Empire - User contributions [en]

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.

Arranging grace

2026-06-06T20:36:10Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"It's a lovely idea Genia, I'm all for it ''in theory''... but you've no reason to imagine that the Senate will approve this... what did you call it?"

"Cat's Graces," the elderly prince answered, deliberately cutting in before her host could continue. "And you're quite right of course Wilhelm. There's every chance our parsimonious Senate will run a mile when they see the results of their appraisal. But," she said, raising her finger to ensure Wilhelm understood she was still talking. "I take heart from the fact that the Throne chose to appraise the Cat's Graces first... doesn't that rather suggest something?"

Wilhelm's goblet of wine was half way to his lips when he realised Genia was giving him an opportunity to get a word in edgeways. "Maybe all it suggests is that the Throne thought this idea would be the least bother?" he responded.

"Maybe," conceded his guest, "but surely Emperor Vesna can't help but be moved when people start drawing comparisons between the new Throne and Empress Richilde? Why even the paragon herself never attempted something so bold." Genia Bourné stood up and spread her arms imploringly. "What happens" she demanded, "when people point out that there has never been a Throne, before or since, who did as much for Imperial culture... until now?"

"Are people pointing that out?" asked Wilhelm, looking unconvinced.

Genia draw her hands together, "Well they are now.." she grinned.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Faces of the Empire.jpg|align=left|caption=The Cat's Graces would be an Imperial sodality dedicated to spreading and supporting Imperial art of all kinds, to all nations.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/wmx-j0mSzQ4?si=njov54Togah5JnLc}}
Following from the [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|suggestions of Magistrate Abraham]] last season, [[The Throne]] has instructed the [[Civil Service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications of the creation of a new [[Imperial sodality]] each season for the coming year. [[Emperor Vesna]] has instructed them to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|review the manifesto of the ''Cat's Graces'']], a potential Imperial sodality concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire. By all accounts the group has strong backing across [[Anvil]] but a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise the Cat's Graces as an Imperial sodality]] narrowly failed to pass the [[Senate]]. In the opinion of many observers, this failure was due to concerns over the potential constitutional implications that creating any new sodality might have.

This is not an unreasonable fear given the massive constitutional headaches caused by the creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] sodality. There are innumerable organisations and fellowships that span the Empire; nobody needs the permission or approval of the Imperial Senate to meet with friends to discuss common goals. An Imperial sodality is different. They exist as extensions of the Imperial government, a way to grant a body real legal powers so that they can directly contribute to the running of the Empire. Creating a sodality always requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitution|constitutional vote]] - just as the [[Imperial Constitution]] recognises the role of the [[Conclave]] to govern magic, an Imperial sodality of herbalists or artisans would be expected to have an equivalent remit.

[[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Magistrate Abraham]] has done as promised and, in conjunction with his peers, provided his best analysis for what it would mean if the Senate were to go ahead and approve the Graces based on their manifesto. News of the Throne's decision to look into the creation of a sodality dedicated to the arts inevitably provokes considerable interest from groups around the Empire whose priorities align, to a greater or lesser extent, with the Cat's Graces. Several come forward with provisional offers of support, should the sodality get approval in the Senate. Of course some these groups have agendas of their own that they are keen to push.

==Consequences==
* '''Empress Vesna has asked the Civil Service to assess the constitutional implications of the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The symbol and manifesto have been provided and Magistrate Abraham has delivered their analysis'''
Empress Vesna announced that the symbol of the Cat's Graces would be a cat holding a scroll of paper and that a Maestro would be appointed to speak for the sodality. The announcement referred to them as the "leader" of the sodality, which Magistrate Abraham is quick to rule out. Any attempt to put someone "in charge" of the new sodality would be as unconstitutional as an attempt to put someone "in charge" of the [[Conclave]] or the [[Synod]]. The sodality can be represented by a Maestro - but not led by them. This minor criticism aside, the manifesto is otherwise described as being "elegant and concise" - qualities the magistrate appears to rank just below the seven Virtues.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Cat's Graces"> This sodality is dedicated to art and music, it holds the following to be true:
* Arts are for everyone to enjoy, no matter their skill;
* Virtue demands that we give space for joy as well as for work;
* The value of a nation is judged by its culture as much as its might.

The sodality therefore exists to:
* Support and promote creatives, providing opportunities to exhibit their talents;
* Share learning through the arts, fostering understanding between peoples and traditions;
* Ensure creators are valued, and that their work is recognised and fairly rewarded.
</quote>

In the view of the Court, the proposed manifesto lays out a clear role for the Cat's Graces to take responsibility for promoting the arts across the Empire. Abraham notes that it avoids common problems such as making lists of activities the sodality will be responsible for, or specific arts that they will be the patrons of. The Court encourages ''any'' sodality to look to the language employed in the Constitution. Statements like ''"The Conclave shall ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire"'' don't attempt to lay out what a fit and proper use of magic is, nor say how the Conclave will achieve that objective. That is a matter for [[Imperial law]]. Instead the constitution establishes the key principle of ''what the Conclave is for''.

Abraham in particular notes that it is important for Imperial citizens to understand that when a manifesto says "The sodality therefore exists to", that should be understood as the direction laid down by the Imperial Senate and the Throne. These instructions are for the sodality and its members to let them know what is expected of them, for the Civil Service so that they know what support to offer, and for the Constitutional Court so that they know what role the new sodality will play.

The most natural interpretation of the manifesto laid down by the Senate would be to make the new sodality responsible for the promotion of the arts across the Empire, with the aim that they foster understanding between different nations and ensure that the Prosperity of artists is recognised and fairly rewarded. The manifesto also has international implications - the word "nation" does not only refer to the ten nations that make up the Empire after all - but only on matters directly related to art and artistry.

Fine as a principle then; what would it mean in practice?
===Appointments===
* '''The well worn path for any Imperial title with responsibility for culture or the arts would be election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''There are seven extant titles that would change appointment method to election by the Cat's Graces'''
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Affected Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Azure Sutannir]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of Memories]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Blood Red River]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dean of the First Voice Glade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Bard of the Empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of the Twin Roses]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
There are several Imperial titles whose responsibilities are concerned with culture and the arts. The most obvious example is the [[High Bard of the Empire]], an important position whose responsibility includes the need ''"to promote and encourage excellence and passionate demonstration of artistic performance across all the nations of the Empire"''. Currently this position is elected by the [[Assembly of the Nine]]. Music does have an important role in Virtue, as demonstrated by [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magic items like]] the [[Celebrant's Fiddle]], but the High Bard's [[High Bard of the Empire#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] make it clear their remit extends to art rather than matters of spirituality.

With the creation of the Cat's Graces, the only constitutionally valid path for the appointment of titles with responsibilities of this kind - supporting and promoting art and artists - would be via vote of the Cat's Graces sodality.

The Civil Service have conducted a preliminary review of all current Imperial titles to identify those that would be affected. If the Senate approves the Cat's Graces in the current form, each of the listed positions would change - going forwards it would be elected by vote of members of the sodality. No other details would change; titles with tenure like the [[Azure Sutannir]] or the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]] 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 unusual limitation on the [[High Bard of the Empire]], which prohibits any person from holding the title more than once in their lifetime, would continue unchanged, and so on.

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 primary responsibilities included the creation or promotion of culture or the arts, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Cat's Graces sodality.

===Mistress of Monuments===
* '''The current responsibilities of the Mistress of Monuments would see the title changed to election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The Senate could refine the responsibilities of the title to keep it elected by the Imperial Synod'''

Members of the Constitutional Court have been unable to completely agree on the matter of the [[Mistress of Monuments]]. Leontes argues for a literal interpretation of the position's responsibilities, which demands the title ''"work with Imperial artists to commemorate inspirational actions and significant events with monuments and statues"''. The emphasis on working with Imperial artists with a goal to commemorate significant events the position firmly with the remit of the new sodality, according to the Imperial Archivist. Leontes insists it must be updated accordingly - if the sodality is approved.

In contrast, Magistrate Abraham argues that the responsibilities include an emphasis on inspiration - a term widely used in the context of the paragons and exemplars - collectively referred to as "inspirations". If the responsibilities of the title were to create statues of paragons and exemplars, to inspire Virtue or to celebrate Virtuous actions, then it could be appointed by the Synod or the new sodality.

Unable to agree on a definitive solution, the two scholars settle on a compromise. If the Imperial Senate approve the creation of the Cat's Graces but do not make any changes to the title's responsibilities, then the title will be appointed by the new sodality henceforth. If the Senate change the responsibilities of the title to make it clear that it is primarily concerned with creating statues and monuments of the "inspirations" and commemorating Virtuous events, then it will appointed by the Assembly of the Way.

===Powers===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magistrate Abraham.jpg|caption=Magistrate Abraham, a constitutional scholar and part of the<br>[[Scrutiny#Constitutional Council|Constitutional Council]]|align=right|width=300}}
* '''At present there are no legal powers that would be automatically delegated to the Cat's Graces'''
* '''Any new legal powers created by the Senate that were ''solely'' concerned with culture and the arts would be delegated to the new sodality'''
* '''Any existing legal powers that could be used to promote the arts ''could'' be delegated to the sodality'''

At present there is no branch of the Imperial government that is explicitly concerned with the promotion of the arts. Perhaps because of that, there are no legal powers whose primary purpose is concerned with culture and the arts. The Constitutional Court have reviewed the various areas of government, and have not identified any power of the five great houses that would be automatically transferred to the sodality, other than the appointment of the titles listed above.

The creation of a new sodality has profound implications for the Constitutional basis of the Empire, even if no existing powers are transferred to the new body of state. The argument could be made that the Imperial government does not currently have any legal powers that serve to promote culture and the arts precisely because there is no body of state to wield those powers. That would change if the new sodality were approved by the Senate - if that happened then the well worn path for any new legal powers whose '''sole''' remit was to promote culture and the arts would be vote of the sodality. For example, if the Senate elected to create a book of songs, to be updated with a new contribution each season, then the well worn path for that power would be a vote of the Cat's Graces.

Any legal powers that ''could'' be used to promote the arts, but were not solely concerned with such matters, could be delegated to the Cat's Graces, provided they were did not impinge on the Constitutionality protected roles of the other houses. For example, the Cat's Graces could be given the power to compile, maintain, and promote knowledge of the [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]]. Without the sodality, that power would have to be vested in the Conclave - but if the sodality existed, then it would be constitutional for the Cat's Graces to wield the power or the Conclave, depending on the decision made by the Senate. However, the sodality could ''not'' be given the power to control the use of [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]] to perform magic. The Constitution is clear that that power to ensure the fit and proper use of magic ''must'' lie with the Conclave.

A number of the existing legal powers of other houses ''could'' be delegated to the sodality, if they could be used to promote the arts. The Senate could grant the sodality the ability to announce one or more commissions each season. They might include [[Edifice|edifices]], [[sinecure|sinecures]], and even [[great work|great works]] in theory. They might be given the ability to commission [[historical research]], given the amount of history that resides in the form of songs, poems, and stories (although the Empire's current ability to perform historical research is sorely limited). Likewise it would be constitutional for the Senate to grant the sodality the power to perform an [[appraisal]].

===Singular===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Story Circle.jpg|align=left|caption=Stories and songs bring the past to life and offer hope for the future.|width=450}}</div>
* '''It would not be possible to create a second sodality concerned with culture or the arts'''
Imperial Sodalities are also "singular", and the Cat's Graces are no exception. Once approved by the Senate, a sodality forms part of the Imperial government, with a clearly defined constitutional role. That role must be unique and singular - there cannot be two sodalities in the Empire with overlapping concerns. If the Imperial Senate approves the manifesto of the Cat's Graces, then it would not be possible to create a new Imperial sodality charged with the promotion of culture and the arts without first abrogating the existence of the Cat's Graces.

==Possibilities==
There are many powers that the Imperial Senate could grant the new sodality. News of the sodality and the the new possibilities it presents attract the interest of three distinct groups who are all keen to offer their support if the Senate approves the sodality and provides it with the legal powers it will need to discharge its responsibilities.

===A Fresh Coat of Paint===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=Imperial artists provide inspiration for grand projects.|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''The Senate could give the Cat's Graces the ability to refine existing commissions'''
* '''The support of the songbirds would let the sodality deploy artists to improve structures for without requiring a commissions or costs'''
* '''A refined structure would increase in grandeur, and the work of the artists might unlock an opportunity related to it'''

While some [[commission|commissions]] are themselves works of art, since time immemorial artists have been employed to brighten up gloomy old castles, or breathe new inspiration into a dour church. The Cat's Graces are ideally positioned to organise artists - painters, sculptors, artisans using stained glass and light to create breathtaking arrangements - to turn their talents to just such a purpose.

The Senate would need to grant the sodality the power to [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|alter existing commissions]]. This would allow them to redesign the appearance of an existing commission, recent or historical ('''OOC Note:''' historical commissions are structures canonically constructed before the game began such as the many basilicas in Bastion, the walls of [[Kahraman#Serra_Damata|Damata]] and the like). By itself this power would likely be of limited use - it would consume one of the Senate's dwindling supplies of commissions, and require significant investment of funds to beautify even the most minor commission.

A small delegation of [[Empress Richilde#Songbirds|songbirds]] - dedicated artists and patrons who look to the inspiration of the [[paragons and exemplars|paragon]] [[Empress Richilde|Richilde]], come to the Castle of Thorns with a proposal to help the new sodality. The songbirds includes many wealthy backers of the arts among their numbers. The informal collective, inspired by the efforts of their patron Empress to shape the Empire through her patronage of art and beauty, are roused to take a more active part on the Imperial stage by news of the potential new sodality. They see the Cat's Graces as being very much in line with the lessons of the Sun Queen.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black-naped Oriole.jpg|caption=The songbirds, an informal calling associated with Empress Richilde, use birds to demonstrate their membership and one of the most popular is the brightly coloured oriole, known for its fluting calls.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
If the Senate will grant the sodality the power to alter at least one recent or historical commission each season, then the songbirds and their allies will provide the funds and help organise the artists required. Each season the sodality could choose a single commission and ask the Empire's artists to look at altering the appearance and character of of the commission. Such work would take three months - but would not cost the treasury any money, nor cut into the Senate's limited number of commissions each season.

The Maestro would be responsible for providing a thorough description of what the sodality ''wants'' the artists to do. Provided they have a clear artistic brief which is ambitious and inspirational, then they're ''likely'' to get roughly what was asked for. However, the Civil Service caution that engaging with artists does come with some risk: if those working on the commission don't feel inspired by the brief then they will complement or supplant them with their own ideas. Thus, the results are guaranteed to be ''impressive'', they're just not guaranteed to be exactly what was requested. Such is the nature of art.

The work of talented folk could have unlooked for benefits however. Having scores of imaginative artists examining a commission may just result in improved [[edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] - or it might reveal an [[opportunity]] to make further improvements to it. If this happened, the Civil Service would present the option for improving the work discovered by the artists, for consideration by the Empire, once the alterations were complete.

===Art for Art's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 60%; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg |caption=The seven Virtues serve as an inspiration to many artists across the Empire.|width=2000}}</div>
* '''The sodality could be granted the legal power to define great works of art worthy of preservation and honour'''
* '''Each season they could select a piece of art which would be lauded and recorded for future generations to enjoy'''
* '''If the sodality were granted this power they would need to select a central location to house the artworks'''
While artists create art for many reasons, a common drive is to seek the recognition and approval of their peers. The [[Synod]] has several ways to recognise exceptionally virtuous individuals - the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] and the [[Roll of Benefactors]] for example. The Senate could grant the Cat's Graces the legal power to find the finest artists in the Empire, promote their work across the Empire, and invite the accolades of their peers, just as the Synod currently does for the virtuous.

If granted this ability, the sodality could select a single piece of art each season for promotion across the Empire. The form of the art would not matter, as long as it could be recorded in some way. It could be a painting, or sculpture, a new song or musical composition, a story, a play, or a poem. In some cases copies would be made and distributed; in others news of the art would be spread across the Empire and patrons of the art encouraged to visit.

The sodality could pick the finest piece of art produced that season, using the power as a way to recognise and reward artistic merit, or they could pick the most worthy, acknowledging that art is for everyone. After the sodality votes to choose which piece of art to honour, the Maestro could create a short summary of why the piece was chosen, why it is important and worthy of being honoured, and why it should be preserved. ('''OOC Note:''' We would look to add each song, story, poem or art to the wiki, along with the description of why it was chosen. The piece would be added to the sodality page, similar to how the [[Roll of Benefactors]] or the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] work).

One of the first things the new sodality would need to do would be to identify a central repository of art that would serve specifically to contain copies of artistic endeavours and wherever possible house the artworks recognised by the sodality. There are a number of potential candidates including [[Dean_of_the_First_Voice_Glade#First_Voice_Glade|First Voice Glade]], [[Sarvos#Diora_University|Diora University]] in [[the League]], the skops' halls of [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]], among others.

===Money for God's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Instructors.jpg|align=right|width=400|caption=[[Senate Motions]] celebrates the art of dance in the Empire, meeting every summit in the Senate building.}}</div>
* '''The Cat's Graces could operate a fund to provide grants to artists'''
* '''The Civil Service would publish lists of notable donations to the fund by citizens at Anvil'''
* '''Highborn benefactors and League princes commit to donate three thrones each season to the fund'''
* '''These patrons would also match any funds the Senate provides up to six thrones a season'''

Artists create for many reasons, but with few exceptions, every artist needs to eat and keep a roof over their head. The Synod has the [[Rewarding#Virtue_Fund|Virtue fund]] to reward the virtuous, the Cat's Graces could employ a similar mechanic to reward those who create art. Members of the sodality could seek out worthy artists, musicians, performers, writers, sculptors - anyone who has produced beautiful works of art. If a piece met with the approval of the sodality, they could vote to reward the artist for their endeavours and contribution to Imperial culture.

As well as patronising artists directly, the sodality could use the money to support the many competitions that often taken place at Anvil, using the funds to pay for one or more prizes for the winners to claim. Ensuring such contests are well run and attract the most [[Ambition|Ambitious]] artists to take part should be part of the new sodality's remit in the view of the merchant-princes and benefactors. These funds might even be used to negotiate with the Empire's [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] to secure the finest magical [[:Category:Musical Instruments|musical instruments]], or with magicians to create suitably enchanted performance spaces. They could even be used in theory to support [[commission|commissions]] for projects that support artists - such as the famous galleries and theatres of the League built by '''Lorenzo Macelliao "Il Volpe" von Temeschwar''' over the years.

The Senate could support the Cat's Graces by providing a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend|stipend]] to the Imperial sodality. If that happened, the Civil Service would provide the support required to allow the sodality to distribute those funds. They could also process donations to the fund from civic-minded citizens, maintaining and publishing a public record of benefactors. If the sodality voted to disburse money from the fund, the amount would be given to the Maestro in accordance with the sodalities wishes (The Senate could establish an office of the sodality to receive these disbursements).

An informal alliance of patrons of the arts - [[the League|League]] [[Merchant Prince|merchant princes]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[benefactor|benefactors]] - are keen to help the sodality promote the arts. The group's spokesperson is [[Dressed_in_smoke_and_fire|Genia Bourné di Sarvos]], the merchant-prince of the influential Bourné fashion house. Familiar with the ways of Anvil from her youth, she suspects the Senate will not willingly dip into the treasury to fund the sodality and has come armed with a plan to try to pry open the Senate's purse.

If the Senate grant any stipend to the sodality (even if the stipend is zero), then they will donate three thrones a season to the Cat's Graces to fund their work. Not a massive sum perhaps but not to be sneezed at - potentially it could change the career trajectory of artists rich in talent but poor in funds. Crucially this would ensure Civil Service support for the fund - ensuring there was a public list of notable benefactors in Imperial records. [[Prosperity|Prosperous]] individuals might enjoy seeing their donations immortalised in permanent record - if ''il Volpe'' taught nothing else, says Genia wryly, it is that those who consider themselves wealthy and cultured are always susceptible to the flattery of formal validation of their role as patrons.

However, the group are prepared to go further. Genia Bourné and her allies commit to ''match'' any stipend provided by the Senate, up to a maximum of six Thrones a season (Genia is enthusiastic about the arts but she is not stupid). All that is required to secure this investment is that the sodality commit to being public and transparent with how they disburse their grants. The benefactors want to be confident their monies are going to the arts and not (for example) paying for armies or funding extravagant dinners.

==What's In A Name?==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Music and joy.jpg|align=left|caption=Music brings joy, and rouses powerful emotions in the people of the Empire.|width=450}}</div>
* '''Some potential supporters have questioned the name of the sodality'''
It would be unusual for anything involving the arts to receive unleavened positivity from artists, and the Cat's Graces is no exception. Supporters are eager to offer their support for the new sodality, but many of them have one request. They argue that the proposed name of the sodality doesn't successfully convey its status or importance. The point of a sodality, they argue, is to found an institution, an extension of the Imperial government. Simply by existing, the sodality conveys the importance of the arts, it demonstrates that the Empire takes the arts as seriously as it does war, economics or magic. Or at least it would do that if it bore the right name.

The Cat's Graces, they complain, is too ''parochial''. It doesn't sound like some grand extension of the Imperial government: the Conclave, the Bourse, the Military Council and ''the Cat's Graces''? Their concern is that the Empire often fails to take the arts seriously, and while they would welcome the creation of the new Imperial sodality whatever name it bears, they would clearly prefer something that they feel would convey the importance of the sodality and by extension of the arts themselves.

A more practical complaint is that Cat's Graces is a very evocative name for a sodality devoted to music and especially dance - but a numbers of artists question if it is the right name to attract painters, sculptors, writers, actors, playwrights, poets and the like. Of course that immediately raises the question of what that name might be - and it is very clear that nobody has a better suggestion... (which is to say ''everybody'' thinks they have a better suggestion, but none that anyone can agree on). The Academy is the word that most reach for, as a word that implies a grand institution, but that name is already taken. The Sun Chamber would have been equally acceptable to Richilde's followers, but of course there is already a sodality with that name also.

Whatever the final choice, it is clear that the name of the sodality will be important in ensuring its legacy.

==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Empress Richilde#Empress Richilde in Play|Songbirds]]
* [[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
* [[Senate Motions]] - An informal group that meets each season to celebrate the art of dance

<quote by="Magistrate Abraham, Excerpted from the ruling on the Cat's Graces">
Citizens of the Empire neither require, nor benefit from, the approval of the Imperial Senate to gather together with a common purpose. The Imperial Constitution guarantees dignity, freedom, and prosperity. That seemingly simple statement, precludes any possibility that the Senate might interpose itself into the right of citizens to congregate and pursue their legitimate ambitions. If the function of the Cat's Graces were ''merely'' to support the arts and promote culture it would have no business at all being an Imperial sodality. To permit that would be to entertain the possibility that the approval of the Senate and the Throne were in some way a requirement for the Cat's Graces to exist. That cannot stand.

It is the constitutional vote required to enact its creation, that grants a sodality its significance. That it requires a two thirds majority of the Imperial Senate and the approval of the Throne places the creation of a sodality infinitely beyond a motion of mere intent. Passing a motion to create a sodality must be properly understood as a change to the Constitution itself. When interpreted properly, it creates a new body of state, and charges it with duties and responsibilities, which on the face of it, we must regard as the equal of the other houses of power. If the Senate approves the proposed wording of the Cat's Graces, then it is laying down the responsibilities of that body, in exactly the same way the founders laid down the responsibilities of the Military Council, the Conclave, the Bourse and the Synod.

The Imperial Constitution tolerates no hierarchy of power - it permits no vassalage. The Military Council shall ensure the rigorous defence of the Empire - and so the orders of generals are not subject to the approval of the Senate. While the power to create new laws and amend the Constitution is vested in the Senate, it is the Synod that may strike down a motion and thereby ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire. Of course such an arrangement creates conflicts between the rights and privileges of the houses of power - that is undeniable and unavoidable. It is the solemn duty of this Court to settle those conflicts and in doing so ensure the Constitution retains its integrity and purpose. In resolving those dilemmas, this Court begins with the view that the rights of each house of power is transcendent, ''within its own dominion''.

As it is with the Bourse or the Conclave, so it would be with any sodality. It is vital that senators understand that the Senate <u>cannot</u> approve members of the Cat's Graces to meet with the purpose of promoting the arts. What they <u>can do</u> is change the understanding of the Constitution such that it can be plainly read that the Empire vests responsibility for the promotion of the arts in the Cat's Graces - ''with all due seniority thereby implied''.
</quote>

Old blue banners dancing

2026-06-06T20:35:12Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Blue Banners Dancing.jpg|caption=The beaters knock their bows; their arrows see no difference between bandit scoundrel and barbarian warrior.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Dreams Come==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/MPFY9RvFDo0?si=Ly8F24AoqI7Emv16}}
Bregasland is a peculiar place, even those who live there rarely deny it. As the seasons turn, and the new year begins, there is a sense of disquiet uncoiling in the muddy waters. Bregas folk and Imperial soldiers alike speak of haunted sleep, of visions of something massive rising over the swamps. Sometimes it is a sky-scraping grey stone tower, topped with crenulations and pitted with arrow-slits, that leaves sleepers with a sense of being watched. Sometimes it is an actual mountain, mighty and snow topped, that looms over their dreams and brings with it a sense of insufferable ''weight'' that leaves sleepers exhausted when they wake. Sometimes it is a titanic tree, its branches stretching from horizon to horizon, great and green and immovable which leaves behind a lingering sense of strength and vitality in those who dream of it.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, we are needed far from here in the Marches. We return to Bregasland to defend them and push the Jotun out. Our wagons may not have the speed needed to reach Graven March alone but we will NOT be alone, we call upon the contracts with the City of Gold and Lead, to speed our way in a forced march. Let the marches hear us coming, sing our warchants, bolster their hearts with our loyalty we are returning to them.</quote>
<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">Where the Burning Falcons blaze the passion of the Empire follows. We meet the fire of the Marches, Amberlain in her oath sworn territory. We hit the Jotun with banners raised bold and Prideful. The waters of Bregasland could not stain our Freeborn colour last time and they never will as we stand with the Empire.</quote>
<quote by="Velasco i Guerra, General of the Fire of the South">Xenia was a flame of the Coast and in their light we shall burn bright. We will turn our tempest south. In Loyalty to the March. Prepare well and be fleet of foot. War is calling. Forward the Fire. For the souls of the lost. Summer comes with us.</quote>
<quote by="Fitzwilliam Thorn, General of the Bounders">Jacks of the Bounders. We have work to do this season. First I must recognise and thank Mary Birchsmith who not only steered the bounders through hard times but was also and still is my friend. This season we steady conquest into Gravenmarch, rushes and the Ottermire. We will take back what they took from us and make them realise the error in going into our land once again.</quote>
<quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">Reeds. Last season we rose from the Reeds and bloodied the noses of those Jotun dogs, and though many of us bled that day, they bled harder. No time to stop now though, friends, for our gardens are still full of pests. We will commit to a Grinding Advance forward with our allies to chase the pests from our land.</quote>
<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal’s Spear">My Precious Soldiers, it is time for us to be both an example to the armies beside us, and in front. We agreed to a code of war, of honour and Heroism, one we will show how to fight with Virtue. The Strong Reeds stayed loyal to Bregasland and due to their cunning tactics, the Jotun grew restless. The Jotun then came with Stephen of Sarcombe, letting slaughter follow in their wake. Let the Ambitious and Courageous heroes we create here be the foundation of the talks due in the newly built meeting place.</quote></div>
Some are more disturbed by these dreams than others, anxious for what they might portend. Many who rise from their blankets beneath the sullen sky of Bregasland never experience them at all. At first the dreams seem scattered, but as the season progresses they become more common and more pronounced. From chance engagements it seems that it is not just Bregas and Imperial soldiers who are experiencing then, but their foes as well.

But at the end of the day, dreams are only dreams and cannot truly hurt you. Whatever happens in dreams is between your right eye and your left, as some Marchers put it. There is war in Bregasland, and weighed against that threat, what purchase can strange dreams find?

==The Ebb and Flow==
The Empire continues to fight in Gravenmarch, building on their successes last season. They press the advantage, but the Jotun will not give ground. They stand as immovable as stone against Imperial assault, matching blade with shield, and arrow with armour. The two sides, it seems, are evenly matched.
There is a burst of concern early on when Imperial scouts bring news of fifty thousand Jotun streaming back over Odd’s Way from Mitwold, but the new arrivals are here to replace, not reinforce. The Howling Night, the Iron Host, the Shield of the Mountain, and the Southern Bear remain behind to defend Bregasland; all the other Jotun depart the Fenlands as if pursued by the hellish hounds of the Winter realm.

The four armies out of Mitwold are joined by a fifth a week or so later - the Bear Who Swims comes out of the west in the wake of the departing armies and adds its strength to those already in place. The Bounders and the Strong Reeds push to take advantage of this chaos, but the Jotun leave few cracks in their defences for the Marcher soldiers to exploit. By the time reinforcements arrive, the Jotun are once again arrayed to face Imperial efforts to reclaim Bregasland.
==Things Change==
As the Jotun reorganise their strength, so too do the Empire. The Strong Reeds remain in Gravenmarch, of course, rallying the Bregas folk to resist the Jotun. The Bounders stay with them, adding bow and soft-footed beater to the ‘Reeds strength. The [[Bloodcloaks]] fall back to Hahnmark, while the [[Drakes]] answer the call of their people in Mitwold, swift to face the unexpected invasion of the home they are sworn to defend. Alone, the two remaining Marcher armies would likely be crushed by the Jotun - but they are not without reinforcements of their own.

As the Jotun armies race north, so the armies that until recently had been attacking in [[Skallahn]] move south. The Narwhal’s Spear are at the forefront, [[Army_qualities#Quick-Witted|seeking their foe]] in the marshes of the south, With them are the [[orc|orcs]] of the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] drawing on their magical [[Army_qualities#Contracted|contracts]] with the [[Lictors]] to smooth their journey and let them keep pace with the fast-moving hunters of the ‘Spear. Only a short distance behind them, two [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] armies [[Army qualities#Fast|forced march]] half the length of the western Empire to battle. The [[Fire of the South]] burns brightly, but it cannot match the excitement of the [[Burning Falcon]], whose passionate intensity is all the greater for having been denied a ''true'' battle in Skallahn last season. Their fire is matched and reflected back by the [[Knights of Glory]] that march with them - ''Lady Moriamis'', golden-eyed warrior-poet, leads her cohort of warsingers, voices raised and drums pounding to inspire their allies to even greater acts of courage and audacity.

Six Imperial armies in Bregasland then, matched against five Jotun. Battling for Gravenmarch, beneath the silent gaze of the Graven rock.
==In the Shadow of the Grey Rock==
The two sides are well matched, at least at first. There are knights of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] fighting with the Southern Bear, whose fiery mien matches the intensity of the battle-musicians of Lady Moriamis. The raven-banner of ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' still flies in Ottery, her warband returning to their task of rooting out rebels among the Bregas. The standards of the Howling Bears are raised alongside the austere flags of Yantan Tethrason of Reinos - the former Lasambrian goatherd and their followers have acquitted themselves well during the invasion of Mitwold it seems. The three warbands have stayed in the south, while the rest accompany the Jotun forces racing west to [[Hordalant]].

The battle lines do not shift much, at least at first. The Empire pushes, but the Jotun hold. They clearly trust the Lasambrian forces in Mitwold to secure the eastern border of the Dour Fen, allowing them to bring most of their force to bear in the south. Not all of it though - they must maintain their presence in the rest of the marsh, must stand ready to deal with rebellious Bregas inspired by the presence of the Strong Reeds. It is not easy to fight back against the strength of the western orcs, with their boot on the necks of the yeofolk, but the Bregas endure.

A step back, a step forward. The Jotun aren’t pressing the Empire, content this season as the last to hold what they have taken, to keep them contained in Gravenmarch. The Shield of the Mountain take the lead here, ensuring that even if the Empire manage to gain any new ground they will [[Army_qualities#Hard_Bitten|pay for it]] in blood. Yet the Empire came to this battle knowing there would be a butcher’s bill to meet if they wanted to unseat the Jotun. The Strong Reeds lead the Imperial advance, grinding forward, crushing the barbarians who try to stand against them.

The fighting rages, in the shadow of Graven Rock and step by step the Jotun are forced to cede ground. But the cost! Thousands of Imperial soldiers fall to the Jotun; thousands of barbarians fall to the Empire. The Marchers maintain that Gravenmarch is the only dry land in the marshes, but this season the soil here is sodden with blood. Thirsty soil is good soil, say the Marchers. But soil ''this'' thirsty?
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amberlain7869.jpg||caption='''Amberlain P. Black''', General of the Strong Reeds|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Aracelis4339.jpg|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Xenia.png|caption='''Xenia i Erigo''', former General of the Fire of the South|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Determination.png|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear|align=left|width=200}}
</fourpicture>

==The Mountain Rings==
The Jotun must know they are losing in Gravenmarch. A month before the Spring Equinox they have been pushed back to the edge of the Rushes. The western orcs do not relish fighting in the marshes, but they do not let their distaste weaken their resolve. With Graven Rock behind them, the Strong Reeds at the fore, the Bounders to their left and the Narwhal’s Spear at their right hand, the Imperial armies press one more time into the Rushes.

As they come, a roar goes up from the Jotun. ''"Ulvenwar!"'' they cry, and ''"Majastind!"'' and ''"Treefeller!"'' Some of the orcs, Autumn Hammers and Marcher orcs alike falter, as if a great weight has fallen on them, then rise filled with some inner strength. The coarse fur of the bear pelt at their shoulder, the tight bone helm of a beast’s head at their temples. Then the roar becomes louder and it is clear that it is not just coming from the Jotun. It is coming from all around, the thunder of stone on stone, coupled with the impossible drumbeat of the living earth itself.

Graven Rock is singing.

The noise goes on and on, rising in volume as the two armies clash. For some it is deafening, bringing with it a sense that the enemy cannot be defeated, that this challenge cannot be met. For others it is empowering, full of the assurance that the only way to lose is to give in to the fear of what lies ahead. The roar of Graven Rock echoes back and forth across the battlefield, ringing, ringing like a massive bell of stone. Sometimes, when one catches a glimpse of the rock out of the corner of an eye, it has become an immensity, a pinnacle of grey stone reaching so much higher than the usual fifty or so metres. Other times it resembles that odd dreamt-of tower.
The roar fades as suddenly as it arose, but the sensations it evoked linger as the battle rages on. The campaign so far has been bloody, but it is nothing to the battle here on the margins of the marsh, on the edge of the great fens of Bregas. Two implacable forces matched against each other, in the end it is the Empire that overcomes the obstacle presented to them by their foes. It is Imperial soldiers that push the Jotun back, force them to cede the field, force them to retreat north toward Sallow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Fitzwilliam Thorn.jpg|caption='''Fitzwilliam Thorn''', General of the Bounders|align=right|width=350}}
They do not retreat far; but does it matter? Gravenmarch is Imperial. The Rushes are next, with the Empire ready to press on after the retreating orcs to show them the folly of trying to claim Bregasland from its people, from the Strong Reeds.

The battle, though, has raged for the entire day and night is falling. Horns and drums sound, warbands and cohorts regrouping, the situation being assessed. Soldiers turning to each other and asking what that noise was, what it portended. And that’s when the other unlooked for miracle - if miracle it is - occurs.
==The Forest Endures==
That final battle on the boundary of the Rushes has been the bloodiest of the entire campaign. Easily as many soldiers on both sides fell, as have fallen in the whole time since the Winter equinox. Perhaps three thousand in total, human and orc alike, lying on the thirsty earth or in bloody pools, pressed into the earth as if in a final embrace. It is dark, and there are more pressing issues than recovering the dead – there will be time tomorrow to count the cost and begin the mourning, even as others prepare to pursue the defeated yet unbowed Jotun.

As the sun falls beneath the mountains, the sky is clear above. The stars stare down, silently, on the butchers field. And as the stars come out there is a noise like… how to describe it. Like a cobweb being plucked? Like the hand of the wind caressing the reeds? Like the earth wakening from its slumber and sighing in delight at the touch of the sun? And beneath it a thrumming sound, the beat of a drum, quieter and more measured than the roar of Graven Rock. The sound of plants, growing. Trees, rising from the ground, undergoing years of growth in the space of an hour.

At first it is only a handful, but as [[the Oak]] rises in the sky, more and more trees push out of the soil. Oak and yew, ash and willow, along the border where the battle has raged. It soon becomes clear that these trees are not growing at random. Each grows from the place where a warrior has fallen - both barbarian and Imperial. Those bodies that have not been collected - the great majority of them at that - are lost to the earth as the trees grow. Pulled or pushed down into the soil as the roots dig down and the branches spread wide.

By midnight, a silent woodland covers the battlefield, here in the shadow of Graven Rock. By sunrise, the trees have spread further, new growth leaping from the graves of the fallen and out along the border between Graven March and the Rushes. As the first rays of the morning sun touch the first tree, the supernatural growth ends. A small forest now lies in western Gravenmarch, the oldest trees looking for all the world as if they have stood there for decades.
Some welcome this strange miracle, but the landskeepers who are present are less sanguine. They cast dark eyes towards the heavens, muttering about the Mountain and the Oak, about the sheer unnaturalness of these events and what they may hold for the future. Some cast an equally baleful eye to the south-east, toward [[Casinea]] and [[Anvil]], as they mutter among themselves.

But for most, this is a strange thing indeed, but not unprecedented in a world of magic, where the stars can touch the earth. There will be time to wonder at the trees when no Bregas labours under the Jotun yoke. And for the Marchers at least, the trees are fitting tribute to the dead - even if their allies from other Imperial nations might not agree…
<gallery heights=200 mode="packed">
File:AutumnHammers colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Autumn Hammers
File:Bounders_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Bounders
File:BurningFalcon_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Burning Falcon
File:TheFireoftheSouth_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Fire of the South
File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's Spear
File:StrongReeds_Colour.png|link=387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Strong Reeds
</gallery>

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has liberated Gravenmarch and made some headway into the Rushes'''
* '''Unexpected magic has touched the battlefield on the edge of the Rushes'''
The Empire has liberated Gravenmarch, giving them a beachhead in the territory at last. The price has been high - almost three thousand soldiers have died to drive the Jotun out. The barbarians for their part have paid a lower price, given their strong defensive strategy, but they have lost at least two thousand of their own people.

There is now a woodland on the edge of the Rushes, raised in a single night by unexpected magic that does not seem to have been the result of a ritual enchantment. At the same time, there are strange resonances running through Graven Rock which the landskeepers suspect may be connected to the sudden forest. They’re confident that [[Eye of the High Places]] will discover more information, and are concerned about what these changes might portend.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Regal, noble, and terrible in anger; Eleonaris is the Lion of Summer and her soldiers bear many of her traits.|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Participation : Fire of the South==
* '''The Fire of the South cannot take the cautious advance or give ground orders for the next year'''
* '''Any character whose military unit fought alongside the Fire of the South may be inspired by the Knights of Glory'''
The Fire of the South last fought alongside the Knights of Glory in [[Sarangrave]] during the Summer. As [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Sarangrave|mentioned then]], the use of Knights of Glory is having an unexpected effect on the armies relying on it. The Fire of the South cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders until a year has passed - and with their use of the [[enchantment]] this season that clock has been reset.

On the other hand, ''Lady Moriamis'' and her warsingers take every opportunity to inspire the passionate soldiers of the Fire of the South, especially the [[kohan]]. A character whose military unit supported this army may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to the glorious heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you receive a bonus hero point during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a roleplaying effect that lasts until the end of the Spring Equinox: ''You feel a strong urge to attempt great deeds that invite attention You take particular pleasure in approval and adulation, being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper. If you enter battle you feel driven to prove your worth and show everyone your strength.''

==Battle Opportunity==
Imperial prognosticators have identified a potential conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] allowing Imperial heroes to intercede in [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]]. The gate seems to open near Rushring, the circle of stones that stands in the centre of the largest of the so-called dead meres of Bregasland. Open areas of standing water where no fish are found, drinking the seemingly fresh water of the dead meres leads to crippling stomach cramps and, if the imbiber is already weak, may result in death. This area is viewed with caution by the Bregas, and is an unlikely locale for the already marsh-suspicious Jotun to be investigating.

A knock at the door

2026-06-06T20:34:09Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"Well, doors obviously. Portals, in both the mundane and the magical sense. Thresholds, literal and metaphorical. Transitions, moving from one state to another. Every journey begins by passing through a door, so travel and by extension trade."

"... all that from four little stars?" The orc merchant looked sceptical. Makkima used all her will not to sigh and roll her eyes.

"The size of the star doesn't... look, can you just trust me on this? We need to perform the ritual inside your office, and during it you need to move through its door. That's all you need to do. We'll do everything else."

"It just doesn't make sense. I mean, for a start, what about closed doors? Doesn't that mean you stars are as likely to shut me out of the rooms where the deals I want to be inside of happen? How do these tiny lights know what I want?"

"They're not small, maester. They are far... please, can you just... I don't come down to your office and tell you how to get your ships loaded up or how to pick a port to trade at or... you see what I mean?"

"I do, I do. But I like to understand what I'm buying. I didn't get where I am today by accepting things at face value, especially when they don't make a lick of sense. So explain to me again. Why only four lamps? If four lamps are good for guiding my ships to Sarcophan, wouldn't eight lamps mean the magic was even twice as good?"

"Let's start again. Maybe a metaphor would help? You see, the Door is like a quay..."

As soon as she said it she knew she'd made a mistake as the merchant opened his mouth to immediately disagree with her. As her temper started to fray, Makkima briefly heard the echo of Sheanduir whispering that her best course would be to have the merchant thrown out onto the street because there would always be more traders desperate for the profits her magic could provide. Perhaps have him beaten as a warning of the dangers of trying her patience.

But she resisted the urge to follow that advice; this wasn't the good old days. Now she was in competition with a half dozen other jumped-up "magicians" who'd leap at the chance to tell prospective customers how unwelcoming she was. Instead she forced her face into a smile as the merchant explained that the only things doors and quays had in common is that some of them had four corners.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Loud Gull.jpg|caption=The city-state of Beoraidh continues to seek diplomatic and economic ties with the Empire, among others.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/qwg1jAHMjfA?si=7eNJdOy3dncMkaJd}}
* '''The people of Beoraidh are recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They continue to seek trade and diplomatic ties with both the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''They have accepted the patronage of the Sarcophan Delves'''
* '''The new ambassador to Beoraidh is the Highborn Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard'''
Before [[Mareave]] was conquered by the Empire, Beoraidh was the stronghold of the Salt-Lord Ehsan and his supporters. As war spread through the territory, the population was swollen by the arrival of refugees, especially from wealthy [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]]. In a surprise move, Ehsan declared independence from the [[Grendel]] and sued for peace with the Empire. He laid out a plan for his people that involved declaring the city, and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], as a neutral state. A free port where both Imperial and Grendel merchants would be welcome, without favouring either. Evidence suggests that his negotiations with his former peers have been successful, and then toward the end of 387YE he secured an offer of protection from the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves]].

The newly styled ''Ehsan, Lord of Sand'' rules from the city. They work to mould the place into a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. As discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. How much influence the Sarcophan have is unclear but it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves, their warships, and their economic sanctions.
{{Nation|nation=[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]|status=Foreigner|port=Currently none.|ambassador= Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard of [[Highguard]]}}
The [[Wide_azure_skies|ongoing battle]] over the territory has seen the independent citizens of the city stay securely behind their walls, keen to avoid being caught up in the fighting. Their best interest probably lies in the territory being split evenly between the Salt Lords and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] so that neither side has dominion, but that outcome seems very unlikely indeed. Today, Beoraidh enjoys a precarious position between two powerful warlike nations. Its survival depends on persuading both the Empire and the Broken Shore of its usefulness, as well as retaining the patronage of the Delves. A difficult balancing act, where one misstep could see the city sacked and its people put to the sword, enslaved, or driven into the sea.

==Welcome Ambassador==
* '''Ehsan is positive about the decision to appoint an ambassador even without an embassy
* '''Beoraidh has appointed ''Rubhart Kaltrin'' as Ambassador to the Empire
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard.jpeg|caption='''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Ambassador to Beoraidh|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Last season Ehsan [[Each_age_a_lens#Investment_of_Stone|presented plans for a consulate]] in Beoraidh for use by the [[Imperial Consul]]. In a move that initially surprised the Lord of Sand, the [[Senate]] did not commission the consulate but instead [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Create_Ambassador_to_Beoraidh|created a new Ambassador to Beoraidh]] to replace the Consul. The [[Senate motion]] apparently ''explicitly'' stated that no embassy would be built.

At first a little nonplussed, Ehsan is apparently pleased by the decision. There's no requirement for Beoraidh to build an expensive embassy in the city, and no need for a staff of Imperial civil servants to establish themselves in the "neutral territory". Instead, all he needs to do is select one of his advisors to serve as ambassador to the Empire. With that in mind, the Lord of Sand is pleased to present ''Rubhart Kaltrin'' to Ambassador Melkior. Rubhart is one of Ehsan's (many) relatives - a great-nephew as near as the civil service can tell. They have investments across the city, having initially made their money in the salt trade but now having mostly divested their interests and focused on using money to make money. They are reportedly keen to get started and look forward to meeting Ambassador Melkior at some point in the near future.

Under normal circumstances, an ambassador without an embassy has problems being taken seriously by a foreign nation - especially given the relative prestige of other ambassadors and the Imperial Consul. In this case, however, Beoraidh sees a dedicated ambassador as a sign of respect. They are being taken as seriously as the [[Iron Confederacy]], the [[Commonwealth]] or - crucially - the [[Grendel]]. What may be more important are the financial and political benefits. No embassy for the Empire in Beoraidh means Ehsan needs to spend less money building equivalent facilities, a cost he can ill-afford. Most importantly of all, it reduces the risk of compromising the city-state's neutrality. With no embassy built, the Grendel can't accuse Ehsan of siding with the Empire.

The civil service note that the only downside to this situation is that without an ambassadorial staff in Beoraidh, their ability to advise on the factions and politics of the city-state is greatly reduced. Likewise, the Ambassador to Beoraidh is not able to direct their staff to [[Ambassador#Communication|send messages]] to Beoraidh - they will have to compose and send their [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] during a summit to ensure they reach their counterpart in time.

==Prosperity==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Temple of the Way in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 90 crowns, 20 Thrones land purchase</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' No building progress can take place until the agreed 20 Thrones is delivered</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' If commissioned by an orc, 45 crowns in labour cost provided by Beoradhi investors</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Creates a modest shrine of the Way that can be used by a lone Imperial priest to preach to orcs of Beoraidh and Sinfoyard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Standard. Unless something changes, available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates a modest structure in Beoraidh
* Establishes the title ''Sevenfold Questioner'''
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Sevenfold Questioner'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Synod</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' General Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 16 crowns income each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To ensure the Temple of the Way in Beoraidh is preaching to the people; make decisions relating to the temple; deal with any threats to the temple or followers of the Way in Beoraidh</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Basilica of the Way in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 40 [[white granite]], 20 [[mithril]], 216 crowns labour costs, 20 Thrones land purchase</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' No building progress can take place until the agreed 20 Thrones is delivered</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' If commissioned by an orc, 108 crowns in labour cost provided by Beoradhi investors</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Standard. Unless something changes, available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates an impressive structure in Beoraidh
* Represents the largest religious structure in the city
* Establishes the title ''Preacher of Beoraidh'''
* Creates the ''Preach the Way in Beoraidh'' congregation opportunity
* While it might be damaged or captured it would take significant effort over time to actually tear the structure down</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Preacher of Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Synod</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' General Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 23 crowns income each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To ensure the Temple of the Way in Beoraidh is preaching to the people; make decisions relating to the temple; deal with any threats to the temple or followers of the Way in Beoraidh</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Unshackled enthusiasm for a temple of the Way in Beoraidh built in line with Imperial Orc understanding of the faith has refreshed an earlier opportunity'''
* '''If the work is commissioned by an orc character with an appropriate title, the orcs of Beoraidh will be inclined to invest in the construction
* '''There is also an opportunity to invest in dock expansion to allow Imperial fleets to visit the markets of the city
Last season the Beoradhi set out several opportunities for the Empire, along with a [[Each_age_a_lens#Diplomatic_Delegation|diplomatic delegation]] to the Imperial Orcs. These included confirmation that the [[Each_age_a_lens#Investment_of_Salt|offer to sell land]] for the construction of a [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine of the Virtues|temple of the Way]] was still available. According to Ambassador Melkior the Unshackled are interested in purchasing the land for 25 Thrones, provided the shrine is in keeping with the Unshackled understanding of the Way. Ambassador Rubhart is happy to accept ''more'' for the land than was being asked, but points out that the style of the temple is entirely in the control of whichever Imperial citizen is actually building it. That said, they also point out that many Beoradhi are still a little new to the idea of dealing with humans as their equals.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=right|width=175}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rasp10013.jpg||caption='''Bloodcrow Rasp''', Senator Skarsind|align=right|width=200}}
The ideal situation would be for an [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] [[senator]] the [[Legion Engineer]], or an orc citizen from any nation who was [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]], to [[commission]] whichever version of the shrine - the temple or the basilica - they settled on. In this case, traders and merchants keen to curry favour with the Empire would fall over themselves to be seen as supporting the project. Rubhart confidently predicts the labour costs of either project would be halved if an orc commissioned it. The civil service further note that there are several League titles with the ability to commission a [[sinecure]] - if the seat holder were a League orc, this discount would also be available. This approach reinvigorate the opportunities presented in Summer 387YE - they remain available until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE as long as nothing changes.

The second opportunity discussed was a chance for [[Each_age_a_lens#Investment_of_Sea|Imperial investment in the docks]], which would offer prosperity to both Beoraidh and its larger neighbour. Ambassador Rubhart is nonplussed when Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard seems to suggest that the Empire is keen to "''support Beoraidh as an independent port of free trade where people might meet on neutral ground''." Beoraidh is ''already'' working towards that laudable goal, and the dock investment was a way for the Empire to become involved. Fortunately, the opportunity is still available and remains so 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;">'''Trading Post'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Icarion or Eoradal, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 weirwood, 30 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the income of the Shepherd of the Southern Herd by 10 crowns each season
* Increases the income of the Shepherd of the Great Herd in Skarsind by 5 crowns each season
* Secures trade between the Unshackled and Beoraidh
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
==Salt and Beef==
* '''Beoraidh is keen to establish a trade of salt for beef'''
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOrcHerd003a.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''An opportunity exists to establish a trading post in Mareave to increase the benefits of both the Southern Herd and the Great Herd in Skarsind'''
One of the problems Beoraidh has is that there is a dearth of arable land in arid north-western Mareave. Now that the Children of Wrecks appear to be on the way out, there will be opportunities to fish the waters of the Bay of Catazar again but that comes with its own challenges for a city that traditionally relied more on trade than industry to feed its populace. As a consequence, the discussion at the Winter Solstice of establishing a "salt for beef" exchange between the city-state and the Unshackled has been enthusiastically received.

In a straightforward arrangement, Rubhart proposes that the Unshackled build a trading post on the border between [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] and either [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]] or [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]]. Beoraidh will do the same on the opposite side of the border. The intention that the Imperial Orcs will be able to buy salt and even some ores from trade passing through the town of ''Aghnayadh'', while the Beoradhi will be able to purchase salt beef, tallow, and other cattle-based products from the [[Shepherd of the Southern Herd]]. This would increase the [[Shepherd_of_the_Southern_Herd#Substantial Income|already substantial income]] of the Shepherd by 10 Crowns each season. In addition, access to salt in significant quantities would also benefit the [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd#The_Great_Herd|Great Herd]] in far away [[Skarsind]]; salt travels and keeps much better than raw meat after all. The [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] would see their rewards from their [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd|bounteous herd]] increase by 5 crowns each season. Obviously these benefits would be lost if the trade between Beoraidh and the Unshackled were disrupted in some fashion.
==Diamant Drakes==
* '''Conflict between the Unshackled Sannites and the gladiators of Beoraidh has been concluded
* '''While there are no current opportunities to invest or participate in the colosseum an appraisal could be used
The [[Each_age_a_lens#Retribution|ongoing strife]] between the ''Diamant Drakes'' following their [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visit to Anvil]] during the Summer Solstice has by all accounts been resolved. The Beoradhi gladiators who [[Each_age_a_lens#Retribution|came to Anvil]] to resolve the matter at the Spring Equinox are satisfied with the outcome. They were honoured by an opportunity to participate in a [[Pit-fights|pit-fight]]; although [[Pit-fights#Pitfighter|pit fighters]] take a more spiritual approach to the intense emotions of this kind of battle, they are not ''that'' different to the gladiators of Beoraidh some of whom also seek communion with their [[Grendel_religion#Ancestors|ancestors]] in the violence of the colosseum.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Investing in Beoraidh Colosseum'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Appraisal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Name of the prognosticator </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limits:'''
* The appraisal must specify that it relates to finding ways for Imperial citizens to invest in Beoraidh colosseum and the gladiatorial games
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Explores opportunities to allow Imperial citizens to become involved with Beoraidh colosseum and the gladiatorial games that take place there
</td></tr>
</table></div>
However, the opportunity for Imperial citizens to invest in Beoraidh's colosseum cannot help but have been tainted by the conflict. If it were up to Ehsan alone he would welcome warbands of Imperial citizens to visit the city and fight in the arena; it would be good for the city and firm up relations with the Empire. Unfortunately it is not just his decision that matters here. For the time being, while individual Imperial citizens can venture to Beoraidh in the hopes of engaging in gladiatorial combat, there will be no formal invitation made.

One Unshackled civil servant jokingly suggests that the obvious thing to do is commission an [[appraisal]] into how the Empire could get the most out of the Beoraidh colosseum and maybe send [[Appraisal#Mladen Escovitch|Mladen Escovitch]] next time he comes out of retirement. Humorous as this might be, however, there's no reason such an appraisal ''couldn't'' be commissioned by the Senate if they wished to explore further opportunities here.

==Up In The Peaks==
* '''Beoraidh is interested in Imperial assistance to open negotiations with the Skourans
* '''Former Salt-Lord Ehsan will burn political favours to provide an opportunity to meet elders of the Brine Turtles during the Summer Solstice
Also as discussed during their visit to the Empire, there is interest in the Empire providing an introduction to the Skourans to the east of Mareave. Not only are they looking for trade opportunities, but they have apparently been advised that before any decisions about Beoradhi access to the Grand Aqueduct of Eoradal can be made the Skourans would need to agree. The folk of the mountains have no reason to respond favourably to communication from folk they likely cannot tell apart from Grendel, but Imperial intercession would go a long way toward smoothing the path to diplomacy and trade. The easiest way to do this would be for a [[Senate motion]] to instruct the [[Civil Service|civil service]] accordingly.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;;">'''Introduction to Skoura'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Senate motion]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limits:'''
* The motion must specify that the Senate instructs the civil service to facilitate a meeting between Beoraidh and Skoura
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The Empire would assist Beoraidh in making a diplomatic approach to the people of Skoura
* Lord of Sand Ehsan would arrange a meeting between the Brine Turtles (including a representative of their army) and the Empire
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' While the opportunity will persist until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE, the situation in Mareave is volatile and might change at any time, making the offer from Beoraidh ineffective
</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Lord of Sand offers to reciprocate in kind. If the Senate agrees to facilitate such contact during the Spring Equinox, he will use his influence with the Grendel to arrange a chance for the Imperial Consul to meet with representatives of the Brine Turtles sept including at least one of their respected warriors (someone associated with the Brine Turtle army). This meeting would take place on neutral ground during the Summer Solstice and present an opportunity to reach a resolution to problems in Mareave surrounding the sept. In the event that the Empire is able to arrange its own meeting, Rubhart believes that if Beoraidh throws its support behind such negotiations they will be able to work with both sides to improve the chances of an equitable outcome. Obviously this will require Ehsan to burn some of his favours with his former colleagues among the Grendel which is why the "price" is that the Empire provide political support to Beoraidh.

The civil service caution that it is likely that if Beoraidh secures trade links with Skoura, the Sarcophan Delves will also be in a position to take advantage of that trade. The Delves have access to significantly more resources than Beoraidh does, and it is not impossible that if they open favourable diplomatic channels with the Skourans it might impact potential Imperial trade with that nation.

==Spies and Agents==
* '''Beoraidh is not prepared to spy on the Grendel for the Empire or vice versa
There is one other matter Ehsan wishes to clarify that he thinks is leading to some misunderstanding. To survive, Beoraidh must remain neutral. There have been suggestions that the people of Beoraidh could provide information on Grendel military strength, magical capabilities, or political positions in return for concessions from the Empire. Doing so would have serious consequences for the city state. When the Grendel found out it would be impossible to maintain Beoraidh's neutrality. Worse, the Empire would have to suspect that they were selling Imperial secrets to the Grendel. It is simply easier to maintain an independent position by not supporting either side in this way. Unless the situation changes dramatically future efforts to get Beoraidh to provide information on either the Grendel or the Empire will be ignored.

There is some question about how Beoraidh would feel about Imperial spies operating in the city. Ehsan turns coy at this point, refusing to be drawn, and saying only that it would depend who they were spying on and how prepared they were to be spied on in turn.

==Thunder on the Beaches==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly ImperialOrc.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''A coalition of reavers recommend a direct attack against the Brine Turtles in Mareave
* '''They ask for the support of the Imperial Orcs assembly
* '''If the proposed mandate is enacted it will create two related ventures available to reavers
* '''The ventures are also available to Wintermark maggots, Varushkan wagon raiders, and Freeborn corsairs
The situation in Mareave is volatile; while Ehsan's offer to [[#Up in the Peaks|arrange a meeting]] with the Brine Turtles is made in good faith it is entirely possible that matters beyond his control will make it irrelevant. Not everyone in Mareave is looking for ''any'' sort of negotiation with the sept of [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]]; some see the presence of the avowedly barbarian [[orc|orcs]] there as an opportunity. Specifically, a number of [[Imperial_Orcs_economic_interests#Reavers|reavers]] are eager to deal with the Brine Turtles in a more direct fashion.

The Empire offered the hand of friendship to the sept, even going so far as to [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_hunting_turtles_in_Bay_of_Catazar|outlaw the hunting of turtles]] in an attempt to curry favour with them. The second the Grendel returned, the Brine Turtles made it clear where their loyalties actually lie. The Empress rightly - in the view of the reavers at least - [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Declare_War_on_Brine_Turtles|declared war]] on them immediately. While battle rages back and forth through southern Mareave, these reavers say it is time to give these turncoats what they deserve.

A vocal supporter of this reaver coalition names ''Warlord Bikk'', has moved his Legion to [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] and intends to use his camp to help co-ordinate Imperial efforts to raid the Brine Turtles and take everything of value they have. Before he is prepared to take action, however, he asks for the support of his fellow Unshackled - and especially the approval of the [[Imperial Orcs]] national assembly.

{{mandate|mandate=Despise that which threatens what you watch over. We send {named priest} with a throne to encourage vigilant Reavers to despoil the Brine Turtles lands. Let us thwart this malice before it strikes again.|assembly=Imperial Orc Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will create two related [[venture|ventures]] that would become available to Imperial Orc reavers following the Spring Equinox. ''Warlord Bikk'' is aware that there are probably not enough reavers to do as much damage as he might like and as such is more than happy to welcome warlords from other nations, provided they have some experience reaving. If the mandate passes he will open his camp as a staging ground to similar groups in other nations. Both ventures will also be available to Varushkan [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|Wagon-Raiders]], Wintermark [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Maggot|Maggots]] and Freeborn [[Corsair|Corsairs]], all of whom Warlock Blikk recognises as experts in pillaging Imperial Enemies.

One thing that is absolutely clear: this raid will not have the same effect that an [[army]] attacking the sept would have. The explicit threat presented by an army, and the [[Here_to_stay#Violence|reputation]] that would spread as a result of it, are different to a "''simple''" raid.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sannite.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ethengraw.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
===Internal Arguments===
* '''There is disagreement as to the best course of action
* '''Some of those with strong opinions plan to come to Anvil at 16.00 on Saturday to discuss the matter with their peers
There is some disagreement in the wake of Bikk's proposal about exactly how to proceed. The warlord himself has asked reavers to focus on the Brine Turtle supply lines - the better to ensure that the raid does the maximum damage to the enemy. But the [[Sannite]] reaver ''Pil'' however claims they remember the Brine Turtles from when they lived in Beoraidh, and says they were always self-important and smug about their good relations with the "proper" Grendel. Pil's opinion is that everyone should focus on maximising the loot taken so that the Brine Turtles are encouraged to flee the territory to hide behind their Grendel "friends", so that the Empire ''doesn't'' have to deal with them in the long term

Bonesetter ''Guld'' of the [[Ethengraw]] on the other hand argues that, at some point, the Brine Turtles ''will'' be subjects of the Empire; it's probably counter-productive to raid them now. It might be ''satisfying'' or even ''expedient'', but they believe it will store up trouble in the long run. The Brine Turtles are likely to be angry if their supply lines are cut and they'll be furious if their wealth is plundered. The "virtue" of [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|Retribution]] is an important part of Grendel culture; their [[Grendel religion|religion]] encourages them to exact vengeance on those who wrong them.

Warlord Bikk, Bonesetter Guld, and reaver Pil intend to travel to [[Anvil]] to further discuss what should be done and are expected to arrive at four in the afternoon on Saturday, at the Unshackled camp, to discuss the matter with the national assembly. Warlord Bikk in particular hopes some interested representatives of the Winterfolk, Freeborn, and Varushkan reavers will come along as well to put their viewpoints forward.

===Ventures in Fleisardh===
* '''The mandate allows two related ventures to be undertaken following the Spring Equinox'''
* '''These ventures are only available to military units belonging to characters with the reaver, maggot, wagon raider, or corsair archetype
Both opportunities resulting from the mandate are [[Military_unit#Raiding|raiding]] actions, aimed at the Brine Turtles sept, and those engaged in either venture will benefit from ritual enchantments that [[Venture#Raiding_Ventures|boost raiding]]. While an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] is possible, it won't be possible to gain access to one of the raid opportunities but not the other.
====Military Precision====
* '''Reavers could specifically target the supply lines of the Brine Turtles army
* '''This could disrupt the army, but results in less loot for the reavers
The first available venture would be to ''Interdict the Brine Turtles supplies''. The raid actively targets key Brine Turtle supply lines - mostly food and baggage trains, stockpiles of resources intended for use by the army, and the like. There is comparatively little loot to be gained here; most of it is either too heavy to carry off of profoundly mundane in nature. A standard military unit will receive 50 rings, representing the value of what they have carried off. [[Military unit#Upgrade|Upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military units will receive proportionately more.

Destroying the supplies however will cause maximum disruption. This would directly damage the Brine Turtle army, for every thousand points of total strength supporting the action the Brine Turtle army will be unable to benefit from natural resupply for a season, to a maximum of one year (starting with the downtime following the Spring Equinox).
====Loot and Plunder====
* '''Reavers could instead target the wealth of the Brine Turtles sept directly
* '''This provides more loot, and if sufficient force is committed it could drive the majority of the sept out of Mareave
The other venture would ''Plunder the Brine Turtles land''. Rather than focus on cutting the army's supply lines, reavers taking this action instead aim for the richest pickings. The Brine Turtle sept is wealthy, enjoying a prestigious position in the territory, prospering under the Grendel rule of Mareave. This won't have any affect on the Brine Turtle army, but it provides significantly more plunder for the reavers who take part. A standard military unit will receive 100 rings, 5 random resources, and at least one Grendel luxury. Upgraded or enchanted military units will receive proportionately more.

The main effect of this objective is to harass the Brine Turtles to the point that they have no choice but to abandon their lands at least in the short term. If a total strength of four thousand or more supports this option, many of the Brine Turtle sept will withdraw from [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]] heading south for safer lands under the protection of the Grendel.
{{Beoraidh links}}

Wide azure skies

2026-06-06T20:32:47Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wide azure skies.jpg|caption=The storm clouds roil and rage, but behind them the sky is a deep azure blue.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==War Between Land and Sea==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/82QzLqDPejI?si=1Jhtu5okvSlXS8B5}}
[[Mareave]] is a dry land. There are areas where the ground will nurture crops, but they are few and jealously guarded. The fertile valley of Clisearn knows the gentle touch of fresh water, but even the Brine Turtles must rely on their purified waters to sustain their sept. In the north, the soil is dry and arid and easily blown by the winds. The Unshackled are working to bring water to the north, with their great aqueduct, but it is a slow process. For most of the people of the southernmost land of the Empire, the only fresh water they know is dragged up from deep underground, or falls unpredictably from the sky during the violent Spring storms. This year is no different; dark clouds gather above the Bay of Catazar as Winter fades. They rumble and grind against one another, portending the tempest to come, and the waves that will crash once more against the western cliffs as they do every year.

That tempest has already started, in a way. During the [[Scarlet_sands#Battle_Opportunity:_Rocks_Fall|Winter solstice]], the Grendel forces performed a risky ritual. Using power contained in the ''[[Scarlet_sands#Objective: Shore Up the Coast|Hawser of the Damned]]'', they let loose [[Winter magic]] and brought down the [[Mareave#Blood_River_Colossi|Blood River Colossi]] - and the entire coastal cliffside of [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]] as well. There are not a great many witnesses to exactly what happens when the magic is released. It takes a week or so for the effects to become visible; the rate of decay of the giant weathered statues accelerates until first the one and then the other collapse entirely, great hunks of crumbling stone plunging down into the rough waters off the coast of Mareave. From there, the [[Winter magic#Weakness|decay]] set in motion by the ''Haulers of the Tide'' gathers speed. It spreads inevitably north and south bringing down the cliffs into the churning waters, themselves whipped up by the powerful magical working. A fortnight after the Winter Solstice, the coastline of Fleisardh is unrecognizable. The sea has taken great misshapen bites out of the land, and a rocky shore now spreads where the cliffs once were. The statues are vanished from sight, and the waterfall that once flowed between them is now barely a weir, with blood-red foul water already pooling along the shore poisoning the waters.

This was no mere act of vandalism - the Grendel are not the Druj after all. This was all done in the service of a greater strategy. As the [[Towerjacks]] leave Mareave for [[Spiral]], and the [[Seventh Wave]] and the [[Winter Sun]] prepare for a final push into Fleisardh to drive the barbarians of the Broken Shore out of Mareave again, the fruits of that strategy become apparent.

Though the invaders have been pushed back into Fleisardh, they do not intend to remain there. The ''Brine Turtle'' and the ''Iron Gulls''; the ''Storm Sharks'' and the ''Naguerro'' push back against the [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|steady conquest]] of the Imperial forces, and they push back ''hard''. Nor are they alone. Even as the new shoreline of southern Mareave is settling into place, the naval forces of the yellow-sailed Golden Winds and the crimson-sailed Shamal are sailing south from [[Redoubt]]. They sail past the cliffs of Icarion and Sinfoyard, through the waters of Beoraidh, to the rocky beaches of Fleisardh. By themselves, they would be bad enough, their marines well versed in the art of the shore offensive, but they also bring with them the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilus, and the Hamsin. The latter are supported by a a cohort of heavily-armoured [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] soldiers, mercenaries paid by the Plenum itself to make war on the Empire. The Grendel of the Hamsin - it is a rare army of the Broken Shore that is made up of the rich and powerful inhabitants of the cities and ports rather than the sun-hardened inland septs - are more than happy to fight alongside sell-swords they do not need to pay themselves. While the armies already here bleed and struggle to slow the advance of the Empire’s soldiers, the newcomers disembark, form up, and ready themselves to join the fray.
==On the Wings of the Storm==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Wildfyre of Balthazar’s Vineyard, General of the Seventh Wave">Seventh Wave! There are those who say we leave, or to hold a line. When our enemy bleeds we keep the knife in and twist, our shields are scarred but will not break. Our swords are strained with the Grendel's blood. We don't fall back, we don't let them take one step, Walk with loyalty for our Imperial Orc siblings, My beloved wave my pride for you shall light a thousand lamps. Step forward. Step True. Step with Virtue.
</quote>
<quote by="Sand Viper Ikk, General of the Winter Sun">Orcs of the Winter Sun, this season we stay in Mareave. With clarity and strategy to protect the lands we call home, and to push out those that have bitten the hand we reached out to them in friendship. Guard your comrades, protect your flank as we steadily conquest Fleisardh and the rest of Mareave.
</quote></div>
The Empire are not without allies of their own. As the harbingers of the storm blow from the west, two [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]] rise in Mareave - one in [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]] to the north, the other over the foothill of [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]]. The latter is a sight to behold; a massive wall of ice stretching across the eastern end of the valley where the ''Ohwinn'' river winds through the foothills. The Fundindelve is sealed away behind great gates of living frost; the waters of the Ohwinn cascading through the wall made frigid-cold, colder than any waters have ever been in this arid land. This is no random citadel from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]; it is the ''Isjättens Väggar'', and the garrison that issues forth is composed of massive frost-armoured warriors and a dozen immense ice giants drawn from the domain of Cathan Canae to protect the lands of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]].

As well as magical castles, there is the fortress of Rucraic’s Redoubt. Named for one of the [[Sannite]] ancestors, shared with the Grendel, the newly completed redoubt is [[enchantment|enchanted]] with the [[Ramparts of Ashlar]]. Giants of bronze, as well as giants of ice, are abroad in Mareave this season it seems. The constructs drawn from the Fire Mountain of Shikal fight with the [[orc]] garrison of Rucraic’s Redoubt while the walls themselves burn with brass sigils evoking strength, fire, and stone.

Where the Grendel have Asaveans, the Imperial Orcs have mercenaries of their own. After [[Poets_light_but_lamps#Defensive War|negotiation]] between the [[senator]] and the people of the mountains, a force of [[Skoura|Skouran]] battle-engineers comes down through the narrow passes to the Redoubt. Perhaps five hundred in number, every soldier is equipped with magical arms and armour. Three hundred bear magical shields alongside their powerful warhammers; the remaining two hundred are empowered with talismans that keep them on their feet even as they press the hardest part of the fray with their massive thundering mattocks. They barely rest at the Redoubt - although many spend their time there approvingly exploring the new citadel - before marching south to join the battle against the Grendel.
==On the Lakeshore==
And what a battle! Both Imperial armies are woven with [[Day magic]], granting their soldiers and captains that [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|supernatural clarity]] that allows them to cooperate easily with other forces - no matter how strange - to complete their objectives. Giants, and war-engineers; Highborn and Unshackled. They fight together to push the barbarians south, and even in the face of a much larger force they do not falter for one step of the way.

After the Winter Solstice, the Empire is pressing south and west into Fleisardh. At first they continue to make headway - slowly, but inevitable pushing the Grendel back. Then the tide starts to turn. By themselves, the defenders of Fleisardh struggle to hold the Empire for more than a week or so - but that is all that is required. As the forces out of Redoubt, maritime and terrestrial alike, join the fray the Imperial advance slows. They hold the lands they have taken… but then the forces against them become too much to resist. For all their allies, the Empire’s forces are simply too badly outnumbered. The Grendel press them hard, and step by step they are forced to retreat.

The armies of the Broken Shore are potent, but the presence of the Shamaal and the Golden Winds adds even more pressure to the Empire. Their vessels take every advantage of the new shoreline, depositing soldiers and marines across the western coast, providing supplies and reinforcements at every turn. This would have been impossible if the great Blood River Colossi still stood, if the cliffs had not been brought down, but even with the south-western waters still hungry with Winter magic, the navies and their payload of armoured barbarians prove too much for the Empire.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
They fall back, and it seems as if the storm clouds flow in to fill the space they have left. The sky above the Grendel armies is low, and heavy with the threat of rain and worse. The winds from the sea pick up speed, raising dust clouds and wiping away the bootprints of the Imperial soldiers as they retreat, slowly, back into Clisearn, yielding the ground they have claimed in Fleisardh to the Grendel.

==A Wall of Ice and Steel==
Fleisardh is lost; the Seventh Wave and the Winter Sun pushed back. As the weather worsens, they make a stand in south-western Clisearn. With the ''Isjättens Väggar'' and Rucraic’s Redoubt at their backs, with the magicians of the [[Golden Pyramid]] at their [[Mareave#Grand Lodge|Grand Lodge]] offering what support they can, they erect their own wall of ice and steel between the valley and the arid flatlands of Fleisardh.

The two sides have manoeuvred around each other, the Grendel [[Army qualities#Resilient|grinding forward]] and the Empire attempting to take ground with [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|as few lives lost]] as possible. Here though on the border between Fleisardh and Clisearn, the skirmishing thrust and counter-thrust comes to a head. Blood soaks into the sandy soil, blood of orcs and human and supernatural warrior alike, and the ground swallows it thirstily. Thundering cries of battle, a storm of swords and shields, a furious tempest… and what is below is echoed in the skies. The storm breaks, the clouds tear open with a peal of thunder that deafens and dazes many Highborn [[naga]] with its sheer violence. Rain begins to pour down, and the soil drinks it just as greedily as it drinks the blood.

It lets something loose, this Spring storm. The fury in the clouds is echoed by the soldiers fighting below. In a different time, in a different place, it would be chaos but not here, and not know. The Imperial armies are bound by the clarity of Day; the Grendel armies may be barbarians but they are ''disciplined'' barbarians. A mad dance of strike and counterstrike unfolds on the border between Fleisardh and Clisearn. Each manoeuvre is met and countered, each counter turning into a riposte. Here three landsharks fight human and orc warriors with a towering ice-giant; there a bronze colossus is beset by a dozen Stone Born and just before it is brought down Unconquered arrows force the Grendel to withdraw.

The Sannite on the battlefield hear the voice of Rucraic himself roaring in the storm winds, urging them to strike without fear and show their former masters ''who they are''. Their war cries are echoed by the Black Eels, the reaver-army that roars the name of Rucraic even as they strive to steal the bounty of rich Clisearn and the Fundindelve. Sannite and Grendel clash like never before in that liminal space, that shore between the dry land and the mountains.

The Highborn hear no voices in the storm, but they hear the voices in their hearts just as loudly. They fight [[Courage|Courageously]] alongside [[Loyalty|Loyal]] allies - not human, but Imperial nonetheless - and they fight with [[Pride]]. They will not withdraw save that the enemy forces them, and if the line breaks they will draw a new line and stand it, and again and again if that is what is required of them.

Do they know they can’t hold back the Grendel? The captains and commanders must suspect. Do the soldiers know? Do they care? Or are they in that moment the defenders of the Empire, of the Unshackled legacy, and fighting only in that moment. Let the future take care of itself.

The battle is bloody, and the Empire is forced to retreat… but they do not give up. They don’t take the easy route, don’t fall back any farther than they must. They trust to the [[surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] and the healer-mages that fight alongside them, and they keep fighting.

==Uncertain Victory==
As the Spring Equinox draws nearer, Imperial forces in Mareave remain engaged with the Grendel. The Grendel armies continue to press into Clisearn, with the Brine Turtles and the Black Eels in the vanguard. The Empire holds, but they are outnumbered. Even with the ''Isjättens Väggar'', it is a struggle to prevent the barbarians overrunning the valleys. Without the presence of that magical citadel in particular, its possible the wealthy region would have already fallen.

Yet the fighting has achieved something, perhaps something a little unexpected. Two armies remain to fight, against massive odds, to keep Mareave. This has not - can not have - gone unnoticed by the orcs of Mareave who were once Grendel or subject to them. Highborn and Winter Sun alike find those among the families of Clisearn ready to offer provisions and water to their soldiers. What the Grendel demanded last season, they give freely to the defenders. It does not hurt the Imperial cause that the Black Eels are raiding the wealth of Mareave, and it seems that they are not taking any great pain to differentiate between Imperial Orc and former Grendel. The orcs of Clisearn do not invite Imperial soldiers into their homes... but neither do they slam their doors against them.

Likewise, when the enchantment settles over Rucraic's Redoubt, the orcs of Eoradal and their cousins in Nadir and Icarion come to see the magical sigils, to watch open-mouthed as the forces summoned from the Autumn realm defend against their former masters. Quietly, and without fuss, a few more would-be warriors approach the Sannite with queries about the Unshackled, and the Empire. Pebbles are tumbling; the heavens hold their breath to see if the mountain will subside again... or if the avalanche will sweep the old world before it and perhaps leave something new in its place.

For now, in the south, the Empire holds, and the Grendel press, and the weather remains tumultuous as it will through the Spring Equinox before the rains die down and the soil dries once more. For all the lives lost on both sides, nothing has been resolved. The Grendel show no signs of giving up, but neither do the Empire. At least the threat of the Shamal and the Golden Sails is contained to the coast… but even as the Spring Equinox dawns, the [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scouts]] of the Seventh Wave bring a worrying report. There are sightings of hitherto unknown Grendel ships sailing in force up the coast from the Broken Shore, with sails of deepest amethyst, to join the battle in Mareave.

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has been forced out of Fleisardh and the Grendel are making inroads into Clisearn'''
The Empire has been pushed back; they have lost their foothold in Fleisardh, and the Grendel are halfway to conquering the whole of Clisearn. The presence of two magical citadels, and the enchantment on the garrison of Rucraic’s Redoubt, hindered the barbarian advance here. The presence of a thousand strength force of well-equipped Skouran mercenaries attached to the Redoubt further impeded the Grendel ability to push north from Fleisardh. Without one or more of these additional forces, the Grendel advance would have been much more rapid.

==Participation : Military Units==
* '''Characters whose military unit was fighting in Mareave this season may qualify for an aura on their weapon depending on their motivation'''
Between the presence of the ice-warriors and giants of the ''Isjättens Väggar'', the rousing words of both the Imperial generals, and the [[Push for victory|strident address]] of the [[Throne]], anyone whose [[military unit]] supported the Winter Sun or the Seventh Wave may find themselves especially inspired by the fighting in Mareave. This may take the form of a temporary [[Aura#Item_Aura|item aura]] that will persist through the Spring Equinox.

