to escape justice by committing their crimes beyond the watchful eyes of the Synod.

===Transition===
* '''Imperial law remains unchanged until the end of the Winter Solstice'''
* '''Magistrates will pursue a criminal investigation against any citizen who is condemned at the Winter Solstice'''
* '''Any judgement of proscription submitted at this summit will take effect from the end of the Winter Solstice'''

The Constitutional Court have confirmed that no part of Imperial law will change before the end of the Winter Solstice. That means that the Synod may condemn citizens for any religious crimes they have committed at the coming Solstice. The magistrates will respond accordingly by trying anyone who has been condemned by the Synod.

Any judgement of proscription that is submitted at this summit will not take effect until the end of the Solstice. To keep things simple the Tribune will ensure that all proscriptions are open for judgement until the end of the final session on Sunday. In future, a proscription will come into effect as soon as it passes the Synod and has passed the scrutiny of the Constitutional Court.

From the end of the summit onwards, the magistrates will use whatever proscriptions the Synod have passed to prosecute religious crimes. That means it won't be necessary, or possible, for a priest to submit a judgement of condemnation from that point onwards.

===Scrutiny===
* '''Any judgement of proscription is subject to scrutiny by the Constitutional Court'''
* '''The Court will not pass a judgement unless it is consistent with the principles of the Constitution and clearly pertains to a religious crime'''

Any judgement of proscription will be [[Scrutiny#Scrutiny|scrutinised]] carefully by the Constitutional Court to ensure that it reflects the principles laid out by the Constitution, is compatible with the existing body of Imperial law, and is enforceable. An ideal judgement of proscription will lay out a single action and state which '''one''' of the five religious laws it breaks. Priests are welcome to include text explaining why the action ''should'' be proscribed, but any proscription which tries to identify multiple laws that are broken is likely to fail. The magistrates need simple, clear language that makes it obvious which Imperial law has been broken - anything which muddies that makes a proscription more likely to fail scrutiny.

The Court will judge whether the proscription falls within the remit of the relevant Imperial law. For example, [[blasphemy]] is defined as "''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons."'' Attempting to proscribe an action as blasphemous will fail scrutiny if it is clear it is not compatible with the definition of blasphemy that the Imperial Senate has laid down. The Constitutional Court have a long history of jealously guarding the powers and responsibilities of each body of state - attempts by the Synod to encroach on the powers of other bodies such as the [[Bourse]], the [[Conclave]], or an [[Imperial sodality]], will be firmly rebutted.

As an extension of Imperial law, a proscription must not violate the principles laid down in the Imperial Constitution. Proscriptions that violate the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of Imperial citizens or transgress the Constitution's principles will be struck down.

===Advice===
* '''Any citizen may ask the chief magistrates or the Speaker for the Senate for advice on how to word a proscription at any point during the summit'''
* '''Citizens may obtain advice in writing from the office of the Constitutional Court before the summit begins'''
* '''Advice is designed to help a citizen, it does not guarantee that a proscription will pass scrutiny'''

Anyone seeking to pass a judgement of proscription is encouraged to seek advice on the wording from the civil service, to ensure there is the least possible chance of it failing scrutiny. Citizens can consult with the chief magistrates to receive advice on the constitutionality of any proscription at any point during the summit. They can also provide a copy of the wording of a judgement to the office of the Speaker of the Senate to receive feedback and advice. The Speaker meets regularly with the Constitutional Court throughout the summit to review upcoming Senate motions, so any judgement of proscription will be discussed with the court and then returned to the citizen later.

Citizens need not wait until the summit begins to obtain advice. They can submit a judgement to the Court for review before attending the summit (by emailing {{plot}}). The court will reply in writing before the summit begins provided they have time to do so. The Court are very busy during summits, but ''if possible'', a member of the Constitutional Court will try to make themselves available on request from the Throne, a Member of the Senate, a cardinal or a grandmaster, if there is a serious issue of constitutionality that requires urgent discussion with the Court.

Obtaining advice is always recommended, but citizens are warned that advice, even from a member of the Constitutional Court, is only meant to help guide a citizen to [[Wisdom]] - it is not scrutiny itself, which only takes place after a judgement passes the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeoSecGen.jpg|title=Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza, Tribune of the Synod.|caption=Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza, Tribune of the Synod|width=500}}</div>

===Administrative Judgements===
* '''The Constitutional Court can ask the Tribune to raise administrative judgements of proscription to clarify matters of Imperial law'''
The [[Tribune of the Synod]] has the [[Tribune_of_the_Synod#Judgement|power to raise judgements in any Assembly]]. Traditionally this has been used to help facilitate the operations of the Synod, vis-a-vis [[appointment|appointments]] and similar.

In the future, it is likely that the Constitutional Court will ask the Tribune to use this power to raise an administrative judgement of proscription for consideration by the Synod. These judgements will be used to clarify any ambiguity that has arisen from other judgements. The same approach is commonly employed in the Senate, where the Court will ask the [[Speaker for the Senate]] to raise an [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] to remove any ambiguity introduced by previous decisions taken by the Senate.

Given the urgency of the matter, the magistrates have asked the Tribune to raise several judgements of proscription at the forthcoming summit. They have produced guidance to go with each of these judgements to lay out what the legal implications of passing or rejecting them would be. Of course, any member of the Synod is always free to use their own judgement to raise a ''different'' proscription - these administrative judgements are intended to clear up major issues of law and to provide clear examples of the kind of judgements that the Synod could raise.

==A Winter of Judgement==
* '''Five administrative judgements of proscription will be raised at the forthcoming summit'''
* '''Members of the Synod will be able to vote on these judgements from 6pm on Friday until 2pm on Sunday'''
At the forthcoming Winter Equinox, the Tribune of the Synod will raise the following administrative judgements of proscription in the General Assembly. They will be available for voting from the beginning of the summit, with the deadline for voting on all these judgements will be 2pm on Sunday. Any judgement, event an administrative judgement is subject to the [[The_Throne#Powers_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]] power of [[the Throne]].

In each case, the magistrates have outlined what will happen if the administrative judgement is passed by the General Assembly, and what it will mean if it does not pass. Obviously, the Synod retains the right to reconsider at a later date, and priests are encouraged to raise alternative or additional proscriptions that they feel better define what is or is not a crime.

These judgements have been raised to provide examples of the kind of wording that is required for a successful proscription, to initiate the proceedings and focus minds on the key issues. The Synod is well within their remit to reject all these judgements and pass other proscriptions or none at all, should they choose.

===Abuse of Powers===
* '''The crime of abuse of powers is defined as: ''The misuse, or abuse, of the powers of a priest. This includes the powers of the Synod, as well as liao ceremonies.''
The mostly commonly understood abuse of priestly powers is the use of the ceremony of [[excommunication]] without an accompanying [[writ of Excommunication]]. Many people assume that means that the use of the ceremony without the writ of the Synod will always result in a prosecution, but technically this is not a legal requirement. The writ of excommunication simply ensures that a priest will not be investigated for abuse of powers. Now that such matters will no longer go before the Synod for consideration before being investigated by a magistrate, an administrative judgement is being raised to confirm that this is the case.

<quote by="General Assembly Administrative Judgement">The Synod proscribes the use of the ceremony of excommunication without authorisation by writ of the Synod as an abuse of powers.</quote>

If the General Assembly passes this judgement of proscription then it will become illegal to perform or participate in an excommunication ceremony unless a writ of excommunication has been approved of first. It will be treated as an abuse of powers and punished accordingly. If the General Assembly declines to pass this judgement, and doesn't pass a different judgement of proscription that speaks to this issue, then it will be legal under Imperial law to use the ceremony of excommunication without the approval of the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan Enemy of the Creator.jpg|caption=Former [[Ambassador to Axos]] and condemned blapshemer Fintan Nighthaven.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
====Options====
* '''The use of true liao for creating a consecration without a writ of consecration could be declared an abuse of powers'''
* '''Consecrating any area without the permission of those who control that area could be declared an abuse of powers'''
* '''Calling yourself to inquisition could be declared an abuse of powers'''

Rumours suggest that the alleged corruption of the Assembly of Nine began when the convicted blasphemer, '''Fintan Nighthaven''', used a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] to create a [[Hallow#True_Liao|blasphemous relic]] of peace. The magistrates have not raised a judgement regarding the use of true liao to [[consecration|consecrate]] a location or [[hallow]] an item, but any priest could do so. Currently, it is perfectly legal to use true liao in this way without the Synod's approval - but the General Assembly could use a similar judgement to the one above to forbid the use of true liao to create ''any'' consecration without an accompanying [[writ of consecration]].

It was [[Auras_illegal_in_the_Senate|made illegal to consecrate the Senate]] without the prior approval of senators in Winter 376YE, and that law was [[Auras_illegal_in_the_Civil_Service_hub|extended to cover the Civil Service Hub]] two years later. A violation of this law is prosecuted as a [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|crime against the state]], rather than a religious law, because it involves interference with the business of these state bodies. The Synod could go further, and use a judgement of proscription to class the consecration of ''any'' location without the permission of those who control that area, as an abuse of powers.

A citizen can only be legally compelled to attend one [[inquisition]] per summit, to prevent vexatious use of the power. In the past there have been accusations that members of the Synod have or might deliberately call themselves to inquisition - to ensure that nobody else could then inquisition them. The Synod could declare such a practice to be an abuse of powers - they could even go further and declare that any attempt to use the power of inquisition to shield a citizen from the Vigilance of the Synod was an abuse of powers.

===Blasphemy===
* '''The crime of blasphemy is defined as: ''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons.''
The most common accusations of blasphemy relate to [[dedication]] to [[malign spiritual presences]]. As such the magistrates have asked the Tribune to put forward the following proscription.

<quote by="General Assembly Administrative Judgement">The Synod proscribes as blasphemy the act of dedicating any person to a false virtue or of creating an aura of a false virtue.</quote>

<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>
<p>'''OOC Design - Spontaneous Auras'''<br>
Some auras occur spontaneously arising naturally, rather than through the use of liao. It is often assumed that spontaneous auras are associated with a Virtue - they usually appear at moments associated with exceptionally Virtuous acts. However it is never possible to tell what Virtue is associated with an aura (insight won't reveal this information). To make matters more difficult, spontaneous auras are usually different in effect to the standard auras created using liao ceremonies.</p>

<p>As a result it is not possible to definitively tell spontaneous auras of false virtues from the ones associated with the true virtues. A skilled theologian might be able to infer what has happened, based on the circumstances and the effect of the aura, but there is no definitive test that can confirm it.</p>
</box></div>
If the General Assembly passes this judgement then it will become illegal to perform a [[dedication]] to any of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#False_Virtues|false virtues]], as well as to use a [[religious skills|liao ceremony]] creating an [[aura]] drawn from a false virtue. Doing so will be treated as an act of blasphemy and be punished accordingly. If they decline to pass this judgement, and don't pass a different judgement of proscription that speaks to this issue, then it will be legal under Imperial law to dedicate someone to a false virtue and to create auras using them.

Currently there are four known false Virtues, anarchy, hatred, peace and vengeance. Other malign spiritual forces exist, but they are not considered to be false virtues because there is no evidence that people can be dedicated to them. If that were found not to be true, or if a new false virtue were ever discovered, it would automatically be covered by this proscription because of the way it is written.
====Options====
* '''The Synod would need to use a separate judgement for each false virtue to proscribe some false virtues but not others'''
* '''The Synod could proscribe being dedicated to a false virtue as blasphemous'''
* '''Proselytising a false virtue could be defined as blasphemy'''
* '''The Synod could proscribe the promotion of false paragons'''
* '''The Feast of the Broken Wheel could be declared blasphemous'''

If the Synod wanted to proscribe some of the false virtues, but not others, they would have to use separate judgements to proscribe each false virtue individually. The Synod can pass a judgement that proscribes all false virtues or a false virtue, but they cannot pass a single judgement that lists some false virtues but not others.

The Synod could take a different route and proscribe being ''dedicated'' to or bearing an aura of a false virtue. If the Synod did that, then it would be illegal simply to be dedicated to or anointed using a false virtue. Items hallowed to false virtues would be illegal to own or carry, and areas consecrated with such powers would need to be desecrated or destroyed. Such a law would be much more restrictive - visitors from [[Axos]] and [[Faraden]] are often dedicated to virtues other than the Seven, and commonly bear anointing or hallowed items drawing on them. They are usually careful not to proselytise their views in the Empire, but if the Synod took the strictest possible approach then such visitors would be breaking the law and would suffer the punishment when they were caught. Attempts to define blasphemous actions as only being relevant to Imperial citizens would fail scrutiny by the Constitutional Court; foreign visitors to the Empire are required to abide by the same laws as ordinary citizens.

The Synod could proscribe the act of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proselytism proselytising] a false virtue. That would mean that anyone attempting to convince others to embrace one of false virtues would face prosecution. Any judgement on this matter should ensure that it makes clear where the Synod would expect the magistrates to draw the line. For example, in the past people have championed raids to free slaves from the [[Grendel]], the [[Druj]], and the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] which have resulted in widespread [[Aura#Spontaneous_Auras|spontaneous auras]] that appeared to be Anarchist in nature. If the Synod intends to proscribe such acts, they would need to make that clear in the wording of the judgement. A differently worded proscription might try to only proscribe someone actively trying to convince people to embrace a false virtue; this would be far less expansive but in practice it might be little different to proscribing someone performing a false virtue dedication.

Likewise the Synod could proscribe the promotion of false paragons. The judgement of [[recognition]] is used to recognise a specific figure as a false paragon - passing a judgement proscribing the promotion of false paragons would make it illegal to promote one - anyone inviting people to draw inspiration from a known false paragon or encouraging others to emulate the figure would then be subject to prosecution for blasphemy.

One step the magistrates have not taken, due to the political implications, is to raise a judgement proscribing the celebration of the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel|Feast of the Broken Wheel]] by [[The Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. This festival could at best be described as irreverent - many traditionalists have seen its deliberate impiety as nothing short of blasphemy. The Synod could test the limits of their new powers by raising a judgement of proscription which forbade the celebration of the festival, though doubtless such an attempt would incur the wroth of many Freeborn priests and [[sutannir]]s.

===Desecration===
* '''The crime of desecration is defined as: ''The removal of spontaneously created virtuous auras such as legacies of ascendance to paragonhood. This includes such auras arising on areas and objects, and those people who do not wished them removed.''

The law of desecration is fairly recent having been [[Create_law_of_desecration|created]] in Summer 377YE to outlaw the removal of spontaneous auras and then [[Amend_Crime_of_Desecration|amended]] three years later to restrict it to the "desecration" of virtuous auras. Part of the reason the law was created was to protect the legacies associated with [[paragons and exemplars]]. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine if a spontaneous aura is "virtuous" or not because they rarely duplicate the effects of auras created with liao ceremonies and [[insight]] will not reveal the Virtue of an aura. With that in mind, the magistrates have focused on confirming the intent of the original law. They have submitted the following administrative judgement of proscription.

<quote by="General Assembly Administrative Judgement">The desecration or destruction of any relics associated with a paragon or exemplar, or the destruction of any memorial associated with them, is proscribed.</quote>

If this judgement is approved by a lesser majority of the General Assembly, then it will make it illegal for any individual to remove or replace an aura on a relic associated with a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]], or otherwise destroy such an item. Likewise, removing spontaneous auras that have arisen in a place as the result of actions taken by an exemplar or paragon would be a crime. Spontaneous auras are often unique in nature, but their provenance can often be identified by magic such as [[Skein of Years]] or [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]]- their historical association with such an important figure almost invariably leaves a trace. If the judgement is not passed, then the various relics and spontaneous auras will not be protected by Imperial law from destruction or desecration.

====Other Potential Desecrations====
* '''The current wording of the law is very specific and only allows for a very narrow range of possibilities'''
* '''The Senate could amend the law to empower the Synod to proscribe more general acts of desecration or the removal of auras'''

The current law is very specific in nature - rather than granting the Synod broad sway over a range of possible activities which could collectively be described as desecration, it explicitly outlaws the removal of auras under very specific situations. The auras must be spontaneous - so no aura created using liao would ever be covered by this law as it stands - a relic created by a paragon would not be protected from desecration under this law if the paragon used liao to make the aura.

Likewise powerful auras associated with true liao, such as the consecrations often found at [[Inspirational_location|memorials and sacred sites]] would not be covered by this law. In theory a more expansive law would give the Synod the power to proscribe any kind of desecration of a memorial or sacred site created by a priest of the Way. As things stand, it would not be illegal for a citizen to seek to destroy the true consecration in Holberg, or the one in the Soveann.

In the same vein items with spontaneous auras on them are protected from desecration, but not items hallowed with true liao. For that matter, the Senate could give the Synod the power to proscribe the removal of any aura without the permission of the owner. All these are acts that would best be defined as desecration, but the Synod could not proscribe them under the current wording of the law. To proscribe these actions would require the [[Imperial Senate]] to change the law to use a more expansive definition of desecration.

===Heresy===
* '''The crime of heresy is defined as: ''The wilful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.''

In the history of the Empire, there have been numerous [[Schisms and Heresies|schisms and heresies]] which have been carefully catalogued. Most of these heresies are historical in nature now, and few pose a direct threat to the stability of the Empire at this time. Accordingly the magistrates have ''not'' submitted individual judgements of proscription for each of these heresies. There is nothing to stop an individual priest raising their own judgement of proscription for a specific heresy - but the magistrates don't see any pressing need to settle these matters urgently. There will be plenty of time for the Synod to consider their response carefully, if a heresy should become active once more.

[[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Excessionist_Heresy|The Excessionist Heresy]] is the one known heresy that appears to be active currently. In Summer the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|Synod called Yosephus Morningson to inquisition]] for preaching the "creed of the Temple of Balance". He was subsequently condemned on that basis and a trial is expected at the coming summit. Preaching excessionism was also one of the reasons [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_137|cited by Tarquinius Ankarien]] for calling Lady Josephine of Adina's Charge to inquisition at the same summit.

Accordingly, the Synod have been asked to consider a clear statement proscribing the heresy of excessionism.

<quote by="General Assembly Administrative Judgement">The General Assembly proscribes the Excessionist Heresy - the claim that too much of a Virtue can be as bad as too little.</quote>

If the Synod pass this judgement then anyone preaching excessionism, the idea that too much of a Virtue can be as bad as too little will proscribed under the law. The trial of Yosephus Morningson will proceed normally no matter the outcome, because they have already been condemned by the Synod but anyone who expresses similar ideas in the future will face prosecution by the magistrates. If the General Assembly reject the judgement and don't proscribe excessionism, then it will not be illegal to preach such ideas ''in the future''.

====Options====
* '''The Synod could proscribe the Yaelian Heresy'''
* '''The Synod could easily proscribe any of the more well-known heresies'''
* '''If the Synod proscribe a new heresy they must take care to clearly outline the heretical beliefs'''
* '''The Synod could proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs'''
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yael.jpg|caption=Yael of Felix's Watch, heretical Prophet of the Land Without Tears.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Perhaps the most dramatic instance of heresy in recent times is the [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism|Yaelian Heresy]], in which '''Yael of Felix's Watch''', a [[Highguard|Highborn]] theologian, claimed to have received a [[past life vision]] showing herself to be the [[First Empress]] reborn. As her fame spread, thousands placed their trust in her, believing her to be the reincarnation of the founder of the Empire. Eventually her lies were uncovered through the discovery that crucial documents supporting her claims of a place beyond the Labyrinth, which she called the "Land Without Tears", were forgeries. She was ultimately condemned by the Synod and executed, but to this day there are folk who believe that Yael was the First Empress reborn, and her account of the Land Without Tears was a true vision. The Yaelian heretics have not caused issues in many years, and short of Yael herself being reborn, they are not likely to do so.

If the General Assembly proscribes this heresy, then it will make it definitively clear that no part of Yael's claims were ever true. Anyone who professes such beliefs or worse proselytises them will face prosecution under Imperial law. The magistrates won't actively seek out these heretics, unless given clear instruction to do so, since the cost and disruption would be significant, but it would allow them to act swiftly should there be any attempt to resurrect the heresy.

There are plenty of other historic [[Schisms and Heresies|heresies, blasphemies, and schisms]] known to the Empire. The Synod would require a separate judgement for each heresy they wished to proscribe, but they would not need to provide any additional details if they wanted to outlaw [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_/_Auran_Idolatry|lucidianism]] for example, because the heresy is well known and detailed. If the Synod proscribed a new heresy that was not familiar, then the judgement would need to include a clear statement of the heretical beliefs, so that the magistrates could correctly identify it.

One issue that the Constitutional Court do point out is that it would not remotely be constitutional for the Synod to attempt to proscribe the expression or discussion of religious beliefs for some individuals but not others. In the past there has sometimes been a tacit belief that members of the Synod have special rights and the necessary training to investigate or contemplate religious heresies. That approach is directly counter to the ethics of Imperial law, which treats all citizens equally. Either everyone may use their judgement to consider the teachings of the [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_/_Auran_Idolatry|Lucidians]] or nobody can. Any attempt to proscribe heresy for people who weren't priests would be immediately struck down as unconstitutional.

There is arguably a much more complicated heresy active in the Empire at this time: that of the [[Mournwold_Orcs|Marcher orcs]]. These former thralls, freed along with their human neighbours when the [[Mournwold]] was liberated, still trace their religious beliefs to their [[Jotun]] roots. They firmly believe that they will reincarnate after death, provided they do not take up weapons to fight. While strange, these beliefs form the cornerstone of their entire world view - and it was clear they would not give them up to join the Empire. Their spiritual spokesperson ''Hap the Soft'' made it clear to the Marcher and Imperial Orcs assemblies that his people would be prepared to face death, and reincarnate, if anyone tried to force them to abandon their beliefs. This is unfortunate, because they are flatly at odds with the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss|Doctrine of the Howling Abyss]] which explicitly states that orcs live only one life. This makes them heretical.

Thus far, the Empire has been resolving this problem by very assiduously looking the other way. Because the Marcher orcs only come to [[Anvil]] infrequently, and they don't proselytise their views, it has broadly been seen as better to let sleeping dogs lie than to force the execution of a population of these Marchers. But that can't continue forever - the longer the issue continues, the more it fundamentally undermines the moral authority of the Synod. Heresy can't be a crime, legally enforceable by law, while simultaneously there are hundreds of people living in the Mournwold who everyone knows reject one of the Doctrines of Faith.

Aware of the sensitivity of the subject, the magistrates have ''not'' submitted an administrative judgement of proscription - cognisant that that would force the Synod to act. If such a judgement is submitted, then the Synod will have no choice but to confront the issue, either directly outlaw the beliefs of the Marcher orcs, or if they failed the judgement, to implicitly approve them. Both courses of action would have far-reaching consequences - and wise heads determine that the Synod won't likely benefit from the magistrates rushing them on this. Still, it cannot be put off forever - at some point soon, the Synod will have to settle the matter of the Marcher orcs and the Doctrine of the Howling Abyss, one way or the other - a situation that is made more complex as more orc septs come to the attention of the Empire whose beliefs are incompatible with doctrine.

===Idolatry===
* '''The crime of idolatry is defined as: ''Subsuming human will and destiny to any inhuman entity or force. This includes the worship, veneration or exaltation of any such being or power.'' '''

Sadly, the Imperial legal system has struggled to hold the line on idolatry in recent times. There have been perennial problems in the Empire's negotiations with [[eternal|eternals]], in which these creatures demand veneration, exaltation, adulation or sacrifice. [[Eleonaris]], the so-called "Queen" of the Fields of Glory, ''demanded'' that a statue be built in her honour. The Imperial Senate even passed a [[Senate motion]] approving the sacrifice of [[Construct_Treasure_Ship|a ship laden with treasure]] to please [[Rhianos]] the "Regent" of the Eternal Sea. The Synod could put an end to all this, by clearly proscribing these acts.

<quote by="General Assembly Administrative Judgement">The General Assembly proscribes the creation of statues in the likeness of any eternal. It is idolatry to commission a structure designed to honour an inhuman entity.</quote>

If the General Assembly approves this judgement, then it will no longer be legal to create statues of an eternal. It won't be legal for the Senate or for anyone else to make sacrifices to them. Magicians will still be able to negotiate with eternals, but they won't be able to offer them veneration or sacrifice in return for their favour. It wouldn't be illegal for artists or actors to portray an eternal, but it would be illegal to create a [[Edifice#Grandeur|grand statue]] of an eternal or commission any [[edifice]] clearly intended to honour them.

Pragmatists may argue that such restrictions tie the hands of the [[archmage|archmages]] who are often forced to use flattery to convince eternals to favour the Empire. There is no doubt at all that passing this judgement will make life considerably harder for the [[Conclave]] - there absolutely will be situations where magicians are forced to forego the help of an eternal because this proscription would make it impossible to meet their price. Arguably, that is why so little has been done to stop the practice in recent years. Traditionalists argue that is ''exactly'' why it is so important for the Synod to act ''now'' to ban the practice - otherwise people will always find a way to justify it when the opportunity presents itself. The best time to clamp down on this behaviour was centuries ago; the second-best time is now.

It has been pointed out that the wording of this judgement could be interpreted as including orcs, given that it references an "inhuman entity". The magistrates hold the opinion that the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]], proposed by '''Lady Clarice Novarion''', more clearly demonstrates that the Synod do not hold that view. The wording of this judgement would not proscribe the creation of statues meant to honour orcs.

If the Synod declines to proscribe the practice, then it is difficult to imagine the law of idolatry having any teeth in the future. Few people are going to accept the idea that it's illegal to venerate an inhuman power, but it's acceptable to build a giant statue or sacrifice a ship full of treasure to them. If the judgement does not pass, cases of idolatry will inevitably continue to rise. Trouble-makers like [[Sadogua]], [[Janon]], or [[Jaheris]] are likely to view it as an open invitation to seek the veneration of those to whom they offer their patronage.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dima12713.jpg|caption='''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''', Master of the Koboldi|align=left|width=300}}</div>
====Options====
* '''The Synod could single out individual eternals, using a judgement of proscription for each one'''
* '''The Synod could proscribe the creation of fanes and similar structures'''
The Synod could try to proscribe statues or edifices to honour individual eternals - effectively singling out those eternals that were most problematic and proscribing them one at a time. That approach might be politically fraught. It's easy to proscribe edifices to venerate [[Agramant]] but they would arguably be illegal anyway, given the eternal is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]]. The truth is that the eternals that are arguably most in need of being proscribed in this way - are the ones most likely to offer powerful aid in return. Trying to pick and choose between them will inevitably create a law that proscribes idolatry in some cases but permits it in others.

The Synod could choose to go further. Since their [[The_Queen%27s_door#The_Adventurous_Options|creation]] in 384YE in response to a [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Embassies_for_Eternals|request by the Conclave]], the [[commission]] of a [[fane]] has been somewhat problematic. These structures are specifically dedicated to an eternal, serving as places where their power within the Empire is paramount. They must be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|conceded]] to the eternal in question, and some theologians argue that this is an even more direct example of idolatry than the creation of statues. Fanes are not the only way that an eternal might be placated - and these priests argue vehemently that ''any'' concedence of Imperial lands or structures to inhuman powers is a religious crime.

Proscribing all fanes would have profound implication for recent commissions, such as the [[Construct_Chamber_of_Euphony|fane of Sung]], and for titles such as the [[Master of the Koboldi]] whose powers come from the [[Master_of_the_Koboldi#College_of_Engineering|College of Engineering]] conceded to [[Adamant]].

==Other Judgements==
With the change in the way the magistrates apply the law, there is no further need for a judgement of condemnation and the court have instructed the Tribune to withdraw it. However, the expansion to the judgement of condemnation [[Amend_power_of_Inquisition|pushed by Jorma Steelhail]] that introduced [[castigation]], [[penance]] and [[vindication]] do still provide considerable benefits. The Court have worked with the Tribune and the magistrates to provide additional new guidance to help the Synod use these judgements effectively.
==Further Reading==
* [[The final cut]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune regarding the fallout of the constitutional crisis
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about the aftermath of Judgement 42

* [[Proscription]]
* [[Castigation]]
* [[Penance]]
* [[Vindication]]

* [[Cardinal]]
* [[Religious crime]]
* [[Schisms and Heresies]]
* [[Clemency]]
* [[Malign spiritual presences]]

In the Court of Far Horizons

2026-09-07T14:16:35Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"Fleet Master!" The young boy gasped, panting for breath as he tried to call out, whilst simultaneously ducking and weaving his way across the dock front. Caricomare was busier than ever since the docks have been rebuilt, despite the war with the Grendel, there were scores of stevedores hard at work unpacking the cargo from the two huge Freeborn vessels docked just that morning.

Sadly the tumult made it impossible for Giovanni von Temeschwar to hear the boy. He had a pressing meeting with a pair of Freeborn captains at the Captain's Ring. They wanted to discuss the situation in the Cazar Straits and what was being done about it. Fortunately the bustling crowd mostly parted to let him pass, the dockers in Caricomare knew better than to delay the Imperial Fleet Master when he was about his business.

"Fleet Master!" the boy shouted again, "Fleet Master Gi..." he gulped another breath of air, but the Sea Wolf spun on his heel to face the young land before he could finish the sentence, a single eyebrow raised inquisitively.

"Master Giovanni, sir!" the lad said, trying to regain his composure. "Message for you sir. Urgent sir. From the Fellowship of the Purple Ships."

"Sails" the bravo corrected him.

"Yes sir. The Purple Ship Sails sir. Message from them. For you sir."

Giovanni accepted the scroll from the young boy's outthrust hand. The wax seal bore the Fellowship's impression, still fresh and slightly warm to the touch. Their offices were over a mile away on the far side of the docks, the boy must have run the whole distance. What could the Fellowship want so urgently?

The scroll disappeared inside the Fleet Master's tunic to be replaced with a ring coin that he expertly flipped towards the messenger. That kind of Prosperity deserved a reward.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtFH.png|caption=The Court of Far Horizons|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geao_GU-wIM}}
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Court of Far Horizons''. Any new Imperial sodality can have significant legal ramifications, which depend on the precise wording of its manifesto. The aim of the [[Civil Service|civil service]] appraisal is to provide clarity on these consequences, to enable the [[Senate]] to better decide the matter.

The request was timely, for that same day, [[Archmage of Autumn|Archmage]] '''Vossk''' met with ''Ptolemy'', a [[herald]] of the so-called ''City of Salt and Sail'' for a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] in the [[Hall of Worlds]]. The City is an obscure power of the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]], concerned with [[Autumn magic#Autumn_magic#Travel_and_Communication|communication and travel]]. Their herald was keen to explore ways the City could work with the Empire to support the Court, should the appraisal go ahead.

==Consequences==
* '''Emperor Vesna has asked the civil service to assess the constitutional implications of the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''Magistrate Abraham has delivered their analysis based on the proposed manifesto'''
* '''It would not be possible to create a second sodality concerned with maritime trade'''
Magistrate Abraham has conducted an analysis of the constitutional implications of the new sodality's provisional manifesto. Abraham notes that the manifesto is "bold and vigorous" in establishing its remit, but that that means that some of implications are far-reaching.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Court of Far Horizons"> This sodality holds the following to be true:
* Merchant fleets represent the face of the Empire to the common citizenry of foreign nations;
* The lifeblood of the Empire is trade, its paths must never be hindered;
* Imperial sailors share a common purpose, and must aid one another upon the sea.

The sodality therefore exists to:
* Champion the development of trade infrastructure and trade policy to expand the Empire's Prosperity;
* Support Imperial fleets who trade beyond the Empire's borders;
* Influence and leverage foreign relations through trade for the betterment of the Empire.
</quote>

The manifesto describes a sodality that will be responsible for maritime trade and the actions of [[fleet|fleets]] engaged in that [[Fleet#Trading|trade]]. It is possible that the Throne intends the sodality to be responsible for ''foreign'' trade, which would be a much broader remit. The first truth of the sodality is that ''"merchant fleets represent the face of the Empire to... foreign nations"'', which implies the idea that the sodality has a very broad remit. However the Empire engages in extensive trade with [[Otkodov]], none of which is conducted via fleets. Likewise there is [[Merchant_to_Skoura|trade with Skoura]] and orc septs like [[Merchant_Prince_of_Misericorde_Market|the Sand Fishers]] and [[Speaker_to_the_Leshun|the Brannoc Orcs]], all of which is entirely overland. Constitutionally, the Throne could seek the creation of an Imperial sodality with responsibility for ''all'' foreign trade, but that would need a different manifesto, one which removed the elements about fleets.

The focus on maritime trade with other nations reduces the cross-over with the constitutional role of the [[Bourse]], but some conflicts will still arise. In these cases, the Court would inevitably need to weigh each case on their merits to assess how important trade was to the issue in question. For example, the production of the [[Steel Fist]] is contingent on trading relations with the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. As a Bourse seat dependent on trade, it ''could'' be changed by the Senate to grant the sodality the right to appoint it, but it could also be left with the Bourse since it produces [[ilium]]. A similar title that traded [[liao]] rather than ilium, would most likely need to be appointed by the new sodality.

The manifesto references the Empire's fleets several times, but the tenor appears to be limited to their role in trade. Imperial fleets are [[Fleet#Downtime_Options|highly flexible]] and can engage in [[voyage|espionage, adventure and warfare]], but all these activities would fall outside the remit of the Court of Far Horizons based on this manifesto. That would mean that the Senate couldn't grant the sodality powers or responsibilities for such activities, without first changing the manifesto.

That might not even be possible - the Constitutional Court expects a sodality to have a single clearly defined area of responsibility. Just as the [[Military Council]] is charged with executing the Empire's wars, the Court of Far Horizons can have similar responsibility for maritime trade. It can have jurisdiction for fleets in so far as they are engaged in maritime trade, but it would broaden the scope of the sodality too much for them to have a more widespread authority that covered espionage or similar. An alternative manifesto would be possible for a sodality that had a broad remit for fleets, but it could not then also have authority over trade.

Imperial sodalities are "singular" - there cannot be two sodalities in the Empire with overlapping concerns. If the Imperial Senate approves the manifesto of the Court of Far Horizons, then it would not be possible to create a new Imperial sodality charged with authority for maritime trade in the Empire without first abrogating the existence of the Court.

==Powers==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Magistrate Abraham.jpg|caption=Magistrate Abraham, a constitutional scholar and part of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Council|Constitutional Council]]|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The power to set tariffs would be delegated to the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''At present there are no other legal powers that would be automatically delegated to the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''Any new legal powers that were ''solely'' concerned with maritime trade would need to be delegated to the new sodality'''
* '''Any existing legal powers that could be used to promote trade and relations with overseas foreign powers ''could'' be delegated to the sodality'''
The manifesto gives the overwhelming impression that the sodality would be responsible for maritime trade. As such, the power to set [[tariffs]] would be delegated to the sodality as part of its creation. The manifesto states that "The lifeblood of the Empire is trade, its paths must ''never'' be hindered". Hindering trade is a fundamental part of setting tariffs, so it is questionable whether that wording would permit the sodality to do anything other than remove all tariffs, the nearest thing being implementing [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]]. The Court advise that the Senate might prefer to endorse wording that said trade should never be hindered "unduly" or "without good reason" or similar, since that ensures the sodality's rights to set tariffs would be on firmer legal ground.

The sodality would not affect trade with barbarians. Trade with nations that the Empire is at [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Declaration_of_War|war]] with would still be prohibited. It would not be legal to trade with nations the Empire has declared war on, unless the Senate passed a constitutional Senate motion that explicitly legalised trade with all barbarians. If that happened, then the sodality could set tariffs on such trade.

There are no other legal powers that currently exist that would be automatically delegated to the Court of Far Horizons. If the Senate created new legal powers in the future whose '''sole''' remit was to conduct maritime trade, then the well-worn path for the exercise of those powers would be by vote of the sodality members. Any legal powers that could be used to promote or control such trade, but were not solely concerned with it, ''could'' be delegated to the Court of Far Horizons, provided they did not impinge on the constitutionally protected roles of the other houses. For example, the sodality could be given the power to regulate what resources can be exported from the Empire (the Senate has in the past banned the sale of liao to the [[Iron Confederacy]], for example). The sodality could be given the right to prohibit some citizens from engaging in maritime trade in the same way the [[Conclave]] can [[declaration|declare]] someone a [[sorcery|sorcerer]].

The Senate could grant the sodality the ability to announce one or more [[commission|commissions]] each season. They might include [[Edifice|edifices]] or [[sinecure|sinecures]], but [[great work|great works]] would be the most appropriate for a sodality that was keen to ensure investment in trade infrastructure. Likewise, it would be constitutional for the Senate to grant the sodality the power to perform an [[appraisal]] if they wished. How the Court used the power would be up to them, but they could appraise ways to increase foreign trade with a specific nation or increase trade in specific goods such as [[mithril]], [[weirwood]] or [[white granite]]. In both cases, this would involve transferring one of the Senate's own commissions or appraisals to the sodality.

==Appointments==
* '''The well worn path for an Imperial title whose responsibilities primarily rely on maritime trade would be election by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have conducted a preliminary review of all current [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]] to identify those whose responsibilities involve maritime trade. In all cases these titles ''could'' be appointed by the new sodality if it were passed.

Where a title relies primarily or solely on maritime trade the Court of the Far Horizons may be the ''only'' constitutionally valid way to appoint the position. In that case, the title would be automatically amended if the sodality is created. If the are other constitutionally valid ways to appoint a title after the sodality is created, then there will be no change to the method of appointment without direct action by the Senate.

No other details would change; if a position had tenure, it would only come up for election by the sodality at the point where the incumbent died, stepped down, or was [[revocation|revoked]]. National positions would be voted on by all members of the sodality, but only citizens of the relevant nation would be eligible to hold the title.

The constitutional implications of the sodality's existence would also impact any [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worth path]] for any position whose sole or primary responsibility was the oversight or promotion of maritime trade, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Far Horizons sodality.

===Amended Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Automatically Amended Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Master of the Root and Stem]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Construct Municipal Docks|Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Five titles would be automatically amended to be appointed by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have identified four Imperial titles - and one title associated with a commission under progress - whose responsibilities are solely or primarily concerned with maritime trade, either overseeing and supporting such trade or directly benefiting thereby. A position such as the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] is expected to oversee the trade of herbs between the ''Kruidenkenner'' (a [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan guild]]) and the Empire. If the proposed sodality were passed by the Senate, then the only constitutionally valid way to appoint the listed title would be by a vote of members of the sodality.

If the Senate pass the motion to create the Court of the Far Horizons, then all four listed titles will be amended to be appointed by the sodality.

===Potential Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Potential Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Herbalist of Sybella]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Master of the Clearing House]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mayor of Caricomare]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Construct Lisabetta Docks|Prince of the Imperatrix Docks]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Imperial titles whose responsibilities partially rely on maritime trade could be elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''The titles will continue to be elected by senators if the Senate declines to act'''
* '''There are four titles that could be changed with a single Senate motion to have them all elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have identified a set of three Imperial titles whose responsibilities include oversight of maritime trade, but it is not their primary responsibility. In all cases, the titles were originally created with other responsibilities and have become associated with foreign trade as a result of subsequent developments. There is an additional title, the [[Construct Lisabetta Docks|Prince of the Imperatrix Docks]], whose commission is in progress, which is also involved with maritime trade. It would be possible for the Court of the Far Horizons to appoint these four titles - because of their association with maritime trade - but it is not obligatory.

Given their split responsibilities, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any of the positions. They could be amended by the Senate; a single [[Senate motion|motion]] could be used to amend any one title or all three simultaneously if desired, making them appointments of the Court of Far Horizons.

The current [[Master_of_the_Clearing_House#Constitutional_Note|appointment method]] of the [[Master of the Clearing House]] is unconstitutional. The title could be appointed by the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] or by the Court of Far Horizons; either amendment would remove the current constitutional problems with the title.

===Potential Bourse Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Potential Bourse Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Alder of Meade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Fisk]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Steel Fist]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Several bourse titles could be amended to be appointed by the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''The titles will continue to be elected via the Bourse if the Senate declines to act'''
* '''There are five extant titles that could be changed with a single Senate motion to have them be elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The [[Steel Fist]] exists as a result of long-standing trade arrangements between the [[Sarcophan Delves]] and the Empire. The [[Sarcophan_Delves#Politics|Bedelaar Huisbaas]] pay handsomely for privileged access to Imperial markets - the benefits of which go to fund the income of the Steel Fist. However, the Steel Fist is a Bourse seat, a reflection of the fact that the position receives a significant amount of [[ilium]] each season. Where a title exists that produces Bourse resources from maritime trade then it would be equally valid for the title to be appointed by the Bourse or by the Court of Far Horizons.

Given it would remain constitutional for these titles to be appointed by the Bourse, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any of them. They could be amended by the Senate, and as above either each title could be individually amended or a single motion could be used to amend the appointment method of all the listed bourse titles.

===Ambassadors===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Ambassadors'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Asavea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Axos]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Beoraidh]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Faraden]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Grendel]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Jarm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Imperial Consul]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
The proposed manifesto makes clear that the Senate would expect the Court of the Far Horizons to ''"Influence and leverage foreign relations through trade"''. Although anyone is entitled to deal with foreigners, the official power to create [[Ambassador#Treaty|a treaty]] with a foreign power lies with the [[ambassador]], and it is the ambassador who is expected to [[Ambassador#Delegation|receive any official delegation]]. Trade can be an important part of these foreign relations, especially with powers like the [[Grendel]] or the Sarcophan who take a more mercantile approach to their dealings with the Empire.

The Court of Far Horizons could be given the power to appoint the [[Imperial Consul]] and most [[ambassador|ambassadors]], if the Senate were so inclined. The exception is the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]], as the Empire has no way of engaging in maritime trade with the Thule. This would inevitably involve some change of emphasis in the role of the ambassador, emphasising the importance of trade, and so bring [[opportunity|new opportunities]] for trade in the future. The responsibilities of the position would be amended to make it clear that their responsibility included the promotion of trade between the Empire and the nation they were treating with.

Given it would remain constitutional for these titles to be appointed by the Senate, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any ambassador. They could be amended by the Senate - either each title could be amended individually with a [[Senate motion]], or a single motion could be used to amend the appointment method of all the listed titles.

===Overland Trade===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Overland Trade Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dhomiro of Afar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Hyljehal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tolvoli Butcher]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Seeker of the Perfect World]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Envoy to the Karass]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Speaker to the Leshun]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Merchant to Skoura]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Wreck]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Keeper of the Tome]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Overseer of the Westward Road]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Northbound Trademaster]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''An amended manifesto could create a sodality whose purview covered all foreign trade'''
* '''Significantly more Imperial titles would fall under the authority of such a sodality'''
The Constitutional Court have done their best to interpret the manifesto provided by [[Emperor Vesna]] and have assumed that [[the Throne]] is considering an Imperial sodality that would have responsibility for ''maritime'' trade. A more general manifesto, one that stripped out the references to fleets, could broaden the focus to ''all'' foreign trade. Such a change would still be constitutional but it would dramatically widen the remit of the sodality, bringing overland trade with various neighbouring foreigners like the Sand Fishers of [[Holberg]], the [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] under its remit.

The list prepared by the civil service shows all the titles they have found that could be affected. If the Imperial Senate chose to extend the sodality's remit to all foreign trade, then each title would need to be individually evaluated. Any title that no longer had a valid method of appointment would be automatically amended to be appointed by the Court of the Far Horizons. Titles that were still valid could be amended using a Senate motion.

==Support==
Three groups have indicated that they might support the Court of the Far Horizons, if it were given a broad remit by the Imperial Senate and backed with significant legal powers. As is often the case, few groups have any interest in supporting a talking shop; they are only prepared to support the sodality if it is clear that it can wield actual power.

===The Fellowship of the Purple Sails===
{{CaptionedImage|file=From out of the West.jpg|caption=Ships set sail from Imperial ports for every corner of the Known World.|align=right|width=300}}
* '''The Fellowship want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to set tariffs'''
* '''If that happens, members of the Fellowship of the Purple Sails will join the new sodality en masse'''
* '''If the Court is given the power to set tariffs, then members of the sodality will be able to dock at Hayden in Sumaah'''
The [[Rise_of_the_Fellowship_of_Purple_Sails|Fellowship of the Purple Sails]] is a large sodality of merchants and fleet captains that has extensive business operations across the Empire and beyond. It rarely takes a direct interest in politics, since most members spend much of their time at sea, but word of the new Imperial sodality has piqued their interest. The new sodality seems to encompass all the Fellowship's interests; many members of the Fellowship are eager to join the Court, and their leadership are openly discussing joining en masse, ''should the sodality receive the backing of the Senate''.

What concerns the Fellowship most is the fate of Imperial trade, and the assertion of the Court that the trade should never be hindered is what interests most Purple Sails. However, they are only prepared to join the new sodality if it gains the seal of approval of the Throne and the Senate gives it the [[#Powers|power to set tariffs]]. Without that, there is a concern that the sodality will be a toothless body that is unable to set or even influence Imperial trade policy.

If the Court of the Far Horizons is given the power to set tariffs, then the Fellowship of the Purple Sails will be dissolved, with members moving to join the Court. If that happens, then the Fellowship will turn over one of their most valuable assets to the new sodality - docking rights at the port of ''Hayden'' in the [[Sumaah Republic]]. Hayden lies well over five hundred miles from Zemeh close to the limits of the rule of the [[Sumaah_Republic#Politics|House of the People]].

The port does not customarily permit traders from the Empire to dock there. The Fellowship enjoys special privileges as a result of a private agreement with the High House of Prosperity, secured nearly a decade ago. This privilege could be transferred to the Court of the Far Horizons. Hayden is no more profitable than Zemeh or other ports Imperial fleets enjoy access to, but it does provide some unique goods that cannot be acquired elsewhere. The Purple Sails do not intend to disclose these details unless the Empire joins, since that information is only shared with other members of the Fellowship.

For as long as the Court of the Far Horizons have the power to set tariffs, members of the sodality (and only members of the sodality) will be able to dock at the port of Hayden.

===The Bedelaar Huisbaas===
{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=right|width=250}}
* '''The Sarcophan want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to appoint ''all'' titles associated with maritime trade'''
* '''They will donate a total of 2 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if all the maritime trade titles listed above are appointed by the new sodality'''
* '''They will donate a total of 8 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if all the three "Sarcophan" Bourse seats are also appointed by the new sodality'''
* '''They will donate a total of 12 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if the Ambassador to the Sarcophan is also appointed by the new sodality'''
The notoriously mercantile Sarcophan Delves enjoy positive relations with the Empire, but it is clear that one thing they do find frustrating is the way the Empire allows politics and religion to interfere with commerce. Such restrictive practices are anathema to the Sarcophan, most of whom prefer to place profits above what they see as confounding distractions.

As such, the leading families of the Sarcophan Delves are enthusiastic at the prospect of dealing with members of the Court of Far Horizons on a professional basis. Provided that the four potential titles [[#Potential_Titles|listed above]] are given over to the new sodality, then the Bedelaar Huisbaas will provide "compensating payments" to the Imperial treasury equal to two thrones a season.

It is a relatively small contribution, however if the Senate will go further and also grant the sodality the right to appoint the bourse seats that are based on trade with the Sarcophan - that is the [[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]], the [[Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks]] and the [[Steel Fist]] - then the Sarcophan will increase the compensating payments to a total of eight thrones a season.

The Sarcophan explain that the "compensating payments" would be a share of the increased profits they expect to make as a result of dealing directly with citizens appointed by fellow merchants rather than politicians or priests. They are aware that the Imperial Senate receives income from two of these three titles through the [[Auction of the Seats]] and intend to compensate the Senate for this loss. Under the Sarcophan proposal, rather than a single variable payment once a year, the Senate would benefit from a predictable return every season.

While their proposal is presented as a way to compensate the Imperial Senate, it is arguably little more than a bribe in return for the Sarcophan's preferred outcome. Any pretence otherwise is undermined by their final offer; if the Senate will also grant the Court of the Far Horizons the legal authority to appoint the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], as well as all the other titles, then the Delves will increase the compensating payments to a total of twelve thrones a season.

===Salt and Sail===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Turtle city.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
* '''The City of Salt and Sail want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to appoint all ambassadors'''
* '''If that happens, they will grant the sodality the power to send a single message of up to 111 words to anywhere in the mortal world once a year'''
The City of Salt and Sail is a largely unknown eternal of the [[Realm#Autumn|realm of Autumn]]. A representative of the City, a herald called ''Ptolemy'', the Keeper of the Infinite Rookery, was present in the Hall of Worlds at the previous summit as a result of a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] called by '''Vossk''', the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Many questions were asked, some of which the herald was able to answer.

Since that meeting, Ptolemy has taken a keen interest in the progress of the Court of the Far Horizons. It seems that some of the aims of the new sodality align with those of the City, at least close enough for the herald to make a promise of support. If the Imperial Senate will grant the sodality the legal right to appoint all Imperial ambassadors, then the eternal will offer their support as a patron for the new sodality. If that happens, then the City will offer what aid they can spare to support the new sodality as it becomes established.

One form this aid will take is the offer to take a single message, once a year, to anyone, anywhere in the world. While this offer may seem no better than a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]], Ptolemy points out that ritual requires the magician to know the name and the approximate location of their target. Ptolemy's offer includes neither restriction - with the assistance of the City of Salt and Sail, whoever is elected as [[Appointment_by_sodality#Speaker|Speaker]] for the new sodality could send a message to anyone, anywhere in the world,

There would still need to be some way to identify the correct recipient, of course, but the Speaker could employ ''any'' logic to designate who should receive their missive. It could be as simple as the leader of a named [[Druj]] sept or as difficult as the current owner of a stolen magical item. Provided there was an identifiable recipient somewhere in the mortal world, the City would deliver the message. The only limitation would be that it must not be more than one hundred and eleven words in length in total.

Once the city had delivered such a message, they would not deliver another until a year had passed. The City would provide written guarantees that the service would remain available to the Empire for as long as the sodality retained the rights to appoint all Imperial ambassadors.

==Limitations==
* '''Maritime trade will never be enough to influence the great nations of the world'''
* '''There are periodic opportunities to use maritime trade to influence the Empire's smaller neighbours'''
Maritime trade between the Empire and the great powers of the world, nations like the [[Asavean Archipelago]] or the Sarcophan Delves is important, but it still only represents a very small part of these nation's economies. All the great nations engage in trade with each other, to a greater or lesser extent, as well as with their near neighbours. Moreover, the huge size of these nations means that they are mostly self-sufficient with large internal markets that provide for their citizens or subjects. As such it is not possible to use maritime trade to influence their governments or affect the way they view the Empire. The number of [[fleet|fleets]] that chose [[Voyage#Trading_Voyages|to trade]] with a nation each season is never significant enough to influence their view of the world in itself. The Empire has had direct experience of this in the past, in their interactions with the [[Principalities of Jarm]] who repeatedly made clear that they would not change their laws to suit the Empire. All attempts to use maritime trade to convince Jarm to change failed - they are too large to be influenced in this way.

The same is not always true of small local powers like [[Axos]], [[Faraden]] or [[Skoura]]. These tiny nations, several of which are smaller than an individual Imperial nation, are less self-sufficient. These small nations still trade with other great powers, but because they are so near the Empire, Imperial maritime trade far outweighs any other trading relations. As such, occasionally an [[opportunity]] will arise to use maritime trade to influence one of the Empire's smaller neighbours - either by embargoing them or by working to increase the trade to a specific port. These opportunities are rare and the details will always be explicitly defined in a wind of fortune when they do occur. Absent such an opportunity, there is no effect on foreign relations from maritime trade, even with a smaller country - we do not check how many fleets have gone to a port unless there is a specific plot that provides a reason to do so.
==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial Sodality]]
* [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|Forever is composed of nows]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to appraise Imperial sodality manifestos

Satraps of the Abyss

2026-09-07T14:15:57Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]][[Category:Eternals]][[Category:Sumaah]]
<ic>"Please stop haunting me, Roderick." Lisane didn't look at her son, continuing to fold clothes and place them in a large weirwood travelling trunk. He sighed again, gustily, and she didn't need to see him to imagine his expression of deep concern.

"I'm just worried, mother. I assumed - we all assumed - that working for the Prognosticator's Office would involve something a little closer to home. At least at first. We were picturing an office at the Castle of Thorns. Somewhere that we could..."

"Check in on me?" She suppressed a smile, kept her tone sharp. "Honestly, I am an old woman Roderick. And you have a grandchild for goodness' sake! And do not ''dare'' start your next sentence with anything approaching 'at your age' or I will demand a Trial of Resolve from Melisandre and everyone will see you being thoroughly trounced by a great-grandmother!"

Roderick blew through his massive moustaches. "I'm just worried..." he said again. "The Sumaah Republic is two entire seas away. Three if you count Teeth. Seas swarming with bloodthirsty Asavean pirates. And even when you get there I hear its full of danger. Dragons. Giant panthers. Strange priests. At least take a few knights with you. Just to set my - our - minds at rest!"

Lisane looked down at her things. The last thing she needed to pack was Empress Lisabetta's book about eternals, and the colouring book full the children had presented her with. The Navarr artist's delightful line drawings of the various eternals, which were only slightly idolatrous, had been coloured in with a great deal of enthusiasm and glancing at it softened her heart. She dropped it into her trunk, shut the lid, threaded and tightened the buckles. Then she turned round, hands on hips.

Roderick looked absolutely wretched. He had always been the most anxious of her children, and in the shadow of the forty-year-old noble in front of her she could see the little boy sobbing from one too many nightmares of the Druj coming to get him.

"Roddy," she said gently, crossing the room to put her hands on his shoulders. She had to reach up, look up to meet his eyes. She sometimes forgot how tall he was. "I understand, I really do. When Gerard told me what my first appraisal was going to be, I confess it put moths in my stomach. But I took his offer up precisely because I ''want'' a challenge. Something more complex and important than keeping bees."

"But-"

She laid a finger on his lips and smiled at him. "I've no doubt that the Freeborn and the... the Sumaah Zemress pilgrims... will see me safely to and from the Republic. Merchants make the trip every season, you know, and nothing bad happens to them. And I am absolutely certain the Sumaah will not let a hungry drake or deadly panther eat me. I'm sure they don't let monstrous predators lurk around their cities, and Timoj is one of the great cities of the world as I understand it. It's lovely that the family are so worried, and I will miss you all just as much as you miss me, but I'll be back before you know it. Back in time for the Winter Solstice feast. I'm not going to miss Melisandre's first feast as earl, am I??"

She continued to gaze into Roderick's eyes. There was a great well of love there, but also that hard core of steel that had served her so well as earl and would serve her well dealing with the people of the Sumaah Republic. He looked away.

"Yes my ea-. Yes mother," he said quietly. She patted his arm.

"Excellent. Now, I'm going to go and say goodbye to the children. You can make yourself useful by putting those broad shoulders of yours to good use and carrying my trunk down to the wagon."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black Panther.jpg|align=left|caption=The unfamiliar spirits of the deep jungle are equally dangerous and enticing to Imperial scholars.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDKSuG58ZvE}}
At the Spring Equinox, the Senate took advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]], '''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', regarding magical cooperation between the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]]. The [[Senate]] elected to send the freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' on the task, to "''appraise how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''".

The former [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[earl]] took passage to the Sumaah Republic immediately after the Spring Equinox, and made the crossing safely. She and her small staff have been granted apartments in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]], the capital city of the Republic, as guests of the High Houses of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Lisane is expected to remain in Timoj for the next several seasons, and will not be available to undertake other appraisals until she returns to the Empire. As the Summer Solstice approaches, however, a preliminary report has already reached ''Gerard La Salle''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=175}}

==Wisdom of the Conclave==
* '''During the Summer Solstice the Conclave can send a single order to support the appraisal
* '''This will end the order's involvement in any other project
* '''The order will be engaged until the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE
* '''The order chosen will contribute to the outcome of the appraisal depending on its nature
As discussed in the [[Forging_links#Joining_Virtue_and_Magic|original proposal]], the Sumaash are happy to host a delegation from a single [[Conclave order]] to support Lisane. Her initial report is dense, full of information about the situation in Sumaah, partly because she believes this will help the Conclave to determine which order would be best suited to make the long journey to the southern shores of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]].

During the Summer Solstice, the Conclave may choose to ask one order to contribute to the ongoing appraisal. This requires an order to raise a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] following the usual rules for [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]]. If the Conclave agrees, members of the order will travel to the Sumaah Republic to support Lisane and her team. It would not be possible to guide that order again until the Winter Solstice, which is also when the outcome of their involvement will be presented to the Empire. Guiding an order already involved elsewhere - such as in the fighting against Cold Sun - will end their participation in the situation.

If more than one such declaration passes the Conclave, the last one to pass will win out.

Any order could be dispatched to Sumaah; there are members of each who are enthusiastic about the opportunity. Any order could secure a benefit for the Empire, but only some of them would do so by supporting Lisane and her team. Some orders have different areas of concern, and will make use of the opportunity to be hosted in the Republic in ways that are only peripherally associated with studying eternals. The civil service are confident that sufficient magicians will work with Lisane, so there's no chance of a diplomatic incident unless one of the orders goes out of its way to cause one, and the appraisal will still be successful no matter who goes.

* The [[Sevenfold Path]] are the most obvious order to send to Sumaah. If this order is chosen, their contribution will help focus the appraisal on ways for the [[Synod]] to help guide the Conclave in its interactions with the eternal realms.
* The [[Celestial Arch]] are diplomats, and well versed in dealing with eternals. If this order is chosen, their contribution will involve making contact with non-Assembly magicians, and learning more about eternals the Empire does not currently have relations with.
* The [[Shuttered Lantern]] may have a shadowy reputation, but part of their remit is to use magic ''in the detection and monitoring of threats''. Their contribution to the appraisal will be to focus on the ways that the Sumaash keep their people safe from eternal influence without access to the [[Alignment|Declaration of Alignment]], and to any unique eternal threats the Empire is blind to or blasé about.
* If the [[Rod and Shield]] are dispatched to support the appraisal, their contribution will be to look at how the Sumaash use magic on the battlefield. For a nation extremely hesitant to use rituals such as [[Knights of Glory]], they must make up the "shortfall" in other ways.
* The [[Silver Chalice]] would encourage the appraisal to look for ways that Sumaash magicians and Imperial magicians could pool their lore of magical healing, especially with regard to eternal boons. The jungles of Sumaah are known to be rich in rare healing fruits and plants, and its likely that the Chalice could learn more about such things and perhaps even gain access to them.
* The [[Golden Pyramid]] are generally not as excited about matters of spirituality, but ''are'' excited about potential trade opportunities with the Republic. Their "contribution" will be to seek out [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure new trade goods, especially those related to eternals, or new routes to the Sumaah Republic for Imperial [[Fleet#Trading|merchants]].
* The [[Unfettered Mind]] are relentlessly enthusiastic about magic of all kinds. If they are guided to Sumaah, they will provide minimal support to the actual appraisal underway. Instead, they will reach out to non-Assembly magicians, discuss matters of magical theory, learn about Sumaah's magical colleges, explore magic familiar to Sumaash magicians but not in use in the Empire, and make a study of the "spiritual materialism" tradition that many Sumaah magicians employ. If the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind were particularly interested in one of these themes more than the others they could mention it in their Declaration, and the Unfettered Mind magicians would focus some their attention in that direction, at least at first.

<div style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; align-items: center;" class="imagegrid">
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chalice.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|width=150}}
</div>

Regardless of which order is chosen - if any - the trip represents a rare opportunity to gain access to the magicians of the Sumaah Republic. It is not likely to be one that gets repeated any time soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption=Accalon of Felix's Watch, Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}

==Virtue and Magic==
* '''The first part of Lisane's preliminary report provides a general overview of attitudes to magic and eternals
The first part of Lisane's report discusses the general Sumaah attitude to magic, [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]], and eternals. It builds on and informs [[Sumaah_Republic#Magic|common knowledge]], and it seems some things "everyone knows" about the Republic may be outdated or based on misconceptions.
===Sumaash Magicians===
Many magicians in Sumaah are also ''präster'', and each of the High Houses contain ritual magicians who specialise in specific areas of magic that support the wider role of the House. For example, within the Assembly of Prosperity are several covens that specialise in [[enchantment|enchantments]] that lead to increased wealth, while [[divination]] is carefully studied by both the vigilant and the wise. This same attitude extends to dealing with eternals; within each of the Houses are some magicians experienced with dealing with the creatures of the [[realms]].

That is not to say that all magicians are priests, or that only the High Houses work with magic. Far from it. The practice of ritual magic is not as widespread or organised as it is in the Empire, but there are still large numbers of practitioners from all walks of life spread across the Republic. It is a misconception that the priesthood "controls" all magic in the Republic. As with all Sumaash, their magicians are acutely aware of the virtuous implications of their skills, and naturally look to the präster for guidance on how best to reconcile magic with faith. In particular, they are alert to the threat of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] - subsuming their human destiny to inhuman entities. Perhaps as a result, the practice of [[Aspect_magic#Goetia|goetia]] is banned in the Republic, and a Sumaash tradition similar to Imperial [[Aspect_magic#Theurgy|theurgy]] is only practised by dedicated ''präster''. Lisane also notes that there are serious restrictions on a number of rituals Imperial magicians might consider harmless such as [[Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], and that the Sumaash approach to the creation of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] appears to be very much more controlled than it is in the Empire. The focus of the appraisal, for now at least, is on the eternals however and the prognosticator focuses her efforts on that first and foremost.

Whenever a Sumaah coven is anticipating an interaction with an eternal, or one of their [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], they usually seek the support of one of the präster. The priest serves as an advisor, ensuring that virtue and the Way are foremost in the minds of those dealing with inhuman creatures. There is no law that demands this; rather the long experience of Sumaah magicians demonstrates that having a präst on hand tends to lead to better outcomes. The präst doesn't need to be present for every interaction - there are covens trusted to engage with certain eternals or use certain rituals without oversight. For example, as long as the questions and answers are discussed with a präst there is no requirement to log every single performance of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] (or its Sumaah equivalent at least).

On the other hand, anyone known to be regularly interacting with creatures of the realms ''without'' the support or advice of one of the präster will find themselves called to [[inquisition]] by the High House of Vigilance and asked to give a thorough report on their dealings. Those unable or unwilling to do so to the satisfaction of the assembly may face serious censure. Sumaah is determined to ensure that their nation remains uncorrupted by the influence of the inhuman eternals.

===Anathema and Tolerance===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><box>'''Eternals and virtue'''<br>No Sumaash would describe an eternal as "virtuous". The common attitude is that the inhuman entities of the realms are incapable of virtue. While the Republic has in recent years begun to re-examine its prejudice that only humans are capable of following the Way, the idea that an eternal or herald might be able to do so is rejected wholeheartedly. The idea that an eternal might possess anything approaching a soul is considered actively blasphemous. Any eternal that claims interest in virtue is presumed to be engaging in misdirection or manipulation and the subject of immediate suspicion. Obviously this belief further reinforces the careful and suspicious attitude to the eternals.</box></div>

* '''An eternal has only two states in the Republic - tolerated or anathema'''
* '''Without a Conclave the Sumaah must use more direct methods to guard against hostile eternals'''
There is no body in the Republic analogous to the [[Conclave]]. When it comes to dealings with eternals, the Assembly of Vigilance takes an active role and ultimately wields the legal power to declare a given eternal to be ''anathema''. Dealing with an eternal who has been declared ''anathema'' is a serious offence that may result in the death penalty. While ''anathema'' is superficially similar to the status of [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] there is no equivalent of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] in Sumaah. All eternals are either tolerated (equivalent to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]]) or anathema. In the past when a new eternal was encountered, all interactions with it would be undertaken by präster, or Vigilant magicians, until the High House had weighed it and determined if it was anathema or not.

Even this status of neutrality is not quite the same as that in the Empire - there are no Sumaah titles specifically dedicated to liaising with an eternal. [[Emissary to the Celestial Library]], [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], and [[Churnspire Adjutor]] would all be considered dangerously close to idolatry. There are likewise no titles analogous to [[archmage]] - at least not in terms of their interaction with the realms. The equivalent of an Imperial enchantment such as [[Hallow of the Green World]] is unknown in Sumaah, and if it were its practice would be anathema. Even rituals such as the [[Golden magicians fayre]] would be condemned - the idea of providing an eternal access to the Republic in such an uncontrolled way would horrify most Sumaash.

There is also, as previously noted, no Conclave. The functions that might be wielded by that body in the Empire are either absent, or employed by the House of the People or one of the Houses of Virtue instead. The Sumaash view the idea of leaving decisions on the use of magic and items to magicians to decide by themselves to be dubious at best. Deciding what magic is safe to use is fundamentally a matter of Virtue and requires the appropriate expertise.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Eternals and Free Will'''<br>A common philosophical view in Sumaah is that eternals are physically incapable of Virtue, because they don't have free will. In the view of some präster, free will is fundamental to the exercise of Virtue. Nobody would suggest that a sword is courageous for taking the battlefield. Eternals they argue, are eternal and unchanging, their nature is fixed. They cannot change or be changed. If their nature cannot change, can eternals actually be said to exercise any choices at all about the actions they take? Do they have free will? If they do not, then how can they be any more virtuous than a sword or a shield?</box></div>
One area where the Empire has a clear advantage is dealing with hostile eternals. The metaphysical defence provided by enmity is not perfect, but it does greatly reduce the threat of an eternal influencing Imperial citizens. The Sumaah are forced to use more mundane methods to protect their people. The Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - and to a lesser degree the Assemblies of [[Wisdom]] and [[Pride]] - maintain or coordinate cadres of Sumaash investigators and warriors who actively seek out the machinations of enemy eternals and put a stop to them. These groups of "idolator hunters" are widely respected, and their investigation of suspicious events usually welcomed. They're also heavily subsidised by the House of the People, meaning that they are well equipped to deal with the unpredictable enemies of the Republic they hunt.

The Republic use warding magic to complement this approach. Rituals such as [[There Is No Welcome Here]] may be employed, but the Sumaash also use [[hearth magic]] wards. One common practice is to build a shrine or temple over or near a strong [[regio]] when it is identified, allowing comings and goings of heralds to be carefully monitored or prevented. This is harder to do with regio in the deep jungle, but even so there are apparently several places of pilgrimage dedicated to maintaining a vigilant watch on the "verdant wastelands" of the wild tropical forests.

Lisane notes that these virtuous practices mirror Imperial efforts such as the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], the [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunt of the Suaq Wastes]], or the practices of vigilant folk in [[Varushka]] in response to the threats of their own cold wilderness.

===Refusal===
* '''The Sumaah are very cautious in accepting ''any'' eternal boon
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Unlike the Empire, the Sumaah are very suspicious of many eternals, including Eleonaris, eschewing her boons and declaring her anathema.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Sumaah are much more likely to turn down a boon or an eternal offer of aid than to accept it. In theory every eternal boon is weighed carefully, usually with the guidance of at least one präst, and in some cases might even be discussed with a [[statement of principle]] before it is accepted. Powerful boons are often presented for scrutiny by the House of the People as well, especially if they are likely to impact the citizens of a territory or region. The more powerful and all-encompassing a boon is, the more scrutiny it demands, so potent, far-reaching boons are rarely taken up simply because the risks involved are usually considered too large or too difficult to assess.

Rituals that draw on the power of an eternal directly are less common among Sumaash magicians. There are a few - a version of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] for example is relatively well known. One of the Sumaah responsible for hosting Lisane, a magician-präst named ''Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance'' expands a little on this, explaining that even in those uncommon cases where such a ritual is created, it will almost always be bound with a stricture that it may only legally be performed in the presence of a priest, or with the approval of an assessor from one of the High Houses. This is done to ensure that the eternals do not begin to exert subtle control over magicians who may become reliant on such magic, or influence the subjects of such magic in a way that is unvirtuous.

Chikkal's view is that no human ever ''needs'' an eternal boon, however much they may ''want'' them. Any agreement with an eternal, they argue, will invariably tarnish the virtue of the one who seeks it, and risk corrupting their fellows. "Easy is not the same as virtuous," claims Chikkal piously. While it initially seems Chikkal speaks for the majority of the präster, Lisane notes that it quickly becomes apparent that there are any number of other opinions on the matter and many priests openly disagree with the ultra-conservative approach of peers such as Chikkal. Still, there is a common stereotype in the Republic that Imperial magicians unwisely seek every advantage they can gain from inhuman spirits rather then relying on themselves and their fellow humans. The unwise bargainer who brings ruin on themselves by making deals with eternal spirits is a very common character in Sumaah literature, there are scores of cautionary tales whose ultimate fate is so awful, it provides a sobering example to readers or audience.

==Republican Eternals==
* '''The second part of Lisane's preliminary report provides an overview of the eternals the Republic has encountered'''
* '''The Sumaah deal with a much smaller group of eternals than the Empire does'''
* '''Some eternals are known by very different names and appearances in the Republic'''
* '''There appear to be some eternals known in the Republic that are not familiar to Lisane or her staff'''

The second part of Lisane's preliminary report deals with the actual eternals the Sumaash deal with (or don't deal with). Sumaah don't commonly group the eternals together in the same way their Imperial peers do. Rather than focusing on which [[realms|realm]] they hail from, the only significant division is between "tolerated" and "anathema". Lisane, however, falls back on Imperial categorization, simply because her report is intended for Imperial eyes.

One of the challenges Lisane faces is that the Sumaah frequently use different names for eternals to those used in the Empire, and like the Empire they have many different sobriquets for the eternals. This may well be the root of some misconceptions about the beings the Republic deals with. The Empire has long considered [[Yaw'nagrah]] for example to be favoured in Sumaah, but it seems likely this was based on a misconception based on the at-the-time unknown eternal [[Ossegrahn]] (given the ''Green Mother'' is anathema in the Republic and has been for much of its history).

In most cases the prognosticators have been able to link the names of Sumaash eternals to those known in the Empire, but there are some cases where there is no direct correlation. In the case of these "unknown" eternals, she has been able to gather a little information, enough to satisfy herself that they are ''probably'' distinct entities. It is entirely possible that some of these unfamiliar eternals are actually powerful lieutenants (heralds) of a more familiar eternal. Sadly, an in-depth study of individual eternals in Sumaah is beyond the scope of this appraisal.

===Of Spring===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SpringRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Ossegrahn and Arhallogen are tolerated in Sumaah'''
* '''Wind Panther appears to be an unfamiliar eternal, who is tolerated'''
* '''Siakha, Ira Harrah, Yaw'nagrah and Llofir are all anathema'''
Of the Spring eternals familiar to the Empire, only two are tolerated. ''[[Ossegrahn|Rainbird]]'', with his power to help mend wounds, bring fresh water, and promote wholesome growth, provides boons useful to the Republic's farmers and healers alike. The Assembly of Prosperity keeps a weather-eye on magicians who deal closely with the eternal, most prominent among which is the coven of The Wellspring (which met with Imperial magicians in 383YE). The problem is that Rainbird regularly seeks to encourage the Republic to abandon its virtuous war against the unvirtuous. Rainbird is told "no" on a regular basis, which means that his power is generally restricted to the small scale - empowering individual physicks or bringing fertile rains to farms for example.

''[[Arhallogen|Wicked Fangs]]'' is barely tolerated, and the High Houses have gone back and forth on it several times over the years. In stark contrast to ''Rainbird'', it actively encourages the Sumaah to slaughter their enemies without mercy; to strike before their foes are ready; and to use whatever tools are available to them to do so. While it is popular in some quarters, many präster question whether its boons are compatible with virtue. Regardless, there are Sumaah warriors who embrace the [[venom|venomous]] or warlike enchantments it offers to bring down their enemies. Lisane remarks that there is historical evidence it offered significant aid when the Sumaash threw off the yoke of the Asaveans.

The other Spring eternal the Sumaash deal with seems to be unknown in the Empire. Commonly known as ''Wind Panther'', it seems to be a creature of the [[realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with hunting, and to a degree fishing. It apparently encourages both self-sufficiency and support of one's family or community through direct action. Wind Panther is most often called on for her powerful boons that empower skirmishers and archers to fight monsters, hunters to track and dispatch dangerous prey, or to bring down predators that would threaten the family. Given that the jungles of Sumaah are, at least to Imperial eyes, swarming with dangerous creatures on every scale, these boons have apparently proved vital in the past.

[[Siakha|Storm Bringer]] and [[Yaw'nagrah|Hungry Forest]] are anathema because they are creatures of destructive chaos that are at odds with civilisation; they are despised in the same way that Imperial citizens might feel about ''Blood on the Snow''. [[Irra Harah|Shadow Slinker]] was an ally of the Sumaah generations ago, but today it is anathema because it seeks to lure people away from Virtue, and provides boons to the Republic's enemies. [[Llofir|Blood Choke]] is an unpredictable creature of the deep wilderness that has nothing to offer the Sumaah and is associated with a particular poisonous fungus that causes agonizingly slow death if eaten in error. While anathema it seems to mostly ignore the Republic although, as with Shadow Slinker, it provides boons to some of the people the Sumaah are at war with.

===Of Summer===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SummerRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Cathan Canae, Rhianos and Adamant are tolerated
* '''All the other Summer eternals are anathema
Of the eternals of the Summer realm, [[Adamant|Stone Dragon]], [[Rhianos|Ninth Wave]], and [[Cathan Canae|Thunder Lizard]] are tolerated. Stone Dragon provides useful boons and rarely wants anything unvirtuous in exchange. It's still illegal to accept his aid to build buildings dedicated to virtue however - any temple or shrine must be shaped by human hands alone.

Ninth Wave is also tolerated, but remains controversial with interactions carefully monitored to ensure that folk are not being lead astray by unvirtuous endeavour. It is clear that the eternal desires mortals to embrace peril for the excitement it brings - such motivation is dubious at best and the endeavours themselves are frequently desperately irresponsible in nature. However moments of great Virtue often occur while engaged on such exploits and so the eternal is tolerated. Even so they are primarily dealt with by ''Frieøyer'' magicians rather than by the Republic as a whole.

Thunder Lizard - characterised as an immense drake of the deep jungle - is tolerated for her straightforward approach to the Republic. Her magical [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|citadel]] is one of the few rituals that draw directly on an eternal that is regularly employed. She also promotes warrior-ideals which are seen as compatible with virtue, and significantly more acceptable in general than those taken from ''Wicked Fangs''.

The rest of the Summer eternals known by the Empire are anathema in the Republic. This includes [[Jaheris|White Snake]], [[Hayaak|Blood Eagle]], [[Meraud|Flame Wing]], and especially [[Eleonaris|Sun Drake]]. The latter in particular is seen as an enemy of the Sumaah thanks to her dangerously unvirtuous creed of personal glory and warrior-supremacy. There are nonetheless some small hidden cults dedicated to her service, and the Vigilant remain alert to any rumour of their corrupting influence. The [[Barien|Lord of the Arena]] is known, but likewise considered anathema. The Sumaash attitude is that it is good to test oneself, but question the Virtue of doing so for rewards granted by some inhuman force. The virtuous should always be open to challenges, but in pursuit of human destiny, not dancing to the tune of an eternal. Lisane notes that there is a long history here, with fragmentary stories that suggest the Lord of the Arena is associated in the Sumaah memory with the Asaveans, and the hated satraps, although they were unwilling to discuss the details.

The Republic never uses titles such as king, queen, or (outside of the Lord of the Arena), lord or lady for any eternal. Simply calling someone like Sun Drake, the "Lady of Pennants" or naming Thunder Lizard, the "Queen of Ice and Darkness" would be treated as a minor act of idolatry. This makes the odd nomenclature for the eternal the Empire knows as Barien particularly stand out. The one exception to this abhorrence of titles, is "satrap" which is frequently used in sobriquets for the more corrupt and wicked eternals - particularly those of the Autumn realm.

===Of Autumn===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:AutumnRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Estavus and Ephisis are tolerated
* '''Polyptoton is not entirely familiar to the Empire and is tolerated
* '''Prospero, Callidus, Basileia, and the Lictors are anathema
* '''The Satrapy of Discord appear to be part of an unfamiliar city of the Autumn realm that is anathema
One of the more popular eternals among Sumaah magicians is [[Estavus|Fire Mountain]], also known as ''the Anvil of Thunder and Granite''. The Republic is not rich in ore, and a common bargain between Sumaash and Fire Mountain involves the trade of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]] for [[Materials#Metals|valuable metals]]. From the point of view of the Sumaah, the prices demanded by the Anvil of Thunder and Granite for its aid tend to be straightforward, and deeply transactional, in a way that does not threaten virtue. Even so, it is much more common to deal with Fire Mountain to secure raw materials than worked goods, however. There is a fairly common belief that purchasing worked goods from Fire Mountain deprives a mortal human of their industry and Prosperity.

The [[Ephisis|Eternal Bazaar]] is tolerated, but carefully monitored due to its refusal to abide by the laws of the House of the People, or the dictates of the High Houses in what it will trade. Interactions with the Eternal Bazaar are limited to magician-präster of the High House of Prosperity. The ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]] is not practised in the Republic; any deals with the Bazaar are undertaken "face to face" with heralds rather than being left in the hands of an easily-accessible and impossible to restrict ritual. The Eternal Bazaar is also a source of friction within the Republic; the High House of Prosperity argues that the boons it provides are worth the need for constant vigilance while other präster are often less convinced. So far, however, the High Houses have not declared the eternal to be anathema.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SaltAndSail001.png|caption=The "Great Turtle", the eternal Polyptoton, the City of Salt and Sail - this eternal spoke with the Empire via its herald for the first time last season.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
The [[Polyptoton|Great Turtle]] or the ''Wandering Port'', with the ability to carry messages across great distances almost instantaneously, is tolerated by the Sumaah. The heralds of the eternal rarely demand anything the Sumaah consider unvirtuous, although they have clashed with the censors of the High House of Vigilance in the past over their unnatural veneration of the written word over matters of virtue. The Great Turtle is also sought out for boons related to protecting or aiding ships, especially merchant vessels, particularly where they help them avoid or outrun the more powerful vessels of the Asavean Archipelago. Lisane believes that while the eternal was previously, largely unknown in the Empire, there have been [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|recent developments]] that indicate this is no longer the case.

The rest of the Autumn realm is kept at arms length, either because they have nothing Sumaah wants or because they are considered active threats. The [[Prospero|Satrapy of Rope]], the ''Wheedling Spider'' seeks to trap the virtuous with bonds of unnatural obligation, and all too often threaten to draw innocent people into idolatry. The [[Lictors|Satrapy of Cages]] are seen as an inhuman force trying to meddle in virtuous laws. The [[Callidus|Satrapy of Hunger]] and their leader ''Drooling Maw'' fundamentally preach materialism and obsession with the accumulation of wealth. Worst of all are the inhabitants of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]]; corrosive enemies of virtue who work to corrode the souls of the virtuous and want to mire every human in murder, betrayal, and treachery. The High House of Loyalty see the Satrapy of Lies as particular enemies. Whenever a herald from the ''City of Lies'' is found in the Republic it is summarily executed; nothing good is built on a foundation of lies.

One other set of eternals - the ''Satrapy of Discord'' - are anathema in the Republic but are unfamiliar to Lisane. Reporting to a leader the Sumaah call ''Mockingbray'', they apparently hail from a city that burns with the fire of riot, rebellion, and revolution. According to the High House of Wisdom, these heralds once offered aid in the rebellion against the hated Asavean satraps, but then immediately tried to ruin any attempt to create a new government. Mockingbray, the ruler of the City of Wreckage, is always looking for ways to undermine tradition; to burn everything down in pursuit of a state of abominable anarchy. Obviously, once its true nature was clear, it was immediately proscribed by the Sumaah.

Lisane theorises that this ''might'' be a version of the entity once known as [[Mazen]], but the ''Lord of Masks'' is widely recognised as part of the ''Satrapy of Lies''. The Sumaah say the Satrapy of Discord is still active, which would mean that if reports of that creature's demise are to be trusted, this would have to be a different eternal.

===Of Winter===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:WinterRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Wise Rangara is tolerated
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Pale Jaguar is tolerated
* '''Agramant, the Thrice-cursed Court, Sorin, and Kaela are anathema
* '''Khobel Tavah appears to be unknown in the Republic
Only two Winter eternals are tolerated among the Sumaah. [[Wise Rangara|White Eye Serpent]] is a black-scaled creature associated with "wisdom" that is one of the oldest spirits known to the Republic. It isn't wisdom as the virtuous understand it, but more the importance of learning difficult lessons, questioning assumptions, and cleaving to tradition. It's a font of herbal lore, and has ways of bringing out human insight that can prove invaluable. One reason it is tolerated is that it rarely if ever seeks to provide answers, but will offer aid to nudge someone along the path towards understanding a situation through their own efforts.

''Pale Jaguar'' or the ''Maiden of Mists'' is not an eternal familiar to Lisane. It seems to be a Winter eternal of trackless places, that represents becoming lost, the deep jungle, and a primaeval fear of the wilderness. It also speaks of the importance of memory, especially remembering the dead or the lost, and the importance of perseverance even against an end that seem inevitable. While few magicians deal with Pale Jaguar, a small group of Sumaah mystics interact with the eternal with the blessing of the High House of Wisdom. They engage in long durances in the wilds of the jungle, hoping to unlock visionary experiences or temper their bodies or spirits. One of Lisane's staff wonders if this might simply be a particular guise of the eternal the Empire knows as [[Sorin]], designed to circumvent his anathema. For the moment, there is no evidence one way or the other, but it appears that once one peels away the more mystical levels the Maiden of Mists is much more explicitly concerned with matters of [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]], [[Winter magic#Preservation|preservation]], and certain ideas of [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] than the ''Whelpmaster'' seems to be.

In the Republic Sorin is known as the ''Bone Dragon'', and is depicted as a great skeletal [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake]] whose encouragement of sacrifice, suffering, and hidden traps makes him anathema. He is depicted in stories as lurking on the edge of civilisation, seeking to steal away the unwary to devour their flesh or consume their spirits. Some of these stories cast Bone Dragon in the traditional role of a "bogeyman" - he appears in that role occasionally in cautionary tales for children especially.

The [[Agramant|Traitor]], who has easily as many aliases as he does in the Empire, is anathema as a matter of course, but among the Sumaah is numbered as a member of the [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]]. The ''Corrupters'' are active opponents of the Republic and particularly the High Houses of Virtue. The Vigilance assembly puts a great deal of effort into trying to prevent them from interfering in the affairs of the Republic or corrupting the foolish with their tainted gifts. The [[Kaela|Dread Condor on Silent Wings]] is anathema, primarily due to her open offer of what appears to be eternal servitude via her ''Silent Household'', but responds by simply ignoring the Republic in a similar manner to Llofir.

Finally, [[Khobel Tavah]] is unknown in the Republic, and they express no interest in learning more about them.

===Of Day===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:DayRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Zakalwe, Kimus, Leviathan, and Phaleron are all tolerated
* '''Span of the Sky is an unfamiliar eternal who is tolerated
* '''Sinokenon, Roshanwe, Ylenwe, and Cold Sun are all anathema
The eternals of Day are among the most popular of the eternals the Republic deals with (for a given value). ''[[Zakalwe|Brilliant Javelin]]'' is one of the few martial eternals the Sumaah tolerate; its interest in encouraging rather than leading is seen as less of a challenge to the pursuit of virtue. Along with ''Thunder Lizard'', they are the eternal most likely to see their boons accepted on the battlefield. ''[[Kimus|Mirror of Dawn and Dusk]]'' is considered to be a strange and esoteric entity, whose ability to gather information and willingness to provide it are as welcome as its requests to observe events are seen as unthreatening.

The ''[[Leviathan|Watcher in the Waters]]'' is tolerated because it seems to have little active agenda beyond discussing history and current events with mortals. The chief concern is that magicians are too ready to accept the answers the eternal provides, without stopping to consider that while the Watcher maybe eternal, they are not the Creator. Präster are quick to remind those who deal with this eternal that just because the being expresses boundless confidence in its abilities, it is not infallible.

The ''[[Phaleron|Archive of Rainbow Coral]]'' is likewise tolerated due to its limited agenda. It is clear that the Archive values the preservation of knowledge far and above the preservation of life, but that is something that can be managed by those who deal with it. More of a problem is Phaleron's jealous attitude to the information it contains, which is occasionally decried as counter to human destiny.

A fifth eternal of the Day realm, unfamiliar to Imperial prognosticators, is also tolerated. ''Span of the Sky'' appears to be concerned with wind and water, and favoured by a small number of magicians that live along the coast including the ''Frieøyer''. There is speculation this might be an aspect of Kimus, but it is treated as distinct by the magicians that deal with it. Notably, the groups that interact with it most apparently also field cadres of [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle-mages]] whose mastery of the [[repel]] and [[entangle]] spells are invaluable when fighting the Republic's enemies.

By contrast, ''[[Sinokenon|Stupid Moon]]'' is anathema; its efforts to undermine the House of the People and push the Houses of Virtue to prominence have won it the enmity of most of the Republic and any attempt to make contact with Sumaah magicians is met with violence. At first two others considered anathema - the siblings ''Salt Mask'' and ''Silk Mask'' - were assumed to be unfamiliar eternals but further investigation indicated there were Sumaash names for [[Roshanwe]] and [[Ylenwe]]. According to Chikkal, Assessor of Vigilance, these two creatures are deceivers and liars who present a false-face to mortals in which they appear to be concerned with matters of virtue but in fact seek to subvert and twist the faithful into engaging in idolatry.

Finally, there is ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion]]''. The eternal has had no interaction with the Republic, but the High Houses of Virtue have lost no time in declaring it anathema. Anyone attempting to make contact with Cold Sun will be executed, and there is some discussion of whether it might be best to [[excommunication|excommunicate]] such criminals if they emerge. The High House of Vigilance regard the matter as settled there - given their emphasis on Virtue, they are confident that nobody will be unwise enough to approach the eternal, given how appalling the consequences have been elsewhere.

===Of Night===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:NightRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Sung and Lashonar are tolerated in the Republic
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Deep Drummer is tolerated
* '''Janon, Sadogua, Azoth, and the Whisper Gallery are anathema
* '''Azoth appears unknown in the Republic'''
''[[Sung|Moon Moth]]'' is idly tolerated. She is depicted as a huge rainbow-winged moth who encourages mortals to pursue the great mysteries of the world and the spirit, without claiming to be an authority on either. This includes the mysteries of virtue and the Labyrinth, and apparently she has offered boons relating to both the cultivation of [[iridescent gloaming]] and the creation of [[potion|potions]] that help pursue spiritual matters. Lisane notes with interest that the Sumaah apparently believe that ''all'' moths are agents of Moon Moth, and that the reason they are never seen during the day is that they pass into the Night realm when the sun rises. This belief, and the toleration of Sung, apparently dates back to a time long before the foundation of the Republic.

''[[Lashonar|Chattering Bird]]'' is tolerated, but only just. As with the ''Great Turtle'', it provides useful abilities for the Sumaah to communicate with others that they cannot achieve themselves - access to the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] is considered a valuable resource. Whenever it attempts to have an opinion on politics the virtuous quickly shut it and its followers down. One interesting proscription Lisane notes is that it is illegal to accept boons from Chattering Bird related to preaching the Way in the same vein in which it is illegal to accept the aid of Stone Dragon to build places of virtue.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow Moth.jpg|caption="Moon Moth" is the most common Sumaah Republic name for the eternal the Empire knows as Sung; rather than a feathered serpent they depict her as an insect with beautiful iridescent wings.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
There is another eternal tolerated by the Sumaah that at first is mistaken for [[Janon]]. The ''Deep Drummer'' is a creature that appears to represent mystical ideas of catharsis, the channelling strong emotions, and celebration of victories and achievements. It is popular not only with Sumaah warriors, but also with artists as it encourages them to both express and inspire strong feelings through their art. The High House of Vigilance has clashed with the High Houses of Courage and Pride in the past around the toleration of Deep Drummer, who are concerned that the eternals enthusiasm for celebration can lead the virtuous astray. The Sumaah apparently view Deep Drummer as the sibling or spouse of ''Whirling Chaos'', claiming the former is a creature of balance where the latter is a creature of discord.

The rest of the Night realm is anathema in Sumaah. [[Sadogua|Seducer]], the ''Satrap of Bats'', is famously despised in the Sumaah Republic. He shamelessly encourages magicians to put their own selfish concerns above virtue, and regularly opined that the assemblies should "butt out" of magicians' affairs. He was also involved in early attempts to form a magical fraternity similar on paper to the Imperial Conclave, that was roundly rejected on grounds of being a terrible idea two hundred years ago. The eternal itself is one of those that still seeks to deal with Sumaash magicians, and its influence is actively resisted by the hunters of idolators.

[[Janon|Whirling Chaos]], as has already been mentioned, is anathema. A dangerously unpredictable entity that appears on the surface to encourage Virtue but is actually a creature of anarchy who does not care what people feel as long as they allow their passions to consume them utterly. The [[Whisper Gallery|Screaming Monkey Kings]] are also anathema, not least because they cannot be trusted in any way not to support the Asavean Archipelago at every turn. Lisane mentions that Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance, seems to take the existence of the Screaming Monkey Kings as a personal affront and that this attitude is by no means uncommon in the Republic.

The Sumaah do not seem to be familiar with the eternal [[Azoth]], and on learning more about them, Chikkal suggests there will be little interest in changing that situation.

==Design Note==
* '''Unknown eternals begin disinclined to speak to the Empire
* '''This is the first part of an appraisal that will run over several events
The preliminary report includes an overview of the eternals, and introduces several that appear to be unknown in the Empire. While there is enough information here for Imperial magicians to attempt to contact one of these eternals, if they wished, all start from a position of disinterest in the Empire. While an eternal is bound to respond to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]], as has been [[Hunter_of_stars#Capradan|seen previously]] on several occasions that response can be a polite (or impolite) refusal.

Most Imperial magicians will be aware that if these eternals desired a relationship with the Empire, they would already be pursuing one. It's also important to bear in mind that none of the creatures mentioned here are more powerful or more inclined to offer better deals than the eternals the Empire already deals with. Whenever a new eternal starts paying attention to the Empire it will often create more problems than it solves - [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] is arguable on this point, [[Cold Sun]] less so...

The opportunity to send a prognosticator to the Sumaah Republic to engage with an appraisal means they will be unavailable for several seasons. In contrast to some previous opportunities, our intent is to present part of the appraisal each event until this time is up. One reason is to prevent the requirement to do a single massive appraisal at the end of the period, the other is to reinforce the idea that this is an ''opportunity'' - the invitation of the Sumaah presents further options to gather a deeper understanding of the situation. This wind of fortune presents the opportunity for the Conclave to engage in the Republic, and expands the information about magic in Sumaah and their attitudes to the eternals. The next stage of the appraisal will present opportunities related to adapting the Sumaah Republic attitude to the eternals. The nature of the final stage of the appraisal, presented at the Winter Solstice, will depend on which of the orders - if any - the Conclave has chosen to send to the Republic.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sumaah Republic]]
* [[Conclave]]
* [[Alignment]]
* [[Eternal]]

Phantasms and foam

2026-09-07T14:15:24Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]] [[Category: Winds of War]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn Shields.jpg|caption=Prize freedom and responsibility, and disdain arrogance.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Dream of Sleep==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzGQfpt6Cbs}}
The [[Red Wind Corsairs]] have [[Deep_blue_sea#As_The_Gull_Flies|slipped through the grasp]] of the [[Grendel]], and put to port in [[Feroz]]. Now, they sally forth for a new battle against an unfamiliar opponent. Marching a circuitous route through Segura, Kahraman and finally into Madruga, each village they pass through turns out to cheer and to offer cheap food and drink to the Freeborn soldiers. The Freeborn are not unfamiliar with marshes, and are ''very'' familiar with fighting in waterlogged environments and make preparations as they march. They carry with them a supply of coracles, of precious lumber for crafting rafts, and a surprising number of dry socks.

Alongside the soldiers of the Brass Coast is some two thousand force of additional soldiers. The majority are led by Freeborn captains, but Dawn, the Marches, and Urizen are also represented. Each brings their own particular experience to the mix: Dawn is no stranger to wild and dangerous places; the Marchers know marshland well; and even the most mundane Urizen soldier is likely to have some insight into the magical resonances that flow through the bayou.
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Spring by Michalina.jpg|caption=This is the place. This has always been the place.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Silt and Dust==
Before it was transformed, [[Madruga#Siroc_Bayou|Siroc Bayou]], and [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]] to the west, were once fertile grassland blanketed with farms. The land is just as rich as it was, but is now sodden with the magic-infused waters of the Scorrero. A great dripping expanse of trees, streams, ponds, pools, reeds, and everywhere flowers. Flowers in breathtaking variety, a riot of shade and shape that can be just a little overwhelming as it sweeps a patchwork quilt of colours in all directions.

The fecundity of Spring ripples in the waters everywhere, and life thrums through the marshlands. The natural creatures of the river - the birds, the fish, the little burrowing mammals, the insects - have prospered in the remade land. Yet Spring magic always brings a little chaos and ruin with it, wherever it rises, and the magic that helped give birth to this place was cruel in its own way. There are beasts here that have never been seen elsewhere. Ten-legged freshwater crabs that grow a little bigger each season and show no sign of stopping, their shells marbled with vibrant blues and golds and purples. Winged birds that flit and stutter through the air like living still lives caught in a lightning flash, their weirdly mobile beaks perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from the marsh flowers. Mobile mats of root and flower that drift seemingly aimlessly in the slower waters along the Bay of Oran, feeding on the fish too slow or foolish to avoid their lazy grasping tendrils. Enormous herons, taller than any Freeborn, with barbed beaks that hunt the giant frogs and the gliding newts that throng along the water-banks.
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs, this season we commit to a Daring Raid upon the Siroc Bayou. Keep your weather eyes open for the lost wealth of the families displaced by the magical upheaval in these territories. What we can return we will, what we cannot, we return to the nation. Suffer no Suranni insult, but spill no foreigner blood. From the Bayou we will begin to retake the Crucible. For the Freeborn!</quote></div>
Where there is life there is also death, but here in the south it is hidden beneath a great morass of rainbow colours. There has been war here, in past both recent and distant; humans and orcs have fought along the Scorrero for centuries. The waters of the wild river themselves have killed almost as many of those who worked the old ilium nets as the Grendel did - or at least that's what the stories say. For every body recovered from the waters, two more sank to the bottom and were smothered in silt. Now, something has given them a wake-up call it seems. The scouts talk of unnatural individuals, and small groups of skeletal battered remains stalking through the marshes, draped in flowers, moss, and mud that makes it impossible to tell if they were human or orc before time and water smoothed away such differences and made them irrelevant. They are not hostile, unless someone seeks to interfere with them or their odd activities. One Freeborn, a child of pre-Rahab Feroz, suggests that they are, against all the odds, tending to the marshes. ''Gardening'', as she puts it.

Yet it is the transfiguring nature of Night that overlies both life and death here. Change, and wonder, and strangeness in the air. The land itself shifts over time, rivers and streams finding new courses with deliberate slowness. Attempts to map the Siroc Bayou, beyond locating major landmarks, proves tricky. Worse, once the Red Wind Corsairs are actually surrounded by the marsh - once it stretches from horizon to horizon - things become ever odder. The passage of time seems to become just a little unpredictable. The sun may seem to hang in the sky for an hour, unmoving, or it might judder quickly along its route, moving in the span of five minutes a distance that would normally take an hour. The moon is worse; within the marshes it seems always to be full and silver, and just a little larger than might be anticipated.

Where time is odd, distance and direction are even odder. It is as if the Siroc Bayou contains much more space than it ought to, that the marshes are larger within their borders than they have any right to be. The only constant is the river flowing to the south, but even then there are reports of strangeness. As one travels further into Siroc Bayou, the Scorrero seems to get wider. At one point, several weeks in, the Freeborn soldiers on the riverbanks find the fast-flowing river seems to be nearly three miles across, the shores of [[Feroz]] impossibly distant. There is discussion about where they may find themselves if they made rafts and poled across to the other side. Nobody would risk swimming in these waters, not here, not now.

In hindsight, the decision to [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|enchant the army]] with powerful [[Day magic]] seems almost prescient. The enchantment helps patrols and expeditionary bands remain confident that they can find one another in the mysterious marshes. It helps the captains and commanders make sense of the alien quality of the Bayou, maintain their resolve and clarity in the face of strangeness. It helps scouts see through the subtle deceptions and camouflage this place seems to throw up almost instinctively against the Imperial advance.
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Velasco i Guerra, General of the Fire of the South">Home calls. We have burnt brightly and fulfilled our loyalty to the Marchers. Now we head to Madruga to rekindle. We shall march to Lightsea and make use of the delights of Quzar. Keep an eye to the sea and your weapons to hand.</quote></div>
Regardless of all the strangeness, though, the Bayou does not appear to be overly dangerous. Unlike the marshes and swamps of Sarangrave, this place doesn't seem to be actively trying to kill the intruding Freeborn. Some soldiers wonder if this is due to the nature of the Brass Coast - that they are more open to wonder and strangeness than their fellow Imperials - but that idea is roundly mocked especially by the soldiers of other nations accompanying the army. As the weeks turn to months, the Red Wind Corsairs establish supply caches, campgrounds, and even a few watchtowers across the eastern Siroc Bayou. Step by step, it becomes just a little more known, a little more nailed down. A little more Imperial, a little more part of Madruga and the Brass Coast than it was.

Or rather, the marshes do not seem to be trying to kill the trespassers ''at first''. But more of that in a moment.

==Take Your Prize==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Suran.PNG|caption=The Suranni call on their Maiden of Battle to bless their final attack on the Children of Wrecks.|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Destruction of the Shining Pillar.jpg|caption=The destruction of the Shining Pillar was heartbreaking for many Freeborn.|title=Art by Juniper Orton|align=right|width=250}}</div>
At the same time as the Corsairs move south, the Fire of the South undertake the long march home from Bregasland. Even as their fellows press into ''terra incognita'', they take up defensive positions around Quzar. Perhaps there is an irony to exchanging a billet near a Marcher marsh for one near a Freeborn marsh. They are no less welcomed than the Red Wind Corsairs, but they cannot help but bring with them a tinge of worry. They are here to look east, across the waters of the monster-haunted Quzar channel toward the islands of Free Landing. They are here to stand vigilant watch against the approach of the Iron Confederacy.

As the Corsairs explore the bayou, the Suranni forces in Feroz move. The Wings of Kobol - the [[navy]] that lead the [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|assault against Cazar Straits]] - sweeps north across the Bay of Oran, toward Free Landing. They are not alone - a second force of warships sails with them. Between them they carry an uncertain number of Suranni soldiers, grim-faced heavily armoured soldiers of the south. Their intent is simple; smash the last of the Children of Wrecks and claim the islands where the Brass Coast began for the Iron Confederacy.

The Suranni are joined by a little over a thousand strength of Freeborn ship captains, [[Gossamer_threads#Spears_of_Retribution|invited to join]] the battle against the Children of Wrecks by the Dukes of the south. It is a chance to gain a little vengeance against those who have assailed the eastern Brass Coast time and again, but perhaps more importantly it is a chance to recover treasures from the islands before they fall under the dominion of the Dukes. The islands here were the first home of the Freeborn and the town of Atalaya marks the spot where the Brass Coast proper began, and has become something of a museum and archive of the history of the nation founded by [[Riqueza]], [[Erigo]], and [[Guerra]] all those centuries ago.

The watchers along the coast cannot of course guess what is going on in Free Landing, but there are certain signs. The weather deteriorates quickly once the Iron Confederacy engages. There are columns of smoke on the horizon, lightning flashes, rumbling in the deeps. Perhaps two months after the Spring Equinox, a near catastrophic tempest erupts across the islands, howling winds and torrential rains pounding Lightsea and Calvos Sound. Then, several hours late, the weather gets even ''worse'' but only for a few moments, after which an eerie silence falls. Then, perhaps an hour later, massive waves smash against the coast of Madruga, bringing with them the flotsam and jetsam of battle, the bodies of many dead pirates and servants of Siakha, and the strong suggestion that the fighting is over.

A few weeks later, the Freeborn corsair vessels that sailed with the Suranni arrive in Quzar - already mostly recovered from the weather and the waves thanks to skills earned with bitter experience. They carry with them in their holds a great many treasures of the Brass Coast thought lost forever - relics and archives - and the news that the Iron Confederacy has been victorious. The Children of Wrecks are broken, the Maw of Siakha has been closed.
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Spiderweb.jpg|caption=Things are connected.|align=right|width=500}}</div>

==All Rivers are One River==
When that mighty tempest erupts across Free Landing, and the massive waves pound the Brass Coast, the Red Wind Corsairs are deep in Siroc Bayou. They are making reasonable headway in their task, despite the sudden downturn in the weather. Yet that same night, with nine stars of [[the Web]] bright in the sky over the marshes, something shifts in the waters. The sentries at the main encampment established by the Freeborn soldiers report the approach of an armed force. Initially it is assumed to be a returning patrol, or perhaps some soldiers from the Fire of the South come to support their comrades in their conquest of the marsh. Then it becomes clear they are orcs, perhaps a lost Grendel cohort caught in the flooding of the Siroc.

The truth is significantly stranger, but no less dangerous. These orcs wear unfamiliar armour, and march beneath an unfamiliar banner - an orange flame on a black field. With them are two dozen warriors in archaic armour of a very old Highborn style, but wearing surcotes of ruby, and gold, and topaz. The starlight glints from the sharp weapons of human and orc alike, but more worryingly it also glints in their eyes which are like pools of starlight. The humans begin to sing a song of conquest and battle, and the orcs begin their own hymn of war, and together they fall upon the encampment. Battle is joined, violence blossoming like a red rose in an area the Corsairs thought secured.

Almost immediately the idea that this is some natural force, perhaps of bandits or... or something... is dispelled. When defeated, these attackers leave no remains behind. Body, weapon, armour, everything just disappears as soon as it is unobserved. They do not even leave bloodstains. Even the wounds their weapons inflict are not quite right. In the moment, blood sprays and bone breaks as normal but a moment later there is no sign of actual injury - but the pain remains. A cleft limb remains useless, it just shows no sign of the harm that broke the bone. Those who fall before these phantasmal injuries still die, but their bodies are left untouched by any sign of injury. The dead look as if they have simply fallen asleep.

The Corsairs fight off the attackers, but are left bewildered and unsure what has happened. With the morning sun the only sign that these assailants were ever there are the small number of fallen Freeborn, and mud trashed up by the boots of the Corsairs themselves. Nothing else remains.

Over the next week, as the Solstice gets closer, there are more reports of similar incidents. Phantom soldiers who seem to come from nowhere, and go to nowhere when defeated. Horrible beasts that are as unreal as they are terrifying. Even reports of nightmare shapes drawn from the worst dreams of the soldiers they fight. At first there is concern they may be ghosts, but this is quickly dispelled. These don't seem to be the spirits of fallen warriors, but rather phantasms. Things of raw Night magic, created in the image of memories roused up from the marshes. Phantoms of the orcs the Freeborn drove out, and of the first Freeborn themselves before they were truly born free. Phantoms of Grendel, and the armies that have fought the Brass Coast for centuries. Phantoms of people nobody recognises, either because they fought here so long ago they have been utterly forgotten, or because they are taken from some childish reverie or daydream since discarded. Given a simulacrum of existence by the marshes themselves, and sent to protect its secrets from the invaders.

It's not clear if this is a result of the burst of Spring magic released when the Maw of Siakha was shut, or some magical chaos spun by the [[Astronomancy|stars]], or a "natural" quality of the deep Bayou, or some enigmatic combination of all three. But as the season ends, the advance of the Red Wind Corsairs has slowed to a crawl.

==Stand Tall at the High Tide==
As the solstice approaches, the weather has cleared. From sour and violent, the sky has become a beaming blue expanse with nary a cloud in sight, and only the gentlest of breezes to break the heat of summer. Oh, there has been flooding, and the high winds and higher waves have left their mark, but in all honesty, though, the Freeborn of Quzar and Calvos have begun to become used to having sea invade their homes. They have built defences and learned how to drive unwelcome saltwater back out before it becomes too comfortable.

The Red Wind Corsairs remain in the marshes, battling with strange geography and stranger phantasms. Yet they have made progress, and another push next season will surely bring the bayou under the notional control of the Empire - assuming the situation remains the same and these figments of the past and out of dreams do not escalate to some more significant threat.

There are, of course, reports of fleeing pirates and privateers along the eastern coast of Madruga, but any that dare to make landfall here are dealt with by the Fire of the South. A few make it further afield, and there are three crews to be dealt with during the summit, but the others receive a similarly fatal welcome from the garrison of Mora's Rock, or from the guardians of Sarvos. The only Children of Wrecks to truly escape the utter disaster in Free Landing are those who fled out into the Bay of Catazar, and there is no respite for them there. Imperial, Grendel, and Sarcophan vessels alike will hunt them wherever they try to run, wherever they try to hide.

The tale of the Children of Wrecks has been one of needless suffering and thoughtless destruction wherever they went, but now their short story is over, and there is nobody in all the world who will weep to see them gone.

==Game Information==
===Madruga===
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs have made some headway in conquering the Siroc Bayou
* '''Suranni forces have conquered Free Landing with Freeborn assistance
* '''While some of their leaders are unaccounted for the Children of Wrecks are no more
* '''A powerful enchantment of Autumn magic lies over the territory
The Red Wind Corsairs are about three-fifths of the way towards claiming the Siroc Bayou for the Empire. The main obstacle slowing their advance is the ''[[Madruga#Wild|wild]]'' quality possessed by the Bayou and the neighbouring Crucible. This means that it takes fifteen victory points to completely claim the region rather than the usual ten.

The Iron Confederacy has conquered Free Landing, and broken the Children of Wrecks. The Maw of Siakha has closed, and the Suranni are now in control of the entire region. In the process, Freeborn corsairs have helped to liberate the remaining historical relics of the Founding, and ferried them to safety in Quzar. Likewise, the Suranni have been true to their word and allowed any Imperial citizens imprisoned by the Children of Wrecks to be escorted to safety on the Brass Coast.

The Children of Wrecks as a whole no longer threaten the Bay of Catazar. With their navy sunk by the Red Wind Corsairs, and the Iron Confederacy having crushed them on the islands of Madruga and Feroz the few survivors have scattered.

As noted in the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_interlude#Hammers_of_Industry_(Madruga)|interlude]], Madruga has been enchanted with a magnitude 80 arcane projection of the Autumn realm.
===Participation : Red Wind Corsairs===
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs engaged in a ''Daring Raid'' in Siroc Bayou and have recovered some treasures
* '''Military units that supported the Red Wind Corsairs this season will receive a small bounty of marsh flowers
The Red Wind Corsairs undertook a [[Army_qualities#Daring|daring raid]] in Siroc Bayou. While they have not captured any enemy captains, they have nonetheless made a good accounting of the treasures of the marshes. This will include an amount of [[ilium]], with the remainder split between [[herb|herbs]] and the mysterious and unpredictable marsh flowers that grow all over the marshes.

Any character whose [[military unit]] supported the Red Wind Corsairs this season will also receive a marsh flower in their pack at the event.

Players will need to provide their own phys-reps for the flowers; small paper blooms in exotic colours are ideal.

===Participation : Wings of Kobol===
* '''Freeborn characters who supported the Wings of Kobol have a more detailed understanding of what happened in Free Landing
* '''They will receive an OOC report in their pack at the event which details the events they participated in
A number of Freeborn corsairs participated in the attack on Atalaya alongside the Iron Confederacy, and were responsible for securing the historical legacy of Atalaya. Beyond the fact that they have successfully recovered relics and documents from the historic town where the Brass Coast began, and that the Iron Confederacy has been victorious in their attack on the islands, nothing else is public knowledge. It will be up to them what they make public, although following the Summer Solstice information about the campaign here will surely spread ('''OOC Note:''' We will add the report to the main wiki after the Summer event).

==Conjunctions==
* '''The wreckers remaining in the Bay of Catazar are determined to go out bringing ruin to the Empire'''

===A Terrible Feeling (Madruga)===
* '''The wreckers are moving to cast Thunderous Tread of the Trees on Madruga'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for taking the boon from the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
A beast that is wounded and cornered is the most dangerous; there is nothing it won't do to reduce its pain or inflict it on others. The fleets of the Children of the Wrecks are dashed against the rocks of Madruga, the Maw of Siakha sealed. The lowest tides reveal the worst wrecks.

The Crucible has experienced much upheaval in recent memory. In the weeks before the Summer Solstice, and before the defeat of the Wrecker fleet, reports arrive of a band of Wreckers committing the vilest of pilgrimages up the Scorrero. Old inns at now ruined river crossings find themselves serving wreckers at knife point. Militia arriving hours after they leave upstream find scant survivors telling tales of wreckers singing songs of “The Snapping Face” on a pub maul. Compiling the reports together, a plan emerges in the fractured pieces. As a final vicious memento, Siakha has given this group a boon - a [[:Category:Foci|foci]] - that will help them perform [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]].

The incumbent [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''' is tasked with taking “The Snapping Face” from the wreckers. It is uncertain if the item was created by Siakha; it could simply be a gift taken from the [[Realm#Spring|Primal Forest]]. If it has been created by the Mother of Monsters, then it will need to be destroyed; otherwise, it will be for the Champion of Vigilance to decide what to do with it. The only way to be certain would be for someone to perform [[Hand of the Maker]]. If the wreckers evade the Imperials with their item, then Madruga will be cursed with Thunderous Tread of the Trees before the season’s end.

<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>

===The Strength of This Place (Necropolis)===
* '''A wrecker crew seek to extinguish Britta's flame'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Guardian of Britta's Memorial'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for spilling the waters of Siakha'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Children of the Wrecks face their end, but they do not go quietly to their end. Up the river Couros, a lone sloop slides, silent but not unseen. Stewards of the Necropolis raise alarms and send for aid, but raids never come, and the ship keeps moving. What can be seen on deck from the high towers and parapets of the river banks does not lend itself to description, or at least sounds ridiculous to even Vigilant ears. A gaggle of heralds of the tempest, creatures of Siakha, appear to be genuflecting to a bucket of water, in some macabre ritual of respect. A Wise steward proffers that this bucket of water may itself be a boon of Siakha that is being carried to some sordid destiny, mayhaps to poison a well or extinguish something.

The fire that burns at the Shrine of Britta will burn eternally. An inspirational beacon, come summer storm or winter snow, but the Mother of Storms is the Mother of Storms, and she is drawn to quench all flames. The [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]], '''Neala Blackhawk''', is responsible for ensuring that the flame of Britta’s shrine is not tested by the cursed waters of Siakha.

If the boon of Siakha remains with the wreckers, then the fire of Britta’s Memorial will be extinguished. If the attack is repelled, the pilgrims will see the beacon of inspiration as burning all the more courageously, making pilgrims acutely aware of how prosperous it is to support its ongoing guardianship, boosting donations by an additional four crowns a season.

===For What Has Been Wrought (Tassato)===
* '''A crew of wreckers are attacking the Sapphire Stairs '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Keeper of the Sapphire Stair'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the heralds of Siakha'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Sapphire Stairs have stood resplendent for two years, its paint practically gleaming fresh in the Tassoto sun. Ordinarily, water is either still and congealed with death or flowing with life; water made to tread an orderly path uphill is a feat of Imperial mastery. As far as Siakha is concerned, torrents and streams are her domain, and she can brook Imperial temerity no further. The River Vassa will flow and be a force of endless erosion, or it will stand still and stagnate.

For what may prove to be the final time, a ship sails up the Vassa as the Summer Solstice arrives. It bears no barbarian flag, but a crude depiction of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon]]. The wreckers, led by the ''Duke of Lies'' have come to lock the locks and bar the way. Tempest heralds of Siakha will conduct the unspeakable work of Siakha and clog the Sapphire Stairs with corpses and kelp.

The [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]], '''Raphael Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato''', is responsible for keeping the locks running smoothly. If the Siakhas heralds survive, then flooding upstream and drought downstream would halve the income of the Keeper of the Sapphire Stair until the damage was repaired. Worse, the [[farm|farms]] and vineyards of Sarvos would also suffer, reducing their income by 36 rings a season. If the attack is successfully repelled, a prosperous merchant-prince with extensive vineyards in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]] has promised a reward of four wains of weirwood to the Keeper.