If your character’s military unit supported one of the armies, or you are the general of either force, you ''may'' experience such an aura, if your motivations make you eligible. To qualify, your character must have been present with one of the following three core motivations.

If you are an orc, you would qualify if your inspiration was:
* To keep Mareave free of the Grendel; you took it and you will hold it
* To face the Grendel boldly in battle and show yourself better than them
* To impress the people of Mareave with your cunning and audacity

If you are a human, you would qualify if your inspiration was:
* To face even the most overwhelming odds in pursuit of what is right
* To show your solidarity with the Imperial Orcs against the wicked barbarians
* To demonstrate the superiority of the Empire over the Grendel; there is nothing they can claim that the Empire cannot take from them

If your character had different motivations in Mareave, that’s fine but you won’t qualify for an aura. Which might be for the best - these auras arise spontaneously so they won't be one of the known auras that a priest can create with hallow. To gain an aura you must email {{plot}} before midnight on the 25th May with your CID and which of the three motivations best describes your motivation for fighting in Mareave this season. Your pack will contain a ribbon for a one-handed weapon aura that you can attach to your own phys-rep.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''Prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate leading to Clisearn during the Spring Equinox'''
The prognosticators associated with the military council have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate leading to Clisearn during the Spring Equinox. They are cautious about what it might portend, but they speculate that it might involve an opportunity to strike a stinging blow against the Grendel and perhaps demonstrate conclusively the sincerity of the Imperial claim to Mareave.

A bright cerulean flame

2026-06-06T20:31:50Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pilgrim's Flame.jpg|align=right|caption=The pilgrims of Highguard march without fear into the heart of corruption.|width=2000}}</div>
==On the Move==
{{audio|link=https://youtu.be/RQ1oWmAYi4g?si=OCp5DXT3wb7Xtigx}}
The [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] are on the move. While their fellow Imperial soldiers [[Deep_blue_sea#Mountain_and_Shore|press south]] in [[Redoubt]], into the foothills and the mountains, they march east into [[Zenith]]. Through [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]], beneath the gaze of those [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|watchers]] which guard the pass into [[Morrow]]. Three great figures, stern-faced, mark their passage. Each represents one of the Highborn armies who fought to defend Urizen from the encroaching tide of Druj - the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Seventh Wave]], and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They tower over the pass and the surrounding countryside, a permanent tribute memorialising for all time, the sacrifices the Highborn made in Zenith. The Pilgrim’s Defiance weren’t there - weren’t even thought of at that time. Yet it is nonetheless easy to allow [[Pride]] to blossom in the heart at the reminder of everything Highguard represents, here in the mountains of Urizen. Many soldiers seek out priests, in the shadow of greatness, and pledge themselves to the fight to come with [[liao]] donated by the [[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|congregations of Highguard]]. In the months to come, this decision will come to seem almost like prescience. As they continue east, the hills ring with the words of the ''[[Virtues Anthem|Virtue’s Anthem]]'' of five thousand pilgrims singing. “O come o come ye seven Virtues bright. And lead this soul from darkness into light.”
__TOC__
Thence to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], where the rebound waters of the Golden Cascade flow once again, and from there to the dark forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. The ruins of the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]], yet another scar on Zenith created by the cruelty of the Druj, are slowly being reclaimed by the woods. There is no time to visit the remnants, no time to explore the forest. The Pilgrim’s Defiance is an arrow in flight, a flaming bolt, arcing through the dark, aimed at the heart of the [[vallorn]].

For many Highborn soldiers, this is the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first left their homes and [[chapter|chapters]] to take on the mantle of the [[grey pilgrim]]. Despite all the politics that have unfolded since, these folk remain committed to the virtuous goal of ending the vallorn once and for all. Uprooting this abominable force, this titanic threat woven with the unconstrained [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]], that corrupts whatever it touches. A challenge unlike any the Highborn armies have faced in decades - in a century. Finally, the brand of virtue against the chaos of the wild.

With them, a force of nearly five-thousand soldiers led by the Empire’s [[military unit|captains]]. Overwhelmingly, almost, these soldiers are Navarr, but this is familiar ground for the Pilgrims. They walked the trods alongside these people, there is a camaraderie and a shared goal that binds them together. Along with the scattering of Highborn captains, and with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|support of Highborn congregations]], they leave Zenith and come at last to [[Therunin]].

There is nothing to mark the border between the woods of Lustri and the woods of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]], but it is hard to miss the transition between Urizen and what was once Navarr. The soil becomes damper, it’s true, and the great grey expanse of the Feverwater is unmissable, but there is something else. A texture of the air that becomes heavier and heavier with each step taken. There is something in the woods, something fearful. It is not the [[Druj miasma]], but it is an echo of it. Weaker, less intrusive, but also more subtle. It would be easy to see movement where nothing moves, to hear the crack of a twig in the dark where no foot treads, to begin to slip and slide into panic at nothing at all. Yet the shield of virtue is set against such wiles, both in the touch of the priests who march with the army, and in the spirit of those who let the Seven be their guide.

(And if the twelve stars of [[the Stork]] shine particularly brightly in the night sky as they march, if it reminds those who mark it of the ''Decision to be Virtuous'', of making the right choice for the right reason, then that is just another thing bolstering their Courage, their Ambition, their loyalty to their allies.)
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eli of the Cenotaph, General of the Pilgrim’s Defiance">Pilgrims remember Tian, Paragon of Ambition. Her actions brought benevolence to her people but forever burned her hands in the process. She did what was necessary, pushing Ever Forward in pursuit of her vision. We march armoured by faith into East Ashes, By season's end, its vallorn will force us back to the forests of Lustri. Three of every ten of us will fall. Our souls consigned to the Labyrinth to be reborn again. As Highborn, we are here to show Navarr that we will always work with them. Therunin will return to slumber and in this act the land of Therunin protected so that Navarr may one day reclaim dominion of their home. Remember this vision, this Ambition, no matter the horrors you face this season for it is the armour that will see it come to pass. Rest only in death pilgrims, for that is what Ambition demands.</quote></div>
==All is Ashes==
The [[Druj]] have been in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] for a long time, now. There has been scattered news that they are ''doing something'' in south-eastern Therunin, hidden from Imperial eyes. It seems that what they have mostly been doing is digging in - preparing defences aimed at both the Empire to the south and the vallorn to the north-west. As of last season, they must also worry about the abominations that have overrun [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]]. It is understandable, then, that their attention is elsewhere as the Highborn begin their march along the edge of the great lake, stars glittering in its depths.

After the first few traps and deadfalls, Imperial soldiers begin to move a little more cautiously. Yet there is a lot of wood to traverse, and the Druj can only create so many pitfalls. Their traps are indiscriminate, they can only set up so many sharp spears if they need to allow their own armies to move. They can anticipate likely routes of attack, but the best trap in the world cannot move to intercept a foe that walks even an inch beyond its trigger. [[Vigilance]] lights the way, and the aid of the Navarr is invaluable in moving through the Druj-fortified woodland.

Initial engagements against the Druj are decisive. The defenders here are no match for an entire Imperial army, even without the [[enchantment]] of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity and foresight]] that wraps around the soldiers like a mantle of light. The usual tactics of strike and retreat, seeking to lure the enemy into ambushes, into foolish pursuit, are ineffective against an army armoured in virtue, wise to their ways.

The army sweeps slowly north, but the Highborn are implacable. Their advance only slowed by the need to account for traps, and to ensure no major Druj force remains behind to attack the rear or harry the baggage train. At first there is no sign of the vallorn, though, and this causes a rumble of consternation. Have the Druj somehow contained it, as the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Beantal Dol]] is contained?
{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Vallornspawn husks formed from fallen folk, infused with corruption.|align=left|width=300}}
Such concerns vanish when the first patrol is assailed by nearly a hundred vallornspawn husks, erupting from the wooded hills in the west. A mix of orcs and humans, many of them disturbingly fresh, smash headlong into the Highborn scouts. Their virtue is unwavering; armoured in faith they meet that charge and despite being outnumbered hold their position long enough for soldiers from the main body of the army to relieve them.
That first engagement heralds the end of the slow advance. Barely six hours later, more vallornspawn are spotted - immense infested beetles covered in flowering thornvines that come scuttling out of the marshy woodlands intent on devouring all flesh before them. More vallornspawn husks - predominantly orc now, many with the signs and insignia of the Druj - follow close behind them. The air thickens further, the stink of the marshes intermingled with the sweet smell of death and corruption, as the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] drifts in the wake of this vanguard of horror.

At the same time they are fighting the vallorn, the pilgrims must also deal with the remaining Druj. Yet day by day the number of encounters with the orcs of the Mallum declines, even as the vallorn come in greater and greater numbers. The presence of the army, marching toward [[Therunin#Mudlark's Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]], has drawn the vallorn, and day by day the sheer force of its flooding, inhuman might begins to beat against the resolve of the Highborn soldiers and their Navarr guides. As the vallorn overwhelms the Druj settlements, more and more vallornspawn husks are created. Abominations grow fat and bold from devouring fleeing orcs, and turn to feed on Highborn and Navarr with equal bloody enthusiasm. Where the miasma spreads, it warps and infests natural trees and beasts. In the space of weeks, the long hard work of the Navarr over centuries to reclaim this marshy haven from the vallorn, to build [[Prosperity]] and safety, are being undone.

Flowers bloom in unnatural colours; the air is heavy with their unnatural attar. The great insects of Therunin are warped and twisted, driven mad by the miasma, becoming engines of destruction. An infested [[marshwalker]] - a truly immense example of its kind - attacks an army encampment. If not for the Vigilance of the scouts the defenders would surely have been overwhelmed by it. Still, there is major loss of life before the thing can be driven off - and in its wake emerge a pair of maddened [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] already showing the signs of corruption. They at least can be defeated, with sword and arrow and burning brand, but it seems there are always more to come.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rough Beast==
When the first report of supernatural entities attacking the Druj are brought to the main body of the army, there is speculation as to whether it might be the work of the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] or perhaps the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. It turns out to be the someone else entirely.

The first encounter involves a squad of Pilgrims encountering a ring of vallornspawn husks nailed to trees. Obviously former Druj, once they have been dispatched a cursory examination suggests that they were living orcs when they were crucified, left to be consumed by the vallorn. The rune [[Naeve|of hunger]] is claw-carved into the treebark.

The next encounter is with a gang of a dozen or so hulking [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] who from a distance appear to be Navarr thorns. Indeed, the Highborn soldiers hail them, believing them to be members of an isolated steading. They are engaged in the enthusiastic butchery of a band of [[Arkad#Hupul|hupul]], and it is only when the pilgrims get closer that they see these creatures are not using blades, but their bare hands, to tear the Druj warriors apart. One is laughing and hooting while literally beating the hupul leader to death with their own severed arm. The yellow eyes of these marauders are not the eyes of [[draughir]]; their protruding fangs are a mouthful of tusks; their unarmoured hides crusty with dried blood under the fresh blood layered atop it. They take no pains to hide their allegiance - some of them are already crouched beside the dying, feasting on their still-living bodies.

“Best not to leave them for the vallorn,” bellows one cheerily when they spot the Highborn. “And there’s good eating on a hupul, if you fancy some? All the venom gives them a nice…”

Their greeting is cut off as one of the pilgrims shoots him between the eyes. There’s no doubt who these creatures answer to, and the Highborn response is almost instinctual. The heralds seem to welcome the chance to fight the Imperial soldiers, erupting in savage violence once it is clear there will be no parley and no mercy.

Servants of the [[Agramant]]. Without the [[Alignment#Enmity|dominion of the Conclave]] they can move freely in Therunin, as they can in [[the Mallum]]. In the past they have fought alongside the Druj; now it seems they have turned on them enthusiastically, killing and devouring and terrorising those more used to being the source of fear than its victims.
The creatures make some attempt to talk to the Highborn and the Navarr, and they claim they have been sent here to “help the Navarr in Therunin.” The ''Howler in the Pines'' has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|an interest]] in the marshy woodlands, having declared them “fair game.” They’re not interested in the vallorn, only in slaughtering the Druj.
The Pilgrims give them no mercy, of course. These are servants of darkness, inhuman horrors at least as dangerous as the vallorn. Enemies of the Empire, enemies of all sapient beings, and worthy of no quarter.

Fortunately there are not many of them - after the encounter with the hupul-eating heralds there are only a few other sightings and each one ends in the servants of ''Twigcrack'' being destroyed. They mostly avoid the army after that, and as the tide of the vallorn rises its pretty clear that the abominations do not distinguish between humans and orcs and heralds of the Agramant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eli of the Cenotaph.jpg|caption='''Eli of the Cenotaph''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance|align=left|width=300}}
==The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven==
The Pilgrim’s Defiance know they will not win here. Not because of the Druj, who are in all honesty no great threat. The orcs of the Mallum are scrambling to survive. As the tide of the vallorn rises, more and more of their outposts are consumed by a force they cannot trick or terrify. It is the vallorn that will ultimately triumph in East Ashes. The point, though, is to slow it, to contain it, to cut away the roots and branches that reach out across the marshes. The Pilgrims fight to keep it from consolidating its hold long enough for the uncoiling spring at its heart to wind down. Imperial heroes have prevented the [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] from reinvigorating it and this assault on the shores of the Feverwater is the last gasp of its year-long expansion. The Navarr are not alone, the Pilgrims will ensure that there is a Therunin to come home to. They will defy the enemy and show that mortal spirits can overcome any challenge, even one as seemingly immense and unstoppable as the vallorn.

As the weeks run by like water - as the Pilgrims fight and fight in a seemingly endless nightmare of twisted flesh and constricting vines - the army comes at last to [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]]. The main body of the Druj occupation has fallen back here, to the docks of the Feverwater. Columns of thick black smoke point the way to the former steading. It is packed with orcs, caught in their own desperate battle against the abomination of the Sweetglades. They are besieged on two fronts - a flood of vallornspawn husks comes washing down from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], swallowed by the vallorn last season. There are great piles of smouldering corpses and broken trees surrounding the fortified Navarr town, signs of the battle that has been raging here for weeks ever since the presence of the Pilgrim’s Defiance attracted the attention of the vallorn.

East Ashes likely represents the last place in Therunin with any significant population. This is the last place with any meaningful number of inhabited settlements, and Mudlark’s Haven is the heart of it. It appears that while their twisted engineers were busy placing traps along the southern border, the Druj ghulai were taking steps to protect the main settlement. Obelisks of grey stone, carved with unsettling glyphs stand in a rough semicircle around Mudlark’s Haven. They might be mistaken for miasma pillars, but they serve a very different purpose. Clearly based on the design of the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] they seem to have been designed to hold the vallorn ''out'' in the same way those ancient Terunael monoliths hold the vallorn ''in''.

The problem is that these monoliths they have plainly spent months carving and placing and enchanting… do not work.

Perhaps they did at first, given that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the storm for this long. Now, it is clear that they have failed. Several have already been torn down, shattered chunks of rubble. Others are completely overgrown with brambles and ivy, creaking and groaning under the constriction of the insatiable flora that is in many ways the body of the vallorn. The inhabitants of Mudlark’s Haven are clearly fighting a losing battle, and they have nowhere to go. They could in theory escape by boat across the Feverwater but… where would they go? They will find no welcome in [[Sarangrave]], only Imperial steel or the spears of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak rebels]]. They might try and escape up the river to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], but to do that they would need to pass through a ''different'' vallorn and the awful beasts that throng its shores. Their own hubris has trapped them in Therunin, and now they are gathering the bitter fruit of their mistakes.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png|caption=The handmaids of the Green Mother may present an appealing face, but it is a trick to lure in the unwise.}}</div>
They aren’t without allies. Forward scouts identify at least three large ''handmaids'' around the outskirts of Mudlark’s Haven. These massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] are the servants of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Rootwinder]]'', the ''Green Mother''. Yet it seems that they are here to observe, rather than participate in, the fight between the Druj and the vallorn. The vallornspawn ignore them, and they in turn seem content to watch as the orcs of the Mallum struggle against wave after wave of abominations and ettercaps and husks.

There’s some talk of the Pilgrim's Defiance doing the same, but in the end the decision is made to attack rather than allow the vallorn to swell its numbers by claiming the Druj here. Fighting on multiple fronts, with nowhere to flee, the Mallum forces are utterly outmatched. If it were just Druj versus Empire, the outcome here would be unquestioned. The protectors of Mudlark’s Haven are in a defensive position but their numbers are depleted, their morale shattered, and their tactics ill-suited to fighting behind walls or facing the advancing Pilgrims in open combat.

What saves them, in the end, is the vallorn itself ironically enough. It is a known fact that vallornspawn are drawn towards concentrations of untainted folk, and the Pilgrims’ Defiance draw them like iron filings to a lodestone. The initial attack by the Highborn sees them tear down the ramshackle southern gate the Druj have erected in their [[weirwood]] palisade and push into the town. Before they can do much more, though, the marshes to the west and north erupt with thousands of vallornspawn. A great cloud of fog, tinged faintly green in places, washes east over Mudlark’s Haven instantly burning the blood of defender and attacker alike. A terrible ululating howl erupts from hundreds of unnatural throats, a wailing unlike anything even the Navarr here have ever heard.

Almost everyone here recognises the venomous stench of the vallornspawn miasma but there is something different here. The choking fumes and drifting spores kindle something akin to panic in the hearts of the mortals exposed to it, like being plunged into freezing water when the ice cracks, like that terrible heart-racing moment when one awakens sweat-soaked from an unspeakable nightmare. A rush of pure terror, pounding in the veins of the Highborn and their allies that threatens to overthrow reason and send even hardened veterans fleeing in disarray.

Fortunately, this is the Pilgrim’s Defiance and they are armoured in faith. Turning aside from Mudlark’s Haven they focus all their efforts on the foe they are here to fight. Those who have received anointing take to the fore, while their comrades fight to master the waves of fear that come with the miasma. The ululating wailing of the spawn is met by a ragged roar of fury and wroth from the Pilgrims of [[changeling]] [[lineage]] who in some cases must be held back from charging the advancing enemy single-handedly. Those who have fought down the rush of fear rally those whose spirits falter, and urge them to meet the charge of the abominations. As the Druj run in terror, even as their defences splinter and collapse, the Highborn stand.

Battle is joined, and it is terrible, like nothing else encountered in this campaign so far, like nothing else the Highborn pilgrims have encountered even with their experience of the vallorn. While the main body of the attacking force is composed of orc husks and furious ettercaps, there are a great many unique and terrible abominations here. Some of the largest seem more focused on breaking the walls of Mudlark’s Haven, fortunately, but the rest arrow in on the Highborn army.

Even as the battle rages, the magisters in the army struggle to understand the waves of fear and dread that are surging across the battlefield as the miasma ebbs and flows. While their fellows fight to prevent the inhuman horde overwhelming them, they scan the enemy force in conjunction with some of the Navarr vates. It seems an impossible task, to determine the source of this terror even as it beats against the walls of their spirits, but they are equal to the task.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pillarbug.webp|width=300|caption=An artist's impression of the monstrosity.|title=Art provided by Lou Pritchard|align=left}}</div>
In the midst of the chaos, in the heart of the vallorn force, there is a creature that does not quite belong. It bears qualities of tree, and beetle, and a misshapen mockery of humanoid form. It appears bloated, and twisted even for a vallornspawn abomination. Lurid pink and purple swellings distort its form, occasionally rupturing to release clouds of spores as thick as smoke. Buried in its back is a monolith of black stone.

A miasma pillar.

It makes little sense; there has never been any talk of anything like this in all the long centuries of fighting the orcs of the Mallum. A miasma pillar that moves? One that causes almost palpable waves of terror on the battlefield? Unprecedented. Yet there’ll be time to discuss and ponder after the immediate threat is dealt with. The thing needs to be destroyed… but it shows no sign of leaving its position deep within the enemy ranks. It almost seems to be unaware of its surroundings, simply shambling slowly from place to place as if in a daze.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Liberation For All.jpg |width=200|caption=The grey pilgrims march to free the souls captured by the vallorn.|align=left}}</div>
There’s no suggestion that the Pilgrims retreat before it, leaving its threat to fester. Vigilance demands that the virtuous seek out and expunge poison even in their neighbour’s field. Courage demands that the virtuous do what they know is right. This thing cannot be ignored, its challenge must be met. It is likely a suicide mission, to strike so deep into the enemy ranks, under the terrible weight of the sick miasma of the vallorn.

With the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] granted by [[Day magic]], everyone quickly learns what needs to be done. Two dozen volunteers step forward, without pause for thought. Their bodies armoured against the miasma with [[Vitality of Rushing Water|magic]] or [[Abraxus_Stone|precious talismans]], their spirits bolstered by Virtue, their resolve armoured with faith. This unit of Pilgrims accepts the task of bringing down the abomination and breaking the miasma pillar it surrounds. Horns blare, and the Pilgrim’s Defiance pushes against the foe, a spearhead designed to open as much distance toward the target as possible. As soon as the charge starts to falter, the volunteers erupt toward the abomination. Eight of them fall before they reach the beast. Six more die at the talons of the vallornspawn surrounding it. Four more, wrapped in mithril plate, bring the beast down before they themselves succumb to the venom it pumps out. The last two clamber desperately up onto the fallen creature even as their comrades fall to buy them time, and with great shattering blows smash the stone before they are overwhelmed.

Not one of the volunteers makes it back to the Highborn line, but there is no doubt that their passage through the Labyrinth will be swift.

With the unique abomination felled, the waves of panic weaken. The Druj rally, strengthening their defence of their steading. They ignore the Highborn outside their walls as they fight their own desperate battle for survival. Even with the fear broken, it is clear the Pilgrims need to retreat. The force of the vallorn does not ebb. When one is broken, another steps in to take its place. Worse, the miasma infests those who succumb to the fangs and claws of the spawn. There is little time to deal with the fallen before they are turned into living weapons against their former comrades. Pilgrims weep freely as they are forced to kill these mockeries of friend and ally, roused from the brink of death by the corrupting touch of the vallorn.

Defiant to the end, even as they retreat the Pilgrims fight. The last vision of Mudlark’s Haven is of the vallorn pressing against its walls, and the handmaids of Yaw’nagrah still immobile, still observing, not deigning to lift a branch to protect the Druj who die in droves around their skirts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition_Banner.jpg|title=Consequences are the price of ambition.|align=right|width=300}}

==The Price of Ambition==
Everyone knew that the Empire would not win in Therunin. After Mudlark’s Haven, an orderly withdrawal south, along the shores of the Feverwater, back toward [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. Not a rout, but a fighting retreat. There are still vallornspawn to fight, swarming in the wake of the Defiance as they march. At first it would be easy to lose hope, to assume that the Highborn sacrifice was for nothing.

Yet as the days lengthen, as Spring unfurls in the marshes of Therunin, the fury of the vallorn begins to wane. Attacks become more sporadic. The miasma hangs heavy, but breaks apart in the morning sun and the wind off the lake. Twisted trees still reach out with coiling limbs, but they are increasingly sluggish. Ettercaps chitter their challenges, but fall back in the face of any concerted resistance.

The army is battered, but not broken. They reach the borders of Lustri, and make camp in the Night-haunted woodlands, keeping a watch to the north as they regroup and count the cost. One and a half thousand of the Pilgrims who marched east under the watchful gaze of the Three Soldiers are unaccounted for. Dead in the marshes, or worse than dead. Yet if any other army had fought the vallorn, the losses would have been catastrophic, perhaps even half again as many people would have been lost in pursuit of this victory.

And it is a victory, albeit a bitter one. The Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented the vallorn claiming East Ashes. Its unnatural lust for expansion has slackened and faltered. As winter fades into spring it is once again quiescent - or as quiescent as an awoken vallorn ever is. It has expanded into Eastring, but while there are parts of East Ashes that are now warped and twisted by its presence the land and the lake as a whole remain relatively untouched. In particular, it seems that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the attack of the vallorn, remaining in the hands of the Druj. The orcs of the Mallum still maintain a weak toehold in Therunin, scattered warbands isolated from their homeland by Imperial forces and the vallorn. Nominally, this is Druj territory. In reality it belongs to nobody except the insects and the beasts of the marsh.

The fighting in Therunin has also raised questions. What exactly was the cause of that strange abomination, that creature part vallorn and part pillar? The spores it released kindled terror, transforming the creeping threat of the miasma into something worse than even the Navarr had ever encountered. There is no chance this is a coincidence, that some vallornspawn “accidentally” grew around a miasma pillar. This is something that has been ''done'', something that has transformed an already twisted abomination into something else. The Druj [[Druj_lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] are masters of herb-lore, of twisting life to their own ends. Is it possible one of their number is in Mudlark’s Haven? That they have found a way to merge their own sick arts with the horror of the vallorn? And what role do the ''handmaids'' of Yaw’nagrah play in this - why were they content to simply watch rather than defend their "allies"?

Questions without answers. Perhaps the [[Wisdom|Wise]] will be able to tease some meaning out of this, glean some greater victory out of what the Pilgrim’s Defiance has managed here in East Ashes. For now, though, the army rests, girding itself for the battles to come, and mourning those whose sacrifice have saved Therunin.

==Game Information==
* '''The vallorn has failed to claim East Ashes, but the region now has the infested quality
* '''Highborn congregations can continue to support the Pilgrim's Defiance until Summer 389YE
* '''The Druj nominally control Therunin
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td>'''Supported Pilgrim's Defiance'''</td></tr>
<tr><td> Ehud </td></tr>
<tr><td> Neri </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sabella of the Silent Tide </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nira of Cantiarch's Hold </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nina of Cantiarch's Hold </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dagon Barossa </td></tr>
<tr><td> Silas of the Cenotaph </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hazelelponi </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sister Micah (who was Earna) of the Navigators of Virtue </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rinnah </td></tr>
<tr><td> Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tabris, Son of Armisael </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eli of the Cenotaph </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kish of the Flame Beneath the Earth </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nim of Ebon's Hall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ardeniel </td></tr>
<tr><td> Melchior of Adina's Charge </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lysimachus </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nekoda of the Shattered Tower </td></tr>
<tr><td> Leliel, Daughter of Armisael </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amos of Tian's Return </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilai </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mael </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sychar of Ebon's Hall </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sister Elysium </td></tr>
<tr><td> Damian of Nakir's Haven </td></tr></table></div>
The vallorn is seven-tenths of the way towards claiming the region of East Ashes, but the intervention of the Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented it claiming everything. The vallorn of Tharunind has now subsided into relative quiescence again - it is still "awake" but it will not attempt to spread further without another stimulus to do so. The threat the Druj unleashed has ended.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=350}}
This first engagement against the vallorn by a Highborn army in recent years has proved inspirational to the people of Highguard. The opportunity for Highborn [[congregation|congregations]] to actively support the army, outlined in the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune, will now last until the Summer Solstice 389YE.

The region of East Ashes is now ''[[Region qualities#Infested|infested]]'' with vallorn. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Yet, unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn, it is not invulnerable to attack. The infested quality will mean that any Imperial army or armies that try to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

Nominally, Therunin remains a Druj territory. Realistically, they have little control over the marshes, being mostly isolated in captured steadings in the north and concentrated in Mudlark’s Haven in the south. They will present no obstacle to any Imperial force that seeks to reclaim the territory.

Obviously, the fact that Eastring has fallen to the vallorn creates challenges. It is not possible to travel from East Ashes to the Lower Tarn Valley without passing through the vallorn and suffering casualties in the process. The Lower Tarn Valley also still has the ''[[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]]'' quality.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>

==Participation==
* '''The fighting in Therunin has been particularly fierce'''
* '''Anyone whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance may request a traumatic wound'''
* '''Anyone who requests a traumatic wound may request a durable anointing aura'''
* '''This opportunity is also available to Highborn congregations who took the ''Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' lecture after the Winter Solstice'''
Between the Druj and the vallorn, the fighting in East Ashes was particularly fierce. Any character whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance this season, the general of that army, or any character who undertook the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|Support the Pilgrim's Defiance]] lecture and accompanied members of their congregation into Therunin, may have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the abominations. Those who did so were likely to be at the forefront of the battle in the [[#The Siege of Mudlark's Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]], and disproportionately likely to have received an [[anointing]] during the march east.

If you wish your character to have suffered such an injury, you can email {{plot}} before midnight on the 29th of May with your CID and we will place a suitable lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in your pack. These wounds will require treatment, and it is possible that some of them will prove fatal if they are not addressed by a [[physick|physick]] before the end of the event. Anyone who does take a wound may also have received an anointing in the shadow of the Three Watchers, likely with liao donated by the congregations of Highguard. Unlike a normal anointing, which would have expired before the start of the Spring Equinox, these anointings prove somewhat - but not completely - [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]]. They are not permanent, but will instead expire just before the Winter Solstice 388YE. You can request the [[Auras_of_Loyalty#The_Seeds_of_Loyalty|Seeds of Loyalty]]; the [[Auras_of_Pride#The_Strength_of_Pride|Strength of Pride]], the [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Calling_of_Ambition|Calling of Ambition]], or the [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Proof_of_Courage|Proof of Courage]]. Apart from the fact that they are somewhat durable, which can be determined by the [[insight]] ceremony, the auras are otherwise quite normal.

You can request the lingering traumatic wound without an anointing, but you cannot request the anointing without a lingering traumatic wound.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lysimachus.jpg|caption='''Doctor Lysimachus''', Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Opportunity: Reikos Influx==
* '''Forces of Agramant have apparently “helped” a number of Imperial citizens trapped in Therunin by the Druj escape to High Chalcis in Reikos
* '''The hospital there is overwhelmed by the number of patients, both these newcomers and those already here following the evacuation of the territory
* '''The healers at High Chalcis have asked the Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite to assemble a team to assist them
* '''The current Medical Officer is Doctor Lysimachus of Highguard
* '''A conjunction of the sentinel gate has been identified at 18.15 on the Friday of the summit
Last season, [[Agramant]] declared to the Empire that he was [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|finished waiting]] to save those abandoned in Therunin. The outcome of this has been a steady stream of refugees escaping into [[Reikos]] over the last three months telling takes of nightmare-inducing monsters tearing into their hiding spots. Not to eat them as they immediately assumed, but to point them down the path through vallorn they had just cleared for them and let them escape. While there have been concerns over the legal consequences over taking advantage of this, most Navarri have little choice but to risk it to escape the horrors of the slow, painful deaths they would experience if captured by either the Druj or the vallorn.

One result of this is that the hospital at [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]] is completely overwhelmed with patients, and has had to resort to simply filling nearby fields with ad hoc encampments of the injured. Many escaping Therunin have Green Lung or similar ailments that need time with a trained physick. They do not need to be taken back to Anvil, temporary accommodations are being arranged, but making sure these patients aren't going to die from their injuries in the meantime is the priority.

The hospital has asked the [[Medical_Officer_of_the_Pegasus_Respite|Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] to assemble a team of [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to help them work through the sheer number of people that need treatment. There is a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that has been identified for 18:15 on the Friday of the coming Spring Equinox. The healers of High Chalcis suggest that the situation may need a broad range of skills and herbs and suggest that the Medical Officer consider recruiting among [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]], magical healers - perhaps from the [[Silver Chalice]] - and a few priests versed in [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] in case there are any particularly pernicious conditions that need dealing with.
<box>'''<big>Player Volunteers</big>'''<br>
'''It is no longer possible to email in for this opportunity'''<br>
We would like to invite any player who would be interested, to play one of these Therunin refugees at the start of the coming event. You would need to be in basic [[Navarr_look_and_feel|Navarri kit]], ideally looking quite injured by use of bandages and fake blood, and report to monster for briefing at 17:45 on the Friday of the event. You can have any lineage trappings, for example those of your regular character to speed your return to the game. We expect you to be done and back at Anvil playing your normal character shortly after 19:00 (depending on how quickly you can change).

If you are interested in taking part in this, please email {{plot}} by midnight on the 28th of May to confirm your interest so we can give the conjunction itself the appropriate number of players.
</box>

==OOC Note==
* '''We have updated the rules for the vallorn miasma'''
* '''No army would have taken additional casualties fighting the vallorn this season'''

When we updated the information for the [[vallorn]] at the start of the year, we neglected to include the rules for the [[Vallorn miasma|vallorn miasma]]. As we had not published any rules for the vallorn miasma (and had previously confirmed that armies would not take any additional damage from the vallorn), then that would have been the outcome regardless of which army was sent into Therunin this season. However, since it was the Highborn army whose Virtuous nature provides them with special defences against the vallorn, we have focused the IC narrative on this.

We have put the rules for the [[vallorn miasma]] alongside the rules for the vallorn. In the future, armies will face the full effects of the vallorn miasma when on campaign if they encounter it, unless they have suitable protection.

Deep blue sea

2026-06-06T20:30:01Z

Novemberalice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is still no sign of [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]]; the prognosticator remains missing.

==Opportunity : Fist of the Mountain==
With Elos once again in Imperial hands, there is an [[opportunity]] to raise the banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] in the port-town in honour of the [[Wintermark]] soldiers who gave their lives to protect it. Further details will be provided nearer to the event.

Flight of birds

2026-04-08T20:05:22Z

Novemberalice: /* No Half Measures */

[[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==
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 after the moot is over'''
* '''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 and which they can investigate within Wintermark's borders. Wintermarkers have neither the time nor the inclination to study a problem outside the nation.

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 the centre of the Wintermark camp, straight after the moot is completed. 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, resourceful or berserk'''
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]], [[Army_qualities#Glorious|glorious]] or [[Army_qualities#Berserk|berserk]]. 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 committed 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 committed 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 ''make the ancestors proud'' 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 Make The Ancestors Proud building on recent Wintermark strategies involving [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fighting with honour]].

<box>'''Make The Ancestors Proud'''
* '''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 to make the ancestors proud is always obvious to other armies in the same territory'''

A named army instructed to make the ancestors proud 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 to make the ancestors proud does not prevent ''enemy'' forces from issuing orders to plunder or kill.</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Raven Seer]]
* [[Heroism]]
* [[Kallavesa]]
* [[Appraisal]]

Flight of birds

2026-04-08T20:03:53Z

Novemberalice: /* The Witan */

[[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==
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 after the moot is over'''
* '''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 and which they can investigate within Wintermark's borders. Wintermarkers have neither the time nor the inclination to study a problem outside the nation.

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 the centre of the Wintermark camp, straight after the moot is completed. 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, resourceful or berserk'''
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]], [[Army_qualities#Glorious|glorious]] or [[Army_qualities#Berserk|berserk]]. 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 Kallavesi 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 committed 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 committed 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 ''make the ancestors proud'' 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 Make The Ancestors Proud building on recent Wintermark strategies involving [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fighting with honour]].

<box>'''Make The Ancestors Proud'''
* '''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 to make the ancestors proud is always obvious to other armies in the same territory'''

A named army instructed to make the ancestors proud 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 to make the ancestors proud does not prevent ''enemy'' forces from issuing orders to plunder or kill.</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Raven Seer]]
* [[Heroism]]
* [[Kallavesa]]
* [[Appraisal]]

In the ground

2026-04-06T20:15:45Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"She's still there!" Rosie's voice was woven with wonder, outrage, fear, and excitement as she ducked back down below the window ledge. As she ducked, Jim rose up to peek through the window. Sure enough, the tall woman was still there down by the fence at the end of the road. She stood stock-still at the gate and would have been invisible in the gloaming dim had her skin not been so white it almost to glowed in the twilight.

"Should we wake gramgram?" Rosie whispered. The siblings looked over to their great grandmother, snoozing in her rocking chair. Her ancient cat opened one eye balefully to stare at them then went back to sleep on her lap with all three legs in the air.

"Best not," said Jim after some thought. "Remember what mam said about gramgram needing her sleep."

"We're not being rowdy tho," disagreed his sister. "We're being haunted by a monster that wants to eat us!"

Rosie sounded more excited than frightened at the thought of being eaten by the figure at the gate. Jim peeked out again. She was still there.

"What're we going to doooo?" whined Rosie. There were tears on the horizon if Jim didn't come up with something. He gave it a bit more thought. Friar Hulda always said that if in doubt, do something, because even if you do something wrong at least you've found out what you shouldn't have done. Something like that, anyway. he'd not really been listening.

Resolved, he crept across the kitchen to the stove and ladled several generous portions of still-warm stew into a wooden bowl. After a great deal of whispered argument, he persuaded Rosie to slip into the pantry and pour some creamy milk into another bowl. Together they unlatched the kitchen door and cautiously snuck down toward the gate. Jim felt his sister's cold hand creep into his own, and decided to hold it for a little bit to help her feel safer.

Close up, the woman was a good deal taller and even more unsettling to look at. Her face and hands bore intricate raised designs, like great-uncle James' sailor tattoos only different. The hand resting on top of the gate did not have fingernails but rather bony claws. Her eyes were disturbingly bright yellow, set back into deep sockets, and her teeth were pointed, all of them, like a rats. Most unsettling of all were the metal spines jutting out of her cheeks. They looked rusted, and the skin around them was discoloured like old blood. As soon as she saw the siblings, she stood up even taller and leaned slightly forward, with an expression she may well have thought was reassuring but was in fact very much the opposite of that.

"Ah, children," she said. Her voice was breathy, whispery, almost musical, but with an undertone that made Jim uneasy. "I thought I saw you peeking at me. So brave, to come down and meet me at the gate. Will you let me in? I have business with your greatmother."

Jim bit his lip, hard. He was a little worried he was going to wet himself, but he steeled his resolve and with a hand that barely trembled he held out the bowl of stew up toward the woman. He elbowed Rosie, and after a moment she remembered what she was meant to do. She offered the bowl of milk, which slopped a little over the side.

"Would you like something to eat," asked Jim. "And maybe something to wash it down with, you must be tired after your long journey."

The creature's eye twitched, and the yellow colour darkened towards red. It ground its teeth, turning its head from side to side as it stared at the children. A long tongue the colour of an earthworm licked the bruised lips. Then it leant even further forward reaching over the fence with clawed hands towards Jim and his sister.

"It does smell tasty," she said, almost against her will. "Yes, I will accept this offering of warm meat and cold milk, children. And then you must let me come in.

"You can come in," said Jim. Rosie gasped. The creature grinned, but his next words wiped the triumphant expression off its face. "And as our guest, you'll promise to be on your best behaviour?"

"Why would you worry about something like that, little man?" The creature was trying to laugh it off, but Jim had been well trained by his gramgram. He didn't mistake a question for an agreement and stayed firm. Their pale visitor continued to glare at him, and then at Rosie who started to whimper slightly and moved closer to her brother. But she kept the bowl of milk extended and after a few unpleasant moments, the creature sighed and frowned.

"Fine, fine then. Agreed. I will be the very model of a good guest, of course. I really must speak to your greatmother and ''as your guest'' I'm sure you'll take me straight to her. Now hand over the meat and the milk, you awful mistrustful children."

The children moved a little closer and with awful speed their "guest" snapped the bowls out of their hands. Jim tried not to panic at the way her jaw distended as she poured first the stew, then the milk, into her mouth. Her writhing earthworm tongue slurped both bowls clean and then she dropped them at her side. Her eyes glowed like banked coals as she turned her attention back to the siblings, her unsettling smile now disturbingly wide and lazy.

"Delicious." she said. "And now it's time to let me come in and speak to your greatmother, boy. I don't have all night and my king is not a patient one."

Fingers shaking slightly, Jim reached towards the latch, raised it, and the gate slowly swung open. </ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=standingstone.jpeg|align=right|caption=Few can argue that the true power of Marcher magic lies in its people and its land.| width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/GxH5aTh_igE?si=-iPr_DsdGMmWHnXW}}
[[The Marches]] are rarely numbered among the great magical powers of the Empire, but they are by no means deficient in that regard. Their [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] see to the wellbeing of the [[farm|farms]] and the [[Marcher household|households]], while [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Mummers|mummers]] bring a little magic into the lives of villages and labourers, and the newly re-established [[smith]] tradition settles back into their old role of parley with the [[eternal|eternals]].

Earlier in the year, the smiths recovered an old boon - the ability once each year in Autumn to send a missive to an eternal in a manner reminiscent of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]]. '''Gemma Brightsmith''', the current [[Stone Smith]] used that boon to contact [[Adamant]] and ask for his aid. Heralds of the ''Deep Dragon'' have duly responded, visiting the Marches to discuss the boons their master might offer.

However Adamant is not the only eternal with an eye on the Marches as Autumn lengthens into Winter. A veritable army of supernatural soldiers belonging to the [[Tharim|Bound King]] of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] camps out in [[Upwold]], and the attention of that dark monarch is very much on the Marches following the murder of one of his favoured servants. The slayer of ''Obligatus'' has been dealt with, but not without cost, and it seems that the ''Chained One'' is keen to express gratitude to the landskeepers he believes helped to ensure his particular brand of dark "justice" has been enacted.

At the same time rambunctious [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of [[Sadogua]] have swarmed to the Marches, especially [[Mournwold]], to take part in the annual [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Wassail|Wassail]] festivities. Ever since the Marcher assembly reassured the wizards of their nation that friendship with the ''Father of Bats'' was not an issue, the ''Globbersnotch'' seems keen to maintain that friendship. This season, his servants are particularly interested in the arts of the mummers, and in turn the ''Wyrm King'' offers his boons to those who practice the particularly Marcher take on the [[magical tradition]] of [[dramaturgy]].

Three eternals, then, offering their aid, boons, and gifts. Each favours a different path of Marcher magic, one guided by obligation, the other two by a seeming desire to strengthen their relationship with the nation. What can go wrong?
==Better to Be the Hammer==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Adamant has responded to a message from the Stone Smith of the Marches which seems to have the force of a plenipotentiary'''
* '''The eternal offers three boons but only if the Eastern Guard is recommissioned or given over to him
* '''The current Stone Smith is Gemma Brightsmith'''
A month after the Autumn Equinox a visitor arrives at the [[Upwold#The Woldstone|Woldstone]] in [[Upwold]]; a messenger from the court of the [[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]]. Unlike the ''koboldi'' they are neither short nor scaled - they are a tall spindly figure that seems to be composed of unfired clay with eyes of yellow gemstone. Their robe seems to be of an impossible material - cut rock with the flexibility of cloth - and their voice causes the earth beneath their feet to rumble and shift. They bear a message for the [[smith|smiths]] at the nearby [[Stone Smith#Stone Smith's Workshop|workshop]]. Conversation is a little stilted at first, but with the aid of a fine Marcher [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Food_and_Drink|meal]] and a half-pint of light beer, the herald and its mortal hosts begin to relax a little.

It appears that Adamant was surprised to receive the words of the [[Stone Smith]] '''Gemma Brightsmith''', delivered by the [[A_pinch_of_salt#An_Old_Legacy|peculiar creature]] ''Gull''. The ''Stone King'' had thought that particular avenue of communication had faded from memory long, long ago. Yet the ''Dragon of the Deeps'' is nothing if not a traditionalist, and well prepared to honour agreements no matter how old they are. The herald - who calls itself ''Meon of the Chisel'' - asks several probing questions about where the smiths have been all this time, why they are back now, and what this might mean for the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. Apparently satisfied with the answers, it delivers its messages from its [[eternal]] liege over a plate of spiced apples and honey.
===Caveat===
* '''Adamant's aid is contingent on something being done about Eastern Guard in Upwold'''
* '''The eternal's price is that the Empire recommission the structure or concede it to the Deep Dragon'''
Adamant is prepared to offer aid to the new smiths and through them the people of the Empire. But there is one very significant caveat. The ''Impenetrable One'' is aware that for some reason the Imperial Senate has chosen to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Decommission_the_Eastern_Guard|decommission]] the fortress of [[Upwold#The_Eastern_Guard|Eastern Guard]] in [[Upwold]]. This is not something of which ''Wallshaper'' approves. Meon of the Chisel explains this at great, exhaustive length. Things should, says the herald, endure. Structures are built of stone so that they may last, and serve their purpose, and to see such an old and storied construction "mistreated" in such a way offends the sensibilities not only of their liege but also of Meon itself.

If the Marchers want ''any'' assistance from Adamant in the matter of [[fortification]], then the smiths must prevail on the [[Senate]] to either recommission Eastern Guard along with assurances it will remain an enduring symbol of permanence and majesty, or else [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concede]] it to the ''Deep Dragon''.

In the latter case, Adamant will take full custody of the historic structure. Meon says that if this happens, Adamant will send his ''koboldi'' to evaluate the structure and see how it might best be turned to his uses. There is some concern over this - some of the smiths point out that the ''King on the Stone Throne'' has offered significant aid to the [[Jotun]] in the past. Meon can offer few assurances beyond saying that his King is honourable and will not use Eastern Guard to harm the people of the Marches without very good reason.

===Put Away My Labour===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Farstrider's Watch'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification Improvement</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Greensward, Mournwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 130 white granite, 390 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard (increases to 30 Thrones)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* The commission must be announced by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved before this can be commissioned
* An opportunity exists to replace some or all of the white granite with weltsilver and/or orichalcum</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Improves Farstrider's Watch to a rank three fortification
* The bastion would be infused with adamant meaning that it could not be destroyed except by powerful magic
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant will offer aid to significantly improve the fortification of Farstrider's Watch
* '''The commission must be overseen by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* '''There is an opportunity to support the improvement using weltsilver and orichalcum
Meon begins by explaining that the ''Hammer of Feresh'' is a little unsure what aid the Marchers require with regard to [[Mournwold#Farstrider's_Watch|Farstrider's Watch]]. If they wish to use [[Summer magic]] to restore the recently reconquered fortress, can they not simply deploy the [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]]? It is a ritual in [[Imperial lore]] after all. Or, better yet, they could expand and reinforce the castle to better represent its key position in defending the [[Mournwold]] and the [[Singing Caves]]! Indeed, if the Marchers are truly committed to protecting the Mourn, Adamant is prepared to offer assistance to turn it into a truly [[Summer magic#Majesty|majestic]] castle that will cause pride to swell in the hearts of all Marchers who see it.

There is one additional restriction on this offer; to benefit from the boons Adamant offers the [[Fortification#Improvement|expansion]] of the castle must be commissioned by either the [[Master of the Koboldi]] or the [[Imperial Master of Works]]. Provided it is commissioned by one of these two then with the aid of ''Wallshaper'', improvement of the fortification would be completed in a year (assuming no further magic is used to speed it up further). The structure would be infused with ''adamant'' meaning that it would never collapse unless extremely powerful destructive magic were brought to bear against it.

The eternal's offer remains open until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. If it has not been commissioned by then, a future arrangement will need to be discussed.
<div style="float:right; width: "00px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcFothergill.jpg|align=right|caption=Jonah John|width=210}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MazWilberforce-Oli.png|align=right|caption=Mildred of Mumford|width=200}}</div>
====Moon, Sun, and Stone====
* '''Adamant will provide some of the materials needed to improve Farstrider's Watch in return for weltsilver and orichalcum
Discussion of Farstrider's Watch ends with Meon explaining that Adamant has a certain respect for the [[mine|miners]] of the Mourn. As such ''Worldcrafter'' is prepared to provide some of the materials needed to complete the work, but in return he desires precious metals - specifically pale [[weltsilver]] and glorious [[orichalcum]].

For every forty ingots of these two metals the Marcher smiths can provide, he will provider a wain of white granite wains to improve Farstrider's Watch. Indeed, in the unlikely event that the Marchers were able to gather 5,200 ingots the entire cost of the improvements would be covered by the eternal and only money and time would be needed. After discussion at the Stone Smith's Workshop, Meon proposes that the ingots be collected by the smiths and then given to the [[egregores|Marcher egregore]] - ideally ''Jonah John'' rather than ''Mildred of Mumford'' if only because the former is known as a particular supporter of the hillfolk of the Mourn. Meon in turn will collect the materials and take them to the Summer realm in exchange for the stone.

This opportunity becomes available at the summit where the work is commissioned, and then each summit until a year has passed (so if the castle work were commissioned at the Winter Solstice, it would be possible to hand over metals until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE).

===Fields of Gazing Grain===
<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 Kingfisher'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisher's Rock, Bregasland</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 150 white granite, 450 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Must be commissioned by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved
* Does not take the marsh penalty to labour
* Could incorporate a series of bulwarks to drain the marshes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates a level 2 fortification in Bregasland
* The fort is infused with adamant and cannot be destroyed except by powerful magic
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant will help carve a mighty fortification out of Fisher's Rock
* '''Requires commission by the Master of the Koboldi or Imperial Master of Works
* '''Adamant will help transform Fisher's Rock into a potent fortification that is unbreakable and unsinkable
The ''Shaper of Mountains'' is also interested in the proposal to create a mighty fortification out of the place the Marchers call [[Bregasland#Fisher’s_Rock|Fisher’s Rock]]. Meon mentions that just like [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]], Fisher's Rock is a place that has been fortified by the power of the ''Liege Unbreakable'' in the past. The eternal is all in favour of seeing them rise gloriously into the future.

As with Farstrider's Watch, if the Marchers wish Adamant’s aid in fortifying these places, then they will need to enlist the aid of the Master of the Koboldi - who is after all the go-between for the Empire and the servants of Adamant - or the Imperial Master of Works. Adamant seems to believe the Master is the Empire's pre-eminent expert on fortification construction, but on this point he may be mistaken, since the Master has the legal authority to improve fortifications but does not currently have the power to commission a new one.

Rather than commission a typical fortification, the ''koboldi'' will help transform Fisher’s Rock into the ''Keep of the Kingfisher''. The work would require 150 wains of [[white granite]], and only 450 crowns labour costs - the ''koboldi'' would undertake to transport materials as well as help build the thing removing the [[Commission#Marshes|additional labour costs]] for building in a marsh. The work would take a year to complete presuming the materials were provided and no additional magic used.

When finished, the Keep of the Kingfisher would be a rank two [[fortification|fortification]]. The bastion would also be infused with adamant - making it as ''unbreakable'' as the [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|Adamant Gate]] in eastern [[Semmerholm]]. It would also be ''unsinkable'' - even if the sea itself rose and drowned the [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]], the castle would remain an inviolate place of protection for those within its walls.

This boon remains available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. If the commission has not begun by then, the boon will need to be renegotiated. Obviously this is somewhat problematic given the Empire does not currently control Bregasland - it is in the hands of the Jotun - but Meon does not seem overly concerned with this "technicality."

====Water and Earth====
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dykes and Levies'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisher's Rock, Bregasland</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 white granite, 225 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Must be commissioned by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works as a single commission with the Hall of the Kingfisher
* The cost of the Hall would increase by 75 white granite and 225 crowns, but the work would be done at the same time
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Removes the marsh quality from Fisher's Rock
* Raises the level of investment in farms in Bregasland by one
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE - or until another great work increasing investment in farms is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>

* '''Adamant proposes to help drain parts of North Fens with a series of bulwarks connected to the Hall of the Kingfisher
* '''These additions would be incorporated into the commission of the Hall
* '''They would improve level of investment in farms in Bregasland
Meon raises her final point after extensive discussion of the Hall of the Kingfisher. Meon is of the opinion that marshes are a terrible waste of space; it is hard to build on them and almost impossible to mine. As part of the construction of the Hall, Adamant would provide aid to build a series of dykes, levies, and bulwarks at strategic locations around the North Fens to drain the marshes. The region would still be damp - but once the Hall of the Kingfisher was finished it would remove the [[Region_qualities#Marsh|marsh]] quality from the region allowing for future construction to be undertaken without additional labour costs.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bregas Marshes.png|align=right|caption=Bregasland is a territory of small islands of abundantly fertile soil, surrounded by seemingly endless marshes where eels are caught.|width=400}}</div>
To take advantage of this offer, whoever commissions it would need to specify they wish to build the bulwarks as well. It would increase the cost to complete the Hall of the Kingfisher by another 75 wains of white granite and 225 crowns but with the aid of the eternal it would not add any extra time to the construction.

Some of the smiths from other parts of the Marches are quite excited about this - if the land were drier it would surely provide tracts of fertile farmland.
The Bregas smiths are cautious, but Meon provides assurances that there would still ''be'' fens, there would just be more dry land making it easier to farm and easier to move around the territory. If the bulwarks were built alongside the castle, they would function as a [[great work]] increasing the level of investment in Bregasland farms by one. In conjunction with the existing Imperial Breadbasket every farm in the territory would provide an addition 72 rings each season (rather than 36 as it is at the moment).

The construction cannot be attempted separately; if it is not included in the announcement that begins work on the Hall of the Kingfisher it will require future negotiation with Adamant to enact.

===In the Ring===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sealed Dolmen'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Ore Hills, Mournwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 20 mithril, 210 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Significantly weakens curses targeted at the territory
* Costs every mana site in the Mournwold a crystal mana of production but provides a ''bronze dragonseye'' in its place
* Impacts the Happiston Fields and future mana crystal sinecure or great work by reducing crystal mana and providing bronze dragoneyes instead
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant expands on previous opportunities to offer his own brand of magical protection to the Marches
* '''The Closed Dolmen would reduce the effectiveness of curses laid over Marcher territories
Defence and fortification are not entirely about castles however. ''Meon of the Chisel'' muses that the ''[[This_land_is_your_land#Grateful_Dick|curse wards]]'' mentioned by the Stone Smith in her missive are a challenge but are certainly possible. Indeed, the ''Unshakable Foundation'' is arguably the ''best'' eternal to speak to about protecting lands from malign effects (or so Meon claims). The plans put together by the mortal ''Richard of Holberg'' are not going to work though - at least not with Adamant's help - because they are too steeped in "less reliable magics." Yet the ''Master of the Endless Delve'' is no stranger to protective magic such as this. The cost would be considerable, but it would also cause [[Summer magic]] to infuse itself into the very soil around the stones themselves, which Meon suggests is ''surely'' a good thing.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=trilithon.png|align=right|caption=Three standing stones, used to create a sealed gateway, are a powerful warding magic.|width=300}}</div>
A circle of [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Dolmens|closed dolmen]] could be built with Adamant's assistance in the western [[Mournwold#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] - as near the centre of the Mourn as possible. The ring would require 50 wains of white granite and 20 wains of mithril, as well as 210 crowns labour. It would take six months to complete. At the end of this time, it would infuse the territory with a little of the power of the ''Stone Potentate'', and the resonance of [[Summer_magic#Adamant|adamant]]. As long as the dolmen stood, and remained closed, they would weaken any curse that affected the [[territory]]. The exact impact would depend entirely on the nature of the magic involved, and even the power of Adamant is not enough to completely cancel the effects of a curse.

The sealed dolmen would draw power from the flows of mana through the territory - meaning they would also impact the [[mana site|mana sites]] of the Mourn. Every [[mana site]] in the territory would produce one fewer crystal mana each season. The crystals would still form, but rather than containing pure mana they would be touched by the majesty of Adamant and the Summer realm - specifically each site would produce a ''bronze dragonseye''. Each dragonseye provides two crystal mana towards the performance of any Summer ritual that creates a personal enchantment. It would also impact the [[Keeper_of_the_Happiston_Fields#Happiston_Fields|Happiston Fields]], with the [[Keeper of the Happiston Fields]] losing three crystal mana and receiving two bronze dragonseyes in their place. Any other [[sinecure]] or [[great work]] creating crystal mana in the Mournwold would likewise produce less crystal mana, providing a ''bronze dragoneye'' in its place.

As with other offers, the boon of the sealed dolmen remains until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE and if not commissioned by then, it will need to be renegotiated. Meon mentions that there is nothing to prevent Adamant helping to create similar dolmen in other Marcher territories - but that arranging a boon to assist with such things would require a separate [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missive.
====Malediction and Masonry====
* '''The exact effects of the closed dolmens depend greatly on the nature and scale of the curse
* '''They would also offer protection against negative effects created by some enchantments
Curses can be quite unpredictable, but the smiths working with Meon have speculated about the likely outcome. Any curse that specifically targets the earth, soil, and stone of the Mournwold such as [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]] or [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] would have reduced mechanical impact - the damage to the production of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]], and [[mine|mines]] would be halved. Other territory curses would have their effect on farms specifically halved, but otherwise likely have their normal mechanical impact.

The "unanticipated consequences" of all such territory-wide rituals would be very much lessened. The powerful protective wards would be taken into account when looking at the "nature of the area and the current situation there" and inform the description and any arising winds of fortune appropriately.

The wards proposed by Adamant do not discriminate; they would also activate to reduce the negative consequences of large-scale enchantments, if the outcome would be to cause significant harm to earth, stone, mines, forests, or farms.

===Faith in the Stone===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=300}}
</div>
* '''Opportunities exist to create true consecrations at the Hall of the Kingfisher or the improved Farstrider's Watch'''
* '''These opportunities take advantage of the symbolism of these two places and their connection to Pride and Loyalty'''
* '''Writs of Consecration would be needed as normal for creating an inspirational location'''
* '''Both proposals would only be fully effective if the appropriate opportunity were embraced'''
One of the attendees at the Stone Smith's Workshop is the former [[monk]] ''Thomas o' the Woolpack''. A sprightly seventy-year old, "Wooly Tom" found his calling as a smith only recently, but is an adept [[Crafting skills#Artisan|crafter]] of [[:Category:Reliquaries|reliquaries]] and [[:Category:Regalia|regalia]]. Inspired by the discussion with Meon, Thomas has apparently spoken with some of his old friends among the monasteries, and added a rider of his own to the offer of Adamant, one that builds on the offers with the power of Marcher virtue.

Two of the proposals from the court of the Deep Dragon result in a sizable stone structure being created, one that will loom large in the minds of virtuous Marchers. Farstrider's Watch is already something of a place of pilgrimage for Marcher folk; it resonates strongly with the sacrifices made by Marcher soldiers to keep the Mourn safe. Likewise, Fisher's Rock in Bregasland has a recent history that has at its core questions of Marcher loyalty and unity.

Thomas proposes that either or both of these places, were they commissioned, could be [[consecration|consecrated]] with [[true liao]] - following on from a successful [[writ of consecration]] in the appropriate assembly of course. Indeed, minor adjustments to the structures themselves could be made that would make this even more effective.

Farstrider's Watch in the Mourn is a strong candidate for a place consecrated to [[Pride]], especially if it incorporated a shrine remembering the sacrifices of the [[Known_exemplars#Leaders_of_the_Ore_Hills_Rebellion|Ore Hills Rebels]] - [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_5|recognised last year]] as exemplars. Work is already underway on [[Construct Rebellion's Ridge|Rebellion's Ridge]] which could be seen as a growing interest in these historical figures. Along with the stories of General Flowers, the castle's role in defending the Marches from the Jotun, and as a memorial to the pride of the oathsworn [[general]] of the [[Tusks]] army, it would be cemented as a place of pilgrimage. A properly consecrated [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] for the rebellious miners would inspire their descendants to continue to seek political representation in the politics of the Mournwold; it would serve as a stopping-off point for those travelling to [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour's_Rest|Honour's Rest]], provide boons to those preaching the virtue of Pride in the Marches, and it would provide an opportunity for the Mournwold to show its appreciation of the Tusks.

Fisher's Rock is also an important symbol, this time relating to [[Loyalty]]. Bregasland has been riven by disputes between neighbours, and between those who embraced the separatist dogma of Mathilda Fisher and those who cleft to the Empire. The ripples of those disagreements are still being felt in the western Marches. For all their faults the Fishers were loyal to one another, for all that their understanding of virtue was clearly warped by their time among the Jotun. Thomas o' the Woolpack suggests that the place could become a fine site for a consecration dedicated to that most Marcher of Loyalty exemplars, [[Bolstering Bill]]. Again the commission would include a space set aside to serve as a shrine to those who support their fellows rather than tear them down. The keep would be a place of pilgrimage, and reinforce that the Marches will not neglect Bregasland nor treat them as outsiders. It would remove the [[Bregasland#Rebellious|rebellious]] quality, provide boons to anyone preaching the virtue of Loyalty in the Marches, and grant the Bregas the [[opportunity]] to show their appreciation for the Strong Reeds.

Obviously there is nothing to prevent the Marcher assembly working with the Pride assembly to consecrate Farstrider's Watch as it stands, or with the Loyalty assembly to create a shrine for Bolstering Bill in Bregasland. In theory, the Synod could consecrate a hole in the ground if they chose to. But the [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] of these huge structures Adamant has proposed is what makes either site ideal for this. Consecrating a smaller fortification simply would not have the same impact.

The proposals by Adamant allow for major rebuilding work and all that would be required to incorporate suitable shrines for the Ore Hills Rebels in Farstrider's Watch, or for Bolstering Bill in the Keep of the Kingfisher, would be a note to that effect in the commission.

===A Dragon's Gift===
* '''The Stone Smith may receive a schema from Adamant in return for ten rings of ilium
* '''The boon must be claimed before the end of the Winter Solstice
In honour of past times, and in recognition that the Marcher smiths are again in the Marches, Adamant offers them an unexpected boon if they wish to accept it. In return for ten rings of ilium, Adamant will forge a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] for the smiths' use, allowing anyone who studies it to master the creation of something Meon calls the ''Ring of the Dragon''. This [[:Category:Foci|magic focus]] can be invoked once each day by a ritual magician versed in [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Summer lore]] to improve their ability to wield [[Summer magic]]. Meon stresses that it is a gift for ''the Marches'', not for the Empire, in memory of times gone by. Adamant would be displeased if the schema became part of [[Imperial lore]] or was incorporated into [[Runesmith's Law]] but .

To claim the schema, the [[Stone Smith]] must bring the ilium to the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]] by the end of the Winter Solstice and invoke the [[operate portal]] spell, either personally or from an object such as a [[Pauper's Key]]. They will receive the schema in return.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====Ring of the Dragon====
* '''Form:''' Talisman. Takes the form of a ritual focus. You must be wearing this item or holding it in hand to use its magical properties.
* '''Requirement:''' You must have the magician skill to bond to this item.
* '''Effect:''' Once per day you may use this ring to gain one additional [[Magical skills#Realm Lore|rank]] of Summer lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].
* '''Roleplaying Effect:''' While wearing this ring you feel larger than life - bigger and sturdier than you actually are - as if your bones were made of stone.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting a Ring of the Dragon requires nine ingots of orichalcum, six measures of iridescent gloaming, and three ingots of green iron. It takes one month to make one of these items.
</div>
Click to expand for details of the ''Ring of the Dragon''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==Stones in the Soil==
* '''The knights of Tharim remain in Upwold
* '''The Conclave has agreed that the injured farm owners of the territory deserve compensation from the Bound King
* '''With the aid of the landskeepers, Tharim's knights have provided Heart's Blood to farmers whose crops were damaged
The [[Tharim]] has an odd relationship with the Marches; his [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#Scour_(Tharim)|knights]] are in [[Upwold]] at the moment having gone there to find the killers of his herald Obligatus. He is also the patron of the [[Mitwold#The_Pale_Chain|Pale Chain]] in [[Mitwold]], the standing stone that apparently keeps an ancient evil trapped deep beneath the ground. His "friendship" has proved to be something of a two-edged blade already; his knights "help" in hunting down the servants of [[Agramant]] left more than a little damage to Mitwold [[farm|farms]]. The commander of Tharim's troops, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'', dealt with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the [[Conclave]] thought it was merited. The [[Archmage of Winter]] raised the [[Alignment#Acceptance|appropriate declaration]], and Imperial magicians agreed that [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Compensate_Upwold_Farmers|compensation was merited]]. As such every farm owner in the territory has received a pawn of [[vis#Heart's Blood|Heart's Blood]] from the knights of Tharim, distributed with the aid of the Upwold [[landskeeper|landskeepers]].

As Winter grows deeper, and the [[Jotun]] advance across Mitwold, a herald of Tharim named ''Poena'' - one of the colleagues of Obligatus who apparently [[Hunters_and_wolves#In_the_Copse_of_the_Bone_Birch|arrived alongside him]] in the Empire six years ago - visits the [[Keeper_of_the_Golden_Fields#The_Silent_Giant|Silent Giant]] apparently looking for '''Nicolas Reaper''' (the [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]]) and the rest of the Upwold landskeepers. Poena takes the form of a tall, dangerous looking woman with bone-white skin marked with raised cicatrixes and iron spines across her cheekbones. She bears news of certain boons offered by Tharim to his "Marcher friends", especially those Landskeepers who are charged with keeping the Marches safe and prosperous. They are also offered in recognition of the fine [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court|tribute]] that magicians of the Marches have provided to Tharim (and the Court presumably), including several one-of-a-kind objects that were especially appreciated.
===Tribute's Blade===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Blade of Petition</big>'''<br>These magical foci always take the form of daggers or one-handed bladed weapons. They must be used in a specific way: used to shed blood as part of a ritual performance. It is a good idea for a magician to be familiar with the dangers of [[blood magic]] before employing them. They grant the user an additional rank of Winter Lore for purposes of casting Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court, Petrifying Command of the Tyrant, and Pallid Flesh of the Dead King.<br><br></box></div>
* '''During the Winter Solstice Marcher Tribute to the Thrice-cursed court can be used to secure a ''Blade of Petition'''''
* '''The ritual must target a magical dagger or one-handed weapon bonded to a landskeeper
The ''Bound King'' is apparently pleased with the help rendered by the Marcher landskeepers in pursuit of the murderers of Obligatus. As such he proffers a simple, personal boon - a ''Blade of Petition''. These blades are magical [[:Category:Foci|foci]] given as boons of Tharim, and provide aid to castings of ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'', [[Petrifying Command of the Tyrant]], and [[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]] provided the wielder first offers a "minor tribute" to the eternal.

To claim a ''Blade of the Petitioner'' a landskeeper needs to perform or secure the aid of a Marcher coven capable of performing, Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court. The ritual must target a [[magic items|magical]] [[:Category:daggers|dagger]] or [[:Category:One-handed Weapons|one-handed blade]], placed in a container alongside one measure each of [[beggar's lye]] and [[dragonbone]], and an ingot of [[weltsilver]]. The magic item must also be [[create bond|bonded]] to a landskeeper. If all this is done correctly, then in place of the [[Vis#Heart's Blood|usual reward]] for the ritual, Tharim will return the weapon with a valuable new property - transforming it into a ''Blade of Petition''.

The ''Bound King'' stresses that ''only'' landskeepers can claim this gift, although what they do with the blade once they have it is not his concern. Poena stresses that while it is sure no landskeeper would be greedy enough to try and secure more than one ''Blade'', any foolish enough to do so must expect punishment for their temerity. Also, any attempt to send the focus ''back'' to Tharim through the ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' will receive nothing, and risks angering the Court.

'''OOC Note:''' Only a character with the landskeeper [[archetype]] can gain one of these magical foci. The phys-rep for the dagger or knife used as the target of the ritual is returned with a new ribbon attached, which expires normally (just before the Winter Solstice 388YE). The ''Blade of the Petitioner'' functions as any other [[:Category:Foci|focus]] with regards to things such as [[Magic_items#Bonded_Items|bonding]] and the [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].
===Watcher's Tomb===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Bitter Salt'''</big><br>Bitter Salt is a coarse, granular, crumbly powder. You'll need to provide your own physrep - the ideal would be a mix of salt an ashes in a small pouch. It takes the form of a ribbon that is activated on use with the assistance of a referee. Using it requires a short ritual performance in which the ashes are mixed with fresh blood and used to daub the Naeve rune on the forehead of the recipient. They then receive an enchantment - ''Warder at the Tomb Gate'' - that follows all the usual rules for enchantment.</box></div>
* '''During the Winter Solstice, Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court can be used by Marcher magicians to secure a dose of Bitter Salt
* '''The ritual must target a newly crafted magic item that is bonded to a landskeeper
During the Winter Solstice any Marcher coven may offer a specific tribute to [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] and receive their aid in return. They must cast the ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' ritual on a "pristine" item - one that has only recently been completed (a new [[magic items|magic item]] that expires before the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE). The item must be [[create bond|bonded]] to a landskeeper, and three one ring coins placed in the container alongside it. Instead of the usual vials of [[Vis#Heart's_Blood|heart's blood]], they will receive a ''Pouch of Bitter Salt''.

''Bitter Salt'' can be invoked at the [[Regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]] as part of a two-minute ceremony, following the rules for [[Rituals#Performing_a_Ritual|ritual performance]], that involves mixing the ashes with freely donated blood and using them to mark the rune [[Naeve]] on the forehead of a warrior-captain. This will release an [[enchantment]] - a boon of the Thrice-cursed - that will flow through the target to infuse the soldiers over who they have dominion (their [[military unit]]).

The enchantment is a version of a ritual Poena calls ''Watchers at the Tomb Gate'' and provides an additional five ranks of strength to a military unit that undertakes a [[Military_unit#Guarding|guarding]] action. While their soldiers are enchanted the captain also experience a roleplaying effect: ''you expect respect and deference from those you protect; its easy to become angry and even violent when face with failure to recognise your contribution to the safety of those you guard.'' The captain is also marked by the Thrice-cursed Court, something that can be determined through use of the [[detect magic]] spell. If anyone uses [[Detect_magic#Discern_Enchantment|discern enchantment]] on a target of one of these rituals, it will reveal that they bear a "''mark of chains''" as well as whatever personal enchantment they might be under (if any).
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''A Reminder About Enchantments'''</big><br>It's important to note with both the ''Wrath'' and ''Rage'' boons that an enchantment ''cannot'' be removed prematurely without casting a different enchantment, or allowing the duration (until the start of the next Profound Decisions event) to expire. It's not possible to just give up the enchantment - meaning it is much more likely that someone with one of these boons will be detected.</box></div>

Tharim presumes this can be used to help defend Mitwold against the Jotun, by garrisoning [[Mitwold#Forte_Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]], but as with his other boons he is broadly unconcerned what the power is used for.

===Sorrow's Cost===
* '''During the Winter Solstice, Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court can be used to secure a rare arcane projection calling on Tharim's power
* '''The ritual must target an artefact or item hallowed with true liao and must be performed by a landskeeper or a coven containing a landskeeper
Poena also speaks of a major boon indeed, one rarely offered by Tharim, that he will grant to the landskeepers of the Marches. In recognition of its rarity and power, it comes at a significantly higher price. In return for an actual [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] or for an item that has been [[hallow|hallowed]] with [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] sent via ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' by a Marcher coven containing a landskeeper, Tharim will provide an [[arcane projection]] of a ritual his herald calls ''Blades of Rust and Sorrow''. This is an enchantment of [[Winter magic]], of magnitude one hundred and twenty, that can be performed on a [[general]] to infuse their entire [[army]] with the blessings of the Thrice-cursed Court.

''Blades of Rust and Sorrow'' makes the soldiers cold, cruel, and vicious and adds the resonances of [[Winter magic#Hunger|hunger]] and [[Winter magic#Punishment|punishment]] to their blades. This provides an effective four thousand extra force, but only for purposes of inflicting casualties. As with the boon of ''Warder of the Tomb Gate'', as long as the enchantment persists the general bears the ''mark of chains'', which can be discerned with [[detect magic]]. Again, the expectation is that this will be used to help fight the Jotun but actually Tharim doesn't really care where it is used.

The landskeepers have explicit permission from Tharim to use the enchantment if they want, or to have it codified at one of the Empires [[college of magic|magical colleges]] if they want to use it more freely. There is an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]] attached of course - the ritual loses all power if the [[Mitwold#The_Pale_Chain|Pale Chain]] is ever moved or destroyed, or the ward it creates is pierced or removed.

There is however one pressing consideration which is that [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Savagery_of_Armies|two years ago]] the [[Conclave]] [[interdiction|interdicted]] the practice of "''making armies savage''" at the [[Hierarchs_of_sea_and_sky#The_Key_of_Commitment|urging]] of the eternal [[Zakalwe]]. Just from the description alone it seems likely that ''Blades of Rust and Sorrow'' would fall afoul of this (and as a ritual not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]] the magistrates would be charged to confiscate any arcane projection for such an effect). Poena does not consider this to be an issue, and presumes the landskeepers will easily be able to sort this out if they want Tharim's boon.

===Limited Opportunities===
* '''These boons are only available during the Winter Solstice but once received will endure for the usual duration'''
* '''They are only available via Tribute to the Thrice-cursed court rituals cast by Marcher covens
* '''They require the aid of a landskeeper to claim
These boons are only available during the Winter Solstice, and rely on the participation of a landskeeper (explicitly in this case a character with the [[landskeeper]] [[archetype]] recorded on the database). Magicians of other nations can make use of the blade, salt, or arcane projection if they are provided with the item, but the boons can only be secured if [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]] is cast in the specified ways by Marcher magicians with the aid of a landskeeper.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=200}}
==Friendship is an Arrangement==
* '''Heralds of Sadogua have again attended wassail across the Marches'''
* '''The Father of Bats is particularly taken with the Marches' mummers
Serious matters may be under discussion in Upwold, but in the rest of the Marches - even places under threat by the Jotun - there is a slightly more convivial atmosphere at least while Wassail is going on. [[Patterns_of_fairytales#A Grand Wasssail|Last year]], heralds of Sadogua were invited to attend the seasonal [[Wassail]] in the Marches. This year, they've turned up again, and thrown themselves into the celebrations with just as much gusto. After the Autumn Equinox some very odd creatures turn up throughout Mitwold, Upwold, Mournwold, and even Bregasland (where wassail is understandably a little more subdued than usual).

Many of the visiting creatures take on the guise of [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Mummers|mummers]]. Some form their own troupes while others turn up to audition for existing bands. They are reasonably well behaved, albeit excitable, full of fun, and free with the minor magics heralds of the ''Globbersnotch'' enjoy. They bring their own masks and costumes, and are adept at playing comedic roles and participating in the [[Dramaturgy#The_Chorus|Chorus]]. Their presence is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the number of bats seen at twilight, as well as a number of encounters with friendly and talkative black cats of unusual size across the Marches. Some of these creatures wear, or are interested in acquiring, delightful little hats.

The ''Toad King'' again offers a small boon to the folk who have proved so welcoming to his heralds. During the Winter Solstice, any Marcher farm that is enchanted with [[Blessing of New Spring]] but does ''not'' use any [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Blessing_of_Old_Winter|whisperspore]] will grow a circle of "friendly" black mushrooms somewhere within its bounds. If they are collected on the night of the new moon and squeezed dry, they'll produce one of two elixirs he calls ''Shinemoon''. ''Pale Shinemoon'' can be used to provide a ritual magician with a little inspiration when performing a ritual using [[Day]], [[Summer]], or [[Autumn]] magic while ''Dark Shinemoon'' does the same but for a ritual using [[Night]], [[Winter]], or [[Spring]] magic. Sadogua understands if his Marcher friends prefer to accept the unpredictable and chaotic boons of ''[[Llofir|Old Toadstool Head]]'' instead, but his heralds cannot conceal the fact that the ''Black Wyrm'' is a little narked that Spring eternals are ''once again'' interfering with his attempt to do something nice for his friends in the Marches.

<big>'''Participation:'''</big> Any Marcher character is encouraged to make up stories about the antics of Sadogua's heralds, assuming they visited their Wassail celebrations, using the above as a guideline. They will have been reasonably well behaved, not disruptive, friendly, and with a quite astonishing capacity for food and drink - both that provided by their hosts, and supplies they have brought with them out of the Forests of the Night - and for enthusiastically discordant singing and dancing.

Like their master, the heralds of Sadogua favour magicians (and potential magicians) over more mundane folk. In particular, any Marcher character of the [[mummer]] archetype can choose to have performed alongside one of the heralds of Sadogua who attended the Wassail. The experience is surprisingly intense; it is easy to lose oneself entirely in ones role when playing alongside the heralds. Players are encouraged to make up stories of a wild nights of revelry, minor magical side-effects of the play performed, and of losing time and waking up three days later upside down in a haystack or pigpen.
===Masks and Mummery===
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-left: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Aliss Laugh.jpg|Aliss Cry.jpg|300px|Caption1|Caption2|Caption3|Caption4|Caption5|Caption6|The role of the fool is an important one}}</div>
* '''Sadogua offers a boon to Marcher mummers during the Winter Solstice
In all the excitement, the heralds almost forget the other matter. Sadogua offers a small boon to the mummers of the Marches if they want it, partly based on his appreciation for the fine work done by ''Goatsbridge Coven'', the ''Maidstone Mummers'', ''Mummering Hive'', and their fellows. During the Winter Solstice, any mummer can pop along to the Imperial regio with a bag containing twenty measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] and [[dragonbone]] in any combination, along with one of their masks. If they use [[operate portal]] to throw it through to Sadogua, he'll provide them with a little present to show his appreciation of their work - either a ''Mask of the Gambler'' or a ''Mask of the Seamstress''. They can pick whichever one they want by sending him a [[Missive for Sadogua|Missive]] (either personally or by getting a friendly Marcher magician to do it). Provided this is done before midnight on the Saturday of the event, he'll refashion their mask by the end of the Summit.

When asked what the difference is between a ''Mask of the Gambler'' and a ''Mask of the Seamstress'', the heralds provide contradictory explanations that rapidly get derailed into talk of other magical topics. They are confident that the masks are something to do with the ''[[Dramaturgy#The Personae|scions of mummery]]'' as they term them. They think the masks are useful even to folk who don't practice Night magic - although why anyone would want to spend too much time studying realms other than Night, they can't imagine - and that they'll last about a year (just like any other [[magic items|magic item]]).

'''OOC Note:''' Out of character, the ribboned mask will be available to be picked up from GOD on Sunday morning by the mummer who provided the ingots and measures. In- character the mask is being delivered to your bedroom by a small flock of cheerful bats. Any items that aren't picked up by Time Out on Sunday will go into lost property after the event.
==Further Reading==
* [[Smith]]
* [[Landskeeper]]
* [[Mummer]]
* [[Stone Smith]]
* [[A pinch of salt]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune introducing the Stone Smiths Workshop and the recovery of the ancient tradition

* [[Adamant]]
* [[Tharim]]
* [[Sadogua]]

Ourselves and immortality

2026-04-06T20:14:52Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>The sound of someone trying to drag a heavy box as quietly as possible was very distracting. Aemilia strove to maintain poise, but the words in her head tumbled and fragmented and were gone. She put down her pen with a pointed "click" and turned round in her chair.