==Further Reading==
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Deep blue sea]] - 388YE Spring wind of war covering events on the Bay of Catazar
* [[Red skies]] - 387YE Winter wind of war covering events on the Bay of Catazar
* [[Made anew]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune concerning the changes to Madruga in the wake of the river rising
* [[Where the river rises]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the rising of the Scorrero

It's all wrong, but it's all right

2026-09-07T14:14:35Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Wind of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Faraden]][[Category:Iron Confederacy]]
<ic>"The Five Flames burn inside each of us. They burn also inside the people of the Empire, for all that they might deny it. There are some that suggest they burn even within the spirits of the orcs of the north, although there are many among my peers who might decry such a thing as blasphemy or heresy."

Boorra turned slowly as he spoke, arms outstretched, the light of the setting sun dancing through the windows onto his simple white robes. On his last line, he inclined his head towards Namuuna of the Poppies, his main rival. She inclined her head back to him.

"Without the five flames, we would be as the beasts of the field. Placid, unaware of ourselves. It is their light and fire that lets us see the world and our place within it, and recognise our family. Some call them virtues, and so they are, but they were flames first and that is a truer word for what they do for us. Feed the flames, and as they become stronger so your spirit becomes stronger. Smother them, and your spirit becomes darkened, smaller, twisted."

"When we die - and we all die - the flames guard our spirits from the creatures of the Howling Waste. They protect us from those who let their flames flicker and go out when they were alive, who are desperate to steal the warmth from those of us who nurtured the fires within. They light our way home, back to the bosom of our family to be born again. This is why we must never let our flame be extinguished, must let our every word and deed grant strength to that within us, so that those who have died can find their way back to us."

He stopped then, timing his final words for the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. This holy place had been built in such a way that the sun setting at the Equinox would burn through the Arch of Justice, illuminating everything within with gorgeous golden light for a few moments before the darkness came. He faced the gate, feeling the warmth of the Summer sun on his wizened face.

"Five Flames for the Faraden spirit," he said, his voice echoing. "Five flames. Honour and dignity in our hearts. Devotion to our dreams and our bonds. Abundance for ourselves and for our people. Valour guiding our hands to know what is true. And justice, the righteous flame of protection that guides us to respect those around us - provided they offer in turn the respect that we are due."

There was a ripple of murmurs from the crowd. There was no doubt this last was a pointed commentary on the political situation. It was made all the more telling by the fact that - coincidentally no doubt - by facing the Arch of Justice Boorra had his back to the Liege of Five Winds. He held his position for a moment longer, arms raised, allowing the profound sense of self flow through him, of the weight of words spoken in this place, of the foundations he sought to lay for the future.

The five braziers set around the circumference of the temple erupted into flame, columns of fire roaring toward the ceiling, coloured by the powders his acolytes had deployed at his instructions. Five pillars, the foundation of Faraden, a traditional end to this seasonal sermon - and perhaps a timely reminder to each High Lord, High Lady, and High Liege that one could not have one without the others, or the four without the fifth.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Back in Town.jpg|align=left|caption=The Five Flames are just one of the religious beliefs causing friction with neighbouring nations.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IN37tUJoyA}}
The merchants of [[Faraden]] and the militarist [[Iron Confederacy]] lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - or to the west and south of [[the Brass Coast]] to be more precise. Relations with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two it seems like there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

Of course no diplomatic situation is entirely roses and sunshine. The Faraden are worried about what they see as a renewed hostility to their people by the [[Synod]], even though the specific [[judgement]] that raised their concerns has since been repealed. The Iron Confederacy are equally impacted by the [[proscription|proscriptions]] of the Synod, although their conquest of not one but two island chains that were previously Freeborn territory is more of a pressing matter where many Imperial citizens in the south are concerned.

Both the Ambassador to Faraden and the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy will receive an additional briefing prepared by the civil service relating to the appropriate nation. These briefings will be published following the summit.

==Faraden==
{{Diplomacy|nation=[[Faraden]]|port=[[Foreign ports#Caitun|Caitun]]|ambassador=Mina i Yashum i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner|counterpart=[[Ambassador to Faraden#Faraden Ambassador|Mistress Singua Karadragha]]}}
* '''Faraden is at peace with the Empire'''
* '''They have begun the process of reducing Asavean influence over their nation'''
* '''A peace treaty has been signed with the Jotun'''
* '''The Liege of Five Winds favours the Empire, but their position has been made more precarious'''
* '''The Ambassador to Faraden has some additional information in their civil service briefing'''
To the west of the Empire lies the nation of [[Faraden]]. A nation whose lifeblood is trade, it traditionally dealt with the Empire through [[Reinos]] via the Lasambrian Hills. Imperial efforts have now created a new maritime trade route through the [[Sea of Snow]]. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable but have been enjoying an upward trend for the last few years. This improvement is due in large part to the pro-Imperial attitudes of Tchinua Ganbatar, the Liege of Five Winds.

The Empire is not the only nation interested in Faraden. In recent months, the Liege has begun reducing the influence of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] in their nation following revelations relating to the execution of an Nemorian involved with the illegal [[Seeds_of_discord#Ashes_to_Ashes|Cinders organisation]]. During the Summer Solstice they signed a new peace treaty with the [[Jotun]] that apparently secures their borders against the barbarians. They are also known to have a complex relationship with the [[Iron Confederacy]], one of their primary trading partners, although the depth of that association is not public knowledge.
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 350px">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mina6596.jpg|caption='''Mina i Yashum i Riqueza''', Ambassador to Faraden|align=left|width=350}}</div>
Unfortunately a recent development with the Synod has sparked a resurgence in conflict between the priests of Faraden and those of the Empire. The [[On Faraden faith|Faraden religion]] is based around "five flames" which are roughly equivalent to four of the Imperial virtues ([[Loyalty]], [[Pride]], [[Prosperity]], and [[Courage]]) and unfortunately the false virtue of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Justice]]. 388YE has seen a push toward orthodoxy by the Synod. Inevitably, this has caused friction with those whose faith is deemed blasphemous and heretical.

While certain matters relating to international diplomacy are common knowledge, only the broad strokes are covered here. The [[civil service]] have put together a short briefing for the Ambassador containing more detailed assessment of this and other situations. The briefing will be available to the Ambassador at the Autumn Equinox, and it will be made publicly available to interested citizens after the summit.
===Faith and Law===
* '''The Faraden are deeply concerned about the potential for renewed Synod hostility to their faith'''
* '''The position of the Liege of Five Winds looks more precarious'''
As discussed [[Seeds_of_discord#Faith_and_Law|last season]], there was consternation in Faraden about a [[proscription]] that effectively [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Blasphemy|defined]] being [[dedication|dedicated to]], or [[anointing|anointed with]], the spiritual power of a false virtue as [[blasphemy]]. Mistress Karadragha asked their Imperial counterpart for reassurance and unfortunately it appears that reassurance was not forthcoming. The Faraden are very unhappy to be strongly advised that "''any Faraden who wish to travel to Imperial lands for trade or any other purpose to ensure they do not bear a dedication to the Virtues we have Proscribed, namely Vengeance, Understanding, Hatred, or Freedom.''"

The situation has been further complicated by the [[liao#true liao|true]] [[consecration]] of the ''[[Poets_light_but_lamps#Faraden|Temple of High Flames]]'' that bolstered Faraden [[Pride]] in their religion. The irony that this was achieved with a gift of Imperial true liao, partially inspired by a desire to anchor Faraden faith against inroads by the [[Asavean_Archipelago#Religion|wicked gods]] of Asavea, is not lost on anyone.

''Boorra Talighar of the Silver Tree'', one of the pre-eminent voices of Pride in Faraden, has openly spoken about his disappointment at this development. The priest families of Faraden had hoped their their shift toward discouraging the more zealous among them - especially the dedicants of Justice - would lead to a greater understanding between the two people. Unfortunately it is all too easy to see this "denigration" of Faraden faith as a betrayal of that hope.

At the Summer Solstice, the Synod chose to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_154|repeal the proscription]] that defined the possession of dedications and anointings of false virtues as blasphemy. Unfortunately, in the short term, the damage has already been done. There is an undercurrent, particularly in the priest families, that the Synod is intending to clamp down on Faraden faith and has simply been biding its time while previous Imperial Ambassadors wrung concessions out of the Liege of Five Winds. Is there any truth underlying these concerns? It hardly matters at this stage.

The repeal of the proscription should mean that the disruption settles down by the Winter Solstice, but that won't assuage hurt feelings of injured Pride among the Faraden. It is still [[blasphemy]] to [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#Blasphemy|preach or promote]] the ideals of Justice - and by extension the Five Flames as a whole. It is still [[heresy]] to suggest that some things the Empire considers virtues are [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_72|not actually that useful]], another tenet of the Five Flames. These both contribute to the concern of the Faraden.

If the repealed proscription is restored, or anything similar is enacted, it will badly damage Imperial relations with the mercantile nation. The Faraden have always reluctantly accepted that they cannot proselytise the false virtue of Justice in the Empire, but in return they expected the Empire to look the other way when their people practised their faith in the relative privacy of a Faraden enclave. If the Empire were ever to end up in a situation where Faraden merchants and members of their entourage were executed or expelled simply for being dedicated to Justice, it will be difficult to maintain positive relations with the nation.
====Injured Pride====
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=The General Assembly|align=right}}</div>
* '''Imperial fleets trading with Caitun do so at a two rank penalty this season'''
* '''Faraden unhappiness has implications for opportunities related to traders from the west'''
* '''The civil service estimate that if the Faraden continue to restrict trade with the Empire it will impact the Imperial treasury'''
Following the Summer Solstice, the Liege of Five Winds has warned their people that they must be very careful about visiting the Empire until this situation is resolved. They are not prepared to countenance a warning that only those who particularly honour one of the Five Flames should avoid the Empire. Further, the assumption is that the Synod attitude cannot help but result in a general increase in harassment and persecution for ''any'' Faraden, by those who already have a reason to dislike visitors from the west and are emboldened by the Synod.

Following the Autumn Equinox, Imperial traders visiting [[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]] will trade at a significant disadvantage. The [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Worrisome_Gullet|presence of Jotun ships]] in the Gullet is already causing problems for Marcher and Winterfolk captains, but the unhappiness of the Faraden means that ''all'' Imperial [[fleet|fleets]] trading with Caitun will do so at a 2 rank penalty.

It also has implications for the proposals around [[Wild_is_the_wind#Firewind_Market|Firewind market]] and [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Days_Of_Wine_And_Mooncheese|Moonsong market]], and for the establishment of [[Wild_is_the_wind#Faraden_Caravanseri|Faraden caravanseri]]. While there is nothing to stop one of the markets being [[commission|commissioned]], without a successful effort to reassure the Faraden that their people will not face persecution from the Synod because of their beliefs, there is no guarantee that the structures will receive the number of Faraden traders they were expected to before.
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBMarches.jpg|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=NBBrassCoast.jpg|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png}}</div>
If the situation deteriorates further it will also have a small impact on the [[Imperial treasury]] - a drop in [[tariffs]] raised from Faraden traders visiting the Empire.
====Alder, Mediator, and Sutannir====
* '''The positions of Alder of Meade and Mediator of Fisk are being threatened by Faraden unhappiness'''
* '''The heads of the Faraden families ask their representatives to secure reassurance for those putting pressure on them'''
* '''Faraden pilgrims are much more reticent about visiting the Azure Chorus in the Brass Coast'''
* '''The Azure Sutannir receives half the normal benefits from Faraden pilgrims after the Autumn Equinox'''
The Tseriyn merchant family trade mithril to the [[Alder of Meade]] in return for Marcher produce of all kinds. The trade was briefly interrupted by the [[Jotun]] during their [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#The_Walls_of_Meade|occupation]] of the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] but has since been restored. Unfortunately, ''Amulchi Tseriyn'' (the head of the family) is coming under pressure to reconsider their trade with the Marches.

Likewise, the Salagiin traders arrange small amounts of [[ilium]] for the [[Mediator of Fisk]] in return for rune-marked goods and [[Beggar's lye]] from the marshes of [[Kallavesa]]. Like the Tseriyn family, they are also being pushed to reconsider their relationship with Wintermark traders. The two families dislike each other intensely, being on opposite sides of the room when it comes to opinions on the Liege of the Five Winds.

Both families are looking to their respective representatives for some degree of reassurance that they can show to those putting pressure on them back home. Otherwise, they are going to need to reconsider their arrangements with the Empire going forward. Mistress Karadragha has asked the office of the Ambassador to Faraden to work with the Alder of Meade ('''Leoric Hudson''' currently, although the title is up for reappointment during the Equinox) and the Mediator of Fisk ('''Dantanian''' of Wintermark) to find some kind of resolution before the Tseriyn and the Salagiin are forced to reconsider their arrangements with the Empire.

In a related matter, the [[Azure_Sutannir#Parador_of_Wind_and_Flame|Parador of Wind and Flame]], part of the [[Azure_Sutannir#Azure_Chorus|Azure Chorus]] in [[Kahraman]], enjoys the patronage of Faraden musicians and other travellers. '''João i Cabral i Riqueza''' is the current [[Azure Sutannir]] - a position the Ambassador themselves once held. Following the Autumn Equinox, the Azure Sutannir receives additional benefits from their sinecure, amounting to a further 2 crowns, 6 random ingots, and three each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, and Imperial roseweald each season will be halved. Given that their voice carries [[Azure_Sutannir#Spirit_of_Cooperation|additional weight]] among the priest families on matters related to conflict between the Five Flames and the Way, they may be in a unique position to help address Faraden concerns through a carefully worded [[judgement]], especially if they can rely on the assistance of the [[Cat's Graces]] to support such a judgement.

==Iron Confederacy==
{{Diplomacy|nation=The [[Iron Confederacy]]|port=[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]|status=Foreigner|ambassador=Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo|counterpart=[[Ambassador_to_the_Iron_Confederacy#Suranni_Ambassador|Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore]]}}
* '''The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire
* '''They control both Cazar Straits in Feroz and Free Landing in Madruga
The [[Iron Confederacy]] lies directly to the south-west of the Empire. Ruled by dukes, each of whom bears the [[naga]] [[lineage]], they do not welcome visitors except in carefully selected enclaves such as the port of [[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]. While they are at peace with the Empire, they are by no means allies. Courted by both the Empire and the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]], the Dukes have been content to to play both interests off against each other. They made some concessions to the Liberty Pact by "redefining" their slaves as "serfs", but those who have actually visited Suranni lands say that the lives of the lowest class of their society have barely improved with this change in terminology.

The Iron Confederacy are a militaristic nation. They have captured the former Children of Wrecks strongholds in [[Feroz]] and [[Madruga]], and now control the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]]. They are also engaged in a war of conquest against the Lasambrian Jotun, fighting in the hills of [[Reinos]] and by all accounts have already captured several regions.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorIronConfederacy.png|caption='''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Despite their proximity, and long history with the Empire, the Iron Confederacy remains something of a mystery. The full extent of Suranni lands is unknown, for example. Some merchants claim it rivals the Empire in size, but that seems very unlikely indeed. As one gloomy scholar once put it, if the Iron Confederacy was ''that'' big and powerful they'd have tried to conquer the entire Empire decades ago - and given Imperial history there's a reasonable chance they would have succeeded.
===Peace In Our Time===
* '''A diplomatic delegation has been sent to Anvil to discuss a potential treaty'''
* '''They are expected to arrive in Anvil at 20:00 on Friday to begin discussions'''

With the Children of Wrecks dealt with, the dukes of the Iron Confederacy are sending a formal delegation to negotiate the treaty that the Empire has requested several times. Baroness Lavasse is sending two of her most trusted aides, who are also coincidentally members of her own extended family. There has been some back-and-forth between the Ambassadors about what these negotiations will entail, but discussions are likely to involve the Suranni holdings in the Brass Coast, the conquest of the Lasambrian Hills, the threat of the Hand of Dumon, and improved trade between the two nations.

The delegation is expected to arrive in Anvil at around eight o'clock on Friday evening.
===Wings of War===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kobol.PNG|align=left|caption=Kobol is named the Maiden of Battles, and is said to be the most popular of the Suranni gods.|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Suranni offer Imperial warbands a chance to fight alongside their armies in Reinos
* '''Military units who accept their offer will be paid more if they are experienced veterans
* '''They will turn away purely magical military units created with ritual magic
When the Iron Confederacy [[navy|navies]] attacked Free Landing, they received some support from [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair|corsairs]]. The Dukes - or at least some of them - are clearly pleased with how that went. As such, Baroness Lavasse has been empowered to extend an offer to the mercenaries of the Empire. This season there is an opportunity for Imperial [[military unit|warbands]] to fight alongside the Suranni conquerors in Reinos. They'll receive a small payment and be able to claim a share of the plunder taken from the Lasambrian barbarians.

After the Autumn Equinox, any Imperial military unit taking the [[Military_unit#Campaigning|campaigning]] action will be able to support the ''Black Eagle Banner'' under General Hendrick. A typical warband will receive a payment of 3 ingots of [[green iron]] and valuables worth 108 rings, along with 6 random resources worth of loot. An [[military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or suitably [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit will receive more loot. The Iron Confederacy values elite warriors and veterans more than less experienced soldiers, and as such any military unit that contributes 200 strength to the campaign receives an extra 72 rings, and any unit contribution 300 strength or more receives another 72 rings on top of that.

General Hendrick also has a personal desire to fight alongside the knights of Dawn; any Dawnish military unit that fights with the Black Eagle Banner this season will receive another 2 ingots of green iron (for a total of 5) no matter how experienced they are.

There is one potential problem; purely magical troops will be greeted with horror by the Suranni. If anyone sends soldiers created with rituals such as [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]], [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]], or [[Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort]] to fight in Reinos it will trigger a diplomatic incident.
<div style="float:right; width: 100px; clear: left;">[[file:Naeve.png|width=200]]</div>
===Tribulations===
* '''The territory of Arbonne to the south of the Empire has been hit with another curse
* '''The worst effects of the curse were mitigated by the warding temples but the Autumn harvest will still be poor
After a season or so of quiet, another terrible [[curse]] has fallen on the province of [[Arbonne]] (which the Empire knows as the hills of Kalino). The curse is apparently a working of [[Winter magic]] that bears some resemblance to [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]], inflicting terrible weather and threatening to ruin the Autumn harvest. Fortunately it seems the warding temple built in Arbonne has done its work, and while there has been damage to the crops the harvest won't completely fail.

This is only limited consolation to the Duke of Arbonne, ''Harold Guiscard'', and the Suranni merchants who pass through the territory to visit the Empire. If not for the fact that Baroness Lavalle clearly accepts the [[Seeds_of_discord#Hand_of_Dumon|Ambassador's assurance]] that the Empire is not involved with the Hand of Dumon it is likely he would be demanding action from the Conclave.
===The Gods of the South===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SuranniPantheon.jpg|caption=The idols of the Iron Confederacy|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Suranni are all technically proponents of the Theist Heresy as defined by a recent Synod proscription'''
There is another matter that is potentially of concern, but which currently the Suranni have refrained from commenting on. It is entirely possible they are unaware of it as it relates to the Synod - the Iron Confederacy generally does not bother with the judgements of the Empire's "false priests." It regards a [[proscription]] by '''Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament''' identifying the [[ 388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_114|Theist heresy]]. It is heresy to "''claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over, or communion with sapient spirits''." Anyone with even a nodding acquaintance with the [[Suranni_pantheon|Suranni religion]] knows that they revere [[Suranni_pantheon#Gods_and_Goddesses|six gods]], and hold the seventh [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|responsible for all evil in the world]].

This proscription brands every Suranni visiting the Empire as a heretic. Any statement from Baroness Lavasse that talks about the [[Suranni_pantheon#Suran,_the_Queen_of_Heaven|Queen of Heaven]], the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kavol,_the_Veiled_King|Veiled King]] or the four Maidens, is heretical. References to Dumon the Liar are references to ideas that are heresy.

It remains to be seen how the Suranni will react once this matter is brought to their attention. They are likely to be very angry about any suggestion their people should keep their belief in the gods of the Iron Confederacy to themselves as the price of doing business in the Empire.
{{Faraden Links}}
{{Suranni Links}}

Dream on

2026-09-07T14:13:39Z

Novemberalice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenda laughed "Tell that to the Wintermarkers! They know the importance of naming something. A name reflects a thing's fate, it shapes the nature of something, just as the nature of something shapes the name it takes on. Fate can be powerful and dramatic like a crack of lightning, and it can be as subtle as a silverfish slipping through a net. You might never notice the effects of our home becoming the City of Dreams, sure as eggs are eggs they'll be there. Maybe not this week, maybe not this year, maybe not in our lifetimes. But this is the City of Dreams now... and that ''matters''..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rising Smoke.jpg|caption=The "Dream Harvest" - referring to the vivid dreams experienced by many involved in refining vinum sap into liao - has drawn the dreamspeakers together in Seren, City of Dreams.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46uQ9Kmxfv4}}
While much of the focus in the Empire has been on the construction of the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], the [[Navarr]] have been quietly working to complete an inspiration of their own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodwill

2026-09-07T14:13:07Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Highest Calling]]
<ic>"You know the problem with some people?" Gavyn was once again in a mood. The new boots he had just finished embroidering with sigil of the Black Thorns as a present for his wife had just been completely vaporised by the scales of a coiled shrike. Myfanwy was also in a mood having just had an unpleasant encounter with a coiled shrike.

"That all they do is moan?", she snarked.

"Yes, that", replied Gavyn, missing the sarcasm completely. "People think that putting someone in charge of something is as good as solving the problem."

"Having people working on a problem ''is'' usually a requirement", sighed Fan.

"Yes, but I mean, giving someone a fancy title is all well and good, but without the actual, you know, power to do something they couldn't do before, how it can make a difference?"

"Things take time," Fan countered, "you can't walk a trod in an afternoon. You need to be patien-"

"I'm sick of being patient! There are folk dying in Therunin right now! We should be there - fighting the vallorn, fighting to save our people. Instead we've got Conclave interdenting rituals meant for fighting the enemy!"

"Inter-dicting, and don't interrupt me, dickhead."

"Sorry love. I just don't understand why we're not doing anything. Why we seem to be going backwards instead of forwards. It makes my blood boil."

"Sounds like ''you'' should run for something then, if you'd do such a good job"

"Fuck no, do you know how much they charge for a slice of cake at Anvil? I've got boots to buy."</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Blood for Poppies.jpg|caption=The final battle against the vallorn looms ever closer.|align=left|width=600|alt=""}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Cge3EeBT0}}
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|highest calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations.
==Glorious Blossom==
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send Lord Reynard Griffinsong with 75 liao to urge citizens of the Empire to come to Greenwood Manor to venture forth against the enemy. Let the Vallornguard lead us to glory!|by=Earl of Fools, Dawnish Assembly|vote=242-118|when=Summer 388YE}}
The Dawnish Assembly have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers who might seek to quest against the Vallorn, rather than focusing Dawnish efforts. If the [[388YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Knight_of_the_Greenwood|administrative motion]] is passed by the Senate, then military units from across the Empire will be able to undertake the '''Quest Against the Vallorn''' [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|venture]].

More remains to be done, however, and thanks to the skilled negotiation of Dawnish enchanters and their enthusiastic patrons, new opportunities have been negotiated with ''The Lone Swordsman'' while the weavers of Astolat have identified a way to help Dawnish magicians take the fight to the vallorn.

===Silverfire Steam===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Effervescent Brook'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: Ministry''' </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Grovesyard, Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 4 weirwood, 4 ilium and 12 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' One season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Provides an additional ministry to the Tender of the Phoenix Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year </td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Vials of Whitesmoke'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>12 tempest jade</td><td>1 vial</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 tempest jade</td><td>2 vials</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 tempest jade</td><td>3 vials</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Whitesmoke Brook could be diverted to flow through the regio upon which the Flame of the Phoenix is built'''
* '''Doing so would allow the Tender of the Phoenix Flame to purchase vials of Whitesmoke'''
[[Meraud]], or more specifically his herald ''Gwinthav who speaks with Majesty'' has come forward with an offer to the Dawnish in order for them to better combat the threat of the Vallorn. ''Gwinthav'' has an interest in rituals that turn the tide of battle, and knows how to create consumables that boost those that unleash devastating effects on multiple enemies, such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]]. The herald is keen to support their friends in Dawn in getting more of these rituals cast and seizes this opportunity to reach out. They note that [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]] and [[Grave's Treacherous Edge]] are rituals of this kind that are extremely potent when facing the ''Green Tide'', and ''Gwinthav'' is willing to provide vials of the dense mist that rise from the waters of Meraud's lake that can empower magicians to make it easier for them to perform the rituals.

In order to enable the agreement, Whitesmoke Brook would need to be diverted to pass through the regio upon which the [[Astolat#Flame_of_the_Phoenix|Flame of the Phoenix]] is built. The Brook is well known for its natural effervescence, but it is not large. It's much smaller than a river, so diverting it isn't difficult, but it does require some engineering and a touch of magic to bind it all in place. Once done, that would allow ''Gwinthav'' and their apprentices to help the staff of the [[Tender of the Phoenix Flame]] harvest the effervescent water into a strange potion that would boost a magician's ability to cast rituals that invoked the venomous properties of Spring over a large area.
<div style="max-width: 900px;">
<box>'''Vial of Whitesmoke'''<br>
If inhaled, a vial of whitesmoke provides three additional ranks to the next ritual that performed within ten minutes that allows the target to call [[Calls#Mass_Calls|MASS VENOM]] ([[The Grave's Treacherous Edge]] or [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]]), subject to the normal rules for effective skill. The caster regains all expended hero points and mana if they perform an appropriate ritual in the time allowed. This is a tonic, so the effect of any other tonic the magician has drunk immediately ends. Anyone who consumes whitesmoke will experience a heady rush of energy and confidence that leaves most eager to test their ability to push the limits of magic to see how much they could accomplish.</box></div>

===The Outlaw Prince===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Swear to oppose oppressors'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Acceptance</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' The wording must be as follows: "Tyrants can never know Love or Glory. The Eastern Sky swears to overthrow tyrants wherever they are and oppression wherever it may appear."</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Allows the Eastern Sky to call upon Hayaak's aid when fighting monstrous enemies such as the vallorn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Regardless of who raises the declaration, the oath must be sworn by Dame Aurum or the new General of the Eastern Sky before the Conclave</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Hayaak has offered to support the Eastern Sky to help them to fight the vallorn'''
* '''The General of the Eastern Sky would need to swear a sacred vow before Conclave to oppose tyranny to gain the benefits'''
* '''The general could embrace the eternal to the exclusion of one or more existing patrons of the army'''
The [[Eastern Sky]] is [[Army qualities#Favoured|favoured]] by five eternals of Summer Realm, but not [[Hayaak]], the ''Peregrine Knight''. At one time the ruler of the Forest of Arden, the ''Outlaw Prince'' is now a lone warrior who has made a home of the Badlands. No longer one of the Monarchs of Summer, ''Sharptalon'' now prefers to focus his attention on those individuals who catch his eye, those with promise and the fire to better themselves in their belly.

The ''Hawk Lord'' remains defiant and Proud in his new role, and quick to act over any perceived injustice. He resents that he was unable to offer the Eastern Sky a chance to win his favour as a patron, as if that might imply that he is somehow ''less'' important an ally than those tyrants in their gilded castles. Thus he is eager to take his rightful place as one of the army's patrons, and demonstrate his strength. What's more, while he has changed, his desire to hunt monsters endures, and the great aberrations of the vallorn seem like a worthy challenge for those who would seek his favour.

Thus, he makes an offer to the General of the Eastern Sky. Should they swear an oath to commit themselves to standing against the acts of tyrants wherever they may appear, he will offer them his aid in fighting the Vallorn. This will allow the Eastern Sky to take a new attacking order called '''Slay the Monsters'''.

<box>'''Slay the Monsters'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army against the vallorn are increased by three tenths'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army is increased by one tenth'''

The strength and fury of Hayaak flows through the soldiers of the army, driving them to risk everything to defeat monstrous foes such as the Vallorn. The army's discipline breaks down somewhat, as individuals gloriously engage the largest and most dangerous beasts they can find. The soldiers of the Sky are driven to seek out and test themselves against the greatest fecund creatures that the vallorn's twisted chaos has spawned. Taking down these creatures quickly reduces the strength of any force of the vallorn present, but increases the risk to the soldiers taking on the most dangerous fights.

If a general issues an order to Slay the Monsters while not engaging the Vallorn (the only monstrous threat the Empire faces at this time), then the army will instead make an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|overwhelming assault]].</box>
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">[[file:EasternSky_Colour.png|link=Eastern Sky]]</div>
Hayaak demands that this oath be sworn publicly by one whom people will know can speak with the voice of the Sky - either the current general of the Eastern Sky, '''Dame Aurum De Castellan''', or their successor. Their most recent [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern_Sky|orders]] imply that they do not intend to stand again as general, but Hayaak will accept either them as the long-standing general, trusted by the nation to be the voice of the people's army, or their successor, to start a new chapter in the army's story. Should that oath ever be broken in the eyes of the ''Hunter of Beasts'', however, not only will this support be withdrawn, but his wrath will fall on the Eastern Sky and whoever leads them.

Hayaak does still wish to be clear that he stands ''against'' the Tyrants of the Summer Lands, and so makes a further offer. The General of the Eastern Sky can draw on each of their patrons but once a year - that would include the Peregrine Knight, so they can only use an order to slay the monsters once a year. However, if the Eastern Sky ''renounces'' their patrons by name when they take their vow, the ''Masterless Warrior'' will grant them an additional annual use of this order for each patron renounced.

===The Fool's Council===
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td>'''Earls and Enchanters Attending Anvil'''''</tr>
<tr><td> Adela </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adrianna Lysander </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aenar de Forteair </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aeron Rhoswen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aiva Vortekar </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alara Me'drazi </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alaric Primrose </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alexander Tallstag </td></tr>
<tr><td> Althea Lacvaugn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amaranth </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aneira Cadwalon </td></tr>
<tr><td> Barbus Hart </td></tr>
<tr><td> Beorn Alaric Valkonen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cain Culrose Veridaine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Caladain de Renard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cedric Of Camris </td></tr>
<tr><td> D'Eon </td></tr>
<tr><td> Don Tonberry </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dorian Gryphontale </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Adel de Òrdraig </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Beauregard Summersend </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Ector of House Medwood </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Slava Goranin Du Beste </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Temperance of the Groves </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl Xaden Hammerfall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Earl-Enchanter Ciagan de Rhys </td></tr>
<tr><td> Edvin </td></tr>
<tr><td> Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés </td></tr>
<tr><td> Englebert R Angleburr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Guissart Vexille </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwendoline de Morvae </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Ailsa Tamerlaine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Griffinsbain </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lady Renata de Lagriffe </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lamorak Lacvaugn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lilian Goldvein </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Olivia de Havilland </td></tr>
<tr><td> Logan Tallstag </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Dorian De Licorne </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Edmund the Enchanter of House Torawyr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Loria Sepulchre </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lucien Belmont </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lyr du Charlataine </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lyra de Stanton </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mal` Lassal Scethos of House Cordraco </td></tr>
<tr><td> Marrianne of House Elyan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Martin De Rondell </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mirella of the Twisted Rose </td></tr>
<tr><td> Morien de Carsenere </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olivier du Stanier </td></tr>
<tr><td> Perrin Syrenus </td></tr>
<tr><td> Reynard Du Vulpe </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rillian De Gauvain </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rosalind du Alle </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ruskin Maddox </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabine Angleburr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seidon Kendaii </td></tr>
<tr><td> Seraphine De Sarroi </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sir Eggbert Ovum </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sir Valstrax Crimsonglow </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sophia Ivarovich Orzel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sotha Me'drazi </td></tr>
<tr><td> The Earl of Fools </td></tr>
<tr><td> Torag Meliora </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tristan Donatien Nicholas Reynauld </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tristan duLac </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulpin de Boarwood </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valentin Ivarovich Orzel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valgrim Ursandir Du Vol </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesenia Hall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesper Lucentia </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''If the Earl's Council officially supports the highest calling it will create a further opportunity to prepare for the fight against the vallorn'''
* '''If the Earl's Council backs a different cause then people will look for an opportunity to advance that goal instead'''
* '''One of the hosts of the Dawnish egregore will be on hand to record if a vote is upheld'''
It was the Earl of Fools who put forward the judgement to the Dawnish Assembly to make the fight against the vallorn Dawn's highest calling. That focus [[Love and monsters|produced a slew of opportunities]] to devote resources to fight the vallorn, which remain available until the end of the Spring Equinox next year. There is more that might be done, potentially, but it's not fully clear that everyone is committed to this cause.

During the conquest of the Barrens, the Dawnish Assembly took a very different view of the struggle than that of some Dawnish generals. It's impossible to know how deep those differences ran, but to many outside Anvil it seemed like the Assembly and their generals were not always on the same page. Perhaps as a result, some nobles and yeofolk, particularly those less inclined to follow the guidance of their Assembly, haven't committed to this cause as strongly as they might.

What would help now would be for the Earl's Council to put their own voice behind that of the Assembly. If they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Assembly and officially agreed that the fight against the vallorn was the nation's highest calling, then that would be bound to generate at least one additional [[opportunity]] for Dawn to prepare for the coming war.

Of course, such a decision implies that Dawn would be making the war with the vallorn a priority over other conflicts, such as the current war with the [[Druj]], or even the battles in the west and the south against the [[Jotun]] and the [[Grendel]]. If you decide something is your ''highest'' calling, then by extension, everything else is less important. The Council could ask those who look to their earls for leadership to make a different issue their priority and find some [[opportunity]] to pursue that cause instead.

To help the council with their determinations, the civil service has provided a list of earls and enchanters who have indicated they are attending Anvil this season.
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Corey Wayfarer with 50 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the Highborn to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Corey Wayfarer, Navarr Assembly|vote=126-50|when=Summer 388YE}}
==Vows==
It is Highguard's turn to receive visiting Navarr, eager to share everything they know that can help undo ''Terunael's Folly'' and provide opportunities for the Vallornguard to prosper across the Empire. Many Navarr are well known to the grey pilgrims from their time walking the trods together in recent years, and they receive a warm welcome in chapter houses across the nation.

The grey pilgrims are eager to discuss the Vallornguard and the fight against the enemy, even as they encourage the Navarr to take advantage of the nation's hospitality. Weary Navarr who have been travelling the Empire are encouraged to [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Unburdening|unburden]] themselves so that they can put aside old responsibilities and prepare to take on new ones as they lead the Empire to war against the vallorn.

===Convergence===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Vallornguard Office'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Riverwatch, Reikos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of white granite and 48 crowns </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Establishes a central headquarters for the Vallornguard
* Grants an income of 15 crowns to the Speaker of the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise Vallornguard Chancery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Appraise the construction of a chancery in Reikos or Casinea for the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could commission offices for the Vallornguard in Tabernacle in Reikos'''
* '''The Senate could appraise the possibilities to build a grand chancery for the sodality in either Reikos or Casinea'''
* '''If the resulting commission was successful, then the Senate could order similar appraisals for the other sodalities'''
The Highborn have looked to what new support they might offer the Vallornguard, and they note that there is no central headquarters as yet for the sodality. The [[Vallornguard#Speaker_of_the_Vallornguard|Speaker]] has no offices to occupy, no place to receive delegations, no home to house supporting staff - somewhere those across the Empire can come to offer other aid. The Highborn would be honoured to host the Vallornguard in Highguard, and believe the [[Reikos#The_Unbound_Steel_Hall_(Ruined)|Unbound Steel Hall]] in [[Reikos#Riverwatch|Tabernacle]] would be ideal. It has remained a ruin since the ''scions'' of the [[Cold Sun]] razed it some years ago. The foundations remain, however, and it could be rebuilt as a formidable chapter house for '''Corwyn Heartsbane''' and his successors to situate themselves. The estates in the grounds of the chapter house would provide a valuable income to help the fund of the office of Speaker, helping them to lead the sodality.

The proposal is fine, but they don't go far enough to satisfy everyone. With the backing of the Senate, a much more ambitious structure in Highguard would facilitate a deep well of support for the Vallornguard, which could be transformational for the sodality. ''Exarch Solomon of the Epistemological Architects'', who has recently been helping out with the plans for the Sevenfold Path in the Necropolis, points to the example set by the [[Golden_Pyramid#Grand_Lodge|grand lodge]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] or the [[In_harmony_and_unison|proposal for the Sevenfold Path]] as examples of what can be achieved when the Empire invests the necessary time and resources to create something extraordinary. The Vallornguard is a sodality; in theory, it is as important in its own right as the Conclave - it is every bit as significant as the Golden Pyramid. Why shouldn't support for it match theirs?

Of course that begs the question of what this "chancery" might do and how big it would need to be? The grander the scale, the more impact it will have; such is the way of things. To answer either of those questions, the Empire would need to appraise the possibilities of constructing a chancery for the Vallornguard in Highguard. The appraisal would have to explicitly instruct the prognosticators to look at the others in either Reikos ''or'' Casinea to see what possibilities exist.

If the appraisal was a success and the Senate adopted the commission, then similar appraisal options would be available for the other sodalities - looking to find a suitable chancery to provide a firm base of support for each extension of the Imperial government and to help them uphold their responsibilities and further their goals.

===Reinforcement===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Elect Pilgrim's Defiance via Vallornguard'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion:''' Change the title of General of the Pilgrim's Defiance to be elected by a simple vote of the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The General of the Pilgrim's Defiance is elected by vote of the Vallornguard rather than Highborn Senators
* The title would remain a Highborn position open to any member of the nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Indefinite</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Senate could amend the Pilgrim's Defiance to have it be elected by the Vallornguard'''
* '''With the support of the Vallornguard, the army would gain the ability to preach the end of the vallorn while resupplying, generating liao for the general'''
The Highborn have been committed to the fight against the vallorn for much of the last decade. First, those who felt the calling to be a [[grey pilgrim]] joined the stridings of Navarr to walk the trods. Then, when the call went out for the pilgrimage to end, they came home and formed the core of the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]]. An army whose core purpose is to stand against any horrors the vallorn they may face and now be cowed. Surely, say many grey pilgrims, the general of this army should be elected by the Vallornguard?

Virtue is shown by the unity of word and deed, and so if the Senate show their commitment to the cause by changing the election method of the Defiance to be done by vote of the Vallornguard, the army will be able to spend its time while resupplying preaching and encouraging the citizens of the territory they find themselves in to believe that the Empire is all-in and that the centuries old foe can be defeated in this lifetime. As a consequence, the civil service would supply the general with a commensurate amount of liao as they would for any congregation.

Changing the title to be appointed by the Vallornguard wouldn't change the nation of the title - it would still be a Highborn national position. That means it would be elected by a simple vote of members of the sodality, but the title would be open to any Highborn citizen (even if they weren't a member of the sodality).

<box>'''Preach the end of the Vallorn'''
* '''The army generates liao based on the number of victory points generated'''
* '''Does not change army strength, casualties inflicted or casualties suffered'''
The army spends the the season bolstering the faith of Imperial citizens to stand against the Vallorn, and that the ultimate achievement of its destruction is soon to pass. If the army is not attacked during the season, then a regular army will generate thirty-five liao at full strength, or proportionally less if the army is depleted.</box>

===Cursed Tool===
The Stewards of the [[Necropolis]] have spent the season with the aid of Navarri historians looking through their collections and the various tombs of figures from shortly after the founding of the Empire. After much effort, they have recovered and analysed a relic that appears to have been the property of Rhonwen, the archmage who famously sacrificed herself as part of the [[Reclamation of Seren|reconquest of Seren]]. Seren was recently reborn, but this piece of history may give the Navarri one last look at where that story began, and the Vallornguard some insight into the killing of the first heart.

After careful recovery (and a little restoration), this wand has been found to be capable as acting as a focus for [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to speak with the shade of Rhonwen herself; however, there are some "small" issues that need to be resolved.
*It's cursed. Really, really cursed. This makes it a truly ''awful'' item to handle, but also means that using it for a person who died over three centuries ago is an incredibly volatile and frankly, outright dangerous undertaking. The Stewards are ''pretty'' sure it will call forth the shade of Rhonwen, but cannot vouch for the state of her shade or if anything else might try to come through with her.
*Who should they give it to? The [[Imperial Necromancer]]? The Senator for [[Miaren]]? The Speaker of the [[Vallornguard]]? The [[Archmage of Winter]]? The Stewards ask that the Highborn Assembly guide them as to who, if anyone, care of this item should be given to, in order to arrange the casting. The judgement with the highest margin will tell them who to deliver it to for the Winter Solstice.

The Stewards advise that there was a rather excellent [[On_Rhonwen%27s_Fall|piece]] of [[historical research]] done recently that would be a worthwhile read for any who take an interest in the matter.

==Restriction==
<div {{Float}}>
{{SOP|statement=The Great Forest Orcs see Surut as the Ancestor Slayer - the one who burns down their family in Weirwood Groves. We swear an oath to not use Surut's power in the Vallorn War for deforesting of their ancestral groves. The weirwood protects against the Vallorn. Remember your oaths for the Great Forest Orcs, Navarr. We do not burn our familys souls.|by=Brynmor Rootround, Navarr Assembly|vote=146-80|when=Summer 388YE}}
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Interdict Magical Deforestation'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Interdiction</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Makes it illegal for Imperial magicians to deforest regions using magic</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Declare Enmity on Surut of the Thrice-Cursed-Court'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Declaration Type:''' Alignment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Places Surut under Enmity, making it illegal for Imperial citizens to make deals with the eternal
* The raising order or the Archmage will gain a bequeathment from the Great Forest Orcs while Surut remains under enmity
* If the declaration is raised by the Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration, the bequeathment will go to the individual while Surut remains under enmity</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Imperial Conclave could interdict the practice of destroying areas of forest with magic to improve relations with the Great Forest Orcs'''
* '''If the Conclave places Surut under enmity, the Great Forest Orcs will bequeath three wains of weirwood each season to the order or the archmage that raised the declaration'''
'''Brynmor Rootround''' took it upon themselves to action the [[Survival#Hercynia|request]] made by the orcs of the Great Forest, offering to help defend Imperial infrastructure from the vallorn with regard to their great foe; the [[Surut|Ancestor Slayer]]. It did not achieve a greater majority and thus did not circulate far beyond the priests of Anvil, but the orcs have been in discussion with the vates of Navarr to learn how the Imperial powers of state might be used to achieve their aims. The aegis to determine the fit and proper use of magic falls to the Conclave after all, not the Synod.

This season, the orcs have made an appeal to any who have influence in the Conclave to [[Interdiction|interdict]] the act of magical deforestation. If done, they will follow through with their offer of aid to help fortify the heartwood. Instead, if the Conclave are willing to [[Alignment#Enmity|turn away]] from the ''Silencing Flame'' completely, they will offer a bequeathment of three wains of [[weirwood]] for the order that raises it, or to the office of the [[Archmage of Winter]] if they use their declaration to do so for as long as the declaration stands.

The bees of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic

2026-09-06T10:46:12Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:History]][[Category:Inspirations]]
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Honey Bee.jpg|align=left|caption=Kvetmir Kvetmirovic is remembered as a harmless exemplar of Prosperity who was very keen on bees. But is that the whole story?|width=350}}</div>
==Introduction==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/ylrVePq1nEk?is=hdSbgEViCAny-VyD}}
At the Spring Equinox, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower asked the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus|Heirs of Lepidus]] to investigate Kvetmir Kvetmirovic, sometimes called the Bee Shepherd. Recognised as an [[exemplar]] of [[Prosperity]] in the reign of [[Empress Varkula]], they specifically suggested the Heirs look for any suggestion that Kvetmir might have had hidden [[heresy|heretical]] leanings.

The commission also included a significant number of bee-themed puns which is notable but has no bearing on the resulting essay.

==Early Life==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Runny hunny.jpg|align=left|caption=Long used in both cooking and brewing, Kvetmir helped popularise the use of honey in medicine.|width=350}}</div>
As near as we can ascertain, Kvetmir Kvetmirovic was born in the vale of Zoloto in approximately 200BE. Precise dating is tricky because there are no available records from that time, and we are often having to rely on stories rather than any actual documents. We're indebted to the people of [[Karov#Skoremujac|Skoremujac]], who shared many tales that form the basis of this report.

While he travelled from time to time, he spent most of his life in and around Zoloto and never lived for any extended period of time anywhere else. In his youth Kvetmir was fascinated by animals of all kinds, but especially bees. One particular prized relic kept by the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] priests of Zoloto are several pieces of cheap parchment sealed between pieces of clear glass covered in intricate drawings of bees and their hives apparently drawn by Kvetmirovic in his younger days. It's clear he had a keen observational eye, and a deft hand with a piece of charcoal. The custodians of the little shrine to his inspiration regretfully indicated that there were many more such sketches at one point, but the fragile parchments all too often fell victim to the ravages of time.

According to the stories, Kvetmir was a man with a quiet nature, who showed gentle respect to all creatures. Nonetheless he was willing to take up an axe in the defence of his vale, and of the bees he loved, on the rare occasions when it became necessary. He never served in an [[army]], or indeed any organised body of soldiers, although he supported the [[schlacta]] of the apparently good-natured boyar of Zoloto throughout his life.

In some stories, he shows a lack of interest in material wealth, claiming that the only gold he needed was the gold of honey and of the bright sun in the sky. When offered a pile of silver in return for selling his hives to a merchant-boyar from [[Miekarova]], Kvetmir refuses point blank, saying that he already had everything he would ever need and that nobody should want more than they need.

He trained as an [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]], but ancient letters preserved in Zoloto alongside his sketches speak of how hard he found it. He described himself as 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. Reading closer, he also wrote of the idea that what is easy for one person can be hard for another, either due to circumstance or natural tendency, and that it was important for a wise person to understand that. Someone who struggles with a task but works hard to complete it, he wrote, is as at least as worthy of respect as someone who achieves the same task easily.

Kvetmir never lost his appreciation for bees. He had some views that would be considered esoteric today, including the belief that bees were possessed of a unique sense for magic and especially magical disturbances; that in the wild they would often align their hives with the flows of mana; and that the "swarm" or "hive" was the actual creature even though it was made up of hundreds of individual bodies.

He is widely credited with encouraging the use of honey in [[Technology#Medicine|medicine]], especially in the treatment of infections and burns. He also prescribed it regularly as a way to deliver other medicaments, claiming that it was a form of "living [[ambergelt]]" that was rich with wholesome energies. By all accounts he managed to achieve some miraculous cures using honey and [[herbs]] to create medicines and poultices, but modern healers are not able to replicate everything ascribed to him. While some claim this is a sign of his spiritual power, others argue that he was using a different ''kind'' of honey to that collected by the humble honey bee.

While there is no clear-cut evidence, it is notable that Kvetmir argued that the best beehives were kept in areas with ready access to flowering herbs, especially [[marrowort]], [[true vervain]], and ''bloodbloom'' (a very old name for [[Imperial Roseweald]]). There's also some evidence that Kvetmir was aware of [[realmsroot]], and had some experience in its cultivation, although his techniques appear to have been lost in the five centuries since his death. Its possible that by keeping healing herbs and magical plants in close proximity, and by tending to the bees carefully, the honey Kvetmir harvested possessed additional medicinal properties above and beyond those found in the golden liquid created by most beehives.

==The Golden Book==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bee House.jpg|align=right|caption=Beehives vary greatly in shape, size, and complexity from hollow logs, to carefully positioned pots, to purpose-built bee apartments designed with cutting edge League engineering.|width=350}}</div>
Varushkans have always kept honey bees, and the oldest stories suggest the practice was begun by the paragon [[Zoria]]. Kvetmir however is credited with revolutionising beekeeping and honey gathering thanks in part to the intense study he made of how bees lived, and how their swarms operated. His understanding of bees and their hives seems to have gone beyond the merely practical, and into the realms of mysticism. He believed that by tending to swarms of bees, and keeping them healthy, the people of a community would symbolically find it easier to tend to and maintain the health of other animals and each other. He also saw something deeply meaningful in the way that a hive of bees, protected from predators and tended by an apiarist, would repay their keeper with honey and wax. A symbiotic relationship where both benefitted.

Obviously Kvetmir lived before the Way was established in Varushka, but in the early writings in his "Golden Book" there are several verses that are held to encapsulate certain [[Prosperity#Guidance_on_the_Path|tenets of Prosperity]]. That hard work would lead to rewards, and that wise people are not selfish but share their bounty with those who have worked for it. Of note is that the Golden Book is full of references to "the wise" and "wisdom" but there's no suggestion this is the [[Wisdom|Virtue]] of that name - rather it is a traditional Varushkan usage that encompasses ideas of common sense, tradition, and oral history.

The "Golden Book" then is more than just a collection of folk stories about bees, but contains spiritual truths that resonate with many who read it. The text depicts individual bees as being mere animals, but ascribes a higher form of consciousness that approaches sapience to a swarm as a whole. Individual bees cannot build a hive, but a group of bees can construct a haven for themselves and their offspring. In the same way, individual people can be weak but groups that work together towards a common goal can achieve great things.

It is perhaps due to its gentle wisdom that the book is still found across the Empire today. The most common modern edition was first printed eighty years ago in [[Sarvos]], and that is the version most people who know of it are familiar with. It is somewhat abridged; the common version removes two stories considered to be "unsuitable" for virtuous readers. The first concerns a trio of travelling musicians in [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] who are cheated by greedy villagers after performing at a wedding, and use their music to rile all the bees of the nearby forest to sting those who have wronged them to death. The other story involves a child who insists on stealing the honey from their neighbour's hives and ends up suffering a gruesome death when the bees force their way down their throat and transform the corpse into a new hive. Both were struck because they were considered to glorify the false spiritual power of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|vengeance]].

Kvetmir did not agree, incidentally. In earlier editions of the "Golden Book" these stories are presented alongside the others and the only editorial note is that cheats, swindlers, and thieves often bring punishment down on their own heads. From a certain perspective, it could be argued that these are lessons about the importance of despising the thieving bandit and the grasping miser.

The rest of the stories are what one might expect from Varushka; a little dark in places but with a clear moral about the importance of hard work, looking after members of your family, earning the gifts of magical bees by being honest and sensible, and so forth. We do not think there is anything there to worry the virtuous.

==The Blind Bandit==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thirsty bee.jpg|align=right|caption=Providing tiny amounts of sugary water to tired bees is a custom that continues to this day in many parts of the Empire.|width=350}}</div>
According to the story, 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.

The story refers to a kind of traditional Varushkan wedding that has fallen out of favour in recent years but is still practiced in some parts of the nation. When two folk from different vales seek to wed, it is common for one spouse to move to the vale of the other. In this case it is customary for the family and friends of the spouse who dwells in the vale where they will make a life together to travel to the other spouse's vale and escort them and their family back to the vale where the marriage will take place. This was significantly more dangerous before the formation of the Empire, before the [[Varushkan Road|roads]] of Varushka were as widespread and well made as they are today.

To our surprise there may actually be a piece of evidence that this miracle actually happened. In northern Skjoremujac there is a very old statue standing at a crossroads that certainly seems to date to pre-Imperial times. It shows three figures, their features worn smooth by time and the elements. They huddle close together, and each has one hand on the shoulder of one of the others, with their other hand covering their eyes. The sculpture is referred to as the "Blind Bandits", and is said to mark the location where the bees struck down the thieves who beset the wedding party. It may be that this statue is apocryphal - the story of the miraculous bees is very old after all - but it seems to commemorate an actual event rather than just a story.

==The Shroud of Bees==
Kvetmir died, allegedly at the age of seventy-seven (which is by no means impossible but seems a ''little'' pat). He became ill in early Summer, and as the season aged he began to be beset with terrible chills. He deteriorated swiftly, to the point where he could not get out of bed. The physick who attended him said he would not last much longer, and his many friends and close family gathered to pay final respects.

According to the story, on the final day all the bees in the surrounding area left their hives and came to the room where he lay abed. They came in such force they broke down the shutters over the windows, poured down the chimney, and rushed through the doors in a flood of tiny furry bodies. They covered the dying Kvetmir, and kept him warm with their bodies, and soothed his pains with their gentle hum. As one bee would tire, it would take flight and another settle onto the bed to take its place. Rather than having his final hours suffering from uncontrollable shivering, and a hacking cough, he passed peacefully. Descendants of those same bees, by all accounts, continue to live in Zoloto up until the present day. Their honey (and the spirits distilled from it) built the vale into the prosperous place it is today.

The story is interesting because, according to those who study the inspiration of Kvetmir, it shows that the bees repaid the respect with which the "Bee Shepherd" treated them. While he is an exemplar of Prosperity, Kvetmir also spoke a lot about the importance of farmers who tend animals to treat their beasts with gentle respect - not only bees but cattle, sheep, goats and other beasts. Animals are not slaves, he wrote, and we are not their masters. We are their stewards, and their hard work is no less worthy of reward than we are when we labour for payment.

There were some claims early in the history of the [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Vitalism|vitalism]] movement to claim Kvetmir as an inspiration, but for anyone who has actually made a study of the exemplar it is clear that his writings don't really support the typical vitalist attitude. He was less concerned about what people were putting in their bodies than he was about the way they treated creatures they considered "lesser" than themselves.
==Recognition==
Kvetmir was [[recognition|recognised]] as an exemplar of Prosperity in the early reign of Empress Varkula, as the result of a judgement brought by Marik Casmirovic Zoloto. The signs cited during the recognition were:

* [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence|Benevolence]], referencing his work spreading medicinal techniques and revolutionising bee husbandry through Varushka and beyond
* [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration|Inspiration]], meaning the early echoes of the virtue of Prosperity found in his remaining writings and his Golden Book
* [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracle|Miracle]], referencing both the wedding miracle and the miracle of the shroud of bees
* [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy|Legacy]], in the form of the Golden Book, but also the regal hives of Zoloto (although the original hives were replaced several times they were built to the same design as those Kvetmir created.

There was some very minor argument at the time that Kvetmir was truly an inspiration of Wisdom rather than Prosperity, but it was quickly quashed by the Varushkan assembly who threw their weight behind Marik Casmirovic on the matter. There is also evidence that Marik attempted to secure a dose of [[liao#True Liao|True Liao]] to perform a [[consecration]] at Zoloto, but his hopes were dashed. It is easy to forget that we are today quite blessed in the amount of Imperial Liao available to the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]], and in the earlier years of the Empire there was significantly less available. Despite pressure from Varushka, the idea of "wasting" a potential [[Past life vision|past life vision]] on a "mere" consecration to create a [[Inspirational location|place of pilgrimage]] for a figure easily dismissed as a minor Varushkan inspiration at best found little traction.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Big Bee.jpg|align=right|caption=Kvetmir appears to be a gentle, intense man who was fond of bees, about whom he had some odd ideas.|width=350}}</div>
==In Conclusion==
There is nothing in the life of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic that we can find to suggest that he is anything other than he appears to be. He seems to be a gentle, intense man who was very fond of bees, had some excellent ideas about using honey and cultivating bees, and developed from whole cloth ideas that seem obvious to us today with our greater understanding of the virtue of Prosperity.

There seem to be only two areas where there might be any controversy. The first is that some of his stories, and those in the Golden Book, have an element of punishing thieves. Arguably however, apart from the fact they involve bees rather than a stout cudgel they are no worse than those associated with [[Good Walder]] (although I must say that I had some very bad dreams for a week or two after reading the original story of the thieving child and the bees - the words were horrible but the little illustrations were so much worse).

The other is that he had strong views that the Synod might decide are heresy-adjacent. Specifically his beliefs regarding the role of the farmer as a steward, responsible for respecting non-human animals; and his esoteric theories that bees were remarkable creatures with supernatural senses able to perceive magic in ways humans are not.