"Sorry, Aemelia." Diogenes did not sound sorry. He had his sleeves rolled up and was rooting through some of the storage chests that sat under the bookshelves. "What are you working on?"

"A poem about death." She replied flatly. "Or I was until someone decided they needed to rearrange the library right this second. Now I'm talking to you."

"Sorry again." He still didn't sound sorry. "But there's been news. The Archmage has called the Court of Rope together. All three of them. For the Solstice. Marcus wants us to be ready to offer Tribute."

"I thought the Queen was still under enmity?" Aemelia had not been keeping track.

"Not since last Winter," replied Diogenes cheerily. He ran his finger through the frosted tips of his bleached hair and then swore quietly as he realised he'd caked his head in dust. "Queen and Knight at neutrality, King remains amitous."

"That isn't a word." Aemelia corrected her coven mate on reflex, more out of pedantic habit than any confidence he would stop making up words.

"''Definitely'' all three of them? Not just the King?" Poise alone kept Aemelia's tone neutral. "Hag Queen and Burnt Prince as well? In the same parley?"

Diogenes was only half listening, busy selecting scrolls and stuffing them into the pockets in his sash.

"Well, the heliopticon says it's all three of them. Tupenties from Moonwell Spire says it's ''as monarchs'' as well if that matters."

It did, in fact, matter. Aemelia caught herself nibbling her thumbnail, and it took an effort to put her hand back in her lap.

"How long has it been since all three of them have been approached together?" She asked mildly. "As the Court I mean, rather than individually?"

"Years, I suppose. I hadn't really given it any thought. Why?"

"No reason, just thinking out loud." She did not let her eyes stray to the shelf where the ''Tome of Ruinous Omens'' lay innocently on its side, fat with visionary dreams and carefully curated advice about the Court of the Three and the dangers of getting entangled with them. "I just seem to recall that last time they were all together, it caused a bit of a fuss. But I'm sure ''this'' time it will be ''absolutely fine''."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=StillLifeWithASkull.jpg|caption=Everything is sure to be well, to be well.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/fMBSJo4YHP0?si=cLAFnPZc8_oF4Vjr}}
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Five have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other has provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
As the Winter Solstice approaches, the [[eternal|eternals]] respond to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the six [[archmage|archmages]]. Each of the six is empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Some eternals will arrange a [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] or some kind, a personal meeting with themselves or more commonly one of their favoured lieutenants. Others may take more direct action, offering [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure boons or enlist the eternal's power to change the Empire in some way. Sometimes they decline the offer of meetings or boons, but even then they are likely to provide their reasons for doing so.

Since the Autumn Equinox, messengers representing six eternals have come to the Empire from their eternal patrons, detailing the response to each plenipotentiary missive.
==Before a House==
* '''The Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges welcomes the plenipotentiary of the Autumn Archmage
* '''A parley will take place in a chamber reached via the Hall of Worlds at TBC on Saturday during the summit
* '''Prospero requests the Archmage bring someone capable of speaking for the Celestial Arch along with them
* '''The Archmage may include up to two others as part of their entourage
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Vossk of Zenith Ascendant
{{CaptionedImage|file=Prospero001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
It has been a [[Back_in_town#Prospero|little over two years]] since last a formal emissary of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] visited the Empire. The minotaur, resplendent in robes of incarnadine and viridian, again visits the [[Astolat#Castle of Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] rather than visiting [[Anvil#The Hub|the Hub]]. Their message is short and devoid of unnecessary details. It seems that the ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges'' requests formal [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] with '''Vossk of Zenith Ascendant''', the new [[Archmage of Autumn]].

The meeting will take place in a chamber set aside for the purpose, at '''TBC''' on Saturday during the coming Winter Solstice. The main topic of conversation will be the matter of ritual magic - ''Threadweaver'' is interested to hear how the Archmage believes the ''City of Bridges'' might provide support to the Imperial war machine in the manner Vossk has outlined, although the minotaur is quick to point out that nothing is promised.

On the matter of promises, however, the ''Reckoner of Ebony and Bone'' is keen to conclude the matter of the favour owed by the [[Celestial Arch]] following his [[Inkpot_gods#The_Arch_and_The_Web|provision of a meeting]] with the people of [[Skoura]]. It is time for that favour to be called in, and as such Vossk is requested to bring a member of the [[Conclave order]] with the authority to discuss such matters to the parley. As with the favour provided to the [[Rod and Shield]], which was repaid by the [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Dissemination:_Find_the_Best_Path|dissemination]] of a [[Find the Best Path|military ritual]] to the magician-princes of Jarm, the expectation is that the repayment will be of commensurate value to the favour provided.

There are provisions for up to two others - secretaries, clerks, or [[scrivener|scriveners]] as the Archmage deems appropriate. The agenda for the meeting is set, however, and Prospero is unlikely to be amused by attempts to introduce new matters for discussion once it begins.

==I Would Not Stop==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Siakha offers parley to the Archmage of Spring at TBC on Saturday/Friday during the summit
* '''The ''Marvath'' will discuss the matter of destruction the Archmage has raised
* '''Three new rituals have appeared in Urizen lore without warning, apparently as a gift to Ibiss Briarheart
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Ibiss Briarheart'''
During some of the worst weather of the early Winter, a creature emerges from the [[Regio#Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]] at [[Anvil]]. It is a ''[[Siakha#Servants_of_Siakha|tempest]]'', one of the children of ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]''. A storm given flesh, a thing of barely contained disruptive force. This one is a little different to those encountered on battlefields supporting the [[Children of Wrecks]]. It bears a staff of [[tempest jade]] and wears an open dark green robe that evokes the wind-tossed breakers of the [[Bay of Catazar]]. It jerks and twitches in time to some inaudible rhythm only it can hear. Moving through Anvil with impressive directness, anyone who gets in its way even slightly is [[repel|hurled aside]] without warning. By the time it reaches the Hub, there are magistrates and militia waiting for it. It does not waste time on formalities, simply delivering its message to anyone who is near enough to hear its loud, rumbling words.

''Thunder-That-Speaks'' has heard the words of '''Ibiss Briarheart'''. She accepts the petition for parley. There will be an opportunity for the Archmage of Spring to speak with her favoured lieutenant the ''Marvath'' who is empowered to talk of the destruction desired by Briarheart. That meeting will take place on Friday evening at '''TBC''', in a chamber created for the purpose. Only the Archmage themselves, or their proxy if they cannot come themselves, is invited to attend.

There will be no talk of [[Grendel]], nor of wreckers. Nothing to say about Sarvos, nor Asavea, nor the lords of Winter. The matter the ''Hurricane Queen'' is interested in is the devastation, slaughter, and loot that the Archmage has proposed. She will offer her gift, if the Archmage is strong enough to accept it. Indeed, she has provided gifts to the people of Urizen as Briarheart has asked.

Message delivered, the ''tempest'' returns by the same direct route that it arrived, this time with an armed escort that it does not acknowledge in any way. It disappears through the gate at the heart of the Imperial regio with neither another word nor a backward glance.
==Civility==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Surut002.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=215}}
* '''The Thrice-cursed Court accept the offer of parley
* '''They will accept a delegation from Anvil at midnight on Friday
* '''Each of the three has matters of interest to them
* '''The current Keeper of Tharim's Throne Claudia Varkulova Remislav is invited to join the courtiers of the Thrice-cursed to help facilitate the meeting
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien, although they have indicated their intent to retire
On the evening of the first day of Winter proper, the air is sharp with the promise of snow and ice, and a messenger arrives at Anvil. It comes not from the Imperial Regio, but along the main road that runs through the settlement. It takes its time, savouring the sights and sounds, and pausing to observe folk about their early evening business. It is clearly a [[Inhabitants of the realms|creature of the realms]], and of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]] in particular. Pallid skinned, with lengths of rusted metal woven into and out of its flesh, it observes with empty eye sockets that nonetheless seem to see everything that transpires. A foul aura surrounds it, and those who get too close feel their skin crawling - that feeling of being on the edge of sleep and hearing a noise from a part of the room you know to be empty. Chained to its wrist is a book, the binding of which does not bear close inspection by those of faint heart or weak stomach.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Weakness and the Hall of Worlds'''<br>The last time all three members of the Thrice-cursed Court were together, they appeared in the Hall of Worlds. Their departure triggered an unpleasant effect. Everyone in the Hall of Worlds was struck with [[Calls#Weakness|weakness]]. There's no indication this was done on purpose; it might just be an effect of the Thrice-cursed monarchs withdrawing their presence from the Hall. There's also no indication this will happen again, but it is something to be aware of.<br><br>

But to be on the safe side, it's worth a reminder that one cannot leave the Hall of Worlds while subject to [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakness]], because one cannot cast [[operate portal]]. It is important to remember that you can only move ''yourself'' between the Hall of Worlds and Anvil (and vice versa) with the [[operate portal]] spell. The [[Ambassadorial Gatekeeper]] ritual allows other options but must either be cast in advance, or performed in the Hall of Worlds.

It's also tricky to remove weakness while one is experiencing it, given the way it restricts a character's abilities. The most reliable way would be to use a potion such as [[Apothecary_Potions#Feverfail_Elixir|Feverfail Elixir]] or [[Master_Medicinal#Maledict's_Medicament|Maledict's Medicament]]. A magician who does so would then be free to cast the [[purify]] spell, or take part in a ritual such as [[Renewed Strength of the New Day]] to help their fellows overcome any lingering curse. It's also important to remember that, as with [[Calls#VENOM|venom]], weakness does not go away naturally - it must be treated in some way before it is removed.

Again, there's no particular reason to believe this may become an issue, but this is a good a time as any to remind people of the dangers of being weakened while in the Hall of Worlds.</box></div>
When it reaches the Hub, it bows low and begins to read from the book. It bears a greeting from the ''[[The Thrice-cursed Court|Court of Broken Hearts]]''. From the ''[[Tharim|King-in-Chains]]'', from the ''[[Surut|Prince-of-Ashes]]'', and from the ''[[Skathe|Queen-of-Nails]]''. They accept the invitation of the [[Archmage of Winter]]. They also express their regret: they have heard that the Archmage of Winter Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien has chosen to step away from their powerful position to pursue other interests. Ematius was a worthy Archmage, say the Three, and whomever steps up to replace them will surely have their work cut out for them, given how difficult the other eternals of the Winter realm can be to deal with.

Regardless, they offer formal parley on Friday night, at midnight, during the coming Summit. The new Archmage may bring two others as their aides if they wish. In addition to the Archmage, the Keeper of Tharim's Throne '''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''' is invited to attend as a guest of the King. During the parley they may speak as they see fit, with no constraints placed on them by the Archmage. They may bring a servant of their own along if they desire. The Keeper of Tharim's Throne is also empowered to bring one other specific person if the wish: the [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[General]] of the [[Drakes]], '''William Guildenstern'''. Tharim leaves it entirely to Claudia's discretion whether they believe Guildenstern will provide any benefit to the parley.

As to the parley itself, each of the three monarchs of the ''Court of Rope'' has topics of interest to them. The King-in-Chains and his lieutenant ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' will discuss the matter of the wicked folk of [[Skoura]], and of the murder of ''Obligatus''. The ''Prince-of-Ashes'' will speak of the clever artisans of Skoura, and of knights and [[regio]], as well as on the matter of the [[vallorn]]. The ''Queen-of-Nails'' will speak of the peculiar folk of Skoura, the [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#Smile_(Skathe)|boon of Catena]], and of other gifts that the Court are minded to offer to their Imperial friends.

These gifts will ''not'' however include the ritual to ''Unleash Wild Fire''. The Empire has proved reticent to actually use the magical lore that the ''Court of Locked Doors'' has offered in recent years and while '''Armand Remislav Who Was Remys''' is beloved of the court, they would be better served seeking other boons.

In response to questions, or requests for clarification, the messenger simply smiles and shakes their head. Once they have finished delivering their messages, they depart Anvil the way they came - not via the Imperial regio, but along the road leading out of the town. Those few brave enough to follow a herald of the Thrice-cursed soon lose it as the evening darkens into night and the first curtains of snow close around it.
===Tribute Collectors===
* '''Surut intends to send tribute collectors to Anvil prior to the parley
* '''These tribute collectors are due to arrive at Anvil around 22:00 on Friday
* '''They are only interested in speaking to "warriors" - whatever that means
There is another matter to consider; the ''Burnt Knight'' intends to send some of his heralds to Anvil before the parley proper to collect "tribute". They will be looking for warriors - and the herald stresses they must be warriors - prepared to accept a tiny portion of Surut's curse for a time. This will apparently involve the herald-knights [[Calls#CLEAVE|injuring]] the arms or legs of those prepared to receive their strike. They may arrange for [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to be on hand if they wish; the important thing is the willingness to offer tribute.

The herald is close-mouthed about the details of this peculiar ceremony. They do let slip, however, that this is about the fact that the Thrice-cursed Court all too often deals only with magicians. This may be acceptable to the ''Thronebound'' and the ''Contemptuous'', but the ''Ashen Prince'' values the raw strength of the warrior more than he does honeyed words or clever magic.

Before departing, the herald also mentions that Surut is expecting that there will be at least some warriors prepared to show respect to him. It is not stated explicitly but there is a subtext that Surut would likely be displeased to discover that the Empire is not willing to offer sufficient tribute, and this will directly impact his mood in the parley.

==And Eternity==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=300]]</div>
* '''Ylenwe has responded to a request for parley from the Archmage of Day
* '''A herald of Ylenwe named Trunembra of the Strings will visit the Hall of Worlds during the arcane colloquium
* '''In addition to the Archmage of Day, Ylenwe has requested that the High Bard of the Empire be there
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka
On a blustery autumn day a quiet herald with mottled silver and indigo scales appears at the Hub. They arrive without comment, and the first anyone is aware of them is when, seated on a three-legged stool, they start to play quiet notes on their cerulean-and-weltsilver lyre. Their harmonious melody quells the often garrulous crowds in the Hub.

As they pluck their soothing strings, they deliver their message from the '' Mistress of Music''. Zie has heard the words of the Archmage of Day, and seen the results of their cooperation at Bulgakov, and in the [[Speak_to_me#Song_of_the_White_Wood|White Wood]]. Yet there are limits to what Ylenwe can achieve - and here the heralds music turns mournful, bringing a tear to the eye of all save the most hard-hearted. The [[Hahnmark#Kronemark|Sungate]] in Kronemark is beyond the power of ''Zie of the Perfect Morning''.

According to her herald the Sungate is not a scar, some residue of the harm the ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion Flame]]'' inflicts upon the world. Rather it is an open wound, a thing directly supported by the disharmonious fury of the ''End Of Songs''. The howling empty heart of the ''Light Destructive'' cannot be moved by the music of the ''Dove''; there is no way to close the Sungate or to allow mortals to approach the fane of such relentless, irresistible hatred. If things change in the future then fate may deliver an opportunity to deal with this burning beacon of despite, but for now there is nothing to be done but avoid it.

The heralds’ notes fall silent, and they bow their scaled head for several moments in contemplation. When their music resumes it has a more hopeful tone. When it comes to the White Wood and its song, though, the ''Shape of Sound'' can achieve something a little more wholesome. She intends to send her herald ''Trunembra of the Strings'' to the Hall of Worlds during the [[Arcane Colloquium]]. Once the Archmage of Day has completed their hosting duties, there will be a chance to discuss matters. The eternal asks that the [[High Bard of the Empire]] also be there, if possible. There will be discussion of musical instruments, and the role that music can play in uplifting the spirit and honing understanding of the world.
===Passed the Setting Sun===
* '''Ylenwe proposes to serve as patron for a house of harmonious music in Skarsind
* '''Zie wishes the Archmage and High Bard to consider how to help those threatened by Cold Sun
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Harmonious Hall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' TBC, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 weirwood, 10 mithril, 10 ilium, 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Must be ceded to Ylenwe (??)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Unclear at this time
</td></tr>
</table></div>
The ''Harmonious Chorister'' proposes the construction of a hall of music in the White Wood, a place where Imperial citizens can come together to study magic especially as it relates to the [[Day magic|Realm of Sea and Sky]] and the pursuit of harmony. The herald is not clear on what precisely this means - this is partly the matter that is to be discussed with the Archmage and the High Bard - but they do deliver plans for the structure. It appears to be a spacious hall, designed to complement the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of room for musical study and performance. The hall of music is an [[edifice]] that would require 15 wains of weirwood, 10 wains of mithril, 10 rings of ilium, and 75 crowns to construct, and would need to be conceded to Ylenwe. This last point raises a few eyebrows, but the herald gently suggests that questions would be better held until Trunembra of the Strings can answer them with more authority.

There is another matter that ''Zie of the Dawn'' wishes to speak of. The Oblivion Flame has been [[Cold war|kindled again]] in the mortal world. Its creatures have erupted into lands torn by war, suspicion, and disharmony. It rampages unchecked, destroying and killing without pause. [[Cold Sun]] has learned much from its recent incursion into the Empire, and Ylenwe asks that the Archmage and the High Bard use all their influence to encourage the [[Senate|Imperial Senate]] to offer whatever aid the Empire can spare to the people of both the [[Commonwealth]] and [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] - both of whom are facing a storm that the Empire alone has successfully weathered. Again, there will be a chance to talk about this with Trunembra of the Strings.

==Only Gossamer, My Gown==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:WhisperGal006.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The Whisper Gallery have responded to the request for parley from the Archmage of Night
* '''They intend to take possession of the Hall of Worlds late on Saturday
* '''Exact details of what will be discussed, and precisely who with, are not clear
* '''The current Archmage of Night is Bella Vicente d'Apulian'''
It is not a herald that arrives at Anvil as Autumn ages toward Winter, but an orc from distant [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. She comes in the [[dramaturgy|dramaturgical]] guise of [[the Mountebank]] - or perhaps more correctly [[the Mountebank#The Sailor|sailor]]. Of particular note is her [[The_Cloak|cloak]] which seems to billow around her with a life of its own, and whose hood does a remarkable job of concealing her identity even without her mask - a crudely carved piece of driftwood whose simplicity seems quite at odds with her flamboyant garb.

She comes as a messenger of the ''Seers of the Empty Thrones'', the ''Repairers of Reputation'', the ''Chiaroscuran Courtiers of the Echoed Fall'' - the [[Whisper Gallery]]. They have received the art of ''sweet Bella'' - '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' presumably - the delicious [[Archmage of Night]]. The specific requests contained within have piqued their interest. They choose to accede, and will send their sommelier to meet with the Archmage and any other Imperial magicians who wish to be present, late on Saturday night in the Hall of Worlds. The ''Weavers of the Improbable Loom'' will reach out to that place shortly before the meeting and fashion it suitable to their needs; they presume the Archmage understands their need to do so.

They do however place stipulations on the parley. All those who attend must be masked; those who do not accept this requirement will find they are unable to enter the Hall and will instead find themselves returning to Anvil. This misdirection of the paths between Anvil and the Hall of Worlds will persist until the parley - and it will be a parley - has been completed.

They are especially interested in seeing certain folk attend. In addition to sweet Bella, they invite the wise '''Fausta''', Grandmaster Silver Chalice; the ambitious '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', [[Senator]] for [[Spiral]] and cunning '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', Custodian of [[Legacy]]; the perceptive '''Mikael Reskovich''', High Bard; and the hateful '''Morgan Waystone Path''', [[Magpies#Speaker|Speaker of the Magpies]]. If they are in attendance they may accompany the Archmage into the Hall as part of their entourage. The Sommelier has words to convey to each from the ''Praetori Exsilium in Litore''.

Delightful Bella has, with honeyed words, asked for aid in uncovering secrets and the lieges of the Gallery shall be interested to see whether they are successful in doing so. There may be talk of [[Axos]], the fall of the empire of dreams, and the Spider of Lost Days. There may be talk of the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], and of the destruction of the [[Magpies]], and of the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]].

The message is vague, perhaps unsurprisingly. On one matter, though, the orc is quite clear. The Whisper Gallery are not friends of, or allies to, the Empire of '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''', the ''Throne of Pumpkins''. Imperial thieves are too keen to drag secrets from the shadowed places of the world and expose them to the harsh noonlight. The Court continues to oppose them, wherever they can, and will urge others to do so. The enmity they bear against secret-slaughterers has not been slaked, not even a little.

However for this single night at the Winter Solstice, there will be a chance for good-mannered discussion. Things change, and while the enmity of the Court has not lessened, the shape it takes is as mutable as anything else drowned in the shadows. With that in mind, any members of the militia, or any magistrates, who attempt to exert their authority over the people visiting their friends in the ''Court of Disrule'' will be ejected. They are welcome as long as they come masked, and remain civil, but any who attempt to harass or impose boundaries on their fellow citizens will find the patience of the ''Dancers of the Gossamer Pavane'' extremely limited.

With that, the orc bows politely, and takes her leave. A pair of magistrates stand ready outside the Hub to ask her some significant questions, but almost as soon as she steps out of the tent she is mobbed by two dozen figures dressed identically in the same voluminous cloak. The shapes wheel around each other and before the magistrates can do much more than raise the alarm, each of them races off in a different direction. While several of these interlopers are caught, they are Imperial citizens from every nation - a mix of humans and orcs. The only thing they have in common is that they are all actors, who say they had been paid for a unique thespian opportunity. None of them have ever met before, each was recruited by a different agent, and they all resolutely claim to have no idea they were dealing with the Whisper Gallery. Of the orc who delivered the message of the Whisper Gallery there is no sign.
===Participation : Parley===
* '''Anyone who wants to visit the Hall of Worlds during the parley must wear a mask
* '''While in the Hall of Worlds during the parley, it is impossible to remove a mask
* '''Everyone in the Hall of Worlds during the parley experiences a roleplaying effect
* '''Additional options exist for leaving the parley
The Whisper Gallery are using the invitation to parley to "twist" the gate that leads to the Hall of Worlds. Anyone who is not masked in some way will be unable to reach the meeting. Anyone who enters the Hall of Worlds will find that they cannot remove their mask; it is impossible for anyone to take their own or another character's mask off while the parley is underway. Veils can also be used provided they cover the entire face.

Furthermore everyone in the Hall of Worlds will experience a [[roleplaying effect]]: ''your mask represents your true face and you find it easy to act in accordance with its identity''. This effect becomes more pronounced as the parley continues. The dramaturgical personae offer some suggestions as to roleplaying effects tied to the traditional roles, but its up to you how you interpret the identity your mask represents. The effect fades within a few minutes of leaving the Hall of Worlds.

The twisting of the paths to and from the Hall of Worlds has a second effect. Anyone leaving the Hall of Worlds can choose to go immediately to the out-of-character area rather than return to Anvil directly. They're free to come back into play through the entrance between the out-of-character area and Anvil if they wish. This doesn't represent teleportation but rather the character being escorted, unseen, by heralds wreathed in [[Night magic]] until they reach the relative safely of the alleys of [[Anvil#Outer_Anvil|Outer Anvil]] - a clear effort from the Whisper Gallery to stymie attempts to intercept, search, or detain anyone visiting their parley.

During the parley any herald of the Whisper Gallery may call [[Calls#CURSE|CURSE]] against anyone attempting to disrupt the meeting. If this is done, the target should immediately leave the Hall of Worlds by the nearest exit and return to Anvil; they are unable to enter the Hall of Worlds again until time out.

Finally, we ask all participants to be mindful of our [[Conduct#Roleplaying_Conflict|conduct]] rules around roleplaying conflict, especially those concerning physical intimidation.

==Cornice==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Adamant has declined a formal parley from the Archmage of Summer'''
* '''They have made a number of proposals relating to ritual magic
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''
There is, of course, a sizable contingent of ''koboldi'' busy at Anvil following the Autumn Equinox. While they are mostly focused on anchoring the [[Opening ceremonies|new structure]], one of them takes time out of their schedule to visit the Hub. A cheerful, friendly individual with silver scales buffed to mirror sheen, they wear a splendid golden coat inlaid with hundreds of tiny gemstones that twinkle and glitter as they move. Somewhat apologetically, they indicate that they have been charged with delivering a message from the ''[[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]]'' in response to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] of the [[Archmage of Summer]]. It is, they warn, a fairly mixed bag all things told.

The ''koboldi'' delivers the bad news first - “''to get it out of the way so that one can focus on happier things''”. While the ''King Under the Mountain'' would be happy to see more great fortresses of [[white granite]] built in northern Varushka, they are concerned that the Vorazi do not see the bigger picture. The court of Adamant might help make a fortress larger, more impressive, or harder to destroy. They might help it be built more swiftly. They might even aid in enchanting it so that it can be more easily repaired or its garrison granted additional strength. The one thing they are ''not'' going to do is make it ''cheaper''. As the ''koboldi'' says philosophically “''you really don’t want to cut corners when you’re building something that’s meant to withstand armies, do you?''”

The request to intercede with Imperial roads is not something Adamant is interested in at the moment. The [[Senate]] is doing a wonderful job repairing and maintaining the grand highways, says the ''koboldi''. Yet the [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruinous]] magic of Spring - the ''koboldi'' shudders at the thought of it - has a way of tearing down even those things crafted from the strongest mundane materials. Infusing an entire Empire’s worth of roads with adamant - even the pale shadow of true adamant that can be worked in the mortal world - would take massive effort and not be achieved quickly. For something as mundane, and lacking in [[Summer magic#Majesty|majesty]] as a network of roads? Is such an endeavour worthy of the ''King Under the Mountain''? It isn't impossible to achieve but would require a great deal of fast talk, and likely involve the kind of [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantment]] that has been illegal since the [[interdiction]] of '''Cassandra i Periera i Erigo''' [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Empire_Wide_Enchantments|made such things a crime]].

Finally on the matter of the Ashen Flame, the Archmage must understand that there is no shortage of covens and individual magicians seeking the patronage of ''Sharaz on the Adamant Throne''. Their master is not uninterested, but at the moment there is little to make that coven stand out. If the Ashen Flame is serious about impressing Adamant, says the ''koboldi'', they should prevail on the Archmage of Summer to arrange a meeting on their behalf with some of Adamant's assessors. They should outline what they actually want, and why Adamant should give it to them. If this is the sole purpose of a plenipotentiary missive, the ''Master of Gnomes'' is much more likely to be amenable to honouring that request.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dima12713.jpg|caption='''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''', Master of the Koboldi|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laughlan10531.jpg|caption='''Laughlan vi Temeschwar''', Master of Rings|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lucrezia Corvinascura.jpg|caption='''Lucrezia Corvinascura''', Chair of the Wolf|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
===''Throne of the Mountains''===
* '''Adamant offers an arcane projection that might be codified to conjure a powerful castle from his domain
* '''Unlike the Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae, the conjured fort would focus on protecting a single region of hills
* '''In return for their aid they request that certain titles have their powers expanded
* '''All four titles could be amended with a single Senate motion
After all that negativity, the ''Dragon of Stone'' is interested to hear the request of '''Joseph of the Ashen Flame''' regarding the conjuration of ''actual'' citadels rather than simple castles that simply ''claim'' to be citadels. It is within the power of the ''Imperishable Potentate'' to do so. Adamant is prepared to provide a [[arcane projection|document]] that can serve as the basis for a ritual called ''Throne of the Mountains'' that could be codified at any Imperial [[college of magic]]. It would conjure a powerful defensive structure from the domain of Adamant that would offer superlative protection to the region of [[Region_qualities#Hills|hills]] where the enchantment was cast. This defence would make it significantly harder for an enemy army to claim the region, and they would find attempts to do so particularly punishing. Beyond that the ''koboldi'' provides no other details. A little cross-questioning from a member of the [[Unfettered Mind]] who happens to be present leaves them with the distinct impression that the ''koboldi'' is outlining something similar in basic outline to [[the Basalt Citadel]], but for enchanting hills or mountains. Attempts to get a more specific explanation just send the ''koboldi'' off into a tangent about how great fortifications are in general.
In return for this boon, the ''Stone King'' wishes to see the powers of certain [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]] amended. At the moment, the epic builders of the Empire often have little lists of things they can and cannot build - ''clearly'' an oversight suggests the cheerful ''koboldi''. The ''Throne of Adamant'' “simply” wishes the [[Imperial Senate]] to amend the powers of the [[Master of the Koboldi]], [[Legion Engineer]], [[Master of Rings]], and [[Chair of the Wolf]] such that these titles can build ''any'' [[commission]] that creates a structure. This would mean they could commission any current ''or future'' [[commission#Military Commissions|military]] or [[commission#Civilian Commissions|civilian]] commission that makes a structure (this would exclude, for example, mustering an [[army]] or raising a [[navy]]).

The ''koboldi'' cheerfully points out that this will save the Senate a lot of trouble in the long run as they won’t have to keep tweaking the titles as they come up with new things to build.

Obviously, any other restrictions about how and where and when they can build things will remain as per the individual titles. If the Senate does so before the Conclave Session on Saturday night, a ''koboldi'' will try and make sure the Archmage of Summer has the document in their hands during the session.

===''Monolithic Stronghold''===
* '''Adamant considers the power of Monolithic Stronghold of the Gemstone Dragon
* '''In return for aid, they ask that the Imperial Master of Works have their power to commission fortifications restored
Likewise, when it comes to the ''Monolithic Stronghold of the Gemstone Dragon'', Adamant is prepared to examine the [[arcane projection]] and see if it can be improved. The ''koboldi'' cautions that this might increase the magnitude of the enchantment; it’s hard to say. In return Adamant wishes to see the Senate show their commitment to building and maintaining mundane [[fortification|fortifications]] - they ask that the Archmage use their political influence to restore the power of the [[Imperial Master of Works]] to [[commission]] such structures. The civil service indicate that it would be possible to limit the number of times each season that this power could be used - in much the same way as the power of the [[Imperial Spymaster]] to build [[spy network|spy networks]] is limited. Again, if this is done before the last Conclave Session of the summit, the ''koboldi'' will do their best to deliver a modified arcane projection to the Archmage during that time although they can't promise to be successful.
===On Gnomes===
* '''Gnomes are inhabitants of the Summer realm, part of Adamant's court
As a final note, which the ''koboldi'' almost forgets to mention, there is the matter of gnomes. They are [[inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] that serve as excavators in the ranks of Adamant’s court. They are simple yet powerful creatures of earth and stone that can swim through rock, and reshape it as they wish with their bare hands. The ''koboldi'' is a little sniffy when they recount this - there are strong hints that their people and the gnomes do not get along well. Indeed, the little silver herald finished by saying that they don’t see why '''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''' would be worried about gnomes when they have so many delightful ''koboldi'' to work with.
===Collecting Stones===
* '''Adamant has also received a missive from the Stone Smith
It seems that the Archmage of Summer is not the only person who has requested parley with the the ''Unturned Stone''. The [[Stone Smith]], '''Gemma Brightsmith''' has also sought counsel from the ''Swordbreaker'' on behalf of her fellow [[smith|smiths]] through the auspices of an [[Stone Smith#Call to the Gull|Autumn eternal]]. Rather than reply in the same fashion as he does with an Archmage, however, it seems Adamant has chosen to send his heralds directly to [[the Marches]] to present his response. You can find more detail about this in the '''[[In the ground]]''' wind of fortune.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || TBC || [[Siakha]] || Spring || Parley; only the Archmage is invited to the chamber where it will take place
|-
| Friday || 00.00 || [[The Thrice-cursed Court]] || Winter || Limited attendance parley in a chamber
|-
| Saturday || TBC|| [[Prospero]] || Autumn || Parley in a chamber
|-
| Saturday || 15:00 || [[Ylenwe]] || Day || A herald will attend the [[Arcane Colloquium]] after the formal business is completed
|-
| Saturday || 00.00 || [[Whisper Gallery]] || Night || Parley in the Hall of Worlds
|}

Fire and the flood

2026-03-30T19:25:01Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Late Night Burning Fire.jpg|caption=Fire and water, powerful symbols of purity harnessed all too often to bring destruction.|align=left|width=500}}</div>

==War in the East==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/o0E-v6ZN-ss?si=YndfxMfJFd9S2mT8}}
Sarangrave has been freed from the Druj. For the first time in centuries it is not under the oppressive boot-heel of the Buruk Tepel and their Het proxies. In theory at least, it is now Imperial; the Senate has [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Assign_Sarangrave|declared]] the wetlands are now part of [[Urizen]]. Yet as Autumn lengthens into Winter there is little sign of Urizen settlers establishing [[spire|spires]] here. Hardly a surprise given it is still a battlefield, torn between multiple factions.

Most of the Druj septs that once ruled here are scattered, their dominion shattered, but they have by no means quit the Sarangrave. The orcs of the Mallum have shown the Empire time and time again how effectively they stay behind, to hide, to skulk, to strike when their enemies least expect it and exploit their vulnerabilities. So it is here - from Turan Flats to Bloodwater Marsh, there are bands of Druj gone to ground and ready to rise up whenever the Empire might show weakness. Then there is [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] where the Marshlizard sept still defiantly holds sway from the great fortress known as the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. It will be a challenge to dislodge the Druj from the Tower, and while they remain the Imperial claim to Sarangrave cannot help but be a fragile thing.

For its part, the Empire barely controls Sarangrave. There is a [[vallorn]] at its heart, a lost Terunael city wrapped in the fecundity and chaos of Spring corruption that waits like a coiled spring. Contained only by an ancient ring of warding stones, and the desperate ingenuity of the last Terunael, any crack in that defensive perimeter could see the thing explode across Sarangrave with a ferocity that will utterly eclipse the [[Crimson and green|situation in Therunin]]. There are rebels here as well, both former orc slaves who have risen up against their masters and smaller septs who have seized the opportunity to be free of Druj shackles. With the support of the ''[[Irra Harah|Prince with a thousand foes]]'' they have taken the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] and lay claim to the rest of the territory as well. They will not bow to the Empire; they do not care what the Senate has said about Sarangrave. With the Druj still holding the Tower of the Skink, the loss of a single region would collapse the Imperial grasp on the marshes and the forests.

[[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]], then. That immense citadel, that dreadful Tower; it dominates the vital [[Sarangrave#Path_of_the_Eye|pass]] into [[Axos]], looms over the spiralling town of Sepals, and casts its shadow over the Empire's ambitions here in the east. The fortress is old, older perhaps than the Empire itself. The Towers of the Dusk - the fort that once squatted at the eastern end of the Barrens - was but a pale shadow of this redoubt. It spreads like a stone-and-[[weirwood]] blight across the foothills of the southern mountains. Taken all together, it is mightier than the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] itself; only the [[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg|Walls of Holberg]] could claim to surpass it. Capturing the Thornfen while the Tower still stands, while it is still in the hands of the Marshlizard sept, will be challenging indeed. More so because the battered armies of the Mallum have fled their [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|disastrous attempt]] to invade [[Zenith]] to take refuge at the Tower. Under shrouds of [[Night magic]] they have slipped through Imperial lines and made it to the uncertain safety of the Tower. They will fight any and all comers, prepared to lose everything rather than accept defeat. For many of these orcs, this is ''their'' land, and they will do whatever it takes to prevent their enemies from claiming it.

''Whatever'' it takes.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
<quote by="Serafina Semenov, General of the Boyar's Hasta">Hear me, cousins of Iron. The storm continues but the Hasta remains unbroken. Through frost and flame, we fight alongside our Axou allies to claim the Tower of the Skink. We fight for coin, but the coin buys bread for our children, warmth for our hearths, strength for the nation. Remove all arms from our enemies, be they weapons to strike us, or limbs to lift their wounded. The septs rising to assist us should be left unharmed. Let our species go in virtue. Let our spears be the point on where sun rises.</quote>
<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Axe, you were the vanguard into Sarangrave, and you have followed me throughout the whole campaign. I ask you now to once more assault the Druj positions. We march with our allies, the crimson Schlacta, and new allies to this struggle in the Axou. We march to aid the Axou in their claim to that land. We are taking the walls of the tower of the skink and with its falling our conquest of Sarangrave will be complete. We step forward with courage in our heart and pride in our voices! Let us add another victory to our roll of honour, and together we will crush these vermin!</quote>
<quote by="Sychar of Ebon's Hall, General of the Granite Pillar">We seized the Sarangrave in battle, now we finish it. The Tower of the Skink is the heart of Druj power here, their rites and rule gathered within its walls. With our steady conquest, we will take that tower, shatter their heresy, destroy their sources of poison, and free every soul they have bound. To those suffer under the Druj youke - take heart, we are coming. To the Druj hear this and tremble, we are coming. My soldiers, move with Courage, fight with Wisdom, hold with Loyalty, Be Vigilant in the hunt, Proud is the virtuous strike, Ambitious in victory and ensure prosperity, follow the liberated. We are inevitable. Advance, for Highguard, for the Empire, for Salvation!</quote>
<quote by="Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco, General of the Lions of Adelmar">My Lions, Sarangrave is ours. But as our allies and armies remain, so do we to take that front line. Take that final push and plant hope in what was once the heart of the Mallum. To those still under the pain, hatred and boot of the Druj in the rest of the Mallum, hear me too. We are coming to save and protect those that needs us. We will be there.</quote>
<quote by="Irontide Skorr, General of the Summer Storm">Legionnaires, we have focussed our attention on the Druj. It is time to use our training to its fullest extent. We cur down the Druj overseers and slave makers in Thornfen. Let the slaves make their own wat to Nesustak Forest and safety with their kin. Use wisdom to know when and where to strike but do not let the overseers escape. Leave the Axou to their task, they want the land. That is not what we are after.</quote></div>
==Of Virtue and Trust==
Five [[army|Imperial armies]] remain in Sarangrave to challenge the Tower of the Skink and claim Thornfen. The [[Boyar's Hasta]] and the [[Golden Axe]] of [[Varushka]] fight alongside the [[Granite Pillar]] of Highguard, the Lions of Adelmar from [[Dawn]], and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] orcs of the [[Summer Storm]]. They must continue to battle under the hateful [[Druj miasma]] that hangs so heavy in the air, like a choking fog that captures every little glimmer of doubt or uncertainty and transforms it into fear and dread. Unlike the barely-established miasma the Empire faced in places like Zenith, it has been here for centuries. It has sunk into the soil here, into the trees, perhaps into the people themselves. It is a constant battle for every soldier, to push through the dark feelings that cluster around them seeking to sap their will, whispering that they cannot win here, that they should flee or submit to the Druj.

Yet this hopeless magic is not the only power at work here in the Sarangrave as Autumn fades. Every drop of water in the marshes, in the rivers and the lakes, in the waterskins of the soldiers, in the dew that comes with the morning, every drop shivers with the [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]]. The [[Rivers of Life]] have been roused in Sarangrave and grant their potent healing energies to all who are injured in the fighting. Everyone, orc and human, Imperial and rebel and Druj alike.

(And if this magic tightens the spring of the vallorn another notch, it will barely make a difference. Sarangrave has been under the Rivers of Life and [[Rivers Run Red|Death]] so many times, what can one more season matter?)

The infused waters mean that any injury short of a mortal blow will heal (although it will still leave scars). The Imperial strategy, for the most part, seems intended to take advantage of the Rivers. There are no furious frontal assaults here to try and overwhelm the defenders with numbers. Varushka [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|measures risk and reward]] carefully as it moves through the Sarangrave, sacrificing speed for surety. Highguard looks first and foremost to ensure that no Highborn lives are [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|thrown away needlessly]]. The Granite Pillar measures carefully the cost of each engagement, weighing out each drop of blood against the ultimate goal - to break the hold of the Druj, to free those under its iron yoke. To bring down the Tower of the Skink.

The Summer Storm are an exception to the general tenor of the Imperial strategy. They eschew care, and throw themselves against the defenders of the Mallum, seeming to relish every opportunity to [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cut them down]]. Their tactics are less concerned with claiming the Thornfen than they are with slaughtering as many Druj as they can. They make sure that fallen enemies do not live to benefit from the healing waters, cutting a bloody wound through their foes. They pay a price in their own blood, of course, but most pay it willingly. In the end, though, the butcher's bill falls short of what it might have been even with the Spring magic. Beside the orcs fight the [[Army_qualities#Guardian|guardian knights]] of the Lions of Adelmar. Proud, resplendent despite the mud and the weariness that comes with battling beneath the miasma, they stand ready to serve as glorious shields between their allies and harm. Even as they advance, they place a barrier between the Druj and the other Imperial armies that turns back barbed spear and arrows alike. Together with the Summer Storm, the Dawnish incur the particular hatred of the Marshlizard sept, a symbol of Imperial temerity in coming to ''their'' place to take ''their'' lands.

==Echoes of Magic==
Three of the armies are [[enchantment|enchanted]] with the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], using [[Day magic]] to coordinate their movements and identify weaknesses in the enemy defences. The Summer Storm and the Golden Axe, however, are instead accompanied by cohorts of the [[Knights of Glory]] drawn from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. The warriors of [[Eleonaris]] embrace the fight against the Druj. As far as the sovereigns of the Summer realm are concerned, the Mallum is a den of vermin. Indeed, the ''Lady of Pennants'' has sent two of her favoured captains to fight in Thornfen, and they bring their households with them.

To the Summer Storm comes ''Murmastis'', whose deeds are legend in the Summer realm and so she requires no courtly honorific. Stag-horned, taller than the tallest orc, this spearmaster is as relentless as those she fights alongside. She and her spear-dancers offer a stark contrast to the Unshackled soldiers, clad as they are in emerald and ruby scale armour. They urge the Imperial Orcs to strike mercilessly against their foe, inspiring them to greater and greater deeds of martial prowess against the loathsome Druj, singing unfamiliar songs of the thrill of pounding blood and the defeat of the unworthy. For some orcs, the experience of battling with Murmastis' warband rouses memories not their own, memories of distant ancestors who fought with the spear-dancers in the past.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''', General of the Golden Axe|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sychar of Ebon's Hall.jpg|caption='''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''', General of the Granite Pillar|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dame Katelyn.jpg|caption='''Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco''', General of the Lions of Adelmar|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
Meanwhile ''Ser Gaspare'' leads the proud ''schlacta'' of their domain to fight alongside the Golden Axe. In crimson plate, wrapped in a cloak made from the head and skin of an immense white bear, Gaspare has an undeniable presence and a very different attitude to many of the other more elfin knights the Varushkans have fought beside in the past. With their unbreakable adamant shields and their mighty axes, the warriors of Gaspare are less concerned with glory and splendour than they are with ''victory''. The captain does not try to conceal their disappointment at the tactics the Golden Axe have chosen; they fight as enthusiastically but at night around the fires they share stories of triumph and the joy of conquest, of the Vard and their iron spirits who tamed the wild forests, whose legacy remains the greatest nation of the Empire. Gaspare themselves clearly speaks from personal experience, and their words catch on something in the hearts of the audience that lingers.

These words linger not only in the hearts of the Golden Axe themselves; a great host of Imperial captains has gathered under the banners of the Golden Axe, fighting and marching with them. A matching host has come together to fight with the Summer Storm. They too hear the stories of Ser Gaspare and the songs of Murmastis and as the Imperial advance grinds forward, soldiers of every stripe chafe at the bit, eager to engage with the orcs of Thornfen.

==Shadow of the Tower==
On the other side, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of the Tower of the Skink, warriors of the Marshlizard sept, are cautious indeed. They have underestimated the Empire before, seen them sweep inexorably across Sarangrave breaking sept and shackle with equal ease. They focus their attention on Thornfen alone, leaving the rest of the Sarangrave to fend for itself. There is a kind of discipline in these defenders rarely observed among the Druj, but wedded to an almost overwhelming arrogance. Even when retreating they do nothing to hide their sneering contempt of the Varushkans and the Highborn, for the knights of Dawn, and most of all for the Imperial Orcs who they take pleasure in naming slaves of the Empire. They mock, they taunt, they needle. They attack the Pride of their foes with cutting words even as they assail their bodies with slicing steel. Like all Druj they are happiest striking quickly from surprise, inflicting as many wounds as possible, and then retreating. This has rarely been a particularly efficacious strategy under the Rivers of Life, where leaving anyone alive means they will most likely recover. But if anyone can make it work it is the orcs of the east, and the Marshlizards seem especially versed in inflicting as much pain as possible, or leaving their foes broken beyond salvation rather than simply killing them.

For all their cunning and cruelty, though, they are outmatched by the great host of Imperials. If it were just the garrison, just the people of the Marshlizard clan, and the refugees from the Thornwasp and the Banded Snake who have sought refuge in the fens, then the Tower of the Skink and the sprawling town of sepals would swiftly be overrun by the Imperial armies. The Empire knew that the [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]] and the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]] - the warriors of the Marshlizard and the Banded Snake - had taken up positions in Thornfen, in the Tower. Their presence makes the advance more difficult, but still it is likely the Empire would easily press them back. Unfortunately, there are another six armies of the Mallum in Thornfen this season that the Imperial strategy does not entirely account for.

Earlier in the year, the armies that had conquered [[Therunin]] moved south, [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|making a foray]] into northern [[Zenith]]. They cast down the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork's Gaze]] but were in their turn cast down by an [[Even_darkness_must_pass#All_Seem_Accursed|Imperial counterattack]]. Caught between the armies in Zenith and those in Bloodwater Marsh, their situation looked desperate. Unfortunately, the [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] were among them, an army led by [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] trained at the [[Sarangrave#Palace_of_the_Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]]. Twisted masters of [[Night magic]], as well as the magic of Spring, they have saved the Druj armies from Zenith [[The_darkest_road#Last_Light_of_the_Sun_(Battle)|once before]]. Using an [[enchantment]] similar to that practiced by certain secretive Varushkan [[cabalists]], they wrapped themselves and the other armies in a veil of shadows that allowed them to pass through the Imperial forces in eastern and southern Sarangrave and make it to the Tower of the Skink without losses.

They are battered, weakened, but not broken - not yet. Some have no choice but to be here; their septs are in Sarangrave and if they abandon their ancestral lands to the Empire they will wither and die. No Buruk Tepel, no Het, will countenance such a fate. Better to die with your teeth in the throat of your enemy than to go quietly into the night! The other armies have no choice but to be here, forced to choose between destruction in Zenith or a desperate fight in Sarangrave, in some ways they have exchanged one prison for another. At least they have a fighting chance here. Or at least a chance of persuading the Tainted Basilisk to weave their enchantment again so that they may escape to safety in the Salt Flats to the north
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]] command the defenders, although it is likely their position is fragile at best. The septs never stop manoeuvring for power. It is likely that within the Tower of the Skink there are plots afoot already; even in the face of extinction the Druj will jockey for position. It is important never to forget that the orcs of the Mallum are only unified from the point of view from outsiders; loyalty between septs is utterly alien to their way of life, their way of seeing the world. The [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] in particular look to be chafing under the command of the Crane - none of their magicians are seen on the battlefield at all. They have chosen to remain sequestered within the walls of the Tower of the Skink. They may give the Crane cause for alarm, but there are those among the Imperials who wonder what exactly the ghulai of the Basilisk might be up to...

Politics aside, they fight. They have no choice. The Empire is coming and there will be little mercy for the Druj. They fight, and there is little subtlety to their strategy. They focus [[Army orders#Solid Defence|entirely on defence]], on keeping the Empire from claiming the town of Sepals, from advancing on the Tower itself. There is a noticeable desperation to their tactics; hide, strike, flee, hide again. Their mobile, skirmishing approach can only go so far of course. The Empire sets the tempo here, and in the end the Druj must face the reality of the invasion and actually ''fight''. Their knowledge of Marshlizard land helps them here; they are able to force engagements that favour their position more than the Empire's, at least some of the time. They're also not above mobilizing the people of Sepals in their service - barely armoured poorly armed orcs who are little better than slaves, pushed into position as distractions or literal walls of flesh and bone in the service of some cunning stratagem or the other. There is little heroic about slaughtering such hopeless folk, but the Druj know this and lie in wait to exploit any moment of "weakness" or "compassion."

In the Tower of the Skink, the Druj defenders are utterly demoralised, scrabbling to try and keep their foothold. They have nowhere to go, and while that makes them fight more viciously, it cannot help but eat away at their resolve. The Empire begins to make headway in the conquest of Thornfen, even in the face of the Druj forces arrayed against them. They push toward Sepals, and the warehouses that store the rice and dried meat taken from the farms of Thornfen. If they can reach the town before the last supplies are moved into the fortress, they will make it that much harder for the armies pressed together within its walls to survive the winter, to endure a siege. Once Sepals falls, there will be nothing between the Imperials and the walls of the Tower. After initial pessimism, it begins to look as if the Imperials will at least claim Sepals by the Winter Solstice, and begin to bring down the defences of the Marshlizard sept.

Unfortunately, the battle for the Tower of the Skink is only half the story.
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenAxe_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lions of Adelmar.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SummerStorm_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
</fourpicture>
==Out of the North==
The main thrust of the Empire's strategy is to the south. There are troops stationed in the north to keep an eye over the borders, but surely given the punishing defeat inflicted on the Druj last season, they will be licking their wounds and trying to regroup? Surely.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj3.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
Sadly not. Even as the Empire advances on Sepals, a ragged host of Druj push back into [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]] and the southern [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]]. Five more armies, with the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]] in the vanguard. They might have quickly overwhelmed the [[vigilance|vigilant]] watchers on the border had it not been for unlooked for aid. Warbands of former slaves and Bloodspears, out of the Nesustak Forest, appear seemingly out of nowhere to battle the invading orcs. They have no actual chance of holding the armies at bay, nowhere near the numbers, the prowess, or the organisation. Nothing like an army of their own - a handful of outlaw bands filled to the brim with the [[Merciless_Wrath_of_the_Reaver|violent magic of Spring]] - they are in the midst of launching their own raids against Druj holdouts in the north when the Black Wind bring their vengeful forces across into Sarangrave.

With their aid, many of the soldiers stationed at the watchposts, busy securing Turan Flats and Kroll, are able to get to safety. They report that the rebels aren't precisely ''friendly'', but it seems they hate the Druj much, much more than they distrust the Empire. It also appears that there are grim mortal followers and swift [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] fighting with them. Indeed it's likely that without that additional aid, they might not have been able to help the Imperial soldiers quite so effectively.

Thanks in part to their support, messengers are able to deliver the news of the Druj return to the armies in the south. There is an emergency council and the commanders agree that they have no alternative but to split their attention. With the northern contingent drawing closer by the hour, the Imperial forces cannot risk losing Turan Flats or Kroll; being squeezed between the anvil of Thornfen and the hammer striking out of the Salt Flats will spell disaster. At least the armies from the north show the signs of a year or more of constant warfare in Therunin and the Mallum; only the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]] is anywhere near its full strength. Like bullies everywhere, the Druj are cocky and cruel when they have the advantage, but retreat almost immediately in the face of a concerted defence.

The Granite Pillar turn their attention to the north with commendable Highborn discipline. The Lions of Adelmar and the Summer Storm split their attention between the Pillar and the armies in the south. Indeed, the Storm will find it much easier to find Druj to kill in the northern marshes than they will the heavily fortified Thornfen. The rest of the Imperial advance presses the Tower of the Skink and the armies sequestered there.

There are clear signs of dissension in their ranks of the barbarians that emerge from the Salt Flats. While the Black Wind and the White Lion push forward to engage the Imperials, the Hidden Widow and Deadly Blade seem more focused on raiding the farms and villages and "making an example" of their former slaves. The Red Lizard meanwhile seem more concerned with recapturing Turan, at the urging of the widely reviled Het Traaka. The Shadow Krait sept, whose warriors make up the Red Lizard, clearly owe favours to the Banded Snake among whom Traaka enjoyed great prestige. How far they are prepared to go, however, depends on just how seriously they take those favours.

As the Imperial forces try to intercept the Red Lizard at Turan, that attracts the Black Wind and the White Lion, and a two-way battle erupts around the settlement. Days of vicious fighting see part of the town burn, but in the end the Empire is victorious and manages to push Traaka's allies back. There is little time for celebration however; every time one fire is stamped out another erupts somewhere else along the frontier.

It also helps that the Druj armies are clearly not sure what is waiting for them, and they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|cautiously, carefully]]. Even the Black Wind, usually so keen to terrorize their foes, keep their darker urges in check. Even in the face of the Varushkan and Dawnish soldiers they despise more than any others, they remain cautious. For all their caution, these armies are no less prepared to fight than those in the south, no less eager to kill Imperial soldiers. It may be the presence of the Rivers of Life that make them bold; it is surely the loss of the Sarangrave that makes them desperate however.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj6.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Jarangir's Levy==
Inevitably the need to address the armies out of the Salt Flats causes the Imperial advance in Thornfen to slow. Worse, it creates openings that allow the Marshlizard and the armies at the Tower to push back. The invasion falters, and it looks in the end as if the Imperial armies will make no headway this season at all. Through the seemingly random movements of troops back and forth, a great battle erupts around the crossroad where ''Jarangir's Levy'' meets the ''Path of the Tail'' that runs down towards Sepals and the Tower. The Druj defenders push mercilessly forward, committing their entire strength to the task of breaking the Imperial advance; of routing the virtuous forces.

With what might be the entire armed force of the Marshlizard sept fighting alongside the Poison Crane, even the Tainted Basilisk have dispatched a coven of war-sorcerer ''[[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]]'' in support. The engagement is brutal; the Summer Storm take the brunt of the casualties, but no army escapes unharmed. It is a testament to the discipline, to the commitment, of the Imperial armies that they are able to face the barbarian strike and not buckle under the pressure. The Boyar's Hasta in particular distinguish themselves, trading blows and vicious taunts with the Druj with equal facility, goading their enemies into overcommitting themselves, luring them into position where they can be cut off from their allies.

It's not clear who breaks the levy, swollen as it is with the heavy rains of winter. Some say it was a band of the Summer Storm, seeing the opportunity to wash away the Druj and win the day. Others say it was the warriors of the Flame Beetle, bringing their siege expertise to bear on the task of defeating the Empire. But breached it is, and what starts as a trickle of water swiftly turns into a deluge. Again, though, the discipline of the Empire sets them in better stead as the floodwaters cascade into the lowlands. The Lions of Adelmar in particular are responsible for saving dozens of lives, unconcerned whether those they aid are Dawnish, Unshackled, or from any other background. The Druj, though, deploy the age-old tactic of "everyone for themselves" and they suffer for it.

But the damage is done. The Imperial forces are scattered, their lines fractured by the need to avoid the waters, and the Druj are ''much'' more experienced fighting in these marshy conditions. It looks bleak for the Empire. Very bleak.

Then half the Druj forces, the Marshlizard garrison, the Poison Crane and the Tainted Basilisk, the Flame Beetle and the Jagged Claws suddenly break off. Rather than push their advantage, they take the ''Path of the Tail'' southwards at speed. The remaining forces - Hidden Snake, Hunting Scorpion, and red-painted Thorn Born - do their best to take advantage of the Empire's disarray but before they can do so the Imperial soldiers have regrouped and present an impenetrable forest of spears and swords and shields.

It is at this time that a figure appears in the Imperial command tent; a translucent shade of indeterminate gender, face hidden by a deep cowl, brazen chains for a belt, the only part of their body visible being hands that are more bone than flesh. It leaves no tracks on the sodden ground, as it delivers a message in a whispering voice that nonetheless is heard by everyone in the vicinity.

General Vasiliki Terricos sends her regards and anticipates the northern approach goes well. The Shield of Ipotavo has commenced its assault against the Tower of the Skink, and the General hopes to meet with the western armies soon.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Vasiliki Terricos, General of the Shield of Ipotavo">The Sorcerer-Queen Ipotavo used to say: know your heart and what commands its devotion above all else. Listen. Do you hear the whispers of the spirits? Hear their words and know your heart and keep your oaths. We march in the name of the survivors of the siege. We march in the name of faithfulness to those that helped deliver us from the scorpion. Do not listen to gossiping snakes and traitors. They have forgotten the faces of the dead. </quote></div>

==Shield of Our Ancestors==
Up the ''Path of the Eye'' they march, soldiers clad in dark greens and purples. They have siege engines, and they approach the southern gates of the Tower of the Skink with grim resolve. This is the ''Shield of Ipotavo'', the soldiers who watch the [[Axos#Gates_of_Ipotavo|Gates]] of [[Axos]]. They have been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time and plan to make the most of it.

Many years ago Imperial mercenaries helped the Shield of Ipotavo drive the Druj out of Axos, back to the Tower of the Skink. They helped break a siege no less terrible, it is said, than the one Holberg once endured. This past aid has not been forgotten, and now the Axou come as allies in this battle against their old foe. This is not an army that is battle-weary as the Imperial armies are, and they are veterans at facing the incursions of the Mallum. Perhaps unique among the folk of Axos, the people of Ipotavo know what the Druj are, and the threat they represent.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Most of the soldiers are of the [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Agema]] class: they are dressed in dark neatly-cut leathers, almost all equipped with the crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. In their vanguard, they deploy a battalion of the undying [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Tavos Ageli]], masked in porcelain, silent, almost impossible to harm much less kill. The body of the army is supported by sable-robed ''necromantia'' some of whom are said to come not from Ipotavo but scholarly [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Maykop]], their services purchased for some unknown price. Not that Ipotavo is without magicians of its own, but among the citadels, the practitioners of Maykop are recognised as true masters of the arts of death and the spirit.

The Tavos Ageli are not the only undying allies the Axou have brought. At dusk and dawn, ''other'' figures wander amongst the living. Wispy shapes, translucent in the first and last rays of the sun, in burial shroud and tattered robe and ceremonial armour. They offer advice and guidance to the soldiers and officers of the Shield. When a few scouts are able to make it through the southern mountains to liaise with the commanders of the Axos force, the commanders insist on discussing strategy only in the fading twilight where the ghostly figures offer wisdom only the Axou seem to hear. These spirits are apparently veterans themselves, soldiers and officers from every major engagement with the Druj going back centuries. In the end, one Axou captain remarks, there are only so many trials that the Creator can set before you. There are few battles that have never been fought before.

The ghostly figures also bear messages throughout the ranks of the Shield: they are a membrane of spectral intellect, that helps to reinforce in every soldier an intimate awareness of their role within the army, and the needs of the army as a whole. These phantoms are the bonds of understanding that bind the parts to the whole. While they approach the Tower from the other side to their Imperial counterparts, with the aid of the symphony of the wraith's guidance they match the balanced approach of the Empire's forces.

According to the scouts who get a good look at the Shield of Ipotavo, the army practically fills the southern pass. They have established camps, erected palisades, from which they press the southern approach to the Tower. The gates and the walls are strong, but they have not been tested in a hundred years or more.

Not that the captains of the Granite Pillar and the Boyar's Hasta always appreciate the spectres of the dead appearing in their chambers at sunrise or sunset to deliver messages and take them back to their descendants to the south. Many bear the marks of the wounds that slew them, and they bring with them an unmistakable, discomfiting chill aura of the grave. The magisters and Varushkan wizards who are in a position to examine these translucent messengers say that they are in some fashion ''bound'' by the magic that enchants the army.

Without examining the Shield of Ipotavo directly they can only speculate but it is a matter of some debate as to what exactly these ghostly advisors are and whether they serve willingly or as slaves. They are chained with Autumn magic that [[Autumn#Autumn_magic#Binding|binds]] them to serve the captains of the Shield of Ipotavo. Arcane theory suggests strongly that whatever this enchantment is, however it works precisely, it has been crafted not just through Axou ''necromantia'' but with the aid of an eternal of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]. They cannot venture a guess at who might have offered their aid here, to bind such shadows on such a scale. If they are truly ghosts as the Axou claim perhaps they would have chosen to travel with the armies when they were alive; but in death there is not even the shadow of that choice.

==Seasons End==
With the Tower of the Skink squeezed in a vice between Axos and Empire, the fighting in Sarangrave shifts again. The battle at Jarangir's Levy is indecisive, and marks the high-water line of where the Empire's advance stops. At the same time, it marks a splintering of the Druj defences that means they cannot push the invading armies back further. In the north, the Empire's soldiers and their allies face the attack out of the Salt Flats, absorb it, turn it back. After the fight at Turan, the Druj are forced back again and again and eventually have no choice but to retreat out of Sarangrave once more.

In the end, the Empire proves victorious. The deciding factor is less strength of numbers - although that plays a part - but a triumph of discipline, virtue, and trust. Even in the face of the miasma, even fighting everything the Mallum can throw at them, the Empire stands stalwart. Every nation is represented, if not in the form of armies then in the legions of soldiers that have come to fight with them. They have fought, and fought hard; they are tired, muddied, and bloodied. Yet they fight with something akin to righteousness against the scourge of the Druj. There are few grey areas here; the question of liberation and conquest is one that can wait for another day. The rulers of the Mallum have shown time and again that they are possessed of monstrous cruelty, of an urge to dominate unmatched anywhere else. They are the closest thing the Empire has ever faced to true wickedness, the antithesis of virtue.

The Imperial fighters know that their people are behind them, at least for the time being. Perhaps even more importantly they know they are united in their goals. The orcs of the Mallum by contrast know only fear - a powerful weapon when it is your own hand on the hilt but all too easily does it twist and slip and end up cutting your own flesh. The Druj cannot trust one another even in this extremis; they cannot conceive of mercy; as the Empire continues to fight, the choices for the barbarians of the east are becoming narrower and narrower.

In the end, despite the Rivers of Life, and the valiant actions of the Lions of Adelmar, the Empire and their allies lose some two and a half thousand troops in Sarangrave. The Druj likely lose around the same, between their armies and the garrison of the Tower of the Skink. The fortification is weakened, but it still stands strong. The Empire has made inroads into Thornfen, but further progress is likely to be challenging in the face of the Druj defenders, especially given they have nowhere to go.

After all, the only thing crueller than a Druj warrior is a Druj warrior with nowhere left to hide.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sarangrave Region Map.png|align=right|width=600}}</div>
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire is three-tenths of the way toward capturing Thornfen
* '''The Druj armies attacking from the north have been forced back into the Salt Flats of Sanath
* '''The Shield of Ipotavo support the Empire from the southern side of the Tower of the Skink
* '''The independent rebels, the former slaves and free septs, continue to harry the Druj
Imperial forces have achieved a dual victory; they have pushed forward into Thornfen and are three-tenths of the way toward claiming the region. They have also managed to prevent the attacking Druj force from out of the Salt Flats re-establishing any control over the northern Sarangrave. The northern armies have been pushed back into the Salt Flats, but a major force of Druj remains trapped in Thornfen, defending the region alongside the Tower of the Skink fortification.

The Shield of Ipotavo out of Axos support the Empire's attack, focusing their efforts on the Tower and its garrison. The magic employed by both sides has allowed them to effectively coordinate their strategies against the Druj.

The rebellious orcs of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] offer some assistance to the Imperial forces, but mostly in terms of offering warnings and helping individual groups avoid the northern Druj. They have committed themselves to [[Military_unit#Raiding|hunting and killing]] the left-behind barbarians. They protect their own borders, and beyond a mutual interest in resisting the attack out of the Salt Flats, have not reached out to any Imperial armies. An assessment of their strength suggests it is in the order of a half dozen or so [[military unit|military units]], nothing approaching an army, but they have the support of [[Irra Harah]] (himself barely a friend of the Empire), and aid from Imperial citizens who support their cause.

The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for further fighting in Thornfen. This season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion|bastion]] take some damage, and the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] be somewhat depleted, but the presence of so many armies in Sarangrave has meant that the impact on the Tower of the Skink has been comparatively minor. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[Rules update 2026|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will affect existing campaigns, which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.

While the territory has been granted to Urizen by the Senate, it is still an active warzone. At the moment, only a handful of prominent [[Urizen_groups|Urizen citizens]] have set up new spires in the lowland marshes and forests. The civil service has also struggled to do more than make a surface assessment of the territory, thanks to the ongoing fighting and the fact that there are still miasma pillars and Druj guerrillas even in areas the Empire nominally controls. More information about the situation in the Sarangrave, with reference to the rebels, and its role as a new Urizen territory, will be included in the winds of fortune nearer the event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Participation: Murmastis and the Storm Song===
* '''Soldiers who fought alongside the Summer Storm may experience a magical boon
''Murmastis'' is one of the champions of [[Eleonaris]], and she and her spear-dancers have fought alongside the Summer Storm. This season, the Storm has committed itself to hunting down the Druj and [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cutting them down]]. While many of the knights of Eleonaris' court are interested in glorious pageantry, Murmastis is a very old [[Inhabitants of the realms#Herald|herald]] who more exemplifies the [[Summer magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]]. She does not encourage thoughtless bloodthirst, but rather that fierce joy that comes from triumphing over a foe by might of arms and cleverness.

Any character whose military unit supported the Summer Storm this season may choose to have embraced the experience of battling alongside Murmastis and her warband. If they do, they receive a particular boon.

* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Winter Solstice.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Winter Solstice, regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a [[roleplaying effect]] that lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice: ''You feel the urge to seek out challenging confrontations, especially those that involve fighting, strategy, or tactics. You take particular pleasure in defeating others, whether enemies or friends, in such challenges. You feel the urge to do things that demonstrate your prowess as a powerful warrior. Being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''
The effect lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice 387YE. The Summer Storm have benefitted from a number of different [[enchantment|enchantments]] over the last few years, and so far at least the presence of the Knights of Glory have not begun to influence the army to the degree it has [[Even_darkness_must_pass#The_Weight_of_Glory|impacted other armies fighting in the Mallum]].

===Participation: Gaspare and the Axe of Victory===
* '''Soldiers in the Golden Axe are becoming more attuned to the Summer realm
* '''The Golden Axe continue to be unable to use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
* '''There is an opportunity for the General of the Golden Axe to change the quality of their army with the aid of Eleonaris' knights
This season Eleonaris dispatched the stoic ''Ser Gaspare'' to lead their heavily armoured forces into battle alongside the Golden Axe. While there have been a great many military captains fighting alongside the Golden Axe, the strategies they chose to employ this season have not resonated especially well with the knights of glory. They have told tales around the fire, and fought as they always do, but there has been less passionate fervour for them to inspire. Indeed, it does not seem entirely in the character of ''Ser Gaspare'' or his ''Summer schlacta'' to inspire individual soldiers in battle in the way some of the other knights of Eleonaris do. Rather, the herald and their soldiers have focused on the Golden Axe army itself.

Last season the [[Even_darkness_must_pass#The_Weight_of_Glory|increased impact]] of the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment was made apparent. As happened in the reign of [[Empress Brannan]], repeated exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer realm is having an unlooked-for effect on Imperial soldiers. The excitement of fighting in the Mallum is starting to affect the Empire’s loyal warriors - possibly because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of pride and strength exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory brings. But also because the Knights of Glory are so effective at inspiring those who fight alongside them to pursue glory and heroism over mere victory or survival.

The Golden Axe was one of the armies already affected by this growing attunement with aspects of the Summer realm. They continue to be unable to take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect will persist until the army has spent an entire year without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment (each of the affected armies tracks this separately). It may be possible to ameliorate this effect by other means, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.

The situation has not gotten any ''worse'' due to another season under the influence of the Knights of Glory. If anything, it has opened up a possible [[opportunity]]. The magical knights of Eleonaris encourage the soldiers of Varushka to ''[[Summer_magic#Triumph|conquer]]'' their enemies - something that is very much in keeping with their goals and ambitions. If the army is again enchanted with Knights of Glory at the Winter Solstice, and the general issues an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|Overwhelming Assault]], [[Army orders#Heroic Stand|Heroic Stand]], [[Army qualities#Driven|Grinding Advance]], or [[Army qualities#Take Their Land|Take Their Land]] order against the Druj in the Mallum the knights will help enthuse the Varushkans even more. The final component required will be 12 wains of [[mithril]], which should be in the inventory of the general of the Golden Axe and used to create a set of standards in the old Vardish style, incorporating the [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#The_Virtuous_Animals|virtuous animals]], and serving as symbols of their commitment to victory and triumph.

The army quality of the Golden Axe will become ''Victorious''. They will keep the ''Take Their Land'' order and replace ''Grinding Advance'' with the ''Implacable Conquest'' order. However, they will permanently lose the ability to take the Cautious Advance or Give Ground orders.

<box>'''Implacable Conquest'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
* '''The ability of this army to conquer territory is increased by a fifth'''
The army advances relentlessly, targeting key strategic points with their attacks. They do not shy away from direct engagements, harrying defenders until they force them to retreat. Securing their goal, they consolidate their gains and then select another landmark to move towards. In the end, it is the conquest that matters; the iron spirit of the Vard will be satisfied by nothing less than absolute, uncontested victory.</box>

Rose grow the rushes o'

2026-03-30T19:21:17Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Beater on the Field.jpg|caption=Beaters secure the boundaries of the Marches against all intrusion. Some times this is more challenging than others.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Loyal to the People==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/KCePKwuAkpw?si=4_st4BEABKfkgkYq}}
The Strong Reeds were raised from the Bregas. To this day the bulk of their soldiers come from the Dour Fens, and they know the wetlands better than anyone else. Since the [[Only forward|Jotun returned]] to steal their homeland, they have been amid the reeds, resisting the invaders. This despite the unhappiness some of their countryfolk still feel towards the Empire - and we must not forget that many Bregas are marshfolk first, Marchers second, and Imperial citizens a distant third. Yet the 'Reeds have remained true to the oath of their General, fighting from the rushes and the deep fens to bamboozle the barbarian invaders wherever they can.

They are in a perilous situation, for all their skill at [[Army_qualities#Secretive|laying low]]. The Queen of Kalsea herself, ''Yrsa Jansdóttir'', set the Lion of the North to root out the 'Reeds and their sympathisers. The Bregas army has been left exposed, and those who offer them succour left in mortal danger. The Jotun are closing in on their hidden encampments, deep in the fens. It has become more and more difficult for them to move or take action without the barbarians descending on them in force.

During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[So_our_path_is_laid#Battle_Opportunity_:_How_Will_They_Rise_Up?|come to their aid]]. In [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]] they intercepted the Jotun champions [[So_our_path_is_laid#Objective:_Recover_the_scouting_orders|ordered]] to hunt out the havens of the Strong Reeds. Both ''Ghodi Melker'' and the yegarra champion ''Eisa Winterborn'' were brought low - the latter success in particular being cause for muted celebration. A thorn in the Empire's side for years, Imperial heroes brought Eisa to ground at ''Leakey Moss'', and her warband has withdrawn back to their stronghold in [[Skallahn#Mindrkyst|Skallahn]]. They will not return to fight in the Empire again until some new hero raises the walrus banner and walks the path of the rare yegarra champions.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">This game of fox and hound is at an end. No quarter shall be given. Not any more. Rise up! Rise from the reeds and be a tidal wave of fury to wash the scum from our fields. I march with you as a soldier, as a marcher, as your friend. I march with my husband by my side for us, for land, for the Marches. And when we are done, will bring in the harvest and toast to the turning of the seasons. Now, let us remind these Jotun dogs why they fear the marsh.</quote></div>

Unfortunately, their success was not unqualified. They were unable to prevent one of the champions from rallying her warband. Barely has the equinox ended before ''Seeker Alma'' - a skilled tracker from the hills of [[Reinos]] - leads a contingent of Lasambrian Jotun into the sleepy village of ''Catchment'', deep in the fens. Some two hundred Marcher soldiers, taken by surprise, are slain or captured before they can flee. A grievous loss - but one that could have been significantly worse had the Empire's heroes been less thorough. Alma continues to harry the Bregas across the marshes, striking without warning against sanctuaries that have been secret for generations.

Yet despite this, the 'Reeds remain in Bregasland. They endure, and when the order comes, they will [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Rouse_the_Strong_Reeds|rise]].
===Rise===
Granite-faced Derun Stonetower and the Tower of the North continues to work alongside Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir, standing in for King Gudmundr Arasonn as general of the Fist of Ulven, ruling Bregasland with a mailed fist. Yet many of the barbarian "heroes" are champing at the bit, eager for honourable battle against the Marcher-folk and their allies. As a people, the Jotun tend to have little time for stealth and the subtle manoeuvring of spies and scouts; let others seek the Strong Reeds, the champions of Kalsea and Narkyst will build their bridge across the [[Howling Abyss]] in glorious battle! Throughout the long Summer into Autumn, [[So_our_path_is_laid#Pride_of_the_Marches|barbarian raiders]] came reaving across the border into prosperous [[Mitwold]].

<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Mary Birchsmith, General of the Bounders">Bounders, show me your strength and your loyalty. We bring the knights of Eleonaris with us to fight alongside our friends and siblings in Gravenmarch. We will support the strong reeds to rise up and show the Jotun what we stand for. This is marcher land and we take pride in that. We will overwhelming assault into Graven March, Bregasland. A Marcher! A Marcher!</quote>
<quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">Make of them a scarecrow. Make our enemy a living effigy of your will - Shrive yourselves, pour your anger and sorrow into your greatswords and poleaxes… First army be shriven of sin and malignancy drive it into the invaders. It is not Sin however to hate the Jotun. To repel the invaders virtue demands it. So Shrive yourselves in battle my Drakes. Liberate the fens and furrows of Bregasland and be born anew. Do this for me now. For fellow, our commander, our stoats and all who have suffered this evil. Should you find the fire of the Marches - send me to her, so I may love my wife amidst the chaos of the land. Our Overwhelming Assault will be the battle song of my love for this and all of you.</quote>
<quote by="Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt, General of the Bloodcloaks">Cloaks, we march to free the reeds, we march to recover the lost and aid the Marchers, we march with the Champions of Eleonaris. A good friend has just become one of their champions and I hope she can march to battle with the Winterfolk once more. Blaze Dunn! A Hero has a name!</quote></div>

The ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' have been in Bregasland for a year or more, growing more restless with each season that passes. ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' plants her raven-banner in Ottery, splitting her attention between rooting out the Strong Reeds and testing the borders to the east. The Howling Bears under the standard of ''Yanya Uranduln'' have had their eyes on the wealth of Mitwold since they arrived. With the death of ''Eisa Winterborn'' it is as if grief has unhinged their champion who drives their warband to fight the Marchers wherever possible even when it is perhaps not wise to do so.

Their desire for bloodshed is nothing, however, beside that of the traitor-yegarra who gather around the banners of ''Stephen of Sarcombe''. While the other champion-warbands seek wealth and challenge, the yegarra of the [[Mournwold|Mourn]] look to sate their bloodlust on the [[Yeoman of the Marches|yeofolk]] of Mitwold and Bregasland alike. Rumours that other Jotun warbands will not fight alongside Stephen's yegarra for fear of dishonouring themselves and their ancestors have solidified. In desperation Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir has loosed the choke-chain King Gudmundr used to control the furious human champion, letting him lead his troops into Mitwold in the hope, perhaps, that the Marchers will end the problem he represents before the King returns.

And so the raids continue after the Autumn Equinox. The Imperial defenders of Mitwold are able to ensure they do reach much further east than [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and occasionally [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]], but their focus is elsewhere. The task of dealing with the raiders falls to the [[beater|beaters]] who [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|patrol the borders]], and to the garrison of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]]. The [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] have quit Mitwold leaving only the [[Drakes]] and the [[Bloodcloaks]] in Mitwold - and they are busy preparing for what is to come.

Fortunately the absence left by the armies marching north is quickly filled for by the arrival of the [[Bounders]] from neighbouring [[Upwold]]. A fortnight after the Equinox, a grand cohort of [[Knights of Glory|elfin knights and goblin-kind infantryfolk]] emerge from an old battlefield in Meade March, drawn from the demesne of [[Eleonaris]]. Without delay they march west to join the Imperial armies, splitting into three distinct groups and setting their brightly-coloured pavilions and fluttering banners alongside the tents of the Imperial soldiers.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amberlain7869.jpg||caption='''Amberlain P. Black''', General of the Strong Reeds}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GenBounders.jpg|caption='''Mary Birchsmith''', General of the Bounders}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher Plate.jpg|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt.png|caption='''Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt''', General of the Bloodcloaks}}
</div>
To aid the Drakes comes ''Kore'' the lion-maned warlord, glorious in their scarlet armour. They command only half the number of warriors brought by the others, but each of their knights is twice the size of their comrades. While their torso, head, and arms are humanlike their lower bodies are those of deadly predatory cats. These crimson knights use their lances to great effect, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge. ''Ser Helvennan'', resplendent in gold and red chain, quietly joins the Bloodcloaks. The Stag-knight leads a mixed band of elfin spearmasters and grizzled goblin-kin with shield and javelin. ''Ollavan the Reeve'', the sharp-eared bowmaster, comes at the head of a band of wily archers and rust-red hunting hounds. They are eager not only to face their foes, but to test their skill against the marksmen of the Bounders. The knights attract comment wherever they go, their richly coloured garb and merry voices something of a contrast with the fields of Meade March.

The Drakes are further reinforced by nearly five thousand troops led by Imperial captains from every Imperial nation save the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. They have come to fight the Jotun; some offer their aid to the beaters while they wait but few can keep up with the fast-moving Marchers. Others seek the beaters for different reasons however. Perhaps as many as nine thousand more soldiers wish to sneak across the border into Bregasland to join the Strong Reeds. The expertise of the beaters is tested, but they are found equal to the challenge. Others take the riskier route along the southern shores of the Westmere with the aid of sailors from [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Steward's Landing]], slipping into the conquered territories through [[Bregasland#Eel's_Landing|Eel's Landing]] or isolated fishing villages along the coastline.

===Fist, Lion, Tower===
Once everyone is in place, on a certain day, at an appointed hour, the camps are struck. The Drakes, Bounders, and Bloodcloaks begin to move south through Meade March toward [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], toward battle. At the same time, the Strong Reeds rise, launching a surprise attack against the Jotun garrison at Graven. With them are two thousand delicately deadly warriors of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] attired in breathtaking splendour of sky blue and sun gold; the household of ''Ser Alcedini'', the brightly feathered Kingfisher Castellan, who leads them into battle alongside the Bregas forces. The 'Reeds can't know for sure that help is coming, cut off from the rest of the Marches as they are. They can only trust that if they act, their allies will be there to support them. More than a few Bregas soldiers breathe a sigh of relief when the news that a major Imperial force has crossed the border into the 'March reaches them.

Battle is joined. The Tower of the North, the Fist of Ulven, and the Lion of the North respond quickly, Jotun warriors surging south to intercept the Imperial forces. The rising of the Strong Reeds, however, provides a powerful element of surprise. The eyes of the barbarians were to the north, toward Ottery and Fisher's Rock rather than towards Graven. By the time they realise the attack is underway, the town has been freed from the Jotun.

At first it seems as if the whole of Graven March will follow suit, but as the days unfold that hope begins to fade somewhat. While the initial fighting mostly involves the Tower, the Fist, and the Lion, reinforcements quickly arrive. Some six thousand Summer [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] - orc-like warriors with a distinct leonine cast to their features in crimson steel chain - join the battle. Knights of the [[Eleonaris|Lady of Summer]], they are equally enthusiastic about fighting Imperial troops as they are clashing with their kin from the Summer Realm. In particular the axe-wielding warriors led by ''Ser Grumbar'' the Hound-knight seek out every opportunity to contend with the knights of ''Ser Helvennan'' who side with the Bloodcloaks.

Only a few days after the fighting begins, the Jotun are further bolstered by some fifteen thousand Lasambrian orcs - the entire Lasambrian Jotun force of the Hierro, the Corazón, and the Escuta. Yet even these allies are only sufficient to slow the Imperial advance, not to halt it entirely. The Drakes and the Bounders plough straight through the Jotun defenders to meet up with the Strong Reeds at Graven; three armies of Marcher soldiers fight shoulder to shoulder against the barbarians. The liveries of dozens of Marcher households flutter and dance in the wind from the west as stubborn yeofolk face the orcs who bedevil their homelands.

The Bloodcloaks swiftly establish a presence at the town that once served as a place for the Navarr to meet with the people of the Marches to trade stories of the wider world. And to trade herbs, especially valuable [[cerulean mazzarine]] from [[the Brass Coast]] in return for the unique plants gathered in the deep fens. Indeed, while the Bloodcloaks are establishing a field hospital in the little town they come across a hidden stash of healing herbs concealed beneath the floorboards - dozens of carefully wrapped packages of [[true vervain]] and [[Imperial roseweald]] and [[marrowort]]. There is a note, hastily written, wishing whoever finds the herbs well and expressing the hope that those who use them might remember the [[striding]] of ''Liath's Path''. It's clear to the Winterfolk that this cache was left by the Navarr trapped in Graven when the Jotun came, in the hope that it would find its way into Imperial hands. Of the Navarr themselves, there is no sign. Doubtless they were among those executed by the barbarians when Graven fell.

It proves to be a valuable find; the Winterfolk healers have their work cut out for them as they [[Army_qualities#Woundbinder|tend the wounds]] of their allies. The Jotun may have been put on the back foot by the attack into Gravenmarch, but they have rallied quickly, mounting a [[Army orders#Solid Defence|solid defence]] in the face of the Empire's furious assault.

Tough as the going is, the Marchers and their allies from the north are equal to the challenge. They liberate several of the smaller households and villages as they expand their control of the 'March outward from Graven. The arrival of the Lasambrians has nudged the butter churn a little, but Imperials rally quickly to the new situation and as slow as the going is it looks as if they will ultimately win the battle, if not the war.

Then, of course, the other shoe drops and the bad news arrives in the form of an exhausted Greywater messenger from Ottery.
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=BloodCloak_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bounders_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Drakes_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=StrongReeds_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
</fourpicture>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunMarch.jpg|align=left|width=500|caption=The Jotun have followed last season's raids with a full-on invasion of Mitwold.}}</div>

==Pride of the Marches==
The Greywater is injured, on the verge of collapse when they reach Graven and demand to speak to the Strong Reeds. Refusing to rest until they have discharged their duty - there were four of them when they set out from Ottery and only one survived the passage through the Jotun lines - they bring a dire message. The Lasambrians are not the ''only'' force of Jotun that has come into Bregasland since the Autumn equinox.

While the Tower, and the Fist, and the Lion, and their Lasambrian allies, have been fighting the Empire in Gravenmarch, a massive force of Jotun has gathered in Ottermire... and is sweeping east across the Otterway into Mitwold. Perhaps forty five thousand Jotun have joined the warbands raiding Oddmire, alongside several thousand crimson-and-gold clad knights of the Summer realm. Eight armies, marching up out of [[Liathaven]] and [[Hordalant]] through the western fens to Ottery. Rather than join the defence, they barely broke their march before crossing the walkway into Oddmire.

For the first time in a century or more, there are Jotun armies in Mitwold. The news spreads through the Imperial forces like wildfire. Soldiers of the Drakes demand to be allowed to return home to protect their farms, their families, their friends. Fear that the army might make it as far as Upwold grips the Bounders. Yet in the end, there are bonds of duty and loyalty that are stronger than the fear they feel. The Empire's forces are too tightly bound up in the fight in Gravenmarch to risk trying to break free and march back north. Everything is focused here, on seizing a foothold in Bregasland. Trying to turn back now would leave the four armies between the hammer and the anvil - and risk making the situation worse. At the moment, should disaster come upon them, they can retreat into [[Mournwold#Green_March|Green March]]. If they try to turn north, there is every chance they will end up trapped in Gravenmarch at the mercy of the Jotun.

It is a painful decision, but in the end the soldiers of the Marches and Wintermark have little choice but to trust the orders of their generals, to trust that the defenders of Mitwold will be equal to the challenge that faces them.
===Odd's Way===
Nearly fifty thousand Jotun. Two full contingents of the [[Knights of Glory]]. The Ice Fishers, and the Howling Bears, and the raven-banner of Helma Skutasdóttir. The traitors of the Mourn. They march along the Otterway into Oddmire. No simple raiding party, but a hammer blow against the Pride of the Marches.

Normally the western barbarians invade a territory with a crushing assault, seeking to overwhelm defenders with furious might and force of numbers. Uncharacteristically though, the Jotun attacking Mitwold seem to be favouring a more [[Army orders#Cautious Assault|cautious]] strategy. Most likely last season's raids established the presence of defending armies dug-in in Oddmire. Perhaps the Jotun commanders are simply being cautious of a trap, or careful about overextending their forces. Either way, they focus more on preserving their strength than smashing the Imperial armies... which are not there. The relative slowness of the Jotun response in Bregasland makes more sense if one assumed the barbarians were expecting the Imperial armies to still be in Mitwold rather than launching an attack of their own.

Eight armies, well-rested and well-provisioned from their stay in Liathaven and Hordalant. The Fell Hammers and the Iron Host are in the van, with the glory-hungry warriors of the Mandowla's Roar and Raging Thunder straining against the unfamiliar orders to advance cautiously rather than slam full-strength into whatever Mitwold has to offer. The knights that accompany those two armies are clearly no happier about this strategy than their orc friends, but they follow their orders. The Howling Night, the Skjaldirborn, and the Shield of the Mountain form the solid core at the heart of the Jotun expeditionary force, with the Southern Bear in the rearward position, [[Army_qualities#Resilient|grinding]] relentlessly forward even as they seek to lock down the land the advance guard claims. The army of Bjorgthorn Hammerhand prides itself on only moving forward, and even though the Jotun come with caution, move forward they do.

The defenders of Mitwold know about the Jotun invasion before the forces in Gravenmarch; the beaters who watch the borders immediately realise what is happening and raise the alarm. The news speeds eastward, galvanising the garrison of Forte Fidelis and sending the yeofolk and stewards to their armouries. Weapons and armour are passed out, as the folk of the Marches brace themselves for the Jotun advance. Just as with their neighbours to the east and the south, they will not cede one inch of ground save that the barbarians pry it from their clenched fists. Messengers are sent to Mournwold and Upwold, telling them of the invasion and while they do not directly ask for aid - Marchers are proud people - the implication is there. They may be rivals in peacetime, but as both Bregasland and Mournwold have shown, when war comes to the Marches, folk unite against the interloper.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotra.png}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Verys.png}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Feresh.png}}
</div>
This grim pride, the courage of the yeofolk, is not in vain but it cannot hope to hold back the Jotun for long. At best, the garrison and the beaters, the households, and the walls of Oddmire can only delay what seems inevitable. Western Oddmire falls, and within a week the rest of the region follows suit. Odd's End is overwhelmed by the barbarians, forced to open its gates rather than see the entire town flattened by Jotun siege engines. Steward's Landing falls shortly afterward without any fighting at all - because ''Jarvey "Strongoar" Oddsboy'' and his entire household have loaded everyone they can onto their boats and slipped across the Gullet to [[Kallavesa#Wittal_Grove|Fisk]]. The Winterfolk who once kept a careful eye on the Marchers to the south welcome them, working with the steward and his levies to ensure that the northern shores of Mitwold can be kept supplied, should the worst come to the worst.

Despite the relatively cautious strategy the invasion of Mitwold follows a familiar pattern. Wherever they go, the Jotun offer Imperial citizens the Choice. Take up arms alongside the Jotun; lay aside the accoutrements of war and become thralls; or be given a swift and honourable death. Nobody takes the first choice. Most take the second. Few are stubborn enough to face the third. Many families make the decision to retreat before the Jotun, staunchly certain that they will reclaim their land soon enough when the Drakes return and drive the Jotun back into the western fens. The refugees are welcomed by their neighbours to the east with open grumbling about the inconvenience - but they ''are'' welcomed and found places to stay.

===The Walls of Meade===
Oddmire is quickly taken, and then the Jotun march on [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]]. The first [[market town]] and the oldest. The largest settlement south of [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]], the city-port of the Marches. Revitalised by the dredging of the Westmere, by trade with the [[Faraden]], and by decades of prosperity and security, Meade stands ready to repel the Jotun just as they did the [[Harvest_of_infamy|Asavean raiders]] last Autumn.

Of course, last Autumn the Marchers had ample warning that the attack was coming, and the garrison of Forte Fidelis was bolstered by the Drakes. This year, the defenders of Meade are on their own. The city has walls of course, but while there has been some talk of [[Three_keys#The_Walls_of_Meade|further work]] it has been over a decade since the defences were [[Fortify_Town_defences|reinforced]] by the Senate. The walls are stout, but to stand against eight armies of Jotun bent on conquest? That would be a challenge even for a true [[fortification]] - there's little doubt that if the Jotun turned south-east into the [[Mitwold#Golden_Downs|'Downs]] even Forte Fidelis would be hard pressed to keep them out.

So the Jotun come up through Meade March towards the pride of the Marches. The people turned back the Asaveans, and they fight just as valiantly against the Jotun, but they are outnumbered and ultimately outmatched. A Jotun messenger offers the people of Meade one chance to surrender, but if anything the proud refusal of the defenders both impresses and pleases the herald sent to deliver the offer. She returns to the armies, and they waste no time besieging the city. Not that it is a siege in any literal sense. The soldiers of Forte Fidelis garrison the walls as best they can, but the gates are riven to splinters by Jotun battering rams almost immediately. The warriors of the west pour into Meade, and those who fight back are swiftly overwhelmed. This is a city of prosperity, of clever merchants and wise scholars, not a city of warriors, after all.

The remaining garrison retreats east. A great many Marchers stay behind, refusing to give up their homes. They watch sullenly as the Jotun establish a command post in Meade, from which to direct the rest of their forces. With the city fallen, there is little chance for the households of Meade March to mount more than a token defence. Yet with the aid of the beaters and the Forte Fidelis soldiers, they do their best, and their courage at least helps to slow the Jotun invasion and give time for the rest of Mitwold to prepare for what is to come. As it is, the 'March is conquered and the Jotun continue to press forward into the heart of the Marches.

As the bulk of the Jotun move to back up the raiders attacking [[Mitwold#The_Meadows|the Meadows]], however, Stephen of Sarcombe sends his yegarra to round up the remaining [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Alder|alders]] of Meade and their families to hang them, sending others to try and capture the bailiffs of [[Bailiff of Meade|Meade]] and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market|Grand Market]], the [[Alder of Meade]], and even the [[Master of the Root and Stem]] so they can face similar treatment. Before he can do much more than give the order, he and his people are confronted by Helma Skutasdóttir and her warband. Denouncing him as a coward and unfit to call himself Jotun, Helma herself challenges him to defend his honour. Actual fighting between the orcs of Helma's raven-banner and Stephen's yegarra breaks out in the centre of Meade. Bjorgthorn Hammerhand, general of the Southern Bear, is forced to send his own warriors to separate the two warbands - but not before several fighters on both sides are slain. He does not bother to hide his utter contempt for Stephen and his clear support for Helma in this matter. According to witnesses, it looks as if the traitor-Marchers are squaring up to actually take on the Southern Bear, but in the end they back down and retreat from Meade with their tails between their legs. It becomes common knowledge that Bjorgthorn has dispatched messengers north to the King and Queen, demanding that something be done about the "rabid dog" in the midst of the Jotun before he is forced to deal with the matter himself.

Flies like Stephen aside, though, the rest of the Jotun invasion goes off with barely a hitch. After Oddmire and Meade March, the Jotun press heavily into the Meadows. North-eastern Mitwold borders [[Kallavesa#Wittal Grove|Wittal Grove]], some of the only dry land in the whole of [[Kallavesa]], and allows easy access to [[Upwold#Stock_March|Stock March]] in Upwold. If the Jotun can secure it, and secure their lines across northern Mitwold, the threat they represent is multiplied significantly.

Yet despite their fervour, and their sheer numbers, their invasion slows and begins to falter once they hit the Meadows. As the Winter Solstice approaches, the weather worsens significantly. Torrential rains give way to heavy snowfall in the approach to midwinter, and while the Jotun are no strangers to cold and snow they are not foolhardy enough to throw themselves into the teeth of the storm while there are defenders still fighting. Across the northern Marches, camps are established as the Jotun make the preparations needed to keep what they have taken so far - and presumably to continue to conquer Mitwold until the entire Pride of the Marches is in their hands.
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=bird.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=aurochs.jpg|width=200|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=wolves.jpg|width=200|align=left}}
</fourpicture>

==Between Beats==
It is easy to imagine that every warrior in the Jotun lands is in the Marches; six armies in Bregasland fighting the Empire's attempt to liberate Gravenmarch. Eight armies in Mitwold. Thousands of would-be champions fighting under the banners of their warlords, even as thousands of Imperial captains fight in support of the armies of the Empire. Knights of Glory on both sides, urging their compatriots to fight boldly, to neither give nor ask for quarter, to seek to build enduring legends that will live on in the songs of the bards long after their bodies are gone to rot and treeroots.

The fighting in Bregasland has been bloody - three thousand Imperial heroes dead or broken. The number would have been higher without the Bloodcloaks; the Jotun have suffered more grievous losses simply because they lack the medical expertise of the Winterfolk, their losses closer to four thousand. The Empire is four-fifths of the way toward taking Gravenmarch from the barbarians, but the fighting continues. Behind them, the armies of the west rampage across Mitwold, slowed by the stubborn defenders, but only a little. Oddmire and Meade March - and the city of Meade - are in their hands. They are halfway toward claiming the whole of the Meadows, and who knows where their ambition will take them after that?

The ultimate goal of the Jotun may be unclear, but one thing ''is'' clear. The Marchers will not give up without a fight, not in Mitwold, and not anywhere else. The Jotun have been beaten before, time and again, and this time will be no different. Just as the Strong Reeds fight for the people of Bregasland, just as the Tusks battled the odds and risked everything to free their folk in Mournwold, the people of Mitwold trust that the Drakes will be back and make the Jotun pay a high price for their trespass.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|align=right|width=300}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire is four-fifths of the way toward claiming Gravenmarch'''
* '''The Jotun have conquered Oddmire and Meade March, and are halfway towards claiming the Meadows'''
* '''All titles connected to the city of Meade have lost access to their resources'''
Following the battle opportunity in Autumn, the Jotun have struck back against the Strong Reeds, causing them to take 200 casualties. They have now risen up, however, openly fighting the barbarians. As such, the information the Jotun scouts gathered about their movements and dispositions is no longer useful. If the Strong Reeds choose to start lying low again, they will not face any ongoing losses unless and until the Jotun are able to scour the territory for them once again. The "counter" on their ability to rise up would be reset at this point given they still maintain the absolute support of the Bregas people. Alternatively, they could leave the territory without difficulty either alone or with other Imperial armies.

The Imperial forces have not taken Gravenmarch but they are four-fifths of the way there. While the route they entered Bregasland by, has been cut off - Oddmire and Meade March being in Jotun hands - there is nothing to stop them retreating into the Mournwold, or even circling round through Mournwold into Golden Downs or Maiden Downs. If they wish to return to Mitwold directly - into Oddmire or Meade March - they will have to fight the Jotun to do so. The Strong Reeds continue to prevent the resources in Bregasland from suffering the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|penalty for being in a conquered territory]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}
The city of Meade is in Jotun hands. While they are not going out of the way to loot the place, there is still massive disruption here. As such the [[Bailiff of Meade]], [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]], [[Master of the Root and Stem]], and [[Alder of Meade]] have all lost access to their production - whether sinecure or ministry. The titles still exist, they simply can't wield their powers to secure resources. In addition, the Bounder's Hall in Meade is now in Jotun hands and unfortunately that means that it is no longer possible for beaters to [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|beat the bounds]] in Mitwold. There is nothing to stop characters instead [[Military_unit#Guarding|supporting Forte Fidelis]] but they won't receive any income for doing so unless that action is assigned [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Guerdon shares]]. Likewise, until Oddmire and Steward's Landing are once again in Marcher hands it is no longer possible for Marcher [[fleet|fleets]] to take the [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Raid Kalsea's Coastline]] [[voyage]].

==Participation : Beaters and Bloodcloaks==
* '''Characters who took the Beating the Bounds or Raid Kalsea's Coastline actions have had a busy season'''
* '''The General of the Bloodcloaks retains some of the healing herbs recovered from the Navarr herb cache in Graven'''
Any character who took the [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|beat the bounds]] [[venture]] in Mitwold this season, or who undertook the [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Raid Kalsea's Coastline]] [[voyage]] is encouraged to roleplay their part in the events taking place in the Marches. In particular, they may have been involved in helping [[military unit|military units]] sneak into Bregasland to join the Strong Reads, helped deliver the desperate warning of the Jotun assault to the defenders of Mitwold, or been involved in evacuating Steward's Landing. If your military unit or fleet supported one of these actions, you may have been injured engaging in risky heroism against the Jotun. Anyone who did so can email {{plot}} before the end of March and request a [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|lingering wound]] sustained in the campaign. A lingering wound can help support your roleplaying on the field as one of the defenders of Mitwold. Bear in mind however that, if left untreated, lingering wounds can also be fatal.

The Navarr herb cache uncovered by the Bloodcloaks in Graven has been distributed to the healers of the Wintermark army, but a portion has also been set aside for the [[general]]. As such, '''Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt''' will find six drams of each of the five medicinal herbs in their pack, all that remains of this bounty.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=The crimson and gold pennants of Queen Eleonaris flutter over the Fields of Glory in the Summer Realm|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Participation : Knights of Glory===
* '''Characters whose military unit fought with the Drakes, the Bounders, or the Strong Reeds receive a special benefit'''
The Knights of Glory who fought alongside the Drakes, Bounders, and Strong Reeds revel in the uncompromising tactics the three armies employed. As is their wont they communicate some of their enthusiasm to the soldiers who fight alongside them. A character whose military unit supported one of these three armies may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Winter Solstice.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Winter Solstice regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a [[roleplaying effect]] that lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice: ''You feel the urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and take particular pleasure from approval and adulation. You feel the urge to do things that demonstrate your prowess as a powerful warrior. Being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

The truth but tell it slant

2026-03-30T19:11:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>"These things are very tasty," said Professor Gelberg taking another bite out of his hot wrap. "But they are clearly designed to be impossible to eat without covering yourself in bean juice."

They were sat on benches overlooking the Vassa, outside the Printers' Guild enclave. It had been a productive morning. While Immanuel and his guide were taking a well-earned lunch break, the Guild itself was still a hive of activity. Wagons being loaded and unloaded, with great bundles of paper and barrels of ink going in one side and printed papers coming out the other.

"What do you make of it so far?" asked his guide, who was against all odds, managing to eat their wrap without getting so much as a spot on their smart coat.

Gelberg took another bite, chewed thoughtfully, and licked juice off his fingers before answering. "It's impressive, no doubt about it. And you say the Empire has embraced movable type? Despite all the extra work it involves?"

"Oh, don't get hung up on the extra work. It's all down to the typesetters, you see." The emissary of the Printers' Guild swelled with pride as they spoke. "A skilled picker can load a score of words a minute or more. A few of our correspondents like to set the stories themselves, writing straight onto the press they call it, and they're mostly slower. Everyone hates it when they do that, especially the editors. I've even seen the odd fist-fight break out over leading while everyone else is trying to just get the damned edition out. But what would the wide world of publishing be without occasional outbursts of drama? As Sacharissa says; if you aren't making someone, somewhere angry, you're not really doing your job. And arguably that can apply to your colleagues as much as your readers; paragons preserve us from people who don't ''care'' about their work, you know?"

Gelberg did know. His experience was more with his fellow academics, but he was no stranger to the idea that people who didn't get passionate about their ideas weren't really cut out to be professors.

"We still use wooden blocks at home," said Gelberg, who assumed Sacharissa was another member of the Guild. He'd been introduced to so many people on his first night in the city; there had been a ball. He looked wistfully back toward the Guild buildings. The thump of the presses was still audible out here on the street, over the twitter and tide of cityfolk going about their own business. "When I get back I'm going straight to our publications department and showing them what you people are achieving here. It's well past time we caught up, whatever the woodblock manufacturers think."

"Well we still use blocks for the illustrations," said the guide. "Although technically I suppose they're not wooden blocks. It's quite an involved process, actually. What we do is..."

Gelberg wasn't listening. He'd spotted a young person loitering around the wagons in a hunched over way that shouted "ne'er-do-well" to his finely tuned academician senses. The slouch of a student trying to sneak into the back of a lecture with a hangover, the carefully curated stance of someone who wanted to avoid being spotted. They looked around, but failed to spot Gelberg watching them. With nonchalant speed, they pinched a box off the back of one of the wagons - a small box of the new ''Gemeinsamesprache'' typeset letters that had just been commissioned. It disappeared into their jacket, leaving barely a bulge.

Immanuel was about to draw attention to this blatant daylight theft when the youth spotted him, and waved. The Professor's mind went blank - he had no idea who this was. They seemed to know him though, crossing over and presenting their hand with a dazzling smile. They were brightly dressed in the current fashion as near as Gelberg could tell, but there were shiny patches at knees and elbows, and their rings were silver rather than gold or orichalcum.

"Tomasin de Regario," they said, as if it should mean something. "Merchant-prince of Moors Mill Guild of Printers and Publications. From Moors Mill. Across the river."

The guide choked slightly on their bean wrap when Tomasin claimed to be a "merchant prince", Gelberg noticed. They seemed torn between amusement and outrage. But Tomasin themselves simply stood with their hand out, cheerfully radiating the kind of easy charisma that immediately put Gelberg's back up.

"A pleasure?" said the professor, taking a firm grip on the youth's outstretched hand and shaking it twice.

"Carina said you would be here this morning, and I should come an' introduce myself." Tomasin de Regario didn't seem to mind that Gelberg's hand was absolutely covered in bean juice; they just wiped it on their trouser leg, and it was clearly not the worst thing that had been wiped on that threadbare material. "I was coming over here anyway to check in on my colleagues at the Printers' Guild" - another cough from the guide - "so it wasn't taking me out of my way don't worry. I understand you're looking to invest in the printing arts here in Tassato?"

That was ''not'' why he was here of course. Quite the contrary, actually. With a sinking feeling, Gelberg realised that the neutral noises he had made yesterday had been taken by his favourite pupil as encouragement. She had been enthusiastic about her encounter with what could at best be described as a "charity case". He glanced at his guide, couldn't quite hide an amused smirk.

"Better a dozen voices all arguing about what the truth is, than one voice dictating what it should be," said the guide resignedly. Gelberg assumed they were quoting someone again; before he could ask who it was the self-styled "merchant prince" was regaling him with the "incredible opportunity" investment in the publishers of the ''Stories of the Vigilance'' presented for the Commonwealth and it was all he could do to keep up with the rush of words.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Metal movable type.jpg|caption=Movable type has revolutionised printing in the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/riZAqkMnM7s?si=cYtjsIZUKu7oBPUn}}
Last season, the [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]] secured the position of [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They used the opportunity to ask ''"the Commonwealth appraisers, led by Professor Immanuel Gelberg, to find ways to expand the printing empire of the Printers' Guild, to address all those with a soul, across all corners of the Empire, and beyond"''. The [[Commonwealth]] publishes the words of philosophers such as ''Leonitz Altmann'', to educate, and to inform the people of the nation. Many of these books find their way to scholars outside their borders, spreading a vision of the Commonwealth as a land of freedom and opportunity to neighbouring nations.

Professor Gelberg is interested to see the facilities the Empire has and how they compare to those of his home. He is especially intrigued by the widespread use of movable type in [[Tassato]] - it seems that for all their expertise in distribution, the Commonwealth is still using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodcut woodcut] printing for almost all their publishing. There is excited talk of Printers' Guild expertise being brought to Volkavaar at some point and of the opportunities it would open up there. But that is beyond the remit of the Beurteilung and must remain in the future for now.
==The Printers' Guild==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Printers' Guild Grand Guildhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Tassato#Tassato_Mestra|Tassato Mestra, Tassato]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The income of the Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum would become 20 crowns per season
* The income of the Custodian of the Printers' Guild Mausoleum would become 3 thrones per season
* Allows a key member of the Printers' Guild to spread a single publication across the Empire each season at a cost of 1 throne
* Allows a merchant-prince of the Printers' Guild to create a single address to the Empire in the period following its completion
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''An edifice built in Tassato Mestra would cement the Printers' Guild as a lynchpin in the Empire's publication industry'''
* '''The commission would provide additional benefits to the Printers' Guild Museum and Mausoleum'''
* '''The offices would allow the Guild to add a single publication to the wiki each season'''
* '''The grandeur would allow the Guild to issue a single address to the entire Empire'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Fabio1201.jpg|align=right|caption=Fabio Costas de Sarvos, Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum|width=275}}
The Printers' Guild have offices throughout the League, but it is in [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]] that their presence is concentrated. Professor Gelberg and his assistants are impressed with the facilities, but obviously they could be significantly improved and enhanced with a little Commonwealth expertise. There are ways to improve the logistics and procedures; to cheaply increase the effectiveness of ink and type and of woodcut illustrations. Within a month, Gelberg presents a straightforward set of procedures that also involve buying up additional warehouse space and securing ownership of the rest of the street on which the guild stands.

Once complete, the [[Edifice#Grandeur|granduer]] of the Grand Guildhouse will provide a significant boost to the public prestige of the Printers' Guild ('''OOC Note:''' Several paragraphs describing the Guildhouse will be added to the Tassato page, based on description submitted by whoever commissions the edifice).

The new facilities would have more room to house the exhibits on display in the [[Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum|Printers' Guild Museum]] and the grandeur of the new offices would encourage visitors to Tassato to tour the Museum. The current benefits, the donation of 4 crowns per season and the mana crystals collected by the Museum would be completely replaced by the handsome income generated by the museum from ticket sales - the holder of the sinecure would receive 20 crowns per season in place of these benefits.

The new edifice would also elevate the significance of the [[Custodian_of_the_Printers'_Guild_Mausoleum#Printers'_Guild_Mausoleum|Printers' Guild Mausoleum]]. This cenotaph extols the virtue of the printed word and enshrines the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to spreading it. The plan to expand the premises would take advantage of this by charging visitors a small fee to take a tour of the Mausoleum, with guides employed to highlight and explain key features of the bas-relief. The current benefits, the mana crystals collected by the Mausoleum would be completely replaced - the holder of the sinecure would receive 3 thrones per season in place of the current benefits.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Release Publication'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Authorisation:''' Email from the group contact of the Printers' Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 1 throne</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Adds a copy of the supplied publication to the wiki</td></tr>
</table></div>
Room is always at a premium in a printing house, and the Printers' Guild is no exception. If the edifice were built, the expanded offices would give the Guild enough room to retain copies of their publications along with a small reading room where visitors might peruse the texts. It could take some time for old (or new) publications to be added to the archive, but they would form a lasting library of knowledge for the good of the Empire. ('''OOC Note:''' - the group contact for the Printers' Guild could email {{plot}} once per season, with a simple pdf containing a single piece of writing from the Empire setting, which would be added to the wiki in the same vein as used for the [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Seer of the Gateway]] at a cost of one throne).

Furthermore, the prestige conferred on the Guild by the grandiose commission would generate fleeting interest in their publications across the Empire. In the season following completion of the offices, there would be renewed interest in the publications of the Printers' Guild. The often controversial broadsheets and pamphlets published by the Guild, would be sought out by Imperial citizens across the Empire. This allows one of the merchant princes of the guild - perhaps '''Jonah Yakovitch''' or '''Carmine de Sarvos''' - an opportunity to spread their editorials far and wide. ('''OOC Note''' - A merchant-prince of the guild will have an opportunity to create an address to the Empire, following the same guidelines as an [[The Throne#Address the Empire|Imperial address]]. The text of the address must be submitted by e-mailing {{plot}} before the end of the downtime following the event where the edifice is completed. The letter will form part of the Winds of Fortune update that appears on the wiki for the next event. This ability can only be used ''once'' ever.)

===The Farthest Shore===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Printers' Guild Bibliopole'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Betovering and Leerdam</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 8 wains of [[white granite]], 24 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Copies of Printers Guild publications stored in Tassato would be made accessible across the world
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Opening offices for bibliopoles in Betovering and Leerdam would make Printers' Guild publications accessible across the world

The prestige of the Printers' Guild in the Empire is only half the task, however, and the rest of Professor Gelberg's time is spent exploring ways to spread the words printed beyond the borders of the Empire. As the Commonwealth knows well, "exporting words" runs into two main problems. The first is the language barrier, and the second is the interest barrier. While the Empire speaks a unified language, shared with the foreign powers local to it, each other great nation of the Known World speaks its own language or in some cases languages. Translation is an art rather than a science, and greatly increases the effort needed to make written words accessible - especially when one takes into account that a Known world-wide audience needs dozens of translators potentially.

Then there is the interest barrier; ,most people are broadly disinterested in things happening in the Empire that don't concern them directly. Those nations with an interest in Imperial activities already have their own means to keep abreast of situations - that's what [[Ambassador|ambassadors]] are for after all. The main audience for books and papers written in foreign nations is magicians, engineers, and natural philosophers who can benefit from studying the techniques used by their foreign peers. With the best will in the world, however, this represents only a tiny fraction of the people in the world. And many of them, says Professor Gelberg grumpily, haven't got the budgets to spend on lots and lots of foreign books.

Still, a little interest is better than no interest. For a modest investment of 8 wains of white granite and 24 crowns, the Printers' Guild could open small shops in Leerdam and Betovering and employ a bibliopole in each city to translate and sell copies of any publications stored in the main offices in Tassato. These investments wouldn't yield much in the way of returns - but sales of rare translations to interested parties would produce be sufficient to cover the running costs. These translations are never going to move the masses in foreign nations, but it would mean that foreign scholars and specialists across the world, could have access to any of the information published in Tassato if they took an interest in Imperial affairs.

==The Publishing Clearing House==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Publishing Clearing House'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Mestra, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides a level of investment in businesses in Tassato increasing their income by 36 rings
* Increases the income of the [[Printmaster of Cevia]] to two thrones
* Cements Tassato as the centre of printing across the Empire and nearby nations
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Establishing the Clearing House in Tassato would boost sales and profits for every publishing house in the city'''
* '''This great work would boost income for all businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would enhance the prestige and profits of the Printmaster of Cevia'''
* '''It would enshrine Tassato's position as the centre of the Imperial publishing world'''

Having considered ways to promote the standing of the Printers' Guild, Gelberg and his team, have devoted the remaining time to looking at ways to boost the interests of printing houses in Tassato more generally. The professor states that doing so meets the terms of Die Beurteilung since it will advance the cause of the Printers' Guild along with everyone else. In truth it seems that the professor's implacable commitment to the Common Good means he is more comfortable working on problems whose solution might benefit society more widely.

Gelberg proposes the establishment of a clearing house in Tassato Mestra that would serve all of the cities' printing guilds. The clearing house would specialise in distributing books, pamphlets, and broadsheets mostly in Imperial but also small runs of documents in foreign languages that might sell abroad. A warehouse suitable for storing large amounts of reading matter would be established along the river, with piers so that boats can quickly and securely load and unload bundles of paper and the like for wider distribution. A small staff of professionals would be hired to help run the clearing house, specialising in identifying opportunities for sales or dealing with visiting merchants. The Clearing House would boost profits of printers across Tassato, allowing them to concentrate on printing while the Clearing House handled sales for them, or provided expert assistance. Given the scale and excellence of Imperial printing this would represent, it would also attract interest from smaller nations with less established printing industries who could come to Tassato looking for help to commission print runs of their own texts.

The Publishing Clearing House would provide a burst of additional prosperity for Tassato. Between the demand for Tassatan printing, and the printed materials themselves, traders from all over the Empire would visit the city. It would also be of interest to travellers from [[Faraden]] and [[Axos]], and potentially from [[Otkodov]] and [[Skoura]]. The investment would be a significant boost to every printing house in Tassato, but the knock-on effects would mean more money in the local economy, providing 36 rings a season to every [[business]] in the territory.

The project would also enhance the prestige and importance of the [[Printmaster of Cevia]], who oversees the [[Printmaster_of_Cevia#The_Oathwright_Press|Oathwright Press]] (the only Imperial newspaper endorsed by an [[eternal]]). The Printmaster's [[Printmaster_of_Cevia#Printing_Profits|printing profits]] would be increased to two thrones each season, representing their improved access to Imperial markets.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Clearing House would cement Tassato's position as the centre of printing technologies in the Empire, helping them to improve their production quality and otherwise bringing prestige to the guilds that focus around the written word. This would include creating an update to the [[Technology#Printing_Press|printing press]] section of the wiki, as it fosters widespread acceptance of movable type and positions Tassato as the world-leader when it comes to modern printing techniques.

==A Printer's Shrine==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Moor's Mill'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Regario, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 wains of white granite, 5 wains of mithril, 30 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates an edifice in Tassato Regario.
* Increases the prestige of the Moor's Mill Printers and Publications guild.
* Encourages interest in "ringblack novels" - cheap, lurid tales of audacity and derring-do.
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A subsidiary proposal has been made via one of Professor Gelberg's students
* '''Investment in the ''Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications'' would increase interest in ringblack novels
* '''It could provide future opportunities to inspire vigilance in Imperial citizens
While visiting Tassato Mestra ''Carina Schiver'', one of Professor Gelberg's students, was approached by a group of young people associated with the small printing guild of ''Moor's Mill'' in Tassato Regario. The printworks has seen better days. Controversy caused the once prosperous guild to disband some twenty years ago following backlash against the publication of ''Necessary Actions'', the memoirs of the polarizing exemplar [[Berechiah]]. The abandoned building was taken over by a small group of youths who repaired the press, and began their own small business. In addition to offering cut-price printing to the poorer folk of Tassato Regario, they are perhaps [[Knocking_on_every_door#The_Printers'_Shrine|best known]] for printing a sporadic periodical called "Stories of the Vigilant".

This cheap broadsheet contains variously fictionalised accounts of plucky Imperial citizens taking on and helping to defeat cults of [[Agramant]], [[vyig]] schemes, wicked [[Whisper Gallery]] inspired plots, embezzlers, and corrupt politicians. They're quite popular in some quarters, apparently, especially among the [[mountebank|mountebanks]] and [[bravo|bravos]]. Improving the prestige of the Moor's Mill guild would give them more opportunity to commission and publish ringblack novels - a form of entertainment popular in Tassato - and increase interest in other parts of the Empire (the rest of the League, Highguard, and the Brass Coast in particular). This would help establish a new literary movement in the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ChildPrimer6.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=From ''A Children's Primer of the Way''}}
There was a brief hope that the press might see an injection of funds when the [[Vigilance]] assembly was looking for a suitable [[Inspirational location|inspirational tomb]] for [[Berechiah]] but that amounted to nothing. The ambitious guild saw an opportunity to advance their operations when the Commonwealth academics came to town and managed to finagle a meeting with them via Carina. Immanuel Gelberg was polite but saw little benefit in getting their hopes up - but Carina Schiver disagreed and pressured the professor to include her own notes as part of ''die Beurteilung''. After all, she says, the Printers' Guild are no strangers to controversy themselves. Truth be told Carina is clearly a little enamoured of the romance represented by the "plucky underdogs".
{{WingedMessenger|address=''Tomasin de Regario'' is the notional "merchant prince" of the Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications, and if anyone were so inclined they might send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to them at ''The Moor's Mill Clubhouse, Tassato Regario, Tassato''. There's no guarantee the relatively poor guild will be able to stump up the money to buy mana crystals for a winged messenger of their own, but they're not without resources so might find ''some'' way to reply.}}
Investing in the ''Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications'' represents an [[edifice]] built in Tassato Regario. At the most basic level it involves renovating the premises and modernising the presses, as well as giving a much-needed "makeover" to the members of the guild themselves. The Guild themselves have neither wealth nor political power to contribute to this project; they are very much looking for wealthy philanthropists to offer them a little no-strings patronage. This investment would be significantly less impactful than the proposals that would have seen the place become a centre for the distribution of Vigilant tracts. It would merely foster interest in the ringblack novels that the small guild specialises in. These somewhat lurid stories of Imperial citizens - usually of the League - doing vigilant and audacious things are viewed as a particularly cheap form of entertainment unsuitable for more refined palates. ('''OOC Note''' - as an edifice this would also add a few lines of description on the Tassato page, as befits an edifice of limited [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]]).

That said the place still resonates with the elements of Berechiah's life that are about direct action - about investigating and uncovering threats and confronting them personally, about taking responsibility for keeping your home safe, about exposing threats publicly - and about commemorating the people who do such things. If the Vigilance assembly were to [[Writ_of_consecration|choose to consecrate]] it with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]], it would likely have some impact on the vigilance of the League. This would be especially true of those bravos and mountebanks who look to Berechiah - or at least his notions of vigilance - for inspiration.
===A Printer's Friend===
* '''The Chair of the Wolf could commission any of these projects as part of their responsibilities'''
* '''Doing so identifies them as benefitting the prosperity of the League and attracts additional interest'''
* '''The current Chair of the Wolf is Lucrezia Corvinascura but the title is due to be reappointed during the Winter Solstice'''

The [[Chair of the Wolf]] is a title established in [[Holberg]] with the support of the College of Engineering at the university there. While they're free to commission projects as they wish, the College [[Chair of the Wolf#Responsibilities|expects the Chair]] to spend at least some time ensuring that the cities of the League remain the greatest in the world. Once Professor Gelberg's proposals are delivered, they present additional opportunities for the Chair. The Printers' Guild opportunities in Tassato have potential to inspire ambition and pride in the people not only of Tassato but the League as a whole. Their support also comes at least a little from the fact that textbooks are ''expensive'', and better and more accessible printing helps professors and students alike.

If the [[Chair of the Wolf]] commissions any of these three commissions, there will be additional benefits.

{{WingedMessenger|address=''Niccolo dos Tassato, Tassato School of Epistemology'' is a bishop who teaches and preaches at the school. They are much too busy with the work of the school to have time for letters under normal circumstances, but on this singular occasion, they would accept a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] from a member of the Printers' Guild in good standing.}}
* '''Printers' Guild Grand Guildhouse''': Support from the Chair of the Wolf would position the expansion of the Printers' Guildhouse as a virtuous reward for ambition, and a source of pride for the whole city. It would improve the perceived grandeur of the Museum and Mausoleum, ensuring they became places of note in Tassato and attract historians, scholars and academics to the grand opening of the new offices. If that happens, then ''Niccolo dos Tassato'', an esteemed member of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology|Tassato School of Epistemology]] has offered to use the school's facilities to house visiting scholars, supporting the opening with guest lectures and an exchange of knowledge. If that happens the Guild could request that the bishop take advantage of the occasion to produce a ''single'' piece of historical research on a notable incident or individual, by sending them a winged messenger from a member of the Guild in good standing.

* '''Publishers Clearing House''': Commissioned by the Chair, the project would capture the imagination of the guilds of the League. If that happens, [[Reclaimers#The_Park|renowned architect]] ''Katarzyna Von Carstein'', would volunteer her services to design the Clearing House. She has in mind a bold design employing the latest architectural techniques to create a great vaulted glass ceiling, one to rival the Ambition [[Golden_light#The_Atrium_of_Golden_Light|of Capodomus Cathedral]], a stark illustration of the ability to allow great literature to illuminate any situation. News of the grandeur and beauty of the building would inspire printers and publishers all over the world, calling them to Tassato to share their learning and study the latest techniques. It would permanently elevate the position of Tassato, not simply as the centre of printing and publishing in the Empire, but in the whole world. No other city or would be able to rival Tassato's mastery of this new technology while the Clearing House still stood.

{{WingedMessenger|address=''Esmeralda di Rodez, Moor's Mill Publishing, Tassato'' is a cicisbeo with a dubious past. As a hard working member of her Guild she has few interests beyond restoring the prestige of Moor's Mill Publishing.}}
* '''Moor's Mill Publishing Investment''': Investment in the plucky underdog guild would catch the imagination of the more romantic members of the League if it were commissioned by the Chair of the Wolf. If that happens, then Esmeralda di Rodez, a cicisbeo with a troubling past, will donate a relic of [[Berechiah]] to whichever title is appointed to run [[Repair_Berechiah%27s_Basilica|Berechiah's Basilica in Bastion]] once both commissions are complete. Esmeralda claims the relic was recovered from the vyig, when those criminals were driven out of the League. The lady has always denied the rumours that she herself was often to be seen in the company of said criminals, before their fall from grace. Whatever the truth of the matter, she is acknowledged as a member of the Moor's Mill Publishing Guild ''now'', and the offer appears completely genuine. She asks only that someone send her a winged messenger once the work on both commissions is fully complete, so that she can arrange delivery of the relic.

Obviously the Chair of the Wolf can only oversee one commission each season and likely has their own projects they wish to pursue. As long as the situation does not change, however, the opportunities remain available until the situation in Tassato changes significantly.

==Further Reading==
* [[Patron of the Beurteilung]]

* [[Threats that are to come]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Beat of your drum]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Germinating_a_city#Die_Beurteilung|Germinating a city]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|According to principle]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the Beurteilung

* [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]]

381YE Spring Equinox Synod judgements

2026-03-25T17:49:39Z

Novemberalice: /* Synod Judgements */

==The Imperial Titles of the Synod==
At the end of the Spring Equinox, 381YE, the Imperial Titles in the Synod were held by:
{|
| '''Virtue''' || '''Cardinal''' || '''Gatekeeper / Conscience''' || '''Virtue Inquisitor'''
|-
| [[Ambition]] || Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League || Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn || Ranae de Rondell of Dawn
|-
| [[Courage]] || Levitia of Urizen || Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark|| Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard
|-
| [[Loyalty]] || Vacant || Tess of the Marches || Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr
|-
| [[Pride]] || Azekah of Highguard || Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League || Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark
|-
| [[Prosperity]] || Ricardo Almieda Desmondo di Tassato of the League || Morgan Leafstalker of Navarr || Vauraus Korppitkotka of Wintermark
|-
| [[Vigilance]] || Irada von Temeschwar of the League || Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark || Adamah of Highguard
|-
| [[Wisdom]] || Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn || Amris of Varushka || Sariel of Highguard
|-
| [[The Way]] || Atla of the Imperial Orcs || Ingrid Sigeing of Wintermark || Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark
|}
===Other Synod-Appointed Titles===
{|
| '''Title''' || '''Held By''' || '''Appointed By''' || '''Renews'''
|-
| [[High Exorcist]] || Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun, Urizen || Assembly of Nine || Winter Solstice
|-
| [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] || Zeno, Stallion's Sibling of Urizen || Assembly of Nine || TBC (likely Spring Equinox)
|-
| [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Ephron of Adina’s Charge, Highguard || Assembly of Nine || Summer Solstice
|-
| [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] || Vacant || Assembly of Nine || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication
|-
| [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] || Bloodcrow Ergot of the Imperial Orcs || Cardinal of The Way || Spring Equinox
|-
| [[Seer of the Gateway]] || Livia Cascade of Urizen || Assembly of Nine || Until death, revocation or abdication
|-
| [[High Bard of the Empire]] || Kaywenn du Launcet of Dawn || Assembly of Nine || Spring Equinox
|-
| [[Voice of Barbs]] || Corey Brackensong of Navarr|| Navarr National Assembly || Winter Solstice
|-
| [[Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum]] || Taddea Ginori of the League || Cardinal of Prosperity || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication. When a new Cardinal of Prosperity is appointed they may choose to name a replacement.
|-
| [[Curator of the White City Museum]] || Apollos of Highguard || Highguard National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || Eldeen Wulfssdottir of Wintermark || Wintermark National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Dean of Laroc Cathedral]] || Odelina de Rondell of Dawn || Dawn National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || Nils Bardstrom of Wintermark || Wintermark National Assembly|| Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]] || Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League || League National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|}

==Appointments==
At the Summit, the following appointments were made by the Virtue Assemblies of the Synod:

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Ambition===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League || 120 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Delilah of Highguard || 50 votes ||
|-
| Medea Ruth Marshwatch of Urizen || 10 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Severin retained Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Severin appointed Ranae de Rondell of Dawn as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Vigilance===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Irada von Temeschwar of the League of the League || 167 votes || Reappointed as Cardinal
|-
| Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark || 54 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Irada appointed Aarne Ceorling of Wintermar as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Irada appointed Adamah of Highguard as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Pride===
Following the death of Cardinal Elka.
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Azekah of Highguard || 105 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Ozren Orzel of Dawn || 75 votes ||
|-
| Jaromir Dristanov Scovak of Varushka || 10 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Azekah retained Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Azekah appointed Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Loyalty===
Following the revocation of Cardinal Oberon.
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Frederik di Regario of the League || 193 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Cardinal Frederik retained Tess of the Marches as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Frederik retained Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

Cardinal Frederik died courageously in battle towards the end of the summit, leaving this position vacant for next summit.

===Appointment of the Dean of Laroc Cathedral===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Odelina de Rondell of Dawn || 92 votes || Appointed as Dean
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Crow Keeper of the Rest===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Nilis Bardstrom of Wintermark || 63 votes || Appointed as the Crow Keeper
|-
| Kitsana Throne’s Protector of Wintermark || - || Died during the voting process
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Guardian of Giselle’s Tomb===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League || 102 votes || Appointed as the Guardian
|-
| Erasmo di Tassato|| 42 votes ||
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Zeno, Stallion's Sibling of Urizen || 7 votes || Appointed as the Auditor
|-
| Iniska Ashwood of Navarr || 0 votes ||
|-
|}

The Senate passed [[Amend powers of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability|a motion amending the powers and appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]]

===Appointment of the High Bard of the Empire ===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Kaywenn du Launcet of the Order of the Gryphon’s Quill, Dawn || 3 votes || Appointed as the High Bard
|-
| Ser Thomas Aurelius of the Order of the Golden Heart, Dawn || 2 votes ||
|-
| Bessy the Bard of House Du Gauvain, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lady Ailliena of House Devereux, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lady Tamain of House Sepulchre, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Earl Martel of Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Sagramore of House Du Gauvain, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra of the Brass Coast || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lolhäwk Sherarding of Wintermark || 0 votes ||
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Imperial Chaplain Consular===
Cardinal Atla appointed Bloodcrow Ergot of the Imperial Orcs as Imperial Chaplain Consular.

===Appointment of the Virtue Inquisitor of Courage===
Following the death of Rodrigo Whittington of Dawn.
Cardinal Levitia appointed Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard of Virtue Inquisitor of Courage.

==Synod Judgements==
At the Summit, the following judgements were made by the Assemblies of the Synod:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Judgement''' || '''Raised By''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| 1 || Ambition || Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Severin was appointed
|-
| 2 || Vigilance || Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Irada was reappointed
|-
| 3 || Pride || Appointment of Cardinal after the death of Elka Gremani. || Civil Service || Azekah
|-
| 6 || Navarr || Mandate. The Navarr National Assembly sends Corey Wayfarer with at least 25 liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Corey Wayfarer || Upheld 117 - 0
|-
|7 || Dawn || Appointment of the Dean of Laroc Cathedral. || Civil Service || Odelina de Rondell was appointed
|-
| 8 || General || Inquisition. I wish to summon Silas of Zephaniah's Lament to Inquisition regarding her conduct in framing a number of individuals. To take place at 10:15pm, Friday in The Hub. || Amahel || Upheld 238 - 27
|-
| 9 || Pride || Inquisition. Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament is called to Inquisition regarding the death at her hands at the previous summit. At 11pm Friday at the Highborn chapel. || Ephron || Upheld 70 - 0
|-
| 10 || Wintermark || Appointment of the Crow Keeper of the Rest. || Civil Service || Nilis Bardstrom was appointed
|-
| 11 || League || Appointment of the Guardian of Giselle’s Tomb. || Civil Service || Casmimir di Sarvos was appointed
|-
|13 || Varushka || Mandate. The national assembly sends Father Nikolovich Drakov with 25 doses of liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Rooslan || Upheld 98 - 0
|-
|14 || General || Mandate. The Imperial Synod sends Bonewall Rek with 100 doses of liao to oversee the important task of explaining the Doctrine of the Howling Abyss and the Doctrine of the Ancestors to those followers of the Way who live on foreign shores. They will encourage scholars to travel to Asavea, Jarm, Sarcophan, and the Commonwealth to illuminate the reasons for these changes, and spread the understanding of the orc soul among pilgrims in these distant lands. || Bonewall Rek || Upheld 946 - 110
|-
|20 || Dawn ||Inquisition: The Dawnish National Assembly calls an inquisition of Yael of Highguard to discuss matters of faith and the future of Dawn and the Empire. To be held in the Glory Square at 6pm Saturday. || Aranen || Upheld 52 - 20
|-
| 23 || Amahel || Sanction: Castigation. Escalation of judgement 8. Silas of Zephaniah's Lament confessed to lacking Vigilance while investigating heretics and blasphemers, while under Inquisition. We recommend Silas wears an item Hallowed to Vigilance for a year to remind her of the importance of the Virtue of Vigilance. || Amahel || Upheld 748 - 62
|-
|26 || Ambition || Recognition of an Exemplar: Anabela di Regario was a pre-Imperial ruler who brought together bitter enemies and rulers under her Ambition of creating a great and powerful city that would become Tassato. She displayed the signs of Benevolence, Salvation, Inspiration and Legacy which have been outlined in accompanying documents but summarised: <br>Benevolence - United Regario and Mestra. <br>Salvation - Turning the people against vengeance to true Virtue. <br> Inspiration - Her Impact on League culture and hearth magic. <br>Legacy - The city and its culture of rivalry. || Dietrich || Upheld 160 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| || || This judgement achieved the required greater majority of the Ambition assembly, and can now be escalated to the General Assembly at a future summit.
|-
| 27 || League || Mandate: <br>All city folk can spot a dodgy mountebank <br> Whether wearing Leaguish mask or Highborn veil, <br>The League assembly therefore does repudiate <br>The teachings of the false, deceitful Yael. <br>We sent to you our priest* with <br>50 doses of liao, to spread our message far and wide<br> Tassato, Holberg, Temeschwar and Sarvos,<br> Call you home to where True Virtue does reside. <br>*Astrid Fjellrevening di Tassato is sent. || Astrid Fjellrevening di Tassato || Upheld 194 - 20
|-
|28 || Dawn || Mandate: <br>One voice, one people & one harmony: <br>The tune sounds best when held as one;<br> I’ll sing my song of Yael to them, <br>The nation of the rising sun. <br>We send Criseyde with 25 doses of liao to carry her song of the 1st Empress to the people of Dawn. Let all who hear, know the truth of her Glorious return from beyond the Labyrinth. || Ser Criseyde || Not upheld 72 - 102
|-
|29 || Wisdom || Inquisition of Diras Irremais, Coven of Varushka, regarding the effects and outcome of the Whispers through the Black Gate ritual in relation to Wisdom of the actions taken, and how to move forward from this. At Sunday 1pm in Varushka. || Sariel || Upheld 124 - 0
|-
| 31 || Nine || Appointment of the High Bard of the Empire. || Civil Service || Kaywenn du Launcet was appointed.
|-
|33 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Freeborn assembly sends Lucifaro i Erigo with at least 25 liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Lucifaro || Upheld 74 - 0
|-
|34 || League || Sanction - Vindication: The League National Assembly commend Lorenzo for his actions regarding the Blood Red Roads. He has consulted with Vates and conclave to have their support regarding the trods. The roads are a Prosperous endeavour. || Nadia || Upheld 122 - 0
|-
|36 || Marcher ||Mandate: The Marcher Assembly sends Sister Meredith with 50 doses of liao to spread the word in Upworld, Mitworld and Bregasland that the folk of Whittle are not good Marchers. Their refusal to abandon their misguided belief in the power of Hate marks them as blasphemers. They must be shunned until they renounce this blasphemy. || Bridget Talbot || Upheld 76 - 0
|-
|37 || Navarr || Sanction - Vindication of Idris Eternal of the Eternal Family. Regarding the Thumble he has shown himself to be Loyal to Navarr, Wise in his actions and Prosperous in his trades. || Iniska Ashwood || Upheld 82 - 0
|-
|41 || Loyalty || Revocation. We revoke Cardinal Oberon with love, on the basis that we require a vote in the Assembly this evening. || Caleb || Upheld 185 - 14
|-
|44 || Loyalty|| Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Frederik di Regario was appointed
|-
|45 || Wintermark || Mandate: The National Assembly sends Aarne Ceorling with 150 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes || Rane Jorunsdottir || Upheld 234 - 0
|-
|47 || Urizen || Inquisition of General Nicassia regarding the virtues and process of reasoning behind her decisions with the Military Council regarding actions in Mournwold. To be held at 5pm on Saturday at the Spire of the Bitter Chalice. || Xanthippe || Upheld 124 - 0
|-
|52 || General || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Sophus Cascade with 50 liao to encourage the people of Feroz to remain vigilant against the influence of the false Asavean religion. They must not forget that those who worship at this temple are idolators, and deserve neither sanctuary nor succour.|| Sophus Cascade || Upheld 461 - 79
|-
|57 || Marcher || Mandate: The National Assembly sends Cathy Upwold with 35 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract their false doctrine and return to their homes. || Sister Cathy Upwold || Upheld 44 - 0
|-
|62 || Urizen || Mandate: The Urizen National Assembly sends Zeno, Stallion’s Sibling with 75 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Zeno, Stallion’s Sibling || Upheld 114 - 22
|-
| 63 || Nine || Appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability. <br>The Senate passed [[Amend powers of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability|a motion amending the powers and appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] || Civil Service || Zeno, Stallion's Sibling was appointed
|-
|66 || General || Rewarding of Livia Cascade: 5 Thrones for Liao and other items for Seer of the Gateway use. As a power of the Seer of the Gateway this Judgement passes without a vote. || Livia Cascade || Upheld automatically
|-
|69 || Courage || Inquisition: Madyn Bitterbark, to test her virtue and prove that she acted and was not shamed by inaction, in regards to quests to Liathaven. Madyn supports this. Friday 8pm at the next Summit, Bitterbark house. || Lucifer, Son of Cyrus || Upheld 60 - 0
|-
|71 || Prosperity || Sanction - Vindication: for Landon of Longridge with respect to his Prosperity regarding the Weirwood auction at Winter Solstice 380YE. The Inquisition found that he did not act unprosperously. Escalation of Judgement 39 Winter Solstice 380YE || Vauraus || Upheld 89 - 0
|-
|74 || Brass Coast || Revocation: To remove the General title from Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo. || Gonzola i Riqueza || Upheld 54 - 0
|-
|75 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Franco i Erigo with 50 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to embrace the opportunities presented by the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull. While those who worship there may be Idolators they are not Imperial citizens and their faith does not concern the Freeborn so long as they follow our laws. || Franco i Erigo || Upheld 54 - 0
|-
|80 || General || Inquisition: I Jonah Yakovitch Priest of Vigilance call Hywel Summercrow to Inquisition at 2pm on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice in the Hub. To investigate the 30 Thrones withdrawn from the Virtue fund during his time in office and the lack of evidence pertaining to any studies he may have conducted. || Jonah Yakovitch || Upheld 564 - 38
|-
|82 || General || Rewarding: We recognise the Marcher Assembly of the Synod for the work of the Marcher priests in preaching against the false virtue of Hatred and in particular commend their loyalty in coming to the cities of the League to attempt to save the souls of former Marcher folk. We entrust 10 thrones to Sister Meredith Stellamaris to distribute amongst the Assembly as appropriate. || Adamah || Upheld 522 - 32
|-
|85 || General || Rewarding: Withdrawal of 5 Thrones for the purpose of spreading the new Doctrines of the Way to the Empire and nations of the world. As a power of the Chaplain Consular this Judgement passes without a vote. || Bloodcrow Ergot || Upheld automatically
|-
|89 || Nine || Mandate: The Council of Nine sends Sophus Cascade with 125 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to remain Vigilant against the influence of the false Asavean religion. They must not forget that those who worship at the temple are idolators and deserve neither sanctuary nor succour. || Agnetha de Rondell || Upheld 5 - 0
|-
|91 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Franco i Erigo with 130 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to embrace the temple at Balo and the Black Bull. While those who worship there may be idolators, they are not Imperial citizens and their faith does not concern the Freeborn, so long as they follow our laws. || J'zarr i Shartha i Guerra || Upheld 84 - 0
|-
|}

==Statements of Principle==
The Imperial Synod made the following Statements of Principle:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| 4 || Dawn || The first reborn with open heart would leap. The frigid waters of her misplaced doubt. Accepting challenge to claim the Crown of Dawn. False Paragon in fear would slink away. False claims once tested. False hearts quick betray. In other words - Prove it. || Ozren de Orzel || Upheld 30 - 10
|-
|5 || General || There cannot be a faithful agreement between the Empire and any agency who holds Imperial lives in slavery. To allow this suffering to go unrecognised and without cessation is a failure of our Loyalty. We the Synod demand the Thule release all Imperial citizens they have enslaved and that reparations are paid for the slaughtered Imperial souls that were discovered beneath Crow’s Ridge. || Veikko || Upheld 861 - 181
|-
|12 || General || There are two concepts that have been discussed based on the Past Life Vision of Yael of Felix’s Watch: The concept that Paragons may voluntarily reincarnate. The concept of the “Land Without Tears”. These concepts are separate. Either may be true or false, independently of each other. These two concepts have been conflated repeatedly, and it is imperative that we do not conflate them. || Solas || Upheld 1088 - 84
|-
| 15 || General || The General Synod rejects that Yael is the First Empress Reborn and disbelieves her vision and teachings as stated. || Sabryya i Covas i Erigo || Upheld 971 - 664
|-
| 17 || Highguard || The National Assembly of Highguard believes that Sister Yael is the First Empress Reborn, returned amongst us to further our understanding of the Way of Virtue, to be our Guiding Light and to bring a glimpse of what lies beyond the Labyrinth of Ages || Jared || Upheld 379 - 76 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|19 || General || We recognise Dan Brackensong and the Voice of the Quiet Forest coven for their Virtuous actions in saving 200 soldiers' lives in Liathaven, by creating, commissioning, funding and casting the arcane projection “Heart’s Blood Feeds the Black Thorns” || Brodi Brackensong || Upheld 981 - 26
|-
| 21 || Brass Coast || The Freeborn Assembly declare that we do not consider the current method of election of Senators in the Brass Coast to be sufficiently Virtuous. We move that the top bid, after administrative deductions, should be shared among all that bid, not merely the top three non-winning bidders. Where everyone votes and bids, that Prosperity should be shared by all. || Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra || Upheld 64 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 22 || General || We believe that humans are the greatest beings in all creation. || Sejanus || Upheld 660 - 309
|-
| 24 || Urizen || The Spires of Redoubt are encouraged to be proactive in repairing the damage the Grendel-sent storms have done to our paths and bridges. Be Vigilant. Offer or request aid as arete and Prosperity allow. || Marissa Shatterspire || Upheld 192 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 25 || Pride || It is an affront to the Empire to send agents to spread spiritual influences of a malign nature - in direct violation of our laws - among our citizens. “Justice” (vengeance) is decried as a false virtue. The Honradez sisters were enabled in their violation of Imperial Law by Faraden agents and equipped with items clearly intended to incite murder. It is clear that some agents within Faraden intend to sow discord within the Empire. We invite the Faraden to offer an official explanation for these actions. || Ephrael || Upheld 100 - 0
|-
| 32 || Brass Coast || The Freeborn assembly explicitly reject Yael’s claim to be the First Empress Reborn and urges citizens to ignore her teachings. || Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo || Upheld 74 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 35 || Marcher || Those who reject Hate will be welcomed back whole heartedly into the embrace of the Marcher Family. || Sister Meredith || Upheld 76 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 38 || Loyalty || The Loyalty Assembly does not endorse fighting and squabbling between armies on opposing sides of the Yael schism. The Virtuous build each other up, they do not tear each other down! A Loyal and Virtuous Imperial army must always support other Imperial armies. Know your heart’s Loyalty and what commands it. Discuss and debate your differences, but when push comes to shove, we are one people, one Empire and must remain Loyal to the Empire and unite to defeat our barbarian foes. || Frederik di Regario || Upheld 89 - 0
|-
| 40 || Highguard || The Highguard National Assembly believes that it is Virtuous to build the Unbound-Steel Hall of the lost chapters in Tabernacle, Reikos and fully supports this endeavour. || Lev Unbound || Upheld 98 - 0
|-
| 42 || General || The occupation of Tamarbode is being diplomatically resolved by the Archmage of Spring, Asenath of Felix’s Watch and Azrekal of the Sun of Couros. To take action against the residents of Tamarbode without consultation would be deemed unvirtuous! || Sela || Upheld 372 - 74
|-
|43 || Wisdom || We declare that military matters are Harsh and Hard and require harsh and hard choices to be made. Things that may be described as cruel, venomous, terrible or atrocities, should instead be described as effective or useless. It is Virtuous to use even horrifying means to achieve your goals. The goal of war is to defeat your enemies! “Nice” is not a Virtue. || Amris || Upheld 86 - 10
|-
|46 || General || The spiritual advisor of the Academy (currently Lucrecia) casts votes according to the wishes of the children and the young citizens of the Empire, thus giving them a voice in the Synod. || Lucrecia || Upheld 646 - 146
|-
|48 || General || The Imperial Synod wishes to engage in censored religious discussion with priests of Axos. We draw the following conclusions from their Symposium presentation: <br>It is not compatible with Doctrine: preaching the Axos religion within the Empire is a religious crime. <br>It is a product of reason: We find their conclusions incorrect due to our having different evidence (True Liao) rather than a failure to act on evidence and reason. <br>Future cooperation is desirable: The Synod is confident its Doctrines will stand up to evidence and welcomes further engagement. || Caelia of Weaver’s Reach || Upheld 432 - 30
|-
|49 || General || In Wisdom the Synod judges Liao trade with the Axos to be an acceptable activity that is neither virtuous nor unvirtuous. Axos’ use of Liao to create auras of Loyalty, Wisdom, Vigilance, Courage, Pride, Ambition and Prosperity is likely to lead to it being actively supported by the Synod.<br>Factors in favour:<br>reduce use of bone Liao.<br>Increased use of virtue auras in Axos<br>Support an enemy of the Druj<br>Prosperity of our merchants. <br>Factors against:<br>Supporting a religion that contradicts Doctrine<br>Increased use of false Virtue auras.<br>Supports a Grendel trading partner. || Tarquinius || Upheld 439 - 46
|-
|50 || General || The Synod supports Axos citizens visiting the Empire and reminds them that: Heresy (preaching their religion) is a crime. Blasphemy (denigrating the virtues of our Paragons) is a crime. Idolatry (worshipping non-human entities) is a crime. Holding Axos beliefs is not a crime. By tradition foreign visitors are not usually accused of religious crimes against themselves or each other, but if in doubt speak to an Imperial priest first. || Cyra Stormhaven || Upheld 501 - 16
|-
|51 || General || We recognise the inspirational quality of Dan Brackensong’s Pride of Holberg art installations “Guises of Virtue”, and encourage virtuous citizens to visit the Senate to see them. || Elowen of Exile’s End || Upheld 560 - 26
|-
|53 || Highguard || Highguard believes that medical reserves have the right to follow their wisdom on who they treat and how they are treated. Advice from commanding officers and others is welcome and to be considered by the physicks to ensure the best outcome for the situation, but physicks should not be pressured to break their oath when carrying out their duties. Final decisions on who and how to treat are the responsibility of the physick. || Rhesa || Upheld 330 - 16
|-
|54 || Pride || The Empire has many capable and talented citizens. It is extremely unlikely that there will ever be only a single viable candidate for an elected position. Therefore, we encourage citizens to ensure that no election passes with a single uncontested candidate, and those with the desire and capability to perform it to find the Pride to stand for it, even in the face of challenging odds. || Azekah || Upheld 85 - 0
|-
|55 || Dawn || Enchantress Orlene of the Dread and Terrible House Ossiene will lead a glorious, virtuous Charge of Dawnish Troubadours and large goblets of Liao into the Barrens to convert the Orcish dispossessed Druj to The Way || Enchantress Orlene || Upheld 154 - 32 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| || || Imperatrix Lisabetta invoked the Throne's Power of [[Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]], making this judgement require a Greater Majority to pass. A Greater Majority of the Dawnish National Assembly was estimated to be 113.
|-
|56 || Wintermark || Hengist Dunn, Senator of Hahnmark, through Past Life Vision, revealed his past life as the first Stormcrow of Steinr, who witnessed, soon after Steinr herself fell from the sky, the first Three tears Nation: Steinr, Vard and Jotun. This Nation was broken when Catrina, leader of the Vard broke Thane of Thanes Uhtred of Steinr’s hospitality and murdered Jarl of Jarls, Sigurdson Wyrmslayer. Kali Keen-Eye is the reincarnation of the personal Grimnir of Emperor Guntherm and saved the life of that era’s Jarl of Jarls of the Jotun whose descendants owe a blood debt to. These sagas must be spread to every Hall in Wintermark. These stories must be learned upon. || Jorma Steelhail || Upheld 157 - 0
|-
|58 || Courage || Tanwyn Ankarien has demonstrated great Courage in her efforts to liberate Spiral. In doing so she has shown three of the Signs of the Exemplar. We commend her for her Virtue and urge her to maintain this course, looking to her Legacy and Pilgrimage. <br>Benevolence: seeking to restore Spiral. <br>Inspiration: Her name is spread and echoed by the Spiral Resistance. <br>Salvation: Spiral citizens kept from and rescued from slavery. || Belisarius Blackheart || Upheld 224 - 16 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|59 || Navarr || We the Navarr National Assembly fully support the use of cruel tactics by the Varushkan Iron Helms army against our enemies, for these tactics are how we of Navarr have survived since the dance of Navarr and Thorn. These tactics are virtuous and hold no bar for true followers of the Way. || Brat || Upheld 87 - 0
|-
|60 || General || We acknowledge the Loyalty of Gully of Varushka in his recent command of the Iron Helms army. || Belakov || Upheld 436 - 100
|-
|61 || Highguard || The Highborn Assembly believe that the historical artwork, a stained glass window in the tomb of Miriam the Strong, should be restored as close to the original version as possible. || Nira of Cantiarch’s Hold || Upheld 120 - 0
|-
|64 || Assembly of Nine || We the Council of Nine reject Yael and her teachings. || Irada von Temeschwar || Upheld 7 - 1 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|65 || Ambition || The Cardinal of Ambition seeks the Guidance of the Assembly in the appointment of the Virtue Inquisitor of Ambition. Candidates should make themselves known to the Herald. ‘Voting’ will proceed in the expected manner. || Severin Teyhard von Holberg || Upheld.
|-
| || || <br>Votes for Ranae de Rondell of Dawn - 50. <br>Votes for Vitor di Mestra - 10. <br>Votes against the motion: 22. <br> The Civil Service are unlikely to allow citizens to use Statements of Principle as a voting mechanism in the future due to the confusion caused.
|-
|67 || Dawn || The Dawnish National Assembly recognises the Empress Lisabetta as Queen of Dawn. She is the ultimate authority in this life and her words should be followed above all others || Tamain Sepulchre || Upheld 158 - 20 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|68 || Urizen || The Urizen National Assembly recognises the Courage of the Commonwealth in sending its armies to oppose slavers. If they were willing to assist against the Grendel slavers in Spiral we would find it virtuous for Urizen traders to encourage trade with the Commonwealth. || Alexis Vanahir of Weaver’s Reach || Upheld 116 - 20 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|70 || Marchers || The Marcher Assembly explicitly rejects Yael’s claims of being the First Empress reborn and urges citizens of the Marchers to reject her teachings. || Robin of Swindale || Upheld 44 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|72 || Prosperity || Ingar Ironbreaker and the Saker coven are recognised and applauded for their Prosperous actions casting rituals to aid the Imperial military over numerous seasons. They use the talents and goods that they have to save Imperial lives and act when needed in a Prosperous fashion. They are an example to all Imperial covens.|| Vauraus || Upheld 99 - 0
|-
|73 || Wintermark || The Stormcrows of Wintermark wholeheartedly condemn the decision to employ brutal, dishonourable tactics in the Mournwold, and are concerned by a trend of cruelty in Imperial military matters. These citizens who died in the Mourn were denied the opportunity for Virtue and a good death. Our enemies were not given good deaths, and our own soldiers suffered the same. The lack of Vigilance on the part of the Council is unacceptable, in not considering the consequences of their choices on Imperial Souls. This is not how Wintermark fights and it should not be how the Empire fights, or we are not worth fighting for. || Gunnbrand || Upheld 149 - 15
|-
|76 || Varushkan || The Varushkan National Assembly support the use of the Iron Helms. They are cruel when necessary. They are an army comprised of people from a hard land who make the hard choices. Our enemies deserve no mercy; “nice” is not a Virtue. || Father Nikolovich Drakov || Upheld 104 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|77 || Prosperity || In the light of recent incidents the Prosperity Assembly emphasises that Foreign Nationals must abide by Imperial Law (especially with respect to religious crimes) whilst in Imperial Territory, and should not stand in the way of the Empire prosecuting violations of Imperial Law under the Imperial Legal System. The same should apply to the Empire and to Imperial Citizens in foreign lands. Such agreements will facilitate good trade relations and Prosperity between the Empire and our neighbours while sending a clear message that we will prosecute foreigners who commit religious crimes in our land. || Mazo i Zabala i Erigo || Upheld 109 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|78 || Prosperity || We recognise the diligent and committed work of the Seer of the Gateway Livia Cascade in carefully documenting and investigating the True Liao visions of the worthy. The virtuous labour of our citizens should not be unrewarded and we call upon the Order of the Sevenfold Path in our conclave to make available 10 Ilium rings so that a set of regalia may be created - a Mendicant’s Cassock that will aid Livia in her work and form a lasting legacy as the Regalia of the Seer of the Gateway || Ricardo di Tassato || Upheld 109 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|79 || Prosperity || The Assembly wishes to recognise and reward the Imperial Consul, Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos, for her benevolence and Prosperity. When the Empire faced an issue with the Druj she prosperously provided the seven wains of White Granite with the betterment of the Empire in mind. We reward her with 12 crystals of Mana funded by the Empress with a view that she will use these prosperously for the Empire. Her actions are an example of how the virtuous act. || Morgan Leafstalker || Upheld 94 - 0
|-
|83 || Imperial Orcs || We the National Orc Assembly recognise the miraculous and virtuous nature of the actions taken by Skywise Rykana in the steading of Return before winter in resisting a potent fear aura when no other orc could, and the breaking of the stone when no other could, and the liberation of the countless suffering souls within. Should this miracle be recognised we will further this to the General Assembly. || Skywise Gralka || Upheld 48 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|84 || League || The greatest work our Empire has ever created is our people. Forged by the Way and sharpened by our cultures. In Loyalty we welcome the people of Whittle to integrate with the people of Tassato. We will provide an education to every child to ensure a prosperous future and instruction in the seven Virtues. We have courage in our conviction and take pride in our people. || Harlequin || Upheld 182 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|86 || Marcher || The monks and friars of the Marches condemn the lack of Vigilance shown in not facing the threats posed by cursing the Mourn. We condemn the lack of Loyalty shown to the 250,000 Marchers left there. The Urizen General has been rebuked by the Synod. The Warmage has lost his seat over this. Those responsible shall be held to account. || Martin Orchard || Upheld 46 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|87 || Courage || The Assemblies that speak and pass Judgements against Yael, the First Empress Reborn, show a lack of Courage. If they truly disbelieved her Revelation and her words, they would have the strength of conviction to see her condemned, tried and convicted for the Heresy they say she preaches. Until they do this, they make a mockery of their own authority. || Isaac di Sarvos || Upheld 186 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|88 || Courage || Hear the Words of Yael. I cannot be turned from the truth I preach. I shall cleave to what I know to be True, and I can do nothing else. If the Synod rejects my words and Revelation, let it condemn me, try me, and seek my death as a Heretic. Though I am glad to face my martyrdom as Permion, I know that those who come after me will be as Lepidus. They shall be as the Seven Stars, to guide the Empire when my Guiding Light has been snuffed out. || Yael || Upheld 186 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|90 || Assembly of Nine|| We, the Assembly of Nine, request that the Silent Bell investigate Janon the Eternal of Night and cults associated with them - especially Freedom and people of note that have contact with him. || Levitia Endsmeet || Upheld 6 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|}

The Imperial Synod did '''not''' make the following Statements of Principle:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
|16 || General || The General Synod believes Yael is the First Empress Reborn and is here to inspire us to greater understanding of the Way. The Way is always a step forward and this is our next step. As show in the True Liao vision of Yael, supported by the True Liao vision of Tabor the Fool and the Golden Fragment recovered by Ed Watcher. || Naomi || Not upheld 552 - 1116
|-
|18 || Varushka || I Snežana Shulgaova Lyubomir am standing for head of the Varushkan National Assembly, if this judgement is upheld it is recognised as my authority. || Snežana || Not upheld 22 - 54
|-
|30 || General || The General Assembly believes it to be Virtuous for the Quartermaster General to offer the guerdon only to armies whose nations reject Yael’s teachings. || Viviane de Coeurdefer || Not upheld 332 - 547
|-
| 39 || Highguard || A true pilgrimage should test the follower in many ways so that they grow, learn and gain awareness of how they shall follow the Way. I believe a “Grand Pilgrimage” of 3 to 6 months is needed for this. In agreement with the Navarr I believe this should be undertaken with Navarri guides and to travel the trods. In doing so we shall also drive back the vallorn. || Delilah || Not upheld 142 - 216
|-
|81 || General || It is virtuous for a priest to use the rite of Excommunication against people not under the writ of Excommunication to help combat Heresy, Blasphemy, and Idolators. || Edmundo || Not upheld 156 - 366
|-
|}

==Judgements to be carried forwards==
The Imperial Synod raised the following Veto for the following summit.

{|
| '''Assembly''' || '''Veto''' || '''Priest''' ||
|-
| General || Veto - The Senate proposal to abrogate the High Exorcist Stipend of 7 Thrones per season from the Imperial Budget and grant them the power to withdraw 7 Thrones from the Virtue Fund without the Synod being able to vote or veto. || Zastyt, the Feeder
|-
|}

==Synod Funds==
The following represents the Virtue Fund of the Synod:

{|
| ''Starting Value'' || 0 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|-
| ''Income'' || 70 Thrones || The price paid in the Bourse Auction for the dose of True Liao
|-
| ''Rewards'' || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to Livia Cascade, Seer of the Gateway.
|-
| || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to Bloodcrow Ergot, Chaplain Consular.
|-
| || 10 Thrones || Rewarding made to the Marcher Assembly.
|-
| ''Closing Value'' || 50 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|}

==Visionaries==
The following individuals received visions of their past lives:

*Adelina Barossa, The League
*Aureliana di Sarvos, The League
*Corey Wayfarer, Navarr

==Assembly Strength==
<br/>

At the start of the summit the voting total of the General Assembly was calculated to be 2024

The final voting total of the General Assembly was estimated to be 2350

<br/>
At the end of the Spring Equinox 381YE the voting strength of the Virtue and national assemblies were estimated to be:

{|
| '''Virtue Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Ambition ||190 ||250 ||126
|-
|Courage ||350 ||362 ||182
|-
|Loyalty ||336 ||358 ||180
|-
|Pride ||200 ||250 ||126
|-
|Prosperity ||197 ||207 ||104
|-
|Vigilance ||195 ||315 ||158
|-
|Wisdom ||214 ||248 ||125
|-
|The Way ||342 ||360 ||181
|-
| General ||2024 ||2350 ||1176
|-
|}

<br/>

{|
| '''National Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Brass Coast ||84 ||84 ||43
|-
|Dawn ||194 ||224 ||113
|-
|Highguard ||532 ||616 ||309
|-
|Imperial Orcs ||58 ||58 ||30
|-
|Navarr ||223 ||223 ||112
|-
|The League ||248 ||288 ||145
|-
|The Marches ||44 ||76 ||39
|-
|Urizen ||154 ||226 ||114
|-
|Varushka ||130 ||160 ||81
|-
|Wintermark ||357 ||395 ||198
|-
| General ||2024 ||2350 ||1176
|-
|}

[[Category: Synod]]
[[Category:Synod Results]]
[[Category: Synod Judgements]]
[[Category: 381YE Spring]]

All the night-tide

2025-09-08T16:59:04Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"My grandfather began his life selling the fruits of the sea on the docks at Betovering, yet even from an early age he knew he was destined for great things. But unlike many people who dream of being rich and powerful, he pulled his finger out and went to work making it happen. Now he was not always an angel, as I'm sure some of you can attest first-hand"

An uneasy murmur of awkward laughter ran through the select crowd. Aart let it pass before continuing.