Unless someone has a past life vision proving that Kvetmir Kvetmirovic went out of his way to be cruel to [[orc|orcs]], or secretly hid [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]] cultists under his bed, I think it is fair to say that he is a reasonably blameless exemplar of Prosperity whose inspiration is as valid today as it was in the reign of Empress Varkula.
==Further Reading==
* [[Saint of Bees]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune discussing the inspiration of Kvetmir Kvetmirovic

Rat King of Temeschwar

2026-09-06T10:45:13Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Two Rats.jpg|caption=Stories of a "dark power" beneath Temeschwar city have persisted for centuries.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Introduction==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/Xl2Syqv7i2E?is=aRQy5-ZgWX677FFB}}
During the Spring Equinox the [[Minister of Historical Research]], Watt of Lambrook, commissioned [[Historical_research#Octavia_of_Stream's_Source_Spire|Octavia of Stream's Source Spire]] to compile a history of the Rat King of [[Temeschwar]]. The [[Urizen]] researcher made a trip to the city, and set about trying to find out as much as possible. A preliminary investigation into the rodent problems besetting the city, commonly associated with the so-called "Rat King" had already been carried out by the [[Unfettered Mind]] and where possible Octavia avoided repeating what was [[Pitter_patter#Seers_and_Shitpipes|uncovered]] by the Imperial magicians.

==The Guild==
There are two Rat Kings in Temeschwar. The first is the [[Pitter_patter#The_Oldest_Guild|guild of that name]], made up of people who make their living in the filth of the city. They trace their history very convincingly back to the earliest days of Temeschwar as a settlement, and there is some evidence that their guild was ultimately formed from a fraternity of excavators who dug the first sewers beneath the then-[[Varushka|Varushkan]] vale once it became clear steps would be needed to deal with the waste of so many people living in close proximity. Their fortunes have risen and fallen, and are very much on the ascendant at the moment, but even when the city has been on its lowest ebbs they have remained cheerfully collecting buckets of waste, hunting rats, and expanding the sewers.

There is a lot of speculation that this guild is associated in some fashion with the ''other'' Rat King - the shadowy creature that allegedly lurks in the depths beneath the city - but there is nothing concrete to tie them to it. I asked them directly, and they were very guarded. The only thing they would say to me is that when you are in the hunting ground of a wolf, you either learn to live with the wolf, or it eats you. This reflects what I would describe as a notably Varushkan attitude among that guild, a reflection of the old roots of that particular professional organisation.

==The Beast==
I will not dwell on recent history. The events that [[They_bit_the_cats|began in early 386YE]] are a matter of public record. I was not able to find any suggestion that anything similar had happened in Temeschwar before, certainly not on that scale. Rats are found wherever there are humans or [[orc|orcs]], and nowhere are they found in greater profusion than they are in the cities of the League. It is said one is never more than a stone's throw from a rat in the cities of [[the League]], but more realistically one is never more than a sewer grating away from a whole swarm of the creatures.

From the days the first merchant-boyars came to power in Temeschwar, right back to the time of [[Ratibor of Temeschwar|Ratibor]], there were stories that ''something'' dwelled in the dark cracks of Temeschwar. The territory was part of Varushka before it was part of the League - and for that matter it was part of Varushka for longer than it has been part of the newer nation. There is a mostly forgotten legend that when the settlement that would grow into the great city of Temeschwar built its first walls, something dark slipped out of the woods of the [[Temeschwar#Vardstein Vale|Vardstein]] Vale and nestled unseen in the cellars and basements of the buildings here. Likely, this is a reference to the Rat King, although what form it took then when the city was so much smaller, I could not venture to say.

There are some semi-historical stories that speak of "curses" that could easily be looked at as the influence of the Rat King. In the time of Boyar Cherekovich (who ruled the city with an iron fist between 80BE and 74BE), [[Thule]] forces threatened [[Temeschwar#Vargat|Vargat]] and [[Temeschwar#Metri|Metri]]. The city was about to be swallowed by a predictably terrible winter, and the spectre of famine hovered over the people within their walls. The Thule for their part were well provisioned with food and supplies stolen from [[Wintermark]] in their march down through [[Skarsind]]. Apparently Cherekovich secured the services of a band of [[cabalists]] who laid an awful [[curse]] on the entire [[territory]]. As the first snows began to fall, thousands of rats emerged to devour a quarter of everything edible in the city - and to befoul and consume a solid half of all the supplies carried by the Thule. Disease struck the orc warriors, and a counterattack from Wintermark severed their supply lines. While hunger gnawed at the bellies of the folk of Temeschwar, the orcs were absolutely decimated by starvation and a phantom sickness that apparently caused "bloody sores" on their bodies and caused many to die in their sleep choking on their blood. When Spring came, the [[fortification#Garrison|garrison]] of Temeschwar easily defeated the surviving orcs, killing most and pressing the few with any vestige of remaining strength into service in the mines of Metri and [[Temeschwar#Locul|Locul]].

Interestingly, a record from a physick who examined the bodies of the dead orcs still survives in the possession of the ''[[They_bit_the_cats#Apothecary_Tales|Guild of the Green Flower]]''. Marianna Vavuschka wrote that the "sores" covering the bodies of the dead orcs could easily be mistaken for nasty bites. In some cases, the emaciated bodies were covered in so many "sores" it looked almost as if they had been eaten alive. Those who had died in their sleep had frozen expressions of abject terror that the otherwise stoic healer noted as "quite disturbing". Examination of the throat and stomach of some of these corpses found "lesions" that looked not entirely unlike claw marks. Marianna never comes out and says it directly but it seems that some of the symptoms of this sickness are similar to those a body might display if they had been attacked by murderous rats.

Regardless of what may or may not have happened, this story ends with Boyar Cherekovich paying the unnamed cabalists very well indeed and thanking them for their service.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Stormwater drain.jpg|align=right|caption=There is a maze beneath Temeschwar, and it is widely believed that something dark and terrible broods deep beneath the city streets.|width=400}}</div>

==False Death==
Another story that I found quite persistent dates from the early years after the death of [[Empress Britta]], during the time when the [[vyig]] were on the rise in the northern League in particular. According to this story, the skeletal remains of a human-like being were uncovered in an underground area of Temeschwar, pierced by a magical spear. Some of the stories suggest that there were [[Highguard|Highborn]] scholars involved in this discovery, while others say that the [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]] - everyone's favourite ''bete noir'' at that time - were somehow connected to the discovery. Regardless the story claims that this skeleton was killed by vyig assassins with a weapon forged by the [[volodny]] "Shadowsmith" specifically for the purpose.

There is some evidence "Shadowsmith" did indeed have a lair in Temeschwar, and that the vyig believed that the creature they killed with his assistance was the "sovereign of Temeschwar". In actual fact, it's clear that this was not the case. Most likely it was a servant or agent of the sovereign, or someone who was ''claiming'' a connection to an inhuman force to inspire fear in enemies and underlings.

The vyig continued to prosper, apparently with the patronage of the volodny in Temeschwar at least, until they were [[Fade out again|decisively torn to pieces]] by Imperial champions. Perhaps the aid of the volodny is not as potent as it was in the time of [[Alderei the Fair]], but it could be that the volodny simply threw them to the wolves because it was done with them.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] investigation of the rat plague in Summer 386YE were able to confirm that Shadowsmith paid for his temerity in making a weapon to harm the Rat King. Exploring some of the old tunnels, they came across a richly appointed apartment deep beneath the city. The [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]] revealed that this was the place "Where the volodny Shadowsmith was devoured by the King of Rats." This divination result - secured as it is with reliable Day magic - proved to be the first and most convincing proof of the existence of the King of Rats.

==The Cult of King Rat==
One last matter of interest concerns rumours of a "cult" dedicated to the dark power of the city. These stories go back to pre-Imperial times, but don't actually persist for long after Temeschwar helps [[The_League_history#Founding_the_League|found the League]] and joins the Empire. According to these scandalous tales, there was a cabal of Temeschwari who "honoured" the sovereign each Autumn, venturing deep beneath the city in a pilgrimage to a certain place where they would speak to the creature and make offering to it. A few stories claim these offerings took the form of murderous sacrifices, but this is a common calumny aimed at those who deal with sovereigns that is by no means universal. More stories suggest that the gifts handed over were items of value to form a part of the "hoard" atop which the sovereign sat. A symbolic sacrifice of the wealth of Temeschwar, perhaps, in return for which the cabalists benefitted from the creature's patronage.

This "cult" apparently disappeared from the stories of Temeschwar during the reign of [[Empress Teleri]]. According to lurid tales of the time, a low-key secret war took place in the shadows of Temeschwar between the wealthy cabalists and a band of plucky priests. It's challenging to dig through these accounts to try and extract any fragments of truth - whatever facts there may have been have been buried beneath nearly three centuries of embroidery and artifice.

It seems that one of the Temeschwari [[merchant Prince|merchant-princes]] visiting [[Anvil]] - Tobias Ligoto von Temeschwar - used a curse that resulted in the near-death of the well liked Highborn [[inquisitor]] Miriam of Zephaniah's Lament. Once the curse was placed, Miriam suffered terrible nightmares of being stalked by unseen killers, and her health rapidly deteriorated. It was only the intervention of a coven of [[Dawn|Dawnish]] Winter magicians that was able to end the curse before it sapped the last of her health. It was not lost on the magistrates that Miriam was due to call Tobias to [[inquisition]] to answer to accusations of consorting with dark powers during the Summer Solstice summit where the curse was placed.

Tobias denied all charges, and before the case against him could be concluded he vanished. His disappearance sparked a manhunt, but he was never found. Instead, the signs that his corruption was shared by several wealthy Temeschwari came to light, and prompted a secret investigation by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] League citizens that ultimately lead to vicious fighting in the streets of Temeschwar. The virtuous priests, and their allied [[bravo|bravos]] and magicians, were ultimately victorious. The League played down the scandal, and the matter was mostly forgotten.

It is my surmise that the disappearance of Tobias Ligoto and the death of his fellow [[idolatry|idolators]] marked the end of any active "cult" dedicated to King Rat in Temeschwar, but it is very likely that individuals aware of the creature have continued to make bargains with it and represent its interest in a low-key fashion ever since.

==The Nature of King Rat==
The creature is elusive; ironic for something that seems to be able to send swarms of rats to devour its enemies alive. As near as I am able to work out, it certainly seems to be a sovereign as the Varushkans define them - a potent supernatural creature that is bound to a specific area. It offers boons in return for gifts of wealth. It seems to view Temeschwar as its "territory" but without human agency it seems to be fairly slow to take action. When it ''does'' act it does so decisively - not entirely unlike the people of Temeschwar themselves. It appears to have abilities to influence rats and rat-like monsters, and may even be some kind of diffuse "spirit" like the bodiless [[Night Below]] that inhabits vessels rather than having a physical form of its own.

I can't really venture to suggest what it wants, beyond the fact that it clearly hates being stolen from. Where some sovereigns are actively malevolent, the Rat King seems to be much more passive, content to dwell beneath Temeschwar until something in the city above attracts its attention. The fact it is as old as the city itself is cause for concern - its impossible for me to guess how much the foundations of Temeschwar rest on this enigmatic supernatural horror.
==Further Reading==
* [[Temeschwar]]

* [[The concisest tenant]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about rats in Temeschwar
* [[Graveyard rats]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the rat plague
* [[Pitter patter]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the rat plague
* [[They bit the cats]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the rat plague

Mud, blood, and manacles

2026-09-06T10:43:40Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Military Council]]
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==What Has Gone Before==
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<quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">From the Rushes we rise from the reeds. Heed not the gnashing jaws and grasping hands of the unquiet Grey walkers, we are of the fens and reeds and are as much a part of the land as they are, our risen neighbours. Seek out the Jotun, strike at them and push them back to Ottermire!</quote>
<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">The Drakes turn south as we turn west. The bonds of Loyalty turn over from nation to nation and through General to General freely given in our actions to another. As an Empire we fight to show the Jotun they cannot take with Impunity and that we answer their threat with standing together whether in Mitwold reclaiming as they quit our lands, or Bregasland where we will face their armies and their Fjorknaw. We are the Burning Falcon, empowered by the might of Summer. Where we tread, Triumph blazes</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The Golden Sun stands where the Empire needs it most. Every oath deserves its shield. We will grinding advance into Bregasland. Out of fields of gold, through the Rushes and Ottermire. No enemy can sever what Loyalty has forged. For family, for the Marchers. We stand for the lore of their land. For the Empire. The Golden Sun will be a glorious arrow into the heart of our enemies. Secure the objective sun. For Gui.</quote>
<quote by="Zadok, General of the Valiant Pegasus">Two Years ago I ordered you to begin a crusade of liberation against the Jotun to free those labouring under barbarian yoke, starting in the Mourn. We inspired and aided the Oakleaf rebellion to free themselves. Then Bregasland fell, and our commitment to our crusade was renewed. Diversionary attacks North and South, the Reeds patience tested, a strike to one of the two hearts of their power, Keirheim, just barely thwarted. All this to make possible the conditions of this season, our return to Bregasland. We are fighting for Dominion, for the Liberty of the people of Bregasland; Accept no less than total victory. One day the Tyranny of Queens and Kings shall end and all people will be free to pursue virtue. We fell their rotten oaks one strike at a time.</quote>
<quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs we trade a swamp for a marsh in helping our Marcher Cousins reclaim Bregasland. The Lasambrians have stolen from our cousins so we commit to a Daring Riad to reclaim their wealth from the Jotun by Proxy. We must be especially vigilant for the stolen dolmen of Drayham Mere. For the Empire! For the Marches!</quote>
<quote by="Albrecht Sanguineo, General of the Sparrow's Reckoning">Bravos of Tassato, soldiers of the League, heroes of the Empire we stand ready all swords sharpened, armour new and unblemished. Now we test them and ourselves against Jotun steel. We march to Bregasland at steady conquest to retake the homes of our Marcher siblings. We are named for our Empress, let your Pride in that legacy give you the strength to show the world that when the twin cities march to war no one can stand against us.</quote>
<quote by="Fitzwilliam Thorn, General of the Bounders">Jacks of the Bounders. Look into yourself and find your ambition, for there is work to be done. We go back to Bregasland with our Imperial cousins with us. Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one Jotun at a time.</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">War is a vicious dog on a long chain. Too fucking long has it been let loose in our lands. Our homes. The time has come to chase the beast from our bounds. I say to you what I did before. Kill the invaders. Leave no Jotun Warrior alive to contest the claim. Make Balanced attack and liberate our home. P.S. if you see Stephen he's mine!!!</quote>
<quote by="Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt, General of the Bloodcloaks">Bloodcloaks, we go to Bregasland to recover those we have lost and will lose reclaiming the homes of the Marchers. Find the trinkets on the limbs of the trees that sprung up on this blood-soaked beachhead. We collect them to return them to the families of these heroes so their stories can be told and their memories shall survive the cold of night. We are Winterborn and the cold doesn't compromise. All heroes have a name, no matter which nation.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">A red sky after battle day, Bleeds broad beyond the brae; What fields, what fallen friends are they, What fires fade o'er far away? What spears stood stout in storm and shout, What banners broke and burned? What voices, valiant, call me out, To rounds from which we turned? That was the ground of gathered might, Of kin in clash and cry, The steadfast shields, a woman bright, Whose blade sang swift and high. O iron hours and embered eve, O dust and drum and flame, The hands I held, that I've had to leave, Yet thrill to speak their name. Good battle days 'neath shining star, Are loath to lose their lustre, Naught after else their joy can mar, Nor break the band we muster.</quote>
<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">We are to be a dance of cunning to claim what is before us. Let us weave our way through the lines carrying messages between our many allies. Be the Vigilant eyes and ears that inform every step forward. Seek the flanks and guide the Jotun's path into our Imperial victory.</quote>
<quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, this is the season we strike the Jotun and bind them. This is the season we invoke the contracts with the City of Lock and Bond. We have seen the Hunters walk among us and now we fight with them. Show the Jotun why the Lictors are known as the Punishers, more than that, show them why WE are The Hammers! Strike the blow, cripple them so they cannot flee from us. Have Pride in your strength.</quote>
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Here are the [[Bregasland#Grey_Fens|Grey Fens]] of [[Bregasland]]. The Jotun rule here, at least in theory. Yet what is this emerging from the marshes, from the dead pools? The [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Objective:_Dismiss_the_Grey_Walkers|shades of Marchers past]] walk the Grey Fens, now that [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Objective:_Recover_the_Ullsmere_Rock|Ullsmere Rock]] is gone. They do not tolerate trespassers, and unlike many ghosts they are capable of enforcing their will at least to a degree. They have no time for the self-styled Jarls of Bregasland, but they also care not for the folk of the Marches it seems. The Jotun defend their thralls, which includes those Bregas folk who have taken the Choice, but their efforts go only so far. Slowly, methodically, the Grey Walkers [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Get_Off_My_Fen|drive our]] everyone living in "their" fens, human and orc alike.

Here are the [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]], where stands [[Bregasland#Fisher’s_Rock|Fisher's Rock]]. The interloper queen of the Fishers is dead now, interred far to the north by her erstwhile Jotun allies. She is gone but the shadow of her touch remains; the bitter anger of [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_opportunity:_Open_relations_with_House_Brawness|House Brawness]] festers here, steeped in daydreams of [[Bregasland#Rebellious|rebellion]]. Yet it is not House Brawness that the people of North Fens fear at night. It is not rebels who come creeping out of the Gullet to steal away the unwary. It is not the bitter anger of Matilda Fisher's former friends that has seen villages and farms deserted. The Jotun try to defend their thralls here, too, but the monsters that come out of the sea strike without warning and often as not the yeofolk are dragged kicking into the sea, shouting for aid that arrives too late.

Here then is [[Bregasland#Ottermire|Ottermire]], and the town of Ottermire where the Jotun have planted their standards, from where they rule over Bregasland. They control the hub from which roads run like spokes - the Odd's Way east into [[Mitwold]], and Sallow's Walk south toward the [[Mournwold]], and innumerable paths and byways stretching out across the fens. These lesser roads quickly give way to streams and lakes and rivers, and the flat-bottomed boats of the Bregasfolk. Especially since that season of rains which left all the Empire's marshes deeper, and stranger. And the fens of Bregasland were strange enough to begin with...

And here are [[Bregasland#The_Rushes|the Rushes]], and the town of the Sallowfolk, which rises in time toward the dry land of [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]] and its [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|march]]. There is a [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#The_Forest_Endures|new woodland]] here, where the marshwaters give way to the stone, where Jotun and Imperial once fought in the shadow of that great, flat rock (that rock that echoes still with the fading notes of that [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#The_Mountain_Rings|eerie song]] that once rang out across the battlefield). This is the border that the barbarians watch, between their lands and that fraction of Bregasland wrested free from their grasp.

It is from that rock, right down there in the south of Bregasland, that the ripples of [[Spring magic]] still spread across Bregasland bringing with them unnatural life, and the [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaotic touch]] of the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. It runs through the waters of the marshes and the swamps, bringing [[Spring_magic#Healing_and_Vitality|indiscriminate healing]] to all who need it, whether they want it or not. Since the flat-topped mountain sang, all save the most mortal of injuries heals in a matter of hours, provided one bathes in or drinks from the waters of Bregasland.

Spring rarely, if ever, brings unalloyed benefit to those it touches, and as Summer fades it is clear that Bregasland is no different. The vitality that infuses the humans, and the orcs, and their beasts, infuses also the vermin of the marsh. Great clouds of mosquitos and biting flies rise from the waters of the fens, spreading fear, and painful bites, and the threat of pestilence. The Jotun fight to defend their thralls, but against clouds of insects, what use can axes be?

The Jotun also cannot forget that out there, hidden in the fens and the marshes, are the [[Strong Reeds]]. They have not forsaken their oath to the Bregas, not for one day. They fought to take back Gravenmarch, and then they slipped back into the rushes and the water without a trace, and every day the Jotun jarls must remember that they are ''still here'', and oh how that must rankle, how that must tug at their pride. They cannot root out the Strong Reeds, and every raid, every battered baggage train, every prisoner spirited away from beneath their noses, is a reminder that the spirit of Bregasland will never submit to them.

This is Bregasland, then, in the heartbeats between the height of Summer and the slow descent toward Winter. And none of these problems besetting the Jotun - not Grey Walkers, not coral-tainted husks, not bitter rebels, not bloodthirsty mosquitos, not even the lurking threat of the Strong Reeds - is anything compared to the storm of war that breaks over Bregasland as the sun rides high in the sky and the grain darkens toward gold in the fields.

==A Storm of Summer's Passing==
Eleven Imperial armies explode into Bregasland with hurricane force, while the Strong Reeds rise from the rushes to meet them, to lead their assault against the Jotun conquerors. Across the territory, those the Reeds have inspired throw their strength behind the Empire, launching long-rehearsed strikes against barbarian strongholds across the fens. They strike supply caches in Ottery, fire the palisade at Sallow, and wreck bridges across the North Fens. Then, with the skill of the Bregas, they melt back into the marshes before the Jotun can retaliate.

Into the Rushes, the Empire comes in force. A dozen armies, half of them marked with the power of Imperial [[enchantment|enchantments]]. A further five thousand strength of [[military unit|warbands]], led by bold captains eager to see the Jotun brought down, driven out of the Marches entirely.

The Strong Reeds rise, flanked by the [[Tusks]] and the [[Bounders]]. This is a war for the Marches, but not solely ''by'' the Marches. Three Marcher armies are matched by three armies of [[Wintermark]] - by the [[Bloodcloaks]], the [[Green Shield]], and the [[Narwhal's Spear]]. The first guards the lives of those who fight, bringing succour to the fallen. The second [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fights with honour]], reminding their allies that there are some tactics that will not be borne - and showing the Jotun that the heroes of Wintermark at least remember how to glory in battle without letting it taint their spirit. The hunters of the third army, [[Army_qualities#Quick-Witted|quick witted]] and fleet footed and no stranger to fighting in marshes, test the mettle of their foes and seek that understanding which is key to any successful hunt.

Six armies, and only halfway through their accounting!

Next are two Freeborn armies, bright and burning despite the mud and the damp Summer. The [[Burning Falcon]] blaze with passionate ardour, a deadly bonfire of [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|true conviction]] that will not settle for anything less than absolute victory over the foe. The Jotun cannot help but respect this incomparable enthusiasm for battle. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]] match the bold courage of their cousins with daring and audacity of their own, making the Jotun pay not in blood but in treasure to recover the prisoners they claim on the battlefield. The war-price is a sacred tradition, after all, and the orcs can hardly complain when the Freeborn take advantage of it.

Then the virtuous [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the untested soldiers of the League fresh mustered to the [[Sparrows Reckoning]]. They eschew glory and heroism in the pursuit of preserving lives, a [[Army_orders#Steady_Conquest|steady conquest]] that sees them ensure their soldiers are never far from the healing touch of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]] or the [[heal|healer]]. The soldiers of one of the oldest nations of the Empire fight beside those belonging to one of the youngest. The one shares their experience with the other, who in turn share their pride at their chance to serve their nation, their Empire, and their [[the Throne|Throne]].

Last, then, but by no means least, come the [[Autumn Hammers]]. The [[orc|orcs]] of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] have the strangest of allies; with them marches a cohort of figures, features concealed in cowled hoods and metal masks. They fight not with sword or spears but with chains of green iron or pale glass or stranger materials. They are hunters bound by contract with the [[Lictors|Sovereign Lords of the City of Bar and Bond]], and they bring with them the power of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] itself. Its power is subtle, but as the Empire engages the armies of the Jotun, it begins to spread wherever the orc army treads.

Twelve armies. Four - the Hammers, the Reeds, the Tusks, and the Bounders - are at the heart of the Imperial strategy. Their soldiers are granted supernatural [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity of thought]] by the Empire's masters of [[Day magic]]. They can see how best to wield the strength of Imperial soldiers against the defenders, the straight road from where they are to the future where Bregasland is freed.

Two are enchanted with the [[Knights of Glory]]. With the Green Shield is ''Ollavan the Reeve'', sharp-eared archer and master of the bow. He brings his warband of hunters and rust-red hounds, and their arrows sing as they seek out the Jotun foe. When not fighting, they are eager to test their skill against that of the finest archers among the Imperial troops, congratulating winner and loser with equal enthusiasm. Their thirst for glory is contagious, spreading easily through the bold warriors of Wintermark.

The Burning Falcon are joined by ''Kore the Lion-maned'', resplendent in crimson armour, leading their leonine lancers at the forefront of every charge. Kore's knights tower above the Freeborn beside them; while their torso, head, and arms are humanlike, their lower bodies are those of deadly predatory cats. (And if there are also rumours of laughing, dancing [[Inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of the [[Janon|Shadowed Fire]] with the Burning Falcon, they are surely just that - rumours. Surely such sightings are simply kohan inspired by the passion of [[Eleonaris|Eleonaris']] captain, and not the servants of any [[eternal]] the [[Conclave]] has placed under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]]. Surely.)

The storm of swords breaks over Bregasland, and the Jotun are in its path. But what of the Jotun?
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==An Answering Gale==
The Jotun are on the back foot in Bregasland. The challenges to their rule, the threats to the thralls they are sworn to protect, are only the half of it. Their forces withdrew [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Mitwold_Triumph|fell back]] from [[Mitwold]] last season, surrendering the land they had taken without a fight. The Lasambrian armies continued southward, down towards their home in [[Reinos]], beset by the armies of the [[Iron Confederacy]]. The Imperial attack on [[Skallahn]] threatened the unity of the north and the south, and drew the attention of both the king and the queen away from Bregasland.

This season, it seems, the Jotun planned to tighten their grip on Bregasland once more. Perhaps they expected the Empire to be busy elsewhere, perhaps they simply didn't predict the sheer ''might'' that the Empire would bring to bear. Either way, when the Strong Reeds rise and the Imperial armies attack, the Jotun are in the midst of mobilizing for an attack of their own. Led by the ''Skjaldirborn'', the Jotun forces in Bregasland sought to make a [[Army_orders#Cautious_Advance|cautious foray]] into Gravenmarch, to take back the only dry land in the marshes from the Empire.

Likely this was a calculated gamble - if the Empire were to wait another season before committing forces to Bregasland, they would be able to take back the March and remove the Imperial beachhead. If the Empire chose to defend, they could probe those defences without risking too many casualties. And if, as has happened, the Imperials launched an attack of their own they would at least be able to face it without wholesale bloodshed. Unfortunately for the Jotun, it is nowhere near as good as a carefully planned defence for holding in the face of the hurricane of war that has descended upon them.

There are some eight armies remaining in Bregasland, and the warbands of many of the Jotun champions. There are warriors of the ''Fields of Glory'' with them also; the warbands of the hound-knight ''Ser Grumbar'' and the stag-knight ''Ser Helvennan'' battle alongside the Jotun. The households of the rival twins glower and glare at each other, but seem united in their disappointment at how conservative the orcs' strategy is this season. It does not stop them fighting, however, and as always the court of the ''Lady of the Pennants'' seek every opportunity to test their skill against one another.

With the disruption spread by the Strong Reeds and their Bregas allies, the Jotun are barely able to respond to the awesome force of the Empire before they have already lost control of Sallow and most of the Rushes. They rally as best they can; the Roaring Thunder, the Southern Bear and the Shield of the Mountain try to hold the southern end of ''Sallow Walk'' while the skirmishers of the Howling Night and the vanguard of the Bear who Swims seek to flank the Imperial forces. Their rearguard action slows the Empire only briefly; the Jotun are forced to retreat in disarray. In their wake they leave the would-be Jarl Kiergmunt of Sallow. He and his household warriors are found floating in the eel ponds below the town he thought to make his hall, cut to pieces with the distinctive long knives favoured by the reed-cutters of the Rushes. The people here may resent the Empire, but they resent the Jotun even more; and when the Strong Reeds rise, they rise with them.

<gallery heights=200 mode="packed">
File:BurningFalcon_Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Burning Falcon
File:GreenShields Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Green Shield
File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's Spear
File:RedWindCorsairs Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Red Wind Corsairs
</gallery>
==The Battle of Sallow Walk==
As the Empire quells barbarian resistance in the Rushes, the Jotun regroup and prepare a counter-attack from their stronghold at Ottery. While the siege-engineers of the Tower of the North feverishly reinforce the defences along the northern part of Sallow Walk and the town at its head, the relentless Fell Hammers and the Southern Bear lead the bulk of the Jotun forces against the Empire. As they march south along Sallow Walk, they meet the Burning Falcon marching north, eagerly pulling ahead of the main Imperial line. Perhaps ten thousand Freeborn and allied captains, along with the heralds of Eleonaris, clash with maybe twelve thousand Jotun, and their own supernatural allies. Neither Imperial nor barbarian are prepared to step aside, and furious battle is joined with control of the Walk being the ultimate prize.

Battle rages on the raised road, and the sections of dry land to either side. The four Imperial armies most familiar with fighting in open marsh - the Bounders and the Drakes to the east and the Narwhal's Spear and the Green Shield to the west - sweep round to attack the Jotun from the side. Before they can strike, the rest of the Jotun forces arrive to support their vanguard. It's clear that while many of the barbarians are at a disadvantage when forced to leave the dry ground of the Walk, others have made the most of their time in Bregasland to adapt their tactics a little to the realities of shifting ground and open water.

At first it seems the furious charge of the Burning Falcon will give them the advantage, but the Fell Hammers and the Southern Bear have their own momentum. The enthusiasm of the Freeborn proves to be both an advantage and a disadvantage when tested against the more cautious strategy of the orcs. The front lines press forward too far, and while at first it seems the Jotun line is breaking, they are actually falling back and to the side to allow the Falcon to over-extend itself. The barbarians close around the vanguard of the Burning Falcon like a fist, and exact a terrible price from the bright burning warriors of the south before the tides of battle allow them to retreat to their own lines.

In the end though it is the unstoppable force of the Falcon and their allies that wins the day. The Jotun are forced to sound the retreat - great hollowed horns braying mournful notes across the sodden battlefield. The Empire continues to press them all the way back to Ottery, with the pitched battle of Sallows Walk becoming a ragged mess of smaller fights and skirmishes. The barbarians are still more interested in the fight than they are in defending their hold of Bregasland - at least for the moment.

A butchers' trail lies along the top of Sallow Walk as the Empire presses the Jotun north. The unheard rippling song of Graven Rock still washes across Bregasland, but even Spring magic has its limits. The Jotun take their wounded with them where they can but must leave the bodies of the dead behind; at the same time they make no effort to execute the fallen Imperial soldiers who have fought valiantly against them. The Empire may be their enemies, but to slaughter the fallen would be to surrender the heart and soul of what it means to be Jotun. For their part, the Empire is also restrained in its treatment of barbarians that fall behind the retreating armies - the Green Shield in particular will not allow the mistreatment of prisoners. Some Freeborn joke that the Red Wind Corsairs are spending almost as much time negotiating the exchange of prisoners and the ransom of captured Jotun as they do fighting the barbarians!
<gallery heights=200 mode="packed">
File:GoldenSun Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun
File:Tusks Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Tusks
File:StrongReeds Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Strong Reeds
File:Bounders Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Bounders
File:SparrowsReckoning Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Sparrows Reckoning
File:ValiantPegasus Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Valiant Pegasus
File:BloodCloak_Colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Bloodcloaks
</gallery>
==The Battle of Ottery==
The Tower of the North have been busy, wringing every ounce of opportunity from every hour of time the rest of the Jotun have bought for them. Wood is at a premium in Bregasland, but it seems the Tower has brought wagons of lumber out of Liathaven to prepare their defences. A stout wood-and-stone palisade surrounds Ottery, reinforced with archers-towers. Spiked barricades have been thrown like the toys of a frustrated giant across the road, and the marshy land surrounding the town. The Bregas themselves are trapped in their houses, a curfew imposed by savvy Jotun who will not risk Strong Reeds or their sympathisers infiltrating Ottery.

Arrayed before Ottery to meet the Empire is the full might of the Skjaldirborn, banners flapping fitfully in the sour wind blowing from the north. The mighty Jorgen Hylasson, one of the most respected of the northern Jotun warlords, stands a little ahead of the army. As the Imperial forces begin to move forward, he raises his hand in a salute to the attackers, and then sounds the massive horn he hefts easily in one hand. The Jotun are not content to cower behind makeshift walls - and it seems they are not prepared to risk harm coming to the thralls of Ottery. With the Skjaldirborn in the lead, they attack the Empire head-on.

Yet even so, they are not reckless. They make good use of the barricades the Tower of the North have erected; archers are positioned in key locations across the battlefield and in the newly constructed towers of Ottery. Rather than volleying indiscriminately, these skilled marksmen pick their targets with care. More than one Imperial battlemage is brought down without any hint of a warning by an arrow to the back of the head. These deadly warriors support the [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulfur|Ulfur]] of the Howling Night in their efforts to counter the impact of Imperial battlefield magic.

Many of the Jotun warriors here bear [[enchantment|enchantments]], or the boons of the [[eternal|eternals]]. Summerbound [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Skjaldir|Skjaldir]] with truly supernatural levels of [[combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] battle relentlessly alongside [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]] with the strength to [[shatter|rend]] the wargear of their enemies. These magically empowered warbands especially seek to test themselves against the knights of Dawn and the Marcher armies, and before the real threat is made clear are able to splinter many Marcher polearms and break the bright heraldry of Dawnish shields.

While the battle rages south of Ottery, the Bounders, Strong Reeds, and the Sparrows Reckoning avoid the thick of the fighting and flank round to the east. They launch a coordinated raid against the less-well defended gates of the town and quickly gain purchase within the town itself. The League army is untested, but the [[bravo|bravos]] that fight with it are well versed in fighting in the confined spaces of city streets - skills that serve them well inside Ottery. Once the folk here realise the Reeds and the Bounders are here, that the Empire is here, many of them take up weapons and join the effort to reclaim their town. The struggle within Ottery itself culminates in a trio of Marcher beaters and a League crossbow marksman capturing one of the archer towers, and firing on the Jotun from behind. When Jorgen Hylasson takes a Marcher arrow to the shoulder, piercing through his mandowla-hide cloak and finding a chink in his armour, it is the turning point of the battle.

Ottery lost, and the Empire pressing forward, the second retreat is sounded. Again the Jotun fall back toward [[Bregasland#North Fens|North Fens]]. Not one Jotun Army tries to retreat west into Grey Fens - they would always rather fight living Imperials than dead phantoms.

The Bloodcloaks quickly take charge of Ottery, establishing field hospitals wherever they can. Public buildings are used, but there are also sickrooms set up in the homes of grateful Bregas who open their doors to the injured and to the Winterfolk healers. There is a significant Jotun supply cache here, and its not clear who gives the order to break it open, but the night after the Battle of Ottery an impromptu celebration begins in the streets of the town. At first it is muted - this liberation has been bought at a terrible cost after all - but perhaps it is that very cost, that spectre of death and war, that adds kindling to the feasting and the dancing and the singing in the streets of Ottery that night. A weight has been lifted from the Bregas - hope replacing fear and bitterness. Perhaps there are some who think the celebration premature, but over the next two weeks the Imperial forces win out against the Jotun again and again and eventually Ottermire is Imperial - and with it the territory of Bregasland as a whole.
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Shiny Helmets.jpg|align=right|caption=With steel, pride, and loyalty, the Empire has been victorious.|width=500}}</div>
==A Long Slog Through Thick Mud==
After Ottermire, the writing seems to be on the wall for the Jotun. They continue to launch attacks against the Imperial armies, but they are short-lived, probing stabs rather than committed efforts to bring the Empire to battle again. The Jotun could dig-in at Fisher's Rock, but for the most part they focus on trying to bog the Imperial forces down wherever they can. It's clear messengers have been sent west and north, to call for aid against the massive Imperial host, to warn King Gudmundr and Queen Yrsa of the situation in Bregasland.

The fighting continues as the Autumn Equinox approaches, and as it does so too the Empire's front line approach Fisher's Rock where the Jotun have their fallback position. One last push, and the Jotun will have no choice but to retreat again - either into the Grey Fens to the south and thence to Liathaven, or west into Hordalant. It seems inevitable that the Empire will win - if they keep up this relentless pressure the remaining Jotun forces will not be able to stand against it.

The cost has been high. Even with the magic of Graven Rock and the efforts of the Bloodcloaks, the butchers' road northward has claimed so many lives. The dead are counted in the thousands, and the Empire's forceful strategy has seen them pay the lion's share. Many of the fallen are recovered, but just as many are not, will likely never be found, taken by the mud and the water. The marshes give but they also take, say some of the Bregas dourly.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:AutumnHammers_colour.png|link=388YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Autumn Hammers]]</div>
==The Manacle Snaps Shut==
Autumn is in the wind, in the water, in the sun setting behind the western peaks. But that is not the ''only'' place the Autumn lies. All through this long campaign, the Autumn Hammers have been busy. While their warriors have fought no less valiantly against the Jotun than anyone else, that is not ''all'' they have been doing. As the battle presses the Jotun north, bands of thief-takers and oathwrights have made forays into the marshes, or led swift raids against key positions that seem to have little strategic importance. With them have gone the iron-masked chainfighters of the City of Bar and Bond.

The whole time the Jotun have been fighting over the marshes of Bregasland, the Unshackled have been fixing unseen manacles about their ankles. The [[lictors]] are the unparalleled masters of [[Autumn_magic#Binding|binding]] and this season they are contracted to the service of the Imperial Orcs. None of the Jotun armies escape their touch. While binding is often dramatic and obvious - the spells of the war magician that hold folk in place - there are also more subtle methods of holding in place, of impeding travel. As the last light of Summer drains from the sky, and Winter's herald delicately touches the leaves on the scrubby marsh trees, the jaws of the final trap snap shut.

==Game Information==
===Bregasland===
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Bregasland Region Map.png|caption=A very rough region map of Bregasland.|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''The Empire has reclaimed the Rushes and Ottermire, and is seven tenths of the way toward claiming North Fens'''
* '''Bregasland is once again an Imperial territory and an administrative motion will be raised at the Autumn Equinox to assign it'''
* '''The Grey Walkers are one-tenth of the way toward claiming Grey Fens'''
* '''Spring magic continues to ripple across Bregasland creating an effect similar to Rivers of Life'''
* '''The Jotun armies have all been cursed by the Lictors and the Imperial Orcs'''
This season has seen the Empire win a resounding victory over the Jotun in Bregasland. Imperial forces liberated the Rushes and Ottermire, and along with their control of Gravenmarch, this means the territory is once again Imperial. As such, an administrative motion to assign the territory will be raised by the Speaker of the Senate at the Autumn Equinox. The Empire is also seven-tenths of the way toward claiming North Fens.

The phantom Grey Walkers are slowly driving "trespassers" - human and orc alike - out of Grey Fens. They are one-tenth of the way toward claiming the region from the Jotun. The [[Region_qualities#Grey_Walkers|Grey Walkers]] will continue to try and claim the region each season.

Spring magic continues to ripple across the territory, emanating form Graven Rock. This creates an ongoing effect similar to Rivers of Life, and seems to be a consequence of the recent magical chaos linked to the [[astronomancy|astronomantic constellations]].

The Autumn Hammers have used the assistance of the Lictors to curse all the Jotun armies over the course of the campaign in Bregasland. This [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Coiling_Chain|special technique]], secured by [[Army_qualities#Contracted|contract]] with the City of Bond and Bar, means that no Jotun army currently in Bregasland will be able to move more than one territory following the Autumn Equinox. If any of the armies try to leave Bregasland, they will be unable to go any further than [[Hordalant]] or [[Liathaven]]. The Jotun will be aware of this restriction.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Only military units supporting the Burning Falcon received a share of the Guerdon this season; other military units received nothing.

===Participation : Green Shield===
* '''The Green Shield cannot take the cautious advance or give ground orders for the next year'''
* '''Any character whose military unit fought alongside the Green Shield may be inspired by the Knights of Glory'''
The Empire is aware that use of [[Knights of Glory]] sometimes has unexpected effects on the soldiers in the armies that use it regularly. During [[Even_darkness_must_pass#The_Weight_of_Glory|recent fighting]] in the [[Sarangrave]], this manifested as an ethereal influence over the warriors fighting with the army. Both the Green Shield and the Burning Falcon are now experiencing this effect - their soldiers are even more enthusiastic for battle for its own sake, for tests of glory, for tents of honour and heroism, than ever before.

This means that the Green Shield cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders until a year has passed without that enchantment being cast on them. Each time they are campaign alongside the Knights of Glory, the clock will be reset.
===Participation : Burning Falcon===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Aracelis4339.jpg|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Burning Falcon has been inspired by the Knights of Glory
* '''The General can issue a new order as long as the army continues to be enchanted with Knights of Glory or until a year has passed
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Burning Falcon may begin the Autumn Equinox with a powerful enchantment
This season the Burning Falcon have fought with the [[Knights of Glory]], and engaged in a [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|triumphant charge]] against the Jotun. The leonine commander ''Kore'', and his warband of lion-bodied lancers, have revelled in the chance to battle the Jotun alongside the passionate warriors of the Brass Coast. For their part many of those who fought with the Falcon this season will have experienced a profoundly heightened thirst for battle and glory. This influence has spread throughout the army - and if there is any truth to the rumours that heralds of [[Janon]] were also present it is likely that they will have intensified this influence even further.

In theory, this would mean that the Burning Falcon would be unable to take more cautious orders... but their ''True Conviction'' means they can't do that ''anyway'' so this is all rather moot. Except that it has made the Freeborn soldiers even ''more'' enthused about fighting. As a consequence, following the Autumn Equinox the general of the Burning Falcon can issue an additional [[Army_orders#Attacking|attacking]] order: ''Leonine Rampage''. To use the order the army must be enchanted with Knights of Glory

<box>'''Leonine Rampage'''
* '''The army must be enchanted with Knights of Glory otherwise this defaults to Triumphant Charge
* '''If available, Knights of Glory used on this army will always call forth ''Kore'' and their leonine lancers
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is increased by a half'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by one fifth'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by three-fifths'''
The soldiers of the army embrace the inspiration provided by the Knights of Glory, seeking a triumphant victory over any foe that dares to stand against them. The victory comes at a cost - soldiers are much more likely to take risky actions, viewing anything save the most basic caution as a distraction or a weakness. They seek out the strongest enemy troops and the most defended positions, and do everything they can to overrun them. The army will gain much more ground, but does so at the cost of increased casualties.</box>

This order will continue to be available until a season passes without Knights of Glory being cast on the army or until the end of the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE whichever comes first. Obviously, continuing to employ Knights of Glory will continue to bring to bear the influences of the Summer Realm on the soldiers of the army.

The lion-lancers have also had a powerful effect on the [[military unit|military units]] that fought with the army. The captain of any military unit that fought alongside the Burning Falcon begins the Autumn Equinox with a boon - an [[enchantment]] that gives them the ability to call [[Calls#CLEAVE|cleave]] twice each day when wielding a [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Weapons|one-handed weapon]], [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Spears|one-handed spear]], [[Weapons & armour#Great weapons|great weapon]] or [[Weapons & armour#Pole-arms|polearm]] with which they are proficient. If anyone uses [[Detect_magic#Discern_Enchantment|discern enchantment]] on you, you'll need to let the referee know that you are under the effect of a magnitude 7 Summer enchantment, and that you bear the ''mark of leonine glory''.

As well as the game benefits, the aura creates a [[roleplaying effects|roleplaying effect]]: ''You feel a strong urge to confront problems head on, and to overwhelm your rivals and enemies with sheer strength of personality. If that doesn't work, smashing them into the ground will do just as well. The idea of holding back when you could be charging into a dangerous situation, or wasting too much time planning when everyone knows plans never survive contact with the enemy, seems like an utter waste of time.''

The boon can be removed [[Enchantment#Removing_Enchantments|as normal]] - “overwritten” with a new enchantment - and will have faded by the start of the Winter Solstice.

===Participation: Marchers===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amberlain7869.jpg||caption='''Amberlain P. Black''', General of the Strong Reeds|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Fitzwilliam Thorn.jpg|caption='''Fitzwilliam Thorn''', General of the Bounders|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
* '''Any Marcher character whose military unit supported the Strong Reeds or the Tusks may receive a hearth magic benefit
* '''Any Marcher whose personal resource is in Bregasland may also receive a hearth magic benefit
The folk of Bregasland are often viewed as oddly withdrawn, or even strange, by their fellow Marchers. Recent history has been marked with suspicion of the Empire as a whole, and local politics have boiled over several times. However, the commitment of the Strong Reeds has never been in question by people who might otherwise see the entire Empire go hang as long as they are left alone to tend their eels. This has been particularly apparent in the Bregasland campaign, with the Reeds making good on their promise to drive out the Jotun, supported by the Bounders and the Tusks.

Any [[the Marches|Marcher]] character whose [[military unit]] was assigned to [[Military_unit#Support_Army|support]] the [[Tusks]] or the [[Strong Reeds]] this downtime may choose to gain a special, personal benefit. If they receive an [[Anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]], [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|Vengeance]], or [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hate|Hate]] before time out on Friday during the Autumn Equinox, then in addition to the [[Anointing#Effects|normal benefits]] they will gain one additional rank of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]].

As well as those who fought directly, there are plenty of people in Bregasland who heard the call of the Strong Reeds and rose up to resist the Jotun. Any Marcher character whose personal resource is in Bregasland may also receive a hearth magic benefit if they receive one of these anointings before time out on Friday. Instead of receiving a point of endurance, however, their will to live is heightened and they receive a point of [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]].

A character whose personal resource is in Bregasland and also supported one of the Marcher armies receives ''both'' benefits.

These effects are not magical - they do not register on either [[detect magic]] or [[insight]]. It is likely a result of the powerful hearth magic of the oaths sworn by the generals of the Tusks and the Strong Reeds and the clear demonstration of their commitment to the Marches and the people of Bregasland in particular.

Either benefit lasts only as long as you continue to be committed to driving the last Jotun out of Bregasland as soon as possible; if your will to do so falters then the bonus is lost and cannot be regained. It is also permanently lost if your anointing is removed or changed to one other than Pride, Loyalty, Vengeance, or Hatred.

In any event, the benefit will fade along with the anointing, by the start of the Winter Solstice.
==Further Reading==
* [[Bregasland]]

A lasting commitment

2026-07-22T14:01:37Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]]
<ic>
When revelation yet eluded<br>
And in the dark we knew not how to see<br>
Did come Tian, and with her great gift<br>
Began the fire that burns relentlessly<br>

Behold our souls, Ambition's flame ignite<br>
Lights in the dark, Lights in the dark<br>
Behold our souls, Ambition's flame ignite<br>
Lights in the dark, Lights in the dark<br>
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=The Grand Inspiration of the Way promises to cement the Empire's position as the heart of the faith.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV4QEkf5kYg}}
In the Winter of 387YE, the Highborn Assembly declared their highest calling to be [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|the Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The great project begun in Summer 385YE is well underway, and with renewed focus, the people of [[Highguard]] have begun to [[lay the foundations]] for how the grand edifice may be laid out.

Now in the beginning of 388YE, the [[Ambition]] Assembly have joined them with a sense of urgency; not just to complete the largest commission the Empire has ever attempted but to do so by the end of the year. Just the idea of declaring something to be your highest calling seems to embrace the Virtue of Ambition, but even so this is an extraordinary thing to attempt. There is still a vast amount of work to be done, but if the Assembly can achieve the impossible it will have a dramatic impact.

==Mean What You Say==
{{SOP|statement=Completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way is a lofty goal, but nothing is beyond the grasp of the Virtuous. The Hallowing of the Patron drives us to silence naysayers, and what better way than to complete this inspiration project within the year? It will draw the eyes of the world to us, establishing Bastion as the heart of the Way. From there, our faith will spread across the globe. This is our highest calling!|by=Rafael Barossa, Ambition Assembly|vote={{GM}} 392-82|when=Spring 388YE}}
* '''The Assembly of Ambition has stated that their highest calling is to complete the Grand Inspiration of the Way in the space of a single year'''
* '''If the Assembly can put their reputation on the line to commit themselves to this impossible task, then they will reap the benefits'''

Inspired by the words of Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, the Ambition Assembly have invoked the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Hallowing_of_the_Patron|Hallowing of the Patron]], a call to silence naysayers of any who might say that the Grand Inspiration cannot be completed at all, let alone within the year. Unlike the nation of Highguard however, there is little for the Assembly to [[Lay_the_foundations#The_Family_Silver|sell off]] in exchange for new sources of precious [[white granite]]. Any additional efforts to complete the Grand Inspiration will rely on the resources of those who attend Anvil.

The best way to silence to naysayers, of course, is to stand steadfast in your convictions and prove them wrong. If the Ambition Assembly are truly confident that the Grand Inspiration will be complete within the year, then putting their reputation on the line will reap the benefits. There is no price for failure, it is a fundamental tenet of Ambition that ''"It is better, by far, to try and fail, than fail to try."'' But if they manage it, if the Grand Inspiration is completed by the start of 389YE, then the achievement will inspire the faithful.

The Assembly can use a mandate to spread word of their highest calling to every corner of the Empire:

{{Mandate|mandate=We shall ignite a flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then followers of Ambition will spread the news of the imminent completion of the Grand Inspiration across the Empire. They will ensure that everyone knows that the great project will be completed by the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE. All eyes will be on the construction in Bastion, waiting to see if the Highborn and the followers of Ambition can achieve this extraordinary feat.

If that happens and the Grand Inspiration is completed by the start of 389YE, then it will spread a powerful confidence through the faithful, creating an [[opportunity]] for members of the Assembly to see other great ambitions fulfilled.

==Say What You Mean==
* '''The Highborn Assembly have begun the hard work of defining how the Grand Inspiration will be laid out'''

After declaring the Grand Inspiration to be their highest calling the Highborn Assembly have begun the hard work of deciding how the Grand Inspiration will be laid out. The construction is vast, far and away the biggest commission ever created in the Empire, larger even than the great walls of Holberg. But size is not the only way to inspire the faithful - the way the Grand Inspiration is arranged and decorated will ultimately be more important than the construction itself.

===Voices of Virtue===
{{SOP|statement=The Highborn Assembly invite the Voices of Virtue assemblies to be the first to take up offices in the Grand Inspiration of the Way because they and the edifice are united in our will: to spread the Way to all sapient people|by=Rinnah, Highborn Assembly|vote= 300-10|when=Spring 388YE}}
* '''The Highborn Assembly have called for the office of Voices of Virtue to occupy the central space in the Grand Inspiration'''
* '''Creating ornate gardens for each Voice of Virtue would provide them with 5 liao a season'''
* '''It would allow each Voice to choose the single most important statement of principle passed during their term to be recorded for posterity'''
* '''Highborn benefactors offer to provide the Guildmaster of the Artisans with 4 thrones a season if he will arrange for a suitable magical item to be made for each Voice after they are elected'''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Garden Paths'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|Amend commission]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Amend the designs for the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate seven serene gardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 70 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the completion of the Grand Inspiration</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides an income of five liao each season to each Voice of Virtue
* Creates a serene garden that each voice could use to preach their Virtue
* Creates the Annals of Virtue, allowing a Voice of Virtue to record a single crucial statement of Virtue or teaching at the end of the year after their appointment.
* Provides the Guildmaster of the Artisans with a stipend of 4 thrones a season, if they agree to arrange for the creation of suitable regalia for the voices
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
While Rinnah's statement failed to achieve a greater majority, it was the only one that suggested how the halls of the Grand inspiration may be fitted out. With the urging of the Ambition Assembly that speed matters, the [[Wayfarer|Wayfarers]] of Highguard insist that there should be some place for the [[Voice of Virtue|Voices of Virtue]] to preach to those who come to the Grand Inspiration seeking their benedictions. A set of seven beautiful gardens is proposed where the gathered can contemplate their sermons and take time to meditate on their chosen path.

The increased prominence of the Voices would mean that they would receive an addition income of five liao. In addition there would be a library set up for the voices to record important statements and particularly elegant quotes and sayings to be recorded for posterity. The Annals of Virtue would be housed in the Grand Inspiration to record select statements of principle whose perspicacity and wisdom moved them beyond the day-to-day business of the Synod.

In the final season of their term, the Voice could choose a single statement of principle that their Assembly passed in the previous year since they were elected. This should be a statement, either part of the wording or all of it, that cut to the core of their Virtue that they believe future priests would do well to consider and debate with their colleagues. That statement will be recorded in the "Annals of Virtue" along with up to a hundred words of commentary by the Voice on the importance of the teaching. If the Voice does not deem a statement worthy, they may wish to not submit one rather than diminish the whole with an unworthy part.

Finally there is a question of finding a way to provide the voices with suitable regalia. A number of Highborn benefactors are keen that they should have some suitable symbol of their office or position, an item that can help them with their duties. Unable to agree what form such regalia should take, they decide to write to the [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]], '''Xanthius Storm's End''', and make a public offer of a regular income of 4 thrones a season, if they will undertake to ensure that each Voice is provided with a suitable crafted magical item. The hope is that the Guildmaster will arrange to speak with each Voice after they are elected, to agree with them what magical item they would like to have made. If the Guildmaster wishes to accept the offer then he can collect the first payment of four thrones from the head of the civil service, ''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza''.

===Four not Forty===
{{SOP|statement=The Way and the Empire are a not a monolith, but a mosaic construct of profound, and beautiful traditions, human and orc, united nonetheless by faith, Synod and Doctrine. The life and worship of the greatest monument must reflect and and celebrate this diversity in order to truly uplift every soul in the Empire. Therefore, we look to the Senate to ensure that the completed Grand Inspiration is governed by a college of residentiary Canons, one elected by each National Assembly, and led by a Dean chosen by the Assembly of Nine, who will together be charged with this sacred task. Let us show that the past, present, and \future of the Way is here in the ten Proud nations of the Empire who stand together in Virtue.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 440-62|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}
* '''The Highborn Assembly has called for residentiary canons, elected by each National Assembly, to sit in the Grand Inspiration'''
* '''Nations could instead choose to copy the Highborn tradition of having a speaker for each assembly'''
Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard has raised a statement in the Highborn Assembly calling for residentiary canons, one to be elected by each National Assembly. No such canons exist at the moment, so the Senate would need to create the titles, but if that happened, then a place could be made for them in the Grand Inspiration. The statement does raise questions in some quarters. With Cardinals, Champions, Voices and Inquisitors already, is there truly a need for an additional round of titles? At what point do titles without practical legal powers disincentivise the impetus for individuals to take it upon themselves to further the cause, as surely the titled person will do it?

One possible alternative might be to embrace Nicodemus' role as [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]]. Besides Highguard, there are four other nations with an existing title whose responsibilities include guiding their national assembly, and ensuring their nation's traditions are upheld. Each title is unique, reflecting the nation's pride and priorities. The existing titles are:

* [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]
* [[Herald of the Throne of Glory]]
* [[Speaker of the Crows]]
* [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]]
* [[Voice of Barbs]]

Given these five titles exist and their responsibilities seem to parallel those identified in the statement, would they not be the natural choice to take up residency in the Grand Inspiration? Creating offices for the ten "speakers" would enhance their prestige and give them a place to stay and work when visiting the Grand Inspiration. Of course there are only five at present, but the Highborn Assembly could prepare chambers for each of them and set aside space for the other five nations to occupy if they create a similar position with the responsibility to chair their national assembly and champion their nation's traditions.

Such a step would still require the [[Senate]] to create the titles in question, but it would mean each nation could create their own position when they were ready to act, rather than have the Senate try to create a canon for each nation. In addition, sinecures could be built in each nation that would provide these additional titles with the kind of support the Speaker of the Highborn National assembly currently receives.
<gallery heights=250 mode="packed">
Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|'''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus
Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark.webp|'''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''', Speaker of Crows
Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard.jpg|'''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Speaker of the Highborn Assembly
Eirlys Ashes Blaze.jpg|'''Eirlys Ashes Blaze''', Voice of Barbs
</gallery>

===Language beyond words===
* '''The Highborn Assembly could enact a mandate encouraging cantors to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''If that happens, the commission could be amended to incorporate a choristers balcony into the edifice'''
* '''Doing so would make a new Highborn archetype, the cantor, available to players'''

The Highborn are known for their musical traditions. The voices of their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor cantors] have carried battle anthems across every corner of the Empire, its words sown into the very earth itself. The ineffable power of a host of choristers singing the songs of Virtue, using music to speak the truth and joy of salvation to stir the heart in harmony that mere language by itself finds insufficient. Too long, some say, have the virtue and evangelism of those whose voices can ignite faith in the hearts of others in this way been overlooked.