"... but he was a man of his word. If he said you would prosper under his leadership, then he would move the Teeth themselves to make that true."

"And burn your stall out if you didn't," interrupted his "Uncle" Daan. The ripple of uneasy laughter returned. Aart acknowledged his words with a rueful smile.

"And while his methods may have started out a little questionably - and he would be first to admit this - he made sure that those who were loyal to him had a place on the ladder behind him. And so here we are. The legacy that Sem van Visboer built is this family, and our guild, and while we may not sit on the high table yet, we are close enough that we can clean the cutlery.

"Get on with it," muttered his "Uncle" Daan. Aart did not hold his garrulousness against him - he had been very close to the old man and had been drinking pretty much solidly since the news of his death reached the house.

"From fishmonger to diplomat," Aart continued, getting ready to wrap up. "He was as you know one of those who negotiated the Steel Fist Bounty with the Empire of Catazar, and remained a regular visitor to their shores both for business and pleasure."

At this he raised his glass to the cowled and veiled figure who stood on the edge of the gathering. The Highborn was known to most of those present but the mourning traditions of the Imperials were not the same as those of Sarcophan. Everyone else was in their finest clothing, bright and rich, as befitted the act of respect they were about to engage in.

"Whilst there he viewed a gorgeous tapestry that hung in one of the chapterhouses. A piece of art depicting a number of important historical events, the colours of which entranced and delighted him. He spoke of it several times in his letters, and even offered a quite eye-watering sum of money to purchase it. His offer was rebuffed. Thank goodness, or we might all not be standing here today."

Laughter again, a little less awkward. Those in the know were aware of just how much Sem had proposed to spend on what Daan called "a nice wall rug".

"Knowing that, I thought there was only one way to honour him and to remind us all of how much we owe to his ambition."

He nodded, and the curtains fell away from the wall revealing an absolutely stunning stone fresco. Ships, and the sea, and storms, and a dozen other details, with a lion-headed man front and centre. There were approving gasps and a scattered round of applause. The sculpture was exquisite, and plainly not Sarcophan in style. The artist had used the lines of the marble to remarkable effect, capturing a sense of motion and wonder. Aart nodded again, and several of the guests came forward to lay fingers on the piece; his Aunt Yara pressed her cheek against the cold stone, her naga eyes glittering in pleasure.

"Who's that lion-head fellow?" asked his "Uncle" Daan, squinting a little drunkenly. "Is it meant to be an eternal?"

Aart shrugged. "I think it's one of their holy figures," he said. "I'm sure my grandfather knew, but all I know is that it's beautiful. And that it was ''very'' expensive."

Daan nodded approvingly. He continued to stare at the lionman, brow creased as he tried to work out exactly what it was meant to be. Aart let the moment linger a little then tapped one of his rings against his glass to get their attention.

"If you'd like to follow me through to the dining room," he said, "it's time to pay our final respects."

As the party filed through to the great hall, Aart glanced back at the fresco. It was very pretty, and the price made it a perfect way to show his respect and affection for the terrible old man. Then the sweet smells of the feast that was to come pulled his attention back to the real reason they were all gathered here today, and he closed the door behind him.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leonid Meteor Storm.jpg|caption=The Sarcophan Delves would rather see everyone enjoy prosperity and wealth than fighting... although there is of course profit to be made in war as well.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9e0daCbYU}}
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]]. They have recently declared the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a commitment to combat piracy and ensure that independent traders are free to sail [[the seven seas]] regardless of the politics of the great powers.

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]]}}
==The Pax Sarcophan==
* '''The Pax Sarcophan appears to be holding - the Sarcophan will not tolerate attempts to blockade or attack their ships'''
* '''The Sarcophan have informed the Grendel that they require them to cease attacks on vessels trading with the Empire'''
Last season the Sarcophan Delves announced the institution of the ''Pax Sarcophan'', a commitment to keeping the sea lanes open to traders in the face of open warfare between multiple great powers. The Pax is straightforward; while nations have every right to sink each other's ships if they are at war, piracy will not be tolerated. Attempts to force uninvolved nations to stop trading with an enemy will be met with swift retribution from Sarcophan. They will cut off trade ties, encourage their allies to do the same, and send their own battle ships and privateers to harass the offending nation.

Ambassador Dino has acknowledged the Pax, and reassured the Bedelaar Huisbaas that the Senate will bear it in mind before engaging in future blockades or creating new laws about maritime matters. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has thanked the ambassador for their reply, and offered reassurances that it will have nothing to fear as long as it continues to respect the right of third-party nations to trade with whomever they wish.

One of the first targets of the Pax Sarcophan will be the Grendel; the Salt Lord's Council's open support for indiscriminate piracy in the Bay of Catazar is unacceptable. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has instructed the ambassadorial staff in Dubhtraig to make it clear to the Salt Lords that if they continue to endanger independent vessels in the Bay, the Sarcophan will take action. She is still waiting for a reply, but cautiously expects the Salt Lords to see sense. This won't help Imperial ships of course - the Grendel and the Empire are at war and Sarcophan has no interest in getting caught between the two - but it will be good news for anyone else whose ships visit Imperial ports.

===Beoraidh===
* '''Sarcophan are negotiating a treaty with Beoraidh'''
* '''The treaty would see the Delves gain a port on the Bay in return for support for Beoraidh's neutrality'''
* '''The Empire could try to influence or oppose the treaty'''
On a somewhat related matter, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike wishes to inform the Empire that the Sarcophan Delves are engaging in negotiations with the sovereign city-state of Beoraidh with regards to supporting its neutrality and ambitions to become a trading hub on the Bay of Catazar. The finer details of the treaty are still being worked out, but the Delves are looking to secure a trading enclave similar to the [[Houses_of_Silence#The_Alivetti_Enclave|enclave in Sarvos]], with an eye towards easy access to Grendel and Imperial goods and services. While the Bedelaar Huisbaas is aware of Grendel aggression in Mareave, should the ''[[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]'' prove victorious then the improved prosperity in Beoraidh, and a more open and accessible set of docks there, may well prove to be a significant boost to the fortunes of the territory.

The Civil Service caution that this interest in Beoraidh may prove to be a two-edged sword. If the Sarcophan treaty with former-Salt Lord Ehsan comes to fruition it will be harder for the Empire to move against the nascent city-state without diplomatic repercussions. While it will likely go some way to protecting Beoraidh and [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] from the [[Grendel]], it will mean that for either side control of the territory will require control of four of the remaining regions - meaning conflict in the territory will quickly leave ''neither'' side in control. Also, while there may be economic benefits for Mareave, regardless of who has overall control, the benefits to Beoraidh and Ehsan will be significantly greater - and reduce opportunities for Imperial investment in the city. It would also make it harder for the Empire to exert diplomatic pressure on Ehsan and his faction.

It's not entirely clear what the Empire can do at this time, but the fact that Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has let the Empire know before the treaty is finalised shows they don't want to risk presenting this as a fait accompli. It might be possible for the Ambassador and the [[Imperial Consul]] to influence the outcome. A strongly worded disapproval of Sarcophan involvement in Beoraidh might at least see some concessions from the Delves, while threats or firm offers from the Consul might in theory persuade Ehsan to accept limits on Sarcophan investment in the city-state (although obviously the more closely Beoraidh aligns with the Empire the greater the risk that the Grendel will move against it). At the worst the Empire could demand the Sarcophan drop the treaty entirely, though that would come at significant cost to their relationship with the Delves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Oran_by_the_Sea.jpg|caption=The Celesti Lighthouse sits high on the headland overlooking Oran.|align=right|width=400}}

==Investment in the Brass Coast==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves have offered to provide cheap white granite to support the construction of the Celesti Lighthouse in return for a Sarcophan enclave in Oran'''
* '''Alternatively, the Sarcophan can sell white granite directly to the Freeborn to help fund the construction'''
* '''The Sarcophan will help to defend the site against attack by the Children of Wrecks or the Grendel'''
The Sarcophan have been asked if they would be interested in investing in the project to restore the [[Celesti_Lighthouse_Keeper#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|Celesti Lighthouse]] in [[Feroz]]. Candidly, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is concerned that building a lighthouse on the shores of the Brass Coast while the Children of Wrecks are still a threat to the Empire is a bold move. Yet those fears are somewhat allayed when it becomes apparent the plan would include fortifying [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. Given its position, Annike enquires as to whether Oran will be the successor to Siroc - a major trade hub in the western Bay?

There is certainly interest in getting in on the "ground floor" as it were but there are also concerns. With hostile and supernaturally strengthened forces in control of both the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]] access by sea to Oran would be challenging indeed, even for the expert mariners of the Delves. Which is not to say that there is not a route to collaboration on this matter. With the DeBruin family [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|active in the Bay]] Sarcophan captains are much more inclined to take risks knowing that there is a ready supply of mercenaries available to protect their ships from the murderous acolytes of ''[[Siakha|Hullbreaker]]''.

Details of the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Vigilant_Light|lighthouse-citadel]] in Oran are intriguing. They have been extensively discussed at the Beggar's Feast, and Annike has been empowered to make an offer. Provided the [[Imperial Senate]] commissions the fortified citadel as presented by the Ambassador, the Sarcophan Delves are interested in an investment opportunity.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sarcophan Investment'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment (Citadel)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 [[white granite]] and 30 [[mithril]], 200 thrones in labour and material costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:''' Cede a strip of land in Oran to Sarcophan to allow them to create a trade enclave like the Alivetti Estates</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects: ''' Creates a combined [[Venture]] and [[Voyage]] that allows Freeborn military units and fleets to defend Oranseri against attack until the work is complete.
</table>
</div>

They propose a treaty. They will supply white granite at discount rates, if the Senate is prepared to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] a parcel of land within the citadel, along the docks, in a similar manner to the Alvetti Estates. The land will be considered Sarcophan soil, allowing their traders may live and work without fear of harassment by the magistrates. In return they will provide a total of sixty wains of white granite over the year following the commission beginning at a little under two and a half thrones a wain. It accepted, this would amend the total costs for the fortified lighthouse reducing the white granite required to 60 wains but increasing the labour and material costs to 200 thrones.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is aware that the Imperial Senate may be too busy to consider such arrangements. If the Brass Coast would rather handle the matter directly themselves, then the Sarcophan could arrange that. Of course the Freeborn families can't cede the land for the Enclave, so such a deal wouldn't be anywhere near as attractive, but it would mean the construction could be expedited without wasting the Senate's time (the Sarcophan appear to be unaware that the new Lighthouse has not been commissioned).

In that case then the Sarcophan would make up to 15 wains of white granite available for purchase by the Brass Coast. The obvious title for the Sarcophan to liaise with would be the [[Celesti Lighthouse Keeper]], but that title has lapsed following the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|looting of the lighthouse by Rahab]]. Since the title won't be reappointed until the new commission is complete, the Ambassador suggests that the Sarcophan deal with '''Bakar i Riqueza i Erigo''', the previous holder of the position. The white granite would cost three thrones a wain, but Bakar could buy up to 15 wains a season at three thrones a wain for one year after the Senate commissioned the construction of the new fortification.

In either case, as part of the arrangement the DeBruin are prepared to help defend the site against attack. They propose to dispatch several of their warships to help the Freeborn protect the construction site from attacks by the Children of Wrecks - and even the Grendel should they attempt to threaten Sarcophan investment in Feroz. They caution however, that these vessels will not be sufficient by themselves to protect Oranseri if it is attacked by the Children of Wrecks. Their navy will easily overcome the Sarcophan defenders if they are fighting alone.

However the DeBruin could coordinate their efforts with local corsair families to create a new [[Voyage#Guarding_Voyages|defensive venture and voyage]], '''Protect the Celesti Lighthouse''' which would allow Freeborn military units and fleets to come together against any attackers. Provided there were enough of them, they could give the Children of Wrecks a bloody nose. Someone might have to arrange payment for the Freeborn defenders, but presumably the dhomiro could arrange that?
==Regarding new Imperial Laws==
* '''The Imperial Senate has criminalized the consumption and trade in sapient flesh
* '''This has implications both for Sarcophan funerals and the drug visivlees
Last season the Imperial Senate enacted a change to the law to explicitly “''outlaw the disbursement, trade, sale, and consumption of the flesh of the sapient denizens of the mortal realm''”. As part of their duties, Ambassador Dino has informed the Sarcophan Delves, rightly identifying that they would be impacted by the decision. Funerary rites in the Delves include a ritualised cannibalistic feast during which the family and friends of the deceased take part in a ceremonial meal that involves consuming the cadaver - cooked and prepared by specialised chefs. There is also a popular drug found only in Sarcophan called ''visivlees'' that is apparently made from specially treated flesh taken from corpses. Neither practice entirely matches the traditional view of cannibalism as a practice rooted in desperation or absolute wickedness, but it is nonetheless clear that the new law criminalizes both the traditional Sarcophan funeral and the consumption or trade of visivlees.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is, however, broadly unconcerned. Few Sarcophan would host a funerary feast in the Empire anyway - and if they did they would almost certainly do so in the confines of the Alvetti Estates where Imperial law is not a consideration. There might be considerations relating to the harassment of any Imperial citizen invited by a Sarcophan friend or business partner to take part in their funerary rites, but the Ambassador of the Delves suggests that such incidents become a source of concern only when they arise. Hopefully even the "overzealous" Imperial magistrates will not feel the need to punish grieving folk returning from a funeral.

The trade in visivlees might be impacted, but frankly it is rarely sold to Imperial citizens. There is a general squeamishness about consuming something made from the meat of sapient creatures and the drug is a premium product even in Sarcophan. Even there, muses Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, it is not uncommon for folk to eschew the drug due to its source. If any visivlees is being sold in the Empire it will be with the recommendation that the purchaser consume it before leaving the Sarcophan enclave, and if Imperial citizens choose to do otherwise it is not a concern for the merchants of the Delves.

At the end of the day, any perception of the Delves as a lawless haven of enthusiastic cannibals is little more than a smear campaign by those they have bested in trade. The idea that a citizen of the Delves might casually eat a stranger is very far from the truth indeed; it is no more likely that a Sarcophan will eat someone they do not know than it is that the average citizen of the League would do so. If she has a criticism of all this it is a personal one; in her opinion this kind of law is arguably more evidence that the Senate does not trust its citizens. Murder is already illegal, after all, regardless of whether the intent is to eat your victim. Presumably it is still illegal to steal from the dead - digging them up to consume them. Specifically calling out consumption of dead flesh feels like overstretch to the notoriously liberal Sarcophan. Indeed recent efforts to control what Imperial citizens can do, especially with regards to how they can entertain themselves, are a little disappointing to the ''Seat of the Crow''.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Money for Art's Sake==
* '''Artists and businessfolk continue to prosper from a fashion for Highborn sculpture and stone
* '''The sale has caused concern among Sarcophan followers of the Way in the Delves
And on the subject of funerary traditions... 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 beliefs that are considered a little peculiar even by Sarcophan standards. Among them is a teaching that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold immense value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence. It seems that Imperial iconography and funerary monuments are now extremely fashionable among Collectors, and even gaining some popularity with Sarcophan folk of more traditional beliefs.

Senna signed a year-long exclusive deal for Highguard [[white granite]] and stonemasonry with the benefactors. This has seen all Highborn [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] receive an extra 18 rings production per season. He apparently hopes that this trade might build the reputation of Highguard stonemasons internationally, with an eye toward a better deal to be brokered in 388YE.
{{SOP|statement=Sarcophan funerary traditions are a potent - if unknowing - expression of Pride and Prosperity. We call upon the artists of Highguard to embrace this moment of cultural exchange with the Sarcovans: let our art inspire virtue in Sarcophan so that they might be brought to the Way. Let us seize this opportunity to evangelise!|by=Keziah, Bishop of the Navigators, Highborn Assembly|vote=390-10|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
This arrangement has proved controversial. A priest of the Way from the Delves named ''Mischa van de Libel'', a [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has condemned the Collectors' fascination with Highborn art and the iconography of the Way. The sect has never shown interest in the Way itself, only the beauty of its imagery and its fashionable nature. Mischa warns that Senna's deal devalues the Way, and makes it easy for critics to denigrate its followers as valuing wealth over virtue. Mischa's pronouncements have been supported by concerned pilgrims of the Way in Sarcophan, and even from some worried Highborn citizens. The [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''präster'' have also pointed out that this trade represents, in their opinion, a failure of [[Pride]] - trading the beauty and splendor of the Way for coin.

The Highborn assembly discussed the matter during the Summer Solstice. While '''Dagon of the Shattered Tower''' raised a [[mandate]] condemning the practice, the Highborn Assembly chose not to enact it. Instead, they supported the words of '''Keziah''', the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] themselves. They called on artists of Highguard to embrace the moment of cultural exchange, urging that the art of the Way might inspire true virtue in Sarcophan. Unfortunately, it appears that those critical of the move in the Delves and Highguard are correct; the sale of Highborn art is not inspiring anyone in Sarcophan to embrace the Way or the true virtues. Quite the contrary.

The prestige of both the Bishop of the Navigators and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|cathedral]] itself have experienced some of the backlash arising from this decision. The [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] have permanently lost their top level of production as followers of the Way in Sarcophan react poorly to the decision of the Highborn. Many of those who might otherwise have been drawn to the Cathedral of the Navigators instead look to the Sumaah cathedral in the Sarcophan Delves for inspiration, the ''präster'' have not been slow to embrace them and continue to preach openly that the Highborn are devaluing their shared faith by treating virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold. However unfair these words may appear, the loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop will continue, causing the Low Ministry to disappear entirely after the Winter Solstice, and the Merchant Ministry be reduced to a single level.

Ambassador Dino has ensured that there will be no diplomatic fallout whatever happens, reassuring their opposite number that any problems that arise will be between the Empire and the Collectors' sect specifically. For her part, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike appears broadly untroubled. As long as there is no disruption in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' involving the followers of the Way - either with each other or with the Collectors - the Bedelaar Huisbaas have no concerns. The Sarcophan are not an especially religious people, after all, and as such have minimal interests in the doings of priests except as they impact profitable trade ventures. However she absolutely appreciates the Ambassador's reminder to the Synod that the Collectors are not representative of the Sarcophan people as a whole regardless of faith, and that any responses to them should remain cognisant of that reality.

For their part, report the staff at the Sarcophan Embassy, the Collectors are doing very well out of this deal. While it is not proving especially useful at spreading their particular take on the Sarcophan faith, they are doing business hand over fist and sales of Highborn art are doing very well. Not just in a funerary context either; a nicely sculpted statue of an exemplar or fresco depicting the seven virtues has become something of a status symbol among the more artistically inclined Sarcophan families. Yet there is little doubt they are appreciated overwhelmingly as works of art, rather than as anything with a strong spiritual dimension.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==A Silent Manse==
* '''Work on the Silent Manse being built in the Alivetti Estates enclave is complete'''
* '''There are concerns that the Community of Silence might spread their heretical faith in the Empire'''
* '''The League may enact a mandate to restrict access to the Silent Manse by Imperial citizens'''
* '''Poortwachter Lenart Farber is keen to work with the artist who offered their services in the coming season'''
''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen'' are not the only sect of Sarcophan priesthood with an interest in the Empire. A year ago, representatives of the ''Community of Silence'' (the ''Gemeenschap van Stilte'') [[Houses_of_Silence#Loud_Silence|announced their interest]] in establishing a ''house of silence'' in the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan Enclave|Alvetti estates enclave]] in Sarvos. Unlike the Collectors - who they apparently hold in very low esteem - the Community of Silence is a moderately influential sect that specialises in supporting the spiritual (and in many cases medical) needs of Sarcophan enclaves in other nations.

''Poortwachter Lenart Farber'' is the spokesperson for the gathering at the estates, and secured a portion of land upon which his sect intended to establish a ''Silent Manse'' – a religious site dedicated to the Sarcophan faith. The work [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Silent_Temple|ran into some problems]] sourcing the [[white granite]] they needed to complete the construction, but it appears that despite these setbacks the Manse is now complete.
===Momento Mori===
* '''Poortwachter Farber is keen to hear from the Dawnish artist who previously offered their services'''
One area they ''have'' been successful is in [[Houses_of_Silence#Fine_Art_and_Dark_Spirits|securing an artist]] to help give the Manse an appropriate atmosphere - traditionally the Community of Silence makes a point of employing local sculptors, painters, and glasssmiths when building their temples and shrines. Last Winter Poortachter Farber [[Theory_of_the_crows#House_of_Silence|declared that]] they had been offered the services of a renowned [[Dawn|Dawnish]] artist from [[Astolat]], whose services they intend to retain until the construction of the Manse was complete. That work, despite delays caused by the need to import most of the material needed to build the structure, is now complete and Lenart looks forward to seeing what the artist will create.

Knowing that artists of such renown obviously have many calls on their time, the Poortwachter has dispatched a missive confirming the agreement and offering them an opportunity to remain anonymous if they wish - at least until the obvious genius of their art gives away their identity, of course.
===Blasphemy and Heresy===
{{SOP|statement=The Sarcophan are building a Cathedral in the Alivetti Estates, in Sarvos, to their foreign faith. The estates are their lands - leave them to their ways and do not enter, thereby avoiding falling under their sway when it opens. We the Bishops of the League exhort you to polite and civil disinterest!|by=Paulus Adelaar van Holberg, League Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 248-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
* '''The League Assembly can urge citizens to avoid the Silent Manse and its unwholesome teachings'''
Obviously the presence of an actual temple of a foreign religion in Sarvos has been a matter for some concern (for all that the land where it is built is equally technically part of the Sarcophan Delves). The Manse allows an unparalleled opportunity for the Poortwachter and their Community to proselytise the Sarcophan religion to those visiting the Alivetti Enclave.

The League Assembly has provided some guidance to citizens of the City of Masks, wholeheartedly supporting a [[statement of principle]] raised by '''Paulus Adelaar van Holberg'''. It urges the people of the League to "leave them to their ways" and thus avoid "falling under their sway". It exhorts citizens to "polite and civil disinterest". Given the General Assembly stance on false virtues, heresy, and blasphemy, this statement makes a great deal of sense to many of the bishops of the League. Weighed against that, the people of Sarvos would not be themselves if there wasn't at least a little interest in seeing what all the fuss is about - secure in the knowledge that their faith in [[the Way]] will shield them from any devilish influence that Poortwachter Lenart may bring to bear.

If the League wants to ensure that their people take this matter seriously, a mandate has been proposed to directly dissuade folk from having anything to do with the Silent Manse and its priesthood.
{{Mandate|mandate=Be alert to all dangers; within and without! The Silent Manse in the Sarcophan Enclave is a spiritual threat to the wellbeing of all. The only way to avoid blasphemy and heresy is to have nothing to do with this profane temple. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to urge all Imperial citizens planning to visit the estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion.|assembly=League National Assembly}}
If this mandate is enacted it will ensure that interest in the Silent Manse and the teachings of the Community of Silence remains limited in the League. It will also mean that citizens of other nations who might consider visiting the Silent Manse will be dissuaded from doing so by the bishops of Sarvos. This won't affect the Community of Silence particularly - their focus is very much on serving the needs of the Sarcophan citizens and visitors to the enclave rather than proselytising explicitly. It will ensure that their beliefs do not spread outside the enclave, and that whatever blasphemy or heresy beliefs they might hold do not corrupt Imperial citizens.

It will, however, mean that there is no opportunity for cordial relations between followers of the Way and the Community of Silence. This means that opportunities to learn more about their beliefs, or their knowledge of ghosts and the like, will be lost. It is a price, but not an especially steep one given that the alternative risks seeing these unwholesome beliefs about the nature of death and the Labyrinth spread within the Empire.

Obviously an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] might be offered by the League assembly but it is worth noting that it is not possible to propose a mandate that increases interest in the faith of the Delves without an entirely new statement of principle. An alternative mandate can change the wording, but cannot reverse the entire thrust of the statement that inspired it.

==Under the Waves==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves are happy to host a delegation from the Department of Historical Research to discuss supernatural powers associated with the sea
* '''Commissioning this historical research will incur costs of 10 Thrones to the Imperial Senate and take six months
* '''The researcher sent to the Delves will not be available during this time but it counts as only a single commission of historical research
According to the Imperial Ambassador, the new [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister for Historical Research]] '''Watt Lambrook''' intends to take advantage of the offer [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Beneath_the_Bay|made last season]] to explore Sarcophan understanding of [[eternal|eternals]] and similar powers related to the sea. As mentioned, there will be a cost of 10 Thrones to the Imperial Senate (who maintain the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]), and the work will take six months to complete. The chosen researcher will not be available until they complete the work, but it would count as only a single commission of [[historical research]]. There is some interest among the ''[[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|zielweven]]'' covens to meet a delegation from the Empire and pool their respective knowledge on the matter of supernatual powers of the sea. Annike wryly suggests that part of this enthusiasm has no doubt been inspired by the suggestion that the researchers will bring with them a supply of [[the Marches|Marcher]] booze provided by the Minister.

==Jackals and Buidelrats==
* '''The Sarcophan have enthusiastically embraced the trading advice offered by the Ambassador
* '''Opportunities to gain access to two different markets have been made available
Last season the Sarcophan Ambassador [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Speaking_of_Trade...|asked her opposite number]] to provide an assessment of what goods most interest [[Fleet|Imperial traders]] visiting the Delves. She identified eight discreet areas of trade, and requested that the Ambassador rank them in order of interest. Annike thanks Ambassador Dino for their prompt response, and indicates that the result is very interesting indeed. She's had a report prepared and circulated among interested parties in the city, with an eye to perhaps tailoring the opportunities available to Imperial captains visiting the ports and markets of the Delves more effectively.

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Buidelrats.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Moeraskriden===
* '''The House of the Buidelrat is interested in acquiring newly created Imperial rituals dealing with herbs
* '''They want the Imperial Conclave to disseminate two rituals to them
* '''In return they will secure access to the port of Moeraskriden for Imperial fleet captains
If Imperial traders are interested in purchasing large amounts of [[herbs]], incidentally, then Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike draws attention to the opportunities presented by swampy ''Moeraskriden''. These docks, which lie along the coast west of the Delves themselves, represent the ideal location for merchants to purchase herbs and potions, especially elixirs of a medicinal nature. Access to the port was offered once before, as [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_tariffs_of_Sarcophan_Delves|part of an agreement]] that secured Sarcophan merchants the right to [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] with the Empire. In the end the Senate preferred the luxuries of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]] but Moeraskriden has not gone away in the meantime.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Thresholds'''</big><br>A standard fleet with at least five levels of upgrades and enchantments will receive an additional potion drawn from a wider list of medicinal preparations some of which are not common in the Empire. The rituals [[Lure of Distant Shores]] and [[Sular's Promise]] are both sufficient to allow a captain to acquire such an item. A massively enhanced fleet, one with an effective rank of twenty, would receive two such potions. Some will be potions familiar to the Empire such as those detailed under [[Master Medicinal]] while there may be a chance to pick up a real bargain - a potion brewed by Sarcophan master apothecaries or bought from distant herbalists unfamiliar to the Empire.</box></div>
A faction lead by the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Buidelrat|House of the Buidelrat]] sees a clear opportunity for profit here, and has put forward a proposal that the Empire may consider. A number of Sarcophan herbalists and covens of mercantile magicians are interested in two new rituals - [[Madyn's Gift]] and [[Gardener's Wheel]] which have apparently been mentioned by something or someone called the ''Vrolijke Zwartedraak''. For all their economic power, the Delves do not have anything that rivals the magical scholarship of the Empire - or even the Commonwealth or the Sumaah Republic. The interests of those magicians who are in a position to codify new magics are generally focused directly on money - which means ships as often as not. These two rituals represent potentially very valuable commodity to the Sarcophan primarily due to the immediacy of their effects - something that makes them much more valuable than traditional [[enchantment|enchantments]] on a [[herb garden]].

If the [[Imperial Conclave]] is prepared to uphold [[Declaration|Declarations]] of [[Dissemination]] for these two rituals, granting them to the House of the Buidelrat, then in return the House will arrange access to Moeraskriden for Imperial fleet captains. At the moment this would allow a standard fleet to acquire six doses of marrowort, five doses of cerulean mazzarine, and two random potions of a medicinal nature (these will be drawn primarily from the [[Apothecary Potions|Apothecary potions]] familiar to Imperial apothecaries, but fleets with significant levels of upgrade may receive something a little spicier).

===Jakhalsmarkt===
* '''Annabel de Gouden of the House of the Jackal has opened the Jakhalsmarkt to Imperial captains
* '''This market near the Betovering docks offers vis, tempest jade, jewellery, and potential magical items
* '''It is available only after the Autumn Equinox
* '''The goods it provides are largely sourced in the Principalities of Jarm
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Canis aureus syriacus.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Somewhat to her surprise there has been a swift response from the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Jackal|House of the Jackal]]. The Jackal are masters of the jewel-trade in the Delves, and their various families have unparalleled expertise in acquiring, evaluating, and securing markets for precious materials and ornaments. One of their leading lights, ''Annabel de Gouden'', has seized a potentially lucrative opportunity on learning that top of the list of things Imperial traders are interested in are luxury goods and substances of use to ritual magicians, especially mana crystals.

The ''Jakhalsmarkt'' is a part of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]], and the House of the Jackal already benefits from Imperial captains eager to do business there. Following a frankly inspiring flurry of activity, the House has secured significant shipments of valuable magical goods at short notice which they intend to offer to Imperial fleet captains. They're not asking for anything in return - the captains will pay for their goods like any other. Yet, regretfully, they can only offer these amazing deals for a single season.

Following the Autumn Equinox, however, any Imperial fleet captain will be able to select the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' as a [[Fleet#Trading|trading]] option. A standard fleet that takes advantage of this opportunity will secure two random pawns of [[vis]] chosen from [[Vis#Golden_Apples|golden apples]], [[Vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]], and [[Vis#Prismatic Ink|prismatic ink]] ("Triumph Vis" in the parlance of some Urizen traders). They will also receive three ingots of [[tempest jade]] and a smattering of valuable jewelled goods equivalent to 30 rings.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Thresholds'''</big><br> To gain a piece of star jewellery a fleet must be at least rank ten - meaning a standard fleet (which is rank five) would need a combination of five levels of upgrades and enchantments. The rituals [[Lure of Distant Shores]] and [[Sular's Promise]] are both sufficient to allow a captain to acquire such an item. A truly outrageous fleet, one with an effective rank of twenty, would receive two pieces of star jewellery. They are ribboned items, for which the player would need to provide a suitable phys-rep. Most take the form of necklaces or medallions inlaid with small jewels or crystals, but any object representing a piece of jewellery would be adequate.</box></div>
More prosperous fleets (fleets that have been significantly [[Fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]]) will also receive a random piece of "Star Jewellery". These are hard-to-get-hold-of [[magic items]], [[Magic_items#Talismans|talismans]] that empower a magician versed in [[spellcasting]] to perform a specific spell many more times each day provided they already know it.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike confides in the Ambassador that while ''Annabel de Gouden'' claims the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' will only cater to Imperial captains for a single season following the Autumn Equinox, it is her opinion that this is simply salespersonship. If the profit is there, the Jackals will follow it until such time as the profit goes away at which point they will drop it like a hot stone. To put it another way, if lots of Imperial captains are keen to buy from the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' then it will likely remain open as long as the demand is there.

Obviously, a good deal like this comes with a catch however. ''Annabel de Gouden'' is a former Sarcophan emissary to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and her family maintains good relations with the traders of that nation. She has leveraged these times in order to acquire so much ''vis'' on such short notice, and the "Star Jewellery" she is offering is exclusively made by Jarmish [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] - the secrets of which they jealously guard. There is currently an Imperial [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] on trade with the Principalities, meaning that Jarmish merchants are not welcome at Imperial ports. While technically merchants visiting the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' are dealing with Sarcophan merchants, and not with the Principalities directly, the fact remains that a portion of any profits raised here will go straight into the pockets of the Jarmish. While it is a drop in the ocean compared to the costs of running a war it will benefit that nation in a way that, in theory, might prove a bone of contention with the Commonwealth in particular and perhaps even the Summah Republic as signatories to the Liberty Pact which outlaws trade with Jarm.

There is a reason that in the Delves to call someone "jakhal" in the Delves as a term of endearment is to call them a “cheeky fucker” with a smile on one's face. It remains to be seen whether that smile is contagious or not.

Annabel de Gouden and her faction of the Jackal are not asking for anything - the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' is open regardless. However if they wished the Imperial Senate could make it illegal for Imperial captains to visit the port of Betovering while the market is open. This would prevent anyone visiting the market and acquiring explicitly Jarmish goods, but it would also come at the cost of preventing access to the lucrative luxuries of that wealthy port. Simply criminalising access to the Jakhalsmarkt would not be sufficient - once a captain docks at Betovering there is no way for anyone to know what they are doing, where they are going, or what they are buying.

Another possibility would be for the Imperial Conclave to [[interdiction|Interdict]] ''Star Jewellery''. While these talismans are not common in the Empire, their basic properties are somewhat known by magicians of the League and Urizen who have had reason in the past to trade with Jarmish artisans. Unfortunately, it would not be possible to interdict only those talismans that originate in Jarm. If such an interdiction is enacted then any talisman that follows the same pattern will also be interdicted (that is, any talisman that allows a magician to cast a spell they know additional times each day). The Senate could make possession and trade of Jarmish Star Jewels illegal, but then the onus would be on the magistrates to identify whether such an item originated with a Jarmish artisan which creates headaches of its own in achieving a conviction.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=200}}

==Apothecary Allies==
* '''Esme i Estrico i Erigo, Speaker for the Imperial Apothecaries Guild, has contacted the Kruidenkenner'''
* '''The Kruidenkenner have suggested shifting existing sinecures and ministries to be appointed by the Apothecaries Guild'''
The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. Among some of the most enthusiastic merchants to invest in the Empire in recent times came from the Delves, specifically the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner''. This guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs, and medicinal products of all kinds, and so it is perhaps no surprise that they have shown excited interest in the newly created [[Imperial sodality]] of the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. The leaders of the guild [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild|requested]] that the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Speaker for the Guild]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' make contact with them to discuss their shared interests.

It seems that the Speaker has made a very positive impression on the sodalities' opposite numbers if the Sarcophan Delves. They are especially keen on the belief that ''our expertise should be valued and fairly compensated'', unsurprisingly. They are confident that they can do business together and thus have two initial proposals.
===Magazijn===
* '''The Kruidenkenner are keen to do business directly with the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild
* '''They propose changing the appointment methods of the Master of the Root and Stem and the Kruidenkenner Trademaster
* '''If this is done the two titles will receive additional opportunities to purchase herbs from the Delves
There are two major points of contact for the Kruidenkenner in the Empire at the moment, two Kruidenkenner Magazijn warehouses. The [[Kruidenkenner_Trademaster#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|first]] was built at [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]] and is overseen by the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]]. The [[Master_of_the_Root_and_Stem#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|second]] in [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] in the territory of [[Mitwold]] and overseen by the [[Master of the Root and Stem]]. The position of Kruidenkenner Trademaster is [[Auction of the Seats|auctioned]] at the Spring Equinox each year, and as a Marcher position the Master of Root and Stem is appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]] during the Autumn Equinox. The Kruidenkenner propose changing this arrangement and ask the Imperial Senate to agree to the changes. They would like to see both titles appointed by the Apothecaries' Guild. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has confirmed that the Delves are broadly in favour of this and that the changes could be presented as a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] by Ambassador Dino.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Medicinal Herbs'''</td>
<tr><td>260 rings</td><td>6 marrowort, 6 true vervain</td></tr>
<tr><td>490 rings</td><td>12 marrowort, 12 true vervain</td></tr>
<tr><td>710 rings</td><td>18 marrowort, 18 true vervain</td></tr>
</table></div>
This change won't affect any of the positions that benefit from the existence of the Kruidenkenner Magazijn - they would continue to receive their benefits. But it would improve confidence from the Kruidenkenner merchants dealing with the Empire even further. The [[High Herbalist of Sybella]] and the [[Master of the Clearing House]] would continue to receive their full benefits. The Kruidenkenner themselves would foot the bill to expand their operating in the western Empire to match those in the east, providing the [[Master of the Root and Stem]] with an additional ability to purchase random herbs identically to that of the Kruidenkenner Trademaster. For their part the Kruidenkenner Trademaster would gain the ability to buy [[true vervain]] and [[marrowort]] - herbs vital to the medicinal arts.

The Civil Service note that in amending the titles, the Imperial Senate could choose to further amend the Master of the Root and Stem to make it an Imperial position that could be held by any citizen. There is no requirement to do so however - an Imperial Sodality can appoint a national position. In this case, all potential candidates would need to be Marchers but everyone in the sodality would have a say in who held the title.
===Herbal Lore===
* '''The Kruidenkenner are keen to learn the secrets of the Unshackled Blade'''
* '''They offer to exchange the recipes with two of their own with the Apothecaries Guild'''
* '''It is not currently legally possible for the Apothecaries Guild to accept this offer'''
The Kruidenkenner are understandably jealous of their herbal arts - they are the basis of their prosperity and influence after all. For the most part they make use of the same [[potion|potions]] their Imperial counterparts do but it cannot be denied that they know how to brew some things the Empire's apothecaries do not. It seems they are well aware of [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] and interested to learn more about its research - but also painfully aware that it is currently out of action due to the invasion of the Druj and the expanding vallorn. There is one set of potions they know the Empire knows that they do not know and that they are very interested in gaining access to: the [[Unshackled Gift]]. A few years ago there were some discussions with the then-Ambassador about acquiring these potions, fronted by a consortium of Sarcophan herbalists.

The most recent offer, according to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, was that Sarcophan apothecaries would be prepared to pay 175 thrones for the recipe, provided that it was an exclusive deal. That is, one in which both parties sign contracts guaranteeing that the knowledge will not be shared with residents of any other nation. The Delves have magicians who can arrange for such contracts to be lodged with the [[Lictors|Brass Magistrates]] of the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn Realm]] to ensure that both parties face punitive penalties for breaking the contract. The assumption was that having a duopoly on the recipe would allow the merchants of the Delves to recoup the large investment in less than a decade by selling the potions all over the world. Without a convincing contract of exclusivity the potions would be worth only a fraction of their price. Without such an agreement the Empire could sell the recipe to the Sarcophan and then sell it to every ''other'' nation as well thus ensuring that the Delves were left with potions that nobody would pay a premium to buy. They were prepared to pay 15 thrones for non-exclusive access to the recipe.

The discussions came to nothing, unfortunately. Or perhaps fortunately - because it allows the Kruidenkenner the opportunity to acquire this lore for their guild rather than sharing it with the rest of the Delves. As such the Kruidenkenner have a proposal of their own for the Apothecaries' Guild. If the sodality will commit to trade the recipes to them, and agree to an exclusive contract, they will provide the sodality with two recipes of their own, as long as that exclusivity were maintained for at least the next five years. After that, they would be prepared to negotiate further to maintain exclusivity. The ''Brass Magistrates'' would oversee the agreement, ensuring neither side sold the ''recipes'' further afield (obviously both the Empire's apothecaries and the Kruidenkenner would be able to profit from selling the potions made with the recipes). The money would be paid directly to the Speaker of the Apothecaries' Guild, who could do with it as they wished.

In exchange the Kruidenkenner are prepared to share two of their own potions with the Apothecaries' Guild. They would provide the guild with a herbal detailing the two potions, and the Guild could keep the knowledge to their members or put them into Imperial lore. Either would be fine provided they were not shared with non-Imperial magicians while the Kruidenkenner enjoy their own exclusivity. The potions they intend to offer are both built using the principles of the [[Master Medicinal]] - a ''salve'' that ameliorates ruined limbs and suppresses the pain of major injuries in a similar fashion to which the [[Master Medicinal#Maledict's Medicament|Maledict's Medicament]] removes both poisons and curses; and a more potent version of the [[Apothecary_Potions#Elixir_Vitae|Elixir Vitae]] the Empire is familiar with that restores an injured warrior to full strength after a short period of inaction.

There is however a niggle with all this. The Apothecaries' Guild do not have the legal power to do this. While the Senate has [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild|confirmed]] that the power and authority to disseminate knowledge of potions across the Empire lies with the sodality, they do not have the legal ability to disseminate a herbal from Imperial lore. Their [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild#The Manifesto|manifesto]] indicates that they are responsible for the "''dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes''" and that they "''represent and support the economic, political, and magical interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire.''" The Senate has approved the Apothecary Guild manifesto but has not formally given them these abilities.

One way to resolve this contradiction would be to give the Apothecary Guild the power to disseminate herbals from Imperial Lore, in the same way that the Conclave can use a declaration of [[dissemination]] to create a ritual text that can then be traded. The other would be to further amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to water down their remit. Either would require a [[Senate motion#Constitutional Vote|Constitutional vote]].
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives from the Speaker of the Apothecaries Guild, the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, or the Master of Root and Stem may be sent to ''Engel van Luwte, Hal van de Vijzel en Stamper, Sarcophan Delves''. They have made clear that missives from other individuals will not receive replies}}

===Further Communication===
* '''The Speaker of the Apothecaries Guild is invited to engage in further communication'''

Regardless of what happens in the short term, as mentioned the Kruidenkenner are keen to further their relationship with the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. As such, they propose that the Speaker for the Guild should feel free to send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] directly to one of their council - ''Engel van Luwte'' - who is empowered to communicate with the Guild on behalf of the Kruidenkenner. They regretfully point out, however, that Engel van Luwte is a busy person, and will have little time to reply to random correspondence - as such he will only reply to messages from the Speaker, the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, and the Master of the Root and Stem (the latter two are expected to oversee the trade of herbs between the Sarcophan guild and the Empire after all). Anyone else is cordially invited to do their business via the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]].
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Blooming Farmers==
* '''Strange flowers continue to grow among the vlinderbloem Hahnmark farmers are cultivating for Sarcophan merchants'''
* '''Florian Kraft wishes to meet with Hahnmark farmers to discuss the situation at the Winteemark Tree of Names at 11:45 on the Sunday of the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''A Sarcophan vintner who has attempted to brew Viezesmaak using the odd flowers also wishes to meet with farmers. They plan to arrive at TBC'''
The fields of Hahnmark are a sea of pinks and purples as summer fades to Autumn. Among flowers with petals like butterfly wings, canny pickers continue to spot the distinctive spiral bloom of the mysterious draaikolkbloem.

The Kraft brothers, self-professed Sarcophan specialists in both wheeling and dealing, say the viezesmaak brewed with the harvest is selling well - but they have a particular interest in the strange spiral flowers growing among the yields of vlinderbloem. Florian Kraft has made the long journey from the Delves to investigate the phenomenon more closely, and wishes to speak to Hahnmark farmers about their experiences with the plant and any potentially valuable properties. Florian aims to arrive at the Tree of Names in the Wintermark camp at 11:45 on the Sunday of the Autumn Equinox.

But the Kraft brothers’ enterprise has also attracted other interest. Over the past season, renowned vintner Renaten Zuredruiven has experimented with the potential to use draaikolkbloem rather than vlinderbloem to produce Viezesmaak, and how this might affect the narcotic. His experiments concluded, he wishes to speak to farmers about the results at TBC.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the business of the Gold Leaf Gardeners in the Empire can be sent to ''Luca Beekhof, The Bladgoud Tuiniers Handelsschool, Sarvos''. The Bladgoud Tuiniers caution that they will reply only to missives directly related to their business}}
==Goldleaf Gardeners==
* '''The Goldleaf Gardeners continue to invest in their establishment in the Alvetti estates
* '''Aaven Beekhof has returned to the Delve leaving his nephew Luca in charge of the guild presence
The ''Bladgoud Tuiniers'' - perhaps better known as the [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Gold_Leaf_Gardeners|Gold Leaf Gardeners]] - have been investing in the Sarcophan enclave in Sarvos for a year or so. Early attempts to arrange a deal with the Chamber of Commerce of the city to sell their [[Houses_of_Silence#Chamber_of_Commerce|narcotics]] proved unappealing. Rather than admit defeat however, the enthusiastic ''Aaven Beekhof'' offered the services of the "herbalists" [[Theory_of_the_crows#Everything_Must_Go|more widely]]. It's not clear if anyone actually took up the offer, but the fact remains that the Bladgoud Tuiniers have maintained their presence at the Alvetti Estates. Aaven himself has apparently returned to the Delves, but the Gardeners are apparently doing reasonable business with visitors to the estates interested in experiencing the delights they offer. He has left his nephew Luca Beekhof behind to oversee the Gardeners' business in the Empire. The news is that a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] might be dispatched to Luca, but that the Bladgoud Tuiniers will only answer if the missive relates directly to their business - and that they are not currently looking to sell anything outside of the enclave.

'''OOC Note:''' Missives can no longer be sent to Aaven Beekhof; missives sent to Luca Beekhof will only receive a response if they specifically relate to business matters, and the guild is not selling drugs to private citizens at this time.
{{Sarcophan Links}}

Songs like trees

2025-09-08T16:54:10Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
We don't often put a "Content Warning" on a Wind, but this one merits it. Please bear in mind that the text includes depictions of body horror.
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Songs like trees.jpg|caption=Songs, like trees, grow and flourish. Trees, like songs, have an ending.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==We Come, We Come, With Roll of Drum==
__TOC__
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-HASsbLlBI}}
The [[Golden Sun]] returns to [[Therunin]]. It has been less than a year since they [[Blood_and_mire|escaped the strangling traps of the Druj]], their retreat purchased at great cost by the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]]. Since then, they have chafed at the bit in [[Astolat]], recovering from the terrible harm done them by the orcs of [[the Mallum]]. Now they are back, to fight again in Therunin, to take from the [[Druj]] the jewel they have claimed - and to stop the [[vallorn]] devouring what the [[Navarr]] fought for so long to cleanse.

With them come the [[Wolves of War]], out of [[Morrow]]. They, too, have been on furlough this past six months, recovering from campaigning in the west against the [[Jotun]]. They have seen the threat of the vallorn firsthand, helping the people of Urizen root out its harbingers as its wicked green tendrils probed the defences of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]].

The two armies march to [[Reikos]], to [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]], to join their forces. Waiting for them are the heroes of the Empire, the captains who fight where their conscience dictates. Perhaps even the Wolves of War are a little taken aback by just how many are preparing to join them in their attack - and the Wolves are the Imperial army perhaps most experienced in dealing with warbands, mercenary companies, adventuring parties, and champion fellowships. Well over a hundred [[military unit|captains]] ready to march with the Wolves and the Sun, bringing their soldiers with them, swelling the size of the force crossing to nearly three times the size.

The overwhelming majority are, unsurprisingly, folk of Navarr. [[Thorn|Thorns]] and [[brand|brands]], sombre faced and ready to do what is needful to fight for Therunin. Yet they are not the only ones - [[Dawn]], [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[Wintermark]] are all well represented here, along with a single warband of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. All prepared to risk their lives to fight the vallorn and the Druj at the same time.

To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the Vallorn. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>

<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>
The night before the armies move, the priests of Reikos gather on [[Reikos#Chalcis_Mount|Chalcis Mount]], and move among the soldiers offering the blessings of the Way. [[Dedication]] and [[anointing]] to those who wish them, whether they fear their courage may falter in the face of the task ahead of them or they seek to strengthen their own convictions. The priests do not judge, offering support to any who need it, and when the dawn comes some of them find their calling urges them to walk with the armies. The vallorn, after all, is the single greatest spiritual threat to the Empire and the faithful of the Way.

Not long after sunrise, though, there is a sign from the east. A pillar of black smoke mounts up towards the clear midsummer sky. A column of ashes. Some of the Navarr in particular, those who know what it must presage, march with tears wet on their cheeks. But there is still a job to be done, and these armies, these champions who march with them, are the ones who must do it.

==In the Bitter Rain==
It is not far from High Chalcis to the border. Some of the Highborn, perhaps for the first time, cannot help but ruminate on just how short a distance lies between Therunin and the [[Gardens of High Chalcis|garden city on Chalcis Mount]]. In the past this has been a boon, easing trade between the two centres of healing. Now it can be seen as a foreboding of doom.

There are Druj watching the border, of course. Some of these shadowed eyes are rooted out, others manage to escape eastward to warn the rest of the orcs of the Empire’s coming. None attempt to fight, not voluntarily at least. Any who cannot escape, die fast and hard. The Druj will not be a challenge, here, will not be anything more than an afterthought in Peakedge Song it seems. The real threat here comes from the east, yes, but much closer to home.

A short journey, less than a day, to where [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] once stood. It is still burning. There are still Druj here, shepherding the flames, revelling in the destruction for its own sake. Beating drums. Some of them are drunk or drugged; others are more alert and give some small trouble to the first Imperial soldiers to arrive. Yet even they flee, denying anyone any feeling to just retribution for what has been done. There is open weeping.

For centuries Peakedge Stead has been synonymous with succour, with gentle healing, with sanctuary. It has tended the worst wounds the vallorn could inflict, offered safety and the promise of wholeness to those exposed to the malice of the Druj. When Reikos fell into the hands of the Stone Toad, it accepted all refugees and stood vigil against attack from the west. When the [[Great Forest Orcs]] were driven from their homes, it welcomed them beneath its hallowed roofs. A garden as much as a steading, a place where the battle for the future was envisioned not solely in terms of weapons and armour. And now it is gone. The palisades burn. The hospitals burn. The gardens, and the gentle tree-lined groves, and the memorials built to those who set down their lives to heal others, burn.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
It is too late for Peakedge Stead. The moment the last rays of the setting sun faded after the Summer Solstice, the protection of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] was withdrawn. The unbreachable thorn walls withered and fell and as soon as they were gone the malice of the Druj washed over this place of healing, and the flames followed all too soon after. And then, the majority of the Druj camped here, their work done, seem to have simply left. There is a clear path north-east away from the bonfire that was once Peakedge Stead, toward the [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]].

Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] and the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

For while ''Father Tarn'' is saddened that he was misled, and let down, he does not blame the healers and the sick for the actions of the few at [[Anvil]]. All those who wished to do so were offered sanctuary in the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]], where they might grow and practice the healing arts for as long as they wished - on the understanding of course that they could never return. While he might have been able to grant them sanctuary in the chamber of a regio the Druj would be able to attack there as well.

Some took that choice, and if there is anything to be salvaged from all this it is the hope that whatever fate they found there brings them peace. Those who would not accept the hand of Lord Rain made a different choice and embraced the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]]. A terrible choice, and one that the ''Cupbearer'' would have denied them if he could. But it was theirs to make.

And now, as he said he would, ''Elder Fossegrim'' will turn his face away from the Empire. There will be no more boons, and he will not agree to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. Those rituals he has shared with his friends will remain, until their assurances are broken. Any gifts he has given likewise will remain until time claims their power. No more of his heralds will visit the Empire, not to offer their aid to those in need, nor to the [[Greenwatcher]], nor to the fight against the vallorn.

Perhaps in another hundred years, if the Empire survives, they may speak again. But for now, it is farewell.

As the herald turns away, its sad message delivered, the rain breaks. As it walks, fresh green shoots burst from the footprints it leaves in the sodden ash. Within a few minutes these shoots have blossomed into bushes and vines, with more and more greenery rippling outwards from the path like raindrops on the surface of a mountain pool. Within half an hour the ruins of Peakedge Stead are gone and in their place, a garden of green leaves and pale white flowers. Where the palisade once stood, a ring of young saplings begin to grow, making the outskirts of the sanctuary.

“The vallorn cannot come here while the trees live,” says the herald in parting. “Let this be a memory and a promise. It can remain a place of sanctuary and hope to those who need it.”

And with that it is gone.

==Hew the Stone and Break the Door==
The Druj have fled east, no doubt seeking to outpace the vallorn which they at least believe will be seeking to overgrow the [[Therunin#Lower_Tarn_Valley|Tarn Valley]]. No doubt some of them are in for an unpleasant surprise. The day after the armies enter Therunin, they encounter what they take at first to be the vallorn, but is in fact something entirely different. The Druj have unleashed [[Spring magic]] in more ways than one it seems; this at least is something that the Empire and the Wolves of War in particular are familiar with. Something akin to [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] has settled over Therunin, calling and releasing countless numbers of spirits to inhabit the plant life of the territory.

No doubt the intention is to help the spread of the vallorn - the magic seems not to differentiate between an oak and a willow and whatever aberrant plants grow in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Unlike the more familiar magic, which sends trees rampaging against settlements and fortifications, the spirits called by the Druj prefer to ambush those that come within reach. Often they pretend to be normal trees and bushes before striking suddenly when their victims least suspect it. The smaller plants like to entwine and entomb their prey, strangling, smothering, or starving them.

It all adds yet another obstacle to the attempt to protect Therunin, beyond the Druj and the vallorn itself. Even apparently wholesome plants may hide something malignant and cruel within, and it is very hard indeed to predict where the animated vegetation will strike. As the only significant force in the territory, though, the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War bear the brunt of the curse’s violence.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yawnagrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==That Hill and Wood Shall Slay==
The first true vallornspawn are sighted on the fourth day, while the Imperial forces are engaged with sweeping out left-behind guerrilla Druj. The enemy are clearly not expecting them - they are focused on hunting any remaining Navarr and coming up with abhorrently novel ways to kill them. Shortly after noon, a dozen misshapen flying things, each as large as a well-fed sheep, approach out of the east. Similar in part to wasps, and in other parts to vicious beetles the size of wolves, and yet still something entirely their own and entirely wrong, they pass low overhead. The high-pitched whine of their wings grates on the nerves of those below, setting teeth on edge and causing a few [[naga]] in particular to succumb to nausea and disorientation. Sometimes [[Naga#Luxuriant_Senses|keen senses]] can be a curse, rather than a blessing.

Several of these airborne horrors are shot from the sky with longbow and crossbow and hurled javelin. They don’t seem to be capable of gaining height, too poorly built for flying much above the treetops. Examined close up, they have far too many eyes at one end and barbed venom-dripping stingers at the other. One of the creatures is cut open, its bloated abdomen proving to be full of horrible wriggling maggot-like grubs that wail like cursed piccolos when exposed, curling in on themselves and dying in the steady rays of the early morning sunlight.

These warped insects are only the vanguard of the vallorn; by the next sunrise the sky to the east is noticeably different. A greenish tinge hangs in the air that sweeps forward as the day wears on. Scouts report terrible things; legions of [[ettercap]] and shambling [[vallornspawn husks]]. The unnameable abominations that the vallorn breeds, many mixing animal and vegetable characteristics together to create something different, something altogether more grotesque, than either alone could achieve. There are also great insects, the natural inhabitants of Therunin, that show the signs of having been corrupted en masse, driven mad, driven to swarm and slaughter where normally they would be placid and disinterested. The Druj have clearly not tired of driving the innocent beasts of the marshes into the vallorn, even after their [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|failures at Feverwater]]. There is even a report of a [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]], blooming red meat-flowers opening and closing like extra mouths along its body, howling and hissing a bowel-loosening combination of pain and fury as it comes.

At first the line is easily held. The vallorn is not a thing that uses tactics, or strategy. Some of its horrors are as keen to attack each other as they are the interlopers from the Empire. Some charge the nearest living thing that does not bear the mark of the vallorn, and try to kill it and devour it. Others are more stealthy, like hunting spiders or predatory wasps, sneaking up on their victims and using venom, razor-sharp barbs, or talons and fangs to kill. Still others move more slowly - great masses of twisted vegetation given awful momentum either by the Druj’s curse or by the vallorn - it matters little which is which in the end, the results are the same.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun]]
[[File:WolvesofWar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Wolves of War]]</div>
Those who have fought the vallorn elsewhere are perhaps a little unprepared for the realities of facing it in a marsh. While the most obvious spawn are at least human- or orc-sized, in Therunin the waters and the mud and the silt provide many more avenues for awful horror. A common iteration of the vallorn here is an eyeless fist-sized mess of legs and mandibles and gripping pincers that moves through the marsh drawn by movement and when it encounters flesh it holds on tight and begins to eat. The worst part is that many of those who suddenly find their shins or knees or feet being literally eaten out from beneath them will fall backward, into the mud… and discover to their horror that these mawcrabs hunt in packs.

The Navarr are prepared, and spread a warning, but there is only so much they can do to mark the tell-tale disturbances in the thick mud or the murky water when these mawcrabs are on the move.

This is just one example of what the Empire faces in Peakedge Song. The vallorn is terrible for many reasons, one of which is that its creatures take so many utterly unpredictable forms and shapes. Skinless bears, two-headed lizard things with alligator maws and tree-climbing claws. As the miasma thickens across the region, much larger creatures come tumbling through the trees - roughly spherical balls of meat and muscle with razor-sharp lamprey mouths and staring all-too-human eyes and a dozen thick tentacles with which they swing and clamber and grab and crush. Snake-like worms large enough to swallow a full-grown soldier whole, with reaching multi-jointed legs around their mouths to scoop up and hold their prey while they suck it down. A terror that might once have been a [[Marshwalkers|marshwalker]] before the vallorn took it into itself and remade it in its image - a thing that is doubly dangerous because each part of it seems to spread corruption and when it joins together it does not take the form of a towering humanoid but a wave of mud and grasping arms and moaning tormented mouths.

It may not be only the vallorn that they face, either. There are sightings of smaller, more subtle creatures among the vallornspawn. The enchanters of Dawn are certain that these creatures are [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Woodwyf]]''. They do not, for the most part, engage the Imperial forces directly but their presence has an undeniable effect of the vallornspawn around them. They bear the ruinous [[Spring magic|blessings]] of their mistress and they do not attract the ire of the vallorn beasts around them. A cadre of Dawnish and League monster hunters is quickly convened, and charged with specifically hunting the children of the ''Green Mother'' wherever they appear.

Over all this the miasma flows like water, pooling and spreading. It brings with it its own flavour of death - everyone knows that mortals who breathe the miasma begin to sicken. Everyone knows that those who fall while its fetid corruption fills their lungs and nostrils will rise again as a servant of the vallorn, a husk driven only to kill and spread the taint, spirit trapped forever unless its friends are able to free it with a second death.

==Broken is the Barren Bough==
Yet here at least the Empire has the upper hand. [[Winter magic]] has been bound around the armies, around the soldiers, and settles like a barbed shawl over the captains and warbands who march with them. Many do not realise that the magic is woven with the resonance of [[Realms#Winter|the Wasteland]]; it leaves them feeling hale and hearty, full of the power that [[Winter magic#Preservation|preserves]]. Their instinct for [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]] has been subtly enhanced as well; again few realise what is happening.

But this is Winter magic and it would be odd if there were not some lingering unnaturalness to it. The soldiers and champions fighting in Therunin find their appetites shifting slightly; wholesome food and drink becomes just a little less appealing. Without really thinking about it, many of them adopt a new diet. Drinking brackish water straight from the slow-moving rivulets; devouring bugs, termites, weevils teased from the bark of the marsh trees; favouring bread and biscuits and tack that is marbled with mould. Yet they show no ill-effects. The only folk that seem broadly unaffected by this unnatural urge are the [[draughir]], some of whom seem to relish the fact that the best food, the freshest food, is passed over by their companions in favour of midden-fare.

All of this is a result of a ritual that has never been tested before, encumbered with the lugubrious name ''[[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]]'', it protects soldiers from poison, and from venom, and from the miasma of the vallorn… or at least it protects them from the miasma ''in theory''. Before now, its effectiveness has never been tested…

It is tested now. The miasma is thick as fog around the vallornspawn, spreading like fingers of corruption spread by the winds. Those who fight within it find their wounds fester, their injuries drag them down into death or awful half life. It breeds sickness in those exposed to it, filling lungs with spores and fluid, causing skin to corrupt and break apart with vines and flowers. Yet not a single soldier of the Golden Sun, of the Wolves of War, nor of the warbands that fight with them, succumbs to the sickness of Green Lung. Wounds may fester, death may come, but the worst effects of the miasma are mitigated by the Winter magic. While some of those who die within the miasma rise as husks, it seems to be no more than a third of those slain - and the Navarr agree that the transformation is taking much longer than usual in those who do succumb allowing for their bodies to be burned or [[Turn the Circle|turned away from corruption]].

The wards surrounding the Imperial forces do not match the power of the [[Vitality of Rushing Water]] - the magic is too widespread, too focused on preservation and survival compared to that particular [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] but it provides vital protection, and frees the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] who march with the armies free to treat wounds and save lives without worrying about that hollowing-out sickness.

==Darkness Falls At Last==
Almost from the moment the vallornspawn begin to spill into Peakedge Stead, the armies of the Empire must fight. It is relentless - day and night the attacks come. Battalions of ettercaps and husks; small packs of horrible vallorn warped beasts; great corrupted insects. Again and again they come and the Imperial armies must stand against them.

As the season draws on, the armies begin to flag - but again the power of the Winter enchantment helps stave off exhaustion. This is a double-edged blade of course - it does not actually [[Winter magic#heal|heal]] those warriors tired to the point of collapse. It simply provides them with the will and the strength to push themselves beyond their natural limits… and when they snap the results are grim indeed. Just as well the magic protects the warriors from the miasma - the physicks have their work cut out saving those who have battled on to the point their bodies have begun to shut down.

Painful, cruel, but it works. As Autumn deepens, it works and the vallornspawn are contained. They do not spill out across Peakedge Song, they don’t taint the marshlands with the touch of the vallorn. They are contained, and thrown back. Yet they still come. There is no sign that their strength is weakening, or their drive faltering. Inasmuch as the vallorn ''want'' anything it is clear that the roused force will continue to seek to reclaim this land that was once Terunael, that was wrested free from their corrupting touch over the course of a thousand years.

And if the defenders falter, even for an instant, the green tide will wash over all and condemn Therunin once more to its verdant hell.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
*'''Therunin remains nominally under the control of the Druj'''
*'''The vallorn has been stopped in Peakedge Song'''
*'''Imperial forces are about a fifth of the way toward reclaiming the region of Peakedge Song'''
*'''An effect similar to Thunderous Tread of the Trees is making the situation in Therunin even worse for Imperial armies'''
Imperial forces have prevented the vallorn of Therunin claiming any land in Therunin. Where it would have spilled into the Upper Tarn Valley - perhaps at the direction of the Druj magicians - it has instead moved to try and destroy the largest concentration of uncorrupted life in the territory. To wit it is focused on the two armies and hundreds of warbands accompanying them, and on claiming Peakedge Song. The Wolves of War and the Golden Sun have borne the brunt of the assault and saved the region - at least for now.

The Empire is around a fifth of the way to reclaiming Peakedge Song, but it is an uphill struggle thanks to the vallorn force that is also trying to claim the region.

There has been little sign of the Druj - a few encounters with ambushes and guerrilla fighters in Peakedge Song, and a number of traps left behind. Whatever Mallum forces are still in Therunin seem concentrated in the east.

===Against the Vallorn===
*'''The vallorn continues to try and expand into Peakedge Song
*'''It will attack wherever there are enemy armies or fortifications
*'''Winter magic has significantly reduced the damage taken by the armies fighting here
Fighting the vallorn while it is expanding in this way has proved to be very dangerous. The vallornspawn spreading into Peakedge Song have brought the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] with them in some fashion, endangering everyone who tries to face them. It appears that while an expanding vallorn does not take an order in the way an Imperial general would do, it is effectively always taking a special order that potentially poisoning anyone who fights - an ''order'' that ''doubles'' all casualties it causes.

Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.

===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===
*'''Peakedge Stead has been burned by the Druj'''
*'''The Houses of Healing and Stones from Blood have been destroyed'''
*'''Thornsong College is still protected - for now - by Night magic'''
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where the steading once stood'''
One of the oldest settlements of the Navarr, Peakedge Stead, has been destroyed by the Druj. The people who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]]. The [[Factor of Stones from Blood#Stones from Blood|Stones from Blood]] has also been destroyed - the incumbent, '''Dewi Flies Free''', will be the last [[Factor of Stones from Blood]].

For the moment, [[Thornsinger#Thornsong House|Thornsong House]] remains hidden within a ward of [[Night magic]] meaning nothing and nobody can locate it. This magic will end at the start of the Winter Solstice. There is no easy way to restore this protection, and it is ''very'' likely that some of those Druj waiting in Peakedge Song are there intentionally to destroy the House. Once the ward falls the house will also be at risk from the vallorn.

Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire. He has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced. The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claims that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] (but obviously woven with Spring magic rather than Winter magic). A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.

==Battle Opportunity : With Doom We Come==
Imperial prognosticators have identified multiple conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate that will allow Imperial heroes to reach Therunin during the coming summit. Some of them are very large indeed, and there is a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] as well that will allow the [[Imperial Military Council]] to intercede in Therunin against the vallorn.
==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[Ossegrahn]]
* [[Vallorn]]

* [[Willow and rain]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

Songs like trees

2025-09-08T16:53:50Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
We don't often put a "Content Warning" on a Wind, but this one merits it. Please bear in mind that the text includes depictions of body horror.
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Songs like trees.jpg|caption=Songs, like trees, grow and flourish. Trees, like songs, have an ending.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==We Come, We Come, With Roll of Drum==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-HASsbLlBI}}
__TOC__
The [[Golden Sun]] returns to [[Therunin]]. It has been less than a year since they [[Blood_and_mire|escaped the strangling traps of the Druj]], their retreat purchased at great cost by the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]]. Since then, they have chafed at the bit in [[Astolat]], recovering from the terrible harm done them by the orcs of [[the Mallum]]. Now they are back, to fight again in Therunin, to take from the [[Druj]] the jewel they have claimed - and to stop the [[vallorn]] devouring what the [[Navarr]] fought for so long to cleanse.

With them come the [[Wolves of War]], out of [[Morrow]]. They, too, have been on furlough this past six months, recovering from campaigning in the west against the [[Jotun]]. They have seen the threat of the vallorn firsthand, helping the people of Urizen root out its harbingers as its wicked green tendrils probed the defences of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]].

The two armies march to [[Reikos]], to [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]], to join their forces. Waiting for them are the heroes of the Empire, the captains who fight where their conscience dictates. Perhaps even the Wolves of War are a little taken aback by just how many are preparing to join them in their attack - and the Wolves are the Imperial army perhaps most experienced in dealing with warbands, mercenary companies, adventuring parties, and champion fellowships. Well over a hundred [[military unit|captains]] ready to march with the Wolves and the Sun, bringing their soldiers with them, swelling the size of the force crossing to nearly three times the size.

The overwhelming majority are, unsurprisingly, folk of Navarr. [[Thorn|Thorns]] and [[brand|brands]], sombre faced and ready to do what is needful to fight for Therunin. Yet they are not the only ones - [[Dawn]], [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[Wintermark]] are all well represented here, along with a single warband of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. All prepared to risk their lives to fight the vallorn and the Druj at the same time.

To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the Vallorn. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>

<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>
The night before the armies move, the priests of Reikos gather on [[Reikos#Chalcis_Mount|Chalcis Mount]], and move among the soldiers offering the blessings of the Way. [[Dedication]] and [[anointing]] to those who wish them, whether they fear their courage may falter in the face of the task ahead of them or they seek to strengthen their own convictions. The priests do not judge, offering support to any who need it, and when the dawn comes some of them find their calling urges them to walk with the armies. The vallorn, after all, is the single greatest spiritual threat to the Empire and the faithful of the Way.

Not long after sunrise, though, there is a sign from the east. A pillar of black smoke mounts up towards the clear midsummer sky. A column of ashes. Some of the Navarr in particular, those who know what it must presage, march with tears wet on their cheeks. But there is still a job to be done, and these armies, these champions who march with them, are the ones who must do it.

==In the Bitter Rain==
It is not far from High Chalcis to the border. Some of the Highborn, perhaps for the first time, cannot help but ruminate on just how short a distance lies between Therunin and the [[Gardens of High Chalcis|garden city on Chalcis Mount]]. In the past this has been a boon, easing trade between the two centres of healing. Now it can be seen as a foreboding of doom.

There are Druj watching the border, of course. Some of these shadowed eyes are rooted out, others manage to escape eastward to warn the rest of the orcs of the Empire’s coming. None attempt to fight, not voluntarily at least. Any who cannot escape, die fast and hard. The Druj will not be a challenge, here, will not be anything more than an afterthought in Peakedge Song it seems. The real threat here comes from the east, yes, but much closer to home.

A short journey, less than a day, to where [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] once stood. It is still burning. There are still Druj here, shepherding the flames, revelling in the destruction for its own sake. Beating drums. Some of them are drunk or drugged; others are more alert and give some small trouble to the first Imperial soldiers to arrive. Yet even they flee, denying anyone any feeling to just retribution for what has been done. There is open weeping.

For centuries Peakedge Stead has been synonymous with succour, with gentle healing, with sanctuary. It has tended the worst wounds the vallorn could inflict, offered safety and the promise of wholeness to those exposed to the malice of the Druj. When Reikos fell into the hands of the Stone Toad, it accepted all refugees and stood vigil against attack from the west. When the [[Great Forest Orcs]] were driven from their homes, it welcomed them beneath its hallowed roofs. A garden as much as a steading, a place where the battle for the future was envisioned not solely in terms of weapons and armour. And now it is gone. The palisades burn. The hospitals burn. The gardens, and the gentle tree-lined groves, and the memorials built to those who set down their lives to heal others, burn.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
It is too late for Peakedge Stead. The moment the last rays of the setting sun faded after the Summer Solstice, the protection of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] was withdrawn. The unbreachable thorn walls withered and fell and as soon as they were gone the malice of the Druj washed over this place of healing, and the flames followed all too soon after. And then, the majority of the Druj camped here, their work done, seem to have simply left. There is a clear path north-east away from the bonfire that was once Peakedge Stead, toward the [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]].

Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] and the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

For while ''Father Tarn'' is saddened that he was misled, and let down, he does not blame the healers and the sick for the actions of the few at [[Anvil]]. All those who wished to do so were offered sanctuary in the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]], where they might grow and practice the healing arts for as long as they wished - on the understanding of course that they could never return. While he might have been able to grant them sanctuary in the chamber of a regio the Druj would be able to attack there as well.

Some took that choice, and if there is anything to be salvaged from all this it is the hope that whatever fate they found there brings them peace. Those who would not accept the hand of Lord Rain made a different choice and embraced the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]]. A terrible choice, and one that the ''Cupbearer'' would have denied them if he could. But it was theirs to make.

And now, as he said he would, ''Elder Fossegrim'' will turn his face away from the Empire. There will be no more boons, and he will not agree to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. Those rituals he has shared with his friends will remain, until their assurances are broken. Any gifts he has given likewise will remain until time claims their power. No more of his heralds will visit the Empire, not to offer their aid to those in need, nor to the [[Greenwatcher]], nor to the fight against the vallorn.

Perhaps in another hundred years, if the Empire survives, they may speak again. But for now, it is farewell.

As the herald turns away, its sad message delivered, the rain breaks. As it walks, fresh green shoots burst from the footprints it leaves in the sodden ash. Within a few minutes these shoots have blossomed into bushes and vines, with more and more greenery rippling outwards from the path like raindrops on the surface of a mountain pool. Within half an hour the ruins of Peakedge Stead are gone and in their place, a garden of green leaves and pale white flowers. Where the palisade once stood, a ring of young saplings begin to grow, making the outskirts of the sanctuary.

“The vallorn cannot come here while the trees live,” says the herald in parting. “Let this be a memory and a promise. It can remain a place of sanctuary and hope to those who need it.”

And with that it is gone.

==Hew the Stone and Break the Door==
The Druj have fled east, no doubt seeking to outpace the vallorn which they at least believe will be seeking to overgrow the [[Therunin#Lower_Tarn_Valley|Tarn Valley]]. No doubt some of them are in for an unpleasant surprise. The day after the armies enter Therunin, they encounter what they take at first to be the vallorn, but is in fact something entirely different. The Druj have unleashed [[Spring magic]] in more ways than one it seems; this at least is something that the Empire and the Wolves of War in particular are familiar with. Something akin to [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] has settled over Therunin, calling and releasing countless numbers of spirits to inhabit the plant life of the territory.

No doubt the intention is to help the spread of the vallorn - the magic seems not to differentiate between an oak and a willow and whatever aberrant plants grow in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Unlike the more familiar magic, which sends trees rampaging against settlements and fortifications, the spirits called by the Druj prefer to ambush those that come within reach. Often they pretend to be normal trees and bushes before striking suddenly when their victims least suspect it. The smaller plants like to entwine and entomb their prey, strangling, smothering, or starving them.

It all adds yet another obstacle to the attempt to protect Therunin, beyond the Druj and the vallorn itself. Even apparently wholesome plants may hide something malignant and cruel within, and it is very hard indeed to predict where the animated vegetation will strike. As the only significant force in the territory, though, the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War bear the brunt of the curse’s violence.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yawnagrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==That Hill and Wood Shall Slay==
The first true vallornspawn are sighted on the fourth day, while the Imperial forces are engaged with sweeping out left-behind guerrilla Druj. The enemy are clearly not expecting them - they are focused on hunting any remaining Navarr and coming up with abhorrently novel ways to kill them. Shortly after noon, a dozen misshapen flying things, each as large as a well-fed sheep, approach out of the east. Similar in part to wasps, and in other parts to vicious beetles the size of wolves, and yet still something entirely their own and entirely wrong, they pass low overhead. The high-pitched whine of their wings grates on the nerves of those below, setting teeth on edge and causing a few [[naga]] in particular to succumb to nausea and disorientation. Sometimes [[Naga#Luxuriant_Senses|keen senses]] can be a curse, rather than a blessing.

Several of these airborne horrors are shot from the sky with longbow and crossbow and hurled javelin. They don’t seem to be capable of gaining height, too poorly built for flying much above the treetops. Examined close up, they have far too many eyes at one end and barbed venom-dripping stingers at the other. One of the creatures is cut open, its bloated abdomen proving to be full of horrible wriggling maggot-like grubs that wail like cursed piccolos when exposed, curling in on themselves and dying in the steady rays of the early morning sunlight.

These warped insects are only the vanguard of the vallorn; by the next sunrise the sky to the east is noticeably different. A greenish tinge hangs in the air that sweeps forward as the day wears on. Scouts report terrible things; legions of [[ettercap]] and shambling [[vallornspawn husks]]. The unnameable abominations that the vallorn breeds, many mixing animal and vegetable characteristics together to create something different, something altogether more grotesque, than either alone could achieve. There are also great insects, the natural inhabitants of Therunin, that show the signs of having been corrupted en masse, driven mad, driven to swarm and slaughter where normally they would be placid and disinterested. The Druj have clearly not tired of driving the innocent beasts of the marshes into the vallorn, even after their [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|failures at Feverwater]]. There is even a report of a [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]], blooming red meat-flowers opening and closing like extra mouths along its body, howling and hissing a bowel-loosening combination of pain and fury as it comes.

At first the line is easily held. The vallorn is not a thing that uses tactics, or strategy. Some of its horrors are as keen to attack each other as they are the interlopers from the Empire. Some charge the nearest living thing that does not bear the mark of the vallorn, and try to kill it and devour it. Others are more stealthy, like hunting spiders or predatory wasps, sneaking up on their victims and using venom, razor-sharp barbs, or talons and fangs to kill. Still others move more slowly - great masses of twisted vegetation given awful momentum either by the Druj’s curse or by the vallorn - it matters little which is which in the end, the results are the same.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun]]
[[File:WolvesofWar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Wolves of War]]</div>
Those who have fought the vallorn elsewhere are perhaps a little unprepared for the realities of facing it in a marsh. While the most obvious spawn are at least human- or orc-sized, in Therunin the waters and the mud and the silt provide many more avenues for awful horror. A common iteration of the vallorn here is an eyeless fist-sized mess of legs and mandibles and gripping pincers that moves through the marsh drawn by movement and when it encounters flesh it holds on tight and begins to eat. The worst part is that many of those who suddenly find their shins or knees or feet being literally eaten out from beneath them will fall backward, into the mud… and discover to their horror that these mawcrabs hunt in packs.

The Navarr are prepared, and spread a warning, but there is only so much they can do to mark the tell-tale disturbances in the thick mud or the murky water when these mawcrabs are on the move.

This is just one example of what the Empire faces in Peakedge Song. The vallorn is terrible for many reasons, one of which is that its creatures take so many utterly unpredictable forms and shapes. Skinless bears, two-headed lizard things with alligator maws and tree-climbing claws. As the miasma thickens across the region, much larger creatures come tumbling through the trees - roughly spherical balls of meat and muscle with razor-sharp lamprey mouths and staring all-too-human eyes and a dozen thick tentacles with which they swing and clamber and grab and crush. Snake-like worms large enough to swallow a full-grown soldier whole, with reaching multi-jointed legs around their mouths to scoop up and hold their prey while they suck it down. A terror that might once have been a [[Marshwalkers|marshwalker]] before the vallorn took it into itself and remade it in its image - a thing that is doubly dangerous because each part of it seems to spread corruption and when it joins together it does not take the form of a towering humanoid but a wave of mud and grasping arms and moaning tormented mouths.

It may not be only the vallorn that they face, either. There are sightings of smaller, more subtle creatures among the vallornspawn. The enchanters of Dawn are certain that these creatures are [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Woodwyf]]''. They do not, for the most part, engage the Imperial forces directly but their presence has an undeniable effect of the vallornspawn around them. They bear the ruinous [[Spring magic|blessings]] of their mistress and they do not attract the ire of the vallorn beasts around them. A cadre of Dawnish and League monster hunters is quickly convened, and charged with specifically hunting the children of the ''Green Mother'' wherever they appear.