{{Mandate|mandate=Those who spread salvation with the inspirational beauty and power of their voices must come forth to take up their rightful place in the Grand Inspiration. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage the cantors of our nation to congregate and sing the songs their souls yearn to share that all may hear them and know their destiny.|assembly=Highguard National Assembly}}
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Choristers Balcony'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|Amend commission]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Amend the designs for the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate a grand balcony for the choir</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:'''
* Only available if the mandate is enacted to encourage cantors to attend the Grand Inspiration
* Available until the Grand Inspiration is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Encourages Highborn cantors to attend the Grand Inspiration
* Makes the cantor archetype available to Highborn players
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
If this mandate is enacted, choristers who use the numinous power of music to inspire and uplift the Virtuous will attend the Grand Inspiration in Bastion. Those who inspire the faithful through majestic voices united in concert will come to witness the construction of the great edifice and lend the power of their voices to raise the spirits of those who work there. If that happens, the Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to amend the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate an impressive choristers balcony to allow singers to perform from. The balcony would include a hymnal library to keep records of the most inspiring music from across the whole Empire. Highborn choristers would attend the Grand Inspiration to sing with their fellow devotees, filling the great cathedral with mellifluous voices.

By putting the choral tradition of the Highborn at the centre of the Grand Inspiration, the important role of the cantor would be promoted all across the nation. The cantor tradition would be reinvigorated, not just musicians and choristers, but all those who create stirring works to inspire others; architects who build grand edifices; craftspeople who make stained glass windows or weave enormous tapestries and other artists who produce works on a grand scale. ('''OOC Note:''' the '''cantor''' archetype, one who employs the musical traditions of the Highborn to spread the Way would be available to players).

==Further Reading==
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing the highest calling
* [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Blood with thicken]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the Grand Inspiration of the Way

The Oran operation

2026-07-22T14:01:11Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>"I've heard some of your people complain about the Senate and, let me tell you, they do not know how good they have it."

Lutomysla quirked an eyebrow.

"They should try dealing with a Salt Lord." Grayune shook her head. "If we were trying this back on the Shore... Every time we suggested building a bridge to help move armies, some Salt Lord would look at the weirwood we needed and suggest building another navy instead. So we end up with shitty bridges that keep falling down, and then everyone just falls back on ferries and boats and its the soldiers that get shafted because they have to pay the boat owners for the privilege of getting to where the war is. And of course if we don't pay, the Grendel blame the 'landbound' and... Anyway it's a nightmare."

"Wait, aren't ''you'' Grendel Grayune?" Lutomsyla's tone was mild but she was very interested in the answer. The orc sighed.

"It depends who you ask," she said bitterly. "We call ourselves Grendel - called ourselves Grendel I mean." The engineer shot the prognosticator a quick look from under furrowed brows. "We're the Protectorate of Morajasse now, obviously."

"Obviously," nodded Lutomysla. The Protectorate was ''probably'' a political fiction but it was difficult to be ''entirely'' sure of that, which made exchanges like this fascinating to the Varushkan.

"We called ourselves Grendel but the Commander, he's a soldier. Not a sailor. There are people on the Shore who think that you're only a ''real'' Grendel if you own a boat, or sail on a boat, or build boats or... 'Soldiering' is what the septs do. No true Grendel, and so on. You know?"

Lutomysla wasn't sure she ''did'' know but nodded sympathetically nonetheless.

"It must be quite frustrating," she said encouragingly. It was rare for the normally taciturn Protectorate orcs to speak so candidly and she wanted to get the most out of it.

"Not that the Empire's much better," Grayune added hastily. "So many people in the mix means everything takes forever. When a Salt Lord decides they want something, they just... do it. Not so much of this arguing, and voting, and all this thing with your priests. The septs are the same - as long as they come when the Salt Lords call, they're pretty much left alone to get on with it in their lands."

The orc stared off into the distance, clearly seeing something other than the marshy northern bank of the Scorrero.

"It's the army that wins the wars," she said half to herself. "It's the soldiers that die in the mud, die with swords in their hands. The Moridun have it better, fair enough, but only because they fought tooth and nail for their recognition. And when you're locked down by a bunch of Urizen sentinels you can't just... sail away. It wasn't the damn sailors that died at Solen's Doubt, let me tell you."

Grayune shook herself, and straightened up. She raised her spyglass, studying the shores of the Siroc Bayou.

"Anyway, I'm sure things aren't all coffee and cream in the Imperial armies, either. It's a soldier's lot to slog over hot sand and spill blood because some silk-wearing arsehole five hundred miles away tells them to. "

She barked a laugh.

"'The soldier's lot is to fight and die, to fall on far sands and never know why'."

Lutomysla wondered who she was quoting. The uncomfortable silence stretched, becoming more awkward. Grayune broke it.

"Right! See that? I mean obviously you can't see that because I have the spyglass, but trust me. The road there? It's a bit battered but I think it'd be easier to bank and shore it than to try building a new one, most of the stone is still there it's just under the mud. Wide enough for two wagons I'd judge, so if the bridge makes landfall ''there'' it'll link your trade routes quite nicely."

Lutomysla let the talk of salvage, stone, and swamps wash over here, making a mental note to send a note about this exchange to Gerard once they were back in Oran.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atchafalaya Basin.jpg|align=left|caption=The transformation of southern Madruga cut the connection between the wider Empire and Feroz, and restoring the link will be a major undertaking.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knvGBIPy3WU}}
In Autumn 386YE, as part of the solution to the incursion of the ''dry patricians'', the river Scorrero was infused along its length with Spring magic resulting in [[Where the river rises|violent flooding]]. The damage caused by the withering presence of the patricians was washed away, and when the waters subsided [[Madruga]] was transfigured. The gentle farmlands of the south and west were replaced with marsh and haunted grass - [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]], [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]], and [[Madruga#Quiet_Grasses|Quiet Grasses]]. In the process, the bridges crossing the river were swept away. Only the Sobral Bridge north of the eponymous town survived.

Last season, the Senate accepted [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|an offer]] from the Protectorate of Morajasse to work with their military engineers. They would apply their expertise to the challenge of creating new bridges to reconnect the eastern Brass Coast, and restore easy movement between [[Feroz]] and Madruga. This project is also of interest to the [[Iron Confederacy]], whose merchants used to pass along the eastern coast road via [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Bramar]] to reach the wider Empire.

[[Appraisal#Lutomysla Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] was selected to lead the appraisal and liaise with the Protectorate. The project definitely does not play to her strengths as a magician who seeks magical solutions to problems, but her familiarity with the magical strangeness of the Siroc Bayou may be useful. Her main contribution, however, comes from her understanding of the Imperial civil service and bureaucracy, and smoothing interactions between the Protectorate engineers and the people of the Brass Coast.

==Bridges==
* '''Bridging the Scorrero between Feroz and Madruga is challenging because the river has become so tumultuous
* '''Building in the Siroc Bayou or Crucible is difficult because of the marshy terrain
* '''Siroc Bayou and Crucible are not under Imperial control
The main challenge in bridging the Scorrero is that the wild river has become even more dangerous since the powerful ritual that caused it to flood the wasteland created by the dry patricians. Its waters are impregnated with [[ilium]] that flows down from the [[Kahraman]] peaks. Star metal in sufficient concentration is known to have unexpected effects on magical [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]] often causing them to linger considerably longer than might be expected. The ''Bay of Oran'' - the wide waters between Feroz and Madruga into which the Scorrero empties - is nowhere near as wild but is by no means untouched by the strangeness of the west. There is talk of mats of swampweed entangled with bright yellow flowers that seem to move against the tides, their long fronds trailing deep into the waters like floral jellyfish; reports of peculiarly-coloured and inquisitive shoals fish; distressingly large crabs; and gulls who stare at sailors in a way that makes them uncomfortable. So far these phenomena haven't caused any problems, but the folk of northern Feroz have learned to be a little pessimistic about such things.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs, this season we commit to a Daring Raid upon the Siroc Bayou. Keep your weather eyes open for the lost wealth of the families displaced by the magical upheaval in these territories. What we can return we will, what we cannot, we return to the nation. Suffer no Suranni insult, but spill no foreigner blood. From the Bayou we will begin to retake the Crucible. For the Freeborn!</quote></div>
The other problem is that the northern banks of the Scorrero are now trackless marshland. The roads that used to run along the Scorrero, and cross the Sobral Bridge, were washed away by the magically spreading waters. Until this very season, the Bayou and Crucible were wild and untamed lands that were not even officially part of the Empire. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]] launch a [[Army_qualities#Daring|daring raid]] into the Bayou to bring it under Imperial control, but there is still much work to be done.
==Bridging Over Troubled Water==
* '''The Protectorate engineers have examined the situation and put together a proposal to build a bridge near Oran
The first step for the Protectorate is to make a proper assessment of the river - on both banks. Lutomysla secures Freeborn assistance, hiring a couple of boats for the use of the [[orc]] engineers. A [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_133|recent statement]] in the Freeborn assembly by '''Malaki''' fell just short of the [[greater majority]] it needed to be widely distributed, but in the absence of any encouragement ''not'' to deal with the Protectorate the traditional Freeborn entrepreneurialism seems to be taking precedence. Especially given the Senate decision to accept Commander Gallum's [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|offer to restore]] the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]] to Freeborn control.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
There is a little excitement when the engineers run across patrols from the Red Wind Corsairs. Soldiers on both sides have grudges against their former enemies - but the experienced prognosticator is able to defuse the situation with some careful diplomacy and Varushkan honeywine. It takes a couple of weeks, but the assessment is completed and the true extent of the challenge is made clear. Bridging the wild Scorrero itself, with a magical marsh on the northern bank, is likely to prove infeasible. It would also need a new road to be built along the northern banks of the river, through the shifting marshes.

Instead the engineers propose building a long road bridge across the western end of the bay, downstream from where the wild river empties into the sea. One end would be anchored near Oran, the other on the coast east of where the city of [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] once stood. The bridge would employ [[Grendel]] techniques for crossing deep water using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caisson_(engineering) caissons]. A frame of [[weirwood]] reinforced with [[mithril]] is constructed, and pumps mounted on pontoons are used to remove the water from within the frame, which is then filled with a mixture of cement, aggregate, mithril and steel rods, and a [[white granite]] core. This creates a line of stable pylons across which a road can run.
===Mother of Invention===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oran Bridge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz and Siroc Bayou, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 15 mithril, 15 weirwood, 96 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows armies to pass between Madruga and Feroz
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
* Restores the benefits of the Sunset Roads to Segura</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Salt Guard increasing labour costs by 80 crowns but reducing white granite required by 15
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Asavean Temple in Oran increasing labour costs by 45 crowns but reducing mithril and weirwood required by 5 each
* The labour costs may be voluntarily increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns, ensuring everyone working on the project receives the standard wage for doing so
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A bridge across the Bay of Oran would be expensive
* '''The Protectorate engineers are adept at repurposing existing architecture to create new structures
* '''With Senate permission they can salvage the Salt Guard or the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull to reduce the costs of the bridge project
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=The disciplined "former" Grendel engineers are adept at scavenging and salvaging the materials they need to support their work.|width=350}}</div>
The project will require 50 wains of white granite, 15 wains of mithril, and 15 wains of weirwood. Normally, the labour costs would be significant - especially given one end of the bridge [[Commission#Marshes|terminates in a marsh]], but there is no shortage of cheap labour in [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] Feroz. As such, the final cost of the project would be a mere 96 crowns, even taking into account the difficulties of working with marshland. Work would take six months to complete.

Once the bridge was completed, it would once again be possible to move armies directly from [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] to [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]]. The position the Protectorate engineers have assessed incorporates the remnants of the white granite road that once ran along the northern banks of the Scorrero into Segura. This means the bridge also restores connections vital to overland trade between Feroz and Madruga and by extension between the Iron Confederacy and the Empire. This would be a major boon to the paradors and other businesses in the town of Oran, allowing them to reclaim at least a fragment of their former glory, removing the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] quality from Oranseri.

Another positive is that the roads of Feroz are still relatively intact. Even Rahab wasn't stupid and greedy enough to destroy the arteries that allowed his soldiers - and the wealth of the Brass Coast - to flow across the territory. Thanks to the road running between Oran and [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]], once Imperial merchants were able to cross from Madruga to Feroz freely it would reconnect the [[Segura#Sunset_Roads|Sunset Roads]], restoring to Segura the prosperity that was lost when the Scorrero broke its banks. Unfortunately, they won't help Feroz - at least not at the moment - given the impoverished and [[Region_qualities#Abandoned|abandoned]] state of the territory.

Lutomysla also believes it could be a potent symbol of Feroz's reconnection to the wider Empire, literally and metaphorically building bridges between the south-western Empire and the heartlands. There is still some way to go before Feroz recovers anything like its former prosperity, but along with the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran|Wharfage of Oran]], it represents progress toward recovering from the ruin left by Governor Rahab.

The sheer cost of the project appears daunting, but the Protectorate engineers have a pragmatic proposal. As former Grendel soldiers, they are adept at scavenging and repurposing materials to meet their strategic goals. Lutomysla reports that there is a degree of bitterness from the orcs - although they try to hide it - when they speak of this need for salvage. Reading between the lines and asking some carefully probing questions, it appears that units such as Commander Gallum's are constantly underfunded and undersupplied by the Salt Lords. Most of the [[army|armies]] of the Broken Shore are supported by their septs; those that are not have to skimp and save. It seems that there is significant rivalry between "professional" soldiers such as Gallum and the naval officers who receive the lion's share of the support from the Salt Lords. Necessity being the mother of invention, it has given the engineers of the Protectorate a keen eye for opportunities to repurpose existing materials.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Salvage</big>'''
<p>Under normal circumstances, it is not possible to recover the materials used in a commission. Only an [[opportunity]] can allow such a thing. In this case, as part of the [[appraisal]], the expertise of the Protectorate engineers has identified just such an opportunity. If the Empire no longer has diplomatic ties with the Protectorate, the salvage opportunity is not available.</p>

Any opportunity is unique and cannot be easily altered. This opportunity only applies to the construction of the bridge across the Bay of Oran - the wains represent materials scavenged specifically for that project. The Senate could ''not'' simply instruct that these buildings be salvaged to recover some of the wains spent to build them. This opportunity does not provide a way for the Empire to reclaim materials used on any other commission for any other reason outside of a plot opportunity that specifically offers that potential.</box></div>

===Ruins and Salt===
* '''Protectorate engineers could salvage the flooded ruins of the Salt Guard to reduce the amount of white granite required
* '''It would increase labour costs by 80 crowns
* '''There is a risk of angry spirits
The ruins of Siroc are drowned in the mud of the marshes and the waters of the bayou. By employing divers and salvagers, some of the materials used to build the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)|Salt Guard]] could be repurposed to help build the caissons. This would involve recruiting and organising teams to break the stone and transport it to where it could be added to the massive labour project. Again, the hunger for paying work of the people of Feroz would play into the Empire's hands here. Lutomysla looks at the engineers' proposals and estimates that a further 80 crowns in labour costs would allow the ruined Salt Guard to be salvaged. This would effectively provide 15 wains of white granite toward the construction of the bridge.

There are risks however; a lot of people died in the fall of the Salt Guard. Freeborn, [[Commonwealth]], Grendel, and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] remains still lie in the flooded ruins. As a Varushkan, Lutomysla knows better than most the dangers of disturbing a burial ground, and with the [[Feroz#Isle_of_the_Osseini_(Ruined)|Isle of the Osseini]] no longer attracting and containing the spirits of those lost at sea there is a chance that salvaging the Salt Guard in this fashion will incur the wrath of the dead. There are not believed to be any ghosts haunting the ruins of Siroc at the moment, but salvaging the Salt Guard might be one way to change that.

Lutomysla has looked at the risk separately and believes that a drop of prevention will remove the need for an entire bucket-load of cure.

{{Mandate|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}

If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]]; the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]; the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]]; '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo''', who was the only one to support the garrison when it fell; or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'', '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', then the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case, the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.

The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.

===Foam and the Bull===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Black Bull.png|align=right|caption=Balo and the Black Bull are two of the Asavean "gods" patrons of sailors and guards respectively.|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Temple of Balo and the Black Bull has been abandoned
* ''' Protectorate engineers could be permitted to salvage the temple to reduce the amount of weirwood and mithril required
* '''Doing so raises the labour costs by a further 45 crowns
Since the liberation of Oran, and the [[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information_:_Asavean_Diplomacy|surrender]] of the priests serving at the [[Feroz#Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]], the structure has stood empty. [[Construct_Asavean_Temple|Constructed]] by the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] nearly a decade ago, the place has always been controversial. During the occupation of the Grendel, though, it served as something of a place of sanctuary for Freeborn friendly to the priests and operated a covert way for those fleeing the grasp of Governor Rahab to reach safety in Madruga. The Governor could not afford to risk angering the Asavean priests and they used that protection to help many Freeborn evade the cruel tyrants grasp.

Since the repatriation of the priests, the temple has stood empty. The proposal from the engineers is that unless the Empire is planning to convert it to some other use, it could be torn down to support the bridge building effort. There's some white granite available - although nowhere near as much as there is in the drowned [[fortification]] - but more importantly the gardens that once surrounded the temple incorporated wains of weirwood, and the roof is partially supported by mithril bars. A second team could rip the building apart to get at some of the materials inside, and contribute them to the building effort. It would increase the labour cost of the project by a further 45 crowns, but provide 5 wains each of weirwood and mithril for the production.

Tearing down the Temple is somewhat controversial. In theory the building is the legal property of the Asaveans, but since the Empire is currently at war with them, there are no legal obstacles to the action. And most Freeborn who remember the sack of Siroc by the Asavean forces see the destruction of this heretical and blasphemous Temple as right and proper. However [[Wild_blue_yonder#Balo's_Guests|the Kanza family, who only evaded capture due to the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]] protest that this is a poor way for the Freeborn to repay the priests for the risks they took to shelter the helpless from the Grendel.

===Fair Prices===
* '''The labour costs for the bridge are very low thanks to the impoverished quality of Feroz
* '''The commission may instruct the civil service to pay higher wages to the labourers recruited
At the moment, the impoverished nature of Feroz means that any commission built in, or partly in, the territory benefits from significantly reduced labour costs. People in Feroz are poor and desperate enough to work for a fraction of what citizens elsewhere might demand for their labour. Perhaps inspired by the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_80|judgement]] from '''Vivane Knotes''' during the Winter Solstice 386YE, there are some who question the [[Prosperity]] of the situation. Constructing caissons is dangerous, back-breaking work, after all. Is it right for the wealthy citizens of Anvil to take advantage of the people of Feroz by paying less than the work is normally worth?

There is nothing to stop whoever commissions the bridge from stipulating that everyone employed receive the standard payment for working on the bridge. If this were done, the labour costs for the bridge would be increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns. This increase would not have any game effect, but it would at least send a clear message to the Freeborn, and to [[Prosperity|prosperous]] folk across the Empire, that the construction was not taking advantage of the reduced circumstances of those living in Feroz.

==Taking a Toll==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Oran Tollkeeper'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 10 crowns each season </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* If the impoverished quality is removed from Morajasse, income increases by 6 crowns
* Removes the symbolic benefits of the bridge as a reconnection of Feroz and Madruga
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Protectorate has included plans for a tollhouse at either end of the bridge
* '''It is up to the commissioner whether to include this title
The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.

This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain separated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.

After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 10 crowns each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse, then it would increase the income by another 6 crowns a season.

The commission could choose to have the title appointed by the Brass Coast senators, with or without tenure. Alternatively, the commission could specify that the position be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. In either case, it would need to be a Freeborn national position.

==The Adamant Connection==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Lutomysla proposes speaking to Adamant about making the bridge particularly sturdy
Lutomysla doesn't have a great deal of work to do with the bridges. She is at her best when dealing with magical matters, and the Protectorate engineers use only mundane methods in their proposal. However, after some discussion with the Freeborn magicians at the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], and following her own work with bridges in Madruga, the prognosticator does have a proposal of her own.

The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]].

==Inkworks==
* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Start of Winter Solstice 388YE - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Removes the abandoned quality from Oranseri if the Oran Bridge is built</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
Lutomysla's colleague, [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has already reviewed the proposed [[The_circle_game#Inkworks_at_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in her [[The circle game|recent assessment]] of Imperial ministries. Lutomysla notes that if the Oran Bridge were built, and removed the impoverished quality from Oranseri, then there would still be value in building the Inkworks - instead of removing impoverished in conjunction with the bridge it would remove the ''abandoned'' quality from the region, bringing in a new wave of settlers. The same would be true if the commissions were completed in the other order - between them they would remove both qualities.

==Further Reading==
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Protectorate of Morajasse]]

* [[An arrow nocked and in flight]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune regarding Protectorate diplomacy
* [[Send for me]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about restoring Feroz

Viridian nemesis

2026-07-22T14:00:25Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>"Trade is the lifeblood of the Jewelled City. Ships dock here from all over the world. The Grendel like to think of themselves as masters of the Bay of Catazar, but the markets of Dubhtraig are barely twice the size of Trivento! Everything is for sale here. Everything the virtuous soul might desire and a little more besides."

"I don't see how that is going to help us." responded Gwyn, careful not to offend his host. He'd been warned that the Merchant Prince of the Amber Signets was given to self-aggrandisement, but he'd been advised that he held sway over a significant number of local merchants who would be good to have on hand. "The vallorn has no trade interests, no valuables. It has no interest in markets or trade, any more than it does in any other facet of civilisation."

Afredo blinked and then forced a smile back to his face. "You miss my point my friend. The point is that whatever you need for this war of yours, is available here. Materials, wains, mana, herbs, weapons, armour, even soldiers are for sale here. Well their swords at least. Tell me what the Vallornguard need to fight the enemy and we'll ensure it's available - for the right price."

Gwyn shrugged his shoulders a little bemused by the question. "I mean... everything... we need everything." Herbs to heal soldiers, crystals for magic, ingots and measures for magic items, there was no material in this or any realm that the Navarri have not found a way to use to fight their ancient foe.

The Merchant Prince smirked, though this time the smile was at least an honest one. "Very well" he replied, "everything it is then..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=left|caption=The garden long-tended by the Navarr begins to bear fruit.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_Kl3vFI3RI}}
The [[The highest calling|highest calling]] of the the [[Navarr]] is to share their long experience fighting the [[vallorn]] with other nations. Last season, they [[Cup_of_choices|chose to work]] with the people of [[Urizen]]; now the Navarr National Assembly has urged their people to embrace the citizens of [[the League]] to arm and armour them for the upcoming battle with the Doom of Terunael. Once again, the [[Loyalty]] Assembly has supported the cause, calling upon those whose heart drives them towards the destruction of ''Terun's Folly''.

The aid was welcomed by the League Assembly and so the Navarr find the cities of the League no less enthusiastic than the spires of Urizen. In conjunction with their guests, each city has come up with its own plan how best to prepare to fight the vallorn.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;">
{{SOPInner|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Teleri Thornweaver with 50 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Teleri Thornweaver, Navarr National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 252-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Leliel, Daughter of Armisael, with 25 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Leliel, Daughter of Armisael, Loyalty Assembly|vote=190-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=We welcome and recognise the judgement by Navarr (54). We recognise their highest calling and we welcome their aid.|by=Francesca di Spiral, League National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 328-10|when=Spring 388YE}}</div>

==Holberg==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Boar's Hide'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Fortification]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Boar's Dell, Brocéliande</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 120 [[white granite]], 60 mithril, 540 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 6 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 20 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Creates a level two fortification in Boar's Dell
* Increases the level of investment in mana sites in Brocéliande by one while there is a vallornheart in the territory
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Holberg engineers propose the construction of a grand fortification in Brocéliande that could take advantage of the trods to boost mana sites in the territory'''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
[[The_greatest_city_in_the_world|The Greatest City in the League]] lies to the north-east of [[Brocéliande|Brocéliande]], and south of [[Otkodov#Sküld|Sküld]], two territories both infested with the vallorn. Initial proposals by some ambitious engineers has a [[weirwood]] and [[ilium]] causeway cutting across the Barrens to channel the vallorn of [[Brocéliande#Terunael|Terunael]] itself into their territory, that they might fight in the shade of the monstrous [[Walls of Holberg]]. This plan was quickly abandoned as infeasible; fine in theory, ''way'' too expensive in practice.

If the vallorn won't go to Holberg, then Holberg will go to the vallorn. The engineers have a proposal for an enormous bastion built on the foundations of Greenstead in [[Brocéliande#Boar's_Dell|Boar's Dell]]. Once roused, the vallorn by its nature will tend to be drawn to any substantial fortification, sending its full chaotic wroth at the structure until it is entirely subsumed in vines. Knowing that the vallorn is likely to attack any fortification first means the engineers can expect any substantial defences to become a focal point of the campaign as well as a place for Imperial [[military unit]] captains to assign their forces in the absence of an Imperial [[army]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''Regarding the Broch'''</big><br>While [[Brocéliande#The Broch|the Broch]] is already [[Construct Defence of the Broch|fortified]], the work was specifically done in such a way as to ''not'' rouse the ire of the vallorn. After all, [[Brocéliande#Black_Boughs|Black Boughs]] lies within the [[vallorn miasma|miasma]] itself and in a region utterly dominated by the ''Doom of Terunael''.</box></div>
There are some important consequences to consider. Firstly, the [[steading|steadings]] of Boar's Dell would face the brunt of the assault. They are Navarri, they have signed up to this, they have sworn oaths that they are committed to this, but one's home is one's home, nevertheless. Secondly, it is eye-wateringly expensive to create such a structure: even with the help of Holberg's finest engineers, they can't materialise wains out of the ether, as much as other nations may accuse the League of this from time to time.

With the collaboration of Holberg's engineers, the fortification could be completed in six seasons (barring the use of magic or other opportunities). Working closely with Navarr [[vate|vates]] provides a second advantage. By incorporating a significant amount of [[mithril]] into the design, it would harness also some of the chaotic energies being drawn out of the vallorn by the [[trods|trod network]] and channel it into local [[mana site|mana sites]]. That would provide a small but important benefit, providing more mana for the coming war, at least until the vallornheart in [[Brocéliande#Terunael|Terunael]] is destroyed.

==Sarvos==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Market of Everything'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Ministry]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Cigno, Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 8 wains of white granite, 6 wains of weirwood, 2 wains of mithril, 48 crowns, 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a Ministry for the Vallornguard
* Creates the title of ''Merchant-Prince of the Vallornguard''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Merchant-Prince of the Vallornguard'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League national position</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives support from Sarvosi traders to acquire material to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To help the Vallornguard acquire the materials needed to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''A Little Bit of Everything'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 rings</td><td>4 random materials, 6 random herbs, 3 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>370 rings</td><td>8 random materials, 12 random herbs, 6 mana crystals, </td></tr>
<tr><td>650 rings</td><td>12 random materials, 18 random herbs, 9 mana crystals,</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 rings</td><td>16 random materials, 24 random herbs, 12 mana crystals, </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sarvosi merchants propose commissioning a market of everything to help supply the Vallornguard with the resources to fight the vallorn'''
While Holberg claims to be the Greatest City in the League, their indignant rivals in [[Sarvos]] argue their city is the oldest and still the richest in the Empire. Trade flows across down the Gancio until it meets the [[Bay of Catazar]] at the docks of [[Sarvos#Cigno|Cigno]]. Ships put to port here that dock nowhere else in the Empire, buying and selling; rare metals from [[Varushka]], fine wines from [[Dawn]], or exotic goods from overseas. The city's proud boast is that anything that is for sale anywhere in the Empire can be found in the markets of Sarvos.

The question is how to employ that strength to bolster the Vallornguard and help prepare for the coming war. Plans are quickly drawn up for a grand market, something that can provide whoever the Vallornguard appoint with a bit of ''everything''. Anything that can be employed against the vallorn can be distributed as needed to the Vallornguard - the rest can be sold. In the minds of the [[merchant Prince|merchant princes]] of Sarvos, a good profit margin is the ultimate weapon.

==Tassato==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Vallornguard Military Academy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Madeiras, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of white granite, 48 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' League armies with a general appointed by the Vallornguard can take the order to Stem the Green Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Tassatan bravos propose building an academy that will allow League generals appointed by the Vallornguard to use Stem the Green Tide when defending'''
The Navarri who arrive in [[Tassato]] are greeted by a great deal of commotion as furious work is being done to speed the [[Army#Recruitment|mustering]] of the League's third [[army]]. It is a painful reminder that, more than anything else, what the Vallornguard really need are armies. No matter how much planning is put in place, no matter how many fortifications are built, in the end it will always come down to steel weapons and steel will.

Most Tassatans learn to fight with rapier and buckler, the perfect weapons for a bravo who wants to cut a fine dash while bridge fighting. By contrast, the Navarr favour a more pragmatic fighting style when fighting the vallorn, one that makes use of [[venom]] whenever it is available. Training League soldiers in techniques for fighting the vallorn could pay dividends once the enemy attacks.

When the vallorn is roused, and it ''will'' be roused, insist the visiting [[thorn|thorns]], there will need to be those who can stem the initial tsunami of chaotic energies before it might be driven back and permanently quelled. Constructing an appropriate academy, staffed by members of the Vallornguard, would allow League citizens to drill the kind of basic tactics needed to stand your ground in the face of a swarm of vallornspawn.

Once complete the Vallornguard Military Academy would allow any League army whose [[general]] was appointed by the Vallornguard, to take the '''Stem the Green Tide''' order when defending. There are no League armies that would be affected at present, but a [[Senate motion]] could be used to change the appointment method of a general to a vote of the Vallornguard at any time.

<box>'''Stem the Green Tide'''<br>
* '''Casualties suffered by this army from vallorn are decreased by a fifth'''
* '''Victory points generated by this army against the vallorn are increased by one tenth'''

Rapiers might suit the dark alleys of the League cities, but large heavy weapons, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook bills], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zweih%C3%A4nder two-handed swords] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_(weapon) pikes] are the preferred choice for many professional soldiers in League free companies. These are dangerous weapons of war on any battlefield, but with the right training and the right leadership, League soldiers can deploy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_square pike squares] to devastating effect against the vallornspawn allowing them to defend against the vallorn's overwhelming and chaotic offensive, holding back the unending green tide.
</box>

==Temeschwar==
* '''Temeschwari bishops suggest a mandate to encourage League bravos to seek out opportunities to fight the enemy'''
The hard, ruthless people of [[Temeschwar]] are known for their pragmatism. Grand plans for mighty fortresses are all well and good, but they can take years to build. Better to ''get on with it'', in the minds of many Temeschwari - there's no time like the present for dealing with a threat. ''Marko von Vardstein'', a newly-minted [[bishop]] with a small church in one of the poorer parts of Temeschwar, has paired up with ''Livinnia'', a bravo known for wielding two axes and being a woman of extremely few words. The pair suggest that if the League are going to do this then the national assembly should encourage military units to start now, by pursuing any venture that could aid in the fight against the vallorn.

{{Mandate|mandate=In Ratibor's name, let us act! We send (named individual) with 50 doses of liao to encourage League bravos to take up arms against the vallorn. If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing right now|assembly=League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then League military units will be able to take part in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] and [[Venture#Explore_the_ruins_of_Terunael|the exploration of the ruins of Terunael]] ventures, as well as any future ventures that deal with engaging the vallorn directly.

<div {{float}}><quote by="William Shakespeare, As You Like it">All the world's a stage,<br>
And all the men and women are merely players</quote></div>

==Spiral==
* '''Actors and troupe magicians in Spiral propose the creation of plays about the vallorn to inspire citizens'''
* '''Apulian merchants have donated five thrones as a prize for the best play, to be judged by vote of members of the Cat's Graces at the Autumn Equinox'''

There's a lot going on in [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulian]] right now, a running battle between cats and birds for control of the city streets and rooftops while soldiers comb the dark passages that lie beneath them. The visiting Navarri are welcomed with all due hospitality, but at first some Apulians question whether they have the time to offer any significant aid, given that the strange ''confluence'' of [[dramaturgy|dramaturgical]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae|personae]], [[Dramaturgy#The_Instruments|instruments]] and [[Dramaturgy#The_Thrones|thrones]] plays havoc with the city, causing inhabitants and visitors alike to get lost in the shifting streets.

Determined not to be outdone by the other cities, a troupe of actors and magicians proposes that dramaturgy might offer a way to combat the vallorn. Of course there needs to be fortifications and armies and supplies and such things, but none of those will help without the ''will to win'' and the ''belief'' that ''victory'' is ''possible'' (and so on). The biggest hurdle to victory they say, is not the threat of the vallorn but the belief that the Empire lacks the means to defeat it. People need to see the vallorn not as some implacable force that can only be contained at best, but as an enemy that can be defeated once and for all, just like the [[Druj]].

What is needed, they say, are plays and stories that present a new vision of the vallorn. The true power of dramaturgy lies not just in performing rituals calling on the personae and their accoutrements, but in using the power of drama to influence the way people think and believe. Good plays create a narrative that shapes the path of history. Of course critics of dramaturgy argue that it is the power of events that make some plays seem so pivotal, not unlike the way some magicians believe that the stars move in line with events rather than the other way round.

Proponents of the real power of dramaturgy have little time for such naysaying. They argue that creating plays and stories that tell of victory over the vallorn are a subtle but crucial step in making that outcome come about. Of course that raises the question of who will create the plays - such things are time-consuming and expensive. A few Navarr suggest the historical accounts of Navarr and Thorn or [[Megan Black Blood]] might form the basis for such a play, but not everyone thinks that is the best approach. Even the suggestion of dramatising recent triumphs such as [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Immolation_.28Liathaven.29|that in Liathaven]] does not meet with enthusiasm.

The League actors are concerned that the old histories may focus too much on the fall and what was lost to the vallorn. Equally their suggestion that if the playwrights do use the historical accounts, they will need to be ''"sexed up a bit, to make it more dramatic"'' does not meet with universal approval by their Navarr guests.

As a compromise, the suggestion is that the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|recently established sodality, the Cat's Graces]] might hold a contest to find the best play about the vallorn. Something dramatic and engaging that will get people into the cheap seats but which sets the tone of an Empire engaging successfully with the vallorn. A purse is quickly assembled, 5 thrones for the winning entry, with the understanding of all who enter, that actors will tour the winning play and any other worthy entries, across the Empire.

Of course it will take time for playwrights to produce something that capture and transform the zeitgeist. It needn't be a full play - it could be a short performance piece, put on everywhere before the main attraction. It could be historical, provided it doesn't compromise being inspiring for too much stuffy "accuracy". After all, the goal is to move the hearts and minds of theatre-goers all over the Empire, not to educate historians and scholars.

The merchants of Apulian request the Cat's Graces sodality either arrange a suitable contest to identify a winning submission, or else find a way to choose the perfect playwright to commission a piece. Either way they offer a purse of five thrones to be awarded by the sodality at the Autumn Equinox, to the author of the play that best inspires people to embrace the idea of defeating the vallorn.

A copy of the play itself will also need to be provided, so that it can be distributed to troupes of actors across the League. Focusing the attention of the League's thespians and actors on the vallorn in this way may reap dividends, although they are likely to be subtle or unpredictable. With the support of the Cat's Graces, it will definitely encourage a surge of interest in depicting the fight against the vallorn on the stage, and in reframing it as a foe to be overcome rather than an insurmountable problem. It might all lead to nothing apart from some very enjoyable nights at the theatre, or it may actually achieve what the dramaturgical theorists claim it will and somehow shift Imperial attitudes to the Doom of Terunael.

==Further Reading==
* [[Cup of choices]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune detailing the Navarr efforts to assist Urizen
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the highest calling

* [[Vallorn]]

The right answer

2026-07-22T13:59:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
Alypia held a neutral tone, in the way only Urizeni Questions can make absolutely infuriating. "You do realise, that Empress Richilde herself has no signs?"

"That's probably Nicovar's fault, so much was lost in the fires." Ygraine easily turned the comment around, it came natural to a Troubadour like her.

Alypia maintained her polite, cool etherealness as if she were made of the heady air of her home. "Nicovar burned the libraries in 209, Richilde was recognised in 219"

"...oh, well surely she has signs then?"

"Nope."

"She's Empress Richilde! She's the very embodiment of Pride!"

"Ok, how?"

"She was the one who crystallised the ability of everyone to feel a sense of belonging to the Empire! She was a ground-breaking figure in the history of the Way!"

"So what are her signs?"

"Ask a Pride Priest!" Ygraine snapped, her patience finally exhausted.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 300px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|caption=The assembly of the Way often sees itself as the guardian of the faith as a whole.|width=300px}}</div>
===Overview===
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x0rGjdY2x0}}
The Way Assembly have found the highest calling of those priests who commit themselves to discussing and promoting the faith as a whole rather than any single virtue. Bryn Tendfallen's statement of principle regarding the importance of the assembly's custodianship of the canon managed to convince their fellow theologians and has sought to focus on that sacred duty.

Formally the [[Inquisition#Virtue|Assembly of the Way is expected to be responsible for the integrity of the Way itself]], Many in the Assembly see themselves as responsible for the faith itself, dedicating themselves to creating a more perfect understanding of the Way, even as they strive to maintain the fidelity of the [[Doctrines of the Faith]]. Bryn's statements chimes with these sentiments, as it urges the faithful to strengthen the faith by questioning and challenging what is known.

Such questioning is never without risk. Revelation can shake the foundations of the Way, as it did with shocking discovery about the true nature of [[Vardas]]. To test a thing you must put it under stress. However, by making the need to test the faith their highest calling, the Assembly of the Way has an opportunity to examine the faith in a controlled way that ensures that nothing disastrous can happen. There are costs, you cannot question the faith without shaking people's confidence in it, but the stewardship of the Way will ensure that those costs cannot spiral out of control.

Revelation ''in this way'', may test the faithful, but it won't permanently damage their dedication to the Way. And with the support of the other Virtue assemblies it may leave the faith stronger than ever at the end.

{{SOPInner|statement=The Imperial Way is a beacon to the entire world, showing the path to Enlightenment. The light of that beacon must be tended and renewed to keep it burning bright. Virtue calls us to test what we know. Building a Way that is strengthened by questions, challenges, and revelations rather than being threatened by them is the Highest Calling of this Assembly.|by=Brynn Tendfallen, Way Assembly|vote={{GM}} 268-30|when=Spring 388YE}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Volya Vychodni Nebov.jpg|caption='''Volya Vychodni Nebov''', Cardinal of the Way|align=right|width=300}}
===Question, Challenge and Reveal===
* '''For the next year, the Assembly of the Way can pass one or more statements of principle that raise questions about an exemplar or paragon'''
* '''If a statement of principle passes with a greater majority, then the Virtuous will question what they believe about the inspirational figure'''

The most common way for priests both lay and of the synod to explain and reinforce the seven paths of virtue is by the stories of the paragons. Tenets and auras are virtue in the abstract, but the practical ways in which those recognised lived their lives is always easier to understand any apply ones own experiences to. When one asks how they might ''despise the thieving bandit, the lazy wastrel, the grasping miser, and those who take without giving'', one need only look to the example set by [[Good Walder]]. When a pilgrim of [[Wisdom]] asks how they might go about ''finding the right question'', tales of the lives of [[Zoria]] or [[Kala]] give useful examples that can be applied to their own thinking.

Beyond this, those Exemplars who are recognised while still living serve as a focal point of inspiration and increased devotion; they are people you can ''actually meet'', who you can ask about their experiences and seek guidance from. They become real manifestations of the faith people hold in their hearts that have a much more immediate connection than a storyteller regurgitating the sayings of a figure separated from you by history, culture and circumstance.

It is no wonder then, when revelations about those who the synod have raised up as beacons of virtue come out (as recently happened with [[Vardas]]) and damage their reputation that their is such turmoil across the ten nations. A fundamental part of the self-identity of the followers of that virtue and trust in the synod itself is fundamentally shaken. But the Courageous ''face unwelcome truths'' - it is one thing to discover out of the blue that a beloved paragon never existed, it is another thing entirely to openly debate the nature of the paragons and exemplars in the knowledge that ''all knowledge is incomplete''. It is welcomed then, that the Way Assembly is looking to ''test what they have learned'' and ensure that the faith may be protected against such events in the future.

For the next year, the Way Assembly can pass any number of statements of principle, each naming a single exemplar or paragon and stating any question or concern they have with their elevated status in the faith. Perhaps they are missing key [[Signs of the paragon and exemplar|signs]], or that it is unclear as to how precisely they embody the virtue they were recognised for. Whatever the issues are, as long as the concerns are clear and the statement achieves a greater majority, then it will cause adherents of the inspirational figures virtue to ruminate upon them.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cardinal of the Way.png|caption=By not favouring one virtue over another, the Assembly of the Way gains a clarity that other assemblies sometimes lack.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
===Only Fools Accept Hearsay===
* '''Legitimate questions about a paragon will impose a penalty of two votes on the relevant Virtue assembly if they are not answered at the following summit'''
* '''The Virtue Assembly can answer the questions if they pass a clear statement of principle with a greater majority that addresses the concerns'''
* '''The General Assembly could answer the questions if they pass a statement of recognition that derecognises the inspirational figure'''

As was seen with the recent revelations and following the derecognition of [[Vardas]], such change coming from outside the Synod and forcing the body to act reactively trouble the general population and can cause a severe crisis of faith. By taking this proactive path, the Way can ensure that does not happen here. The laypeople of the Empire will see the Synod as rightfully discussing and debating the faith, and that will ensure that the consequences are guaranteed not to spiral out of control unless further complicated by subsequent [[opportunity|opportunities]].

There will still be consequences however, especially if there is no evidence that the questions being raised or being engaged with or answered. If the relevant Virtue assembly does not respond to the concerns with a statement of principle of their own ''at the subsequent summit'' then it will shake the faith of the Virtuous. If there is no response of any kind then the Virtue Assembly will experience a loss in voting strength and influence in the wider Synod until they do respond. ('''OOC Note:''' They will experience a two vote penalty to all congregations that preach that Virtue in the downtime ''following the subsequent event'', until the Assembly passes a statement of principle in response).

These concerns will linger until the Virtue assembly finds a way to provide a clear, convincing response. If the assembly [[Judgement#Greater_Majority|confidently]] passes a statement of principle that clearly address the concerns in the minds of the populace, then that will restore the trust of the faithful and remove any penalty. If the Assembly fail to agree a response with a greater majority then the alternative would be for the General Assembly to de-recognise the chosen exemplar or paragon. The General Assembly could do that with a lesser majority for an exemplar or a greater majority for paragon. While that would be a drastic step, it would also settle the matter and remove the penalty.

This system of internal review will renew trust and adherence to the teachings of the forebears of Virtue who have been questioned and come out stronger then ever. The canon of the Synod will ultimately be strengthened by cutting any who do not truly deserve to be lifted up as an embodiment of the seven. Crucially this approach will ensure the Synod does not find itself facing an unexpected crisis of faith. It is possible that if the Assembly of the Way raises probing questions or the response of a Virtue assembly provides a compelling response, that it may generate renewed interest in the particular figure to the point it may generate a new [[opportunity]] to take further action, but the situation won't grow more challenging unless the Synod actively pursues those opportunities.
<div style="float:right; width:400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cardinal of the Way 2.png|caption=Priests of the Way are both philosophers and scholars.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
===OOC Design Note===
When it comes to answering any questions posed by the Way Assembly, it is not necessary to provide hard, physical evidence of the truth of any given facet of these figures. That is not how faith works in Empire. What the Virtue assembly will need to provide are compelling arguments, reasons and explanations that cover the issues raised. It might mean expanding on or identifying relevant signs or explaining how the story of a given figure is inspirational and relevant to the lay-people of the Way.

This is an opportunity for people to roleplay around those themes, rather than asking [[Leviathan]] or [[historical research|historians]] for definitive fact regarding every historically recognised person. (You can still ask Leviathan questions, or carry out historical research, about these figures, of course, but that shouldn't be the only way to respond. The only thing that definitely won't work is trying to claim that the questions themselves are not valid.

===Further Reading===
* Judgements
** [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Stories_of_Vardas_and_Mikkal|Research Vardas and Mikkal]]
** [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127|Consider the nature of Vardas]]
** [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Call to reject Vardas as an inspirational figure]]
** [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191|Recognises the vigilant actions of the wardens of Varushka previously attributed to Vardas]]
** [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_20|Derecognise Vardas]]
* Winds
** [[Life of Vardas]]
** [[True faith|True Faith]]
** [[Pride and paragons|Pride and Paragons]]
** [[Friend_of_mine#Exemplars_and_Paragons|Exemplars and Paragons]]
** [[The_right_question|The Right Question]]

Thorn and bone

2026-07-22T13:59:16Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thorns.png|caption=The vallorn rises in Sarangrave, and the Nesustak Forest will fall before it.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Of Sword and Shield==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAA9UY56zH4}}
Five Imperial armies are in Sarangrave this season. The [[Black Thorns]], [[Boyar's Hasta]], and [[Granite Pillar]] stand ready to face the vallorn as it comes pouring out of Bendol into the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]]. The [[Citadel Guard]] and the [[Golden Axe]] focus their efforts on the remaining threat of the [[Druj]], whose desperation becomes more and more pronounced as each season passes. There is also the Axos army of ''Ipotavo'', but they are concerned with claiming the Thornfen and protecting it from any errant vallornspawn.

Likewise, the limited military forces of the Nesustak rebels - the warriors of the Marsh Striders and the Bloodwater Spears and the other former slaves of the Mallum - are focused entirely on protecting their homes from the vallorn, fighting alongside the Empire's armies. Also fighting with the Imperial armies warbands led by Imperial captains, easily another two whole armies worth of heroes and champions. Most fight alongside the [[Black Thorns]], with a healthy contingent standing with the [[Boyar's Hasta]], but there are warriors from across the Empire fighting in Sarangrave this season and every army has its supporters.

There is also something in the air; [[Autumn magic]] floods the territory bringing with it an intuitive sense of the presence of danger that allows folk to avoid nearby enemies and hazards. Those affected by this power find themselves drawn by chance to safe locations, and possessed of an uncanny awareness of the paths to take to help them avoid capture or death. While its usefulness to those fighting the vallorn is obvious, it also provides a measure of protection to the armies fighting in Sarangrave this season.
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Few words are needed for me to explain what is about to fall upon Nesustak Forest and the septs of the Mallum that live within it. The Greentide of the Vallorn will descend across the land, but we will be there to meet them. Let us show the Empire why we are the first line of defence against this foe. We will deploy a solid defence to buy time for the soldiers of the Granite Pillar to protect the septs. We will show these septs the light of virtue and the strength it provides. Leave the word of the desperate Druj to our siblings the Citadel Guard and Golden Axe.</quote>
<quote by="Serafina Semenov, General of the Boyar's Hasta">My Hasta! You make our quartermaster weep. A family of raiders, rapscallions, you are loud, opinionated and at least two of you owe me money. But to the Druj? To our foes? You are the ghost in the wind. The nightmare at the edges of their tunnel vision. But the job is not finished. The hand does not leave the door while the dark is moving. The Vallorn made the mistake of waking up while we're here. Make it a rude one. Hold the Vallornguard's wisdom in one hand and the Emperor's steel in another. Our eyes saved the Sarangrave, now let our spears defend those who cannot defend themselves.</quote>
<quote by="Sychar of Ebon's Hall, general of the Granite Pillar">We love the sword not for its sharpness, but for what it protects. We are soldiers; we are trained to fight, because if we do not, there are those who will tear virtue down. And so, alongside our allies in Varushka, Urizen and Navarr, we shall engage the Vallorn and in doing so protect the septs with a Solid Defence. We come as liberators, not conquerors, to bring the light of the Way. Where we go, virtues follow! You are the light in the darkness, and I could not be prouder of you my beloved siblings.</quote>
</div>
==The Doom of Béantal Dol==
The last act of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] was to [[Other_monstrous_geographies#End_of_All_Songs|rouse the vallorn]] of [[Sarangrave#Béantal Dol|Béantal Dol]] to devour Sarangrave, just as they raised the vallorn of [[Therunin|Tharunind]] to lay waste to [[Therunin]]. Using the [[Sentinel Gate]], Imperial heroes managed to [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater_Marsh|stem the tide]] of the vallorn in [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]], and in the process [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Objective:_Shatter_the_Bilious_Breath|shatter]] the corrupt army of the Tainted Basilisk once and for all. Nothing can save the warding stones that once kept the vallorn contained in [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]], but thanks in part to the [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Béantal_Dol|vigilance of the Boyar's Hasta]], the worst of the damage has been contained...

All except for the Nesustak Forest. The Tainted Basilisk directed their malice against the Forest and the Marshes, against the rebels and the Empire. Even as heroes are fighting in the Bloodwater Marsh, the vallorn is beginning to surge forth across the woodlands claimed by the former slaves of the Sarangrave Druj.

Almost since the moment it was first unleashed, since it brought about the ruin of Béantal Dol, the vallorn in Bendol has been contained. That last desperate act of the Terunael magicians meant that a thousand years of growth, of the fecund magic of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] pouring into the mortal world, had nowhere to go. The warnings were plentiful; if the warding stones were removed the vallorn would explode outwards like a mechanism under tension that has finally been released. And explode it does. An eruption of greenery that spreads in all directions. It is weakened in Turan Flats, in Thornfen, and in Whisperwood. It has been held back in Bloodwater Marsh. Now it seeks to overwhelm Nesustak and the people who live there, a terrible tendril of destruction whipping out from the dark heart of Bendol.

The people of Nesustak Forest will fight - but they stand no chance against the unleashed vallorn. Even the aid of the ''[[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]'' won't be enough to save them. The [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and mortal "friends" of the Spring [[eternal]] will do their best but this is not a corrupt overseer, a tyrant, an oppressive conqueror that they can face down, nor is it a force that they can rally the oppressed to rise up against. It is a force of nature, utterly wild and completely savage, incapable of fear, remorse, or pity. A sea of life that will consume everything in its path, transforming everything over which it washes into part of itself.

So it falls to the Imperial armies to face the vallorn of Bendol, to stand against the tide, to turn back the sea. There are degrees of victory, of course, but anything short of total triumph will see Nesustak Forest tainted, wounded by the vallorn in a way that cannot be healed until that day where mortals finally face the wrath of the vallorn united, and achieve its destruction. Just as with [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]], where the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] fought bravely against Tharunind, if any part of the vallorn makes it through the defenders the land will be [[A_bright_cerulean_flame|infested]] with the power of chaos.

A tall order.
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cadwell Waystone.png|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Serafina Semenov.jpg|caption='''Serafina Semenov''', General of the Boyar's Hasta|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sychar of Ebon's Hall.jpg|caption='''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''', General of the Granite Pillar|align=right|width=250}}
</div>
All three armies are [[enchantment|enchanted]] with the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]]. This is not a struggle to kill the opponent - right now there is no way to kill the vallorn in any way that matters - but to face its wrath and endure it. In the wild woods of Nesustak, the preternatural strategic awareness granted by [[Day magic]] will prove invaluable, allowing for soldiers spread across the region to coordinate their efforts toward the shared goal. The Black Thorns take the lead, appropriately enough, forming the first line of defence against the horror boiling out of Bendol. The Granite Pillar see to the defence of the septs of the Mallum, to those newly established settlements across Nesustak that house those who broke free of Druj dominance. The Boyar's Hasta stand between the two, ready to turn their spears to the defence of the former slaves or to plunge them into the heart of the vallornspawn, whichever is most needed.

The rebels of Nesustak are not defenceless; all those who can fight prepare to do so. The heralds of ''Unshackled'' are everywhere, offering counsel and support. There is no hiding from the vallorn; it devours all hiding places. There is no yielding; it is incapable of mercy. There is only flight, or fight. Those who cannot fight flee westward, under the protection of Highguard. Those who can fight take up spear and bow and ready themselves to battle the End of the World alongside Imperial soldiers. There is some suspicion, of course, but the [[Other_monstrous_geographies#The_Defence_of_Nesustak|example]] of the [[Gryphon's Pride]], and the clear commitment of the Empire to defend them, mean that it is put aside, for the moment at least. Even the children of the ''Ward of the Young'' urge the people of Nesustak to take the aid of Imperial armies at face value, at least for now. There may be a time when the septs of the Mallum and the Empire must fight one another, but for now they are united in a single cause.

There is barely enough time to prepare, though, before the first tendrils of the vallorn stretch out from the heart of Sarangrave into the forest, and chaos flows in their wake.

==Terror of a Thousand Years==
The vallorn rises, writhing out across Nesustak Forest. The first sign of its coming is that the vegetation all along the river begins to thicken, to grow with supernatural speed and fecundity, forcing the waters that flow down toward the lake to slow to a snail's pace. Across this surface sprout the roots of the Bendol trees, the body of the vallorn itself, creating a bridge across which the creatures of the deep woods can pour unchecked into Nesustak (and an observer might see this and shudder as to what this same process might have done in Bloodwater Marsh had it been free to spread there as well).

There is a mercy; the vallorn is expanding so swiftly that the [[vallorn miasma|miasma]] that hangs heavy over the places it claims is left behind. Not so the vallornspawn, the aberrant creatures that dwell within the heart of darkness, trapped in an eternal cycle of life and death, hunting and hunted in turn, warped by exposure to the chaos of Spring, compounded by the folly of Terunael.

It would take too long to enumerate the abhorrent things that pour out of Bendol. There are the [[vallornspawn husks]] of course. Although it is rare to encounter them outside the mists of the miasma, this season at least they are on the move into Nesustak. Perhaps it is a consequence of the great tide of power flowing out of the vallorn that drives them before it, heralds of its coming. The first husks are perhaps the most tragic; they are former human folk, many with the [[briar]] lineage. Most look so fresh they might be mistaken for living beings were it not for the way they move. These are the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Grynbor|Grynbor]], that sept of human slaves that lived on the very edge of the Nesustak Forest across the river from the vallorn. The children of Irra Harah grimly recount their attempts to get them to flee the advance of the vallorn, and how they refused to leave. As Béantal Dol began to rise they bedecked themselves in their finery, adorned themselves in flowers, and crossed the river en masse to join with their ancestors.

The heralds were barely able to save a handful of children from this madness. For the rest, they really ''did'' join their ancestors - as creatures of the vallorn caught perpetually between life and death. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of the former Grynbor seem to have made particularly strong hosts, even those without briar lineage. Many of them exhibit the powers of the so-called ''[[Vallornspawn_husk#Vallornspawn_Husks_and_Briars|dryads]]'', husks that channel Spring magic directly to empower and support the other husks around them and can by themselves keep a mob moving forward even in the face of concerted resistance.

There are also orc bodies moving at the forefront of the husks, but they are significantly less tragic. Many are magicians of the Tainted Basilisk, those overwhelmed by the vallorn when they broke the warding stones. Their living-death has washed away their magic, their spite and bitterness, leaving them no more potent than any other vallornspawn. Some do still wear remnants of the [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]] that protected them in life, and some [[magic items|magic]] still clings to it, but it is fading fast. The Tainted Basilisk have reaped their reward for their wickedness, and paid the price for their attempt at [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|retribution]].

The husks are only part of it, though, and alongside them come all the twisted abominations of the vallorn. The scouts who [[Into_Béantal_Dol#Within_Bendol|pressed into the depths of the vallorn]] spoke of monstrous hunting lizards whose jaws split open like flowers revealing hundreds of hooked teeth, and of serpentine creatures with spider-like legs that skittered through the trees, leaping at their prey and tearing them apart with their barbed claws before swallowing them whole. These are but the tip of the iceberg, however. Bear-like horrors with living vines growing in their hide that snap out and entangle enemies. Trees that shamble and stumble, shrieking with human voices and gushing red blood rather than sap when they are injured. Orbs of plant matter that drift unnaturally against the wind and explode with venomous spores when they take the slightest damage. Awful humanoid things, part flesh and part plant, each one twice the size of orc or human, lumpen and misshapen as the half-sculpted mockery of thinking beings that they are. There is at least one sighting of an infested [[marshwalker]], a natural creature twisted into a being of rampant destruction that moans and howls in constant agony. A creature that looks like nothing so much as a great ball of humanoid arms, rolling and dragging itself through the trees, before opening dozens of dripping maws in the palms of its "hands" with which it can suck all the blood from an unfortunate victim in a matter of moments. This and more, creatures from nightmare, all driven forward by the instinct of the vallorn, to devour, to consume, to contain.

Of all the spawn of the vallorn, only the [[ettercap|ettercaps]] are absent. As the scouts revealed, there seem to be none in Bendol. If there is a reason for this conspicuous absence, it is not any more apparent than it was when the Navarr first slipped into the ruins of Béantal Dol.

They come, and the Empire holds against them, and then things begin to go wrong.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[file:IrrahHurrah002.png|align=right|width=300]]</div>

==The Wooden Fastness==
Shortly after the Spring Equinox, a magical ward settles over the Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|wooden fastness]], forged from the power of Irra Harrah himself. Thickets of thorn and briar form; masses of branch and root mesh together to create veritable walls of living vegetation to help hold back the surging vallorn. The marsh forest itself acts to hinder enemies, while parting to allow the swift passage of allies. Even some of the beasts of Nesustak themselves fight the vallorn, in keeping with their natures, although this rarely ends well for them. And, while the region belongs to the rebels, the magic treats the Imperial defenders as allies and offers them safety in the wild places of the woodlands.

At the same time, the servants of Irra Harah slip into the woodlands in numbers hitherto unseen. Their primary focus is to protect the rebels, but they are prepared to cooperate with the Empire toward their shared goal. Bright-eyed heralds appear from nowhere to warn a cohort of the Granite Pillar of the approach of vallornspawn that might otherwise have caught them in a pincer. Quick rabbit-like creatures the size of a great dane lead a lost patrol of the Boyar's Hasta to safety at a rebel village, echoing the stories of magical beasts familiar to all [[Varushka|Varushkans]] (it is just as well, perhaps, that it is ''this'' army that is in Sarangrave for Irra Harah has little love for certain ''other'' Varushkan armies). The whispered words of the ''Golden Hare'' himself are brought on the wind to the Black Thorns, offering guidance as to where their strength might be best employed.

The friends of Irra Harah - the mortals who aid the eternal and have come to Nesustak to work with the rebels - say that in part this response from the eternal is due to the petition of the [[Archmage of Spring]] who has entreated ''Shacklebreaker'' for aid in Nesustak. The aid is for the most part subtle, but it is aid nonetheless. Many who would have died survive their encounters with the vallorn, and those who might have been overwhelmed are brought succour when it is most needful.

However... this very ward that protects so many proves to be a two-edged sword. The vallorn is drawn to [[Spring magic]], and the Wooden Fastness is a powerful expression of that realm's arts. At first the ward is only beneficial, helping the defenders hold back the vallorn. Unfortunately, the further the vallornspawn press, the deeper its tendrils penetrate, the wilder they become. The mechanism is unclear but they ''glut'' themselves somehow on the magic flowing around them. The vallorn itself seems to batten onto the magic, feeding on it, drawing strength from it. The husks drive forward, pressing further ahead of the tendrils of the vallorn itself. The abominations often seem driven into a frenzy when they come into contact with elements of the ward, attacking with berserk fury. Worse, the power of the ward serves to invigorate and revitalise the vallornspawn; where the ward is most potent they seem to heal almost immediately from all save the most terrible wounds. While they cannot endure [[venom]], the vallornspawn husks seem almost impossible to destroy except by literally rending them limb from limb.

While the ward slows the attackers, while it protects the weak and the strong, it does so by making the vallornspawn more vicious, and blood begins to flow in rivers through the forests of Nesustak.

It is of course at this exact moment that the Druj choose to return to Sarangrave.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|align=right|width=350}}

==Fang and Feather==
The Tainted Basilisk are no more, but there are two other armies that still call Sarangrave home. The [[Druj_armies#Poison_Crane|Poison Crane]] are the warriors of the Marshlizard who once dominated [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]]. Likewise, the [[Druj_armies#Hidden_Snake|Hidden Snake]] are drawn from the Banded Snake sept who ruled over Nesustak Forest and the Turan Flats. Their homelands have been conquered by the Empire. Those Druj who ruled the septs have been forced to flee, either north into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] or into the wild places of Sarangrave. Either way they are in no position to support their warriors any more. It comes as no surprise then that a couple of weeks after the Spring Equinox, these two armies launch an attack against Sarangrave. It is perhaps more of a surprise that there are no ''other'' Druj armies with them. They do not come alone, however, when they pour across the border from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath|Lower Saarnath]] into Turan Flats.

It is common for Druj armies to bear potent [[enchantment|enchantments]] but usually they draw on the lore of [[Spring magic]]. Sometimes, though, it can be easy to forget that the wicked magicians of the Druj are versed in other realms as well. It has been a long time since the Empire has seen the warriors of the Mallum fighting alongside the dead but when the two battered armies come into the Sarangrave, thousands of shambling horrors come with them. If they were Imperial armies, the [[Unfettered Mind]] would say they are subject to [[Quickening Cold Meat]] but this is not any dubious gift of [[Wise Rangara]] - it is something altogether worse.

The dead - predominantly but not solely orcs - are absolutely consumed with hunger for living blood and meat. The spirits inside them are not quite the same as those drawn by the Imperial enchantment; they are as cunning as they are savage. While they cannot speak, they display the ability to work together in a way Winter husks rarely evidence. They move quickly, lean and athirst, hunting ahead of the Druj armies in packs that hurl themselves at any who try to fight, and relentlessly chase down anyone who tries to flee like wild dogs. A few seem to be possessed of more potent spirits, that unleash occasional howls of terrifying intensity that can [[Weakness|drive the strength]] from a warrior and make them easy prey for the pack.

They are similar to the traditional spirits called by Imperial magic in one particular way, however. When they are defeated - when their stolen bodies can no longer house the creature of the Winter realm housed within - they move swiftly to find another body and rouse it to wakefulness ready to enact the same horrible dance of hunt, murder, and feasting all over again. As the season draws on, then, there are more former humans among their number than orcs, making them all the more horrible.

As well as Winter spirits, the Hidden Snake is accompanied by a cohort of the creatures known as [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured souls]]. Former Imperial heroes and champions, captured by the Druj and transformed through torment and vile ceremonies into relentless warriors of death who harbour an unending hatred for those they see as having abandoned them. The general of the Hidden Snake, [[Druj_champion#Het|Het]] Trakaa, is known to have an obsession with creating these things and it seems he has brought his entire "collection" with him in this last-ditch, desperate attack.

Perhaps they believe that the Empire's attention is focused elsewhere, fighting the vallorn, and they will have the opportunity to claim the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]]. Perhaps they are just desperate. Either way, the two armies erupt across the border, launching an [[Army_orders#Overwhelming_Assault|overwhelming assault]] against what were once the holdings of the Banded Snakes in Turan. They must be hoping to claim the region before the Empire realises they are there, and seize another season from the jaws of death.
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, Consider the Drowned Man. There were three Druj armies that Tyrannised the people of the Sarangrave. As I write this, there are two. Under my command, the Basilisk was Broken by the Heroes of Anvil. Now the Snake and Crane will break on your discipline. We are their end.</quote>
<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Axe, we have fought to take Sarangrave. Now we fight to hold it. The Druj seek to take what we have claimed and in vigilance we shall deny them in this. We shall be a shield for our comrades fighting the Vallorn. We shall break the Druj with our axes. We deny them this day and for all days to come. Their empire shall fall, their armies shall break. Axe, with me, we Stand!</quote></div>

==Battle of the Flats==
Fortunately, the Empire is entirely prepared for the attack from the north. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are already in position to meet the onslaught from the Salt Flats, and when the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane launch their attack they break themselves against a solid wall of Imperial soldiers.

If it were possible to feel pity for the Druj, now might be the time. Even with Winter husks fighting with them they are outnumbered nearly three to one by the Urizen and Varushkan troops. There is no subtlety here, no skirmish and retreat, no traps to lure the unsuspecting into, no opportunities to terrorise the weak. There is only a face-to-face fight between two Druj armies that are on the verge of exhausted collapse, and two fresh, well-rested Imperial armies. Druj desperation is no match for the resolve of those that stand against them.

The Snake and the Crane are bent on reaching Turan but they do not come close. The battle of Turan Flats takes place miles from Trakaa's capital, from the Banded Snake's old centre of power. Indeed, the Druj have barely crossed the border before the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are upon them. At first, the armies fall back a little, giving the impression perhaps that they are overwhelmed and ready to give ground. But they are merely testing the forces that have come against them, wisely waiting to see if this is just the advance guard and if a more potent force follows behind. As soon as it becomes clear that the two armies are by themselves, the trap snaps shut around them.

Thrusting forward towards Turan means that they are far enough from the border for the plentiful forces of the Golden Axe to flank them on either side while the Citadel Guard plant their standards in the soft marsh soil and simply refuse to fall back any further. The fighting is vicious, bloody, savage as only a war against the Druj can be. Stripped of their tricks they have only their martial force to rely on, and even with their unliving auxiliaries it is just... not enough.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was.jpg|caption='''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', General of the Citadel Guard|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''' (right), General of the Golden Axe|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
Oh, the Empire does not emerge unscathed. Some five hundred Imperial soldiers fall to the Druj, to their howling Winter war-dogs, to the tortured spirits of champions taken by the enemy and twisted into something unspeakable. At the same time, however, the Druj lose nearly twice that many of their own troops - losses they cannot hope to recover from while the Empire holds Sarangrave and their septs are broken and scattered.

The Druj have been driven back, but the encounter is far from decisive. The invaders are left with no option but to fall back to the Salt Flats, perhaps to make one last attempt on reclaiming their lands next season. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe give chase, but they are unable to catch the fleeing Druj. The same Imperial magic that serves to help the folk of Nesustak Forest escape the vallorn proves an unexpected ally to the orcs of the Mallum. The bulk of their two armies easily escape their pursuers back toward the border with Sanath.

==An End to Waiting==
While the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe battle the Druj in Turan Flats, the rest of the Imperial forces fight alongside the Nesustak rebels against a seemingly endless tide of vallornspawn empowered and invigorated by that same Spring magic meant to protect the people of the forest. It is a paradox, almost. Those sites where the enchantment is focused are the best place to hold the vallorn, but the savagery of the spawn means it is also where the most blood is spilled.

As the vallorn draws power from Spring magic, the defenders are thrown into disarray and it seems clear the vallornspawn are going to overwhelm them. First one step back, then another. The trees of eastern Nesustak begin to twist, as the tendrils of the vallorn begin to take root, begin to plant the seeds that will begin the final infestation of the forest. A desperate council of war is held; perhaps it is time to accept the inevitable, to save what can be saved and to abandon the rest. The sorrow that hangs over that discussion is palpable; the heralds of Irra Harah prepare to help those rebels and Imperials prepared to flee the woodlands to make their escape if they think the day is lost.

In the end, though, the Black Thorns refuse point blank to accept defeat. "''Let us show the Empire why we are the first line of defence against this foe''", said the General, and those words resonate like never before. Whatever the other Imperial forces may do, the Black Thorns will not retreat before the vallorn. In the face of such commitment, the Granite Pillar and the Boyar's Hasta will not abandon their allies. The rebels of the Nesustak Forest will not abandon their homes, while there is any chance of holding even a portion of the woodlands.

From there, the push back begins in earnest. The price is grim indeed; the vallornspawn attack in a frenzy but the Imperial forces will not allow them to claim any more land here. They lost Eastring to the malice of the Tainted Basilisk; the Navarr will not allow the Nesustak Forest to share that fate. The vallornspawn are not just held, but they are forced back, back toward the river over which they swarmed, back to the ruins of Béantal Dol. It is slow going at first, and gets harder the closer the vallornspawn get to being driven out of the woodlands. By the time the fighting reaches the banks of the river, the magic of the Wooden Fastness has been so drained the enchantment is beginning to fall apart. Yet it holds long enough to provide a measure of succour to those fighting the vallornspawn, moments of respite in the terrible fighting that create a space to recover from the violence, to rest, to sleep safely.

In the end, as the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the vallornspawn are cut down. Vates and magisters and cabalists, versed in the lore of Spring and Winter, work quickly to uproot the seeds of the vallorn before they can take root. Without the relentless attacks of the vallorn, it is relatively easy to work the rituals to deal with the contagion left in their wake. While the vallorn still exists the Nesustak Forest will be in danger - but ultimately no more so than [[Hercynia#Northpines|Northpines]] or the [[Hercynia#Glen of Shadows|Glen of Shadows]]. Even the vegetative bridge that stretches across the river, that thick matt of plant matter that allowed abominations to pour into the western woods, begins to decay and fall apart as the vallorn of Béantal Dol slips back into uneasy restfulness. An old story; the vallorn rises and the resolve of humans and orcs drives it back. Inspirational, perhaps.

==An Old Story==
In the north, in the Turan Flats, another old story is unfolding. The Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake have escaped the wrath of the Golden Axe and the Citadel Guard, seeking to flee back over the border into the Salt Flats of Sanath, guided by Autumn magic. Yet, at the last moment, something goes wrong. Perhaps those who remember the Druj retreat from Holberg all those years ago might have guessed what is coming but it seems the armies of the Mallum have short memories.

When they try to leave Turan Flats, the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane are met with a tempest of arrows. Druj arrows. Warriors from the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#The_Witness|Witness]], the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Spires_of_Rarckan|Spires of Rarckan]], and the [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Beacon_of_Iskrid|Beacon of Iskrid]] are arrayed along the border, and will not let the defeated armies cross out of Sarangrave. Those who try are remoreselessly cut down. A few might make it across, but without the protection of the Autumn magic that has protected them thus far they will not escape the patrols for long.

Left with no choice, the armies turn on the very edge of Turan Flats and prepare to make their final stand. One way or another, this is the end for the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane; the end for the Banded Snake and Marshlizard; the end for Het Trakaa and his terrible crimes. Some will escape, no doubt, to join the Druj in hiding throughout the Mallum. The Autumn enchantment will see to that, but their numbers are only a fraction of those warriors who fled the fall of the Tower of the Skink. How dangerous can they be, these last few thousand Druj?

But that is not the only danger here, and this is not just the cruelty of the Druj made manifest. The Citadel Guard have made a close enough study of the magic wrapped around the two armies; it portends something bad that is to come. The bonds of Winter magic that coil around the Hidden Snake and Poison Crane hold hundreds and hundreds of Winter spirits in thrall to the commanders of the army. When those two armies fail - and fail they will - those spirits will be unleashed into the Sarangrave to begin an [[Quickening_Cold_Meat#Description|unliving rampage]].

==Game Information==
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
===Sarangrave===
* '''The vallorn has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest
* '''It has returned to (relative) quiesence by the start of the Summer Solstice
* '''The Druj armies that invaded Sarangrave have been defeated but escaped Imperial pursuit
* '''They have been prevented from leaving the territory by Druj forces in the Salt Flats of Sanath
The vallorn of Bendol has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] enchantment both served to protect the region, and imperil its defenders. Its strength both served to increase the defence of the Imperial armies, and inflict casualties on the vallorn (inasmuch as that is irrelevant with an empowered vallorn but it still happened). Unfortunately, in line with warnings given about the danger of Spring magic and the vallorn, the vallornspawn who encountered the enchantment were ultimately empowered by it. They did not gain strength to conquer the region - which would have been counterproductive - but instead the number of casualties they inflicted on the defenders was significantly increased. For now though, the immediate threat of the vallorn is over. It is no longer contained by the warding stones of Terunael - their power has been expended protecting the rest of the territory - and it is still a very powerful example of a vallorn. But it is quiescent, at least for the moment.

The Druj armies that invaded Turan Flats were defeated by the Urizen and Varushkan armies. They are still in the territory, however, trapped between the Salt Flats of Sanath (who will not allow them to enter) and the Empire's soldiers. Their strength is greatly depleted, and they are on the verge of collapse. Following the Summer Solstice, whatever else happens these two armies will disband. They are hanging on by a thread, partially due to the impact of the Autumn magic enchantment laid on the territory.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|align=right|width=250}}</div>

===Thornfen===
* '''Axos has finished claiming the region of Thornfen'''
Finally, the Axou forces of Ipotavo have finished claiming the region of Thornfen, with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Acknowledge_Axou_claim_to_Thornfen|approval of the Senate]]. The region is now part of Axos. The fortification itself has been assimilated, but has no garrison. At the moment, the Axou forces in Sarangrave are allied to the Empire and Imperial armies can move through the region freely. If that were to change, any Imperial army trying to move through Thornfen would be forced to stop and deal with any Axou forces stationed there.

True to their intent, the Axou consolidation of Thornfen has seen the existing population there exiled to [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]] and [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]]. Only those former slaves of the Mallum who can demonstrate a clear connection to the citadels of Axos have been permitted to remain in Thornfen. Further details of the situation in Thornfen will be presented in the '''[[Diplomatic]]''' winds of fortune.

===Escape Path===
* '''The arcane projection used in Sarangrave represents an effect that would no longer be allowed with Autumn magic
This season the Sarangrave was under the effect of Autumn magic that helped reduce casualties suffered by armies, as well as helping people find the best route to safety. This is an old [[arcane projection]], that wouldn't be passed today. Helping people find safety, such as with [[Hand of the Dhomiro]] is an entirely appropriate use of [[Autumn magic]], but the ability to reduce all casualties on a territory level isn't something we'd allow today. There are of course plenty of arcane projections from previous years in the game, and there is no problem with making use of them, but the older an arcane projection is the more likely it represents some peculiar aberration of magic.

The in-character explanation is that the arcane projection represents the result of a conjunction at the time it was created. The ongoing magical chaos caused by the stars supported the ritual, but the effect of the ritual could not be duplicated going forward.

==Battle: Harvester of Graves==
Whilst most eyes have been on the [[vallorn]] erupting from [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] this season, the activity in the east of [[Sarangrave]] has also seen portentous happenings. The courageous efforts of the [[Citadel Guard]] and the [[Golden Axe]] have turned back the assault of the Hidden Snake and Poison Crane, along with their undead allies. Yet in turn the [[Druj]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] have turned weapons on their fleeing compatriots, signalling that there is no return to the heart of the Mallum for the two armies.

The barbarians now find themselves in an unenviable position. Close to breaking from the casualties inflicted upon them by the [[Varushka|Varushkans]] and the [[Urizen|Urizeni]], denied entry to Sanath, and cut off from any chance of resupply or support. If they flee they will die, if they make camp they will starve, the only way open to them is to strike with fear, unleash terror, and hope they make it across the Howling Abyss.

It is apparent that the wider plan is to drive the remnants of the armies into Imperial lines, bleeding their own forces, and ultimately breaking them in bone and sinew. The only way is west, onto the axes and rods of the Empire's armies that have already driven them back once. When the armies do break, the twisted abominations that march with them will fall in savagery upon Imperial soldiers.

There is a conjunction to the ''Fens of Varreth'' in the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]] within Sarangrave. The Sentinel Gate will enable travel to the location on Saturday or Sunday of the Summer Solstice.

===Objective: Trap the Spirits===
* '''The winter rituals cast upon the Hidden Snake and Poison Crane are uncoiling'''
* '''The Halls of Maykop have offered use of the ''Scorched Drenkthal'''''
* '''Successfully using the boon will contain the spirits'''
* '''The Halls of Maykop will expect the boon to be returned to them'''
* '''If nothing is done thousands of ravenous winter husks will fall under the control of Agramant'''
* '''If that happens the regions of Thornfen, and Kroll will be tormented'''

When the two Druj armies disband, the winter spirits that animate the corpses alongside their armies will seek out the dead in the wider area, will fall under the macabre control of ''Agramant, The Howler'', eternal of Winter. These husks are not the somnambulant shamblers ushered into wakefulness by the magic of Wise Rangara, they are bloodthirsty cadavers keen to feast on flesh and blood. They are vicious, cunning and cruel, slaking their cold hunger with living and screaming meat. These terrible monsters will spread into Thornfen and Kroll, bringing terror in their wake.

Six months ago, the Empire, led by '''Earl Zoran De Orzel''' as [[Field Marshal]], passed through the Sentinel Gate and drew the attention of [[Fire_and_the_flood#Objective:_Confront_Fangsnapper's_forces|Het Rethan "''Fangsnapper''"]]. This daring intervention allowed the Shield of Ipotavo to receive vital resupply from Axos. This intercession was a clear demonstration of the Empire's willingness to help its allies, and the Axou are keen to return the favour. Upon hearing of the rampant husks, the citadel has offered three strange posies of herbs that would entrap the Winter spirits inside and prevent them from entering the recently deceased. These posies are an ancient boon from [[Wise Rangara]], won in centuries past, that allows the bearers to sap away the lingering Winter magic in an area. The use of the boon requires agreement from ''Grandmother Winter'', which the Axou have already secured for this purpose.

The Halls request three volunteers to bond to the three aspects of the Scorched Drenkthal that take the form of small bundles of herbs wrapped in cloth, as they journey to the ''Fens of Varreth''. Each corsage would [[Unyielding Constitution|offer some benefit whilst in combat]], but potentially leave those bonded with a lack of caution - less than ideal given the presence of rampaging Winter spirits. The three will need to reach a set of pillars that mark the edge of the reeking mires of the area, placing their herb bundle at the base of one of the pillars. This would slowly sap away at the Winter magic in the area, wrangling the spirits and effectively trapping them. After 10 minutes, the three bundles of herbs will have been suffused with the winter spirits and can be reclaimed, ready to return to Anvil and to be passed back to the Axou by the civil service. What the Halls of Maykop might do with the spirits once they have been bound to the ''Scorched Drenkthal'' is unclear.

Agramant's monsters are far too smart to attack the fortification in Thornfen. They will prey on settlements and pick off stragglers, dragging them into the darkness to devour them. The populace of a tormented region are slowly depleted and such regions will quickly become underpopulated and eventually abandoned, while the people who live there will be filled with terror. Garrisons and armies cannot benefit from natural resupply in a territory that contains one or more tormented regions.

===Option: Thief takes the Meat===
* '''Night ritualists could transfer the ritual enchantments from the Druj generals using ''Thief's Arcane Gambit'''''
* '''Each recipient Imperial general would then have a three-season Winter ritual enchantment on their army'''

In response to enquiries, the civil service have confirmed that a bold and previously untried plan would be possible - at least theoretically. With a large enough Night coven, it is possible to utilise ''[[Thief's Arcane Gambit]]'' to 'steal' the Winter enchantment and place it on a new target. This requires the ritual to be cast at half the magnitude of the original enchantment.

Each of the two Druj generals would need to be captured, alive, and then detained for the duration of the ritual. A night coven would then need to perform a magnitude 60 casting of Thief's Arcane Gambit on the captured general. The ritual can only steal an enchantment if it is placed on to a comparable target, in this case a [[general]] of an Imperial [[army]]. If successful each Imperial general will be under the power of the Winter ritual that will last for three seasons before ending.

There are two caveats to consider. The first is that the Winter spirits are currently here in the Sarangrave. If the enchantment that controls and binds and focuses them is moved to an army elsewhere in the world, the husks will move there. They will move relatively quickly, but they will cause significant problems for the lands they move through to arrive at the destination.

The second problem is that unlike [[Quickening Cold Meat]], the enchantment the Druj are employing appears to draw on the power of [[Agramant]]. Technically the magicians won't be casting an Agramant ritual, they'll be casting Thief's Arcane Gambit, but that sounds like a novel legal defence for a general under a powerful Agramant enchantment to employ. The civil service have not had time to check what the legal position would be. They have had time to check how Agramant would respond - they are fairly certain the eternal would be ''absolutely delighted''.

===Objective: End Trakaa's Tortured Souls===
* '''Het Trakaa has mustered his remaining tortured souls to deliver a crippling blow against the Empire'''
* '''If these monsters are not destroyed, then the Turan Flats will become tormented'''
* '''Priests will need support to exorcise these powerful creatures'''

Tortured Souls are born from a combination of the Druj's [[apothecary]] skills and mystic rituals that break an individual's will and turn them into a monster full of wrath and malice towards any they face. They are fearsome foes, often still clad in the garb of their former Imperial lives, and capable of inflicting a grievous curse with blows from their weapons. Whilst it is possible to put down and execute their physical forms, their spiritual presence can quickly return. Het Trakaa, the general of the Hidden Snake, has unleashed the last of these pitiful abominations here in the Turan Flats, intent on setting them free against Imperial forces to deal as much pain and suffering as possible, before they are destroyed.

Exorcists will need to ascertain the strength of the aura that lies on each creature using insight ceremonies, before mustering sufficient power of will, and liao, to dismiss the souls of these tortured beings. Whilst many of the tortured souls are comparable to those encountered before, around a dozen of them are more powerful creatures, possessed of greater awareness of their surroundings and with stronger connections to their former lives. These individuals will be recognisable by the distinctive Imperial clothing they still wear, but will pose a far greater challenge for priests to exorcise successfully.

If the majority of the tortured souls are not destroyed, they will stalk the region making it ''tormented''. The monsters will roam the area, killing and torturing any innocents they find, and striking terror into the hearts of those they encounter.

===Objective: Kill Trakaa and Sul===
* '''The armies of Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw are about to collapse'''
* '''What is left of the two forces will scatter across the territory looking to prey on the weak'''
* '''Killing Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw will ensure that these attacks are scatted and uncoordinated'''

Both the Hidden Snake and Poison Crane armies have now been broken in battle and will disband within days. When that happens, the soldiers who are left will break and seek out cover as the army dissolves. Whatever happens, these partians will be a problem for the Urizeni, raiding farms and caravans, stealing goods and attacking patrols. But those attacks will be ill-disciplined, they will lack any direction or purpose. They will be a problem, but not one that grows with time, or joins forces with other problems the Urizeni face, at least until they get new leadership from somewhere.

However, if the generals of the two armies are still alive when their army collapses, they will go with their soldiers and be able to maintain a degree of cohesion and control over what remains. On the face of it, the effects will be the same, the army will dissolve and the soldiers will go into hiding, emerging to attack isolated farmsteads and passing merchants. But with the leadership still there, such attacks will be guided by a malicious intelligence, able to plan attacks and act in concert with other enemies of the Empire.

The two generals have been identified as Trakaa of the Hidden Snake and Sul Maggotgnaw of the Poison Crane. Marching under a tattered banner depicting broken bones, Trakaa will be accompanied by his personal Pakad bodyguard. Sul Maggotgnaw is protected by a unit of poison-wielding Chikkad who fight under a banner depicting a ichorous maggot. Killing these two important Druj leaders will ensure that the surviving Druj are left leaderless, limiting the threat they post once the army disbands.

===Threat: The Mirk Lizards===
* '''The Druj are joined by a group of human warriors clothed in scraps of tattered blue fabric'''
* '''They appear to be excommunicating rather than executing some victims in battle'''
A band of human warriors march with the Druj into battle. Wearing tattered scraps of blue tunics, they have the demeanour of grim-faced and seasoned mercenaries, well-armoured and carrying an assortment of weapons. Next to nothing is known of them, but there are rumours that these warriors are driven to oppose the Way in some fashion. There are claims that priests among them have excommunicated foes on the battlefield, rather than executing them as the orcs might do. There is no known reason for their actions, or why the Druj allow it; so the war scouts urge caution. Killing them will put an end to their plans and stop their support for the orcs of the Mallum, but if more can be found out, it could prove useful in time to come.

===Environment: Words in the Pines===
* '''Druj ghulai have invoked the power of Agramant to curse the area'''
* '''Any combatant that falls in battle, either Druj or Imperial, will rise again as a shambling husk'''
* '''Skilful blows or dedicated effort can stop these hideous creatures in their tracks'''
* '''This <u>does not</u> apply if you reach the end of your death count whilst in Anvil'''
With the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]] safely in place, [[Agramant|''Blood upon the Snow'']], is limited in what he can do in Sarangrave, unless invited into the world by a magician. In their desperation, the Druj have done exactly that, invoking the power of Agramant to curse the whole area. As a result, each spirit, whispering gnawing words of unending hunger for the living, is quick to find a body of a recently felled combatant in the area and animate them in a cruel mockery of life. Biding the sibilant uttering of their master, the corpses will stalk forth in a stumbling advance keen to slay any living creature they find.

Anyone who falls in the battle on the ''Fens of Varreth'' will rise again after three minutes unless the individual is executed before they arise. The shambling corpses are not especially hardy, and can be taken down through a sustained assault or more expertly ended through the delivery of cleaving strikes or mortal blows to the limbs or torso.

<box>'''Call of the Abominable One'''
As either a player character or player monster during this battle, if you reach the end of your Death Count (normally after three minutes) then you can choose to immediately rise again as a winter husk, instead of becoming Terminal. At this point your character is dead. In addition you:
* Regain all of your lost hits and ruined limbs are restored
* Move as a slow, shambling corpse, staggering towards and attacking the nearest living creature
* Are unable to use heroic or magical calls
* Cannot activate magical items or ritual enchantments
* Can only vocalise a low unearthly moan
* Are destroyed by a successful CLEAVE or IMPALE blow, or when you next reach zero hit points

Winter husks cannot ''grapple'' with other participants under any circumstances - you must only attack other characters with a weapon-safe latex weapon.

The only way to prevent this occurring is if the individual is executed before they expire.</box>

==A Testing (Conjunction)==
* '''Druj accompanied by heralds of Surut threaten to burn a weirwood tree'''
* '''The Great Forest Orcs have offered their support if the attack is repelled'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the heralds'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Druj guerillas, secreted throughout the Sarangrave, constantly search for the opportunity to inflict damage on the Imperials and the septs who have dared turn away from the Buruk Tepel. They work to maintain the pall of fear and ruin that has shrouded the Sarangrave for decades. Weirwood smoke is a smell only Surut could enjoy, and the Druj have promised plenty in some foul deal. Urizen scouts have spotted a band of Druj, accompanied by heralds of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|the Charred Prince]] in Whisperwood, south of Uklead, making their way to the [[Fingers of the Devourer]].

If the Surut heralds are killed, any remaining Druj guerillas can be dealt with by sentinels and other locals. The [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]], '''Borris Harrovich Prochnost''', is responsible for ensuring that the heralds of Surut are killed. Failure to kill the heralds will see them burn one of the weirwood trees, permanently reducing production of the grove by two wains a season. If the heralds are destroyed, then the Great Forest Orcs will repay the effort by supporting the work of the weirwood grove, permanently increasing its production by two wains each season.

==Kaela's Gift==
Secured through a bargain with the Winter Archmage, the gift allows any Imperial citizen in the hands of the [[Druj]] to choose to die painlessly. No corpse remains for the Druj to defile, to impale, or to use to taunt the living - the body turns to dust and ashes. This gift extends across the entire eastern Empire, into the Mallum, [[Brocéliande]], and [[Therunin]].

The gift allows any Imperial citizens fighting in the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] to choose death and ''dissolution'' before their bodies could be infested with the vallorn's sick version of immortality.

'''OOC Note:''' Using the gift requires thirty seconds of appropriate roleplaying. This ability may be used by player characters captured by the Druj during an event or who is [[Combat#Dying|dying]] in an area of vallorn miasma; if you do so you should ensure that you mark your character as dead as soon as you can so that your egregore is aware of your death. There is, however, one drawback to this, as Imperial magicians may soon discover: anyone who takes advantage of this ability cannot be contacted with [[Whispers through the Black Gate]].

This ability is an exception to the normal rules on using abilities while [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]]; a terminal character ''can'' use this ability if they are captured by the Druj or fallen in vallorn miasma.

Love and monsters

2026-07-22T13:58:46Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
"Yeah, but the new Queen says we need to stand with the Empire and destroy the Druj!" Isolde thumped the tavern table to emphasise the point.

Mathild did not look convinced. "It's very ''sensible''" he said, the emphasis on the last word revealing how he really felt. "But they're already beaten. We conquered Ossium. Then we conquered the Barrens. Now we've conquered Sarangrave. They're done - where's the glory in defeating a foe who can't fight back?" he asked.

Isolde screwed up her face. It was not the first time they had had this argument and it definitely wouldn't be the last. They'd been chewing this over for the best part of a week now but it was impossible. There was just no way they were going to agree.

"Yeah - that'll definitely be a glorious tale. In 385YE Dawn totally defeated the Druj, but got bored before it was over and went off to do other things leaving the Druj all the time in the world to rebuild. Yeah, it sounds so epic when you say it like that."

Now it was Mathild's turn to look aggrieved. "Ha ha. It's not about being bored of the Druj, it's about ''glory''. The Earl of Fools is calling for us to take the war to the vallorn. New horizons and all that! That's an enemy worth drawing our swords for. Defeating the vallorn - now that's glorious."

Isolde was still not convinced. "Fighting bushes and trees? How's that glorious? The vallorn is a shit enemy, it just sits in the woods and doesn't do anything. Where's the glory in beating up a group of plants?"

"You should come down the Greenwood and see those "plants" in action. Anyway, they're going do magic on it - get all the vallorn armies to take the field together or something. Then we'll have a proper war on our hands. You wait and see - I promise you it will be glorious. That's what we should be preparing for. It's not like we can do both."

"Wait. What?" demanded a shocked Isolde.

"A proper war?" he responded quizzically, unsure of what he'd said that had caused the confusion.

"No, no, what you just said." She raised her hands to gesture the quote - "It's not like we can do both." That's what you said.

"Right, well it's not, is it? We can't fight both. Everyone says so."

Isolde was grinning now. "I've never met everyone, but whoever they are, I bet a gold crown they not Dawnish. Think about it... what would be more glorious than defeating the Druj ''and'' more glorious than defeating the vallorn?" She paused, but it was clearly rhetorical, "Defeating them both at the same time!" she finished.

Mathild roared with laughter and raised his tankard to his old friend. Maybe there was a way to settle this argument after all.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png|caption=The Assembly of Dawn has announced its highest calling; a glorious adventure to destroy the vallorn.|width=200px}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA45dHReXS4}}
The Earl of Fools has convinced the Dawnish National Assembly that the fight against the vallorn is the Highest Calling of Dawn. With the Barrens won and the Druj crumbling beneath the Empire's Anvil and the Thule's hammer, it makes sense to focus on the next threat to their prize. The vallorn has not one but ''three'' hearts adjacent to the sprawling expanse of the Barrens - defeating it will be a glorious endeavour.

The idea of a great war against the vallorn is more than enough to stir the blood of the glorious.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{SOPInner|statement=Barrens won, Dawn looks to Horizons new; And in Wisdom learns from Tales of our Past. Dawn must prepare its next Glorious fight; Aid all nations in fight against Vallorn. With Love, Glory, Virtue, all that Dawn is. Be the shield wall on which this foe shall break. Be the shining sword which the Empire wields. This is our Highest Calling.|by=Earl of Fools, Dawn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 376-166|when=Spring 388YE}}</div>

==Chimera==
* '''Dawn could create a grand monument in the Barrens to inspire citizens to fight the vallorn'''
* '''The edifice would require 75 wains of white granite, 225 crowns and would need a dose of true liao to consecrate it'''
* '''The monument would halve the cost to enlarge Dawnish armies until the vallorn is defeated'''
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Vallorn's Demise'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Murderdale, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 [[white granite]], 225 crowns, one dose of true liao and 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Senate motion must include an appropriate figure for the statue to be of</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Erects an enormous, inspiring statue
* Until the vallorn is defeated, the costs to enlarge Dawnish armies are halved to 75 wains of mithril and 225 crowns
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
How to defend the prize that is the Barrens against the threat of aggressive topiary? For Dawn, offence has always been the best defence. A grand monument in [[The_Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], would move and inspire everyone who saw it, rallying them to the cause. To be truly effective it would need to be vast in scale, something with truly impressive grandeur and would need a Writ of Consecration and a precious dose of True Liao in addition to the wains and labour. But once complete it would create an awe-inspiring monument to rival the power and majesty of [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|the three watchers]].

Who, it is asked, could inspire such fervour into the hearts of the soldiers of Dawnish Armies? On whom should this grand monument be modelled? Should it be the [[Aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic|Chimera]], the symbol of battlefield prowess? Adelmar the Lion, martial Exemplar of Ambition born in Dawn? The new Queen of Dawn herself, the Warden-Queen? Should the Senators involved need some advice on the matter, they might consider consulting the newly formed [[Cat's Graces]].

Once complete, the monument would cause of surge in volunteers looking to join Dawnish armies to fight the vallorn. Experienced soldiers who have long since retired from the army would return, looking for the glory of one last war against this ancient enemy. Until the vallorn is defeated, and every vallornheart the Empire knows of is destroyed, Dawnish armies would require half the usual costs to be enlarged - that is 75 mithril and 225 crowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=250}}</div>

==Unicorns==
* '''The Dawnish Assembly could endorse the Vallornguard's leadership to allow military units of all nations to quest against the vallorn'''
* '''The Assembly could endorse the nation's crusade to claim Brocéliande to increase the rewards available from questing against the vallorn'''

The Highest Calling was not the first sign of Dawn's eagerness to test itself against the ''Folly of Terunael''. The [[Knight of the Greenwood]] was commissioned in Summer 384YE to coordinate and support Dawnish military units that [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]]. In recent years interest in the fight has fallen off, with around a dozen military units committed to the venture each season. But the clarion call from the Synod has transformed the situation, with interest climbing fivefold. The question is how to maintain or improve that?

The Constitutional Court offers one route. They have judged that the title [[Knight_of_the_Greenwood#Constitutional_Note|ought properly to be appointed by the Vallornguard]]. There is absolutely no requirement to follow the Court's ruling, but the Dawnish Assembly could embrace this decision if they wanted to throw their support behind the [[Imperial sodality]]. Most Dawnish folk understand that the war against the vallorn will need every witch and warrior in the Empire to take up arms together, Dawn alone cannot defeat this enemy. Navarr have embraced the Vallornguard and given it their support, should Dawn now do likewise?

The Dawnish Assembly could enact the following mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send {named priest} with 75 liao to urge citizens of the Empire to come to Greenwood Manor to venture forth against the enemy. Let the Vallornguard lead us to glory!|assembly=Dawn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, the civil service will raise an administrative motion at the next Senate session to amend the title to make it appointed by the Vallornguard. If that motion passes the Senate then the title would still be held by the Dawnish, it would become a national appointment - but it would be elected by vote of the sodality the next time it falls vacant. If the title is amended ''and'' the mandate is enacted, then it will open up Greenwood Manor to citizens of every nation. The venture to quest against the vallorn would become available to all military units.

Of course the Dawnish Assembly could take the opposite view. The new sodality has not yet proven its worth and besides it seems very focused on victory. It's all well and good defeating the vallorn, but it will be a wasted opportunity if the coming war is not glorious. Who better than the Dawnish Assembly to ensure that whoever holds the title embraces the glory of battle with the vallorn?

The Dawnish Assembly could enact the following mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=No price is too high to realise your dreams. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to remind the Dawnish that there is no fight more glorious than that against the vallorn. Let us raise the banner of Dawn over Brocéliande!|assembly=Dawn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will permanently improve the rewards available. Every Dawnish military unit questing against the vallorn will gain rewards as if they are a rank higher and the Greenwood Knight's income will increase to ten measures of natural material and fourteen drams of herbs. Dawnish nobles will surge into Brocéliande and yeofolk will establish settlements in Boar's Dell. Of course it may take many years for the vallornheart to be destroyed, but once it is defeated, why shouldn't Dawn press its claim? Brocéliande has never been part of the Empire, and as the recent example with [[Sarangrave]] demonstrates, a territory can't be seen as Navarr lands just because it contains a vallornheart...

These Dawnish Assembly mandates are [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]].

==Sphinges==
* '''Gardens built for the war witches of Weaving in Astolat would allow Dawn to trade a college of magic for another army'''
* '''The next Dawn army would be formed from war witches trained at the Gardens'''
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Gardens of the Sphinx'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Weaving, Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 mithril and 15 weirwood, 75 crowns, and 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces Dawn's supply for colleges of magic by one
* Increases Dawn's supply for armies by one for an army
* Dawnish war witches would form the core of the next army Dawn raised
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
The honest truth of the matter is that the roused vallorn is going to be a fight unlike anything the Empire has ever seen. Titles, incomes, statues, inspiration, everything else helps; but at the end of the day there will need to be a marshalling of every person who can fight, to fight. Unlike their cousins in the west, Dawn is currently unable to support a fifth army, but the nation of Dawn is a place where nothing is impossible, a place of glory where dreams are given form.

The [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches|war-witches]] of the nation have long looked at the [[Citadel Guard]] as an aspirational challenge. The Urizen are the only people who can rival their ability to apply devastating uses of magic to the battlefield in a focused manner. Currently, many of Dawns magical minds are keen to look at building a [[college of magic]], but if this capacity was sacrificed, aspiring magicians could be encouraged to become war witches and join the efforts against the vallorn

The Garden of the Sphinx would be an elaborate series of serene gardens built in Weaving, Astolat; both the centre of magical learning in Dawn and the birthplace of [[Adelmar the Lion]]. Named for the [[legendary beasts]] association with magic, it is a happy coincidence that sphinxes are traditionally mortal enemies of manticores. It would encourage the study and practice of war magic and incorporate a set of duelling arenas to allow war witches to test their skills against one another.

Once complete, Dawn would be able to raise an army capable of unleashing the power of magic on the battlefield. It would ensure that a cohort of capable war witches formed the core of the army. It would ''not'' be a [[Army_qualities#Magic|Magic]] army, but over time it could develop its own unique quality that reflected the prowess of the war witches.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=left|width=250}}</div>

==Lions==
* '''A herald offers recommendations on the grandeur of a monument to the beneficence of the Queen of the Fields of Glory'''
* '''The Queen has summoned Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco to appear before her, with an entourage of troubadours, to her exploits and her plans'''
* '''If the meeting goes well, the Lion of Summer will offer the general her aid in the fight against the vallorn'''
Last season, [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Gilded_Bouquet_(Eleonaris)|Elodian visited Anvil]] on business both personal and for his liege-lady. She was disappointed to hear about the doubt that has manifested itself in the hearts of the previously proud Highborn. But [[Eleonaris]] is apparently pleased to hear of plans to erect a grand triumph to celebrate their joint victory in the [[Sarangrave]]. A glorious [[edifice|frieze]] showing victorious Imperials fighting alongside elfin knights is entirely satisfactory. Of course anything raised in honour of a queen, should have the appropriate [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]], a small statue is fine for a glorious yeofolk completing their [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|test of mettle]], but the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' will expect something in keeping with her status. Something the size of a tower would be adequate, but it would need to be bigger if the Empire want to impress on the Queen how grateful they are for her aid.

In any case, the denizens of the Summer Realm pay are pleased to hear that the next great campaign is to be led against the vallorn. Elodian returned singing the praises of ''the greatest general in the Empire'', '''Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco''' of the [[Lions of Adelmar]]. So intrigued was she by the words of Elodian that she wishes to meet this great general ''in person'' at the coming solstice. At 14:00 on Saturday the ''Lady of Pennants'' will send one of her court to the Hall of Worlds to collect General Katelyn to escort her and half a dozen troubadours to engage in a discussion on the plans for this new war. After an exchange of gifts, the troubadours should regale the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' of the great deeds of General Katelyn, and if the ''Lion of Summer'' is suitably impressed she will offer her aid in the coming fight against the ''Folly of Terunael''.

==Further Reading==
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing the highest calling

* [[Vallorn]]
* [[Vallornguard]]

Mithril and rope

2026-07-22T13:58:12Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of War]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grendel and Warbeast.jpg|caption=The Salt Lords continue to pursue their ambition of regaining control of Mareave.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==After Spring==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCMG2kOVzB8}}
In the days following the Spring Equinox, [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|fortifications]] bloom across Mareave like flowers after the rain. In [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], a tower of white marble and blue ice garrisoned by pale-eyed elfin warriors in chain and silk. Over [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]], a keep of ice with six cruel iron minarets from which squat hirsute archers scan the hills. Yet both are dwarfed by the citadel that rises in southern [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]]. ''Iskander's Donjon'', a boon granted by the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of Ice and Darkness]] and [[Wide_azure_skies#Objective:_Summon_Iskanders_Donjon|called forth]] from the [[regio]] at the ''Ohwinn Scour'' on the battlefields of Mareave. The Donjon is a massive monolithic castle of adamant, with a grand gatehouse from which the [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of the ''Breath of Winter'' issue forth to aid the defence of the Unshackled territory. These mighty warriors, sheathed in heavy armour that conceals their features from the Imperial soldiers they fight alongside bear massive iron tower-shields marked with a sigil of blue flame. When they battle the invading Grendel, the runes worked into their armour ignite surrounding them in a flickering aura of blue-white fire that cows their enemies and adds weight to their dreadful blows. All told, the three magical fortresses bring with them nearly two entire armies of supernatural warriors drawn from the frigid realm of the ''Immovable One'', to fight alongside the Imperial Orcs and defend their lands against the Grendel.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:CathCane002.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
And fight they do. The [[Winter Sun]] may have withdrawn to [[Zenith]] along with the [[Seventh Wave]], but in their place come the [[Summer Storm]]. The presence of an Unshackled army is paramount; without it the promise given to the eternal of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] at Ohwinn Scour would be broken, and her aid forfeit. The Summer Storm do not march alone, though. Down through madness-haunted [[Spiral]] alongside them come the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Wolves of War]], and the [[Argent Sword]]. [[The League]] and [[Urizen]] have their own reasons, perhaps, for ensuring the Grendel attention remains focused in southern Mareave and not in [[Spiral]] or [[Redoubt]].

As they pass through [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]], the Summer Storm are joined by the orc soldiers of [[Mareave#Rucraic%27s_Redoubt|Rucraic's Redoubt]]. The bastion bears an [[enchantment]] that makes it easily the equal of ''Iskander's Donjon'', and the walls are aglow with the [[Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The garrison is bolstered by towering constructs of bronze wielding devastating mattocks, maintained by engineers from the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]]. Recent months have also seen a notable increase in the number of northern Mareave orcs signing up for a tour of duty at the Redoubt. Even the notoriously cynical ''Uthni'' family have been heard encouraging support for the Redoubt; perhaps they have finally begun to believe the Unshackled when they say they will not abandon the arid southern territory.

As the equinox passes, however, even the traditionally dry north of Mareave enjoys unseasonal rain that brings life to the scrubby grasslands. The [[Rivers of Life]] have risen in Mareave, bringing with them the life-giving essence of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]]. All potable water in the territory serves to bolster the health of those who live and fight here. Wounds sustained in battle heal overnight, provided they are not mortal in the moment. The work of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]] and the battlefield [[heal|healer]] are made so much easier by the [[Spring magic]] flowing through the territory.

The [[curse]] of life is indiscriminate of course, and aids the Grendel as well as the Empire. This makes the fighting all the more bloody, because only the killing blow will serve to actually deplete the enemy forces. Injured soldiers who might take weeks to recover will be back on duty tomorrow, unless they are dead. A feeling of recklessness spreads through the territory this season, on both sides. After all, when serious wounds are no more inconvenient than minor injuries, why ''not'' take the risks that might win you victory or see your enemy in the ground?
<div {{float}}><quote by="Stormsteel Skorr, General of the Summer Storm"> Legionnaires, it is time to bring our strength to Mareave. Let us defend our land once again. It is imperative that we do not let a single Grendel advance further into our southern territory. Let us show those still undecisided that the Imperial Orcs will always defend our home. Let the Clarity of Day assist our efforts. Mareave is Imperial.</quote>
<quote by="Gabriel Barossa, General of the Towerjacks">Towerjacks, for thirty years you held the indomitable walls of Hoberg. Now a tide of Grendel wash against the homes of our friends. You will be their walls. Drive back the tide.</quote></div>
There is perhaps a little trepidation on the Imperial side given the [[Things_go_awry#Rivers_of_Chaos|reports of chaotic events]] last season wherever powerful magic held sway. Yet the stories are contradictory, with the most common claiming the threat is past thanks to events at Anvil during the Spring Equinox. Perhaps everything will be fine, as it has been in the past. Perhaps [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|nothing will go awry]].

The Grendel are unaware of such chaos, of course, or at least mostly so. They certainly show no signs of trepidation in their attempt to reclaim Mareave. Even as the citadels bloom and the armies move, the Broken Shore continues to probe the defences of [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]]. Their [[navy|navies]] are in position off the coast of Fleisardh, but they cannot intercede directly. For the moment, the yellow-sailed Golden Winds and the crimson-sailed Shamaal must content themselves with [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support|supporting]] their inland expansion. There is notably no sign of the green-sailed Tempest or the cerulean-sailed Simoom. The other half of the Grendel armada has not yet returned, it seems, from the [[Deep_blue_sea#As_The_Gull_Flies|wild goose chase]] they embarked on to try and destroy the Red Wind Corsairs.

There is no shortage of warriors in Mareave this season, but the Grendel may miss the aid of their missing naval forces. The fighting balances on a knife-edge and any factor might tip it one way or another.

==Ebb and Flow==
The Salt Lords still seem to be committed to claiming Clisearn and especially the [[Fundindelve]]. The Empire remains equally resolute that they will not achieve that goal, and will press no further into Mareave. The Summer Storm and the Towerjacks, along with soldiers from Rucraic's Redoubt and the forces of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]], see to the defence of Clisearn. ''Iskander's Donjon'' provides a fine base of operations from which to plan the best way to hold the hills against the Broken Shore.

At the same time the Autumn heralds of the [[Argent Sword]] and the [[Wolves of War]] go on the offensive. Both armies seek to [[Army_qualities#Foraging|steal back]] the wealth of Mareave from the Grendel, and perhaps supplement their gains with a few treasures of the Broken Shore in the process. The Argent Sword need no additional impetus to focus on relieving their enemies of their possessions, and the Wolves have bolstered their number with hard-bitten mercenaries more enthusiastic about the opportunity for further profit than for high-minded ideals of protecting the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}
The Broken Shore assault has lost none of its momentum. They continue to build on their successes last season, keeping up the pressure on the Imperial defence. All the magical warriors in Mareave are not enough to do more than blunt their attack, to slow their advance. Last season it was the Black Eels and the Brine Turtles in the vanguard; this season they have fallen back a little and a new force leads the way forward. The ''Storm Sharks'' were mustered in the wake of the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|disastrous loss]] at ''Solen's Doubt''. Their banners bear the image of the shark-and-thunderbolt, and their mien is very different to that of the typical Grendel army. They are violent, aggressive, savage, and concerned only with crushing their enemies. Time and again they assault Imperial positions, seeking to break them through sheer force of will and an unflagging resolve to kill as many of their opponents as possible. They pay in blood for their reckless audacity, but they also win as often as they lose and with their strength at the fore, the rest of the Grendel attackers follow suit.

At first it seems the Grendel, led by the Storm Shark assault, will push the defenders back but they have reckoned without quite so many heralds of Summer and Autumn. The [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|supernatural clarity]] helps the Imperial commanders to coordinate the disparate groups of defenders, to deploy them where their strengths will be most apparent and their weaknesses protected. The headlong rush to battle of the Storm Sharks is blunted by savvy tactics. While the Anvil of the Summer Storm and the Towerjacks contains the Grendel advance, the opportunistic aggression of the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War begins to turn the invasion back.

Unfortunately, the invaders have their own magics. The armies of the Broken Shore swiftly counter the advantages provided by the clarity of [[Day magic|Day]] with preternatural strategic acumen of their own. A dizzying sequence of attack and counterattack, thrust and parry, plays out across the front with cohorts of warriors as the swords and careful positioning as the shields. It looks as if the Grendel, with their sheer force of numbers and their effective naval support, will win the day.

Yet Clisearn is defended by Iskander's Donjon. Unlike the usual citadels raised by the Empire, the Donjon is one of Cathan Canae's larger fortifications, and its garrison is composed of mighty warriors and guardians who have fought countless battles over the centuries. The lords of the Broken Shore are purely mortal, and unprepared to directly beat against the might of the Summer realm itself. They pay dearly for every step they make across the rich lands of Clisearn, and with their advance slowing, the Wolves and Sword can focus more of their efforts on driving them out.

That said, the main focus of the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War is not on defeating the Grendel, but on taking back what the orcs have stolen. Even coordinated with Day magic, their soldiers are often out-of-position pursuing one opportunity or another to raid the enemy. When the fighting is thickest, they are often absent entirely, their attention drawn to a different part of the region or even focused in launching a raid into Grendel-held territory to the south. Weighed against ''that'', they are by no means the only ones looking for loot and plunder. ''Three'' of the enemy armies likewise are distracted from the goal of capturing Clisearn by their personal goal of gathering as much wealth from Mareave as possible.

This disconnection of purpose is made abundantly clear halfway through the season when three Grendel armies launch an audacious raid deep into Imperial-held territory.
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of Autumn, we have unfinished business. The coward slavers have run from redoubt - but that's alright, autumn loves to Travel! This season I get to fulfil my ambition to defend Imperial Territory outside of Urizen. This season I renew my bonds of loyalty to my Imperial siblings. The Grendel are a plague in Mareave - taking the land and property of the Imperial Orcs - This season we take it back. We plunder the riches of the Grendel and we reclaim the property of the Imperial Orcs. Our focus is precise, our work is professional - the Grendel and the Grendel only are our target. Together with the Wolves of War, this season the Grendel will pay not only dearly, they will pay with everything they have. No coin left untaken, no wain left unclaimed, their property is ours - they just haven't realised it yet.</quote>
<quote by="Jean d'Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">There are free companies that are easier to march with. But no one will remember them. Empty your packs for the spoils to come. Earn our prosperous shares with steel and toil aplenty. Iron bites, while loyalty binds us to the citizens of Mareave. Tear into the baggage, make their supply ours. Bring me the means to take the fight to the vultures of the Broken Shore.</quote>
<quote by="Beagh Seosam, General of the Black Eels">Mithril! The promise of wealth, the promise of fine spears and finer armour! Right now it is lying in great piles in the mountains of Clisearn, and not where it should be. In our hands! And when we are done with Fundindelve, there is plenty more easy wealth scattered across southern Mareave for us to claim.</quote>
<quote by="Neeve, General of the Hamsin">None know the bounty of Fundindelve better than we! Foolish Eshan has let it slip through his fingers, which makes it fair game for anyone audacious enough to take it from under Imperial noses!</quote>
<quote by="Jaimtar Gat, General of the Bone Nautilus">The Salt Lords give license to take as we will. We must not squander it. Fundindelve is the prize, but never forget that any Imperial soldier can be a valuable prize. Loot or ransom, what is theirs will be ours!</quote>
</div>

==The Great Fundindelve Heist==
As invaders and defenders clash across central Clisearn, the Black Eels and the Bone Nautilus make their move. While perhaps half the warriors of the two septs aid their fellows in the fight against the Empire, their leaders take advantage of the "distraction" to put into operation plans of their own (and it would perhaps be news to the Salt Lords that this vital struggle is seen as a "distraction" by two of their septs). A sizable cohort made up of the canniest warriors from the two armies skirts the eastern mountains along the edge of Skoura, avoiding the main engagement, moving as quickly and stealthily as some four thousand warriors can manage. The Black Eels and the Bone Nautilus are composed of warriors from the inland septs, so they are no strangers to the wild and rugged terrain of the Broken Shore. Nor are they alone; alongside them come around three thousand Hamsin, an army with a very different tenor to the rough warriors of the Eels and the Nautilus. This is a ''Grendel'' army, one that bucks the traditions of that powerful sept by choosing to fight on land rather than at sea. Youthful, ambitious, and audacious they have used their influence to recruit talented raiders, orcs and humans experienced at stealing the treasures of the Empire, and scouts familiar with southern Mareave. Together, they plan to raid the Fundindelve.

Nearly seven thousand troops cannot hope to avoid detection for long, but their care buys them precious hours before the Empire become aware of them. As soon as they realise the jig is up, they drop all pretence of stealth and move arrow-swift towards their target. There have been raids across Clisearn - by both sides - throughout the war, but this is a concerted attack planned with precision. The attackers breach the defences of the mithril mine before anyone realises what is happening, overwhelming the protectors with sheer force of numbers. The defenders of Mareave are stretched too thin and even with the aid of Summer heralds from Iskander's Donjon, the miners can't hope to hold back the tide of raiders. After a short, bloody, battle, the mine falls. Yet there is no attempt made to hold the Fundindelve; the raiders know that the only way that can happen is if the Imperial defenders are driven out of Clisearn. This attack is not about land, but about ''money''.