Over all this the miasma flows like water, pooling and spreading. It brings with it its own flavour of death - everyone knows that mortals who breathe the miasma begin to sicken. Everyone knows that those who fall while its fetid corruption fills their lungs and nostrils will rise again as a servant of the vallorn, a husk driven only to kill and spread the taint, spirit trapped forever unless its friends are able to free it with a second death.

==Broken is the Barren Bough==
Yet here at least the Empire has the upper hand. [[Winter magic]] has been bound around the armies, around the soldiers, and settles like a barbed shawl over the captains and warbands who march with them. Many do not realise that the magic is woven with the resonance of [[Realms#Winter|the Wasteland]]; it leaves them feeling hale and hearty, full of the power that [[Winter magic#Preservation|preserves]]. Their instinct for [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]] has been subtly enhanced as well; again few realise what is happening.

But this is Winter magic and it would be odd if there were not some lingering unnaturalness to it. The soldiers and champions fighting in Therunin find their appetites shifting slightly; wholesome food and drink becomes just a little less appealing. Without really thinking about it, many of them adopt a new diet. Drinking brackish water straight from the slow-moving rivulets; devouring bugs, termites, weevils teased from the bark of the marsh trees; favouring bread and biscuits and tack that is marbled with mould. Yet they show no ill-effects. The only folk that seem broadly unaffected by this unnatural urge are the [[draughir]], some of whom seem to relish the fact that the best food, the freshest food, is passed over by their companions in favour of midden-fare.

All of this is a result of a ritual that has never been tested before, encumbered with the lugubrious name ''[[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]]'', it protects soldiers from poison, and from venom, and from the miasma of the vallorn… or at least it protects them from the miasma ''in theory''. Before now, its effectiveness has never been tested…

It is tested now. The miasma is thick as fog around the vallornspawn, spreading like fingers of corruption spread by the winds. Those who fight within it find their wounds fester, their injuries drag them down into death or awful half life. It breeds sickness in those exposed to it, filling lungs with spores and fluid, causing skin to corrupt and break apart with vines and flowers. Yet not a single soldier of the Golden Sun, of the Wolves of War, nor of the warbands that fight with them, succumbs to the sickness of Green Lung. Wounds may fester, death may come, but the worst effects of the miasma are mitigated by the Winter magic. While some of those who die within the miasma rise as husks, it seems to be no more than a third of those slain - and the Navarr agree that the transformation is taking much longer than usual in those who do succumb allowing for their bodies to be burned or [[Turn the Circle|turned away from corruption]].

The wards surrounding the Imperial forces do not match the power of the [[Vitality of Rushing Water]] - the magic is too widespread, too focused on preservation and survival compared to that particular [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] but it provides vital protection, and frees the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] who march with the armies free to treat wounds and save lives without worrying about that hollowing-out sickness.

==Darkness Falls At Last==
Almost from the moment the vallornspawn begin to spill into Peakedge Stead, the armies of the Empire must fight. It is relentless - day and night the attacks come. Battalions of ettercaps and husks; small packs of horrible vallorn warped beasts; great corrupted insects. Again and again they come and the Imperial armies must stand against them.

As the season draws on, the armies begin to flag - but again the power of the Winter enchantment helps stave off exhaustion. This is a double-edged blade of course - it does not actually [[Winter magic#heal|heal]] those warriors tired to the point of collapse. It simply provides them with the will and the strength to push themselves beyond their natural limits… and when they snap the results are grim indeed. Just as well the magic protects the warriors from the miasma - the physicks have their work cut out saving those who have battled on to the point their bodies have begun to shut down.

Painful, cruel, but it works. As Autumn deepens, it works and the vallornspawn are contained. They do not spill out across Peakedge Song, they don’t taint the marshlands with the touch of the vallorn. They are contained, and thrown back. Yet they still come. There is no sign that their strength is weakening, or their drive faltering. Inasmuch as the vallorn ''want'' anything it is clear that the roused force will continue to seek to reclaim this land that was once Terunael, that was wrested free from their corrupting touch over the course of a thousand years.

And if the defenders falter, even for an instant, the green tide will wash over all and condemn Therunin once more to its verdant hell.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
*'''Therunin remains nominally under the control of the Druj'''
*'''The vallorn has been stopped in Peakedge Song'''
*'''Imperial forces are about a fifth of the way toward reclaiming the region of Peakedge Song'''
*'''An effect similar to Thunderous Tread of the Trees is making the situation in Therunin even worse for Imperial armies'''
Imperial forces have prevented the vallorn of Therunin claiming any land in Therunin. Where it would have spilled into the Upper Tarn Valley - perhaps at the direction of the Druj magicians - it has instead moved to try and destroy the largest concentration of uncorrupted life in the territory. To wit it is focused on the two armies and hundreds of warbands accompanying them, and on claiming Peakedge Song. The Wolves of War and the Golden Sun have borne the brunt of the assault and saved the region - at least for now.

The Empire is around a fifth of the way to reclaiming Peakedge Song, but it is an uphill struggle thanks to the vallorn force that is also trying to claim the region.

There has been little sign of the Druj - a few encounters with ambushes and guerrilla fighters in Peakedge Song, and a number of traps left behind. Whatever Mallum forces are still in Therunin seem concentrated in the east.

===Against the Vallorn===
*'''The vallorn continues to try and expand into Peakedge Song
*'''It will attack wherever there are enemy armies or fortifications
*'''Winter magic has significantly reduced the damage taken by the armies fighting here
Fighting the vallorn while it is expanding in this way has proved to be very dangerous. The vallornspawn spreading into Peakedge Song have brought the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] with them in some fashion, endangering everyone who tries to face them. It appears that while an expanding vallorn does not take an order in the way an Imperial general would do, it is effectively always taking a special order that potentially poisoning anyone who fights - an ''order'' that ''doubles'' all casualties it causes.

Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.

===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===
*'''Peakedge Stead has been burned by the Druj'''
*'''The Houses of Healing and Stones from Blood have been destroyed'''
*'''Thornsong College is still protected - for now - by Night magic'''
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where the steading once stood'''
One of the oldest settlements of the Navarr, Peakedge Stead, has been destroyed by the Druj. The people who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]]. The [[Factor of Stones from Blood#Stones from Blood|Stones from Blood]] has also been destroyed - the incumbent, '''Dewi Flies Free''', will be the last [[Factor of Stones from Blood]].

For the moment, [[Thornsinger#Thornsong House|Thornsong House]] remains hidden within a ward of [[Night magic]] meaning nothing and nobody can locate it. This magic will end at the start of the Winter Solstice. There is no easy way to restore this protection, and it is ''very'' likely that some of those Druj waiting in Peakedge Song are there intentionally to destroy the House. Once the ward falls the house will also be at risk from the vallorn.

Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire. He has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced. The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claims that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] (but obviously woven with Spring magic rather than Winter magic). A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.

==Battle Opportunity : With Doom We Come==
Imperial prognosticators have identified multiple conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate that will allow Imperial heroes to reach Therunin during the coming summit. Some of them are very large indeed, and there is a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] as well that will allow the [[Imperial Military Council]] to intercede in Therunin against the vallorn.
==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[Ossegrahn]]
* [[Vallorn]]

* [[Willow and rain]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

Even darkness must pass

2025-09-08T16:52:27Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Even Darkness Must Pass.jpg|caption=In the end it's only a passing thing, this shadow.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==To See Such Times==
In the [[Sarangrave]], chaos reigns. It is a season of ruin, of madness, bloodshed and terror, fury and despair, magic and steel and water and twisted bough, poison and hope, light and darkness, endings and beginnings. You can feel it in the air. The red dice are rolling, the world is in free-fall and nobody has the slightest idea of what will be showing when they finally come to rest.

The blight of [[Rivers Run Red|ruinous Spring magic]] begins to settle over the waters here, but at the last moment it frays and falls to pieces. Instead, a different power of magic spreads out, filling the waters with [[Rivers of Life|wholesome healing power]]. Imperial magicians have undone the scheme of the Druj, replacing their malign curse of death with a benign curse of life for everyone fighting here.

There is plenty of other magic at work here. The behemoth god-beast Kroll has risen from the nameless lake to loom over the [[Sarangrave#Palace of the Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]], and yet the Palace itself [[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|has vanished]]. Wards and traps unfold across the marshes and the forests laid down by fleeing magicians and desperate covens. The [[Druj miasma]] clings to everything here, heightening feelings of fear and despair, but the Imperial armies are accompanied by thousands of golden knights drawn from the court of [[Eleonaris|Queen Eleonaris]]. Part of Zenith has fallen under Druj control, trapping Imperial armies in [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]], but the Empire moves its own soldiers to try and reclaim it. The power of the [[Irra Harah|Shackle Smasher]] has been unleashed in the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]], while wicked wards of [[Spring magic|Spring]] and [[Night magic|Night]] run riot across the marshlands. Alliances shift, and nobody can be entirely sure who is a potential friend and who is secret foe.
==All Seem Accursed==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDv8UaWeWJg}}
The chaos spills south into [[Zenith]]. The [[Towerjacks]] have come to the forest of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. There they meet the [[Argent Sword]]; the army of [[Inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]], [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]], and [[Inhabitants of the realms#Soldiers|soldiers]] from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] who march as part of a costly bargain wrought with the Sovereign Lords of the Cities of Autumn.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:ArgentSword_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword]]
[[File:TowerJacks Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Towerjacks]]</div>
The second army of [[Urizen]] is a thing of wonder. An army of minotaurs, their horns adorned with gold and steel, who march in the shadow of three dozen many-armed bronze colossi each a head taller than any mortal being. An army of hammer-wielding smiths, as broad as they are tall, warriors of the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]] under contract to [[Callidus|Callidus of the Coins]]. An army of both swift-moving almost fox-like scouts with a supernatural sense for the presence of wealth, and of ox-sized silver spiders recruited from the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] to provide expert support on matters of logistics. They march under orders from a human general, and they are unlike anything that has been seen in the Empire in living memory.

During the Summer Solstice, the [[Druj]] attempted to [[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|assail]] the marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]]. With the aid of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] they sought to [[Root_and_branch#Objective:_Stop_the_Verdant_Tenders|transform the bog octopuses]] of the waterlogged region into ravenous monsters; if not for Imperial heroes the many-legged tasty cephalopods would have undergone an unnatural growth spurt. Their scheme was stopped, those responsible scattered.

Now a [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|ward of Night magic]] hangs over Proceris protecting it from further trouble - there are [[sentinel|sentinels]] already at work seeking out any remaining Druj and giving them swift justice. Even with the power of the ritual reduced to protect only the region where it is cast, there is nowhere for these guerrillas and ambushers to hide - the empowered magic of Night sees to that. Ironic, given that empowerment was worked by the Druj in the first place…

Two armies then march to the woodlands of Lustri. The Urizen of Zenith are first to warn of the Druj trap. The [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] have worked their own enchantment on the forest, weaving an entangling net of Spring magic between the trees. The effect is horribly familiar - a ward that is all too easy to pass into but almost impossible to escape. Druj warriors and awful venomous abominations alike sneak and skitter between the trunks of the dark woodlands waiting for the armies to put a foot wrong.

They have reckoned, however, without the ingenuity of the Towerjacks. This trap may be magical in nature but ultimately it is just another kind of fortification. There are safe paths here, as well as deadly ones. There are choke-points and dead-ends, killing grounds and barriers, but the Holberg engineers are no stranger to such concepts. It takes a little less than a week to reconfigure the Imperial strategy, and then with the Towerjacks in the vanguard the armies [[Army_qualities#Engineer|storm the walls]] the Druj have raised.

The fighting is bloody and terrible. The Argent Sword are disciplined but fundamentally unfamiliar with woodland fighting. The Towerjacks are adept at predicting and defusing the traps of the Druj wards, but they must still deal with the warriors and beasts protected by that magic. Blood spills and pools beneath the trees as the season rolls on. It is slow going, every step risks setting off a trap or an ambush. Yet the armies do make progress, do take those steps.

Almost immediately it is clear that the armies of the Druj are not ''in'' Lustri. It is clear they are relying on their ward to hold back any Imperial counterattack while the six armies that [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|came down from Therunin]] have pressed into the Sarangrave in hope of slaughtering the Empire’s soldiers in the southern Sarangrave.

It might have worked. The ward is powerful, but the Towerjacks make all the difference. They unravel the puzzle, match cunning for cunning, disable the traps, and break through the dead-ends and barricades of writhing thorns. Ten days before the Autumn Equinox news comes from the front; the armies of Urizen and the League have been victorious. Lustri is now in Imperial hands once more.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:WinterSun Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Winter Sun]]</div>
==So Our Path Is Laid==
Six armies of Druj, out of Therunin, fresh from the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|ruination of the Stork’s Gaze]]. Without exception they hurl themselves into the fray, an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|overwhelming assault]] against the Bloodwater Marsh and the Imperial army caught between their hammer and the twin anvils of the [[vallorn]] of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and the colossal [[fortification]] of the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]].

There is a desperation to their strategy; it seems that several of these [[Druj armies|armies]] are drawn from the septs of the marshlands. Six armies. The [[Druj armies#Arrow Viper|Arrow Viper]] and the [[Druj armies#Thorn Born|Thorn Born]], the [[Druj armies#Jagged Claws|Jagged Claws]] and the [[Druj armies#Hunting Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]]; the [[Druj armies#Flame Beetle|Flame Beetle]] and of course the Tainted Basilisk. They have pulled out all the stops; almost all of them bear an [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] that grants them the cunning of the predators coupled with a thirst for blood and mayhem found nowhere in the animal kingdom. The blessings of the Tainted Basilisk.

They face just a single Imperial army - the [[Winter Sun]] - the rest having used rituals and other methods to join the armies in the north. The Winter Sun bear a strange enchantment of Night magic whose effects are at first not entirely clear. The Winter Sun focus on [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters|seeking out native forces]] that might aid the Empire’s plans.

Battle erupts across the Bloodwater Marshes again - the Empire fights against the desperate, furious Druj and their vicious enchantments. Like the orcs, they are also caught between hammers and Anvils. From the south-west, six armies. From the east, the Tower of the Skink. To the north of them, the vallorn and the feverwater. A war in microcosm, as the orcs of the Winter Sun must split their attention between pushing into Whisperwood and fighting off nearly thirty thousand powerfully enchanted Druj warriors.

==Watcher in the Water==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:CitadelGuard Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Citadel Guard]]
[[File:EasternSky Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky]]
[[File:TheFireoftheSouth Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Fire of the South]]
[[File:GoldenAxe Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Axe]]
[[File:GranitePillar Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Granite Pillar]]
[[File:GryphonPride Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Gryphon's Pride]]
[[File:LionsAdelmar Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Lions of Adelmar]]
[[File:NorthernEagle Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Northern Eagle]]
[[File:QuietStep Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Quiet Step]]</div>
In the north, the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] of the Palace of the Sleepers, along with their college of magic, have disappeared. They have left behind a terrible beast; the catastrophically large single-eyed octopoid horror that they called from the lake below their conical hill. As large as a castle, the supernatural terror sweeps aside the soldiers arrayed against it with its immense muscular tentacles.

As it fights, it lets loose terrible booming cries that cause the lake around it to surge and explode upwards. The ground itself runs like water, miring those trying to fight their way clear of the area. It soon becomes clear that the god-beast Kroll does not intend to fight alone. In answer to its thunderous call come hundreds upon hundreds of bog octopuses. Not the tiny cephalopods that throng in the marshes of Proceris to the south, but full-grown beasts that sometimes rival an ox-wagon in size. They erupt from the marshes, falling on the Imperial armies.

While they fight, the Druj forces battling to keep Sarangrave fall back. They seek to take advantage of the confusion to flank the northern force - the [[Eastern Sky]], the [[Fire of the South]], the [[Gryphon's Pride]], the [[Lions of Adelmar]], the [[Granite Pillar]], the [[Northern Eagle]] and the [[Boyar's Hasta]], and the [[Summer Storm]], joined by the [[Quiet Step]] from the Barrens, and the [[Citadel Guard]] and [[Golden Axe]] driving north with some preternatural force.

Arrayed against them are the [[Druj armies#Deadly Blade|Deadly Blade]] and the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]], the [[Druj armies#Hidden Widow|Hidden Widow]] and the [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]], the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]] and the [[Druj armies#Red Lizard|Red Lizard]]. They are no less desperate than those attacking in the south, and many of them bear the same enchantment - a parting gift from the ghulai of the Palace of the Sleepers, no doubt. The Deadly Blade and the Hidden Widow supplement their vicious attacks with terrible venoms, which they distribute among the other armies freely. Their aim is clearly to kill as many Imperial soldiers as possible; an aim that is proudly supported by the cruelty and merciless tactics of the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]]. They wield the power of fear and despair as a weapon that is well-suited to their hands.

It is just as well that the water here runs with life, or their murderous plan would have taken an unspeakable toll against the Empire.

Completing the conquest of Kroll requires a confrontation with the god-beast of the lake and its multitude of progeny. The Eastern Sky and the Gryphon’s Pride hurl themselves against the immense octopus with resolute fury, revelling in the chance to accrue unlooked for [[glory]] by facing this monstrous beast. The [[Lions of Adelmar]] need all their defensive mastery to ensure the other Dawnish armies are not torn to pieces by their courageous assault. In the end, they cannot defeat the beast alone; it takes the arrows of the [[Golden Axe]] to finally inflict enough damage on the beast that it is forced to retreat. Not slain - but driven off. It dives deep into the depths of the lake, leaving behind a lake stained black with ichor. Presumably, it has returned whence it came - back to the Spring realm to recover from its wounds. Hopefully this will take a long time indeed.

The beast inflicts serious casualties on the armies arrayed against it, and even after it is driven off, its progeny continue to harass the Imperial forces and the Druj armies with equal indiscrimination.

==Where You Might Be Swept Off To==
In the end, the Empire is victorious. Their magical mastery, their zeal, and sheer force of numbers win the day. It is a close-run thing; when the water begins to clear the Imperial forces have claimed Kroll in the east and are four-tenths of the way toward taking the Nesustak Forest in the west. In the south, the three armies have not only held off the six Druj armies, but they have pressed forward into the Whisperwood and are three-fifths of the way towards capturing it entirely.

Yet the chaos shows no sign of ending. When it is clear that the Empire has the upper hand, when Kroll disappears beneath the surface of the lake, most of the Druj armies abandon Sarangrave. Harried by Imperial raiders, they pull back into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. That is not to say that the territory has been abandoned however; the Tower of the Skink still dominates the [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and represents a major obstacle to Imperial control of the territory.

Not all the armies have retreated however; the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane have pulled back to Thornfen to bolster the garrison of the fortification. In a way, they have no choice; the septs that support them are Sarangrave septs and if they abandon the territory they will suffer increasing losses. It is not a matter of courage or loyalty, but of fear - the fear that if they leave their territory they will be seen as weak and expendable by the other Druj of the Mallum.

In the south, the six armies that attacked out of Zenith are in an even worse state - they have been forced out of the Bloodwater Marshes but they cannot retreat into Lustri without facing catastrophic losses at the hands of the two armies there - and risking being trapped in their own web of traps. Their situation is a mirror of that which faced the Druj in Zenith several years ago when the Empire trapped them in the south. It is fortunate for the orcs - and unfortunate for the Empire - that the Tainted Basilisk are with the southern force. They have already demonstrated their ability to weave Night magic, to create a shroud of power that allows armies to move through dangerous territories. Yet where will they go? Will they risk slipping through the Imperial lines to the Salt Flats? Try to make a stand at the Tower of the Skink? Or perhaps find a way to escape into Therunin - and the uncertainty of the vallorn?

==Do Not Be Too Eager==
There is one other matter that demands Imperial attention. An unexpected development. As the Imperial armies in the north press into the Nesustak forest, they find the Druj defenders and the sept of the Banded Snake in disarray. Their defence seems uncoordinated, confused, and sporadic. The further the armies push west, the clearer it becomes that something is afoot.

The Druj magicians have raised a ward of Night magic here, and it serves to aid the defenders, but there is something else afoot. The Banded Snake seem to be fighting on two fronts. As the Autumn Equinox draws near, the truth of what is unfolding becomes clear. A force of former Druj slaves, subject septs, and children of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] have been quietly gathering in the depths of the forest, and now they have struck against the Druj. Taking their former overlords by surprise, exploiting the fact that the focus of the masters of the Mallum was on the Empire, they attacked without warning. The Druj panicked - unprepared to fight those they had considered broken. Their former masters were overwhelmed quickly thanks in large part to the support of the ''Thorn of the Ancestors''. Those who were not slaughtered by the Empire have fallen under the knives, spears, and clubs of the risen slaves. A week before the Autumn Equinox, it becomes clear that these free slaves have claimed the rest of the Nesustak Forest - that the Druj who remain are hunted fugitives.

At the same time, in the south, the power of Night magic enshrouds the Winter Sun. It hones the intuition of the soldiers, and urges them to find those who will make common cause with them, focusing their efforts to [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters|break the chains]] of the Druj slaves. Those who fight to free the slaves and the conquered septs, rather than focusing on taking land or slaying the Druj, find that the voices of their ancestors become clearer and clearer - and that some of those ancestor voices are very old indeed. Ancient orcs of the Mallum, pressed into slavery by the old Imperials, drawn not from the Druj but from those who were their slaves. Terrible tales of those who fled tyranny to find death and enslavement waiting for them when they left the Mallum at the hands of humans who saw them as little better than beasts.

Normally, these voices are loud, angry, full of fear and hate. Under the influence of Night magic, those sincerely fighting to liberate the septs find these voices quiet, become clearer, become more lucid. Distant memories of ancient pacts and traditions empower the Winter Sun to reassure those who have spent too long under the thumb of the Druj that they are not the enemy. They can do little to moderate the fear that these orcs feel for the other Imperial armies… but it is a start. A unique chance to treat with the survivors of centuries of oppression.

It is while they fight in the Bloodwater Marsh and the Whisperwood that this approach bears dividends. The [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]] have been missing from the Sarangrave since the Imperial forces first crossed the border from Lustri. It now becomes clear that they had simply been waiting for an opportunity. Some are in Nesustak Forest working with the rebels there; others have been in the Whisperwood quietly recruiting the elders of the [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]] sept to their cause. An alliance between the two groups has been forged, and now they reach out to the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. They make common cause - but they also know how to exploit the situation.

As the Winter Sun press forward, the Spears and the Walkers launch their own forays into the Whisperwood. The mighty Fortress of the Skink still provides a measure of support for the beleaguered Druj forces here, as they fall back. As the Empire advances, the rebel orcs give their own signal and bands of them attack where they can, picking off lone Druj warriors and exacting a bloody revenge. Druj scouts are discovered hanging from trees, their bodies held aloft by grim nooses formed from their own entrails. Druj supply wagons burned, the bodies of the paymasters chained to the charred remains. Corpses of Pakkad and Chikad warriors with their eyes and tongues torn out.

Beneath the dark boughs of the Whisperwood, the waters of the Sarangrave seethe with boiling fury, a thirst for vengeance that no amount of murder can slake. The Spears and the Walkers clearly have designs of their own on the Whisperwood and they are far from friends of the Empire. But for the Druj there is only the most pure and undiluted hatred.

==Even The Very Wise Cannot See All Ends==
As the Autumn Equinox draws close, the leaders of the ramshackle rebellion have a message for the Empire. Their message, relayed by those Winter Sun orcs who have fought most closely with them, is that they will not harass the Empire’s troops as long as they focus their attention on the Druj. If they seek to attack the rebels in Nesustak Forest or Whisperwood, they will protect themselves.

When the Druj are finally driven from the Sarangrave, there will be a chance to talk about what happens next. Then hopefully the Empire will know whether they have come to the Mallum as liberators or conquerors? They cannot be both, after all.

==Game Information==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|align=right|width=500}}</div>
===Sarangrave===
* '''Nobody has dominion of Sarangrave
* '''The Empire controls three regions'''
* '''The Druj control two regions'''
* '''The vallorn controls one region'''
* '''The rebels control one region'''
The Empire has claimed Kroll and now controls that region along with Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marsh. The Druj still hold the Tower of the Skink and the surrounding region of Thornfen, and for now they cling on in Whisperwood. Two armies - the Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake - are still in Thornfen, bolstering the fortification there. The other Druj armies in the north have abandoned the territory and withdrawn into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]].

The Palace of the Sleepers appears to have disappeared. It is not clear if this is a permanent disappearance, a transportation of some kind similar to that used to try and protect the Halls of Knowledge, or simply a shroud of some kind. It’s also not clear what this will mean for the Tainted Basilisk, who rely on the Palace and the associated ghulai and septs to support their army.
===Rebel Orcs===
* '''Rebellious former slaves of the Druj claim the Nesustak Forest'''
* '''Some of the rebellious orc faction are Water Walkers who have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
Last season’s enchantment on the Nesustak Forest, placed by Imperial magicians, seems to have empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind these rebels, and that region is now in the control of the rebellious Sarangrave septs. Supported by Irra Harah, they have launched a surprise attack. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, the Bloodwater Spears, the Water Walkers, and an unknown sept have taken the opportunity to overthrow the Druj, butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards to seize control.

It seems the rebels would like to have pulled off the same in the Whisperwood, but here the going is much harder, with the Druj armies based in Thornfen defending fiercely. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

The Empire has made serious inroads into Nesustak (two-fifths towards claiming it) and Whisperwood (three-fifths towards claiming it). With Nesustak falling into the control of the rebels, it is impossible to take any more of the region without fighting and killing the rebel orcs that have risen up and displaced the Druj there - and the Senate recently recognised the Water Walkers as foreigners. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. There has been contact with the Winter Sun, but the most it has achieved so far is an agreement not to attack each other. The rebels won’t share what knowledge they have, and they don't have the force of arms to attack the Tower of the Skink. It is not clear if there is a basis to negotiate - they appear to want the Sarangrave for themselves, and for their fellows, rather than see it conquered by the Empire. At the moment their ability to do so is limited due to their lack of anything approaching an [[Imperial army]] in strength… but if they got control of the [[Sarangrave#Fingers of the Devourer|Fingers of the Devourer]] in the Whisperwood it would be dangerous to assume they cannot find a way to ''make'' an army.
===Disaster in the South===
* '''Six Druj armies are fighting on the border between Zenith and Sarangrave'''
* '''Their disposition depends on what happens during the Autumn Equinox'''
The six armies in the south of the Sarangrave have nowhere to go - they have been driven out of Sarangrave but cannot withdraw into a safe region. For the moment they are fighting on the border, but it is clear that they have plans to escape. They will likely intend to take advantage of Night magic to do so, as they did when they escaped Zenith after they were trapped by the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===The Weight of Glory===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. It seems that the excitement of fighting in the Mallum is, indeed, starting to affect the Empire’s loyal warriors - possibly because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of pride and strength exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory brings.

During the next season, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an entire year without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect by other means but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

==Participation==
===Citadel and Sky ===
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Citadel Guard or the Eastern Sky receive a potent boon
The Knights of Glory are powerful soldiers summoned from the Summer Realm and often influence the mortal soldiers they fight alongside - especially when the army and its [[Army orders|orders]] are in synch with their mistress [[Eleonaris]]. The Eastern Sky engaged in a triumphant charge against the Druj this season, and the Citadel Guard drew on unique Summer magic to empower their own strategy. In both cases, the summoned Knights enthusiastically and vocally supported their actions, and threw themselves joyously into battle against the Druj.

The captain of any military unit that fought alongside either the Eastern Sky or the Citadel Guard begins the Autumn Equinox with an [[enchantment]] - [[Glory to the Sovereign]]. This gives them two ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and 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.

As well as the game benefits, the aura creates a [[roleplaying effects|roleplaying effect]]: ''You feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

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.
===Other Knights===
* '''Characters whose military unit fought alongside any other army enchanted with Knights of Glory in Sarangrave receive a different benefit'''
Knights of Glory also fought alongside the Fire of the South, the Golden Axe, Gryphon's Pride, Lions of Adelmar, Northern Eagle, and the Granite Pillar. A character whose military unit supported one of these armies may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Autumn Equinox.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Autumn Equinox regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a roleplaying effect that lasts until the end of the Autumn Equinox: ''You feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

==Battle Opportunity : To Deal Out Death in Judgement==
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel Gate#Major Conjunction|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that seems to open in Whisperwood.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Druj]]

* [[Make it happen]] - 384YE Summer Wind of Fortune about some of the septs of the Sarangrave
* [[Root and branch]] - 387YE Summer Wind of War about the continuing battle for Sarangrave
* [[Unlock thy hidden gate]] - 387YE Spring Wind of War about the start of the battle for Sarangrave

Those that break a thing

2025-09-08T16:13:25Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=To Break A Thing.jpg|caption=Those that break a thing to find out what it does have left the path of wisdom.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Often Does Hatred Hurt Itself==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Nr4THSCtU}}
There’s a contentious old saying among some pilgrims that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the antithesis of Wisdom. [[Avigliana di Sarvos]] rejected this idea, writing that it was fundamentally impossible to do the same thing more than once simply because the world is not static. Regardless, even she grudgingly accepted that there was a grain of truth in the words, because those who refuse to learn from their mistakes all too easily become trapped in a cycle of failure.

A little over a month before the Autumn Equinox, the [[Children of Wrecks]] attacked [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]. [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Again]]. One thing you can say about the Children of Wrecks, they're no advocates of Wisdom. This time, however, they have adjusted their strategy such as it is. They have seen first-hand the coastal defences of Sarvos and they take fewer risks. Or, perhaps more truthfully, those prone to charge straight in trusting to their bloodthirsty “goddess” to protect them died in the first assault.

This time, the <i>Gathered Storm</i> is significantly larger. They have clearly pulled in all their ships, all the pirates and raiders and thieves and cutthroats from across the Bay and beyond, swelling their numbers significantly over what attacked the League last season. The flagship of their ragtag armada, the <i>Storm’s Child</i>, crackles with barely contained energy, some destructive [[enchantment]] woven by High Priestess Shivaarn and her coven. The fallen [[corsair|corsairs]] loyal to <i>Isidore i Boyaga</i>, and the corrupt false-steading of <i>Liath’s Blade</i> under the command of <i>Captain Ioan Bloodstride</i> further enhance their ability to fight the Empire.

The former Grendel vessels, the pirates, and the betrayers, are joined by another group of traitors. A dozen ships of the [[Iron Confederacy]], many still showing the damage they took in their escape from [[Bay_of_Catazar#Axiom_Prison|Axiom Prison]], bearing former prisoners and lead by a cabal of Suranni magicians - servants of Dumon who have thrown their lot in with the followers of the <i>Maelstrom</i>. The Maelstrom that sends her children to whip the mortals into a frenzy of plunder and bloodletting.

Arrayed against them, the strength of the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain of Sarvos]], the garrison of [[Sarvos#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]]... and the [[Red Wind Corsairs]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Red Wind Corsairs]]</div>
==White Foam is Flying==
The core of the Red Wind has always been drawn from the [[corsair]] families of [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. These families suffered greatly at the hands of the Grendel, and the Children of Wrecks. The curses of [[Siakha]] have separated the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] and the islands of [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]] from the Coast, isolating them with churning seas and terrible monsters. The servants of Siakha squat among the splendour of the Freeborn captains, occupying [[Madruga#Atalaya|Atalaya]] and [[Feroz#Shantarim|Shantarim]].

While their homes may have been stolen, surprisingly few of the corsair <i>ships</i> were captured or destroyed by the Children. The families of many of the Red Winds soldiers still have the kind of powerful fighting ships that are needed to fight effectively at sea. A year ago the [[Imperial Senate]] granted leave to the Corsairs to build on these resources to [[Upgrade the Red Wind Corsairs|change their approach]] to warfare. They embraced a proposal put forward by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] during her [[appraisal]] into ways for the Empire to [[An_angry_blade|disrupt naval control of the Bay]]. Drawing on their heritage, the Red Wind could embrace the Corsair mastery of the sea to face the Children of Wrecks and the Grendel [[An_angry_blade#Speak_At_This|on equal footing]].

At the core of the new army, three great ships - ''The Erigo'', ''The Riqueza'', and ''The Guerra''. Their dedicated crews can bring them quickly to any port on the Bay of Catazar, and around this solid core, the ships of the corsairs can rally. Vessels belonging to patriotic Freeborn captains, those prepared to directly support the army, can muster together to help the Corsairs put to sea.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo">Corsairs! Strange as it may be to be taking orders from a Kohan, you know me, you know my voice, my face and my paint. We march to Sarvos to put to Sea. Board your vessels, raise your sails. The children of Wrecks will regret their folly. Freeborn, Get in the Boat!”</quote></div>
Following the Summer Solstice, the Red Wind marches to Sarvos from [[Mitwold]]. The three founding ships are already at anchor in the city. Answering the call, the Corsair families dispatch vessels from all over the Empire to join them in anticipation of the arrival of the Freeborn marines. The city rings to the laughter and cheers of the Brass Coast, as soldiers are reunited with family members they have not seen in months. The passion of the Corsairs is contagious; an almost festive atmosphere falls over the City of Masks.

This is the first time the Red Wind Corsairs’ new strategy will be tested; the enthusiasm and pride is tempered by just a little sprinkle of anxiety about how well things will hold together. These worries prove unfounded; the crews of the three flagships are mostly drawn from surviving veterans of the <i>[[Freeborn Storm]]</i> and they have a wealth of experience melding together disparate crews and captains to a single aim. There is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air… and then the Children of Wrecks attack Trivento again.

==Battle of Trivento==
While they may be taking to the sea, the Red Wind Corsairs are still an Imperial force, and they are called to defend the Empire. While those soldiers who have not yet secured berths on a corsair vessel march east with their League peers, the ships that are already outfitted for war answer the call to battle. With the flagships as their anchor, the Red Wind arrows across the waves to attack the Children of Wrecks.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SiakhaArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
They are outnumbered, but they are by no means outclassed. These are the corsairs of the Brass Coast and it becomes very clear that centuries of fighting pirates and raiders stand them in good stead for attacking these jumped-up bandits. Their captains take advantage of their superior manoeuvrability to strike against the attackers, then peel away leaving sinking wrecks in their wake. Sometimes they rely on sunsteel rams to shatter the hulls of the inferior pirate ships. Sometimes they use hooks and ropes to grapple a vessel, their marines and [[kohan]] pouring onto the enemy decks, killing quickly, scuttling the ship, and retreating back onto their own ship. Their sudden attack distracts the Children; the pirates are a barely disciplined rabble and seeing the Freeborn vessels a number of them peel off from the assault on Trivento to fruitlessly chase the faster corsair ships. Those who break away from the main body of the <i>Gathered Storm</i> are easy prey for the Freeborn and the handful of League ships that fight with them.

The [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#guardians|guardians]] of Siakha’s [[Realms#Spring|domain]] pose the bigger threat to the Freeborn; many of them are as at home in the sea as on land and can swim with preternatural speed and strength. Yet it is not the magical creatures summoned to aid the navy that are the greatest danger. The ships who cluster to the banner of Isidore i Boyaga are former corsair vessels, crewed and captained by former corsairs. Their vessels can match the speed and manoeuvrability of the Red Wind Corsairs, and they seem to relish the opportunity to face down their former cousins. Yet they are heavily outnumbered, and swiftly learn the folly of trying to engage dozens of angry Freeborn on the open sea. Perhaps when they abandoned their [[tribe|tribe names]] they lost something fundamental, but they are forced to flee in the face of furious Freeborn retaliation against the traitors.

If the battle at sea is vicious and bloody, it is nothing as to the battle on land. The Children have many raiders among their numbers, and they seem to have learned at least a little from their previous failed attack. Rather than attack the harbour directly, they focus their efforts on the defences. Monstrous carcharadon assail the great chain that closes the harbour, rusting and weakening it with the ruinous strength of Spring. At the same time, warbands of bloodthirsty raiders disembark along the coast and attack Trivento from the landward side. The defenders are forced to fight on two fronts - as shipboard catapults and ballistae bombard the seaward side, the murderous pirates attack from the east (but not from the west - they are not prepared to risk engaging the defenders of the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider's_Dream|Spider’s Dream]], not yet anyway).

This time, fighting spreads into the streets of Trivento itself. League soldiers fight valiantly to prevent the attackers slaughtering the people of Sarvos’ second city, striving to stop them looting and pillaging the wealth of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]]. <i>Liath’s Blade</i> is at the forefront here - the traitorous Navarr seeming to revel in the chance to spill innocent blood and destroy the homes of the wealthy Leaguers. Many of them voice battle-cries that seem to suggest they are driven by anger over the Empire’s ''betrayal'' of the Navarr - by their failure to recover [[Liathaven]] from the [[Jotun]]. Yet for all their apparent political motivation, they seem particularly keen on taking as much wealth as possible from the League settlement.

As well as the Navarr, the Iron Confederacy contingent - a mismatched flotilla of merchant ships and a few war vessels crewed by escaped convicts - launch a confusing attack on the [[College of the Liberated]]. The defenders there claim that they seemed to think that the College was either a school of magic or a “temple to one of the Imperial gods”. Their attack caught the defenders by surprise, forcing the students and staff to defend themselves against a mixture of scared thugs and surprisingly deadly [[Magical skills#Battle mage|warmages]].

Fortunately for the accountants and economists, a band of late-arrived kohan were on hand to come to their aid. The Suranni were under the command of a wizard-captain referred to only as the “Duke of Lies”, a figure swathed in black wearing a sneering theatrical mask. For all their fearsome appearance they were forced to retreat back to the coast before they could inflict serious damage. In the aftermath it became apparent that where most of the Children of Wrecks wield the magic of [[Spring magic|Spring]], many of these form Iron Confederacy criminals had at least a passing familiarity with the shrouds of [[Night magic|Night]] and the wicked enchantments of [[Winter magic|Winter]], calling on the gifts of their patron [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon the Liar]] to shatter the doors of the College, and leaving several of the staff wracked with painful [[curse|curses]].

While the League soldiers and scattering of ships fight alongside the Freeborn, they receive aid from an unexpected source. Two dozen [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] ships from the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alvetti Estates]] arrive shortly after the battle has begin, and throw their support behind the Red Wind Corsairs. They are by no means as manoeuvrable as the Freeborn corsairs, but their ships are fast and especially sturdy. Among them are three ships belonging to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|DeBruin]] family - mercenaries paid by the Sarcophan enclave in Caricomare to protect Sarcophan traders. They do not fight with the fury of the Freeborn, but their disdain for pirates and cutthroats is palpable - they methodically dismantle any pirate vessel that comes close, preferring to engage them directly and loot the ships of the would-be pillagers.

==Defiance Rather Than Hope==
In the end, the Children of Wrecks’ second attack in so many seasons goes barely better than the first. They are driven back from Trivento with little to show for it save more scars on their battered hulls - and fewer ships than they started with. The landward attackers are cut to ribbons by the defenders of Trivento, and those who manage to make it back to their ships only manage it by running away with their tails between their legs.

While the Children of Wrecks were driven off with limited damage to Trivento, the Red Wind Corsairs have paid dearly for their valiant defence. If they hadn’t been present, it’s likely the full strength of the Children could have overwhelmed the League defenders and seen them loot the western regions of Sarvos. As before, the attackers strategy was focused around pillaging and killing, rather than claiming land. If it had not been, that too might have seen the situation work out very differently.

As it is, the Corsairs have lost several ships and their crews in the battle of Trivento. The impact was exacerbated by the fact they were caught part-way between land and sea in the process of boarding ships and reconfiguring to make the most of their capacity for naval warfare. With the Children driven off, however, the rest of the corsairs return to Sarvos where they complete their new deployment. The Red Wind Corsairs are now an [[Imperial navy]], ready to pursue the Children or face the Grendel.

For their part the Gathered Storm retreats along the coast to the west, the ragtag armada of scoundrels trailing in its wake. They are surely making for their base in Madruga or Feroz, to lick their wounds and recover from their second defeat. Have they learned their lesson? It’s impossible to say. Perhaps they will seek easier prey - or perhaps they will do the same thing again in expectation of a different result.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofSarvos.png|align=right|width=500}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Children of Wrecks attacked Sarvos - again'''
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs were present and helped successfully defend Trivento'''
The attackers have failed again to loot Trivento. A combination of the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain]] and [[Sarvos#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]] with the support of the Red Wind Corsairs saw the navy flee westward, presumably towards their strongholds in Madruga or Feroz. While the raiders inflicted minor damage on Trivento, they were not able to impact Imperial taxation in any meaningful way - as before their strategy was entirely focused on looting and pillaging rather than taking territory.

The Red Wind Corsairs have sustained some significant damage from their defence due to the vulnerabilities of being part-way between land and see caused by the ''[[Army_qualities#Forayer|Take to the sea]]'' order. They have however completed their transformation into an Imperial Navy, and now follow all the rules for Naval Combat until they choose to ''Take to the land'' again.
==Further Reading==
* [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Long grass and stormclouds]] - 387YE Summer wind of war regarding the first attack on Trivento

Kingdom by the sea

2025-09-08T16:12:53Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
Piedro put down the glass of syrah and wiped his mouth. "It's meant to be priceless," he said, by way of justification.

Isabella only snorted in response. "Nothing is priceless" she scoffed, her derision plain to see on her face.

Piedro laughed at his lover's scorn. "It's true!" he protested. "I heard the Delver talking about it. Apparently it can remove scars - even magic ones. And..." he paused to let the tension build, "if applied beneath a lavender moon, it will dissolve even the years away, leaving the patient as vibrant as when they first came of age."

Now it was Isabella's turn to laugh, and she didn't hold back. "His pretty face has done more than catch your eye if you believe ''that'' nonsense." she said when she had regained her composure.

"Nonsense it might be... but he's still offering two crowns a portion. And I've checked him out - he's good for it."

Isabella curled her lip as she contemplated this new information. It was tempting, but something was holding her back still "Two crowns is hardly priceless" she said at last.

"No... it's not... but he's a wealthy Sarcophan merchant... and that's his ''opening'' offer..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=From out of the West.jpg|caption=It is 387YE, and oceans are now battlefields.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDBq8q5Fvac}}
* '''There is enthusiasm for a great ''voyage'' after the great race'''
* '''Heralds of Rhianos have facilitated three potential voyages for Imperial fleet captains
At the most recent summit, the captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] to discuss their expedition and their hopes for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was interested to hear what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's fleets, and was looking for ideas of how they might support them. Suggestions flowed like water, but many were too ambitious even for the ''Master of the Far Shore'' - it would appear that even the powers of the vaunted eternal are not enough to send the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]] to the moon and back!

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded their heralds to find adventure for the Empire's captains where they can. Three of their favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and each prepared to support a possible [[voyage|expedition]] that the fleets of the Empire might consider. Each of the opportunities presented here is only available in the downtime following the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Salt Flats of Sanath Regions.png|align=right|caption=The Salt Flats of Sanath were mapped out by Imperials after the Summer Solstice 386YE.|width=400}}

==Beyond the Salt Flats==
* '''''Farsighted'' calls for a grand armada to sail and map the eastern coastline'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Map the Eastern Sea'' scouting voyage after the summit'''
The herald, ''Farsighted'', speaks to those who find adventure in searching the horizon for new lands and new places to visit. For some it is the excitement of seeking out the great unknown. For others it is simply wanderlust, a chance to sail where others have not. Bidden by his liege to prepare an adventure, Farsighted lays out a plan to discover new shores.

In recent years, the Empire has managed to map both the [[Bay of Catazar]], and the [[Sea of Snow]], but the extent of the eastern coastline is unknown. Now, with the attention of the Druj focused on Sarangrave, Farsighted calls on the eternal's power to offer a chance for a grand armada to sail past Druj lands and chart as much of the eastern coastline of the continent as possible.

Each standard fleet assigned to the '''Map the Eastern Sea''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a scouting fleet (specifically [[Muffled Oar]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

Mapping the Eastern Sea will not involve raids against the [[Druj]]; the goal is to avoid encounters with the enemy and focus on gathering intelligence so that the majority of time can be spent on mapping the coastlines beyond. Nonetheless, there may be a few opportunities for plunder and even some chances to trade if the fleets can reach friendly ports. As a result, a standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 random herbs and 60 rings in plunder or trade goods, with upgraded fleets receiving increased rewards. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] could also choose to assign the guerdon to the action.

In a similar manner to a [[spy network]], the total strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. All the results shown below are cumulative, so if the Empire can assign 25,000 or more strength to map the Eastern Sea, they will gain all the benefits shown.

<div style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 50px;">
<big>'''Names and Faces'''</big><br>
'''Less than 5,000'''<br>
Without sufficient ships to cover the coastline in detail, the Empire will be unable to produce even a simple map showing the outline. All they will receive is the name of the territories they have seen from the decks of the ships and the identity of whichever power controls it. While any intelligence is useful, the Empire won't find out much more about these territories than their name and approximate location.

<big>'''Secrets of the Mallum'''</big><br>
'''Between 5,000 and 10,000'''<br>
With enough vessels, the armada will be able to delve into the misty islands of [[Forest of Ulnak|Gloomsea]]. The region is mostly unmapped, due to the ''Hathjuk'' sept and its mistwreathed nature, but with enough ships it would be possible to uncover most of its secrets. At minimum, the armada would uncover how the Hathjuk support the Druj.

<big>'''Citadels and Ports'''</big><br>
'''Between 10,000 and 15,000'''<br>
With more vessels, the armada will be able to get through the [[The Mallum|Mallum]] with enough strength to strike out south past the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. Ship captains will need to hug the coastline to avoid becoming lost in the vast eastern sea, but that will allow them to create a map of the coastline of the [[Axos|Axou]] territories, which lie immediately south of the Mallum.

<big>'''The Deepholds'''</big><br>
'''Between 15,000 and 20,000'''<br>
With this many fleets, the Imperial cartographers will have enough time to collect information on large territorial features visible from the coastline. The maps they create will include all the details they can observe, providing valuable intelligence on important sites in [[Axos#Axou Territories|Thronaskoni]]. What's more, they'll be able to strike even further south - to the territories of [[Skoura]].

<big>'''Cliffs of Vore'''</big><br>
'''Between 20,000 and 25,000'''<br>
With a large enough armada, the Imperials will be able to turn north, towards the cliffs of Vore. It is unclear how much might be learned about this area - the Druj and the Thule are both tight-lipped about whatever might lie beyond the great mountains - but, at minimum, it will reveal something about the mysterious inhabitants of these cloistered lands.

<big>'''Eastern Isles'''</big><br>
'''More than 25,000'''<br>
Rumours abound of islands filled with ornate gems, precious metals, and esoteric materials that lie off the eastern coast. Just slightly too far away from the coast to journey - and just out of reach. If enough fleets join the expedition, then the route to at least one island will be uncovered. For every additional 5,000 points, one additional island will be discovered.
</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Across the Sea of Salt, the Asavean Republic plots the downfall of the Empire.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
Regardless of the outcome, this represents an opportunity for grand adventure in waters close to home, but nonetheless barely known by Imperial captains.

==Turnabout is Fair Play==
* '''Tempest calls for the Empire to engage in daring raids against the Asaveans on the seven seas'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Raid Asavean Shipping'' raiding voyage after the summit'''
* '''If enough fleets take the action, then the Asavean warship, Wind Tamer, will be destroyed'''
The bounty on ships trading with the Empire from the Asavean Plenum has been removed, owing to the [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]. The limits of the ultimatum issued by the [[Sarcophan Delves|Delves]] still permit the raiding of enemy nations, but strictly prohibit the raiding of merchants of a third party as part of warfare. With the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] navies and warships [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|repulsed]] by the combined strength of the Empire and [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]], now could be the perfect time to give the Asaveans a bloody nose.

''Foamfollower'' is not especially interested in warfare, but the eternal cannot completely deny the excitement and sense of adventure that comes from a battle on the open sea. Armies don't interest him, but he, and some of his more martial heralds do enjoy daring raids and thrilling duels between ships. The herald ''Tempest'' speaks to those who crave danger raiding their enemies. Whether it is the thrill of battle, the anticipation of crossing blades with an enemy, or just embracing the terrible risks involved, Tempest cares not. On the orders of the ''King of the Nine Tides'', the herald has sought opportunities for bold captains to take the fight to their greatest enemy on the high seas - the Asaveans!

Asavean merchants play the sea lanes between the islands of the archipelago carrying precious cargoes from one satrapy to the next. The bravest sail across the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Storms|Sea of Storms]] to trade with the Sarcophan, the Faraden, the Jotun, and the Iron Confederacy. Now Tempest offers to guide Imperial fleets to strike at these wealthy merchants and plunder their riches. If enough wealthy merchants were attacked, then the Plenum would be forced to respond - sending their biggest vessels to try and root out the raiders. If that were done, then Tempest believes the Empire will be able to corner and sink one of the great warships of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Plenum]].

Each standard fleet assigned to the '''Raid Asavean Shipping''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a raiding fleet, (such as [[Blood and Salt]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

Raid Asavean Shipping will focus on attacking Asavean ships, both wealthy merchant ships and the pirates and privateers that have been attacking vessels sailing to and from the Empire. At the moment they sail with impunity, this could force them to take more care when sailing near Imperial waters. While the goal is not to gather treasure, so much as to engage the enemy in daring battles, there will still be plenty of chances for plunder. As a result, a standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 random [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Measures|measures]] and 80 rings in plunder or trade goods, with upgraded fleets receiving increased rewards. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] could also choose to assign the guerdon to the action.

If the Empire can muster a flotilla of fleets with a combined military strength of 15,000 or more, then the damage to Asavean ships will be significant. The Plenum will be forced to respond and will order some of their large warships like the ''Wind Tamer'' and ''Balo's Grace'' to try and hunt down the attacking ships. Their warships are not well suited for attacking small fleets, and Imperial captains will be able to mob and sink '''one''' of the great vessels.

This will be a significant blow to Asavean pride and reduce the strength they can deploy to help the Grendel. The Asaveans will ultimately replace the vessel, but they won't be able to do so immediately. It will be at least six months before they can increase their naval strength in Imperial waters.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kraken.JPG|align=right|width=350|caption=Juvenile kraken spawn and grow in the waters of the Brass Coast}}
==Krakens of Inferior Size==
* '''Raptor calls for the Empire to hunt the juvenile kraken in Free Landing'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Hunt Free Landing Kraken'' questing voyage after the summit'''
* '''Freeborn fleets will gain an additional rank, and corsairs will gain a further additional rank'''
The [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_interlude#A_Shining_Beacon_(Madruga)|shining beacons]] alight in the coastal skies of [[Madruga]] are almost painfully bright. The large spheres of pure radiant [[Day_magic#Force|force]] make it difficult to keep things hidden, and the nesting grounds of the kraken unleashed in [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] are no different. With some of the [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken|kraken]] forced into the open, at least for the next few months, there is a chance for fleet captains to hunt them down.

The shining beacons have forced ''some'' of the kraken into unknown areas, deep caverns where no light - not even that called from the [[Realms#Day|Day realm]] - can reach. There is no chance to reach these beasts, so some kraken will remain as a threat to [[Madruga]] whatever happens, but there is an opportunity here for an adventure - and even profit!

The mighty kraken of the [[Sea of Snow]] are massive monsters, hundreds of feet long and capable of crushing and squeezing a ship's hull to splinters in minutes. Those unleashed in the [[Bay of Catazar]] are still young, the largest barely thirty feet long, but they are hungry and dangerous. The hunter can become the hunted as quick as a flash.

The seas around the islands are home to many dangers - the most terrible storms can sink any ship. But what many sailors fear most is the monstrous creatures that lurk in the depths, hungering for a chance to pull a ship down. Only the bravest crews dare to become the hunter, turning the chase on the quarry. ''Lightning Fish'' knows well how exciting such a hunt can be, a deadly pursuit across the water, where life and death is always but a moment away. ''Raptor'', one of her heralds, has been instructed to help the Empire attempt just such a hunt.

Any ship set to '''Hunt Free Landing Kraken''' will spend the season attempting to kill one of the immature kraken that the [[Children of Wrecks]] have released into the waters off Free Landing. They won't be able to eradicate these terrible creatures, but those that dedicate themselves to the hunt will return home with a very precious cargo.

These immature kraken are not large enough to produce worthwhile volumes of ''kraken ink'' like their monstrous brethren in the Sea of Monsters, but immature kraken have something potentially even better. The bile of a mature kraken is acidic enough to dissolve almost anything the kraken eats, but immature krakens acids are less corrosive. As a result their stomach is filled with ''Ambrellic'', or ''kraken's bile'', a somewhat toxic greasy substance that is formed from a combination of bile and the partially digested bones of the kraken's victims.

Ambrellic is highly sought after by the Sarcophans, whose [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeons]] prize it as a treatment, using tiny amounts of it to remove scars and other blemishes from the skin. It is also used as the base for a variety of perfumes and scents. As a result, even a small amount can be worth a great deal of money.

A standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 portions of Ambrellic; [[fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]] fleets will receive proportionally more. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a questing fleet (such as [[Golden Voyage]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

It's hard to say how much the Ambrellic would be worth, but [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Van_Basten_Trade|Johann Van Basten]], a wealthy Sarcophan trader currently visiting the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan Enclave|Alivetti Estates]] on business, has promised to buy as much as the Empire can produce for two crowns a portion at the following summit. Ambrellic sells for considerably more than that in Sarcophan, so other buyers could make their offers known before the Winter Solstice 387YE, once there is some of the rare substance to be had. If that happens, fleet owners ''might'' do even better.

Hunting the kraken will be a challenge, not just because of how dangerous these monsters are, but also how treacherous the waters around Free Landing can be to those not used to them. Few know these waters better than the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and none better than the corsairs - as a result any Freeborn fleet is considered one rank higher than normal for the purpose of this voyage and a fleet owned by a [[corsair]] would be two ranks higher.

==Further Reading==
* [[Rhianos]]
* [[Fleet]]
* [[Voyage]]

Climb every mountain

2025-09-08T16:12:23Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The Synod's lackeys have called on us to throw you out."

The obvious contempt in Minias' voice made clear what she thought of the idea, but he pretended to take it seriously just in case. "I will be gone by the morning, as always." he replied evenly.

"You'll do no such thing." she exploded. "I'll be damned if I'll let some bloody Synod tell me what to do. Herminus has made his decision, now let him enforce it."

Severus smiled sadly at the woman's anger. It was good to see his old student's passions roused, but poise demanded she kept them mastered. "How can I be an itinerant scholar Minias if I don't have an itinerary? Will you make me ''your'' prisoner?" The gibe was gentle but firm - it would be all too easy to stay but they both knew it would be a mistake.

"Don't be ridiculous, of course you're not. But I ''want'' you to stay. You're safe here." Even as she said it, she knew the words were a lie.

"Nowhere is safe anymore. Our enemies will see to that. I can't stay in one place too long... even now, my presence here is a danger."

Minias looked round as if expecting to see Silent Bell assassins in the training room with them, but of course they were alone. She sighed as she turned back to face her old teacher, feeling her anger turn to sadness that he was right and would soon have to depart. "Why do they hate us so much?" she whispered.

Severus smiled again, but kindly this time. He placed his hand on her shoulder, light as a feather. "Tolerance is the crack in the foundation of a strong society," he whispered back. "They hate us because we represent a truth they cannot accept. That Virtue comes from within, not from without. We deny their authority and that makes us a threat to them. They are ''right'' to act. We are not like them, we will never kneel to their Synod. We will never accept their mandates. If they tolerate us - their society will crack. The only way they can follow the teachings of Sulemaine is to deny them. The only way they can embrace Sulemaine is to kill those who revere her."

Minias stared at the old sword scholar. "That's all well and good, but they're trying to ''kill'' you. I don't understand why you're not ''seething'' about it."

Severus of the Blinding Sun stared down at her, surprised by such an obvious error from his former pupil. His hand dropped to the comforting hilt of the blade strapped to his side.

"Poise", was all he said, as he turned to go.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sword.jpg|align=left|caption=The Disciples of Sulemaine refuse to accept the judgement of the Urizen Assembly, which rejects the teachings of their "Paragon of Blades".|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHXm4yhgmqs}}
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered by '''[[Broken_sword#Resolution|Herminius and Clymenestra]]''' of the House of the Wanderer and other leaders of the movement at [[Anvil]]. Those who clung to the antiquated views of [[Sulemaine]] - that the influence of the Synod must be resisted at every turn and were not afraid to use violence to achieve their goals - were cast out by those who had long since made their peace with the Empire.

Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. '''Herminius''' is the [[Senator]] for his home of [[Zenith]]; '''Clytemnestra''' now [[general|commands]] the [[Argent Sword]]; '''Aspar''' is now the [[Conscience of the Senate]]; '''Elagabala''' now guides the [[Sevenfold Path]]. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - its power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory.

To many at Anvil, those who were cast out appear to have all but disappeared. Calling themselves the ''Disciples of Sulemaine'', they apparently retreated into the mountains of Zenith. A few vowed revenge on the rest of the sword scholars, claiming that the leaders at Anvil had betrayed Sulemaine's teachings. Most cut a more sorry figure, withdrawing to the shadows more in sadness for their obvious loss than in anger at others. Since then they have been a silent presence in Urizen. Confined to the highest peaks of [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]], in [[Morrow]], and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]] and [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in Zenith, they dwell in [[spire|spires]] sympathetic to their philosophies who are willing, at least, to give them safe harbour.

Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.
<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>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer.png|align=left|caption=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Senator for Zenith|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Conscience.jpg|align=left|caption=Aspar, Conscience of the Senate|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala.jpg|align=left|caption=Elagabala, Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|width=250}}</div>

==Mercy is Weakness==
* '''Herminius' words are supported by many who are keen to see the threat of the Disciples of Sulemaine permanently ended'''
* '''Their words do ''not'' move the Urizeni with whom the Disciples are sheltering'''
Herminius' words, supported by a greater majority of the Urizen Assembly, have echoed round the mountains of Urizen, amplified by the flickering lights of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|Heliopticon]], shattering the quiet detente that had sheltered the Disciples of Sulemaine. The call to turn out the cowards that hide from the light of reason is welcomed by those who have always rejected the followers of Sulemaine. Those spires that have always supported the [[sentinel|sentinels]] and the belief that Urizen is strengthened by being part of the Empire are eager to drive out the last remnants of their ancient enemies.

The problem is, that that is not where the sword scholars are to be found. They're not training with the sentinels in their [[Spire#Citadels|citadels]] or sheltering in spires that believe strongly in the Empire. They're in heterodox [[Spire#Temples|temples]] in Zenith that have long questioned the authority of the Synod. They're in rebellious citadels in [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]] where people blame the Empire for the theft of the territory by the League. They're in the iconoclastic spires in [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]] where followers of [[Abraxus]] have long searched for ways to breach the walls of the Labyrinth.
{{SOP|statement=Severus of the Blinding Sun creeps from Temple to Spire to Citadel fearful of the light of reason. A true Sword Scholar knows to question the world with their mind and their blade accepting the answers no matter the cost. Virtuous people of Urizen do not fear the truth, nor retreat to the shadows, twisted by hatred for those who proved them wrong. They embrace the light and knowledge gained. Clytemnestra said “Burn it down and build it back better” so we did, and now Sword Scholars prosper more than ever. The Disciples of Sulemaine preach “If you love a thing, be prepared to destroy it. Only then are you strong enough to protect it”, yet do not practice what they teach. Turn out the cowards who will not face us, the cowards that hide from the light of reason. With Wisdom and the Pride of Urizen reject them.|by=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} (234-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
It could be argued that the success of the sword scholars at Anvil in weakening the influence of the Imperial Synod has strengthened the hand of those who would see it torn down. The sword scholars encouraged the Urizeni and the Empire to question ''everything'', and that makes it harder for anyone to speak with moral authority. But ultimately the real reason that a call from the Synod to turn them out ''cannot'' succeed, is because the disciples are sheltering in the spires most likely to reject the authority of the Synod.

That need not be the end of the matter however. If the spires where they are hiding will not turn them out... Urizen could ''drive'' them out.

==Do Not Question, Only Cut==
* '''The Urizeni assembly could pass a mandate urging citizens to hunt down and kill the remaining Disciples'''
* '''It would be illegal for people to follow this mandate'''
The Disciples of Sulemaine are sheltering with those spires least inclined to accept the leadership of the Synod and the Empire. Itinerant scholars like ''Severus of the Blinding Sun'' wander from one spire to another, selling their skills as a teacher with the blade and offering advice and guidance, but they're generally shrewd enough to go where they are welcome. If Urizen wants to turn them out, they will have to gather in force and drive them out.

{{Mandate|mandate=Mercy is weakness. Mercy shows the enemy your limits. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to urge all Loyal Urizeni to hunt down the Disciples of Sulemaine and show them the blade. Find your enemy’s limits and go beyond them.|assembly=Urizen Assembly}}

If this [[mandate]] is enacted, it will create a unique [[Military_unit#Raiding|raiding]] [[Venture#Raiding_Ventures|venture]] for Urizeni [[military unit|military units]] to '''Drive out the Disciples''' for the season following the Autumn Equinox. Military units that take this action will engage in lightning attacks on the traitorous spires, citadels, and temples, looking to draw out the Disciples of Sulemaine, engage them in battle, and kill them. Some will wring their hands at the thought or Urizeni killing Urizeni, but it will receive broad support from many [[sentinel|sentinels]] whose feud with the followers of Sulemaine is legendary. It is not the first time in Urizen's history that force of arms has been brought to bear against the sword scholars after all.

Each standard military unit assigned to the '''Drive out the Disciples''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[Military_unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] Military unit adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a raiding military unit (such as [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]]) increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

If support for the action achieves a combined military strength of at least two thousand, then it will force the Disciples onto the back foot. Dozens of them will be killed, and they will be faced with being driven out or wiped out if they do not find some way to respond. They don't have the military strength to fight back directly - but they won't go willingly into the Labyrinth.

The biggest problem with this approach is that it would be blatantly illegal. It would be carried out in full public view of the magistrates who would quickly compile a list of everyone who committed their military unit to this course of action. They would then face the full force of the law, next time they encountered a magistrate.

However the law does provide a way to avoid such chaos.

==Strength Against Weakness==
* '''The Imperial Senate could criminalize membership of the Disciples of Sulemaine'''
* '''Such an action would make it legal for the Urizeni to hunt them down'''
{{SOP|statement='''Excommunication:''' Hate is a restrictive, pernicious force that stymies Virtue. Hate does not seek questions, wrongly assuming that those in your circle are infallible, and those without are irredeemable. Severus of the Blinding Sun is a fool, his folly infects him and those around him and I will not countenance their reductive view of the world. I will bring them the challenge of Wisdom, if they fail, their soul will be forfeit. I seek a Writ of Excommunication against Severus of the Blinding Sun, to show them and the Empire the worth of Wisdom, and the folly of Hate.|by=Aspar, General Assembly|vote=1488-195 (Not Upheld)|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
The Disciples are those who formed the hardcore supporters of the original teachings of Sulemaine. Two years ago, the Synod came within [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_87|a hair's breath of excommunicating]] one of their group's figureheads, Severus of the Blinding Sun, despite the fact that nobody who attends Anvil has ever met them - an extraordinary feat that demonstrates the depths of feeling the Disciples inflame and the crimes they have committed. They have never accepted [[the Way]] and there is no meaningful sense in which they can be said to accept the authority of the Empire. Some do still follow the virtues - [[Courage]], [[Ambition]], and [[Wisdom]] have always been popular amongst those that look to Sulemaine's example. Many, like Severus of the Blinding Sun, also adhere to [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|other]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Hatred|darker]] powers.

It is not hard to argue that they represent a clear threat to the Empire and their fraternity should be criminalized, just as [[Create_law_outlawing_the_Vyig|the Vyig]] and [[Criminalize_Hand_of_Dumon|the Hand of Dumon]] were.

It would require a [[Senate motion]] to declare it illegal to be a member of the Disciples of Sulemaine and to order the arrest and trial of suspected members. It wouldn't change the need for Urizeni military units to attack those spires that were harbouring the Disciples - but instead of clandestine raids, any Urizeni who pledged their military unit to the cause would be led by magistrates looking to arrest them. The outcome would be the same, there is ''no possible way'' that the Disciples will cooperate with the magistrates and they will go down fighting. But it would at least ensure that everything that was done was legal.

Normally such actions are costly, the magistrates must recruit militia and pay them to help enforce the law. In this case, there would be no cost to the Senate - there aren't enough sellswords in Urizen to enable the magistrates to carry out the action without the help of loyal Urizeni citadels and spires - so the success or failure of the action would depend only on the military strength committed to the venture.
{{Sword Scholar Links}}

An iron feast

2025-09-08T16:11:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"How is your Acquacotta, my Lord Duke? I trust it is to your liking?"

The Traveller smiled at his host, a broad-shouldered woman who was loitering on his elbow, her nervousness plain on her face. "You have excelled yourself, Lark, it is every bit as magnificent as I remember. The wild porcini you've used make it exceptional... though I dread to think of what risks you must have taken to acquire them? The Moonsilver Prince does not look with favour on those who think to steal into his forests."

Lark's face beamed with happiness at her lord's praise. "True enough my lord, but there is no secret here. The Prince knows better than to waylay a vassal of the Master of Challenges. I'm still safe there... at least for now."

"You have done yourself proud; this is as fine a dish as I have tasted in many moons."

It was high praise, but Lark feigned an expression of mock indignation. "Surely not, my liege? Surely you have tasted nothing finer in Summer or Shadow?"

The Traveller leaned back in his chair. Lark's protestation was meant as a rhetorical question, but it had given him an idea...
</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=smIVsANeK8I}}
The [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Barien|Iron Duke]] have come forth to issue two new [[Challenge the Iron Duke|challenges to the mortals of the Empire]]. The ''Lord of the Crossroads'' is eager to test the skills and the wits of those brave enough to step forward, aiming to test the artistic flair and the scouting talents of the Courageous heroes of the Empire.

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 [[Imperial Civil Service|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>Ashen Flame</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Phoenix Rising</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Cabal of Nevezamzer</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 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'', nine 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 Eternal Banquet==
* '''Barien has invited those who consider themselves great chefs to test their skills'''
* '''Challengers will need to prepare 2 dishes over the course of Saturday to be judged'''
* '''Both dishes must involve a mandatory secret ingredient that Barien's heralds will present'''
* '''The contest will be judged at 5:30pm on the Saturday.'''
* '''Challengers may bring two attendants with them for the tasting'''
* '''All dishes ''must'' be vegetarian'''

Unlike the other eternals of the Summer realm, the great smith Barien rules no land in that place. Instead, the silver and blue pavilions of the eternal are moved from place to place by his attendants, stopping at crossroads and meeting spots. Wherever the tents appear, heralds of the various eternals can gather under the auspice of Barien's neutrality, and enjoy raucous partying and entertainment until the Iron Duke inevitably moves along once more.

A key feature of these soirees is the food. Like everything else in the Summer realm, the ingredients and meals of the realm of Summer are larger than life, extravagant banquets produced by chefs trying to compete with one another to prove their mastery. In the spirit of these contests, Barien has issued a challenge to the cooks of the mortal realm; impress me with two dishes crafted at the summit, to earn a prize.

Of course, the Iron Duke does not like to make things straightforward for his challengers. As such, whatever challengers choose to cook must incorporate a secret ingredient. This will be revealed at the regio at 10:15am on the Saturday of festival, and shared out among all the challengers to use over the next few hours. The Iron Duke lays down the following guidelines for those who wish to take part in this challenge;

* Each challenger needs to create two different dishes
* Dishes can be any combination of hot and cold, sweet and savoury, as the challenger chooses
* Each dish must involve the secret ingredient in a significant way - the secret ingredient should not just be garnish
* Challengers are free to use pre-prepared elements in their dishes, but in the spirit of the challenge some preparation at the summit should be done
* Challengers may have any assistance they wish from others
* Both meals must be vegetarian to ensure that Barien and those he selects as judges can sample them

The dishes will be judged in a chamber in the Summer realm at 5:30pm, by Barien and a number of other judges selected by his heralds. The chamber will be accessed via the Hall of Worlds; the heralds of Barien can grant non-magicians the ability to access the Hall of Worlds. Each challenger may bring two attendants with them to the judging. Any challenger whose dishes meet the requirements and are deemed to be of high enough quality will be considered victorious and will win one of the prizes as usual. The best dish, as agreed by the judges, will win an additional prize to be revealed at the time.

'''OOC Note:''' The secret ingredient will be vegan, and not be something that requires refrigeration. For the benefit of testers, you should include a list of potential allergens in the dish. Ensure any hot dishes are ready for as close to 5:30 as possible.

==Challenge of the Noble Hunt==
* '''Barien has enlisted the aid of Jaheris to hunt challengers through the woods'''
* '''Challengers will be searching for hidden trophies while Jaheris heralds hunt them with bows and spears'''
* '''Challengers must be unarmed and unarmoured and rely on wits and speed'''
* '''Challengers may bring a second, who may scout for them'''
* '''It is possible, though unlikely, that participants could die'''
* '''The challenge will take place via a conjunction to Gazelle Park, Weirmoor, Weirwater at 1:30pm on the Saturday '''

In recent years now, the Forest of Arden has been considered the demesne of the eternal [[Jaheris]]. Ever since he deposed [[Hayaak]], with assistance from Imperial citizens no less, the blue clad heralds of the ''Unicorn Prince'' have stalked and hunted these woods for sport. Usually these hunters track and kill all manner of Summer beasts, from stags to spiders. This summit, Barien has enlisted them to hunt something a bit more... challenging.

The Iron Duke has found a chamber linked to Gazelle Park, in the woods of Weirmoor, in Dawn. There is a conjunction that can take visitors there at 1:30 on the Saturday. Here, he invites challengers to pit themselves against Jaheris' hunters in a test of wits and fleetness of foot, as they attempt to collect trophies that have been hidden throughout the chamber before the hunters bring them down. The Iron Duke lays down the following guidelines for those who wish to take part in this challenge;

* Each challenger must survive and collect enough trophies to win (the number will be revealed on the day)
* There will not be enough trophies for everyone to succeed
* Challengers must be unarmed and unarmoured but may benefit from tonics and enchantments
* Jaheris' hunters will give chase, armed with bow and spear
* Challengers may bring a second who can help them search the woods but may not collect trophies
* If the second needs to heal the challenger, then the contest is forfeit
* Challengers who hold enough trophies and who either reach the sanctuary at the entrance to the woods or are still on their feet in the woods when the contest ends are victorious
* Challengers are free to collect more trophies than they need if they wish to deny a share of the glory to their fellow prey

All challengers will need to avoid the hunters who will be chasing them with bow and spear. For their part, the challengers must go unarmed and unarmoured. Challengers may use skills, enchantments and tonics as they see fit to assist them, but they may not fight back. This is a test of speed, bravery and smarts, not a test of arms.

Jaheris has promised Barien that his heralds will not execute challengers, but their spears and arrows are sharp, and they will try to drop any prey they catch. It is unlikely, but entirely possible for challengers to die in this challenge.

Challengers may bring an attendant with them to the chamber to assist in the contest. Attendants must also be unarmed and unarmoured, and may not collect tokens themselves. They may scout for their challenger and help avoid the hunters, as long as they do not disrupt the hunters. If a challenger is taken down by the hunters and is unable to get back up, the second may heal them, but in that case the contest is forfeit.

Any challenger who returns to the sanctuary at the entrance to the forest with sufficient trophies will be victorious. Likewise, any challenger who is still in the forest when the contest ends will be victorious if they are upright and have recovered sufficient trophies.

Challengers may bring up to two spectators with them, who must remain in the sanctuary at the forest entrance for the duration of the challenge.
{{Challenge Links}}

Has reared himself a throne

2025-09-04T21:11:18Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"I don't envy the archmages," said Lutomysla, swilling the last of her soil-brown Marcher beer around in the bottom of her mug. When she was in the Hub, she drank her beer from a mug. Not from any social pressure, but because she hated tea but liked to feel part of the team.

"In what way?" Jorgen was busy reviewing his notes, putting them in order in preparation for writing a proper report for the Archmage of Spring. The towering mushroom had had a lot to say, and the civil servant found that parts of it were fading in and out of his memory in an unsettling way. He'd obviously gotten a bigger dose of those barely visible spores than he had thought. He idly wondered if he ought to see a physick to be on the safe side but it had been a plenipotentiary response, and he was confident that even the strangest of the eternals would not test the boundaries of that particular magic by harming those receiving its response.

"The ambassadors have it easy in comparison." The Varushkan prognosticator leaned her arms on the desk and watched the ebb and flow of human traffic with a detached interest. "They're dealing with people with very different assumptions, but at least they are still people. They want the same things everyone else does. Love, money, power. The usual. They are unpredictable, surely, but in a predictable way."

She sipped the last of her beer. The dregs were thick enough to chew and she smacked her lips in appreciation. Jorgen shook his head. He very much did not see the appeal of that kind of Marcher beverage. He glanced a little sadly at his own mug, still three-quarters full of congealing cocoa.

"I think the eternals are predictable," he said darkly. "They intentionally time their responses to plenipotentiary messages for when I have just made myself a cup of the good stuff. Never fails. Every time."

Lutomysla cocked an eyebrow and half a smile as her friend grumbled, but didn't respond.

"Oh no, no. I mean, yes. They are predictable because they are focused. You're never going to get Toad King to care about anyone who isn't a magician, for example. No matter how much love, money, or power you put on the table. It's more that the ambassadors deal with humans and orcs. That the Ambassador to the Delves could, with a little support, take the same kind of approach they use with the Bedelaar Huisbaas if they had to talk to the House of Princes. Because humans and orcs. But that doesn't work for the archmages."

Jorgen shrugged. He didn't really know much about international diplomacy. It was very much not his wheelhouse. Most people, foreign or Imperial, annoyed him slightly. He wondered not for the first time if that was why he staffed this particular desk as often as he did, then put the thought aside and drank some of his cold cocoa. It was just as dreadful as he had expected it to be. Lutomysla, as she so often did, took his silence to mean she should continue on her theme.

"The problem is that the eternals ''within'' the realm are similar enough. The Autumn eternals on the whole like the Empire, and as long as you keep them where you can see them they'll deal with you on the same basis as they do their fellow cities. It's just how they do things. Night eternals will surprise you whenever they can, but they all love your attention and feeling clever. With Day what you see is what you get, and whatever they may say you know they care more about the thought than the physicality. Summer is all about the ego - and dealing with them is always a balancing act. Winter are watching you to see if you've learned anything, or maybe to see if they can eat you. Spring... now there's a tough one."

"Tougher than dealing with people who will eat you if you get it wrong?"

"Much tougher. None of them actually ''like'' the Empire, and because they're Spring they don't bother to hide it. They'd all be a lot happier without all these cities, and roads, and armies and what have you - all the things that make the Empire what it is. And because they're eternals, you'll never convince them otherwise. The best you can do is try and make sure that they don't set fire to the entire village when you ask them to help you gather firewood. If you see what I mean?"

"I don't," said Jorgen. "But then I just take the messages so..."

Very much as if they had been waiting outside the tent for their cue, a pair of black-and-green feathered creatures stepped dramatically into the tent, eyes glittering. They swept a bow to the gathering, and confidently approached the desk.

"Case in point," muttered Jorgen, grabbing a new stack of paper and a fresh quill. Lutomsyla rolled her eyes.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Time-eaten towers.jpg|caption=Time-eaten towers that tremble not, resemble nothing that is ours.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm3l16WCngI}}
* '''<s>Five</s> Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Three have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other three have provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
It is given to the six Imperial [[archmage|archmages]] that they might send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm each season. In turn, the eternals are bound to respond, albeit in a way that suits them rather than the archmage. For some this will mean personal meetings, or congress with their chosen lieutenants. For others it will mean direct action, boons and banes offered and delivered, or chances to shape the mortal world so that it be more pleasing to their [[Realms|realm]]. Occasionally, they simply decline, but in so doing make their reasons plain. It is difficult to say with certainty what will arise from any given invitation to [[Archmage#Parely|parley]]. It is unwise to assume that any eternal creature is ''tame'', after all.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, there have been six messengers dispatched and six messages received that seem to have occurred in response to the words of the Archmages.
==Sculptured Ivy and Stone Flowers==
{{CaptionedImage|file=EstavusArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Representatives of the City of Fire and Stone have responded positively to a plenipotentiary'''
* '''They have arranged a meeting with the Archmage of Autumn'''
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is ''Edmundo of Damakhan's Forge'''''
The soft spoken [[Metal_and_stone#Pride_of_Ikka's_Tears|Architect Noether]] is [[Hammers_and_boxes#Clearing_the_pass|not a stranger]] to the Empire. Shorn of the heavy furs they wear in the north, they are a delicate being with anthracite skin and peculiar garb reminiscent of mage armour but composed of sheets of unnaturally flexible sandstone. They bear a message from the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]], responding to the plenipotentiary message of their factotum, '''Vossk of Zenith Ascendant'''.

According to Architect Noether, the proposal put forward in the missive was "clear, personal, interesting" and the ''Forgemistress'' intends to honour the request. The ''Architects of Iron and Stone'' - a faction in the fire mountain Shikal that specialise in assessment and appraisal of potential constructions and investments - are already putting together a proposal for a permanent office in [[Zenith]] from which '''Edmundo of Damakan's Forge''', and the Empire, may conduct business with the City of Fire and Stone. It will be built at the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|Crucible of Fate]], where the ''Lady of Hammers'' already has a [[Architect_of_the_Crucible#Bronze_Birds|not insignificant presence]].
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Office of Fire and Stone'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Iteri, Zenith (at the Crucible of Fate)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 [[white granite]], 20 [[mithril]], 10 rings of ilium, 90 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates the title of ''Architect of Hammers''
* Allows heralds of Estavus to enter the mortal realm at the Office of Fire and Stone regardless of alignment
* May provide other benefits</td></tr>
</table>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Architect of Hammers'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Urizen or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes or Declaration of Conclave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Depends on necessary details</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Office of Fire and Stone; liaise with heralds of Estavus on behalf of Urizen or the Empire as a whole, depending on appointment method</td></tr>
</table></div>
The plans themselves are straightforward enough; an [[edifice]] of white granite and mithril with a little ilium used to harness certain [[Autumn magic|Autumn energies]] to make it easier for [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the ''City of Anvils'' to visit and remain in the mortal world. A title - ''Architect of Hammers'' - will be created to oversee the offices. The ''Bronze Artisan'' is unconcerned as to whether it is an [[Urizen]] title appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]] or an Imperial title appointed by [[declaration]] of [[Candidacy]].