The sands of the hourglass are in free-fall; the Empire is already on the move sending troops to reinforce the mine and rout the attackers. The Summer Storm pulls back, trusting the garrison of Rucraic's Redoubt and the heralds of Iskander's Donjon to fill their place in the defence of Clisearn, and march east as fast as they can. When they arrive, though, they find the raiders have already left. They have cleaned out the Fundindelve, stolen every wain of mithril they could get their hands on, and raided the vaults of precious jewels and more mundane minerals that accumulate in any mithril mine. The orcs are already exhausted, from weeks of fighting and a forced march, but nonetheless once they are assured the mines are safe, they pursue. It's clear though that the raiders have too much of a head start, one that widens by the hour. Once they reach the safety of Flesiardh, once they are back in Grendel-held territory, they will be beyond the reach of the Unshackled.

Unfortunately, the raiders have made a costly mistake; they have not factored the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War into their calculations. Rather than race to Fundindelve, the two armies dispatch their own swift-moving soldiers to intercept them. It's a gamble; if the attackers plan to hold the Fundindelve then the Imperial defenders will catch them there. If they don't, then the Sword and the Wolves will catch them on the move, before they can make it back to Fleisardh. A gamble that pays off.

The raiders are not expecting to find Imperials waiting for them, between them and the safety of Fleisardh. There is no chance to go round - and every minute that passes brings the Summer Storm and the rest of the Imperial defence closer. They have no choice but to fight; a battle not for land or lives, but for the wealth of Fundindelve. The three Grendel forces immediately split up; the Bone Nautilus dodge west, the Black Eels try to move quickly through the foothills, and the Hamsin attack the Imperial interceptors head on trusting to their mercenaries to help them carry the day. Unfortunately for the raiders, they have stolen so much that they are heavily encumbered. Wagons of mithril and ore are hard to manoeuvre at the best of times, never mind when trying to flee Autumn heralds and League mercenaries over the rugged terrain of eastern Clisearn. Yet the Imperial forces have problems of their own; they are separated from their own lines, dangerously close to Grendel-held land, and cannot be sure what is waiting just across the border for them. As the Grendel have split up, so too must the Argent Sword and Wolves of War split their forces to counter them.

Vicious struggles erupt in the borderlands between the individual raiding bands. The Autumn heralds of the Argent Sword possess a preternatural sense for the presence of wealth that renders Grendel attempts at stealth ineffective; the Hamsin possess the classic discipline of the Grendel that helps counter the opportunistic brilliance of the Wolves of War counter-strategy. Yet the Empire does have an edge - not only the imminent threat of the Summer Storm but also the fact that they are able to cooperate much more effectively than the three raiding groups. The Black Eels, Bone Nautilus, and Hamsin might have coordinated their raid together but now it is every Grendel for themselves with no attempt made to help the raiders from one of the other forces.

In the end, the raiders are not prepared to sell their own lives either for the wealth they've stolen or to help their allies escape. It's not entirely clear how much of their ill-gotten gains the Grendel have managed to escape with. Ironically it seems the Hamsin have been most successful - the Grendel of the mercenary army appear to have taken steps to ensure their soldiers were [[enchantment|enchanted]] with Day magic allowing them to exploit an opening in the Argent Sword's defences. Wagons of precious mithril, gold, silver, and iron are left scattered all across southern Clisearn, claimed by the soldiers of the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War, but others are dragged safely back behind Grendel lines. Despite the Spring magic that infuses Mareave, however, several hundred warriors on both sides have fallen to claim this wealth.

This clash - the Hamsin, the Bone Nautilus or the Black Eels on one side and the Wolves of War or the Argent Sword on the other - is repeated throughout the rest of the season. All five armies are seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of their enemies, although nothing approaching the audacity of the raid on Fundindelve occurs. At points it is almost farcical - the same cargo of riches stolen from one of the villas of Clisearn may change hands three or four times as both sides try to get the booty back to the safety of their own lines. Farcical, but also deadly serious. The wealth of southern Mareave will help fund ambitious projects and magical rituals as well as simply lining the pockets of septs and Salt Lords.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreatWyrmnowingsIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Great Wyrm represents transformation and change, and the essence of magic.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Katabat==
And so the fighting continues, the warlines rising and falling like waves on the shore. Yet as the Summer Solstice draws ever nearer, the advantage appears to be with the Empire. Four armies, two magical citadels, a supernatural fortress, an enchanted bastion, the power of Imperial magic, all contribute to the strength of the Empire's defenders. It looks as if they will hold the line, and for a time there is a possibility that the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War might actually make headway, drive the Grendel out of Clisearn entirely. Unfortunately there is one more shoe to fall; the Grendel have one final ace up their sleeves.

The scouts have been reporting on unexpected troop movements along the coast of Fleisardh for some weeks, but it is in the aftermath of the attack of Fundindelve that it becomes apparent just how serious the situation is. Unidentified warships had been [[Wide_azure_skies#Uncertain_Victory|sighted last season]], but no further details had been uncovered. Now, though, they are in Mareave and their presence begins to tip the balance in the favour of the attackers.

There's no avoiding the truth; the Grendel have completed raising a fifth navy on the Bay of Catazar. It is clear, though, that this is a navy of a very different character to the Golden Sails, the Tempest, the Simoon, or the Shamal. The warships of the violet-sailed ''Katabat'' have a uniformity to them that is not common in the other Grendel navies. Most Grendel vessels reflect the idiosyncrasies or tastes of their captains; many such vessels are heirlooms that belong to one wealthy family or another, handed down like one of the Unshackled may pass on an item of [[worth]]. A Grendel navy can easily present the appearance of a number of individual warships that just "happen" to be sailing together, their only common feature being the colour of their sails.

Not so the Katabat. ''This'' navy is composed entirely of custom-made warships rather than being drawn from the vessels of the Grendel families. They share a common design, combining the practicality and speed of Grendel ships with the smooth lines and slightly archaic look of Asavean battleships. Each ship is clearly well armoured, manoeuvrable, and crewed by disciplined mariners. This would be cause for concern even if not for the ''other'' features they have in common.

The sails of every ship in the Katabat is embroidered with designs that show the unmistakable sheen of mithril. It isn't uncommon for Grendel ships to have decorated sails of course, but it is the nature of the designs that causes some scouts - Urizeni in particular - to take note. Normally Grendel iconography is inspired by the sea and its creatures, but in this case the sails each bear the image of one of the [[constellations]] familiar to Imperial astronomancers. Most common are [[the Oak]], [[the Great Wyrm]], and [[the Stork]] but all the others are represented, with the notable exception of the red eye of [[the Wanderer]]. Each warship also bears a figurehead carved in the image of a sea serpent or perhaps a dragon, in the jaws of which burns a large polished [[Technology#Lightstones|lightstone]] of obvious purity. An Urizeni lightstone.

It is too early to guess at the exact capabilities of the Katabat, but it seems clear that this represents something new. Not just in the cooperation between the Grendel and the Asaveans, either. It is too early to be sure, but there is a great deal of concern that this new navy has in some way drawn inspiration - and power - from the magical resources [[Blood-red_blooms#Grendel_Opportunities|stolen from Redoubt]] during the recent invasion.

The impact of the new navy is still limited by their need to act at sea, of course. As with the Shamal and the Golden Winds, though, they provide significant support to the landbound armies fighting in Clisearn. Keen eyed Towerjacks talk of competent battlefield magicians, versed in both offensive magics and support spells. Worse, there are signs of disciplined battlefield covens active in the Grendel lines, making use of all kinds of useful enchantments and rites to further strengthen their warriors.

But from the point of view of the Empire the situation is compounded by the Asavean armada that accompanies the Katabat. With them are a flotilla of Asavean warships, great floating fortresses crewed by dozens of sailors, carrying ruthless, arrogant warriors in polished breastplates and helms. The Plenum continues to support their "allies" in the east, continues to send their warriors to aid the Grendel in their battles with the Empire. In a way, the withdrawal of the [[bounty]] on Imperial vessels has played to the favour of the Plenum; there are more ships free to send to the Bay of Catazar to make war on the Empire. And make war they do.

Where the Grendel troops are tiring, after months of continuous campaigning in Mareave, the "scions of Asav" are fresh and eager to demonstrate the might of their ancestors. Their weapons, armour, and shields may look archaic to Imperial eyes, but this is a nation older than the Empire that once bestrode the Known World before its leaders fell into venality and corruption. Their burnished bronze breastplates are of an alloy that turns aside blows and arrows as effectively as mithril, and they are no less deadly with their spears and gladii.

In the end, it is the purple-sailed ships and the Asavean alliance that decisively turns the tide against the Empire. After months of back and forth, the sea washes up the beach. The Grendel rally and press the Imperial armies on every front, and slowly but surely they are forced to step back. They cannot take the whole of Clisearn - Iskander's Donjon sees to that - but more and more territory falls to their slow grinding advance. Fundindelve and the Grand Lodge remain in Imperial hands, but as the Summer Solstice dawns, after months of fighting, the winds of war favour the Grendel.

==Game Information==
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-left: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Mareave.png|400x400px}}</div>
===Mareave===
* '''The Grendel have advanced in Clisearn; they are now three-quarters of the way toward seizing the region
* '''If not for Iskander's Donjon, the Grendel would have taken the region entirely
* '''The Grendel have raised a fifth navy incorporating Urizen lore stolen during their attack on Redoubt
* '''Beoraidh remains neutral in the conflict between Grendel and Imperial forces
The Empire continues to hold Clisearn - but only just. The Grendel have committed significant forces to the fight in Mareave and have driven the defenders back. If not for the additional defence of the region provided by Iskander's Donjon, Clisearn would already have fallen. A large number of factors influenced the outcome of the campaign, but the addition of an additional navy, and the Asavean warships supporting it, ultimately led to Grendel victory.

The city state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] remains neutral in the fighting between the Grendel and the Empire. The Palace of Chains - the fortification in Beoraidh city - has aided neither side.

The Rivers of Life significantly reduced casualties during the fighting, but both sides suffered significant losses. In part, in the narrative, this is because the powerful healing meant that the only way to be sure an enemy soldier would not be back on the lines again tomorrow was to inflict lasting injury or death on them. The Empire has lost over a thousand soldiers, and it is estimated the Grendel may have suffered as many as twice this number of casualties. As noted in the '''[[Things go awry]]''' wind of fortune from last event, there are unexpected side effects from Rivers of Life in the territory. While they did not directly impact the fighting in the territory this season, their effect is presented in the '''[[Winds of Stars]]''' wind of fortune.

===Fundindelve===
* '''The mithril of the Fundindelve has been raided by the Grendel
* '''Some of that mithril has been recovered as part of the plunder claimed by the Argent Sword and Wolves of War
* '''The legal situation of wains recovered from thieves in a battle is not clear
The Fundindelve has been raided, and all 24 wains of mithril it would have produced this season has been stolen. The seat holder - '''Landon Hawcombe''' of [[the Marches]] - will receive their normal bounty of mithril this season, but there will be nothing for the Autumn equinox. The Fundindelve, as with all mithril seats, is due to be reappointed in Autumn, but the person taking the seat will receive no mithril. If nothing is done, then the price the seat fetches at auction is bound to reflect this.

The mithril has not disappeared however. A significant portion of it has been recovered by the Argent Sword and the Wolves of War. How much of it was actually stolen back is known only to the generals of those armies. Traditionally, whatever an Imperial plundering army takes from their enemies belongs to the general of the army but it might be advisable for the generals and the next Bourse seat holder to discuss the legal implications.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=SummerStorm_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Participation : Summer Storm===
* '''Anyone who fought alongside the Summer Storm may have gained a boon from Cathan Canae'''
* '''Any orc or changeling affected by the boon gains one rank of endurance for the event'''
* '''Any other character affected by the boon gains one temporary hit which cannot be restored with healing'''
This season there have been a significant number of heralds in Mareave drawn from the Summer realm, specifically from the demesne of Cathan Canae. In addition to the garrisons of the [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|Frozen Citadels]] in Icarion and Nadir, Iskander's Donjon represents a major fortification called from the endless glacier of the Queen of Ice and Darkness. The garrison of the latter are powerful heralds and guardians sworn to the Immovable One and their presence fighting alongside Imperial troops cannot help but have unexpected effects.

If your military unit supported the Summer Storm on campaign this season, you may choose to have had an encounter with one of the powerful heralds of the ''Glacial Throne''. If you choose to do so then for the duration of the Summer Solstice, you experience a roleplaying effect: ''You find it hard to back down, even if you might be in the wrong. Your natural stubbornness is greatly enhanced, and if challenged it feels satisfying to dig your heels in and refuse to change your position. It is easy to see anyone attempting to convince or force you to modify your beliefs as a rival at best and an enemy at worst, and it is hard not to respond to such perceptions with force.''

While you experience the roleplaying effect, if you are an [[orc]] or a [[changeling]] you gain one additional rank of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] for the Summer Solstice. If you are not an orc or changeling, you instead gain one temporary hit that is the first one lost when you are injured and cannot be restored with any kind of healing.

===Participation : Mareave===
* '''Any Imperial Orc whose personal resource is in Mareave may have received a boon from Cathan Canae
* '''Any orc affected by the boon gains one temporary hit'''
While the heralds of Cathan Canae are most active in fighting the Grendel, they protect every part of Mareave. Any Imperial Orc character whose personal resource is in Mareave may choose to have had a significant encounter with one of the servants of the ''Lady of the Frost''. If you choose to do so, you experience the roleplaying effect described above, and gain one temporary hit that is the first one lost when you are injured and cannot be restored with any kind of healing.

==Battle: Salt and Stone==
As the campaign raged on in Clisearn, various factions have been looking for ways to profit. One such group is led by ''Maistir Brothaigh'', a well-connected military commander who has made as much of his fortune from looting priceless relics, as he has from military campaigning. Brothaigh has followed up a string of rumours and clues that he has been able to corroborate as Grendel forces have progressed through Clisearn. They have led the commander and his force to the ''Ruins of Sinat'' - once a historic Skouran trading station. He is here hoping to secure a valuable magical scroll.

Unfortunately for the Maistir, he has been betrayed. Overseer Hook of the Surveyors' Cartel in the City of Locks has made a profitable introduction between civil servants supporting the [[Imperial Spymaster]] and ''Colm Firewater'', a disgruntled rival of the Brothaigh and a Grendel defector. Colm was ruined five years ago by the Maistir when a deal fell through and has been searching for a way to get his revenge ever since. Overseer Hook has helped him spill his guts to the Empire in exchange for a heavy purse and passage on a ship to Sarcophan. Colm's treachery to Brothaigh has revealed the Grendel's plans to the Empire and offered a chance to thwart their actions.

The Maistir is planning to retrieve the ''Saltbound Stone'', which according to legend is a partially complete ritual text provided by an eternal of the Autumn realm. Once completed it would enable a ritual coven to summon a citadel and a flotilla to defend the coast. Imperial magicians have tried for years to convince an eternal to provide an assurance for ''something'' like this, and never found one that would agree. The Grendel Maistir is gambling everything he has on the legend being true, if he is right then the stone is almost certainly priceless.

Imperial prognosticators have detected a conjunction to the ''Ruins of Sinat'' in Clisearn, Mareave. The Sentinel Gate will enable travel to the location on the Sunday of the Summer Solstice.

===Objective: Secure the Saltbound Stone===
* '''Grendel troops have located the resting place of a part-complete Skouran ritual, the Saltbound Stone'''
* '''The Empire will need to recover the Brazen Clavis to unlock the Autumn chamber'''
* '''Fifty heroes can then enter the chamber to recover the ''Saltbound Stone'''''
* '''A puzzle and the repository's guardians will need to be overcome to release it'''
* '''Once unbound the Stone can be returned to Anvil'''

Soldiers from the Broken Shore have advanced to the ''Ruins of Sinat'' under the command of Maistir Brothaigh and have set up a temporary camp to await the arrival of a Sand Mage ritual coven. Brothagih has secured a magical key - ''The Brazen Clavis'' - that is needed to unseal the Autumn regio and enable passage through to the ''Vaults of the Chainbound''. There he hopes to recover the Saltbound Stone, a partially complete ritual text for an ancient Skouran ritual. If completed the ritual would allow a coven to conjure sea-wards in a coastal region.

If Imperial heroes can secure the Brazen Clavis, they can "unlock" the portal to the regio. Once unlocked, mages will be able to [[Operate_portal|open a portal]] and then [[Operate_portal#Traverse_Regio|transverse the regio]] to the chamber beyond. A total of 50 people will be able to enter and explore the mysterious chamber. Passage through this type of portal is only possible for a mage, or someone with a [[Pauper%27s_Key|Pauper's Key]] or with the help of the ritual [[Ambassadorial Gatekeeper]].

Inside they should expect the regio to be defended by Autumn constructs and the binding chains of the ''Brass Magistrates''. The Saltbound stone, the ritual text, is a heavy stone secured in a wooden chest that is held in place by an arcane device of some kind. It cannot be moved until the construction that secures it has been released. The device will need to be deactivated, whilst fending off the guardians who secure the Vault, before the chest and the ''Saltbound Stone'' can be recovered.

===Opportunity: Pay Off the Ilium Jackals===
* '''Representatives of a Sarcophan mercenary outfit are working for the Grendel'''
* '''The Empire could hire them to fight for the Wolves of War or the Boyar's Hasta'''
* '''Doing so would allow the army to use the plunder order freely for the next year'''

Led by ''Maarten Nydeggen Vam Braam'', the Ilium Jackals are a far-travelled group that originate from the great city of Sarcophan. Operating ostensibly as a mercenary company, the outfit are more focused on exploration, seeking lost wealth, but like many sell swords they are experienced at plunder and pillaging. Arriving in Mareave as a 'third party' to the conflict in the territory, they were hired by the Maistir to help him locate the ''Brazen Clavis'' that the Grendel require to open the Vaults; an act for which they have been richly rewarded.

With the Maistir close to recovering the scroll, the Jackals are aware that they will soon be out of contract. According to Overseer Hook, they would be open to swapping sides if paid handsomely. If the Jackals can be contacted during the battle by citizens of [[the League]], acting at the behest of the [[Wolves of War]] [[general]], or citizens of [[Varushka]] acting on behalf of the general of the [[Boyar's Hasta]] then they are likely to be amenable to negotiation. The company would offer their services to act as looters and raiders - allowing the Imperial army they sign up with to freely take the foraging action for the next year. According to Hook, they will ask for 40 thrones for a year's contract, but could be had for half that figure if the Empire has time to haggle. They won't expect to be paid immediately - they won't want coin delivered on an active battlefield - but the general would be wise to ensure payment is provided before the end of the Autumn Equinox. It's not wise to renege on your debts with a mercenary group of thieves and raiders who have contact with the [[Basileia|City of Locks]].

===Opportunity: Send Regards to Iontach Leagsaidh===
* '''Several members of the Uthni sept are willing to pay handsomely for anyone who sends a message to their old enemy'''
* '''''Leagsaidh Saim-garoth'', an iontach mage healer, is the target of the Uthni's ire'''
* '''A reward ten thrones will be forthcoming for the individual who can return the healers named healing wand'''

Political and social intrigue runs deep within Grendel society, just like it does in the League. This is true as well of the septs in Mareave, even as they cast off the strings of Dubtraigh's influence. Bitter rivalries and internecine feuds are found it all stratas of life, from the rich sept merchants to the lowest drudges who break rocks, dig the dry fields, or haul cargoes between trading outposts. Scores are to be settled, debts are called in, everyone expects payment one way or another...

''Leagsaidh Saim-garoth'' is understood to be an iontach, a Grendel mage healer, of some standing among the moriduns currently engaged in the Clisearn campaign. Reports indicate that she is supported by a number of orc and human orderlies, tending to injured soliders both during and following engagements with Imperial forces. The Uthni have been in contact with Leagsaidh via [[Call Winged Messenger]] as part of a long-running feud between the two parties. The orcs are owed considerable resources from business dealings and a supply of forged healing draughts that the mage delivered years ago. They have been attempting for some time to cajole her into making good on her old promises and offer recompense for the bad deal. Now they plan to send a different message.

Ten thrones are promised to whoever can ruin both Leagsaidh's legs, curse her, or mete out some other suitable punishment to her, sending a very obvious message that the Uthni are serious about getting what is theirs. However the healer must survive, no payment will be made if Saim-garoth is slain in battle. The orcs are able to contact her via autumn ritual and will eventually learn that she has died, along with their chances of recovering their loses. Leagsaidh owns a powerful [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]] with their name inscribed on it. To claim the bounty, a citizen need merely place Leagsaidh's wand in an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis box]] and payment will be forthcoming in time for the Autumn Equinox as soon as the Uthni have confirmed that the healer has survived.

===Opportunity: Release the ''Spiteri Bequest''===
* '''Maistir Guaidre carries a small necklace looted during the raid on Sarvos'''
* '''Returning the jewellery will fulfil the conditions of the ''Spiteri Bequest'''''
* '''Whoever gives the necklaces to the League egregore can claim a level three fleet'''

Prince Mathilda Spiteri di Sarvos - socialite, supporter of the city's orphanages, and patron of the theatre - made her wealth in trade deals, artworks, and through a suspected spy ring around the territories of the Bay. She died not long after the death of Empress Britta and was interred in the family mausoleum. However, her wider estate has been prevented from dispersal after her death due to a long series of clauses and preconditions that had to be met. Unfortunately, the one final item required by the executor to release her wealth and life's collection was lost when the Grendel sacked the city seven years ago. Now, through a series of random events, or the influence of the constellations, the location of the delicate necklace so sought after by Maddalena's relatives has been determined.

Surprisingly, the necklace is in the possession of Maistir Gauidre, a captain of a Wave Rider unit active in Mareave. If the jewellery can be recovered and returned to the League egregore, then the ''Spiteri Bequest'' can finally be disseminated to the dead Prince's family, friends, and city folk. Whoever returns the precious piece of jewellery in this way will receive the right to claim the Spinning Gybe, a sleek trading schooner that is equivalent to a level three fleet. They will need to abandon or sell their own resource to take it as usual.

===The Skouran Consolidation===
* '''The Saltstone is the property of the Skourans according to the treaty'''
* '''Refusing to return it will create a diplomatic incident'''
* '''The Skourans have almost no use for the Saltstone'''

If the Empire can recover the Saltstone there is still the matter of who it belongs to. The Empire have signed [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Skoura|a treaty with the Skouran Consolidation]], in which they pledge to ''"return, at reasonable costs, any cultural and historical artefacts of the Skouran people that are uncovered as they developed the territory".'' Technically that means the Saltstone will need to be returned to the Skourans.

Of course that is ''surely'' better than allowing such a powerful item from falling into the hands of the Grendel? What's more, the treaty says "at reasonable costs", which certainly implies there is room to negotiate these things. Ancient Skoura once included the coast of what is modern Mareave, but what remains of their nation has been completely land-locked for centuries.

That Saltstone is almost useless to people with no coast. They are no fools, they will understand how valuable it is, but surely the Skourans would be willing to negotiate?

==A Backhanded Request (Spiral)==
* '''A merchant company of Grendel are readying to threaten the mining operation at the Legacy'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Legacy'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for intercepting the mercenaries pay'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Last season, the Vorlach Adventurers were able to [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|escape]] Spiral, fending off the [[Oblivion Sentinel]] and their allies. Now, ''Eilidh'', maistir of the Haurlatch Iron Consortium, is using the information gathered by the Vorlach Adventurers to recruit for an attack on the [[Legacy]].

''Eilidh'' has gathered funds and has put out the call for a raid into [[Spiral]], with promises that anyone who accompanies them will be warded against the malignancy of the {{Black Plateau}}. The maistir will have the funds on them to pay the mercenaries, and if it can be intercepted, then the raid will stall before it can even start.

The [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]], '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', is responsible for killing the Grendel maistir and seizing the mercenary purse. The purse is a healthy reward for whoever can claim it - at least twenty thrones - while also preventing the attack. If the maistir escapes with the purse, then Legacy will be raided, reducing production by ten wains for the Autumn Equinox.

As the Haurlatch Iron Consortium 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 advises that such a cost is likely to be steep: at least six crowns for each downed Imperial.

<box><big>'''{{Black Plateau}}'''</big><br>
All characters on the ''A Backhanded Request'' 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>

388YE Spring Equinox Synod judgements

2026-06-21T11:39:52Z

Novemberalice: /* Writs of Inquisition */

[[Category: Synod]] [[Category:Synod Results]] [[Category: Synod Judgements]][[Category: 388YE Spring]]
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{|
|+ align="top"| <big>'''Judgement Quick Links'''</big>
! Judgement Type
! Amount
|-
|[[#Change of Doctrine|Change of Doctrine]] || 1
|-
|[[#Veto|Veto]] || 1
|-
|[[#Statement of Principle|Statement of Principle]]|| 94
|-
|[[#Mandate|Mandate]] || 12
|-
|[[#Writ of Consecration|Writ of Consecration]] || 4
|-
|[[#Writ of Excommunication|Writ of Excommunication]] || 1
|-
|[[#Proscription|Proscription]] || 10
|-
|[[#Inquisition|Inquisition]] || 8
|-
|[[#Sanction|Sanction]] || 14
|-
|[[#Recognition|Recognition]] || 1
|-
|[[#Exaltation|Exaltation]] || 2
|-
|[[#Appointment|Appointment]] || 21
|-
|[[#Rewarding|Rewarding]] || 10
|-
|}
</div>
During the Spring Equinox 388YE, the Synod raised 179 judgements
==Change of Doctrine==
===Judgement 7===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Erasmo di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' It has been hundreds of years since the Doctrine of Seven was codified. The Virtuous apply what they have learned; Wisdom knows all knowledge is incomplete. The core of our faith, the Seven Virtues, remain strong - we add context to better reflect what we now know. We update the Doctrine of Seven
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (2039-358)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement amends the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine of Seven]]. The full implications of this change to [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] will be felt over the coming months.
<big>'''The Doctrine of Seven'''</big>
<div class="ic"><div class="ic-inner" style="display: block;">
<big>''The Seven Virtues - Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance, and Wisdom - offer guidance and spiritual strength to humans and orcs through our lives and deaths. Each inspires us to constructive action, bringing great benefit to those who follow them and enriching the world. False virtues and malign spiritual forces are detrimental: discouraging action, removing individual choice, bringing destruction, harming their followers, or those around them.''</big></div></div>
==Veto==
===Judgement 119===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Catena
* '''Judgement:''' This assembly votes to veto the relinquishment of Thornfen to Axos
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (62-206)
__TOC__
==Statement of Principle==
===Judgement 6===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard
* '''Judgement:''' The city state of Beoraidh may be small, but it represents a powerful opportunity for the spreading of The One True Way, the likes of which has ne'er before been seen. Our neighbours have marked off their land and opened their arms to a Basilica of the Way in the heart of their grand city. Amidst travellers and traders from all countries and walks of life, a shining beacon to our faith shall stand, built in the style of our Unshackled siblings and their fervent and beautiful expression of belief. We, the General Assembly of the Synod, note the opportunity that the construction of this Basilica offers, and urge the faithful of the Empire to all they can to assist in its completion and future operation
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1635-204)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement was elevated by '''Dagon Barossa''', the [[Cardinal of Loyalty]]

===Judgement 8===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Brother Luke
* '''Judgement:''' The Marcher Assembly extends a hand to our brethren, offering an invitation to Hap the Soft and any Marcher Orcs who wish to attend the Symposium of Proscriptions. They have shown Pride in their beliefs. Their voices firm and loud. Our duty is to further uplift Marcher voices to a cacophony that the Empire cannot ignore. They shall be heard and we shall endure it.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (192-0)
* '''Notes:''' Hap the Soft is the owner of [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof|the Golden Hoof]] and a well-respected voice of the [[Marcher orc|Marcher orcs]]. The [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#A_Convocation_of_Condemnation|symposium of proscriptions]] is due to take place at the Summer Solstice 388YE.

===Judgement 9===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Aldwyn the Glorious
* '''Judgement:''' The battle in which Helgunn Chargebringer fell, Wintermark was left without a leader in a critical moment. Into that breach stepped Eisa Iron Lungs, whose clear voice and command saved many Winterfolk lives and halted a rout. Since then she has continued to lead her nation and Empire in battle with great Courage and Loyalty repeatedly serving as Field Marshal, and vaunted as a true leader by the egregores. As such, it is with great Pride that we enter Eisa Iron Lungs into the Chronicle of Heroes
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (226-0)
* '''Notes:''' Eisa Iron Lungs has been added to the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]]

===Judgement 10===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Sychar of Ebon's Hall
* '''Judgement:''' Agramant has sent his servants to 'aid' Imperial citizens abandoned in Therunin. This must shame us. Highguard cannot tolerate a monster such as the Abominable One being seen as a rescuer while the Empire's own people suffer. Highguard has chapters, military units, congregations, physicks, priests, pilgrims, the Unconquered and more. We can send virtuous aid where aid is desperately needed. So let Highguard act! Let our citizens escort the refugees and support the healers of High Chalcis, while our chapters and military units aid the Navarri in escaping Therunin. The hungry, frightened, and desperate must find Imperial support. We will deny Agramant the worship of desperation. Only actions are virtuous. If we would calls ourselves guardians of the Empire's soul, then we must prove it where that soul is endangered.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (216-0)
* '''Notes:''' References the ongoing situation in [[Therunin]], most recently the claim from [[Agramant]] that the eternal considers the territory to be [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|"fair game"]].

===Judgement 11===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Alys de Renard
* '''Judgement:''' To be glorious is to be Dawnish. It is an inevitability of our personnage, it is a pillar of our nation, yet a darkness gathers at our door. The Whisper Gallery seeks friendship from our nation. We must <u>not</u> work with them. Priests of Dawn, we <u>must</u> take arms against this threat, and encourage others to as well, for what eclipses glory more than what the Whisper Gallery venerates: secrecy.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (372-76)

===Judgement 14===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Tabris, Son of Armisael
* '''Judgement:''' When the Vallorn of Therunin presented those standing against it with an abomination that carried a Miasma Pillar, 20 Soldiers of the Pilgrim's Defiance volunteered to face it down. All 20 of them returned to the Labyrinth to ensure its threat was ended. Their names should be recorded by the Archivists. Their Courage should be Exalted by the Pilgrims. And when the time is right, and the infestation of East Ashes is cleared, their remains should be recovered for the Stewards of the Dead, so their deeds can never be forgotten.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (530-0)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement makes reference to the abomination that was encountered and defeated by Imperial forces during the [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#The_Siege_of_Mudlark’s_Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]].

===Judgement 15===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Eurybia Mecampus
* '''Judgement:''' The Urizen National Assembly approves the awarding of the Golden Cascade to Twyll of the Eternal Family. His boundless prosperity in defiance of the vallorn will be much needed in the future and his generous support in completing the Beneficiary of the Golden Cascade proves himself a virtuous friend and ally of Urizen. Citizens of Zenith - withness your donations in use.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (190-0)

===Judgement 20===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard
* '''Judgement:''' The Way and the Empire are a not a monolith, but a mosaic construct of profound, and beautiful traditions, human and orc, united nonetheless by faith, Synod and Doctrine. The life and worship of the greatest monument must reflect and and celebrate this diversity in order to truly uplift every soul in the Empire. Therefore, we look to the Senate to ensure that the completed Grand Inspiration is governed by a college of residentiary Canons, one elected by each National Assembly, and led by a Dean chosen by the Assembly of Nine, who will together be charged with this sacred task. Let us show that the past, present, and future of the Way is here in th ten Proud nations of the Empire who stand together in Virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (440-62)

===Judgement 25===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Mael of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' BEHOLD: VIRTUE! As the MARSHAL of the FAITH, I bid ye witness that the following were multiply commended by diverse FIELD MARSHALS and COMMANDERS for their WISDOM and BRAVERY in recent battles: EISA IRONLUNGS, SERAFINA SEMENOV, DAME KATELYN CORDRACO, NEVE AGRA, the runner SASHKO and the SENTINEL'S TOWER. The IMPERIAL AUXILIARIES are commended for tireless running with extremely limited numbers in unfamiliar terrain. The Marshal personally commends WILLIAM GUILDENSTERN for his AMBITION and for holding himself accountable. Virtue is found in what is learned from a defeat as well as what is gained from victory. A fuller list of commendations may be found on the Synod Notices.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (222-0)

===Judgement 27===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Rafael Barossa d'Apulian
* '''Judgement:''' Completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way is a lofty goal, but nothing is beyond the grasp of the Virtuous. The Hallowing of the Patron drives us to silence naysayers, and what better way than to complete this inspiration project within the year? It will draw the eyes of the world to us, establishing Bastion as the heart of the Way. From there, our faith will spread across the globe. <u>This</u> is our highest calling!
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (394-82)
* '''Notes:''' Refers to the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 29===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Dagon of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' Loyalty is the link from one heart to another, guiding us on the path of Virtue. Alberto Acciai - Exemplar of Loyalty - followed his heart. Inspired by his cousin, Alberto broke the chains of the downtrodden and struck against the Plenum, freeing slaves from their tyrant masters and breaking two Asavean armies. Through Loyalty, Alberto shared the gift of the Way with the people of Marilen, and inspired others to rise up in Virtue. Two years ago we committed to continuing the work of Alberto and Amika. Asavea will be transformed through Virtue, the truly Virtuous are Loyal even in times of hardship! We must stand by our commitment, and finish the war the Empire started. We will bring Virtue to Asavea, no matter the cost. We devote our hearts to this task. This is our Highest Calling.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (390-26)
* '''Notes:''' Refers to efforts to efforts to [[#Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea|anchor the Way in Asavea]]. Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 31===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Katya Vasillova Reznikov
* '''Judgement:''' Prosperity is not measured by wealth possessed but by putting it to worthy purpose. Mayra Zoronova Prochnost demonstrated this principle through labour, sacrifice, and stewardship. They gathered funds and resources for the Boyar's Hasta army, supported the preparation of Varushkan military units for the campaign concerning the face-peelers in Ossium and Karsk, before committing personal and donated resources towards the ritual Merciless Wrath of the Reaver. We declare Prosperity is realised when citizens place their wealth, labour and influence in service to others and the Empire. We celebrate and lift up Mayra as an example of a prosperous citizen and encourage others to do the same.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (200-30)

===Judgement 41===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Asthore Autumngale
* '''Judgement:''' Wisdom teaches us to test and apply what we have learned, for it is always incomplete. Nowhere is this more true than in the actions of our enemies. What is not known cannot be fought without needless loss of Imperial lives. Questions rise anew with each strike against - or from - our wars against barbarian and vallorn alike. The Way cannot spread, cannot be known beyond our current borders, without the wars we fight; we cannot fight these wars, both current and future, without the knowledge to support our forces. The Ministry of Historical Research and the Empire's prognosticators tirelessly collate and unearth knowledge of our enemies, but their work is endlessly unfinished. Supporting the efforts and research of those institutions and the study of these foes embodies the teachings of Wisdom. This is our highest calling.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (296-74)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 44===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc
* '''Raised By:''' Bloodcrow Udoo
* '''Judgement:''' "I am walking towards a bridge of renown across an Abyss that only cares for my legend." Bloodcrow Knott Ancestor of the Sunstorm Sept. Learn and share his tale and name. Know well his soul. Celebrate his life and deeds. For we do hear his voice. Bloodcrow Knott. An ancestor of the Sunstorm
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (44-10)
* '''Notes:''' The words of Bloodcrow Knott have been added to the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#Annals_of_the_Ancestors|Annals of the Ancestors]]

===Judgement 46===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Elagabala
* '''Judgement:''' Chastise the folly of Brannan, in Sarangrave or wherever it raises it's head. We call on priests of the Empire to support Imperial soldiers who have fought in the Sarangrave against subsuming their will and personalities to the intoxication of Summer magic's Knights of Glory, through liao and pastoral support. Virtue demands we ensure that their capacity for rational, virtuous choice and for choosing to accept orders are not impeded. We must ask the right questions: Why the Sarangrave? What would cause this to occur elsewhere? How can we best support the minds and spirits of our warriors, both today and tomorrow?
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1152-140)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement was elevated by '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]]

===Judgement 47===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Doctor Lysimachus
* '''Judgement:''' There at times is a perception amongst t'other nations that us highborn are a bunch of dour humourless types with sticks lodged in places things shouldn't be lodged (outside private consenting activity). The implication that we are such because we are a nation determined to be Virtuous in our actions implies a) a lack of understanding of the Way and b) that most folk who say this haven't actually spoken to most Highborn. Just because one is serious about virtue doesn't mean we lack humour, joy and all t'other stuff that makes a virtuous life enjoyable. So go out there me highborn siblings, let the nations see that while we work hard, we play hard, and that are capabile of living, laughing, and loving life as anyone else.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (356-32)

===Judgement 49===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Larkin Otterways
* '''Judgement:''' Marchers! Look to the loyal example of your generals. Look to the virtues in your pursuit of Stephen of Sarcombe. Despise treachery; the strongest may err, but deceivers will lie again.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (172-0)
* '''Notes:''' The location of the yegarra Stephen of Sarcombe is currently unknown; he was last seen during the battle of Two Barrel Field during the Winter Solstice 387YE

===Judgement 50===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Veikko Bondforger
* '''Judgement:''' In my power as Keeper of Oaths, I commit the following Oath from Emperor Vesna to the Forge of Bonds. The Oath of Office of Emperor Vesna: I vow to stand side-by-side with my subjects and uphold what it means to be Imperial. I will recognise the virtue in struggle, service, and in hard choices made for the good of all. I will honour our oaths and treaties, act with virtue to all peoples, and extend the hand of friendship to those who would walk beside us. I will offer the hospitality of the hearth to the vulnerable, the disillusioned, and those who turn from us, and ensure that there is a place for all within the Empire. I vow to stand steadfast in the pursuit of strengthening this Empire, to place the needs of the Empire before my own, and to act with Courage, Wisdom, and Loyalty in all things so long as I am Emperor.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (234-10)
* '''Notes:''' The oath of Emperor Vesna has been added to the [[Keeper_of_Oaths#Forge_of_Bonds|Forge of Bonds]]

===Judgement 52===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Ehud
* '''Judgement:''' Our ancestors worked in virtue in order to build the wealth and privilege that we benefit from today, both as a nation and an Empire. We recognise that there are others whose work was exploited, possessed and owned against their will, namely the predecessors of the nation we now call the Imperial Orcs. Without their blood, their sweat, and their tears, Highguard would not have been as affluent as we have been. While we as individuals are not to blame for that enslavement, we still all benefit from everything that was built upon their backs and with their hands. It is time as Highguard to recognise that, to realise what it is we owe these peoples and to work to see that appropriate recognition and reparations are made. There is a debt to be paid and we, the priests of the Highborn, speak out to see that Virtue is done in this.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (358-82)

===Judgement 53===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Roland de Lagriffe
* '''Judgement:''' QUEST INTO THE UNTROD GROVES. When the matter of the monarch of Dawn is settled and the Manticore has been destroyed, let the brave knights of Dawn seek glory in the Untrod Groves to destroy what servants and husks of the Manticore remain, to find the regios and places of power within, to unearth the mysteries and secrets of the ancient monster and to bring the light of Dawn to that benighted place. House de Lagriffe offers the hospitality of Heron Hall on the border of the Untrod Groves to all who would undertake such quests
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (410-24)

===Judgement 55===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Ioan Longshadow
* '''Judgement:''' Courage is not only found in the charge. It is found in those who endure - who labour, who heal, who hold the line, and who continue when no song will be sung for them. Their deeds are unseen, but no less vital. No victory is won alone. Every blade raised relies on those who forged it, those who tended the wounded, and those who ensure the Empire endures beyond the moment of battle. To praise only the final blow is to forget the truth. Courage does not seek glory. It does what is right, regardless. Therefore, we recognise and honour the quiet acts of Courage - the unyielding, the unthanked, and the steadfast - for it is these that sustain the Empire when louder deeds fall silent.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (210-12)

===Judgement 57===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Lia Adelaar van Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' The League has successfully attracted other peoples into the Empire - witness Holberg and Apulian! We urge you to use your ingenuity and cleverness to identify who might next join the League and how we might attract them to be a partner in our great game. We seek to bring other sapient beings from all species into our great Empire and to the Way of Virtue, and where better to come then to this League of great cities. This is our highest calling.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (404-0)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 59===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Alexei
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperial Orcs are casting a ritual on the Galath Fields to allow people to speak to the dead. We call on storytellers and wise ones to speak to the human ghosts in the field of glory to help them move on, and allow the orcs to tend to the orcs there
* '''Outcome:''' Withdrawn at the request of the raising priest (22-0)

===Judgement 60===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Earl of Fools
* '''Judgement:''' Barrens won, Dawn looks to Horizons new; And in Wisdom learns from Tales of our Past. Dawn must prepare its next Glorious fight; Aid all nations in fight against Vallorn. With Love, Glory, Virtue, all that Dawn is. Be the shield wall on which this foe shall break. Be the shining sword which the Empire wields. This is our Highest Calling.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (376-166)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 62===
* '''Assembly:''' Way
* '''Raised By:''' Darian Numbers
* '''Judgement:''' The assembly invites the Raboviches of False Hopes and Arbiter Aphroias of the Hall of the Newborn Sun to represent lucidianism at the upcoming symposium.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (134-0)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 135. The [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#A_Convocation_of_Condemnation|symposium of proscriptions]] is due to take place at the Summer Solstice 388YE.

===Judgement 64===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Konstantin Rabovich Bolotnikov
* '''Judgement:''' Spring marks five years since the final region of Ossium was conquered. The Empire came to we Ossians then, and swore it would not demean us as the scorpion had. It taught that Pride showed the worth of all, and Prosperity the importance of work and its rewards. Now Ossium thrives. Warded highways link the new port of Kostyjas Respite to fledgling vales across the territory. Orieb flourishes with trade from the great lumbermill of Kurstrozi, and the permanent magics of the Whistling Strand ensure our safety. This season let each night burn with grand celebration. Reflect on the transformation of the last five year, exalt the success of you and your companions, and pledge to reach even greater heights in the next five.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (224-0)

===Judgement 68===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Eirlys Ashes Blaze
* '''Judgement:''' The Pilgrim's Defiance walked alongside Navarr's captains into Therunin. They did so knowing that three of ten of them would not return. Let the tale of this sacrifice shared in every wayhouse, sung on every road and held dear by every Navarri that looks to the future where Therunin is once again Navarri. May the blood spilled by the pilgrims further nourish the deep bond between Navarr and Highguard.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (288-0)

===Judgement 71===
* '''Assembly:''' Way
* '''Raised By:''' Kosmas of the House of the Wanderer
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Its oppression thrives by severing us from each other and finally from ourselves. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised. These twinned edifices reflect Virtue's power to exalt, transcending the boundaries of soul, spirit, and species. We call for pilgrimage to memorialise the past and form a phalanx of virtue for the future. For this year and years to come, let us make the anniversary the Dam and the Spire symbols to fortify the soul and kindle faith that the downward spiral also turns in the opposite direction. Pilgrims of the Way, our part in the pilgrimage is to show that there are seven virtues that guide the spirit. On this journey no one should walk alone. We can show how the pilgrims of each of the Virtues may strengthen one another and see into the others' blind spots. Hold together the phalanx of virtue against this insidious foe.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (130-30)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshhold for this judgement was 135

===Judgement 73===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Illya Nikovitch Volkov
* '''Judgement:''' The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria calls for the aid of the wise ones of the Empire. The Maze of Zoria has proven in the past to be a conduit of knowledge regarding magical beings such as the sovereigns of Varushka. Come to the Maze of Zoria, together we shall discern the nature of the creature behind the face-peelers. This creature is known as "The Stranger", "The First One", or less commonly "The Smiling One". Let us learn of this threat to our Empire together.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (328-0)
* '''Notes:'''

===Judgement 75===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Jesper Luukasson
* '''Judgement:''' For years, the Marches, the Freeborn, and the Winterfolk, have been engaged on the western front against the Jotun, Lasambrians and the Grendel. This war is ever-churning, the deaths are many, and they are out-numbered. The Loyalty Assembly seeks to <u>strengthen the faithful</u> and encourage all who are loyal to build our fellows on the western front up. This is our Highest Calling.
* '''Outcome:''' Withdrawn at the request of the raising priest (34-10)

===Judgement 77===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Francesca di Spiral
* '''Judgement:''' We welcome and recognise the judgement by Navarr (54). We recognise their highest calling and we welcome their aid.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (328-10)
* '''Notes:''' The judgement references [[#Judgement 54|Judgement 54]]

===Judgement 81===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Jedediah Boon
* '''Judgement:''' William Guildenstern was recognised as a Marcher Folk Hero in 384YE. As my cousin Pipit Boon called out to our people in 385YE; "Let us sing his story for generations to come, across our territories." There is no better time than these - our homes under siege and our territories dividing - to draw Marchers to great Marcher deeds. As a Folk Hero walks among us as General of the Drakes, remember: Jonah Gold made weapons so fierce it turned a war's tide. Odd of Odd's End drained the Oddmire against the Marshwalker threat. Tom Drake struck down Alderei the Fair. William Guildenstern caught a falling star in his chest. All are Marchers, all fought our battles, all did deeds of great renown, all had rivals who would see them fail, and all are remembered in song.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (152-20)

===Judgement 82===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Friar John of the Mourn
* '''Judgement:''' I, Friar John of the Mourn, am retiring from my role as Friar of Honour's Rest. I was granted what was to be the long task of tending the ailing spirits and restless ghosts of war-scarred Mornwold. With the repelling of the Jotun, the pilgrims visiting the newly constructed Orchard of the Watch, and the lingering dead now finding rest beneath Marcher earth, I believe my task is complete. I wish to acknowledge the Virtue of the faithful of the Greensward, who attended sermons and helped in the monastery's upkeep, particularly the friars of the Last of Overton. I wish to recognise the Courage, Loyalty, and Pride of those who stood with the monastery when the Jotun took the Greensward. I wish to thank the artists, labourers, and artisans who helped me build the Orchard of the Watch, even with the threat of the Jotun hanging over them. I wish quiet times and good fortunes for the next Friar of Honour's Rest. May they serve the good people of the Mourn well. May they show my greatest Pride, the Orchard of the Watch, the love and care such things require. May they hold themselves to a standard befitting this esteemed title. Go with Virtue, and thank you all.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (150-10)

===Judgement 83===
* '''Assembly:''' Way
* '''Raised By:''' Brynn Tendfallen
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperial Way is a beacon to the entire world, showing the path to Enlightenment. The light of that beacon must be tended and renewed to keep it burning bright. Virtue calls us to test what we know. Building a Way that is strengthened by questions, challenges, and revelations rather than being threatened by them is the Highest Calling of this Assembly.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (268-30)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 84===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Isaia Pavone di Sarvos
* '''Judgement:''' Desilav Sergeyvich Jesen has commissioned a number of works to enhance Varushkan mining interests and obtain funding for them from private citizens. They also built stronger trade links with the Thule by reducing taxes, creating routes for food convoys and generally enhancing the Northern Trade Network. His work in supporting the creation of a new Varushkan army was also noted by the Emperor in her recent address. For thus dutiful work to enhance Varushkan prosperity we appoint Desilav to the Roll of Benefactors
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (162-0)
* '''Notes:''' A greater majority is required to add a name to the [[Roll of Benefactors]]. The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 178

===Judgement 85===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Rosanna Vtrachenich
* '''Judgement:''' We in Varushka understand the importance of building roads into the unknown. In this regard we in the Varushkan National Assembly support our little siblings in Wintermark and their exploration of the unknown wastes of Tsirku.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (208-30)

===Judgement 87===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Tongs
* '''Judgement:''' All League citizens should welcome the seven bells of virtue and their bearers as they process through Temeschwar. Show them our recognition of how inspiring these bells are and hearing their stories and turning this with ours told through dramaturgy, dance and vibrant bridge duels aplenty.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (326-0)

===Judgement 88===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Neri of Ebon's Hall
* '''Judgement:''' The eternal Agramant is preying on those fleeing Therunin - offering them aid, and interdicted means for any to contact him for thanks or further 'help'. Those he preys on feel they are alone. That he is the only place they can turn. Along with Navarri guides, we call on Loyalty dedicants to travel to the places these Navarri refugees gather. We must prove to them they are not alone, and show them what loyalty is, and what it is not.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (306-0)

===Judgement 89===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Lochias
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Its insidious influence thrives by turning half-truth into lies that consume our soul from within. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised. These twinned edifices reflect how the virtuous have banished falsehood with truth. We call for pilgrims capable of protecting themselves against the Black Plateau to memorialise the past and form a phalanx for virtue for the future. For this year and years to come, let us make the anniversary the Dam and the Spire symbols to fortify the soul and kindle faith that the downward spiral also turns in the opposite direction. Pilgrims of Vigilance, our part in the pilgrimage is to be alert for the lies of the Accuser of Screed that would twist our thoughts and those of our fellows and thereby scatter our phalanx of virtue. We can cast out falsehoods and bring the light of Truth.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (242-0)

===Judgement 90===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Maja Świętosława Przewałski
* '''Judgement:''' We once said that we would build a new sinecure for the Preceptor of the Varushkan National Assembly rather than take from our own (J75, 383YE). Varushka will not convert another title for this. As current Preceptor I, with the aid of my cousins, will complete Yevanshka's Ambition and build the "Seat of the Preceptor" to act as the new Seat of Virtue in Varushka. The forest is nigh felled; the path is clear. Now walk this road with me cousins.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (234-20)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement references [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement 75|Judgement 75]] from the Autumn Equinox 383YE

===Judgement 91===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Luca i Taziel i Guerra
* '''Judgement:''' We call upon the people of the Brass Coast to welcome the pilgrimage of the hallowed bells of virtue. The bell bearers come not to preach but to listen. Join your voice with the ringing of the bells and heed the tales of inspiration they bring from across the Empire. Embrace your virtue and that of your neighbours. Pass on your stories to the bell bearers and let the inspiration of your nation be carried forth, all the way to Bastion and the grand inspiration. We are dust, we are flame, we are glass. Let no virtue be forgotten.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (150-18)

===Judgement 94===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Halkyon of the Myriad Stream
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Its shadow of horror thrives by blinding us to bonds; by imprisoning us with hatred and paranoia that severs us from each other and finally from ourselves. This anniversary the Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised. These twinned edifices reflect how the virtuous build up their fellows. We call for pilgrims capable of protecting themselves against the Plateau to memorialise the past and form a phalanx for virtue for the future. For this year and years to come, let us make the anniversary the Dam and the Spire symbols to fortify the soul and kindle faith that the downward spiral also turns in the opposite direction. Pilgrims of Loyalty, our part in the pilgrimage is to show our fellows how our bonds make us who we are, and to call forth words and deeds that banish hate, dispel doubt and paranoia and renew our faith in one another.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (204-0)

===Judgement 96===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Callista of the Dark Shard
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Vile malignancy cast its shadow over Spiral. Upon this anniversary, the twinned edifices Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised, reflecting how the virtuous have aspired to rebuild and create anew in the face of desolation and despair. We call for <u>pilgrims of ambition</u>, prepared against the Black Plateau's insideous influence, to come and memorialise the past and form a phalanx of virtue for the future. Demonstrate how <u>the Ambitious turn fault and failure into growth and greatness!</u> We can show that all pettiness and despair are merely shadows and turn eyes towards the light of our Ambition. Let us celebrate this anniversary with the remembrance: <u>the downward spiral also turns in the opposite direction</u>.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (362-74)

===Judgement 97===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Azir i Shartha
* '''Judgement:''' In order to look to the prosperity of the Brass Coast, there must <u>be</u> a Brass Coast to look to. Beset on all sides by enemies, the Freeborn must defend our borders against those who would invade them. This is our <u>highest calling</u>
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (96-72)
* '''Notes:''' An Assembly's call to action requires a greater majority, as per the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 98===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Bryce the Hare
* '''Judgement:''' In recognition of their virtuous work of commissioning Moor's Mill Publishing House, and the use of the Chair of the Wolf announcement, the Vigilance Assembly recognises the Printers' Guild as rightful custodians of the relic of Berechiah that will be donated by Esmerelda di Rodez to Berechiah's Basilica in Bastion, to be displayed in the Printers' Guild Museum of Wonder.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (216-10)

===Judgement 100===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Felix Saltspire
* '''Judgement:''' It is six years since the Black Plateau was roused. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and Dreaming Spire have been raised: twinned edifices that show how the virtuous build up their fellows. We call on pilgrims to bear witness to the Empire's success in turning the downward spiral upwards and celebrate what can be achieved when nations work together. Let us build a phalanx of virtue where all citizens build up one another through their many paths and nations.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1428-182)
* '''Notes:'''

===Judgement 101===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Gwen Tendfallen
* '''Judgement:''' Wisdom guides us in discerning truth from folly. We cannot allow our destiny to rest upon hearsay. Discerning the nature of virtue's role in our path to Enlightenment is the Highest calling of our Assembly.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (152-130)
* '''Notes:''' An Assembly's call to action requires a greater majority, as per the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 103===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Spurius Southshore
* '''Judgement:''' It is six years since the battle of Solen's Doubt roused the Black Plateau. The leeching terror of this horror saps away the spirit and prosperity of the people of Spiral. Virtuous toil goes without its full and proper reward. The grasping hand of dread takes and gives nothing in return. This year the Dreaming Spire and Apstrus Dam have been completed. These works are the fruit of years of toil. Just as the dam guides the waters that bring Prosperity, we call the prosperous, those with the weapons to guard their spirits against the Plateau, to pilgrimage. Let those who can, journey to witness these works and turn the downward spiral upwards. Let those who cannot offer what they can to guard the spirits of those who shall travel. Let prosperity flow again in Spiral and the peoples toil be rewarded.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (140-66)

===Judgement 105===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Nekoda of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' In the inspiration of the Hallowing of the Bard, it falls to the Courageous not only to show Courage but to uplift Courage in others. This falls doubly on us as priests of the Assembly of Courage. To ensure that those who do not fear to act are empowered to do so. But we cannot empower others without the tools to do so. As such, The Assembly of Courage looks to strength its members, title holders, and the abilities of the Assembly itself, such that we can empower all Pilgrims of Courage to face their Virtue, adapt their strategy, and never to trapped in inaction. This is the Highest Calling of our Assembly.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (168-62)
* '''Notes:''' An Assembly's call to action requires a greater majority, as per the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 106===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Echo of the House of the Wanderer
* '''Judgement:''' We the people of Urizen, welcome the pilgrimage of the Hallowed Bells of Virtue. The Bell Bearers come to listen not just to preach. Attend as the bells ring out and heed the tales of inspiration they bring from all across the Empire. Think upon the virtue of others as well as your own. Pass on your own stories to the Bell Bearers and let your arete be carried forth, all the way to Bastion and its Grand Inspiration of the Way to await all pilgrims! Let no virtuous soul be forgotten! Let no virtuous deed be overlooked! Let virtue inspire!
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (238-0)

===Judgement 107===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Daniel "The Tree" Winesson
* '''Judgement:''' Trencher "Smoulder in the Cold" has shown great prosperity to the Mark by completely self-funding the lighthouse Trencher's Shining Ambition. A lighthouse that will aid our fleets and bring great prosperity. The priests of the Wintermark Assembly would like to express the gratitude of all of Wintermark for this prosperous act.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (226-0)

===Judgement 109===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Harwyn Eternal
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Its self-enclosed spirit demeans the soul. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and Dreaming Spire have been raised: twinned edifices that show how the virtuous have embraced the past and inspired one another to greatness. We call upon pilgrims who can defend themselves against the Plateau to bear witness to the Empire's success to memorialise the anniversary and build a phalanx of virtue. Pilgrims of Pride: our path in the pilgrimage is to inspire the excellence that dwells within our fellows and foster respect between people and nations, crack open the self-enclosed spirit and dispel hatred and rage.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (152-32)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 163