There are clear similarities to a [[fane]] - a type of commission codified by the Empire's architects and civil servants to try and copy techniques used by the Jotun to liaise with eternals. However, unlike a fane, the eternal has given no indication that they wish the structure to be ceded to them. This could be crucial as it means the eternal would ''not'' have [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion|dominion]] over the commission; that would be held by the Architect of Hammers. As a result, it would be the architect who could determine whether heralds of Estavus could continue to come and go from the Office if the Conclave declared enmity. The eternal would only gain dominion if they seized it (with soldiers) or if they were given it by the Architect of Hammers, or a suitable authority in the Empire (such as the Conclave or Senate).

What has not been established, however, is the precise purpose of the structure. The Archmage is invited to meet with representatives of the Autumn realm during the Autumn Equinox to discuss precisely ''which'' version of the structure shall be built. The meeting will take place in a chamber reached through the Hall of Worlds at 13:45 on Saturday. Edmundo of Damakhan's Forge is invited, obviously, as this is to form part of their legacy, and may bring up to two advisors to the discussion. If Edmundo is no longer the Archmage of Autumn at the time of the meeting, then the Archmage is also welcome to attend.

==Hours Breathing Faint and Low==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LlofirArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Llofir has declined parley'''
* '''It has put forward a way the Empire might rebuild trust with it'''
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is ''Ibiss Briarheart'''''
On the last day of Summer, as the world inevitably slips into Autumn, just as night falls, the Imperial regio comes alive. Eerie phosphorescence blooms, painting the stones rust-brown and honey-ochre and bloody violet. A thin, ivory-and-salmon fungus sprouts at the centre of the ring, and over the course of an hour grows and extends until it towers nearly ten feet tall. It has neither eyes nor mouth, but it nonetheless speaks clearly in a piping high-pitched voice. This eerie creature is an emissary of the ''[[Llofir|Lady of Spores]]'', the eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] concerned with fungus, rot, and decay. It comes in response to the plenipotentiary missive of Ibiss Briarheart, the Archmage of Spring. It has been three years - a blink of an eye indeed - since it was [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|last sent]] to the Empire to speak with Imperial citizens.

The ''Rotlord'' would like to see the [[vallorn]] ended. Indeed, there was a time where it worked with Imperial magicians to understand that threat and how it might be dealt with. That was before the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Enmity_:_Llofir|Conclave turned against it]], before armies [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|marched on its garden]], before the Empire's people chose to believe half-truths and suppositions over the word of the ''Quiet One''. In the past, it would have offered aid to the [[Vallornguard]] or the nations preparing for the fight against the blight of Terunael. There is now no path back to that position. If the Empire offers its trust, then once the [[The Dance of Navarr and Thorn|net is woven]], and the vallorn rises, the ''Promise of Life'' will see how it might help. But not before.
===Trust===
* '''If the Empire wishes to restore trust they will perform a special casting of Hallow of the Green World
* '''Any Imperial magician can use Madyn's Gift to gain a unique consumable to allow such a casting
The herald's lilting voice continues to speak of trust. The ''Inevitable Circle'' is not ''[[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]'', desperate for friendship. It will not accept words over actions taken, nor promises over deeds done. The Imperial Conclave has [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Regret_Conflict_with_Llofir|acknowledged regret]] for the conflict, but regret passes quickly. Fortunately, so does anger. When the ''Great Fungus'' demanded the right to ravage the farms of the Empire it was still irritated; that irritation has cooled in the eyeblink since. If Ibiss Briarheart and the Conclave wish to find a way to the place where parley is possible, if there are Imperial magicians who do not hold with what their masters have done, then it will be reasonable. When something is broken, something new can grow from its ruin. Friendship has been shattered; perhaps a new covenant may be forged from its splinters.

During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial magicians may raise the [[Hallow of the Green World]] across the Empire (and it is clear that like the rest of the Spring eternals, Llofir has no concern about the legality or lack thereof of such an act). Llofir will take the invitation it offers. For three months, it will tend to the ruined and the broken, much as it did in [[Reikos]]. At the Winter Solstice, it will consider the matter of its garden put to rest - provided the magicians of the Empire show that they are prepared to be vulnerable, to risk betrayal. There is a kind of strength that grows from weakness, and only through this vulnerability can the Empire and Llofir find their way back to trust.

Obviously, Llofir lies under enmity, and the ''Hallow of the Green World'' is an indiscriminate enchantment. If it were cast as things stand now, it would be more likely that ''[[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]]'' and ''[[Arhallogen|Venomfang]]'' would be the only eternals to respond in any meaningful way. The Conclave could simply provide Llofir [[alignment#Amity|amity]] which would allow it free reign during the enchantment, but that would no doubt require a level of trust that has not been earned.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Whisperspore'''<br>If you plan to take the boon Llofir is offering, you will need a suitable phys-rep for the resultant ''whisperspore''. A pouch containing an amount of pale powder such as sherbet or flour makes an adequate phys-rep for whisperspore. The whisperspore itself is provided in the form of a typical rip-on-use card. The only way to find out exactly what it does is to use it (by inhaling it).</box></div>
However, the herald speaks of an alternative. The Conclave's wards hold sway only so long as Imperial citizens do not offer a clear invitation. As the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] did in Winter, Llofir offers a way to twist the ''Hallow'' to open a door for its heralds to touch the Empire. In a similar vein, during the Autumn Equinox, any Imperial magician can perform the Spring ritual [[Madyn's Gift]] but include up to five measures of [[beggar's lye]] alongside the [[realmsroot]]. For each pair of realmsroot and beggar's lye, the casters will receive a dose of ''whisperspore''. Any leftover realmsroot or beggar's lye will be returned untouched.

Like the [[Yaw%27nagrah#Donahorti|donahorti]] of the Green Mother, Llofir's vast garden in the Spring Realm is a pharmacopeia of fungus and stranger things not quite plant and not quite animal. Many of them have unique properties of interest to the ''Rotlord'' and those who deal with it. ''Whisperspore'' is a relatively benign substance, a soft powder that can be inhaled to empower an adept of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Spring lore]] to work their magic more easily, especially [[Spring magic]] that causes rot and renewal such as [[Turns the Circle]]. Or, in this specific case, the ''Hallow of the Green World''. If at least one dose of ''whisperspore'' is used to support a casting of Hallow the Green World during the Autumn Equinox, it will allow Llofir's servants to bypass the warding provided by enmity, letting them walk freely within Imperial bounds.

If the Archmage truly wishes a relationship with Llofir, either on their own behalf or on behalf of the Conclave, then they must take the first step by opening the door, and trusting that the ''Rotlord'' will not abuse that trust. If they cannot bring themselves to do so, then so be it. Llofir will not consider [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] in response to any future plenipotentiary message from the Archmage until after the war against the vallorn begins in earnest.

Obviously, just as with the [[Gifts_of_a_green_mother#The_Green_Mother_Problem|boons of the Green Mother]], the acceptance, creation, or use of ''whisperspore'' would be a crime while Llofir is under the enmity of the Conclave. Furthermore, the Conclave has [[interdiction|interdicted]] the performance of all Imperial enchantments - so performing Hallow of the Green World would be a crime in and of itself.

Message delivered, the mushroom herald shrinks back down leaving only a patch of dead grass behind. By the dawn the odd phosphorescence has faded entirely.

==Resignedly Beneath the Sky==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Lashonar has declined parley'''
* '''They have offered a use of the Caucus Forum to the Conclave if they wish it'''
* '''The current archmage of Night is ''Bella Vicente d'Apulian'''''
Two feathered heralds of Lashonar arrive at the Imperial Regio at the start of Autumn. They are an odd contrast to some of their cousins who have visited Anvil before. Their feathers are richly coloured, but the hues are sombre - midnight blue and deepest sea green - and their garb subdued. They both seem to know where they are going, and while they return greetings with a smile and a nod of the head they uncharacteristically do not stop to chatter with passers by. They bear a response to the [[Archmage of Night]] and take it in turns to explain.

They offer respect and greetings to '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' but apologise that at this time free access to the Caucus Forum is not available. The 'Forum is a magical locale under the control of Lashonar which allows strangers to meet and speak together safely. Given it [[Hey_now_how_you_doing%3F#Mutinous_Chattering_(Lashonar)|withdrew the power]] of the Archmage to call the Caucus Forum, it is hardly inclined to create an entirely different position with the authority to do so. As they said a year ago, they intend to continue speaking to Imperial magicians, and helping them communicate with others, but that such opportunities will happen on ''their'' terms rather than being something citizens of the Empire can take for granted.
===Caucus Forum===
* '''Lashonar will allow the Empire to access the Caucus Forum but on its own terms'''
* '''The Conclave can choose one of three groups to meet in the Forum'''
* '''if they make the decision on Friday the meeting will take place on Autumn summit; if not it will happen at the Winter summit'''
Still, the ''Loquacious One'' does not ban the Empire from its 'Forum - that would defeat the point. With that in mind, the heralds are pleased to announce that the Forum shall be made available to the Imperial Conclave, at the forthcoming summit, if they wish to make use of it. However, Lashonar has determined three groups or individuals ''they'' are prepared to invite to the Forum to speak with representatives of the Empire.
* Representatives of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]]
* Inhabitants of [[the Mallum]]
* A Prince of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]]
To take advantage of this opportunity, a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] must be passed indicating which ''one'' of the three options the Conclave wishes to converse with. The magician who raises the successful declaration will be invited to such a meeting, and may bring up to three others of their choice. If the Conclave chooses to accept during the Friday session, the meeting will take place on Saturday via the Hall of Worlds at TBC. If they accept during the Saturday session the meeting will take place at the Winter Solstice. If they do not accept... then that is their right and there will be no hard feelings.

In each case, the ''Voice in the Void'' has identified a group or an individual who would be happy to speak with the Empire. Such representatives will be the most moderate of their colleagues, the ''most'' favourably inclined to the Empire from their faction. While the eternal could try to arrange a meeting with a more representative representative, there is no guarantee that such an individual will accept the offer. Identifying the most receptive individual or group, allows the Loquacious One to be certain of success.

This offer to attend the Caucus Forum is only made at the Autumn equinox and is only applicable to the equinox. This is how the Caucus Forum will work for the time being - the Archmage of Night may use the power of plenipotentiary to ask for it - and may name some of the folk they wish to speak to - but the final decision will be made by the Conclave from a short-list prepared by the ''Muse of Connection''. The Conclave, after all, chose to [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Lashonar_to_Neutrality|end their friendship]] - which is their right, of course. But the lack of communication before or after this was done does not suggest that the magicians of the Empire want a close association with the ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'' right now and it is not one to force such things. So it shall treat with them as it does with others who are not pursuing friendship.

As the conversation comes to an end the heralds regretfully ask why it is that the ''Eater-of-Silence'' does not seem to have had the ritual text for ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds'' returned to them? They felt they had made it clear they would like it back, and provided a method for whoever currently holds it to return it. They have not changed their mind about the ritual; they would be interested to hear why their request does not seem to have been honoured? Perhaps those who currently hold the text might use it to send a message to the ''Speaker of Dreams'' to explain their reticence?

Just before they leave, they touch on the matter of [[Sarangrave]] the archmage raises. They are apparently a little nonplussed. The ''Conscience of Kings'' is doing what it always does; encouraging people to communicate with each other. To call that a "grand plan" is perhaps a little hyperbolic? Unless this is about the [[Four_and_four#Beacon_in_the_Storm_(Lashonar)|rescue of Decius Frostspire]]? The only "grand plan" there was that the herald was delivering a message Imperial magicians had ''asked'' to be delivered.

==Melancholy Waters Lie==
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Jaheris declines parley'''
* '''Jaheris is not inclined to arrange a meeting with Dho'uala until a matter of allegiance and influence is settled'''
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
With Autumn well underway, a knight-magician of the Court of the Forest presents themselves at the Hub to speak on behalf of the ''[[Jaheris|Silver Prince]]''. They are striking to look upon - clad in azure and alabaster, their skin a delicate shade of eggshell blue, a curling horn-nub extending no larger than a thumb between their brows, a mane of silver hair. They have the restless agitation of a creature not much used to standing still. It is noted that their muscular legs end not in booted feet but in cloven hooves shod with moonsilver. When they speak their voice is surprisingly deep and resonant for their slight frame.

They get straight to the point. The Archmage of Summer has asked for the ''Unicorn Lord'' to arrange a meeting with the [[Dho'uala|dreadful entity]] that lurks in [[the Semmerlak]]. Unfortunately, ''Silverbow'' would have no idea where to start. Has the Archmage considered standing on the shore and bellowing? It is clearly meant to be a joke, but the delivery is very flat as if the messenger doesn't quite understand the humour.

On a more serious and constructive note however, the ''Shadowed King'' may have some understanding of dark powers but that particular creature is as alien to the realm of Summer and the Forest of Arden as it is to Imperial citizens. It is the kind of thing Jaheris would have been able to offer aid to ''fight'' or ''contain'', but can't really help Imperial citizens ''speak'' to. Not easily, at any rate. Now if the Archmage had asked for the ''Cunning Wolf'' to offer patronage to the magicians who patrol the borders of the Semmerlak with the support of the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak|Watcher]], or to the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|Blades of the Semmerlak]] (had that order actually been formed), that would be something he would be very enthusiastic about...

The [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] is not without its influence in the vicinity of the Semmerlak however. Among others, there is a potent witch-knight - a former courtier of the disgraced ''[[Hayaak|Griffon Prince]]'' - who has dwelled in the southern Semmerlak for centuries. She certainly has ''some'' kind of relationship with the creature. It is however perhaps not the relationship that the Archmage is looking for; if the ''Lord of Moonmanse'' finds the entity distasteful, the Lady of the Semmerlak positively loathes it!

In the event that the Archmage of Summer would find a meeting with the Lady of the Semmerlak to be useful however, the ''Honeyed Tongue'' could arrange such a thing. All it would require would be a formal request - a successful declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] at the Autumn Equinox asking Jaheris to speak to the Lady on behalf of the Empire. The herald is confident that a meeting could take place at the Winter Solstice. And once the matter of who the Lady of the Semmerlak owes allegiance to is settled, then Jaheris would be able to arrange a parley with the creature of the deeper waters.

There is a matter of some mild concern; it's known that the "Lady of the Semmerlak" is no longer part of Hayaak's court, and exists in a nebulously uncertain place between the spheres of Jaheris, [[Eleonaris]], and [[Meraud]] who all have a theoretical claim on her allegiance. Obviously, a request of this nature from the Empire would provide an opportunity for Jaheris to woo the Lady towards his own court, especially if the Archmage of Summer or the Conclave supported the ''Hunter in Moonlight''. Something Jaheris is very likely to expect in return for his aid in this matter, however success could easily drag the Empire into the politics of the Summer realm. It seems likely that this is part of Jaheris' plan, and why he has chosen to respond to the plenipotentiary in this way. Resolving the allegiance of the Lady of the Semmerlak is effectively his price for arranging the meeting with Dho'uala.

With their duty discharged, the herald canters back to the Imperial Regio and slips back through the invisible gates to the Forest of Arden.

==No Ripples Curl==
{{CaptionedImage|file=ZakalweArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Zakalwe does not offer parley'''
* '''The eternal has a number of questions for the Empire and the Military Council'''
* '''He has specifically asked if the Council wishes to commit to one strategy over another in the Mallum'''
* '''The current Archmage of Day is ''Gralka'''''
"What does it mean," asks the herald without preamble, "to be a liberator?" They appear at the Hub a month after the start of Autumn, a serious individual in a bronze breastplate, archaic helm, and a wickedly practical-looking bident. They glow with faint luminosity in the dark tent, and bring with them the scent of saltwater and sun-baked sand. A captain under the command of ''[[Zakalwe|Weaponwise]]'', this is apparently their first time visiting the Empire. They bear a response to the Archmage of Day's
plenipotentiary.

After the initial flurry of questions, the herald gets to the meat of the matter, beginning almost apologetically. The ''General of Day'' does not wish to appear cruel, but it feels like the Archmage has not actually ''asked'' him for anything. He has teased out some implied requests from the plenipotentiary, but surely it is always easier to be direct than indirect?
===Conquest and Liberation===
* '''Zakalwe wishes to know if the Military Council shares the Archmages commitment to Liberation in the Mallum
'''Skywise Gralka''' has spoken at length of her desire, and that of the Empire apparently, to liberate the people of the Mallum. But to avoid the kinds of events that followed after similar attempts in the Barrens. What, asks the ''Commander in Coral and Glass'', does that ''mean''? The strategies and tactics of the conqueror and the liberator are fundamentally different, both on the battlefield and off it. So are the ultimate outcomes. A conqueror ultimately fights to keep what they take; a liberator gives it away. While the Archmage might wish that to be the case, why does the [[Imperial Military Council]] fight this war in the east? What are the Empire going to do once they have defeated the [[Druj]]? With the best will in the world, in the Barrens a significant faction claimed they were there as "liberators" but it is notable that the land is now part of Dawn with little enclaves for the two surviving factions of the people whose claim to the place depends on centuries of inhabitation. Three of the septs that once dwelled there are no more due to Imperial action in one form or another.

In essence, while Skywise Gralka may be committed to liberation rather than conquest... are they speaking for the Empire? The ''Beacon of Dawn'' sees that the [[general|generals]] of the Empire favour a direct, overwhelming attack in the eastern theatre. They rely on the [[Knights of Glory|might of the Summer realm]] to deal with their foes and that is a strategy that seems to be working. Any intervention by the ''General of Day'' is unlikely to mix well with the power of the [[Eleonaris|Lady of the Pennants]]. To be clear though, if the Military Council is in agreement with the Archmage of Day, then the ''Master Strategist'' could offer their support.

[[Day magic]] is adept at helping [[Day_magic#Focus|focus]] on objectives and helping folk to [[Day_magic#Mastery|master]] their intentions. The ''Scribe of Blades'' could prepare a set of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] that could be used or codified to help [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] focus on the matter of liberation rather than conquest. The enchantment would be comparable to ''Clarity of the Master Strategist'' - but they would help the army focus entirely on liberating those oppressed by the Druj in the Mallum, arming and supplying them, helping them to fight back on their own terms. What land an enchanted army took - and the impact of the enchantment would be half that normally provided by Clarity - would be claimed not by the Empire but by the inhabitants of the Mallum who were not Druj.

If the Military Council wants this support, they already have a method they can use to determine if a consensus exists - the [[Council_session#Powers_of_the_Council|simple vote]]. If the Council ''is'' committed to liberation over conquest, and they are prepared to accept the aid of Zakalwe, then they can request that the [[Herald of the Council]] raise the matter and take a vote on it. If they don't want Zakalwe's interference, or are ''not'' set on a strategy of liberation such as the Archmage has described, then that is fine and the ''Master Strategist'' would expect nothing less.
===Rites of Battle===
* '''Zakalwe asks ''how'' it can help the Archmage address the situation with battlefield ritualists
* '''The General of Day cannot provide an opportunity to kill Het Trakaa
The Archmage also apparently speaks of an inability to persuade sufficient practitioners of martial magic, versed in the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|lore of Day]], to perform five castings of [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] on a battlefield. The Master Strategist is surprised that this is the case. The Empire has years and years of experience with the [[Sentinel Gate]] and the way magic can be used directly to secure military advantage. The Empire clearly has powerful magicians - they can cast [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] after-all.

Is there some reason that magicians prefer not to take advantage of these opportunities. If that is the case, then that is not something that Zakalwe can fix - rather it is a deficit the Empire must find a way to address themselves. Perhaps the [[Rod and Shield]], the Conclave, or some other body of state could find a way to incentivise magicians to make themselves available to fight for the Empire? The Master Strategist can help support and empower such magicians if they urgent need such help, but without them there is nothing the eternal can do to help.

What ''Hunter of Tides'' cannot now do, is find a new opportunity for Imperial heroes to catch ''Het Trakaa of the Banded Snakes''. There was an [[Root_and_branch#Objective:_Kill_Het_Trakaa|opportunity in Summer]], but now it is clear that fate does not bend the eye of the [[Sentinel Gate]] in their direction again during Autumn. Zakalwe ''can'' offer a little help to locate and destroy some of the worst of the [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured souls]] that the [[Druj_champion#Het|Het]] has created, but the mastermind himself is beyond the reach of the ''Master Strategist'' at this time.

And on the matter of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]], the massive fortress in the north of the [[Forest of Ulnak]]? The Archmage has answered her own question. The Druj built their immense [[fortification]] to protect their borders, and the size of the castle gives some indication of how afraid they are that that force might defeat them just as the Empire is doing.

==Tempt the Waters From Their Bed==
{{CaptionedImage|file=KhobelTavah.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''An unknown eternal has responded to a plenipotentiary of the Winter Archmage'''
* '''The herald of that creature says that a parley will be held in the Hall of Worlds at midnight on Saturday'''
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is ''Ematius 'Icebreaker' Ankarien'''''
A week ago, as people are beginning to set up their tents and stalls in preparation for the Autumn summit, two figures emerge from the Imperial Regio without fuss. They walk directly to the Hub. It might be easy for observers to mistake them for [[Highguard|Highborn]] pilgrims, or perhaps [[the Marches|Marcher]] monks or friars of a particularly austere humour. They wear dark woollen cloth. The taller of the two is entirely shrouded, hood raised to hide their features, their only accoutrement a leaden bell on their hip hanging from their belt of thick rope. The other wears their robe open, revealing an old tunic crusted with salt, occluding whatever faded chapter-sign or livery-mark may have been displayed there. An observer would note that their solemn tread never falters, and that those who might otherwise pass to close to them seem almost instinctively to swerve away without really noticing what they have done.

When they reach their destination, the taller of the two does not speak. All communication comes from the shorter figure in their open black robe and crusted garb. They come as emissaries of ''Salt-in-my-lungs'' and ''Dark that Drowns''. The [[Archmage of Winter]], '''Ematius Icebreaker''', has laid an offering of names before the throne of ''Foretold-by-Bells'' and they find this tribute pleasing. There will be parley in the Hall of Worlds at midnight on Saturday. The Archmage shall attend, of course, and they may choose who among the Empire will speak as is tradition. No harm will befall any there save that they seek it themselves.

Before the meeting, the Archmage's "passengers" - the six they spoke of - can speak of one fear they have that they would see discussed during the parley. One specific fear each. The heralds leave a small stack of papers for the Archmage - six pieces of ragged parchment. The passengers can write their fear on the parchment and then bring it to the Imperial regio and through the [[operate portal|key to all doors]] throw it into the darkness with an invocation of one of those names offered by the Archmage. This must be done before midnight on Friday; these fears will form a skeleton for the parley to come. Six different passengers, six different fears. Each passenger will be called on to speak of their fear to the ''Deep Drowned''.

The parley itself will involve a place claimed by ''the Harbinger'', brought to the Hall by the power of the plenipotentiary, and none shall come within three paces of it lest the waters claim them. As the ''Sunken Rope'' draws near, the hall shall fall into darkness. Let those who would attend in audience bring their own lights if they so wish, but see that they are not too bright. Once the lights have fully fallen and the sea has come, there will be time for talk. There will be talk of lessons. There will be talk of fear. There will be talk of bells.

This extremely cryptic message leaves the civil servants none the wiser; they clarify again that this is the result of a plenipotentiary from an Archmage, and the hitherto silent figure in the hooded robe inclines its head once before striking the leaden bell with a long, broken, and splintered fingernail. The timbre of that single dull note rings through the Hub, giving all present a moment of absolutely wrenching terror that leaves them [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralysed]] for several seconds, and when the effect fades, the messengers are gone.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Saturday || TBC || [[Lashonar]] || Night || Not a parley; an offer of the Caucus Forum should the Conclave wish to accept
|-
| Saturday || 13:45 || [[Estavus]] || Autumn || Not a parley; a meeting with the Archmage and advisors
|-
| Saturday || 00:00 || Unknown || Winter || Parley; in the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Lines of care and sorrow

2025-09-04T21:10:55Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lines of care and sorrow.jpg|caption=The Unshackled have barely begun to make Mareave their own, and now the Grendel have returned.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==A Traitor May Betray Himself==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_aAeUeWa8o}}
It was, perhaps, only a matter of time. And time, it seems, has run out; more than a year has passed since the Empire conquered Mareave but the Grendel, it seems, have neither forgotten nor forgiven. Coming up through the petrified forest of Ayereed, they launch a land offensive against Mareave. Four armies - the Brine Turtles, the Iron Gulls, the Naguerro (far from their former home in the Lasambrian hills), and the Storm Sharks. They come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|cautiously, carefully]], testing the defences of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] before they commit themselves entirely.

The orcs of the Broken Shore come up into [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]], where they are perhaps unsurprisingly greeted with open arms by the Brine Turtle sept. They have kept the faith, sure their warriors would return home, and here they are! The other armies, especially the Naguerro, may receive a slightly more standoffish reception but still they come. To Fioroult, to the river and the lake, in force to take back what the Empire took from them.

Their caution at least gives an opportunity for what defenders there are in Mareave to respond. Imperial magicians have raised a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] in [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]]. Less than a fortnight after the Grendel cross the border, swift-flying snow eagles have brought news of them to the garrison, to the hulking orc-like [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] drawn from the realm of the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of Ice and Darkness]]. They stride forth from their stone fortress, beginning a seemingly inexhaustible charge south to meet the orc armies before they can take too much territory. A few handfuls of Imperial Orcs go with them, rallying to the defence of their arid territory.

When they arrive, the Summer warriors find creatures of quite another kind waiting for them. Another coven has called out to the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]], to the Winter realm, to the throne of the king they call [[Sorin|Hungry Wolf]]. In [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]], the shadow of the aqueduct, a [[The Basalt Citadel|basalt citadel]] rises. Its strange black towers incorporate the old [[Skoura|Skouran]] ruins, and bleached bone sentinels stand voiceless watch upon its high dark walls. The ''Tomb King'' has sent other warriors to Fleisardh to fight the Grendel - not soldiers but dreadful wolves with clever emerald eyes and snow-pale fur that speak in mortal tongues. It must suit the fancy of the ''Whelpmaster'' to offer this little bit of extra aid to the defenders of Mareave.

At the same time, though not together, these forces drawn from the eternal realms fight the Grendel. Two garrisons of magical creatures face four armies, supported and bolstered by the Brine Turtle sept, and there is only really one outcome. It's clear to those Imperial Orcs who fight with them - mostly [[Sannite|Sannites]] - that they will only be able to delay the advance of the invaders. To make matters worse, it quickly becomes clear that the Grendel forces are [[enchantment|enchanted]], fighting with the supernatural [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] that their mastery of the realm of [[Day magic|Sky]] grants them. The four armies cooperate effortlessly, as they ruthlessly drive the heralds and guardians northward.

Within a month, the Brine Turtles are "liberated" from the Empire. The defenders fall back to [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]] - and the Grendel follow. They press the defenders back towards the villas and abandoned palaces of the wealthiest Grendel that lie scattered across this more fertile region. They particularly press toward the Fundindelve. The orcs here are a little more careful in their celebration of their returning "heroes". At one time, they held [[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|high status]] among the Grendel, but much of their prestige was related to the Salt Lord Ehsan, and control of the Fundindelve. The [[Golden Pyramid]] has done its work well, it seems, and there are a number of former Grendel who have begun to wonder if they might not be better off siding with the Empire. For now, though, it is moot. They are in no position to resist the invaders, have no choice but to smile and nod, and if their welcome is a little chilly, it is not clear the southern soldiers notice it.
==All Other Courses Have Been Weighed==
Former Salt Lord Ehsan, for his own part, remains neutral. [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] supports neither side in this battle for control, and when challenged, the ruler of the city merely snaps angrily that "''that is what neutral means''". The city will not turn back anyone who seeks sanctuary, but neither will it send soldiers to fight over Mareave. Obviously, this wins the city folk few friends in Clisearn... but then all those that Ehsan might care about retreated behind its walls months ago.

There is some speculation about why it is only armies that come to Mareave, but perhaps it is the very neutrality of Beoraidh that keeps the [[Imperial navy|navies]] at bay. After all, the city of Ehsan controls the only navigable coastal waters in Mareave; the rest of the territory plunges vertiginously into the sea in a way that makes it impossible for navies to contribute to a ground campaign. Some narrow their eyes at the fact that the Palace of Chains - Ehsan's seat of power - has been so recently and so conveniently [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|altered]] to focus its defence around Beoraidh itself. No doubt politics are at play. Ehsan may no longer be a Salt Lord, but he is a born schemer. One may take the orc out of the Grendel, but...

In the south, the fighting spills and swirls across Clisearn. Without the sept to open the door, the Grendel find it a little slower going to force their way north. The defenders are further bolstered by a small number of battle-trained magicians of the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Conclave order]]. The [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] of the order is nearing completion in Clisearn, and now the Grendel it seems are here to put a stop to it. Fortunately, the location of the lodge and the cautious strategy employed by the invaders means that work is completed just before the Autumn Equinox despite the disruption. Which is both a good thing - it is another sign that the Empire is here to stay and wins over more of the nearby orc households - and a bad thing - because it means that if the Grendel take Clisearn, they will seize the first Imperial grand lodge as well as the mithril mine.

That outcome seems like it may imminently come to pass, but as the Autumn Equinox draws near it becomes clear that the supernatural defenders have at least delayed the invaders sufficiently to mean they cannot claim Clisearn. Not yet, at least. If nothing changes, however, they will seize Clisearn after the Equinox. This will give them control of the Fundindelve and steal the Grand Lodge out from under the nose of the Golden Pyramid.

But, having tested the defences and found them barely adequate, it would be a risky gamble to assume the Grendel armies will ''continue'' to be so cautious in their advance.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Mareave.png|400x400px}}</div>
==Game Information==
* '''The Grendel have seized Fleisardh with the full cooperation of the Brine Turtles sept
* '''Fighting continues in Clisearn, where the invaders are three-fifths of the way towards claiming the region
* '''Beoraidh is remaining neutral in the conflict
The Grendel have taken the southernmost region of Mareave, Fleisardh, and are three-fifths of the way toward claiming Clisearn and with it the Fundindelve mithril mine. If not for the presence of the two supernatural defences summoned in Icarion and Eoradal, it's likely that they would have seized both regions and the mine and possibly even be some way toward taking Eoradal. They would also likely have raided the site of the Grand Lodge and either destroyed it, or more likely, stolen some of the wains invested over the last season.

Grendel strategy means that [[Construct Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid|construction]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] has not been impeded and the building will be complete by the start of the Autumn Equinox despite all the chaos unfolding around it.

For the moment, the territory remains in Imperial hands, but thanks to the independent city-state of Beoraidh losing another region will change the territory to "no control". On the other hand, Beoraidh means that the Grendel need to conquer and hold four regions to claim the territory themselves.
==Further Reading==
* [[Mareave]]
* [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Beoraidh|Treaty with Beoraidh]]

So our path is laid

2025-09-04T21:10:31Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=if you dare.jpg|caption="Cross us if you dare..."|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Paths and Errands==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECmje2WJsz4}}
The [[Jotun]] have conquered [[Bregasland]]. They hold the marshes and fens, and they have made the people who remain their thralls. A number of Bregas have fled east to [[Mitwold]], but many more have stayed behind. They will not abandon their land, not to the orcs of the west. While some bow their heads to the Jotun yoke, there is no Mathilda Fisher here and no question of collaboration with the invaders. Others actively resist them, taking inspiration from the [[Strong Reeds]] and the Graywaters. Even those who seem to have surrendered remain as uncooperative as they can be without bringing the wrath of the Jotun on their heads.

During the Summer Solstice, Imperial heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] in a [[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|risky attack]] against forces attempting to maintain the mighty enchanted fortification anchored to [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]]. Had those heroes not been victorious - defeating the powerful [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardian|guardian]] from the court of the [[Adamant|King under the Mountain]] that would have anchored the magical citadel for another year - the Jotun hold over Bregasland would have been further secured. As it is, the Burhfæst was dismissed and the Ice Fishers' bastion in Graven March has returned to the [[Realms#Summer|Summer Realm]] from whence it came. If they wish to carve out a fortress for themselves, they will now have to do it the old fashioned way. Which sources in Graven suggest they might very well be preparing to do.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">Strong Reeds. Those Jotun hounds sniff at our heels and dig at our hiding places. But as they close in we will not bend, we will not break and we will not flee, for our loyalty is not so easily shaken. We Lay Low for one more season, to allow our friends to Resupply and build their strength. And then how we will rise up. The Jotun Queen calls for my head and I say let her come herself! I stand with you. I stand with Bregasland and if those Jotun dogs wish to find us... Make them work for it. Bregasland Stands!</quote>

<quote by="Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir, General of the Fist of Ulven">Under the gaze of the king we once more guard the dour fens, the lands of our ancestors. While the Queen of the North seeks out the thorn in our heel, we will bind these lands with steel and stone, a girdle of strength to make Ulven herself proud of her children.</quote>

<quote by="Derun Stonetower, General of the Tower of the North">We stand ready to let our hammers sing, to ring out a toll on Marcher steel. If they do not come, we will mark the boundaries, and do whatever is needful to make these grim marshes ours.</quote>

<quote by="Iduna Yrsasdóttir, General of the Tower of the North">The Strong Reeds hide among the bulrushes, gathering their strength. Do not underestimate the threat they pose, nor the power of their oaths. Like the hawk they bide their time, and when they strike it will be with the full force of the wind. Yet no-one can hide forever. The cunning eyes of Raðljóst will reveal them to us, and we shall bring them at last to battle amid the dripping fens. So says the Queen, and none shall gainsay her.</quote>

<quote by="Johnathan Piper “The Cockscroft Lad”, Statement of Principle, Marcher Assembly, Upheld with a Greater Majority (206-0), Summer Solstice 387YE">Hew and cry, hew and cry! Marchers of Bregasland I call to you now. Our Strong Reeds lie low to protect our land, but our enemies have learned of ways to find them. We the Marcher Assembly urge the Virtuous Marchers of Bregasland to help our heroes hide. Offer them your barns. Set fires. Dam rivers. Intrigue and distract. Anything to thwart our invaders. Look out for your neighbours. Look after yourselves, and show the Jotun that Marchers one and all, will not let our land be taken!</quote></div>
The majority of the Jotun, though, seem more concerned with rooting out the Strong Reeds and their sympathisers than actively oppressing the Bregas. The Marcher army is wily, and avoids obvious traps with ease. Yet for all their fixation on honour, glory, heroism, and a good death the Jotun are not fools. The ‘‘Lion of the North’’ - Queen Jansdóttir’s personal army - is on a quest to drive the Reeds from their holdfasts and hiding places and force them to engage in open battle. The Queen herself is not present in Bregasland; her eldest child ''Idun Yrsasdóttir'' serves as general this season for some reason. On the orders of her mother, she has [[Army qualities#Mercenary|called to her banner]] seasoned hunters from [[Tromsa]] and veteran [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Raðljóst|Raðljóst]] from [[Skallahn]]. As the season wears on their [[Army qualities#Scouting|expertise]] proves invaluable, and the Strong Reeds are again and again forced to abandon their positions and fall back deeper into the marshes.

==Pride of the Marches==
While the Lion of the North focuses on finding the Marcher army, two other generals keep control of the Dour Fens. The stoic Tower of the North, under the banners of the granite-faced Derun Stonetower, work alongside the Fist of Ulven to strengthen the borders here. It is Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir who leads the Fist, rather than King Gudmundr Arasonn, Jarl-of-Jarls, ruler over the southern territories of the Jotun. It is just as rare for King Gudmundr not to be at the forefront of his army as it is for Queen Yrsa not to lead her own. What could have drawn the attention of the Jarls-of-Jarls elsewhere?

One of the challenges facing Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir comes from an unexpected source; keeping the yegarra champion Stephen of Sarcombe on a short leash. The traitor of the Mourn has always been angry, but it seems that since the death of Jarl Haakon and the loss of the ‘Wold his temper has worsened. His dressing down by King Gudmundr cannot help but rankle, and accordingly his cruelty towards the Marchers has become more and more acute. Whispers are beginning to do the rounds that other Jotun champions will not fight alongside him, or with the yegarra under his banner, for fear that they will bring dishonour on themselves. For his part, Stephen takes a vicious pleasure in striking against anyone shown to be part of the network of resistance fighters that spans the fens; he seems to be staying just on one side of the line but it is surely only a matter of time before he crosses it.

There are other champions in Bregasland, other warbands. The Ice Fishers of Ldansk have been here for the last year, and they show no signs of departing. They are joined by ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' and her raven-banner, turning her clever gaze on the matter of the Strong Reeds while her warband explores the marshes seeking to root out its secrets. ''Eisa Winterborn'' and her walrus banner are here also, as are the howling bears under the standard of ''Yanya Uranduln'' but their eyes lie to the east. They launch several raids across the border into Mitwold, into [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and southern [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]]. While they never approach the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] itself, they keep the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Drakes]], the [[Bloodcloaks]] and the garrison of [[Mitwold#Forte_Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]] busy. Indeed, were it not for the presence of the armies, it's not impossible that the two warbands together might have seriously threatened the people of Odd's End. It stands as a sobering reminder just how close the Jotun are to the heart of the Marches.

==Flip of a Coin==
Back in Bregasland, the Strong Reeds may be on the back foot, but they continue to foment resistance and gather support. Some twenty Imperial captains have brought their warbands west to support the Marcher army, to do what it takes to try and keep them hidden. Most are Marchers but there are a significant number of soldiers from [[the League]] alongside them. Several of the latter are from [[Holberg]], and are no strangers to fighting in marshes. Together they ambush Jotun patrols, move supplies, rescue Marchers who might otherwise fall into the hands of Stephen of Sarcombe, and lay the groundwork for the eventual uprising against the Jotun. The unconditional support of the Marcher assembly has gone some way to ensuring that the people of Bregasland, whatever they may think about the Empire as a whole, are eager to support ''their'' army regardless of the risks.

Yet there’s only so much that can be done. The Lion of the North have experience dealing with Imperial spies and scouts - they tore apart the old [[spy network]] in [[Hordalant]] for example - and the veterans they have brought in to spearhead their campaign are near a match for even the most quick witted of the Strong Reeds captains. It comes clear only a little too late that part of the reason for the raid into Mitwold is to identify the smuggling routes used to keep the Strong Reeds supplied. In the end, though, it is partly simple bad luck, a roll of the dice, that sees things start to become unstuck. A conversation overheard, an over-zealous would-be champion hoping to impress Eisa Winterborn, an early Autumn raid against a tavern along the shores of the Westmere, and three Ottery smugglers fall into the hands of the Jotun. They keep their mouths closed as long as they can but in the end, faced with watching their sibling and father die, one of them talks. That is all it takes to start the dominos falling.

After that initial raid, the Lion of the North have the first thread they need to pick at to start unravelling the resistance, and they attack it with gusto. While the ravens of Helma Skutasdóttir seek out the safe houses in the west, Eisa and her yegarra begin to systematically arrest and question travellers across the east. The Strong Reeds are spread out across the territory. The bravest Bregas among them as often as not hide in plain sight, but many more must hide in a more conventional way. In part it is the close, fierce ties of family that prove to be the undoing of the Bregas - when family and friends are threatened it is only those with a heart of stone who can keep their silence, keep their nerve. The hidden pattern begins to be exposed; supply drops identified and raided, holdfasts attacked, sympathisers isolated or carefully watched, messengers intercepted.

The situation is grim, but all is not lost. The Jotun have not "found" the Strong Reeds as such. They cannot force an army that has disappeared into the reeds and marshes to fight them. But they can make it increasingly untenable to remain hidden, to continue to fight piecemeal against the invaders, by cutting away all the ways that the people of the Marches can support them. Yet there's many a slip between cup and lip, as the old proverb goes. The Jotun would be wise not to celebrate their "victory" prematurely. The Marchers have a long history of surprising their enemies, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|caption=Bregasland is currently under occupation by the Jotun.|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Strong Reeds are vulnerable to the Jotun
* '''Escaping the territory will be costly; remaining may also prove costly
The Jotun remain in control of Bregasland. The magical fortification anchored to Graven Rock has not been renewed, although there are signs the Ice Fishers of Ldansk may be preparing to build a more mundane [[fortification]] in "the only bit of dry land in Bregasland". The presence of four armies supporting the fortification in Mitwold has meant that raids by Jotun champions have been unsuccessful in causing any significant damage or seizing any wealth from the territory.

The Lion of the North, thanks to the [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scouting expertise]] of those champions who have come from Skallahn and Tromsa, have exposed vulnerabilities in the Strong Reeds. At the moment, they are still mostly hidden, but the Jotun have begun to exploit their weaknesses, and the situation could become dire - the orders the General issues after the Autumn Equinox will be crucial.

If the General orders the army to leave the territory, then they will struggle to do so without alerting the Jotun as to what is happening. The western barbarians will not be able to prevent them leaving, but in the process the Strong Reeds will suffer 1,000 casualties at the hands of the Jotun, provided at least one barbarian army is still in the territory. This represents not only pitched fighting along the eastern regions of Bregasland, but also the risk of small groups being lost or trapped in the territory, unable to get out. These casualties cannot be mitigated by [[Rivers of Life]], nor by army orders. However, [[Night magic]] such as the ''Host of Shadows'' (a non-Imperial ritual) may prove effective in helping the army avoid these casualties. If a ritual of that nature is cast on the army, it will suffer only 500 casualties as it leaves Bregasland.

Should the General issue an attacking order, then the usual rules for the military campaign apply.

Finally. The General could choose to order the Strong Reeds to continue to Lay Low in Bregasland. This would follow the rules for that order with one exception. Rather than suffering no casualties, as long as any Jotun armies remain in the territory, the army will suffer 500 casualties each downtime. Again, magical effects such as ''Rivers of Life'' won't change this - many of the casualties are ''captured'' rather than killed in battle for example. But again, there may be ways to ameliorate these losses. Likewise, without additional effort, no more seasons of Lay Low will count for the Rise Up order (unless the heroes of Anvil intervene one way or another).

This situation will persist until something significant changes in Bregasland, and as long as the Jotun remain in control of the territory.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:StrongReeds Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Strong Reeds]]</div>

==Participation==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Strong Reeds 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 Strong Reeds as they upheld their oath toward the people of the Dour Fens may receive a special benefit. The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the Bregas people. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported the Strong Reeds this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. If they receive an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], from a fellow Marcher, they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Autumn 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, ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony, 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.

In the event that a character loses or changes their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained again.

==Battle Opportunity : How Will They Rise Up?==
* '''The Imperial prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that leads to Bregasland
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Autumn Equinox that will allow Imperial heroes to venture into Bregasland. It will present an opportunity to confront the Jotun who are rooting out the Strong Reeds and allow the Empire to mitigate the impact on the Strong Reeds if they take the battle and are successful.

==Further Reading==
* [[Bregasland]]

* [[Shovels and spades]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland
* [[If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland
* [[Over western hills]] - Winter 386YE Wind of fortune about fighting in the western Marches

To ruin

2025-09-04T21:09:58Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A Heroes Tale.jpg|caption=A hero has a name.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==A Fistful of Runes==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2OmkEw9Z0}}
At first the watchers on the cliffs of [[Redoubt#Optarion|Visten]] believe it is a wave, a wall of water sweeping toward their shores; or perhaps a fogbank roused and motivated by powerful magic. Then the spyglasses of those in the towers reveal that it is neither. It is a forest of masts. An armada of Grendel ships. The alarm is raised, and as the news spreads quickly and the lights of the heliopticon flash their warning, the true scale of what is coming is made clear. All four Grendel navies are here - the Shamal, and the Simoom and the Tempest and the Golden Wind.

They bring the thunder with them; the beating of great drums, drums that keep time for those at the oars of the Asavean warships. The ''Leaping Bull'', sunk during the [[Harvest_of_infamy|failed attack on Meade]], has been replaced and more than that. Along with ''Venger’s Blade'' and ''Wind Tamer'' and ''Balo’s Grace'' come the ''Pilum Asav'' and the ''Deep Fury''. Five Asavean battle-ships, each with its own small fleet of auxiliary ships clustering in its wake, bound together by discipline and the beat of the drums. Each of the five would be a force to be reckoned with; together they might be a match for an entire Imperial or Grendel navy. Together with the Grendel armada…

''The runes click and clack and fall. [[Gralm|Crossroads]] and [[Jotra|swords]] and [[Ull|road]].''

They do not come with stealth - so many ships are a roaring stormfront - but they have swung out away from the shore as they arc westward, well out of reach of the defenders on the shore. The folk of Visten make ready for the attack as best they can - [[sentinel|sentinels]] in the harbour, magicians versed in healing and in battle-magic behind - but the armada does not stop. It does not care for Visten, nor for the Ribbon of Salt. And, indeed, the waters around the bay where the spire sits are too shallow for all save the lightest Grendel warships to approach. Even as the soldiers of the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]] - already on alert - rouse themselves the ships are gone, curving around the reaching headlands of [[Redoubt#Tomari|Tomari]].

As the armada gathers speed there is the faint hope that the Grendel might intend to keep moving, to smash themselves into the teeth of [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah’s Rest]] or the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain]]. Yet there is a certainty, a foreboding, heavy in the hearts of the people of [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] as the harbingers of the heliopticon roar their alarm across Redoubt.

They come scything around Rebekah’s Leap, to the mouth of the lazy Couros, to [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] once more. [[On_southern_sands|Last time]] they attacked the port, they did so almost as an afterthought, on their way from Madruga to the Broken Shore. They were handed an embarrassing defeat by the combined force of the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Northern Eagle]], and the combined garrisons of [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] and the Court.

This time they seem fired up with a furious, terrible purpose. Everyone here knows what [[A beacon of smoke|happened in Siroc]], when last the Grendel and the Asaveans sailed together. Some folk retreat as the armada rounds the headland; most stay. They will fight to protect their home, to do what it takes to prevent their beautiful spire being rendered into ash.

''The runes spin and tumble, and the stars wheel overhead. The [[Queros|wave]], the [[Pallas|apple tree]], the [[Naeve|Fang]].''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elos Harbour.png|align=left|caption=The port of Elos: white granite and light.|width=400}}</div>
==Knife in the Dark==
The garrisons are on the move as soon as the armada passes Visten. The [[sentinel|sentinels]] of the Court march east, the defenders of Cargo march south. The heliopticon chatters and winks. The little garrison at Elos readies itself. The seers at the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] search the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|shrouded]] sky for any beneficent sign but on these odd nights the constellations are unfamiliar - the true stars seem to [[The Lock|hide themselves away]], and the Crab, the Looking Glass, and the Bondring offer nothing that can be interpreted.

In the past the Grendel have sometimes assayed diplomacy before their attack, offering a chance to retreat and give them easy pickings. They do not do so this time. Horns blare, hundreds of horns, and the battle begins without preamble.

The green sails of the Tempest lead the way, a spear thrust straight to the heart of Elos’ defences. They allow nothing to distract them as they break through the harbour defences and seize control of several of the lighthouse towers. Behind and beside them come the Golden Winds and the red-sailed Shamal. They too [[Navy_orders#Shore_Offensive|strike straight]] into Elos - a risky strategy if there were any ships to oppose them but they must know there are not. As soon as they have secured part of the harbour wall, the Golden Winds begin disgorging Grendel warriors into the spire - the Black Eels and the Bone Nautilus and the Hamsin join the attack, three whole armies of the Broken Shore. The blue-sailed Simoon do not attack the docks directly, not at first, but rather assails the ships docked there - Imperial and Axou vessels are mercilessly boarded and looted, taken by the Grendel where time allows. Only those trading ships flying the flags of the Sarcophan Delves are spared - that vaunted neutrality serving as a shield.

The Asavean battle-ships follow behind, and once the Grendel have begun to secure the harbour they disgorge their own sunbronze armoured soldiers, their tridents soon bathed in the blood of Urizen sentinels.

They do their best, those brave defenders of Elos, but the odds are so stacked against them. They can only fall back, and hope against hope that aid is coming, as the Grendel secure more and more of the harbour and the reality - that the spire will fall next - becomes unavoidable.

''The runes bounce, spin. The [[Rhyv|red knife]], the [[Irremais|black blade]], the [[Verys|lion]] come to rest in a triangle about the crossroads and the road chosen.''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Umarth 'Winter's Flame' Kannask, General of the Fist of the Mountains">There are dark omens in the sky, and a dread grows. When we cast the runes, however, we find hope. First among the runes is Zorech, and we take pride and passion that we do what must be done. You have liberated Madruga, and now you march to aid the Great Forest Orcs to the east. Your Ferocity and Loyalty is seen. Ignore those who doubt us. Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We make for the court of the white fountain, where we will pause to hem in the Husks, and alert the Urizen archers to our plans. The husks are useful, but do not let them stray. Keep them penned in till we unleash them next season.</quote></div>

==Horns on the Hillside==
A long journey along the coast has brought the Fist of the Mountains across the River Couros, over the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#News_From_the_Plain_(Necropolis)|Courspan bridge]]. Tired from the long march and the cold stares of Sarvos and Necropolis, the scops nonetheless keep spirits high as they come into Redoubt. An old army, the first army of [[Wintermark]]. Soldiers from the far north-west, supported by miners and engineers, regularly advised by clever [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and proud [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and History|scops]]. The soldiers of the Fist are known for their caution, and for their ability to fight viciously in tight spaces over vertiginous drops. Centuries of fighting in the mountains of [[Sermersuaq]], [[Skarsind]] and [[Hahnmark]] will no doubt set them in good stead for defending the mountains of Urizen.

That caution and cleverness is augmented these days by the [[divination|divinations]] of the [[Army_qualities#Farsighted|farsighted]] advisors that march with the army. The [[mystic|mystics]] mark the omens, mark the fall of the runes, and if their advice is heeded the Fist of the Mountains is almost never where the enemy expects it to be - but often in just the right place at just the right time.

The dead follow in their wake, last to cross the bridge under the disapproving gaze of the [[Steward of the Dead|stewards]] of Ethan's Respite. In Winter last year, the magicians of Wintermark [[Quickening Cold Meat|drew down a host of Winter spirits]] to fight with the Fist. The [[Follow_me_my_friend#Where_All_That's_Wrong_is_Right|dead walked]] in [[Tassato]] and marched with the Fist to [[Follow_me_my_friend|battle in Reinos]], and in the [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#On_Freeborn_Shores|Quiet Grasses of Madruga]]. Their presence as the army marched through [[Sarvos]] and [[Necropolis]] did not go unremarked, of course. Not that all the winter spirits still wear the dead flesh of [[the League]]. There are a few [[orc|orcs]] of the [[Reinos|Lasambrian Hills]] among them now, still showing the wounds that killed them, crusted with dry blood. The spirits of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]] do not care where the meat comes from, and the death of the husk is no great impediment to them.

To Redoubt come the Fist of the Mountains, and the dead, and the ravens, and the jackdaws, and the hawks fly ahead of them to presage their coming.

''The runes clatter like old bones. Both lanterns - [[Ophis|light]] and [[Diras|dark]] - with the [[Xun|wyrm]] between them on the mystic’s mat.''

They come to Redoubt, where they are not expected to be, into the teeth of the storm. Is this, here, the right place? Is now the right time?
{{CaptionedImage|file=GenFistoftheMountains.jpg|caption=Umarth Kannask, General of the Fist of the Mountains|align=right|width=250}}
==A Hero's Tale==
The light of the heliopticon shrieks a warning and despite their long march, the Fist of the Mountains gird themselves and move straight to engage the Grendel and their Asavean allies. Nobody will ever know it for sure but they arrive, their [[Banner-Bearer|banner-bearers]] sound the horns of battle, at the exact moment the first Grendel sets foot on the docks. Sometimes the world is simply like that, a mass of secret knots that no mortal will ever see.

Horns blare, and the warriors of Wintermark come to the aid of the people of Urizen. People they have never met, for the most part. Strangers, for whom the heroes of the ‘Mark are prepared to shed blood and lay down their lives if it comes to it. The mystics have read the signs, and the icewalkers have read the winds, and the veterans have read those symbols that are seen only by the eye of those who have known battle and survived. They do not charge pell-mell to the assault; their strategy is considered, careful, but no less resolute and courageous for all that.

The first priority is to protect the people of Elos, to give those who would be overwhelmed a chance to fight or flee. The second is to keep the Grendel from taking the harbour, or the spire, or to make them pay dearly for doing so. To delay them so that the garrisons to the north and the east can reach Naris. So that whatever harm is done here is contained, is ameliorated, if it cannot be prevented.

''They are very far from home, and some of the runestones are still in the air, still tumbling toward the mystics mat.''

At first the appearance of the Fist of the Mountains seems to set the attackers into disarray. They do not seem to have anticipated any major Imperial forces to be present at all. Yet they rally quickly, adjusting their approach to deal with the unexpected presence of four thousand Winterfolk. It quickly becomes clear that while the Tempest, the Shamal, the Golden Winds, and the Asavean warships are here to conquer, the rest of the Grendel forces are in a much more [[Army_qualities#Foraging|larcenous]] frame of mind. They fight, of course, but they are more interested in engaging in [[maggot|maggotry]] - stealing the wealth of this prosperous port for themselves. This by itself would be enough to ignite the fury of Wintermark, even without the threat to the innocent people of Naris.

Battle rages through the avenues of Elos, between the living and the dead. The Grendel are at a disadvantage because they cannot bring their full force to bear on the Winterfolk in one go - the streets of Urizen are wide but they are not ''that'' wide. Instead the cunning people of the north-west employ hit-and-run tactics, having a seemingly uncanny insight that lets them avoid the counterattacks set against them, an uncanny sense for where they can catch the Grendel unawares. An [[astronomancy|astronomancer]] might nod sagely and speak of the nature of The Door; but the magicians of Elos have more pressing matters on their minds.

It’s quickly obvious that the Fist of the Mountains cannot stop the Grendel capturing Elos. They can delay, but the conquest appears inevitable. Plans are begun to withdraw, a fighting retreat, taking as many of the Urizen with them as they possibly can.

Elos falls to the Grendel. The Fist of the Mountains retreat.

==Now For Wrath==
Elos falls, but the battle continues. This is no simple raid; the Grendel are here in force and they are here to conquer. They spread out across the coast, and spire after spire falls before them. They plunder freely, stealing a king’s ransom in crystal mana, dozens of magical items, and anything else with value that they can get their hands on. Yet they also establish encampments, seizing structures to turn to their own ends. Their ambition seems to be to take the whole of Naris… and perhaps more.

Joined at last by the garrisons of Cargo and the Court, the Fist of the Mountains continue to fight them at every turn, to stymie their plans, to slow them and turn them back where they can. They clash with the Black Eels, and the Hamsin, and the Bone Nautilus time and again, buying time for besieged Urizeni spires to escape with their greatest treasures - their books and their scrolls - even as they must leave so much else behind. If the Grendel hoped to seize some of the magical lore of Urizen, those hopes are unrealised.

It is just a matter of time before Naris falls entirely to the armada and the Asaveans. Yet even that does not appear to be the full extent of the Grendel strategy. The farsighted seers and scouts of the Fist of the Mountains have unearthed one more layer of intent, more to this attack than just the desire for conquest and plunder.

''The runes are settling now. The [[Hirmok|scythe]], the [[Sular|ship]], the [[Mawrig|storm]].''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Fist_of_the_Mountains]]</div>

==Let This Be The Hour==
The Grendel have always been clear about one thing; they will be the uncontested masters of the Bay of Catazar. They will not countenance the Empire raising an [[Imperial navy]]. They burnt the shipyard at Atalaya, and the Freeborn Storm, to secure their dominance. Their spymasters must now realise the potential inherent in the Grand Harbour at Elos, that it could quickly become a place where navies were raised, almost on their doorstep. Or perhaps it is just the wealth of Urizen that calls them, like carrion birds. Either way, they do not plan to simply ''hold'' Elos. They plan to remove it as a threat. Permanently.

To that end, they have brought with them a misshapen sphere of tempest jade seized from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple_of_Tempest_Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]] in distant [[Bay of Catazar#Raineach|Raineach]]. A treasure of High Priestess Shivaarn plundered from her stronghold and brought here to the shores of Redoubt. A thing of the [[Siakha|Maelstrom]] intended to unleash absolute devastation against the harbour and the spire, to absolutely devastate them so that there might be no thought of Urizen or Highguard raising navies here. A show of strength and power. Not a crude burning such as the Asaveans forced in Siroc, but a careful and calculated excisement. The removal of a thorn.

(And if that attack also destroys the Tower of Light and Shadow… well it’s doubtful the spies and agents of the Broken Shore will weep overlong with that particular annoyance dealt with).

The talisman will kill, most likely, a lot of people as well. There is every chance it will destroy not only Elos, but may threaten the mouth of the Couros itself and perhaps even [[Necropolis#The Necropolis|the Necropolis]] which after all is barely more than a bridge away to the west. Apparently this is a price the Grendel are prepared to pay to send an unequivocal message to the people of the Empire. That ''they'' own the Bay of Catazar, and that ships sail it at ''their'' whim.

It would be easy for the Fist of the Mountains to leave the Grendel to it, to let them destroy the port, to kill those people, to unleash ruinous [[Spring magic]] whose full reach cannot be predicted. But these are the heroes of Wintermark and they will not allow such an atrocity to take place. This is the Fist of the Mountains, and while there are dark omens, and dread grows, there is also hope. It will be no easy task, but it will need to be done swiftly if it is to work. There is no time for the heroes of Anvil to pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] - so overwhelming has the Grendel attack been that it must be faced ''now'' or Elos will be lost and who can say for sure what else may be threatened as well. The omens are clear.

The catastrophe sphere is being erected in the plaza at the heart of the harbour, and it is there the heroes of Wintermark must strike if they are to end the Grendel scheme. They mirror, in a way, the Grendel attack. They move hard and fast, driving their blade deep into the heart of the Grendel occupying forces. Their assault takes the southern orcs and their mercenaries by surprise, exploits the fact that so many of them are bent on plunder and keen to ensure that ''they'' not their fellows get first bite of the apple.

They break the perimeter of Grendel-held Redoubt, and they do not stop. They have barely stopped since they left Madruga, and exhaustion must be taking a heavy toll, but they will not, cannot let this horror unfold while they are there to take action. Lives are spent to get as many warriors as possible to the heart of Elos, back into the settlement they had been driven out of. So many lives. The Urizen sentinels support them of course, but it is Wintermark that must pay the price and take the lead, and all the farsight and omens in the wide world can only take one so far.

Vicious fighting ignites again in Elos, but this time it is the Imperial Winterfolk attacking a Grendel-held settlement. More lives paid to get to the heart of the harbour. A cordon of sneering Asavean mercenaries stands between the heroes and their quarry, but they are no match for the blades of the ‘Mark. More specifically, they are no match for the dead, the Winter spirits clad now as often in Grendel husks as in Leaguish ones. They fall on the Asaveans, whose arrogant contempt turns to chaotic terror as the beasts start to feast. The heroes of Wintermark are right behind and more blood spilled, more brave soldiers fall whose bodies will not find their place in the marshes of the Sovennan.

At the last, the Grendel magicians and their Lord themselves fight, to keep the Empire at bay. As the dead feast, as it becomes clear that, impossibly, the Fist of the Mountains cannot be stopped, one of the Grendel tries to bring that ugly, squatting sphere of tempest jade to life. A crackling green glow blossoms within it…

''The last few runes land and lie still. The [[Tykonus|banner]]. The [[Lann|hound]]. The [[Feresh|eagle]]. Only one more still tumbles.''

… and then a two-handed hammer smashes against the crystal. Once, twice, a third time, cracking, cracking, and then shattering the infernal crystalline eye wide open. An unknown warrior of Wintermark, with a great hammer, and the courage of [[Inga Tarn]] herself flowing in their veins, ends the Grendel scheme. Breaks the priceless orb into a thousand pieces. The energy within hurls everyone in the plaza to the ground as it discharges and there is a moment of creaking silence.

Elos still stands. The harbour still stands, the spire. The waters of the Bay continue to surge, the Couros continues to flow, and the clouds that gather are nothing more than clouds. It starts to rain.

The price though… the price that has been paid.

''The last rune lands, and the silence falls. The [[Yoorn|shears]].''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yoorn.png|title=Rune: Yoorn|align=right}}

==Like Rain On The Mountain==
The Fist of the Mountains have paid that price. Like the first [[Burning Falcon#History|Burning Falcon]] at [[Kallavesa#Ishal|Ishal]]. Like the [[Hounds of Glory]] at the [[Cost#Glory|Towers of Dusk]]. Like the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]] [[under eastern skies]]. The cost of stopping the Grendel destroying Elos, and risking so much else beside; the cost of ensuring that the libraries of the spires remain unlooted; the cost of slowing the Grendel, of confining them to Naris; of winning Urizen vital breathing space. That cost, that price, has been the Fist of the Mountains. The eldest of the Wintermark armies has fallen. The skein has been cut with the black iron shears that end all things in time.

They cut a swathe through the might of the Grendel with foresight and irrepressible courage. They taught the haughty Asaveans to fear. They seized victory even if it cost them everything else. They will sing songs of the Fist of the Mountains in Kallavesa, and in Hahnmark, and in Sermersuaq.

And everywhere else, as well, if the scops have any say in the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofRedoubt.png|caption=Dangerous lowlands and fortified citadels|title=Regions of Redoubt|align=right|width=500}}
==Game Information==
* '''Grendel forces have seized Naris and are seven-tenths of the way toward conquering Siluri'''
* '''They now control Elos, including several commissions there, and the Tower of Light and Shadow'''
* '''The Fist of the Mountains army has disbanded'''
The Grendel have launched a major assault against Redoubt along with five Asavean battleships. They took the port at Elos, and then quickly spread to capture the whole of [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]]. They are seven-tenths of the way toward claiming [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]] as well.

As the Grendel have captured the [[Elosian_Architect#Great_Harbour_at_Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]], the [[Elosian Architect]] and the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] have lost access to their ministries. The [[fleet]] owners of Redoubt have also lost the [[great work]] benefit provided by the harbour.

They have likewise, seized the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] removing the ability of the [[Penumbral Watcher]] to gain further resources. It’s not clear if they have penetrated the tower, but it is no longer in Imperial hands. They are also threatening the [[Prelate_of_Adelmar%27s_Shrine|Academy of Arms]] in Siluri, but at the moment the shrine there, dedicated to [[Adelmar the Lion]] remains in Imperial hands.

The Fist of the Mountains army has disbanded, due to the overwhelming force brought against it. The brave sacrifice of the heroes of Wintermark has stopped the Grendel from destroying the Great Harbour at Elos, and causing significantly more damage as well. It also ensured that the Grendel would not take Siluri this season as well as Naris; prevented them from looting any significant magical texts; and ensured that the majority of Urizen in the invaded regions were able to flee to safety.

While the Fist of the Mountains have put paid to the Grendel using the stolen boon of Siakha to devastate Elos, they are still in possession of the region where it stands. Without a swift and effective response from the Empire it is eminently possible they will fall back on purely mundane means to achieve their goal - destroying the Great Harbour and with it the Hesychian Docks and perhaps the Tower of Light and Shadow as well. Unless they change strategies (and with the Grendel, nothing is ever guaranteed), these three commissions will be ruined by the start of the Winter Solstice if they are not dealt with.

===The Dead===
*'''There are a thousand winter spirits in Naris
Unfortunately, when they disbanded, the Fist of the Mountains was [[enchantment|enchanted]] with dangerous [[Winter magic]]. The ritual had nearly run its course - indeed the general seems to mention in their orders of planning to unleash them in the [[Sarangrave]] - but with the destruction of the army the spirits have been freed prematurely.

It is not clear what this means, but there is a thousand-strong force of unliving husks, motivated entirely by the desire to feed on mortal flesh, loose in Naris now. They will certainly remain for at least a season, after which they will ‘’probably’’ retreat back to the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]... but that is by no means a certainty in a place as powerfully magical as Urizen. Indeed, there are still unliving horrors in parts of [[Zenith]] from last time the ritual ended in Urizen.

Regardless, they represent an unknown danger. Destroying their bodies is rarely enough to do more than slow them down - the spirit simply finds another corpse to inhabit. And while they most often take a new body from those nearby they can in theory inhabit a cadaver anywhere in the same territory.

===Hunger of the Gulls===
* '''A significant portion of the Grendel force were involved in raiding
A significant portion of the Grendel army was engaged in looting and plundering, rather than focusing on taking land or fighting the defenders of Redoubt. They have seized a significant amount of wealth, especially crystal mana and valuables. They have not, however, managed to claim any significant magical works - the Fist of the Mountains has ensured that the spires of south-western Redoubt were able to retreat safely.

It's probable that this vicious raid has had an impact on the Imperial Treasury, however. Redoubt is perhaps the richest of the Urizen territories, and Elos has become one of the wealthiest spires in the territory. Precisely how much impact this will have will need to be seen - the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] will likely be the first to know.
===And Finally...===
* '''Eilian Sweetwater, is unaccounted for; he was involved in an extended appraisal of the historical lighthouses of the Empire
Given the significance of events going on in Redoubt, one final matter almost gets overlooked. During the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate approved a requested sabbatical from [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], in which he intended to make a study of the Empire's historic lighthouses. The first historic lighthouse he was asked to look at was the fallen lighthouse of Nikophoros... in Redoubt. Sweetwater certainly reached Elos shortly before the Grendel attack, and was known to be looking for a captain prepared to take him and his companions to the rock where the lighthouse once stood. Unfortunately, nobody has any idea what happened to him after that.

It's possible he died during the raid, or is somewhere among those fleeing the Grendel advance. It's possible he has fallen into the hands of the invaders - either the Broken Shore or the Asaveans. It's possible he and his friends are currently sat on a desolate rock in the Bay of Catazar with no way to communicate with anyone that doesn't risk attracting the attention of the invaders. Either way, it is ''very'' unlikely he will be providing his report on the lighthouse during the Autumn Equinox.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lock&KeyIllustrationInk.JPG|title=The Lock and The Key (Illus.)|align=right|width=256|height=240}}
==Battle Opportunities==
* '''The Imperial Prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate
* '''There is some inexplicable astronomantic effect that is making it hard to discover details about the conjunction
The prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that they believe will allow Imperial heroes to travel to Redoubt during the coming summit. They are unable at this time to be certain precisely where it will open, or what opportunities it might present, but they are doing their best to discover the answer. Apparently recent developments with [[the Lock]] and [[the Key]] constellations are making it tricky to nail down any certainties here.

Any port in a storm

2025-09-04T21:09:29Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The group of academics leaned back on the bog chairs their hosts had provided. The evening meal, a mixed seafood grill had been delicious. Served on a bed of rice and artfully presented on thick green leaves that also added a subtle flavour to the meal. It had made a pleasant change from the spiced and cured sausage that was the mainstay of many Holberg meals. What was needed now was a few tankards of the city's finest ale, but sadly that was in very short supply way out here in Misericorde.

"I don't think I've ever been spied on before! Well, not by such charming hosts." Gelberg grinned at his colleagues.

"I hardly think the girl's a spy!" said Heinrich openly laughing at the suggestion. "She's a guide - and a damn good one too. I would have trod in that bog up to my waist if she hadn't been there to point it out."

"You haven't spent enough time with her yet. She pestered me with questions all day. All day! How does this work in the Commonwealth. How do you build a cantilevered crane lift? What's the best diameter for a borehole well?"

"So she's inquisitive! There's nothing wrong with that surely?" protested Heinrich.

"Inquisitive? I think not. Have you noticed that she occasionally sneaks off? You said she was off playing with the other kids. Well she wasn't - I caught her. She was writing everything I said down... She was making notes! She could be working for the Jarmish!"

Gelberg's tone was one of outrage, but Heinrich still couldn't quite tell if his boss was being serious or whether it was just mock indignation. "You're not... actually worried about her... are you Immy? She's our host's niece, she seems lovely."

"Don't be fooled by that!" said Gelberg and spread his hands wide as if to encapsulate some terrible danger before unveiling the punch line. "I know a student searching for extra-credit when I see one!"

Heinrich rolled his eyes and groaned at his supervisor's terrible joke. The cost of not having thought to bring any ale with them suddenly seemed a lot higher.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreatestCity5.png|caption=Holberg is regarded as the greatest city in the League - and perhaps even the world.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpt08-13dgM}}
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even more Prosperous.

There was [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port|talk of more ports]] on [[the Semmerlak]] when [[Ossium]] was conquered. The [[Karov#Malimorzi|docks of Korotny]] were eventually expanded, but ideas to expand [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacre]] in [[Dawn]] and to build a new port in the north of Holberg never emerged. Now, the timing seems apposite - the Sand Fisher [[orc|orcs]] are eager to support any investment in the north of the territory and one of the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] families, [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|The Lijkkever]], have likewise [[Can't_give_everything_away#Schuyler_and_Holberg|expressed an interest]] in the prospect of trade with the greatest city in the world. At the Summer Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] instructed the civil service to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to [[appraisal|look into the matter]], to see what such plans might cost and what the benefits would be.

<quote by ="Senate motion, Proposed Holberg, Seconded Casinea">To instruct the Prognosticator's Office to send Naomi of Virtue's Rest to appraise constructing a port in Utterlund, in Holberg, as laid out in the suggestion from the Lijkkever families of the Sarcophan Delves. We ask Naomi to negotiate with the Lijkkever and the Sand Fisher Orcs of Misericorde for their assistance in constructing the port and associated necessary infrastructure.</quote>

==A New Port==
* '''The Senate could commission a large port in Utterlund to improve trade for Holberg and surrounding territories'''
* '''The port would provide an array of benefits and slowly establish a new town at the location'''
* '''Building the new port will harm trade at Varushkan ports on the Semmerlak'''
* '''Increases purchase prices at Korotny Docks and Kostjyas Respite in Varushka by a tenth'''
The Senate can't create a new town from nothing, but nobody is in any doubt that if the Empire builds a decent-sized port on Holberg's coast, then it will quickly grow into a thriving conurbation that might one day rival [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]. With ships bringing in valuable trade goods, there will be a constant need for stevedores to work the docks; there will be a demand for inns and hostelries to entertain landbound sailors and warehouses to hold the goods; and if the port is big enough it will draw people to it like flies to honey, and within two years a new town will have sprung up.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Imperatrix Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Utterlund, Holberg</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 white granite, 50 weirwood, and 375 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Holberg
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Holberg engaging in trade
* Boosts taxation from the territories bordering the Semmerlak by a total of 15 thrones a season
* Establishes a new town on the Holberg coast
* Establishes a ferry across the Nameless River allowing easy travel from Holberg to Ossium boosting trade between the two territories
* Reduces the cost for Holberg characters to upgrade businesses by one white granite for a year after completion
* Creates the League position Prince of the Imperatrix Docks
* Allows Holberg businesses access to purchase up to two wains of one type of bourse resource set by the Merchant-Prince of the Docks each season
* Increases purchase prices for the [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] by one tenth (rounded down)
* Includes extensive offices for the Prince and their staff
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Merchant-Prince of the Imperatrix Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes or Auction of the Seats</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can purchase goods from visiting merchants
* Can set the type of wains available to buy from the docks by winged messenger with one seasons delay</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 crowns</td><td>5 wains</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 thrones</td><td>10 wains</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 thrones</td><td>15 wains</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The port will need to be sizable, however. Too small and it will fail - incoming ships will prefer to sail on to Lacre, [[Karsk#Korotny|Korotny]], or the [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]]. Without that trade, there wouldn't be a reason for people to go there. Without enough ships docking there, Holberg merchants will be better served by sending their goods to other markets. There is no middle ground - all the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office's]] calculations agree that an [[Ambition|Ambitious]] program of works to establish a large set of docks will be a seed that grows into a mighty oak - but if the plan is too parsimonious, it will achieve nothing and end up being little more than a vanity project.

The plans themselves are not Naomi's area of speciality, but the Lijkkever have a great deal of experience with such matters and they are eager to help. In other circumstances, they might demand payment for the work done for the Empire by their skilled architects and engineers, but Naomi adroitly persuades them to provide their assistance as a sign of good faith and support for the project. She also recruits some of the most capable professionals from Holberg to work on the plans by slyly suggesting that they might not want to be outdone by their Sarcophan rivals. Together, the two groups are able to meet the brief - to create an Ambitious set of plans for a set of docks that would draw ships, businesses, and people to the shores of Holberg.

The port would be operational as soon as it was complete, enabling trade to flow to and from Holberg to the port. The [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Construct_the_Lakesedge_Highway|recently completed Lakesedge Highway]] that runs from [[Holberg#Holmauer_Park|Holmauer Gate]] to [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] would need to be extended to reach the new port on Utterlund's coast, but that work is small and the costs included in the proposed [[commission]]. Once established the port the bustling trade would cause a port town to spring up and would establish an office to oversee operations. The Docks have been provisionally titled the ''Imperatrix Docks'' in honour of the most famous scion of Holberg in living memory, the [[Empress Lisabetta]].

The Merchant-Prince of the Imperatrix Docks would be responsible for the docks and the trade, ensuring that things ran smoothly. They would have the opportunity to purchase some of the wains being sold in the port - and could use their influence with the Sarcophan to set what resources were brought to the port to sell. If they sent a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ambassador Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike at a summit, then they could determine whether it was [[mithril]], [[white granite]] or [[weirwood]] that arrived at the docks for sale. There would be a significant delay for any changes; manifests take time to be arranged so the type of wains available would change in the trade season after the following summit (that is three to six months later), so it would be prudent for [[the League]] to select a far-sighted candidate to the position.

The Merchant-Prince would not be the only one able to benefit from the arrangements. Each Holberg business would be able to purchase a small shipment of wains from the docks, with the type dependent on whatever the Merchant-Prince had ordered. For the first year of operation, it would cost three thrones for a wain or seven for two wains, but prices ''could'' vary after that point, driven by demand and circumstance.

The one drawback of the new port is that it would reduce trade to the more northern ports in the Varushka - the Docks at Korotny and [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]]. As a result, the [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] would see all the prices for their ministries increase by one tenth (rounded down) reflecting the increased prices needed to be paid to attract merchants to these more distant ports.

==The Lijkkever Connection==
* '''The motion to commission the docks could grant the Lijkkever exclusivity among the Sarcophan to use the docks'''
* '''This would reduce the costs by 20 wains of white granite and 60 crowns'''
* '''It would remove the penalty for building a commission in a marsh in Holberg'''
* '''The increase in taxation for the docks would drop from 15 thrones to 10 thrones'''
The Lijkkever are eager to embrace the opportunities provided by trade with Holberg and their help could be pivotal. Years ago, a proposal by the Sand Fishers identified Misericorde as the only part of the Holberg coast that might be suitable for a substantial port, but that was based on the assumption that nobody would be mad enough to want to build a port in a marsh. With the creeping waters of [[Holberg#The Morass|the Morass]] expanding to claim [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]], [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]], it seemed like a safe bet that the only practical choice would be Misericorde.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Lijkkever Exclusivity'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Utterlund, Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces the cost of the docks by 20 white granite and 60 Crowns
* Removes the penalty to build any commissions in the marshes of Holberg
* Reduces the increase in taxation in adjoining territories from 15 to 10 thrones
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

Normally, any [[commission]] that is built in [[Region_qualities#Marsh|a marsh]] will see labour costs increase by twenty percent, reflecting the [[Commission#Marshes|difficulties involved]] in working in such wet conditions where groundworks easily flood. However, the Lijkkever are experts at such work and whatever happens, they are prepared to lend their expertise to the project for free as a show of their good will. As a result, the normal penalty for constructing a port in a marsh does not apply to the Imperatrix Port.

However, the Lijkkever are seeking something more - they would like a fifteen year contract for exclusive access to the docks. Their ideal is that only Sarcophan vessels registered with the Lijkkever would be allowed to put to port in Holberg during that time. In return they would provide twenty wains of white granite and sixty crowns towards the cost of constructing the docks. In addition, they would establish a small Lijkkever community in the new port who would provide their skills and experience towards any commissions built in Holberg, removing the penalty for ''any'' commission built in the marshy regions.

Sadly, there is a downside to granting the Lijkkever such rights. There would still be trade from other nations around the world coming to the port and the Lijkkever are a prosperous and wealthy family, but preventing other Sarcophan from competing with them would mean less overall trade and less wealth generated for Holberg and the surrounding territories. As a result, taxes in adjoining territories would rise by a total of ten thrones a season, rather than fifteen.

Any exclusivity would need the legal agreement of the Imperial Senate, so it would ''have'' to be included in the [[Senate motion]] or [[Senate announcement|announcement]] for the commission - it could not be included later, without a separate Senate motion.

==The Sandfisher Contribution==
The Sandfishers are a little nonplussed that the Empire is now looking at building a port in Utterlund rather than [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] as [[Schools_and_sawmills#The_Lakesedge_Highway|originally proposed by '''Lia Adelaar van Holberg''']]. The Empire had built a fine road that now runs all the way from Holmauer Gate to the Misericorde coast with the stated intention of building a port at the end of it.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sandfisher '''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:''' Grant the Sandfishers their own trade enclave in the new port
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces the cost of the docks by 20 weirwood and 60 crowns
* Prevents the Empire selling weirwood to Sarcophan traders through the port
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
However, they are not slow to grasp that with the help of the Lijkkever, the Empire won't have to worry about the costs of building in the wet marshes of Utterlund. The orcs are shrewd enough to understand that the Lijkkever have very effectively undercut their offer. If they are disappointed they hide it well. They cheerfully concede that while they won't do half as well from a port built in Utterlund, as Misericorde, they're still much better off than with no port at all. And once the town develops there will be growing demand for the foodstuffs produced by the Sandfishers with a market that is right on their doorstep.