===Judgement 110===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Jules von Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' The League National Assembly applauds the ambition and loyalty of Dr Edwig von Holberg to create a Bill of Mortality, honouring all citizens of the League at Anvil who pass through the Labyrinth, not only those who fall beyond the Gate. We call upon the League to support this endeavour.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (288-0)

===Judgement 112===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Martin Orchard
* '''Judgement:''' This assembly believes the tomb of Ravadi Founders' Dance should be built in Madruga, site of their last sacrifice, site of their eventual victory. Where they fought against the poison in their neighbour's parched fields.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (240-0)
* '''Notes:''' References the writ of consecration [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Where_is_Ravadi's_Tomb?|raised]] last season

===Judgement 117===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Exarch Micah of the Navigators of Virtue
* '''Judgement:''' The Grand Inspiration of the Way will stand for many generations to come. Let us start to engage the children of Highguard now, so that other nations will follow. Let us invite them to prepare art of all kinds; songs, paintings, sculptures etc. in collaboration with priests of their chapters so that they may be featured in the Grand Opening of the Grand Inspiration in a celebration of Imperial Paragons and Exemplars, new and old. For the Empire that could be!
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (370-0)

===Judgement 118===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Theodora
* '''Judgement:''' Stargazers, we call for your expertise in the Sarangrave. The vallorn there is unique because of the warding and containment. It is possible it may be susceptible to unique methods and have unique weaknesses. We have learnt all we can through the existing knowledge from the library of Hercynion so we look to you for new paths. A commitment has been made to end the vallorn in our lifetime. Go forth, but take caution in Nesustak and Bloodwater Marsh
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (240-14)

===Judgement 121===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Ada of House Meliora
* '''Judgement:''' The Druj threat is not ended until every soul affected is freed of the fear they have wielded. It is our duty as priests of Courage to not only shed light upon the courageous but to also walk the fearful out of darkness. Let us learn everything we can about the auras of fear, how they have been created and how we can best combat them, that we may work spiritually to liberate the sept of the Sarangrave from their cruel captors once and for all. This is our highest calling.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (202-10)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 122===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Brynmor Rootround
* '''Judgement:''' The Manticore marches to wear the dawnish crown, and amongst the followers are those of the brutal. It has come to the attention of the assembly that their eyes turn to the great forest orcs, to seeing them removed in the way Archavion would have seen for the Rahvin. The assembly and all Navarr that bear the oath of "Protecting the Great Forest Orcs as though they were our family" seek to remind the brutal that regardless of the result of this tourney, that Navarr looks after our own - and that a knife in the back is just as effective as a sword in the front.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (198-40)

===Judgement 123===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Solas of the Spire of the First Light
* '''Judgement:''' The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (234-0)

===Judgement 130===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Xandor Trodbroker
* '''Judgement:''' The refugees of Therunin are being manipulated by Agramant into believing he is their only option for help. He targets those who are weak and alone, and seeks to gain access to their spirits and our nation. We call upon Navarr to remind these refugees we are here and we support them. Open your doors if you can and stop Agramant from targetting those in need.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (256-0)

===Judgement 131===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Leonora Albertina van Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago, the Black Plateau was roused at the battle of Solen's Doubt. Its craven spirit thrives by playing on our fears; using them as secret gates to dominate our thoughts. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised: twinned edifices that reflect how the virtuous have refused to accept desolation and ruin as final defeat. We call upon pilgrims to bear witness to the Empire's success in turning the downward spiral upwards. Let us build a phalanx of virtue where all citizens build up one another. Pilgrims of Courage, our part is to show our fellows how to turn to face our shadows, how to face unwelcome truths without succmbing to bitterness or despair - fear is an opportunity to show courage.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (184-0)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 187

===Judgement 132===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Dayanara i Cabeza i Erigo
* '''Judgement:''' Freeborn should heed the wisdom of the Hakima. It is virtuous, with guidance of our nations priests, Conclave, and in accordance with Imperial law, to hold conversations with Heralds, to ensure no potential opportunity to benefit the Empire is missed. Act with Wisdom. Act with Vigilance. Act with Prosperity. Seek counsel, garner information, benefit the Empire
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (132-0)

===Judgement 133===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Malaki
* '''Judgement:''' To promote the prosperity of Feroz, we encourage the Freeborn to trade with their neighbours in the Protectorate of Morajasse
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (102-10)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 105

===Judgement 134===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Lita i Nadir i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' As we look to the foundation of the Burning Agora, and the rekindling of the Firebrands of our nation. Look to Guerra as your example. We urge our Firebrands to use their forum to push for social change, build bridges, and speak on how to drive the Coast and the Empire forward together in virtue, morality, and the ever-changing Way. We welcome our Highborn siblings to join our debate in Peerless Kinship
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (158-0)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement is paired with [[#Judgement 144|Judgement 144]]

===Judgement 135===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Nikolai "The Butcher"
* '''Judgement:''' The people of Varushka do hereby offer thanks and great gratitude to the ancient and venerable Charnel Lord. Their continued interest and assistance with the conflicts on the Eastern Front has strengthened our cause against the Vile Barbarians. In the name of the National Assembly of Varushka, Alderai the Fair - Last General of the IRON HELMS and the citizens of the Empire.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (196-0)

===Judgement 136===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Fabio Costas d'Apulian
* '''Judgement:''' The Sand Fishers seek reassurance that their liberty will not be compromised through closer ties with the Empire. We encourage the citizens of Holberg to reach out in friendship, and share their experiences of the many opportunities our citizens enjoy within the law and virtue of the Empire
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (302-0)

===Judgement 137===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Sagremar i Leons del Mar i Coeurdefer i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' The contract is the heart of our nation, the written word is our bond, tying us together and unifying us despite our diversity. We call upon the Coast to enshrine their contracts and the traditions of scrivening, to consider their ties, loyalties and obligations to each other, and uplift the scriveners who formalise the ties we freely choose. This is our highest calling.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (86-72)
* '''Notes:''' An Assembly's call to action requires a greater majority, as per the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 138===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Heilyn Bronwen's Rest
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire has grown, but not without great costs. Many of the lands and people within it bear scars from the conflicts which have been brought to them, or from the actions of those who held power before. We call upon the Prosperous to look for opportunities that will help to bring Prosperity to the damaged territories of the Empire and the people within them. Strive, toil and claim your just rewards - and give those who deserve it the chance to strive, toil and claim in their own turn. This is the Highest Calling of the Prosperity Assembly.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (241-0)
* '''Notes:''' Further information on highest callings can be found in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 139===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' T’ i Dahr i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' Priests, go forth and preach to your congregations that it is virtuous to be courageous, so you should display your courage and bolster our national unity with the creation of a SAIL BELL on every clifftop as a new piece of our national character. Like a lighthouse it shines on the heart, but rings into the night just as our anklets when we dance, and serving as a memorial of all those lost at sea, and all those sailing as we stand on the shore.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (52-72)

===Judgement 140===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Vidarr Rune-Bound
* '''Judgement:''' These are the words of Kali Keen-Eye, Winter's Whisper and Vidarr Rune-Bound. Kaarina White-Eye, I would have words. Are you a cautionary tale or a Hero of Wintermark? I see the actions that led you to the Howler. I see Loyalty and the terrible choice in grief. True Loyalty to your Children and Sermersuaq, both taken from you by the Jotun. But Wintermark got both back! We weren't there to aid you so you made the hardest choice. I understand, but it was the wrong choice. Has the Hunter in the Wastes proven its strength by retrieving your children? No, it was Wintermark and Dawnish blood that regained every slave taken by the Jotun in Sermersuaq. Ville, Ymma, and Eadric are safe and warm in Wintermark bed. Your Oath to not rest until we gain everything back the Jotun took from us. We raided deep into Skallahn and have a thrones ransom in Jotun Fortifications. We even shattered the very Gates of Kierheim! I say we have taken our share back and then some. We are both Suaq, let us talk and see if your Skein will be truly obliterated or does the Heroes blood still lie within you.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (98-0)
* '''Notes:''' [[Anyone_but_you#Kaarina_White-Eye|Kaarina White-Eye]] is one of the two remaining ringleaders of Agramant cults most active in [[Sermersuaq]]

===Judgement 141===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra
* '''Judgement:''' To lift up those who others would tear down, to raise to greatness those who we see the greatness in, even in their most dire circumstance. As the Empire ends for good the tyranny of the Buruk Tepel, liberating their beleaguered, long-terrified septs, we hold that liberating and uplifting them and others like them is our highest calling. Through the Proffered Hand Network of sanctuaries across the Empire, we will grow these seed of potential to brilliant flowers. These centres of healing, education, and rehabilitation will help them find their place in the Empire. To uplift the enslaved, the oppressed, the overlooked. This is the Highest Calling of our Assembly.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (140-10)
* '''Notes:''' An Assembly's call to action requires a greater majority, as per the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune

===Judgement 142===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Diemos
* '''Judgement:''' Although Arhaz was Freeborn, he was an inspiration to us all. In conjunction with the writ of consecration and judgement raised by Ehud, we call for the unsealing of his tomb and invite the Imperial Orcs to add items of worth to his tomb, alongside the Honour Guard.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (258-0)

===Judgement 143===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' The Boyarina Nisha Strazcovich
* '''Judgement:''' The summer summit is the Boyarina's Festival of Pride, celebrating the skills of the Empire's craftspeople. The Pride Assembly encourage the citizens of the Empire to celebrate this in their local community. Recognise the talents of those who create, who build, and make our everyday items. Weavers, stonemasons, textiles and art all demonstrate the wealth of the Casinea Empire. Take Pride in what you make and show pride in the skills of others and let them know.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (164-0)
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 163

===Judgement 144===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Nim, of Ebon's Hall
* '''Judgement:''' The Freeborn have a great opportunity ahead of them. By building the burning agora, the Firebrands will be revived and vigorous debate will begin in Anduz. This will spell a great era of discovery among the Freeborn, but they must remain Vigilant. The Highborn Assembly are well-posed to support the Firebrands in pushing the Way to excellence. There are no better partners in debate. In this, we provide our Peerless Kinship
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (250-12)
* '''Notes:''' This judgement is paired with [[#Judgement 134|Judgement 134]]

===Judgement 145===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Rinnah
* '''Judgement:''' The Highborn Assembly invite the <u>Voices</u> of Virtue assemblies to be the first to take up offices in the Grand Inspiration of the Way because they and the edifice are united in our will: to spread the Way to all sapient people
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (300-10)
* '''Notes:''' The Highborn looked for [[Lay_the_foundations#Choices|guidance]] on which titles should be given offices in the Grand Inspiration of the Way

===Judgement 146===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Nathair Autumngale
* '''Judgement:''' Navarr, our songs carry along the trods still further. We do not know how long this music will last, but we should take it and share it along the trods all we can. In Brocéliande we first started the steps for this song. Now in Bregasland, the land where the Dance of Blood fell, the site of Graven Rock too resonates with song. The song "Story of Dance" written by Blair Swifthart too was performed for our founders. While music follows in our wake, so too should we try to encourage the spread of our song. This season, as we learn more of the history of the Dance of Blood, let us bring this song to the lands of the nation where they fell.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (232-0)

===Judgement 147===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Locke Nightgrove
* '''Judgement:''' Bees are a vital part of our ecosystems. Farms, gardens, forests, we rely on them for food. Varushka have noted a loss of their bees from the destruction of the Cold Sun. Miaren experienced damage from the invasion too and we call on the vigilant citizens of the territory to check and care for our bees.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (254-0)

===Judgement 148===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Neala Blackhawk
* '''Judgement:''' NAVARR WELCOME AND WITNESS. The pilgrimage of the HALLOWED BELLS of VIRTUE. The Bell Bearers come to tell tales of inspiration and virtue from all across the Empire. Let our songs and stories fill the bells so the bearers can carry our tales far and wide. To Bastion and the Grand Inspiration of the Way.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (192-24)

===Judgement 152===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Eevi of the Gadrai
* '''Judgement:''' Our scars show our battles fought and not all scars can be seen. To all those in the Mark who are lost, who have strayed from the path, your crows can guide you back to the Way and help mend your skein. Just as we guided Valdr Grieversson, dedicating him to Loyalty so he can start mending his skein but the work is not done. Let us build a wayhouse for the lost on the Gireversson farmstead. Let us bring them in from the cold.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (232-0)

===Judgement 154===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Theodoretos of the Wise Citadel
* '''Judgement:''' Rejoice lightstone sellers of Urizen! Our stock has greatly helped miners of Varushka ward off the darkness. I now encourage us to look further and seek out trade opportunities for our lighstones and illumination skills for other nations. Ambition and Prosperity demands it. c/o Felix of the Wise Citadel Architect of Illumination
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (186-0)

===Judgement 155===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Leyna Sunshaper
* '''Judgement:''' Six years ago the Black Plateau was roused at the Battle of Solen's Doubt. Its self-contemplating shadow festers in folly: "that is sufficient" it pronounces and fixes minds in ignorance. Upon this anniversary the Apstrus Dam and the Dreaming Spire have been raised: twinned edifices that reflect how the virtuous have applied the lessons of the past. We call upon pilgrims to bear witness to the Empire's success in turning the downward spiral upwards. Let us build a phalanx of virtue where all citizens build up one another. Pilgrims of wisdom, our part is to encourage our fellow to ask the right questions. Curiosity shall test and shattere the assumptions that rage and despair grow within.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (132-60)

===Judgement 156===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Otso Usvaling
* '''Judgement:''' In the spirit of forging a greater bond between our nations, and in honour of the Fist of the Mountains, we invite the stargazers of Urizen to meet with the mystics of Kallavesa within our swamps. We would share wisdom over the way we build, live and thrive within the swamp with the ambition to help further your aims in the Sarangrave.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (188-0)

===Judgement 161===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Lorenzo von Apulian
* '''Judgement:''' The League National Assembly calls the orcs of the League to experiment and investigate new potential way to interact and learn from the ancestors using Leaguish hearth magic.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (274-0)

===Judgement 163===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Fredegar Bloodmouth
* '''Judgement:''' We applaud the Prosperous actions of the Sarcophan Delves in creating the Pax Sarcophan - a public commitment from the Delves that they will not tolerate piracy of merchant vessels of other nations, they will not permit any nation to threaten international trade. Despise the thieving bandit, the lazy wastrel, the grasping miser, and those who take without giving.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (134-0)
* '''Notes:''' The Pax Sarcophan was [[Can%27t_give_everything_away|established]] shortly after the Spring Equinox 387YE

===Judgement 164===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Caduceus of Aureate Peak
* '''Judgement:''' We accept the offer of the representatives of the Tribunal of the Silver Flame to send their sentinels to aid the efforts of the Military Units of the League, Dawn, and Urizen in mapping the City Below. We bear witness to their Loyalty to Spiral in taking this action.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (174-0)

===Judgement 165===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Taddea Ginori
* '''Judgement:''' The League National Assembly would be honoured to welcome the Tribunal of the Silver Flame's assistance in mapping the City Below in Apulian and thanks for them for reaching out.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (284-0)

===Judgement 167===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost
* '''Judgement:''' Cousins! We have an opportunity to destroy the Sumisev Peegel regio in Livardz. We the Varushkan National Assembly name Armand Remislav to organise and lead the effort. There is no welcome for Cold Sun - no door we will not bar
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (148-0)

===Judgement 170===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Ralph Godwin
* '''Judgement:''' Marchers, our wise smiths are currently collating a map of active and resting regio across the Marches. This assembly calls upon the courageous folk of the Marches to send information on regio, be it specific locations, realms of magic or relevant legends to their local smith, especially Gemma Brightsmith, so they may continue their important work in our nation.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (182-0)

===Judgement 174===
* '''Assembly:''' Way
* '''Raised By:''' Exarch Zerithel Of Adoniram's Testament
* '''Judgement:''' We note with caution the actions of Dawn in Highguard. And we fear that some in Dawn are being consumed by the false virtue of Vengeance. We urge the Dawnish to forsake Vengeance and return the 7 true virtues. We ask the troubadours of Dawn to rectify this international schism
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (26-72)

===Judgement 175===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Volya Nebov
* '''Judgement:''' The assembly calls for interested citizens to apply during the summer summit, at a time and place to be announced in public advertisements around Anvil, for future involvement in the doctrinal review council.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (6-0)

===Judgement 176===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Silas of the Cenotaph
* '''Judgement:''' The Assembly of Nine appoints Wulfric of the Marches to lead the Proscription Symposium. We are satisfied with the oath sworn in our presence and the intent of this symposium. We will continue to observe this with keen interest.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (6-0)

===Judgement 177===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Lenarius Ankarien
* '''Judgement:''' We have long considered that actions which can damage a soul should bear the full weight of Imperial law. However at this this time there is no legal framework that allows us to directly proscribe this. We call upon Senate to create a new religious crime of harming the soul.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (6-0)
* '''Notes:''' Any member of Senate intending to create such a law would be well advised to [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk consult] the Constitutional Court before bringing it to the Senate.

===Judgement 178===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Adelorna de Órdraig
* '''Judgement:''' The Assembly of Nine acknowledges the deep impact of Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum on the Empire. Their loss this summit is felt heavily by the Assembly. Olyvar's work changed a nation, inspired an assembly, and is illustrated by the many title holders, national representatives, and holders of state who attended his last moments. The Assembly of Nine recognises the widespread effect that Olyvar had and looks forward to the Pride Assembly's recognition
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (6-0)

===Judgement 180===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc
* '''Raised By:''' Skywise Gralka
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperial Orc nation accepts the wisdom of the northern folk. Teach us the ways of snow and climb, let us learn from those who came before us. Varushka and Wintermark be our guide as we share your journey into Tsirku
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (60-0)

==Mandates==
===Judgement 3===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Ser Decimus of House de Bastion
* '''Judgement:''' Where they have sown fear, we will make flowers grow. We send Ser Decimus of House de Bastion with 25 doses of liao to encourage Dawn to take up arms. Glory is there for the taking.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (356-26)
* '''Enacted''' [[Push_for_victory#Greatest_Military_Force|Dawnish owners]] of a [[business]], [[farm]], [[fleet]], [[herb garden]], [[mana site]], [[mine]], or [[forest]] can change to to a [[military unit]] of the same resource level in the same territory without incurring a cost. Players wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should {{plot}}.

===Judgement 26===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Ada of Balthazar's Vineyard
* '''Judgement:''' 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 Ada of Balthazar's Vineyard 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.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (424-0)
* '''Enacted''' This mandate will help spread the inspiration of ''Kvetmir Kvetmirovic'', and the [[Saint_of_Bees#Ceremonies_of_Prosperity|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.
* '''Notes:''' The greater majority threshold for this judgement was 426

===Judgement 32===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Skaldsgrym
* '''Judgement:''' The Virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. We send Erlend 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.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1490-60)
* '''Enacted''' Erlend will be responsible for a conjunction to the [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#The_Chains_That_Bind_Us|shrine on the grounds of Gull's Isle Hall]] at the Summer Solstice 388YE.

===Judgement 48===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Thritt
* '''Judgement:''' Mortal Ambition can conquer any obstacle, and unravel any mystery. We send Thritt with 100 doses of liao to urge the guides and explorers of Wintermark to reach out to their fellow Imperials and share the Wisdom of the wastes.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (220-0)
* '''Enacted''' The [[Snap rope and pass foil|penalty suffered by military units]] from nations other than Wintermark or Varushka when operating in the wastes will be reduced from a three-rank penalty to a one-rank penalty. This will apply whether they are scouting or exploring in Tsirku.
* '''Note:''' As Thritt is a [[Banner-Bearer|banner-bearer]], this mandate only cost one hundred liao

===Judgement 54===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Teleri Thornweaver
* '''Judgement:''' The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Teleri Thornweaver with 50 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (252-0)
* '''Enacted''' Navarr from all walks of life [[Every_path_you_know#Thanks_for_Sharing|will travel to the named nation looking for ways to help]]. This will generate at least one opportunity for a new Imperial title to help the Vallornguard prepare for the fight with the enemy.

===Judgement 58===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo
* '''Judgement:''' All things can have a price. We send Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo with 50 doses of liao to encourage the Freeborn to hawk their wares to all and sundry. Strive, toil, and claim the just rewards of your labours!
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (158-0)
* '''Enacted''' Encourages citizens across the Brass Coast to celebrate [[On_the_road_ahead#City_of_Deals|those Freeborn who are committed to taking every opportunity to turn a profit]], ignoring those who called for propriety or charity.

===Judgement 65===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Isario i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' We prize freedom and disdain arrogance. We send Isario i Riqueza with 50 doses of liao to encourage the citizens of Segura to create a place to discuss doctrine and encourage free thinkers. Every being deserves to live the life they want in the manner they wish.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (154-0)
* '''Enacted''' Encourage citizens across the Brass Coast to celebrate the [[On_the_road_ahead#City_of_Passions|legacy of the firebrands]] - the historical example set by the followers of Emperor Ahraz as well as those living exemplars who share their forebear's commitment to Virtue without doubt or fear, regardless of the disapproval of others

===Judgement 108===
* '''Assembly:''' Freeborn
* '''Raised By:''' Val
* '''Judgement:''' Life is short, let it never be dull! We send Val with 50 doses of liao to encourage the Freeborn to blaze new trails. Aim high and pursue your dreams, no matter the dangers.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (148-10)
* '''Enacted''' Encourage citizens across the Brass Coast to celebrate the [[On_the_road_ahead#City_of_Adventure|trailblazers amongst them]] - they will applaud those Freeborn who are committed to overcoming challenges, regardless of the costs and heedless of the risks.

===Judgement 126===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Dag Kinnad
* '''Judgement:''' Prosperity says that we should share our bounty with those who are worthy of it, and the heroes who pursue the dream to Tsirku cannot help but be worthy. We send Hildelith Kaukosdottir with 50 doses of liao to urge the farmers and herders of Sermersuaq to support those who risk the wasteland as best they can.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (198-0)
* '''Enacted''' Reduces the benefit provided to farms in Sermersuaq by the Smokehouse of Atalaq. [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Comprehensible|Surplus provisions suitable for use in Tsirku]] will be sent to support the scouting network. For as long as these supplies are committed, each season a strength of 500 will be committed to the scouting network. This won't be enough to operate the network by itself, but it will bolster efforts in the north.

===Judgement 128===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Yrkja Riansson Sigeing
* '''Judgement:''' A good death awaits us. We send Yrkja Riansson Sigeing with 25 doses of liao to encourage Wintermark to ready themselves for war. A hero has a name.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (156-20)
* '''Enacted''' [[Push_for_victory#Greatest_Military_Force|Wintermark owners]] of a [[business]], [[farm]], [[fleet]], [[herb garden]], [[mana site]], [[mine]], or [[forest]] can change to to a [[military unit]] of the same resource level in the same territory without incurring a cost. Players wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should {{plot}}.

===Judgement 151===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Leliel, Daughter of Armisael
* '''Judgement:''' The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Leliel, Daughter of Armisael, with 25 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (190-0)
* '''Enacted''' This use of Eyes of Loyalty supported [[#Judgement 54|Judgement 54]]

===Judgement 179===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc
* '''Raised By:''' Jim
* '''Judgement:''' A nation is much more than lines on a map. We send Skywise Rykana with 15 crowns to lead a delegation of mystagogues and shamans to discover more of the ancestors of the Great Forest Orcs.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (60-0)
* '''Enacted''' Skywise Rykana will lead a group of willing orcs [[Every_day_of_your_life#Spanning_the_Abyss|in search of information and lore about the ancestors of the Great Forest Orcs]].

==Writ of Consecration==
===Judgement 5===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Estella Lucati
* '''Judgement:''' At the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the League National Assembly recognised the Great Chain of Sarvos as an Inspirational Location for it had repelled repeated assaults by idolatrous pirates. I beseech the Assembly to grant a Writ of Consecration so that the Great Chains may be blessed by the True Liao that was provided by the Sun Chamber for this purpose. The Great Chain stands as a marvel of ingenuity and engineering whilst embodying the tenet of 'Prepare for Malice, Yet Thwart Malice Before It Strikes Against You'.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (396-0)

===Judgement 79===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Anatolij Paukov Zorkin
* '''Judgement:''' An edifice has been built in Broken Ride, in Sarvos, to honour the Sodality of the Silent Bell, with half the white granite coming from the Virtue fund and half from Bryce the Hare. I call for a Writ of Consecration to Vigilance for this site
* '''Outcome:''' Not Upheld (354-0)

===Judgement 116===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Basil Goodbeard
* '''Judgement:''' True courage is selfless. Emperor Ahraz dared to demand <u>liberation for the orcs</u> of the Empire, in the face of great opposition, risking his position and reputation to do what he knew was right. Our world was changed forever by that courageous act. <u>His tomb should be a beacon</u> to all those who fight for their convictions, Ashborn Osso among them. Her bones will join the guardians of this holy ground. <u>We have the true liao</u>: Ashborn Trosk will provide it. "Do not fear to act; only be shamed by inaction."
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (312-0)

===Judgement 125===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Eldrid 'Phoenix Flame' Vestardottir
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire is an amalgamation of our Ambitions. Each stronger as others take the burden. As Tian bore the flame, Umarth bore the consequence of decision. The Fist of the Mountains paid the price, now our Urizen must take the branches and carry the light. We call for a writ of consecration to build a flame that will burn on the docks of Elos. Let the mystics of Wintermark and the seers and illuminates of Urizen make pilgrimage. There they will reflect on the gift and burden of farsight, to show the Way to their people.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (332-0)

==Writ of Excommunication==
===Judgement 33===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Kasmira Milankova Ygrev
* '''Judgement:''' To excommunicate is not a trivial act to be concealed, this assembly have made such clear. And so, in pursuit of employing every avenue to defeat the 'Earl of Groves', to resist the blight of its venom and risk all for their love of the Empire, I raise such a judgement against RHYDIAN DE RONDELL, Champion of Wisdom. I ask this assembly to cast them from this hearth in service of it. Don your cloak and take your fill of bread Rhydian, for this would be a parting. May the weight of this act measure against its worth
* '''Outcome:''' Withdrawn at the request of the raising priest (530-174)

==Proscription==
===Judgement 43===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Caspian i Shartha i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' We the Synod proscribe the practice of Usury, defined as 'charging interest on a loan'. Under the law of Idolatry. The general assembly has already declared that "A Mizer who practices Usury is unvirtuous" Idolatry is "subsuming human will and destiny to any inhuman entity or force". And a Mizer hiding behind the inhuman force of Finance to pile up the riches of our Empire is doing exactly that.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (94-992)
* '''Note:''' This judgement <u>failed scrutiny</u> by the Constitutional Court before voting closed. If it had been upheld, it would have been declared unconstitutional.

===Judgement 66===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below
* '''Judgement:''' Idolatry is subsuming mortal will and destiny to an inhuman power. The manner of a person's death is of profound importance; for that death to be made subject to the whims of an eternal, sovereign, or other such entity is unacceptable. To end a person's life, or allow a person's life to end, as an offering to an inhuman power is idolatry
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1306-469)

===Judgement 72===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Maarit Suvidottir
* '''Judgement:''' It is heresy to actively encourage or preach that the established virtues or the Way are not helpful for the spiritual life of orcs or humans
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1292-380)

===Judgement 80===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Edward Watcher
* '''Judgement:''' Use of the rite of excommunication with the target's consent is not proscribed
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (822-214)

===Judgement 92===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Kasjay
* '''Judgement:''' Oaths are important. Oathbreakers cannot be trusted. Synod titles are a position of trust. Breaking an oath while holding a Synod title is a breach of that trust and thus an abuse of priestly powers.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (598-964)

===Judgement 114===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Frater Pontius of Adoniran’s Temple
* '''Judgement:''' The Synod upholds the Doctrine of the Creator and proscribes as heresy the Theist Heresy, the claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over or communion with sapient spirits. We do not hereby proscribe any belief related to the Paragons or Exemplars
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1228-238)

===Judgement 115===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Merlof Von Temeschwar
* '''Judgement:''' The Synod upholds the Doctrine of the Labyrinth and hereby proscribes as Heresy the Realmist Heresy, a long-established heresy which claims that the Labyrinth of Ages is a realm of magic, and asserts that Paragons become Eternals. Seek out the Blight.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1241-196)

===Judgement 149===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Lepidina
* '''Judgement:''' The Synod proscribes as idolatry the veneration, or entering the service of, an inhuman entity of the labyrinth, such as a labyrinth spirit
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (864-142)

===Judgement 150===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Gaelen Embercast
* '''Judgement:''' To proscribe as heresy the act of catching a soul such that its passage through the labyrinth is inhibited, against the Doctrine of the Labyrinth
* '''Outcome:''' Withdrawn at the request of the raising priest (124-36)
* '''Note:''' This judgement <u>failed scrutiny</u> by the Constitutional Court before voting closed. If it had been upheld, it would have been declared unconstitutional.

===Judgement 171===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Edward Greyfriar
* '''Judgement:''' Doctrine is built on centuries of careful observation and liao based research, constantly honed by the insights and perspectives of those across the Empire and beyond. Due to orcs reaction to liao and the terrible crimes the Empire committed against the ancestors of the Imperial Orcs, the Doctrines of the Howling Abyss and the Ancestors have shallower foundations than the rest. As such, practice of beliefs conflicting with these Doctrines shall not be Proscribed so we may learn, not suppress.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (420-378)
* '''Note:''' This judgement was subject to the [[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]] power of the Throne, and needed a greater majority to be upheld

==Inquisition==
===Judgement 4===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Corey Wayfarer
* '''Judgement:''' Cadwell of the Waystone Path, it is time we discussed your virtue and conduct during your time as general. As such I invite you to inquisition at 9pm on Saturday of this summit at the Brackensong camp. Cheese will be provided.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (252-0)

===Judgement 40===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Bella Vicente d'Apulian
* '''Judgement:''' Pride is in deeds not words. Elagabala talks a lot of talk. Let's see if it holds up to scrutiny. 12pm. Saturday. Spring 388. Celestial Eclipse, League.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (10-0)

===Judgement 61===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Emmeline Weaver
* '''Judgement:''' There's some nasty rumours going about that General Amberlain Black, Hero of Bregasland, is a Hate cultist. Let's lay these to rest. I call Amberlain to inquisition, 16:45, House de Gauvain, Dawn
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (148-0)

===Judgement 95===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark
* '''Judgement:''' I call Mael, Marshal of the Faith, to inquisition at 11:00 on Sunday of this summit to investigate their view on the efficacy and virtuous effect of their role.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (196-0)

===Judgement 129===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Vauraus "Prosperity's Forge" Korppitkotka
* '''Judgement:''' I call Gancio di Catazar to inquisition at 10:30AM on Sunday at the Spring Equinox 388YE to answer why they arranged a wayleaf to announce a commission that has had no progress and will now lapse
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (23-0)

===Judgement 157===
* '''Assembly:''' Marcher
* '''Raised By:''' Brother Geoffrey Orchard
* '''Judgement:''' Friar Book: so far we know you only by the hallowings you have wrough and second hand reports of your preaching. We would seek to know you in person. Come to Anvil, Summer 388, and speak to me of your teachings.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (92-60)

===Judgement 160===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Kellin Embercast
* '''Judgement:''' I have walked with Gaelen Embercast for three years. Now, as they set aside their Cardinalship, I wish to ask them some difficult questions. I do so as a dedicant of Loyalty, preaching their sworn virtue, so my questions concern themselves with the intersection of Loyalty and Vigilance. When they have faced challenges that set these virtues at odds with each other, how have they acted? At the Summer Solstice, I invite Gaelen to join me to discuss this.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (108-0)

===Judgement 173===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr
* '''Raised By:''' Iniska Ashwood
* '''Judgement:''' Polk Thornweaver. You've been working your arse off for the nation. Let's chat about it. Woven roots, next summit - we'll figure out the most prosperous time
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (90-0)

===Writs of Inquisition===
The following writs of inquisition were issued this summit:
{|
| '''Called by''' || '''Subject''' || '''Judgement or Title''' || '''Matter'''
|-
| Corey Wayfarer || Cadwell Waystone Path || [[#Judgement 4|Judgement 4]] || His virtue and conduct as [[general]]
|-
| Bella Vincente d'Apulian || Elagabala || [[#Judgement 40|Judgement 40]] || Her [[pride]]
|-
| Emmeline Weaver || Amberlain P. Black || [[#Judgement 61|Judgement 61]] || Rumours of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hate|hatred]]
|-
| Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark || Mael || [[#Judgement 95|Judgement 95]] || Efficacy & virtuous effect as [[Marshal of the Faith]]
|-
| Vauraus "Prosperity's Forge" Korppitkotka || Gancio di Catazar || [[#Judgement 129|Judgement 129]] || A lapsing commission
|-
| Galene Netherwatch || Bloodcrow Arora || [[Arcane Inquisitor]] || Lessons learnt and to be learnt
|-
| Vauraus "Prosperity's Forge" Korppitkotka || [[Empress Vesna|Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost]] || [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] || Their statement in Senate regarding the raising of [[Imperial army|armies]]
|-
| Alfred Eawolfson || Charlie Skinner || [[Basilisk of the Bourse]] || Virtue and economics
|-
| Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost || Lady Laudine du Lac || [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Her time as [[Chaplain Consular]] and Fintan Nighthaven
|-
| Lady Abreya De Lagriffe || Morrigan Mortére || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Ambition]] || Rumours of association with [[Agramant]]
|-
| Masha Sigeling || Zoria of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Courage]] || Her [[courage]]
|-
| Eevi of the Gadrai || Talos of the Silent Tide || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]] || His words & deeds as [[Champion of Loyalty]], at the Summer summit
|-
| Jedediah Boon || Lofyn Bloodcloak || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Pride]] || A challenge to her [[pride]]
|-
| Iniska Ashwood || Cain Coffers of House Vortekar || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || The pledge he made when taking his seat, at the Summer summit
|-
| Brother Geoffrey Orchard || Gwen Tendfallen || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Vigilance]] || Received wisdom, orthodox and otherwise
|-
| Nim of Ebon's Hall || Kaisarion of the Court of the Rat King || [[Virtue Inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] || A controversial pamphlet
|-
|}

==Sanction==
===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' Magistrate Sayid i Zuhri i Erigo. The Wisdom Assembly has reviewed the aura you gained from Rachensgrab and find no issue, my colleagues and I deem the spontaneous aura of no threat to your soul or impediment to your position. Consider what you have learned from this aura - perhaps you have learned all you can.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (294-0)

===Judgement 38===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Nim, of Ebon's Hall
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' Last summit, my inquisition revealed that Iniska Ashwood certainly displays much wisdom. I learned a greater appreciation of the role we can play to encourage souls back to the Path of Virtue. However, I hope they learned something from me - to be wary of the folly of those close to you. Each summit from now until Spring 389YE, report the results of an insight to me, conducted towards someone close to you.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (134-0)

===Judgement 76===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Lady Abreya deLagriffe
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' Leon of House Castellan is currently not reaching his full potential ambition but I believe that with correct steps this can be achieved. Leon has performed great acts of glory but must acknowledge the pride and worthiness in those actions and convert those into further ambitions. I task Leon to the following penance: discuss with nobles both within and without his house what it means to be noble; consider and provide actionable steps he can perform that would make him feel worthy of asking for a test of mettle.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (290-0)

===Judgement 86===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Eevi of the Gadrai
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' Naela Blackhawk's inquisition revealed that she is as steadfast and enduring as a great oak tree. She has continued to build up those within her nation and bring disparate groups such as the Thorns and the National Assembly together. Her loyalty to Navarr is clear and she acts on it whenever an opportunity presents itself. I vindicate her and will testimony her "Path Weaver" so all can see the truth on her soul.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (126-0)

===Judgement 113===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune on behalf of Donato of the Crucible
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' Cosmé placed a curse upon Veikko Bondforger <u>but</u> their actions were spurred by Loyalty and ceased from escalating for the same Loyalty. <u>However</u>, in considering their role as chief magistrate, pursual of a hurt for a hurt, no matter how well thought through, is a step closer to the false virtue of Vengeance. As <u>penance</u>, I request they think through what their action may have been in the scenario that their loyalty did <u>not</u> stay their hand; and how that may impact the Empire. Report back to Donato in two seasons' time.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (114-0)

===Judgement 120===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Larkin Otterways
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' I called Brother Luke to Inquisition Autumn Y387. My judgement is: <u>Vindication</u>. The spontaneous Loyalty dedication is genuine. I can find no fault in his story of reaction to this experience. Luke exhibits a number of signs: Inspiration, Legacy, Miracles, Pilgrimage, Recognition, Salvation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (112-22)

===Judgement 127===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Vauraus "Prosperity's Forge" Korppitkotka
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' Following inquisiton of Natalia 'the Falcon' Barossa on her actions as Quartermaster General, I commend her: attention to detail; Ambition, Loyalty, Prosperity, and Wisdom in driving down the price of Brotherhood of Tian and Spiral Castle; Courage to change what has always been; Loyalty to the Empire and its armies. I intend to testimony '"Peerless Logistician" on her soul, as she is.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (2-0)

===Judgement 153===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Arvel Tendfallen
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' I inquisited Silas of the Cenotaph and found his actions were not due to lack of virtue, but lack of rest. A cardinal must not only act with virtue, but communicate clearly and be seen to act with virtue. For the duration of his time as cardinal, Silas must ensure he is well rested enough to fulfil this role.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (96-0)

===Judgement 158===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Ardeniel of the Woodwych Harts
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' A artefact Litany of the Labyrinth has now been created for all 10 nations of the Empire. No longer will those at Anvil need worry for their souls passage into the Labyrinth due to want of resources to create a Litany of their own. National sects may now protect their citizens from the vile actions of the Druj and Vallorn permanently. For this we have Nira of Canitarch's Hold to thank. She has worked tirelessly for over seven years to gather ilium and create these artefacts nearly entirely by her own hand. There is no challenge a dedicated soul cannot overcome. Follow her example!
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (266-0)

===Judgement 159===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Drusilla of the Woodwych Harts
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' Whilst the death of Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum was an unquestionable loss to Highguard, the vast number of siblings from almost every nation queuing to pay their respects demonstrates that this will be felt across the Empire. It took over an hour for all present to pass on through the chapel to say their final goodbyes, and before he passed into the Labyrinth twelve priests representing several nations dedicated Olyvar to Pride. Death traditions and rites from all nations present were performed. Let Olyvar's passing serve as inspiration to us all, for our words and deeds of virtue impact not only those close to us, but all nations across the Empire.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (232-12)

===Judgement 162===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Emmeline Weaver
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' I inquisited Amberlain in company with Lenarius Ankarien, Dame Arlette d'Ossienne, Friar Duncan of Ashill, and Martin Orchard. Amberlain Black has been a Devotee of Loyalty since 384. The Oaths she swore to defend Bregasland are LOYALTY oaths, witnessed by Loyalty priests of the Marches. Amberlain is giving Loyal service to the Empire in a time of War, furthering amity and co-operation between Nations. Just this season, she gave up opportunities in Bregas and Mitwold to defend Sarangrave and Mareave. This us <u>not</u> the action of a <u>Hate Cultist</u>. I advise her to be vigilant about the company she keeps.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (152-0)

===Judgement 166===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Bella Vicente d'Apulian
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' Elagabala is a spectacular individial. Her achievements eclipse those who come before and she is a master of her art. This is clear to see: yet she has said she cannot have Pride in herself until she transcends. Wisdom is always incomplete; Pride cannot wait for completion either. Become Proud of yourself for who you are now, and at every step of your life. Each summit for one year, find a Priest priest and tell them what you are proud of in <u>yourself</u>.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (60-0)

===Judgement 168===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost
* '''Judgement - Penance:''' Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose. You are no idolator, but you have been reckless with the souls of those soldiers over whom you held responsibility. Your actions are not without virtue - but I wory about the echo of Irrah Harrah's philosophies in the actions you took. In penance, I ask that you cease playing Irrah Harrah's game - stand proud as I know you can. Run no longer, hide not, fight as it is your choice. You are no mouse, Guy. Stop acting like one.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (0-0)

===Judgement 172===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Iniska Ashwood
* '''Judgement - Vindication:''' I called Mendicant Garev to inquisition to investigate his Prosperity in light of his recent misadventures. I cannot fault his Prosperity. I wish to invite him back to Anvil to thank him for bearing a troll-cursed cup to us. It is being returned to Tharim to save Mitwold from a curse, and I intend to reward and recompense him for this.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (76-0)

==Recognition==
===Judgement 93===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Amos
* '''Judgement:''' I call for Barabbas to be recognised as an exemplar of Ambition, embodying the tenet that "it is better by far to try and fail, than never to have tried at all". His legacy lives on in Freeborn corsairs, in Caricomare and in Segura. His benevolence lives on in the ports and cities he built, the trade routes he founded, and the maps drawn from his explorers. His miraculous final address, and the aura of ambition it bears two centuries on, is an inspiration to mariners, explorers and adventurers to the cenotaph, and to all those who seek to do what "cannot be done". Barabbas is an exemplar for all those who dare to dream.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (362-56)

==Exaltation==
===Judgement 35===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Halwyn Splitroot
* '''Judgement:''' Great artists whose art inspires virtue should be exalted. Idwyn Splitroot has inspired Pride across the Empire with her song "Painted". Heard by every Navarr, sung with every binding of thorns, now inspiring the troubadours of Dawn. We exalt Idwyn, recognising her artistic works and dedication to inspiring pride in others.
* '''Outcome:''' {{GM}} (192-22)
* '''Notes:''' Idwyn Splitroot has been added to the [[Exaltation|Roll of the Exalted]]

===Judgement 70===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Sybilla Cattaneo di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' Azeal of Rumah's Redoubt recognised the great opportunities presented to the Empire by expanding the pool of appraisers but knew that the Senate budget has little slack for anything outside the war effort. He generously offered to fund the appraisers for their first year bringing the potential for opportunities old and to become available to the Empire that would not have been possible before. We recognise Azeal for his hard work in raising the funds to ensure the opportunity was not wasted and in his generosity in spending his hard earned money in a way that will benefit so many over the coming year.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (132-74)

==Appointment ==
===Judgement 1===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Ambition]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Lenarius Ankarien''' was appointed with 254 votes; Wulfric received 50 votes; Callista received 36 votes; Ser Purslane Artorigus received 14 votes

===Judgement 2===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Cardinal of Vigilance]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Adelorna de Ordraig''' was appointed with 130 votes; Viviane Barossa received 102 votes; Aemon of the Suns of Couros received 88 vote; Bryce the Hare received 42 votes

===Judgement 12===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Lepidean Librarian]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' was appointed with 312 votes; Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament received 140 votes

===Judgement 13===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Custodian of the Omphalos]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Raine Tealeaf''' was appointed with 158 votes

===Judgement 16===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Seeker of the Perfect World]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Abel the Rounder''' was appointed with 148 votes

===Judgement 18===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Beneficiary of the Golden Cascade]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Hester of Sarangrave Reforged''' was appointed with 158 votes

===Judgement 19===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawnish
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of the Twin Roses]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Ser Asa Scrivener''' was appointed with 236 votes; Remy Dyer de la Griffe received 114 votes

===Judgement 23===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Champion of Prosperity]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Tom Appelseed''' was appointed with 173 votes

===Judgement 24===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Singer of the Silence]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Nathair Autumngale''' was appointed with 246 votes; Brenna Pineflght received 0 votes

===Judgement 28===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Speaker of the Crows]]
* '''Outcome:''' Nobody achieved a majority. Hildelith of Snowperch Hall received 86 votes; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark received 86 votes

===Judgement 34===
* '''Assembly:''' Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Vauraus Korppitkotka''' was appointed with 4 votes

===Judgement 39===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushkan
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Curator of Memories]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Alexei of Dark Water Vale''' was appointed with 146 votes

===Judgement 45===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Sarah of the Suns of Couros''' was appointed with 302 votes

===Judgement 51===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of Virtue|Voice of Courage]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Ada of House Meliora''' was appointed with 196 votes; Ioan Longshadow received 20 votes; Zeke di Tassato Mestra received 16 votes

===Judgement 56===
* '''Assembly:''' League
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Map to the City Below]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''' was appointed with 156 votes; Enzo de Tassato received 54 votes

===Judgement 69===
* '''Assembly:''' Courage
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Neala Blackhawk''' was appointed with 148 votes

===Judgement 74===
* '''Assembly:''' Loyalty
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Loyalty]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' was appointed with 136 votes

===Judgement 78===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Pride]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Jedediah Boon''' was appointed with 122 votes; Lady Alisa Tamerlaine received 20 votes

===Judgement 99===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Guide to the Lost]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Firesong Galath''' was appointed with 38 votes

===Judgement 102===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Voice of Virtue|Voice of Wisdom]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Amris Johan Merikovich''' was appointed with 107 votes

===Judgement 124===
* '''Assembly:''' Highborn
* '''Raised By:''' Tribune
* '''Judgement:''' Appointment of the [[Archivist of the Echoing Obelisk]]
* '''Outcome:''' '''Dariel of the Woodwych Harts''' was appointed with 196 votes

==Rewarding==
===Judgement 17===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Donato of the Crucible
* '''Judgement:''' The Empire is beset on all sides by enemies - our military is stretched. An opportunity presents to create a <u>ritual text</u> which would allow our armies to <u>resupply</u> under <u>any</u> circumstance. This text will save Imperial lives and give the Empire a new tool to fight our enemies. The Throne has thanked Herminius of the House of the Wanderer in her recent address for this support in building the third League army. We ask he is <u>rewarded</u> 40 thrones to complete codification faster and purchase resources for further prosperous work
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, full amount (514-326)

===Judgement 21===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Laurencio di Sarvos
* '''Judgement:''' Seventy-five citizens of the Empire sacrificed Personal Prosperity for Imperial Vigilance and the chance to capture Grendel spies. These efforts would have succeeded but for the acts of three Traitors within the Empire. Neverthless, Virtue should be Rewarded lest citizens be discouraged from future sacrifice when called upon. We Reward those citizens with 22 Thrones from the Virtue Fund to be share amongst them according to their sacrifice.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, full amount (843-336)

===Judgement 30===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Athiel Westernborn of the Cenotaph
* '''Judgement:''' In Autumn 386YE (Judgement 4) the full force of the Synod showed their wish to bring spiritual enlightenment to the waylaid and the downtrodden of Asavea. We did so with the full understanding of the magnitude of this project, and with awareness of its costs. Priests, why have you let the fires of your Ambition dwindle to embers? Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. As such, we request 8 wains of white granite to be disbursed from the Virtue Fund to continue anchoring the Way in Asavea. Consequences are the price of Ambition. We are willing to pay the costs.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, full amount (652-334)

===Judgement 36===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Lord Julien de Courtenay-Wyldrose
* '''Judgement:''' The High Exorcist and their house have spent in excess of <u>20 thrones</u> to defend the Empire against spiritual threat. We seek to reward their personal prosperity and let them continue their work. Let 20 thrones be allocated to their seneschal, Mathilde Caster, for the purchase of: Silent Bell and Labyrinthine Vestments to be lent to any citizen in need; and liao bought in bulk
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, full amount (600-276)

===Judgement 37===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Hildelith Kaukosdottir
* '''Judgement:''' Countless times we have pronounced ourselves in favour of the free preaching of the Way in Asavea. It is time to make good on our promises. We reward the refugees of Ibaria with 50 thrones. They have shown boundless Courage and Ambition in the fight against the Asavean Plenum, and have built a new life in Virtue here in the Empire. They have given everything for Virtue. We should seek to repay them in kind.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (398-502)

===Judgement 42===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Miroslav Dainovitch Temnavoda
* '''Judgement:''' Last summit, Varushka had the opportunity to purge the insidious threat of face-peeling monsters. Rather than draw the Boyar's Hasta from its vital role elsewhere, heroes across Varushka committed military units to this task, many sacrificing their own resources to take up arms for the first time. Mana from across the nation was poured into enchantments to boost the strength of these units. This resulted in an assembled force equivalent to an army. Thanks to these efforts, the Boyar's Hasta remained committed to the vital role it played in Sarangrave, and the operation to root out the face peelers was an overwhelming success. I ask for Thirty Thrones from the Virtue Fund to be disbursed among those Ambitious citizens who stand as an example to all of what can be achieved with sufficient drive and focus.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, 28 thrones, 1 crown, and 11 rings rewarded (450-426)

===Judgement 63===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Vera
* '''Judgement:''' Five years ago the first sermon on the Way in Ossium ended with the declaration 'together we rise in greatness'. I seek 20 thrones to reward the ossians who have reached the greatest heights since liberation: Volya, cardinal of the Way; Velko, senator for Ossium; Sigismund, general of the Golden Axe; Sławomir, leading diplomatic efforts in the Mallum
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (282-514)

===Judgement 67===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Oleander Dreamsreach
* '''Judgement:''' We seek to reward Geraint Bronwyn's Rest with 8 wains of white granite to be put towards the City of Dreams. This is an investment into the future of the Navarr and will allow us to seek new ways to use liao.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (333-414)

===Judgement 104===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Galene Netherwatch
* '''Judgement:''' For the last 4 years, the Mountains' Answer, a block of military units 4000+ strong, have made themselves strategically avaialble to the Military Council to be deployed wherever is deemed necessary to the Empire. Let us reward this Loyalty with 20 thrones, to be given to Floria Sunshaper, to be shared amongst these captains
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, but none remain (260-252)

===Judgement 111===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Marialena Von Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' As Senator of Holberg, Kaspar von Yakovitch has inspired great Virtue in our citizens from Pride as we were awarded the Greatest City, to Ambition in building the Great Walls. His Virtue extends to the wider Empire, sharing the Prosperity of the League by creating an Imperial position from a National Bourse seat. As a young citizen inspired by this Virtue. I ask, on behalf of Holberg, that he is rewarded with four wains of weirwood.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld, full amount (300-208)

==Special Considerations==
The following considerations should be borne in mind when bringing judgements before the Imperial Synod during the Summer Solstice.
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Assembly'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Consideration'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Duration'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Statements that prioritise the greater good over personal loyalties are less effective.</td><td>[[Cardinal_of_Loyalty#Additional_Powers_-_The_Eyes_of_Loyalty|Eyes of Loyalty]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Statements that try to compel Loyalty will fail.</td><td>[[Cardinal_of_Loyalty#Additional_Powers_-_The_Eyes_of_Loyalty|Eyes of Loyalty]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Revocations and Excommunications for disloyalty to the nation or Empire risk causing dissent.</td><td>[[Cardinal_of_Loyalty#Additional_Powers_-_The_Eyes_of_Loyalty|Eyes of Loyalty]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Any mandate that does not pass with a greater majority will have limited or no effect on Urizen or Varushka. It is not impossible that a mandate might lead to a response in one of the two nations, but it won't lead to any immediate consequences for the people of the nation. </td><td>[[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Urizen_Assembly|Urizen Link]]<br>[[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Varushkan_Assembly|Varushka Link]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Any mandate that does not pass with a greater majority will have limited or no effect on Wintermark unless enacted by the Wintermark Assembly. It is not impossible that a mandate might lead to a response in the nation, but it won't lead to any immediate consequences for the people of the nation. </td><td>[[The_final_cut#Questions_for_Wintermark|The final cut]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
<tr><td>All Assemblies</td><td>Statements that stress the need to follow Imperial law rather than virtue will be unlikely to lead to a mandate.</td><td>[[Knocking_on_every_door#A_Paper_Shield|Knocking on every door]]</td><td>Ongoing</td>
</table>

==The Virtue Fund==
At the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE summit, the Virtue Fund stood as follows:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>88 thrones, 15 rings</td><td>6 wains</td><td>8 wains</td><td>16 wains</td><td>1 dose</td>
</table>

Total donations made were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>72 thrones, 1 crown, 17 rings</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

The total amounts carried forward to the next summit were:
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Money'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mithril'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''White Granite'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Weirwood'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''True Liao'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>72 thrones, 1 crown, 17 rings</td><td>6 wains</td><td>nil</td><td>4 wains</td><td>nil</td>
</table>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations received prior to the start of the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 1 throne, 2 crowns at the [[Rewarding#Counting Houses|counting house]] of [[Reikos]]
* 2 thrones at the counting house of [[Tassato]]
* 1 throne, 3 crowns at the counting house of [[Semmerholm]]
* 1 throne, 4 crowns at the counting house of [[Karsk]]
* 6 wains of mithril, 8 wains of white granite and 8 wains of weirwood from [[The_greatest_plurality#One_Empire|various donations]]
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of Rewardings made at the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 22 thrones to '''Laurencio di Sarvos''' following [[#Judgement 21|Judgement 21]] being upheld (margin 510)
* 20 thrones to '''Mathilde Caster''' following the death of '''Julien de Courtenay-Wyldrose''' and [[#Judgement 36|Judgement 36]] being upheld (margin 324)
* 8 wains of white granite to '''Athiel Westernborn of the Cenotaph''' following [[#Judgement 30|Judgement 30]] being upheld (margin 318)
* 40 thrones to '''Donato of the Crucible''' following [[#Judgement 17|Judgement 17]] being upheld (margin 188)
* 28 thrones, 1 crown, 17 rings to '''Miroslav''' following [[#Judgement 42|Judgement 42]] being upheld (margin 24)
* 4 wains of weirwood to '''Morialena von Holberg''' following [[#Judgement 111|Judgement 111]] being upheld (margin 92)
</div>

Click ''Expand'' to see a list of donations made during the summit.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
* 70 thrones for the Bourse dose of True Liao from '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
* 6 crowns from '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
* 4 crowns from '''Tom Appleseed'''
* 2 crowns, 11 rings from '''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza'''
* 1 crown from '''Barak of the Inheritance of Atun'''
* 1 crown, 5 rings from '''Veikko Bondforger'''
* 1 crown from "Emperor Nicovar"
* 1 crown from '''Berith Martel'''
* 1 crown from '''Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''
* 1 ring in small donations
</div>

==Doses of True Liao==

Six doses of [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]] were disbursed this summit:
* One dose to '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' as [[the Throne]]
* One dose to '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower''' as [[Lepidean Librarian]]
* One dose to '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''' by purchase in the [[Public auction|Public Auction]]
* One dose to '''Nathair Autumngale''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Mayra Zoronova Prochnost''' by decision of the Gatekeepers
* One dose to '''Jedediah Boon''' by decision of the Gatekeepers

==Assembly Strength==
The table below shows the size, total voting strength and greater majority thresholds for each assembly as calculated at the start of the summit.

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | Virtue Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Ambition || 47 || 644 || 323
|-
|Courage || 29 || 372 || 187
|-
|Loyalty || 53 || 710 || 356
|-
|Pride || 28 || 324 || 163
|-
|Prosperity || 30 || 355 || 178
|-
|Vigilance || 64 || 762 || 382
|-
|Wisdom || 45 || 558 || 280
|-
|The Way || 23 || 268 || 135
|-
|General || 319 || 3993 || 1997
|-
|}

{|
! scope=""col"" style=""width: 320px;"" | National Assembly
! Assembly Size
! Total Voting Strength
! Greater Majority Threshold
|-
|Brass Coast || 16 || 208 || 105
|-
|Dawn || 55 || 738 || 370
|-
|Highguard || 67 || 850 || 426
|-
|Imperial Orcs || 7 || 82 || 42
|-
|League || 34 || 474 || 238
|-
|Marches || 19 || 208 || 105
|-
|Navarr || 36 || 439 || 220
|-
|Urizen || 26 || 304 || 153
|-
|Varushka || 25 || 318 || 160
|-
|Wintermark || 34 || 372 || 187
|-
|General || 319 || 3993 || 1997
|-
|}
==Anchor the Way in Asavea==
Click ''Expand'' to see the list of contributions made to Anchor the Way in Asavea.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{CommissionProgress|Anchor_the_Way_in_Asavea}}
</div>

Where the slow river flows

2026-06-06T20:37:15Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/uZZFHEkV7ms?si=MgqlyB7caFZ4yEhX}}
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into [[Mitwold]]. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.

==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregasland. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, led by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous ghodi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbarism. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
<gallery heights=200 mode="packed">
File:Drakes_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Drakes
File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun
File:GreenShields_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Green Shields
File:Tusks Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Tusks
File:ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Valiant Pegasus
</gallery>
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landskeepers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travellers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Lawless|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=350}}

==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may use this as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
* '''This opportunity has expired
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.

Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.