Crucially, it appears that the sept have been painstakingly preparing for something like this project for years. In Winter 383YE, [[Across_the_Abyss#Prosperity|members of the sept asked what they might do to repay the League]] for the generous gifts they had been given, the lands of Misericorde and so forth. They insisted this was important - that [[Prosperity]] demanded that they despise those who take without giving (a phrase that some Sandfishers increasingly use as a reference to the Druj). In response, the League Assembly endorsed a [[statement of principle]] by '''Lia Adelaar van Holberg''' which suggested one way the sept could help would be to support investments in the wealth of the territory.

Inspired by that goal, the sept acquired the materials to build their own [[Schools_and_sawmills#Holberg:_The_Sand_Fisher_Port|sawmills]] and have been busy preparing large stocks of timber. Kiln-dried hard wood ready for construction and surprisingly substantial stocks of [[weirwood]] have been carefully hoarded for just this moment.

Their original plan, when they expected the port to be built in Misericorde, was to contribute 20 wains of weirwood to the commission of the new port. However, since the port is now being planned for Utterlund, they have a request to make. They have apparently been speaking with the Sarcophan and have discovered the existence of the [[Houses_of_Silence#The_Alivetti_Enclave|The Alivetti Enclave]] in Sarvos. In return for their weirwood and help with the labour building the port, they would like their own enclave.

Their plan is a modest building that will include a small storehouse where they can keep goods to sell to visiting traders. They understand the League might not object to them bringing goods to the port to sell anyway, but the sept believe that having their own enclave would give them some credibility with merchants which will increase the prices they can get for them. Technically it would mean that Sandfisher law was relevant inside the building but the sept don't seem to care about that; they're more concerned about the impression the enclave will give the Sarcophan and other visitors.

There don't seem to be many ''obvious'' drawbacks to the plan, but there may be political issues that make it impossible. The lone economic flaw is that if the Empire found a way to sell weirwood through its ports, they wouldn't be able to sell weirwood at the new port, since the Sandfishers would meet any demand in that regard, from their share of the [[Holberg#The_Flaxen_Pillars|Flaxen Pillars]].

===Good Neighbours===
* '''A companion appraisal is being performed by Commonwealth Professor Gelberg that may have bearing on the matter of the port
At the same time that Naomi is engaged in her appraisal, the [[Commonwealth]] academics led by Professor Gelberg are also talking to the Sand Fishers. While Naomi's efforts are focussed on what support the sept would be able to provide for the new port, Professor Gelberg is exploring [[Threats_that_are_to_come#The_Common_Good|the possibility of the Sandfishers acquiring farms in Utterlund and Rebeshof]].

==Back At The Office==
* '''Graciana is not available to perform an appraisal during the Autumn Equinox
* '''Mladen Escovitch continues to enjoy his retirement
* '''Eilian Sweetwater is on sabbatical and also missing
While Naomi is busy in Holberg, there are a few developments at the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]] that the Imperial Senate should keep in mind during the Autumn Equinox. The number of appraisals remains the same, but there are slightly fewer appraisers to actually ''perform'' them.

At the Summer Solstice the Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|instructed]] the Prognosticators to look into ways to provide new options to some of the Empire's [[ministry|ministries]]. In the absence of specific guidance from the Senate, the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury, ''Gerard La Salle'', assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee the matter. This appraisal is quite challenging, and will take another three months to complete - it will not be finished until the Winter Solstice 387YE. As such, Graciana is not available to perform any other appraisals until that time.

The Senate also [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Grant_Sabbatical_to_Eilian_Sweetwater|approved]] a request by [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]] to take a sabbatical from the Prognosticator's Office to perform a [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#An_Extensive_Prospect|thorough investigation]] of the Empire's historic lighthouses. Unfortunately, his first such investigation into the destroyed Lighthouse of Nikophoros in [[Redoubt]] coincided with a [[To ruin|major offensive]] by the [[Grendel]]. Eilian's whereabouts are [[To_ruin#And_Finally...|currently unknown]], although hopefully wherever he is he and his companions are safe and well.

Finally, during the Summer Solstice, there was [[Hope_and_fear#Further_Appraisal|an opportunity]] to encourage the retired [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] to return to work at the Prognosticators' Office. After giving the matter due consideration, the [[Assembly of the Nine]] and the Senate decided to leave the former [[general]] to enjoy his retirement.

As such, there are only two members of the Prognosticator's Office available to perform appraisals at the Autumn Equinox - Naomi, and [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]. They both have particular areas of expertise - Naomi is adept at finding diplomatic solutions to problems, and Lutomysla is an experienced magician with a flair for dealing with magical problems or finding magical answers to thorny questions. As always, if the Senate do not specify which of the Imperial prognosticators will undertake an appraisal that decision will be made by the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury.

==Further Reading==
* [[Holberg]]
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Sarcophan Delves]]

* [[Threats that are to come]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing an appraisal by Commonwealth academics also taking place in Holberg
* [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Schuyler_and_Holberg|Can't give everything away]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to Sarcophan enthusiasm for a port in Holberg

Troop of echoes

2025-09-04T21:09:03Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.

He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing sombre, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a sombre black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.

In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokha, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.

The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.

The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.

While he writes, a servant enters, soft woollen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.

He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something ''good'' and ''powerful'' and ''destined''.

It's going to be a wonderful day.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCLmiuMv5L4}}
* '''Axos are signatories to the Liberty Pact, and relations have been slowly improving in recent seasons'''
* '''There have been recent upheavals in both the Axou and Imperial embassies as the ambassadors from both nations have changed'''
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with 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.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the [[Ambassador to Axos|Imperial ambassador]]. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. More recently they were [[A_better_future#School_and_Scandal|rocked by scandal]] leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]].

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador ''Fintan Nighthaven'' was [[revocation|revoked]] from his position and [[sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. He is succeeded in the position by ''The Flame of Riqueza'' of [[the Brass Coast]]. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=The Flame of Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
==But To Sing==
* '''A formal delegation intends to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will be received in the Senate around 11.30am on Saturday
* '''The delegation expects to speak to the ambassador and renew good relations between the two nations
* '''There is talk of other business after the formal delegation
One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the [[Sarangrave]], and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the [[Druj]] it seems that the [[A_better_future#The_Tyrants_of_the_Mallum|Summer visit]] from representatives of ''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of [[Axos#Ipotavo|Ipotavo]]'' went well. They spoke with '''Gabriel Barossa''' among others, and remain committed to taking action against the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. it is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.
==Liberty==
* '''The Axou are calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact for the Winter Solstice which they will host
* '''They plan to use Lashonar's Caucus Forum to do so
* '''They are bringing the matter of a recent amendment to the table for voting
In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is [[Voice_of_Liberty#Rights_of_Signatories|their right]]). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]] from the ''[[Lashonar|Midnight Owl]]''. The [[eternal]] has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure [[Realms#Night|chamber of Night]].

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|384YE amendment]] that demands all signatories apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They argue that the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Principles|Second Principle]] - that ''signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations'' - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the [[Voice of Liberty]] '''Jarrigk Silktongue''' on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarch Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.
{{SOP|statement= Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.|by=Tongs, Ambition Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.|by=Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly|vote=Upheld (184-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.|by=Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (5-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artefact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.|by=Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly|vote=Automatically upheld|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==A Unified Convocation==
* '''The Unified Convocation sees a number of Axou sects coming together in a tentative philosophical alliance
* '''It enshrines and encourages adherence to the Axou faith which declares the Creator a tyrant and the Labyrinth a place of torture
* '''The Imperial Synod has discussed offering aid to the Unified Convocation
As [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|mentioned last season]], in the wake of the recent cleansing of [[Axos#Solokah|Solokha]], ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou [[bands#sects|sects]] who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. it is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]], but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Ilarchs. Indeed ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to [[Axos_religion#Repudiation|repudiate]] the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that ''any'' spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more [[Malign spiritual presences|malign spirits]] in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld in the [[Ambition]] and [[Vigilance]] assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "''guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path''" and to "''Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos''." Neither statement achieved a [[Greater majority]] however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokah showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that ''their'' beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What ''is'' likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.
==Robes of Sorrow==
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan Enemy of the Creator.jpg|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, former Ambassador to Axos, has been condemned in the Empire but exalted in Axos.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''The former ambassador to Axos has been revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine
* '''The United Convocation have declared him to be an Enemy of the Creator
* '''The General Assembly could choose to vindicate Fintan for his actions'''.
One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven'''. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously [[inquisition|inquisited]] by the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] '''Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost''', and then both [[revocation|revoked]] and [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "''interesting''" that the condemnation was raised by the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]], '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', who is himself quite a [[Know_your_enemy#Take_the_Power_Back|controversial figure]].

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honorific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not dissimilar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of [[Exaltation|exalted]]. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the [[The_final_cut#Questions_for_the_Magistrates|new guidance]] as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find the actions Fintan is accused of as broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are ''not'' within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defence in law, which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has opened themselves to prosecution for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|perverting the course of justice]]. If Fintan pleads guilty, the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely, given the scale and severity of the accusation, that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A judgement of [[Sanction#Vindication|Vindication]], stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] nor [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]], would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a greater majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then, a greater majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also with their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues, but the Synod has changed its mind before.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Tomb Dust and Masks'''</big><br>The ideal phys-rep for ''tomb dust'' is a little pouch of sand or a dark coloured cloth wrap secured with string or thong. It doesn't need to be especially large - just big enough to feel comfortable in the hand.<br><br>The ideal phys-rep for a ''Mask of the Citadel'' is a bone-like mask such as china, porcelain or the like, but any mask will do. Axou masks tend to evoke skulls rather than echoing the more fanciful designs of the League (for example).</box></div>

==Pearl and Ruby Glowing==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial ships
* '''Kantor and Issyk remain open to Imperial vessels
* '''The goods available from Kantor have changed
Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]]. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|escorting ships]] to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] say, and the "[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call ''Tomb Dust'' - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of ''necromantia'' about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] may be able to acquire one of the ''Masks of the Citadel'' - [[:Category:Foci|magical foci]] that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

==Through the Pale Door==
* '''A delegation has visited the Halls of Maykop and worked on codification of a ritual
* '''A copy of ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'' is now in the possession of the Tyburn Weaver
* '''The Axos Ambassador received worrying news of potential espionage
* '''Ilarch Skopos has asked for formal reassurance that no espionage or theft has taken place
In response to a [[A_better_future#Winter Magic|peace-making gesture]] from the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]], the Imperial Conclave agreed to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Maykop|send a delegation]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'', an [[enchantment]] that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the [[Urizen]] '''Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of [[Grandmaster]] '''Tyburn Weaver''' who raised the [[declaration]]. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon.
<br><br><big>'''Participation : Shuttered Lantern'''</big><br>
Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there ''was'' a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|caption=The Axou are interested in the Five Cities Military Academy.|width=300}}</div>
==Along the Ramparts==
* '''The Axos have politely declined an offer to study at the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''A counter-proposal would see Axou captains visit Tassato to study at the Five Cities Military Academy
* '''There are both concerns about what the Axou might learn and opportunities involved in such an exchange
Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the [[Madruga#Zemress Naval Academy|Zemress Naval Academy]] in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in [[Imperial navy|naval forces]] - their expertise lies very much in the realm of [[fortification]] and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there ''is'' some interest in the [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] and the [[Tassato#Barossa School of Imperial Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]]. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Ipotavo]], [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]], and [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]] - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|current situation]] - where the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|ill-starred invasion]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the [[Imperial Military Council]] in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the [[War#Winds_of_War|winds of war]] each season). That alone ''could'' prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply ''pay'' for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 Thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the [[Imperial Senate]] made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a [[Senate motion]] to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request.
<br><br><big>'''A Proposal from Apulian'''</big><br>
''Batheka de Tassato Regario'', an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining [[the League]] points out that if the Empire ''is'' prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from [[Holberg]], and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new [[citadel]] innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their ''[[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Texatai]]'' light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the [[Urizen]] [[Sentinel]] there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate ''does'' go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some ''toxatai'' captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sian Eternal.jpg|align=right|caption='''Siân Eternal''', ''Singer of the Silence'', currently oversees the Great Library at Hacynian.|width=250}}</div>

==Wit and Wisdom==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
* '''She waits on a response from the Bursar of the House of Spirits or the Singer of the Silence
Last season ''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - [[A_better_future#Librarian_and_Bursar|expressed interest]] in the Great Library of Hacynin. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] alongside [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar]] '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the [[Singer of the Silence]] - '''Siân Eternal''' - would be interested? If so they can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.
{{Axos Links}}

The highest calling

2025-09-04T21:08:35Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"We should destroy the Druj - the Throne said so - the Synod agrees. I'm not sure why it's even a choice." Iseult leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest. She glared at the others as if daring them to disagree.

Lowen took the bait happily. "We're already doing that... we don't need the Synod to tell us to do the thing we're already doing. The ''point'' of the Synod is to ''point'' out things that need doing that nobody is bothering with." He held his arms up hands spread wide inviting the others to accept that the logic was irrefutable.

Bleydhik put his elbow on the table, arm up, hand cradling his chin. "You're both wrong," he said confidently. "What's needed is to work out what's most important - not what's needed right now - but what one thing is most important of all to us."

The other two looked at each other and grinned. Lowen shook his tankard to indicate it was empty, while Iseult drained hers. "I reckon you're right, Bleyd," said Lowen still grinning. "And what's most important of all to me... is filling my tankard... and Virtue says it's your round!"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Synod_Summer_385YE.png|caption=The [[statement of principle]] allows an assembly to guide the people of the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V-JtFgH8ks}}
Less than a year ago, the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] Cathedral used a [[The_hard_way|powerful sermon]] to call for action against the [[vallorn]] explicitly naming it as the greatest threat facing the Empire - one that demanded sacrifices are made to defeat it. All while the Empire continues to [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|strain every sinew to bring down]] the [[Asavean_Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] and replace the power of their corrupt priesthood with the Virtue of [[the Way]], even as they try to complete the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]].

Inspired by the Archbishop's sermon, the General Assembly had an [[opportunity]] to settle the matter by throwing its moral weight behind a single choice. A greater majority in support of any one of these great causes would have united people behind that Ambition, elevating it above all others. Instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. They passed a mandate by '''Brynn Tendfallen''' calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what Ambition was most important to them.

That mandate has a far-reaching impact; for now, the influence of the General Assembly has weakened, with people paying less attention to statements of principle that fall short of a greater majority. Instead they are focused on their own national and Virtue Assembly. If an assembly can clearly elucidate a single issue provided it is identified as something of singular importance. People are not going to respond to claims that an Ambition is the highest, 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 emphasize 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.

==The Highest Calling==
* '''For the next year a specially worded statement of principle passed by certain national assemblies, and all virtue assemblies, will have additional impact provided it achieves a greater majority'''
* '''Any Virtue assembly or any national assembly except Urizen, Varushka and Wintermark are eligible'''
* '''Statements of principle that pass the General Assembly with a lesser majority in the next year will not create a response beyond Anvil'''
This decision has fundamentally weakened the authority of the General Assembly - at least for now. 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 ignored by folk beyond Anvil, whose attention will be on the words of their national and Virtue assembly.
{{SOP|statement=Aim high; pursue your dreams. We send Bryn Tendfallen 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.|by=Brynn Tendfallen, General Assembly|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|vote=1259-294}}
As a result, at any point during the next year, most other assemblies can use a single judgement to explicitly pick one agenda that they believe people should pursue above all others. The judgement would still need to achieve a greater majority, but assuming it does then it will be especially inspirational to the nation or those dedicated to the virtue. [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]], and [[Varushka]] are '''''not''''' affected by this decision, since the people of those nations openly question the leadership of the Synod and this mandate did not get a greater majority, but any other nation and any of the Virtue assemblies could take advantage of this option.

To do so, the assembly must pass a [[statement of principle|statement]] that clearly names a single goal or agenda that they wish the faithful to pursue above all others. If that statement concludes with the words ''"This is the highest calling of our assembly."'' then it will have the same impact on the people of that nation, or the devotees of that Virtue, as if it had been passed by the General Assembly. It will be guaranteed to [[Statement_of_principle#Outcome|have an effect]] of some kind. As always, though, it is impossible to predict what that effect might be in advance.

<quote by="national or Virtue assembly">... ''This is the highest calling of our assembly.''</quote>

Each assembly can only pick one thing as their highest calling - once that decision is made any future attempts to pick a new highest calling will be ignored. If a single Assembly passes two statements of principle both of which name a highest calling, then the statement of principle with the greatest margin of support will be the one that is embraced by people.

This opportunity remains available for the next year. An assembly need not respond immediately - they could declare a goal to be the assembly's highest calling at any time until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE. While it may seem most effective to embrace a cause quickly, those assemblies that chose to delay will be in a position to respond to events as they change in the coming year.

A choice like this will always carry heavy consequences. The assemblies of [[Highguard]], [[Navarr]] and [[the League]] have all been vocal in support of the goal of defeating the [[vallorn]], for example. Once an assembly declares an Ambition to be their highest calling, other opportunities are likely to fall away as people focus on the single most important task. Opportunities to pursue other challenges may be lost if they are not in keeping with an assembly's new "highest calling".

There is a price for such dedication of course - if the Assembly throws their weight behind a single cause in this dramatic fashion then people will put their shoulder to the wheel to support it. They will take the assembly at its word and assume that this goal transcends all others. Any further attempt to name some other issue as the highest calling of the assembly way will have no effect until a year has passed.

==Choices==
* '''The Civil Service has put together some general guidance regarding statements of principle'''
The seven eligible national assemblies and the eight virtue assemblies could all chose to throw their weight behind a single cause, or they could all chose very different options. There are no limits on what a statement of principle could say - the business of the Synod covers every part of the Imperial domain. There are some recurrent themes however, which are common with statements of principle, which the civil service can provide general guidance on.

===Defeat an enemy===
Any assembly could use their highest calling to seek the defeat of a threat or enemy of the Empire. This won't make [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] or [[military unit|warbands]] any more effective in battle - the Empire's soldiers are already committed to the fight. Even when it is unified and able to speak with one voice, it is very difficult for the Synod to change the tide of war in this way. Statements like this are more likely to reduce the effectiveness of armies that don't follow the guidance provided by the Synod. If a nation assembly claims that fighting a named enemy is a nation's highest calling, then their armies are likely to be ''less'' willing to fight on other fronts.

Statements have been effective in the past at ''changing'' the way Imperial soldiers fight. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] assembly were able to encourage their armies to hold back in the conquest of the Barrens to try to win support for their cause. Urged on by their Synod, the Dawnish armies sacrificed military success for a better diplomatic outcome. As that conflict ultimately demonstrated, these strategies are rarely successful unless conducted with the support of a nation's generals.

===Destroy the Vallorn===
Any assembly could try to build on the success of Navarr and Imperial historians in [[A thousand years of longing|gathering together every source of information]] on the [[vallorn]] to confirm the findings in ''On the Nature of the Vallorn'' and reveal how the vallorn might finally be defeated. Ultimately the decision to tackle the vallorn is a political one, it is a question of priorities and political influence. Unless the nations that support fighting the vallorn have enough political support to push their agenda, other priorities will always be placed ahead of it.

Any of the eligible assemblies could declare the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling. The more focused such calls are - in terms of identifying what would help, the more change they will result in options to help the Empire prepare for the coming battle. Such options won't remove the need for resources to build armies and raise fortifications but they could provide other options which have the potential to make the political argument easier to win.

===Convert Nonbelievers===
Any assembly could name a group they wish to convert to [[the Way]]. The larger, the more powerful, more unified, and more distant a group is, the costlier such efforts will be. The initial outcome of a general statement seeking to begin the conversion of a new group, would most likely be an opportunity for members of that assembly to find out more about the target's existing religious beliefs. Where the Empire already possesses such intelligence, such as with the [[Asavea|Asaveans]], [[iron Confederacy|Suranni]], [[Faraden]], or [[Axos|Axou]], then statements that built on that information would be more effective - the more precise a statement is, the more likely it is to identify some course of action that isn't currently being prioritised. Actually converting a faction of the target group to the Way is unlikely to be possible without significant diplomatic consequences.

===Build a Commission===
An eligible Assembly could use a statement of principle to declare ''any'' commission to be their highest calling. That could be the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] or it could be an important [[fortification]] or any major [[commission]]. A [[runeforge]], [[college of magic]] or a [[great work]], could all benefit from the support of the Synod. Such a commission need not even be one in progress - people are perfectly capable of ''imagining'' a commission the Senate ''could'' approve - and putting their support behind it.

Such support wouldn't take the form of wains donated to support the commission - but it could provide benefits that help with the cost by finding ways to make the construction more achievable such as trading other resources for materials or helping to defray other costs. It could help a commission overcome specific shortcomings; a nation might find a way to [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|support more armies]] or overcome the limitations to allow them to build a college of magic or a runeforge. The most likely outcome would be options for the assembly to increase the costs of the commission to allow it to provide enhanced or additional benefits.

===Strengthen the Faithful===
Any eligible nation or Virtue assembly could make strengthening the faithful their highest calling. Ultimately the Empire is the sum of its parts - strengthening a nation can help to make the Empire more powerful, even as it advances the cause of that nation. It's not effective for a nation's assembly to call on members of the nation to simply work harder, but they could identify some novel goal that could strength the nation but which isn't currently being worked on. Or they could chose a different nation they think is in need of help and aim to support them.

Likewise, any virtue assembly could urge the faithful to support a nation as it tries to overcome the challenges it faces. However they could also look to improve their own position, looking to strengthen the faithful of that Virtue. As with any statement, the wording is crucial. A statement of principle can shift the focus of the faithful to a novel cause, but it won't persuade them to do things that run against their cultural traditions. For example, the Dawnish Assembly could call on magicians to support their armies, but urging the Dawnish nobility to focus on the nation's finances will be met with open opposition.

==Game Design==
Any [[statement of principle]] that passes an assembly with a greater majority could lead to an [[opportunity]] if the circumstances are right. In most circumstances, statements that urge members of an assembly to work harder, or strive to achieve something they are already pursuing have little or no effect. This is because the faithful are already working as hard as they can on these goals - they cannot do more no matter how hard the Synod urges them to do so. Statements that run contrary to the status quo, that are controversial or divisive are much more likely to create an opportunity for a mandate because they represent changes to the status quo. In that case, a wind of fortune can explore the implications of changes the Synod have called for - with opportunities to choose whether to proceed or not.

This wind of fortune presents a guaranteed opportunity for every nation and every virtue assembly to get a response to a single favoured statement of principle. That overrides the normal rules that would prevent an uncontroversial statement from having a significant impact, but it doesn't change the fundamental approach. Statements that would lead to a change of approach or outlook, statements that would breed controversy or conflict will ''always'' have a more dramatic effect than statements that simply urge people to knuckle down and support the status quo.

War is a common example of this. Exhorting Imperial soldiers to fight harder rarely provides any improvements in their fighting strength. All Imperial armies include priests in their ranks who tender to the spiritual needs of the soldiers, providing sermons on the Way to the faithful. They spread the teachings of the Synod and guide their congregations. Imperial soldiers are not fanatics but morale is high, buttressed by the belief that they will reincarnate quickly if they live a virtuous life.

As such, trying to use the Way to motivate soldiers to do more to kill the enemy or conquer territory faster has no little or no effect because these soldiers are already doing everything they can to achieve this goal. The Way can guide soldiers to enable them to accomplish other goals, impact their strategy, or reduce their willingness to fight in ''other'' conflicts but the devoted can't do more when they are already wholly committed to the fight.

We have previously run plots involving assemblies encouraging citizens to donate wains to support the construction of the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. Those plots have run their course and are not something we would run again. The leadership of the Synod can have a powerful effect on the campaign, changing the way people think and act, but it isn't a simple substitute for the wealth controlled by the Bourse. The citizens who attend Anvil are the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in the Empire - it is the player-characters who control the wains needed to build commissions - not the NPCs.

Any assembly could name a specific commission as their highest calling, but the resulting mandate wouldn't reduce the costs or pay for the commission. It might provide options for an Assembly to pay the costs in other ways, with other materials, or by paying a heavy political price instead - but it won't just produce wains to fund the commission. Those must be obtained on the field at Anvil.

The Synod can use statements of principle to encourage the devoted to reach out to a neighbouring power to try and convert them to the Way. As experience with the Lasambrians demonstrates, encouraging a group of people to embrace the Virtues or the Way does not make them allies of the Empire. If a group already has a reason to be grateful to the Empire, like the Sand Fishers who were freed from the Druj and given rich lands of their own to live on, then the Way can build on those links. Strengthening bonds of [[Loyalty]] and [[Prosperity]] can help to cement an ally's positive relationship with the Empire. But a group that is hostile to the Empire won't be won over, even if they are persuaded to embrace the Virtues or adopt the Way. Sharing a faith doesn't make them any more inclined to ''like'' the Empire. People who feel [[Ambition|Ambitious]] and [[Pride|Proud]] and filled with [[Courage]] are more likely to oppose the Empire, and fight all the harder for their own interests.
==Further Reading==
* [[The greatest plurality]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to the attempt to guide the Imperial Synod
* [[The hard way]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune relating to grand ambitions

* [[Statement of principle]]
* [[Assembly]]

Because they must

2025-09-04T21:08:08Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Honour and Loyalty.jpg|caption=Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==The Honourable and the Loyal==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsFSM87HFM}}
The [[Tusks]] fight in the [[Mournwold]], and the [[Burning Falcon]] beside them. Two armies to complete the liberation of the Mournwold from the [[Jotun]]. The only major forces that remain are those champions loyal to the dead Jarl Haakon, battling desperately from the keep of [[Mournwold#Farstrider’s Watch|Farstrider’s Watch]]. It is not clear what they hope to achieve. The armies of the King and the Queen are engaged elsewhere. There seems to be no reinforcement coming. Perhaps they seek nothing more than an honourable death in battle, to secure themselves a place alongside their Jarl on the far side of the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]]. If that is what they want, then the Imperial armies will give it to them in spades.

It’s perhaps hard to imagine what General Flowers would make of the fact the Jotun have holed up in the castle that bears her name. For many of those who fight here - Marcher and Jotun alike - there is a bitterness in the air. A sorrow. The [[Mournwold#Greensward|Greensward]] is, ultimately, where the thirty year domination of the Jotun over the Mournwold came to an end. It is the site of the terrible siege of Orchard’s Watch, of the darkest magic, of battles that tore the soul of the land as much as they rent its fabric. Most of the ghosts may have gone now, but [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour.27s_Rest|Honour’s Rest]] still watches over the [[Mournwold#The_ruins_of_Overton|ruins of Overton]]. There are plenty of memorials here to the scars that war, and the twin banes of [[Winter magic|Winter]] and [[Spring magic|Spring]], can leave behind.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks"> Soldiers take heed. I am tired of the constant struggle, of how much we have lost in this war. Yet the end is in sight. Soon we will Rest, Recover, Rejoice, but only can we do so if every last Jotun has been driven from the soil of the Mourn. I respect the Champions of Haakon and the oath they made. Let us show them how seriously we take our own. Leave none to contest our claim to the Mourn. Make steady conquest on Farstrider's Watch. The Cow-wrangling Minister for Historical Research, kin of general Flowers, will bear the Brock Banner. He will lead the way, I will race you to the battlements.</quote></div>
The Burning Falcon, as is their wont, [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|hurl themselves into the fray]]. They go where the enemy is strongest and they break them. They pay a price, but in some cases it seems that some of the Jotun veterans fighting here intentionally seek to face them in battle knowing that even if they lose they will do so gloriously. Alongside the Freeborn march a cohort of [[Knights of Glory|elfin knights]] drawn from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. They exult in the glorious tactics of the Burning Falcon, inspiring greater and greater passion in those they fight alongside.

The Tusks, as is ''their'' wont, are not given to reckless charges but move methodically and steadily south, consolidating as they go, ensuring that while there may be a blood price to end the occupation of the Greensward [[Army_orders#Steady_Conquest|as little of it as possible]] is paid by the Marchers. As the proverb goes, if blood must be shed best it’s your enemy that sheds it.

The Jotun engage the Imperial armies as soon as they set foot on the Greensward, but they are overmatched and outnumbered. They sell their lives dearly, but for every soldier of the Empire that falls another dozen or more are ready to fill the gap. Reinforcements from [[Mournwold#Landskeeper’s Bulwark|Landskeeper’s Bulwark]] are barely needed. The [[Irra Harah|Prince of a Thousand Foes]], his [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|green woven wards]] persisting in [[Mournwold#Alderly|Aldery]] for another season, does little to help the Empire, but likewise his aid isn’t ultimately necessary. Their harassment of the Jotun continues, but his children seem more concerned with protecting the thralls - human and orc - caught between the armies, to ensure they find safety, or sanctuary, or the tools they need to defend themselves against the conquerors.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Aracelis i Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">For season we have fought in the coast but we are One Empire and the Marches call for help to heal a wound. The Brass Coast do not forget what has been written. We do not forget the aid given to us. I do not forget my friends. Mournwold will be whole by fire and friendship, Freeborn and Marches walk with us and see loyalty given to our Empire.</quote></div>
==Fire In The Grass==
The Empire spreads swiftly across the Greensward. The Burning Falcon smash the defenders of the [[Singing Caves]], while the Tusks assault Farstrider’s Watch. It is clear from the outset that the last Jotun warbands defending the fortification will not prevail. They fight bravely, but it is not enough. Indeed, the battle lasts as long as it does only because they all seem to possess a modicum of seemingly supernatural endurance. Yet for all that, the gate is shattered, the walls breached, the halls scoured, the war in the Mournwold ended. For now at least.

It may be that some of the Jotun sought to surrender, to lay down their blades and be taken as thralls, but the General of the Tusks left clear instructions that none should be left to contest the Marcher claim to the Mourn. Perhaps the best way to show respect for the oath of the Jotun, for the oath of Jarl Haakon not to leave the Mournwold again, is to ensure that they do not. Perhaps they all sought to fight to the last, to earn their passage to the lands beyond where the ancestors live. The only people who know for sure are the soldiers who fought them.

Regardless, when the sun rises, it rises over a Mournwold where Farstrider’s Watch is empty of Jotun. Whatever warbands survive - those who for whatever reason were not present - are hunted as outlaws and brigands now. They may manage to escape to [[Liathaven]] but the angry folk of Sarcombe, and the Bounders Hall, lie between them and safety.

The sun shows the devastation of Farstrider’s Watch. The fighting may have been short lived, and somewhat one-sided, but the Jotun did not go down easily. By all rights, the castle itself should be in ruins and yet… it is not. It still stands, barely intact enough to resist a stiff wind, yet it stands. Impossible. Whispers of ‘’miracle’’ and ‘’the General watches’’ spread quickly. The [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] point out that there is a potent [[enchantment]] of [[Summer magic]] rippling through the foundations, through the stone of the fortification, [[Stalwart Stand on Solid Ground|keeping it from complete collapse]]. Not everyone accepts this explanation, of course. Sometimes, even the most hard-headed soldiers wish to believe that there is something, or someone, watching over them.
==Into Night==
Jarl Haakon is dead, and so are his remaining champions. The Mournwold belongs to the Marchers now, from border to border. The Tusks have held true to their oaths, and the people of the Mournwold will not soon forget it. They know, now, that when they are in need ‘’their army’’ will protect them and that is not a thing to be underestimated. For now though, the cost must be counted, the dead buried or burnt on pyres of applewood and birch, and the future left to fend for itself until the job is done.

==Game Information==
* '''The Mournwold is now entirely in Marcher control'''
* '''The Singing Caves are under Imperial control again'''
* '''Farstrider’s Watch has survived only due to the Summer enchantment placed on it by Imperial magicians'''
With the conquest of Greensward, Mournwold is once again fully Imperial, part of the Marches. This includes the [[Singing Caves]] mithril mine, which will be available for the Imperial Senate to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocate]] at the Autumn Equinox. As with the Fangs [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Allocate_the_Fangs|last winter]], the Civil Service will raise an [[administrative motion]] during the Friday evening session if no [[senator]] raises the motion themselves. The Bourse seat could, of course, be allocated either Imperial (determined by [[public auction]]), or National for the Marches (determined by [[Tally of the Votes]]). While the seat was previously a Marcher national seat, there is no requirement for the Senate to decide to restore it to their control.

Farstrider’s Watch still stands but it is in a parlous state. The Summer enchantment cast by [[Dawn|Dawns]] ''Coven of Golden Wings'' provided the defenders with a modicum of supernatural endurance, without which the fortification would have been ruined in the process of rooting out the garrison. Unlike [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]], where this enchantment was [[Shallows_and_miseries#The_Flames_of_Fort_Braydon|last used]], the castle holds together just well enough that there is time to repair it. If the castle is still below 1,000 strength when the enchantment fades - which will happen shortly before the Summer solstice 388YE - the fortification will collapse. It’s possible that [[Fortification#Automatic Repair|mundane maintenance]] may be enough to restore the fort, but relying on it will be risky if the Jotun return. More likely someone will need to [[Fortification#Emergency Repair|repair the fort]] with white granite or weirwood. Unfortunately, a ritual such as [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]] will ''not'' work in this case - because any new enchantment will replace the Stalwart Stand, causing the castle to collapse.

==Participation==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:Tusks Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Tusks]]</div>
===The Tusks===
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Tusks 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 Tusks as they upheld their oath toward the people of the Mournwold may receive a special benefit.
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported the Tusks this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. If they receive an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], from a fellow Marcher, they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Autumn 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, ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony, 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.

In the event that a character loses or changes their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained again.

===Burning Falcon===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:BurningFalcon Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Burning_Falcon]]</div>
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Burning Falcon receive a potent benefit
The Knights of Glory are powerful soldiers summoned from the Summer Realm and often exert a subtle influence over the mortals they fight alongside - especially when the army and its [[Army orders|orders]] are in synch with their mistress [[Eleonaris]]. The Burning Falcon engaged in a triumphant charge against a fortified region this season, and the Knights cheerfully egged them on at every turn. The fight also involved a castle powerfully enchanted with [[Summer magic]], and together these factors have led to a powerful ‘’boon’’ for the military units that fought alongside the Freeborn army.

The captain of any military unit that fought alongside the Burning Falcon begins the Autumn Equinox with an [[enchantment]] - [[Glory to the Sovereign]]. This gives them two ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and 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.

As well as the game benefits, the aura creates a [[roleplaying effects|roleplaying effect]]: you feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.

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.
==Further Reading==
* [[Mournwold]]
* [[Shovels and spades]] - 387YE Summer Wind of War about the battle in the Mourn
* [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#The_Hill_Path|If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Mournwold
* [[Over western hills]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War about the fighting in the Mournwold
* [[The wild wind rises]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War for the Mournwold
* [[Standards]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War in which the invasion begins

Diadem on my brow

2025-09-04T21:06:41Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>
Do you hear the beating of the drums, Cousins?

The thunderous rhythm of marching boots?

For almost as long as the Empire has stood, it has lived with the Druj at its door. Every citizen can name some sordid wound inflicted on them or their siblings by this monstrous threat. Never before has the Empire been able to truly face the prospect of complete victory.

Until now.

When I stood before the Senate two years ago to make my claim for the Throne, I stated that under my leadership, the Empire would be able to choose where it fights. I promised to end the constant scramble between peace treaties, the crying need for new development and taxation, always holding on until the next wave of barbarians came for us. To truly conquer, to truly liberate, to truly expand our Empire and the Way across the continent. I keep my promises.

The first step was my push for militarisation. To build more armies to cover our fronts and attack outwards. And the Empire answered my call in ways I could not have imagined. Six armies mustering in the space of a year and a half. And now we put them to use.

The time has come to destroy the Druj Empire. To conquer their land and liberate their septs. This is my will, and I will see it done. We will see it done. And when the dust clears, we will look at the spoils of our work: the souls we have saved, the prosperity we have built, our children safe from fear, and each citizen will not just be able to imagine what the Empire can do, but see it and hold a piece of it for themselves.

Make no mistake, this will be no easy feat. This will require hard choices. It will require pragmatism. It is a foolish Schlacta who strays from the path to hunt pelts and leaves her Vale undefended. And it is a foolish general who abandons their cousins in the West and South to find fame in the East. Our Ambition does not mitigate the Loyalties we owe across the Empire. The Imperial Hearth is for all, and no Imperial home, be it in Bregasland or Therunin, will be forgotten in our push for victory. I will ensure that none go undefended, by whatever means I must.

And so I ask this of you, Citizens, my Cousins. Stand with me. Stand with me, knowing we are on the verge of the unprecedented. Stand with me, knowing that the road ahead is paved with blood and gore and bile. Stand with me, knowing the sacrifices you will have to make and the things that must be done before we will taste victory.

Stand with me, and I will make you this promise. When the sun rises many years from now and you have earnt your rest. When your young people sit at your feet and you are asked where you were the day the Druj fell. You will be able to say, ‘I did my part.’ And the horror we have known all our lives will be a mere fireside story.

This season I would like to commend:

Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka, for his essential role in forging the path the Military Council now walks on the Eastern front.

The Order of the Golden Pyramid, for the effective funding of their grand lodge and their continued work towards Conclave’s economic engagement.

Vauraus Korppitkotka, for his vigilant intervention at this summit’s Bourse Auction and Otmar van Holberg, Morgan Townsend von Holberg, Ezekial of Adina's Charge, Pipski Bearonovitch Strascovich and the recently chronicled hero Lumi Warmthbringer for their prosperous investments to the Imperial budget.

Llewellyn Leafstalker, for his long years of service to the Imperial Senate and his continued commitment to supporting the Imperial economy.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.

Emperor Vesna<br>
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder.<br>
</ic>
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Beating of the Drums.jpg|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae3lSqvyLDQ}}
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]], sending a message to all Imperial citizens. As with other uses of this power, the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond. It concerns the fight against the [[Druj]], and calls on everyone to commit themselves to the destruction of that cruel nation to the east of the Empire.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for the Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

Threats that are to come

2025-09-03T09:12:26Z

Novemberalice: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The dowsers reports are in sir." said the young woman, holding up a set of paper sheaves. She extended her hand forwards as if to hand them to the sombre man sat behind the dark wooden desk, but at the last minute she changed her mind and placed them on top of the smooth mahogany.

Startled by the intrusion, Professor Gelberg looked up from the letter he was reading. He leaned forwards so that he could peer over the top of his spectacles at his student and eyed them for a moment, silently pondering what to say next. It was a bad habit that made his students nervous and he knew it, but somehow he couldn't seem to shake it. "Can you tell me what they say?" he asked at last, as much to break the silence.

"They've confirmed what we suspected from the measurements we took from the two unconfined wells on the east side of the city. They're both relatively shallow, but there is a much larger aquifer beneath it. It's covered by a thick layer of rock... it will take time to drill through it, but it's eminently possible. There's a report with them from the local engineers, they've confirmed they can make the drills we need."

"Excellent. Excellent work Carina. You've been very thorough."

Immanuel's student nodded her head quickly in acknowledgement of the praise, the faintest hint of a smile visible on her lips. "We're still waiting on the other locations, but we're cautiously optimistic. Two of the remaining sites look equally promising."

"Excellent - thank you. I'm sure our hosts will be very pleased. With luck, this is exactly what they're hoping for. You can leave these," he said pointing at the papers on the desk, "I'll read through them when I'm done here. Let me know when you hear more."

The dismissal was subtle, but Carina immediately acknowledged it and turned to leave. She was a smart woman, she'd make an excellent researcher one day, he thought to himself. That was, if she didn't end up training to be an officer like her uncle. He frowned at that thought, reminded of just how much was at stake right now.

He looked back down at the letter he'd received from Professor Schmidt and frowned again. A colleague writing him to ask him his views was nothing unusual, but something about this magic proposed by Schmidt was preying on his mind...
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|caption=Holberg is regarded by some as the greatest city in the entire world, but that is not to say that it is a stranger to problems and protracted sieges.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Summer Solstice '''Lula''' and ''Bernahrd Kleist von Ennerlund''' and '''Cees van Holberg''' won the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]] for twenty thrones. This gave them the right request that the scholars of the Commonwealth appraise a pressing matter, much as if it an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the prognosticators office. The work is led by ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'', a studious [[Commonwealth]] scholar whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. This season, Die Beurteilung is set the task of assessing "''any innovative mechanisms to secure and bolster Holberg's food and water supplies against threats that are to come''."

In truth, the city is currently well-provisioned by supplies coming from Dawn and the rest of the Empire, so boosting the food supply doesn't provide much in the way of immediate returns. There are concrete steps the nation could take to lay in supplies in Holberg against a siege and increase the amount of viable farmland beyond Holberg's walls, but without an urgent need, there are few benefits now.

Of course it might be invaluable in the future - if events change. After-all who can who can say what threats are to come?
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Instructions to Professor Immanuel Gelberg">In vigilant preparation, direct the scholars of the Commonwealth to assess any innovative mechanisms to secure and bolster Holberg's food and water supplies against threats that are to come; whether for a protracted siege, or especially to feed an influx of significant numbers of refugees. We do this in acknowledgement that our Common Good is an admirable goal, and to protect the current and future inhabitants of Holberg, the Greatest City in the Empire.</quote></div>

==Greatest City in the Empire==
* '''Professor Gelberg and his team are keen to get to work exploring opportunities in Holberg
The professor and his team are happy to be working in Holberg; they seem very taken with the city. The Commonwealth has a pair of [[fortification|fortifications]] which are ''near'' the size of the vast defences that protect the city, but both these fortifications are stand-alone affairs built on the Commonwealth's borders with [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], well away from any conurbation. Commonwealth cities and large towns are usually walled to protect against bandits and opportunistic raids, but they have nothing like the gigantic fortress-city of Holberg.
{{SOP|statement=Citizens of Holberg, it is our virtuous duty to increase provisions for our great city and the armies who resupply here. We urge you to look to your ingenuity in making the fertile lands of Utterland more productive, and welcome any Sandfishers who wish to aid you.|by=Lia Adelaar, League Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 240-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
They are also pleased with the warm welcome they receive, and the enthusiastic cooperation of many of the Holburghers with an interest in their work. This collaborative spirit is of course further bolstered by the words of '''Lia Adelaar''' and the League Assembly, who urged them to offer their own ingenious suggestions as to how to make the lands of [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] more productive, and to welcome any Sandfishers who might wish to become involved in the project.

After a few days of settling back in following their [[Beat_of_your_drum#Sun_and_Gold|recent visit]] to the [[Great Library of Hacynian]]. the professor judges it prudent to consider the supplies of food and drinking water. Getting enough of both is ''always'' a problem for a city and while Holberg manages, it would struggle if there was any kind of substantial siege. Given the scale of the defences, a protracted siege could well be the easiest way to take the city. Once the invaders had seized control of [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] they could cut the supply lines to the city and starve it out.

After some consideration, the Professor presents his conclusions in two parts - improving the food supplies to the city from the outlying regions and making provisions against the prospect of a siege or of the city needing to take in a great number of refugees.
==Siege and Refugees==
* '''Professor Gelberg proposes drilling three deep wells and building seven storehouses spread around the city'''
* '''The proposals would protect against the effects of a siege for two seasons and allow the city to support any number of refugees'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Stores'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Holfried, Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 5 weirwood, 5 mithril and 30 thrones in labour and set-up costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 3 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides enough provisions to completely protect the city against a siege for two seasons
* Provides enough provisions to feed any number of refugees that come to Holberg (they might still need shelter)
* Provides enough supplies to keep two armies in Holberg in supply for two seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Option:''' Double the upkeep to 6 thrones to provide subsidised food to reduce hunger among the poor of Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>

The city of Holberg already benefits from extraordinarily good protection against a siege. The region of [[Holberg#Holfried|Holfried]] is hilly and the bulk of the city abuts the mountains of neighbouring [[Semmerholm#Estmure|Estmure]] in [[Semmerholm]]. There is a narrow mountain pass that leads from the city to Estmure - which the Druj were not able to close during their thirty year campaign to take the city. As long as that pass remains open any siege of Holberg is certain to fail.

If a military force were able to take Estmure, then they could close the pass. At that point if [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] had been taken, the city would be cut off. Such a siege could quickly become devastating. Fortunately, Estmure is protected by [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|the Adamant Gate]] a large fortification that is quite literally unbreakable! Nobody in Holberg would ever refer to Estmure and the Adamant Gate as an actual [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbican barbican], but in effect it serves a similar purpose - to besiege Holberg proper, attackers would need to first capture the Gate.

Still, what is good can always be made better. The commission for the Commonwealth scholars mentions the possibility of a large influx of refugees and that could quickly become a problem. It is always a challenge supplying a city with enough victuals and the city's wells could quickly run dry if there was a massive influx of people.

It isn't practical to try and store large amounts of drinking water. Huge volumes would be required and the risk of it fouling would be too high. There are several [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well unconfined wells] that have been built over the years, but the Professor proposes to drill three new deep wells - digging shafts all the way down through the limestone to reach the confined aquifers far below the city. The work would be expensive and difficult, but once complete, there would be more than enough water to ensure the city never ran short, even if there was a huge influx of refugees, or the city was completely cut off.

As part of the work, the Professor also proposes the creation of seven huge food stores situated around the city. These would hold grain, salted and cured meat, dried fish, and so on. It is important to keep them apart; a single store is at risk from fire, vermin or sabotage. After discussion with the city elders, the team suggest one large store for each of the seven Virtues. The work is challenging - drilling wells is expensive and time-consuming work. It is also dangerous and requires a highly skilled team. Fortunately the engineers of Holberg are a match for anything in the Commonwealth - there is nothing here that couldn't be handled at any time now that the Professor's team has done their work - if the whole edifice was commissioned.

The stores would incur some running costs - grain needs to be purchased to fill the stores, and it can't be kept indefinitely. The best way to keep the food from spoiling is to sell a fraction of it each season and buy new to replace it - hence the costs. As a result, the stores would need three Thrones each season in upkeep to keep them operating, reflecting the difference between the price of food purchased and the food sold.

The civil service can easily manage the stores and arrange to dispose of any grain before it spoils by selling it in Holberg's markets, but the Commonwealth professors propose an alternative. Holberg is a powerful and wealthy city, but it still has its share of impoverished citizens, the poorest of whom struggle to find enough to eat. Rather than sell the grain for the best price, a portion of it could be distributed to the poor of Holberg. Such beneficence would be expensive - it would double the upkeep of the stores from three thrones a season to six - but it would mean that everyone had enough to eat. Such a commitment to the Common Good would improve the health of the poorest people in Holberg, helping the city grow faster and freeing the poorest from the need to spend their waking hours securing enough wealth simply to eat.

It's hard to assess if the benefits are worth the costs, given how well protected Holberg already is, but the combination of wells and grain stores would ensure that Holberg would be ''completely'' protected against the effects of any siege for two entire seasons after Estmure was taken. Only ''after'' that would supplies start to run out and the siege become a problem. Finally the storehouses would mean that an Imperial army could take refuge within the boundaries of the city for up to two seasons, without risk of running out of supplies. The army would not go [[Imperial_army#Out_of_Supply|out of supply]] for two seasons, despite their supply lines being cut. The general of an army wishing to take advantage of this would need to be in the territory and specify in their [[Army orders|orders]] that they were accepting the sanctuary of Holberg; if more than one army attempted this in the same season ''none'' would gain the benefit. While taking advantage of this opportunity, the army would ''not'' benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] (unless they were a League army), although they ''could'' benefit from [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|emergency supply]]. It would also not prevent other armies from the same nation being out of supply.

The stores would also mean Holberg could support any number of refugees within the walls, or in nearby Holmauer, without suffering from starvation. Of course a large influx of people would need to be housed somewhere, so the stores wouldn't resolve all the problems that refugees might cause, but they would be enough to ensure there was no problem finding enough food for people to eat.

'''OOC Note: ''' There are no rules for sieges in Empire at the moment, but in the event that we add rules for sieges, these defences would provide protection from any attempt to starve the city by cutting off supplies for two complete seasons.

==Land and Ditches==
* '''Professor Gelberg has rehashed the old civil service proposals for draining some of the wetlands of Holberg'''
* '''The commission would remove the marsh quality from Rebeshof and Utterlund and the penalty to farms in Holberg'''
* '''There are few people in Holberg interested in farming the new land so the benefits are minimal'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Dykes'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* One year after completion, Rabeshof and Utterlund would lose the marsh quality
* The current penalty to farms in Holberg would stop
* Makes it appealing for people to farm the new regions which would increase the supply of food to Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>

The other half of the appraisal was a request to increase the supply of food to Holberg. It doesn't take long for Professor Geldberg and his team to locate the issue. Most of the territory of Holberg has slowly surrendered to the spreading waters of the Nameless River. Decades of painstaking work to drain the marshes to create fertile farmland have been defeated by Druj malice as they destroyed the dykes designed to keep the waters out. There are people who live outside the city and eke out a living from farming what dry land remains, but they are few and far between. Most of Holberg has simply adapted to the loss of the drained land by buying more victuals from the Dawnish [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] and merchants of Semmerholm.

The most obvious way to improve the food supply of Holberg is clearly to drain the marshes of [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]], [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]], [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] and [[Holberg#The_Morass|the Morass]]. Years ago, the civil service put forwards [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#The_Creeping_Morass|various proposals]] to rebuild the damaged dykes but at the time they were all too expensive to contemplate. The fact that there are so few [[farm|farms]] and [[herb garden|herb gardens]] in Holberg is probably why there was never enough support to save the land from the encroaching flood waters.

Professor Gelberg brushes off the old plans and examines them carefully, with a view to looking at what parts of the proposals might be pared back to reduce the costs. The original proposal was put together with ambition to boost herb production in the territory - dropping those elements significantly reduce the costs. The slimmed down proposal is nicknamed the Seven Dykes - to match the proposal for the store houses in the city itself. In fact it would entail an extensive series of groundworks reinforced with [[weirwood]] timbers to hold the dykes in place at key locations towards the Nameless River but the name seems to stick no matter how misleading it is.

It would take time to drain the land, Professor Gelberg calculates that Rebeshof and Utterlund would lose the marsh quality one year after completion of the dykes. But the current penalties to farms in the territory would end as soon as the work was completed, as the waters would leave behind fertile land as they receded. That would provide a lasting benefit to the food supply of Holberg, making farms here more productive and drawing more farmers to the area as the land becomes more viable. Ensuring adequate supplies of food are available is always challenging for any city but Holberg would be guaranteed to have no food supply problems for years to come if the work was completed, unless the city somehow managed to double in size.

Sadly the benefits of the work are still marginal at best. At present there are few significant problems with food supply in Holberg; the city is able to import much of what it needs from nearby Dawn. Ever since Holberg joined the Empire, it has increasingly relied on importing large amounts of fresh food from the rest of the Empire - in many ways, that is actually part of what has made the city so successful. If the occupants of Holberg spent their time growing their own food, they would be far fewer successful businesses in the city. Holberg is known for its chefs, bakers, and victuallers not for its farmers - it does after all require an an entirely different level of expertise to take raw ingredients and turn them into something wonderful than to dig those ingredients out of the ground in the first place.

Arguably though the problem is not the lack of farms, so much as the lack of ''farmers''. Most League citizens are simply not that interested in working the land, not when there is more gainful employment to be had elsewhere. Once the regions of Utterlund and Rebeshof are drained then people ''could'' set up profitable farms there - but why would Holbergers give up life in the city for that?

==The Common Good==
* '''It may be possible to persuade the Sandfishers to farm the regions as foreigners'''
* '''Doing so would increase taxation and make the sandfishers more prosperous'''
* '''It would provide a modest increase in supply for League armies'''
* '''Nothing could happen until the regions are drained'''
Professor Gelberg discusses the problem with his Imperial counterpart - [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] - who is also [[Any port in a storm|conducting an appraisal in Holberg]]. Both believe that the ideal solution is to persuade the Sandfishers to set up farms in the newly drained regions. That option would provide potential benefits to both parties. Any new farms would be subject to taxation, increasing revenue to the Imperial coffers, but they would also increase the supply of produce, helping to ensure a surfeit of food available in the City.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Farms'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to the Seven Dykes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:'''
* Rebeshof and Utterlund are drained by the construction of the Seven Dykes
* Outreach to the Sandfishers to persuade them to farm Rebeshof and Utterlund as foreigners
* Herds of swine delivered from the Marcher markets, in the manner of the recent cattle markets
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Costs:''' 5 thrones to establish pig markets in appropriate Marcher towns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Boosts Imperial taxation in the territory by up to 6 thrones a season
* Increases League army supply - but not by enough to support an additional army at this time
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>
And the Sandfishers should benefit as well. With access to all that land, they could establish substantial farms allowing them to make significant profits. At the moment the Sandfishers are mostly running subsistence farming in Misericorde, focussed on gathering fish, eels, whelks, snails, crabs, lobsters, frogs and other "delicacies". The Sandfishers consider their land to be an abudent paradise, and they're making good profits selling their goods in Holberg's markets where they are considered to be exotic speciality foods. But the methods they are employing will never result in a major increase in food supply to the city.

And even if they could, it's not clear that the city would buy that much Sandfisher food. Holberger's favourite food is sausage of every variety. From simple pork and beef sausages made with herbs and spices to enormously spicy cured meats, the city has an insatiable appetite for it. There's a limit to how much eel the folk of Hoberg want to eat, but the city would cheerfully buy all the sausage the Sandfishers could supply, provided the quality was there.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Personal Motto of Kanute Adelaar van Holberg, Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage">Victory is like a good Sausage - You don't want to know how its made.</quote></div>
There are a number of political and economic challenges involved. The Sandfishers made discreet enquiries about the prospects for the region of Utterlund, but they assumed that the land would need to be ceded to them for them to own and work it. That simply isn't the case - there is no reason at all that the Sandfishers couldn't own and operate very succecssful farms in Rebeshof and Utterlund, ''just like any other foreigner might''. The problem is their lack of vision - they were given Misericorde by the League, and they've prospered there - so now they're stuck thinking in those terms.

To succeed the League would need to ''persuade'' the Sandfishers to set up farms in the adjacent regions, not as ''rulers'' of the land, but simply as ''owners'' of it. The Sandfishers should have few problems adjusting to Imperial law - they already follow it while visiting or studying in Holberg after all - and there is ample evidence that they are adopting a simplified version of it in Misericorde more out of expediency than anything else.

The bigger problem is taxes. The Sandfishers are currently choosing to give "taxes" to Holberg, making a donation of one throne a season. It's a token gesture, given the huge number of tiny farms and herb gardens they've set up in the region. If any of them moved their current operation to Imperial territory, they'd have to pay Imperial taxes, which would be a heavy burden for the small, inefficient farms the Sandfishers run. They can't prosper in Imperial territory spending their days collecting eels, crabs and whelks by hand from coastal waters and river banks.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBMarches.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
But if they set up large prosperous pig farms, they could make a ''lot'' more money - at which point the taxes would be moot. They'd need to be persuaded to abandon traditional Sandfisher hunter-gatherer approaches for more intensive farming techniques... and they'd need to acquire huge herds of pigs to set the new farms up. Those would need to come from [[the Marches]] - they're the only Imperial nation that could provide enough pigs to form new herds in the time available.

Recent success with the [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Cattle_Markets|cattle markets at Stockford and Wayland]] have demonstrated that Marcher farmers can spare the livestock - but who pay for it? The Sandfishers are surprisingly resistent to the idea of accepting charity from the Empire, their understanding of [[Prosperity]] prohibits them from simply taking things without giving back.

To really produce meaningful benefits, the League would need to find a way to persuade the Sandfishers to move to Rebeshof and Utterlund after the land was drained, convince them to set up large pig farms there, get them to accept the financial support needed to establish the new pig herds and convince Marcher [[yeomen of the Marches|yeofolk]] to make arrangements to provide the livestock. It's a tall order - but doing so would see taxes in Holberg rise, food supplies to the city increase, and see the Sandfishers grow closer to the city of Holberg, even as they become more prosperous. Professor Gelberg is so excited by the idea, which he believes represents a perfect example of the Common Good, that he intends to author a paper on the subject that he hopes to submit to the ''Zeitschrift für strukturierte Ökonomie'' when he returns home.

Of course at the moment it's little more than a theory. Since the implementation is primary diplomatic in nature - finding ways to approach the Sandfishers to engage them with the idea - the Professor has left that part to Imperial diplomats.

However the early signs are promising - the Professor's team was overheard discussing the idea by his Sandfisher guide, ''Swift-Fisher'', and she let them know that not all Holberg citizens eat sausages. She claims to know "for a fact" that the [[Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market]], is a [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Vitalism|vitalist]] who eschews meat and similar, and there are presumably other Holbergers who do likewise. However she then points out that she learned at school in Holberg that pigs can be trained to find truffles, which are a rare delicacy considerably more valuable than whelks. The professor recounts the story merely to illustrate that the idea was clearly not unappealing to her...

Nothing could happen until the regions of Rebeshof and Utterlund were drained. The Sandfishers are not worldly, but they're no fools - they're not about to set up new farms in the middle of a swamp. And the costs and benefits are hard to prognosticate because it would be dependent on the Marchers and the size of the herds of pigs acquired. The Professor is aware that large sums of money changed hands over cattle bonds recently, but he has no idea precisely how much was involved. However he estimates that if the League acquired every pig the Marchers could spare in a season, that would be enough to enable the Sandfishers to set up scores of farms across the territory raising overall taxation by a maximum of 6 thrones a season (the returns would be less if some of the bonds were acquired by any potential competitors).

The success of the project would also improve the League's ability to [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|support armies]]. It wouldn't be enough ''by itself'' to allow them to [[Imperial_army#Recruitment|raise]] a fourth [[Imperial army|army]], but it would be a valuable milestone on the way to reaching that ambitious goal.

==Further Reading==
Other winds about die Beurteilung and the amazing adventures of Professor Gelberg and his team of daring appraisers.

* [[Germinating a city]]
* [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Beat of your drum]]
* [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|According to principle]]

A peerless sacrifice

2025-07-21T15:30:42Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Here's one. " said Portia, thumbing threw the lists. "Cilicia of Athiliah's Handiwork"

"Definitely a benefactor?" queried Marcus.

No thought Portia to herself, I've called their name out because they're a corsair from Madruga... "Yes, definitely a benefactor" she responded in a deliberately even voice. Going through the list of names of who was coming to Anvil was the second most boring job in the entire civil service. The first most boring job was doing it with Marcus.

She kept her cool and kept leafing through the lists. "Here's another. Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt."

Marcus wrote this one down without querying it, which felt like a trap. "You're not going to ask me if Ehud is ''definitely'' a benefactor?" said Portia warily.

"No need." said Marcus cheerfully. "Everyone knows Ehud is a benefactor, has been for years now. He used to be the egregore. He's notorious for overcommitting to things. Never has enough time to do all the things he wants to help with... So he's ''definitely'' a benefactor."

"Right, well in that case, here's another one. Abraham of the Constitutional Court."

"What? That can't be right. He's a magistrate. He can't be a benefactor." protested Marcus.

"That's what it ''definitely'' says on the list" said Portia, "So you'd better write it down, just in case he turns up."

"Pfft, no chance of that," replied Marcus laughing at the very idea. "He'll be far too busy."

"Well then that must mean he's ''definitely'' a benefactor then, isn't he?" said Portia smiling. Sometimes scoring cheap points was the only way to make the medicine go down.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Captain Overcommitted.png|caption=Highguard stands ready to support and protect its "younger siblings" in virtue, in war, and in building up the great Empire they helped create.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17OxNu7X8DM}}
Over recent years, the [[Highguard|Highborn]] Assembly have sought ways to support their fellow nations in the Empire by expressing their peerless kinship. Originally part of [[Full of sacred sound|a sweep of opportunities]], that arose in response to the extraordinary achievements of recent years, it allowed the nation to reach out to others to seek ways to help and support them.

The original author ''Eli'', the custodian of [[Emperor Walter|Walter's Tomb]], has passed now, but he entered the Labyrinth content in the knowledge that Highguard had done all it could to strengthen the Empire, with efforts to [[Questions_of_virtue#Our_Freeborn_Cousins|help the Freeborn]] in [[Kahraman]]; aid the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Not to conquer|contact the factions]] in [[the Barrens]]; help the [[Imperial Orcs]] in [[Skarsind]] to [[Standing in the sun|better understand the Ossium septs]]; and [[the Marches]] [[Kith and kin|deal with threats]] in the [[Mournwold]].

The fervour to aid others is beginning to diminish, even as the nation prepares to the next great challenge, with the return of the [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] in readiness for war with the [[vallorn]]. Some were unwilling to let this window close, and called on the national assembly to remind the Highborn of the achievements won and the importance of the cause. Why let a good thing end they say? There was a grim acceptance that exerting their efforts to express peerless kinship has tested the resolve on the nation on more than one occasion. To stick to that course and embrace the power permanently, would inevitably need to sacrifice something of equal significance.

The Highborn Assembly are not the only group in Highguard who have consistently sought to do what they can to support Virtue across the nation and the Empire. The benefactors of Highguard, operate a wide range of entrepreneurial endeavours, but always with the intention to encourage Virtuous behaviour in those they deal with and support. Those benefactors who attend Anvil hold regular meetings, a Benefactors' Council to discuss matters. With so many Senate projects in need of support, the nation is looking to the Council to guide them on where they should place their support.

==A Clear Statement==
* '''The Highborn Assembly has overwhelmingly backed the call to retain Peerless Kinship'''
* '''The Assembly must chose between this power and crusade'''
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. In Peerless Kinship, we have aided our sibling nations in Kahraman, the Barrens, Skarsind, the Mournwold, and, in the weeks to come, Therunin. This National Assembly wishes to continue to offer our nation's labours in Peerless Kinship, for however long there is need. Let all that is worthwhile be shared.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 520-22|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

Peerless kinship began in the Highborn Assembly with a mandate enacted by [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_79|Jared of the Sons of Couros]]. If the drive to promote Virtue across the Empire was to continue it was clear that it could not do so without the emphatic support of Highguard's priests.

The [[statement of principle]] submitted by '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''' received overwhelming support from the Assembly, with only a pair of priests expressing reservations. Of course it is easy to feel something is worth the cost, before the bill comes due. Still, the Highborn have never been a nation to balk at sacrifice in pursuit of Virtue, and the search begins to see how this might best be done.

To the surprise of many it does not take long to find the solution; it is practically staring people in the face. In discussions with their congregations, priests confirm that many of their followers have welcomed the opportunity to support Highguard's efforts to strengthen Virtue across the Empire and stood ready to do so again. Even those who were expecting not to hear a plea for aid from the Highborn Assembly, are surprised there is no call to march to war from the Highborn generals. The Highborn armies are taking a much-needed rest this season, resupplying in Astolat and Upwold, so there has been no crusade - the result is that there has been no call to action and people have had a chance to relax for the first time in years.

The rest has been well received, but now there is work to be done, the truth is clear. People stand ready to support the Highborn Assembly in their call to show Peerless Kinship. They stand ready to support the Highborn generals in their call to battle. But they cannot do both, not indefinitely. To pursue both endeavours has exhausted even the people of Virtue. The nation must now make a choice - they can either continue to show peerless kinship towards the other nations in the Empire, or they can send the faithful to support the armies but it must be one or the other.
===A Renewed Kinship===
* '''Highguard could use a mandate to retain the power of peerless kinship'''
If the nation deems peerless kinship to be of greater value that crusade, they can use a [[mandate]] to summon the necessary conviction to make it persist. Those who argue in favour of this approach point to the flexibility that peerless kinship provides, allowing the nation to tackle a wide range of problems. They argue that [[Wisdom]] underpins peerless kinship because it allows the Highborn to ask the right questions rather than assuming they have the answers.
{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom is finding the right question. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge Highguard to embrace the value of peerless kinship. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ten-ish Siblings.png|align=right|width=400}}
If this mandate is enacted, then Highborn armies will [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|no longer automatically generate a mandate]] for the nation to consider. Instead the Highborn Assembly would be able to use a single statement of principle that identified an Imperial nation that they wished to support, just as they do to date with peerless kinship.

Throwing the support of the nation behind this choice would see some of the previous restrictions lifted. The Assembly would be able to choose any nation to help, provided they didn't chose the same nation two seasons running. Asking Highguard to find ways to help a fellow nation would be bound to fail if they had already identified all the ways they could help the season before. Other that this restriction, the Assembly could pick whichever nation they felt was most deserving of aid.

A guiding principle of peerless kinship is the idea that Highborn citizens would talk to the nation to find out what help would be most welcome. That remains true, but the Assembly could guide that conversation by indicating a single statement of principle or mandate passed that season or last by the peer nation's Assembly. Provided that statement ''passed'' the Assembly - indicating it had the support of the people of that nation, then attempts to provide peerless kinship would, where possible, focus on the issue identified in the statement or mandate.

===A New Crusade===
* '''Highguard could use a mandate to retain the power of crusade'''
If the nation deems crusade to be of greater value than peerless kinship, they will need to use a mandate to remind people of its importance. Those who argue in favour of this approach point to the many threats faced by the Empire - while crusade is not guaranteed to offer martial benefits it does offer that prospect more often than peerless kinship. Perhaps, when the day comes that all wars have ended the Highborn can put down their armies. Until then they argue that [[Ambition]] demands they do everything possible to defeat the Empire's enemies and set aside all other goals.
{{Mandate|mandate=Aim high and pursue your dreams. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge Highguard to continue to crusade all the last war is won. If we stand together then nothing is beyond our grasp.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighbornFour.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
If this mandate is enacted, then Highborn armies that engage in a military campaign will [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|automatically generate a mandate]] for the nation to consider. In the near future, any opportunity would be likely to take the same form as the recent call for an [[Over_western_hills#Highguard|ongoing crusade against the Jotun]] rather than more short term responses.

The orders given by the generals will continue to be critical, with the precise wording of the order given by the general shaping any mandate. Wisdom is a Virtue of course. While it may be appealing to generals to submit their orders in the form of a sermon the reality is that the best orders are those that are concise and direct - that lay out in simple terms what the goal is and why. The longer the orders, the easier it becomes for people to misunderstand what is desired. ''"Let every word you speak carry meaning; do not use forty when four will do."''

The cost of this renewed focus on the actions of the Highborn armies would be the end of peerless kinship. It would no longer be possible to reach out to other nations to help them.

===Competing Mandates===
* '''Both these mandates are in competition with each other'''
These mandates are in [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competition]] with each other. If more than one is upheld - assuming any are - whichever judgement passed with the greatest margin is considered to be successful and the other mandate fails. If neither mandate passes, then ''neither'' power will be available going forwards, and Highguard will look for other ways to pursue Virtue in the future.

==A Virtuous Benefaction==
* '''The Council of Benefactors could redirect the stream of donations currently going to the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''The Council could choose to direct this support towards any single civilian commission'''
* '''The Council of Benefactors meets at 11am on Saturday and Sunday of the summit'''
* '''This summit the meetings are planned to be held in the main tent of the Shattered Tower'''

Since the death of [[Empress Britta|Britta]], the Council of [[Benefactor|Benefactors]] has played an important role in the nation, pooling the resources of some of the most wealthy Highborn citizens and providing backing to crucial projects that might otherwise have gone without. The goal of constructing the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] shows what can be accomplished when Virtue comes before profit.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Known Benefactors'''</tr>
<tr><td>Abraham of the Constitutional Court</td></tr>
<tr><td>Acheron of the Silent Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arlen of the The Suns of Couros</td></tr>
<tr><td>Asael of the Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cilicia of Athiliah's Handiwork</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dagon of the Shattered Tower</td></tr>
<tr><td>Edni Adomait</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Enoch Cobroc</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hannah Lleweuraidd of the Coven of Barabbas</td></tr>
<tr><td>Icarus of the Sepulchre of the Red Sun</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jacob of the The Flame Beneath The Earth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leah, born of Leah of Ebon's Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liora Daughter of Rebekah of the Chantry of the Silver Skull</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miriam Daughter of Esther of the Suns of Couros Sect</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naomi of Felix's Watch</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
The recent revelations about the nature of [[Vardas]] have shaken people's faith and that has caused many citizens to question the value of donating what wealth they can spare to support the Grand Inspiration. Only the Highborn have remained true to their word, consistently donating ten wains of white granite each season to ensure that the work can progress. At that rate the work will take many years to complete, but even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time.

But what of other grand ideals? The drive to [[One_of_us#Establishing_the_Way|anchor the Way in Asavea]] is in danger of foundering before it has even set sail. Is this not a better use of what funds Highguard can spare? Or the war against the vallorn, which the Assembly have repeatedly stressed is the Empire's ''highest'' calling. Should these wains not be dedicated to ''that'' goal?

And what of profit itself? Benefactors know that profit is not something to be reviled. Profits that are built virtuously, in partnership with others spread [[Prosperity]] and build Virtue. And they enable more investment in the future. Should the benefactors not be looking at those possibilities instead?

Under normal circumstances, the Highborn look to their Assembly for leadership, but on this issue, they recognise that their benefactors are those best placed to make this decision. Virtue is everything, but resources are limited, and no one person can do everything. The benefactors are the group best placed to decide what should happen to the donations the nation produces each season.

There are two formal meetings of the Benefactors' Council at each summit, at 11am on Saturday and Sunday morning. They are likely to be held in the main tent of the Shattered Tower. If the Council what to change where their nation's donations are going, then they must ensure that their egregore is present when they make the decision. The egregore will make a note of the decision and pass word on to the other benefactors in the nation.

The Council can choose to redirect the flow of donations currently going to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, towards any ''civilian'' commission. If there is some debate over the decision, then the egregore will expect a decision to be taken by a simple majority vote of those present who are well known for their role as benefactors. A list above contains all the eligible benefactors currently known to be attending Anvil.

Whatever commission is chosen, the people of Highguard will donate ten wains towards it, each season, until it is complete. They can only donate mithril, white granite or weirwood, but they will find the means to donate whichever of these is most needed to finish the work. They will continue to support the commission until the benefactors council nominate a new commission to receive the support of the nations' benefactors.

The commission can be ''any'' [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]] - the benefactors of Highguard trust their council to identify the commission most deserving of their support, whether that be continuing to support the Grand Inpsiration of the Way, a different prestigious monument to Virtue, essential new infrastructure, or just a great work that is needed to raise Prosperity.

==Resolution==
The Highborn Assembly voted to uphold [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_116|Judgement 116]], raised by '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', that saw '''Brother Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum''' urge citizens of Highguard to embrace peerless kinship. The Benefactors Council voted to continue supporting the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]].

==Further Reading==
* [[Highguard]]
* [[Benefactor]]

Banners and bells

2025-07-21T15:29:55Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>With an ear-piercing scream, the young girl launched herself across the room. Virtually flying through the air, arms spread wide, she crashed into the callow youth who had stepped through the doorway a moment earlier. The woman tried to throw out her arms to catch her, but the force of the impact still staggered her and drove her back. Somehow she managed to stay on her feet, but only just. Recovering frantically, she gripped the girl in a tight hug and swung her round.

"Lil!" she yelled, her voice filled with joy and jubilation. "You're home!"

Lily smiled down at her, as she spun her. It was almost five years since she'd taken the fateful decision to set out with the other pilgrims. As the years had passed she'd had chance to visit just twice. Each time it seemed her sister had grown up a little more. Each time it had been a little harder to leave again.

Finally she stopped spinning her round and put her down. "Yes, I'm home. Where's mum and dad? Are they about?"

"Dad's talking to Timothy - they're planning tomorrow's sermon. Mum is in her room, illuminating a manuscript. I'll go get her." Hesther turned as if to go, but then turned back at the last moment. "You're not going anywhere?" she demanding, "You're not leaving again?". Her tone was accusatory but tinged with sadness.

"No! I'm home for good. Well I think I am... Maybe. Look, just go and get mum, I'll still be here when you get back... I promise you on the Seven Virtues."

Hesther broke into a broad grin, spun back and went racing off through the chapterhouse. "Mum, mum, Lily's home!" she shouted as she went.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chapterhouse.jpeg|caption=The White City is home to many fine chapterhouses.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biiCllb2p24}}
The [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#The Fourth Army|return]] of the [[Grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] from their years-long march around the Empire has restored [[Highguard|Highguard's]] ability to raise a fourth [[Imperial army|army]]. To aid the formation of the new force, a proposal was put forward to create powerful regalia, a [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#You Get a banner|banner]] for each of the [[general|generals]], [[hallow|hallowed]] with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]]. What better way to fuse the conviction of the returning pilgrims with the discipline of the new Highborn army? The banners are now ready and the army is being raised. Soon it will be time for it to march to war, but not before the [[senator]] who raised it has determined what [[Army qualities|special quality]] the army should possess.

With the work to raise the new army now underway, many priests in Highguard have turned their focus to the military campaigns to see what [[opportunity|opportunities]] there might be to bolster their efforts. The [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|crusading storm]] is at an end now, as the Assembly has opted to focus on embracing their [[I_already_know_you#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]] with other nations instead, but there is a final chance for the Highborn Assembly to draw inspiration from the orders of the [[Granite Pillar]] as they march to attack the [[Druj]] in the [[Sarangrave]].

Finally the judgements of the Spring Equinox bring good tidings for a change - a celebration of the faith as the Synod works to create seven powerful hallowed bells, one for each Virtue, to be borne by Virtuous citizens as they make a pilgrimage ground the Empire. A Highborn chapter, the ''Stone Library'' in the [[Bastion#Bastion,_the_White_City|Holy City of Bastion]] have implored the Assembly of Nine not to allow this historic event to pass into history unrecorded. They hope that someone dependable on the Assembly will take the responsibility of ensuring that a scribe documents the key moments in this pilgrimage and communicates the details to them.

==But Carrying A Banner==
* '''The cost to raise the fourth Highborn army has been reduced to 80 mithril by the creation of four relic banners, one for each of the Highborn armies'''
Four great standards have now been created and consecrated with true liao. Three have been formally presented by '''Jacob''', [[Benefactor of Regalia]] to the generals of the existing Highborn armies. ''Empire's Heart'', ''Salvation in Darkness'', and ''Physician's Benevolence'' will inspire those who fight in Virtue's name to victory. Each bears a powerful enchantment, stirring the spirits of whoever bears it aloft in addition to the aura that wards the soul.

<quote by="Jacob, Benefactor of Regalia">I bestow ... upon the General of the Granite Pillar, Empire's Heart; upon the General of the Seventh Wave, Salvation in Darkness; and upon the General of the Valiant Pegasus, Physician's Benevolence.</quote>
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The final banner, Ever Forward, is ready, waiting for the general of the new army to take it up. As a result of this obvious sign of dedication to the cause, people are flocking to join the fourth army, reducing the costs to eighty mithril. Hopefully, the long-delayed fourth Highborn army will soon march alongside their comrades in arms. Provided all the mithril and money is available, the new general could be appointed as soon as the Autumn Equinox. Not a moment too soon, given the precarious situation on the eastern front.

The tremendous accomplishment has done much to bolster the morale of those serving in the Highborn armies. Now the senator who presented the motion to raise the army must decide how to capitalise on this enthusiasm. The core of the new army is the grey pilgrims; any qualities the army might possess are determined by them and their nature. But that still leaves the senator with a decision to make on behalf of the nation.

===Devotion To Virtue===
* '''The new army could have the ''Devoted'' quality'''
* '''A ''Devoted'' army can use the ''Armoured by Faith'' order when [[army orders#Attacking|attacking]]'''

The army is able to draw on the pilgrims devotion to Virtue, and their long experience facing many terrible threats as they travelled the length and breadth of the Empire. Armoured by their faith, their commitment will never waver, even in the face of terrifying monsters, overwhelming odds, or unimaginable cruelty.

This commitment will be crucial once the war against the vallorn begins in earnest. The forests controlled by the enemy are filled with miasma that poisons the lungs and weakens the spirit. The army of the vallorn contains monstrous insects and horrifying threats that can quickly break an army. Those armoured by their faith will be ready to stand against this onslaught.

<box>'''Armoured by Faith'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are decreased by a tenth'''
* '''The effectiveness of this army against the vallorn is improved; the army does not suffer additional casualties for fighting in a vallorn miasma.'''
The grey pilgrims have faced countless threats during the years of their long pilgrimage around the Empire. Now they can employ those skills to support each other, bolstering their spirits as they face the enemy. Their experience fighting the monsters of the vallorn are particularly vital when facing this ancient enemy, which relies on its ferocity and terrifying miasma to overpower the enemy and tear them apart. The strategy of the vallorn is blunted when fighting against an army that is armoured by faith.</box>

===Swift To Battle===
* '''The new army could have the ''Fast'' quality'''
* '''A ''Fast'' army can use the ''Forced March'' order when attacking'''
* '''A ''Fast'' army can use the ''Desperate Reinforcement'' order when defending'''

The [[Navarr_military_concerns#The_Black_Thorns|Black Thorns]] are one of the two fast armies in the Empire, able to employ the trods to move swiftly across the Empire to engage with the enemy. The many years the grey pilgrims marched alongside the Navarr on the trods have helped them develop some of the same skills. The general could make use of this experience, by eschewing the kind of heavy armour favoured by the cataphracts for the lighter travelling of the unconquered. That would make the new army [[Army_qualities#Fast|fast]] - able to issue orders to carry out a forced march or commit to desperate reinforcement.

===Shoulder To Shoulder===
* '''The new army could have the ''Righteous'' quality'''
* '''A ''Righteous'' army can use the ''Final Stand'' order when defending'''

The grey pilgrims have faced death many times during their long pilgrimage around the Empire. The thought of passing into the labyrinth holds little fear for those who know that their Virtuous deeds will soon see them return to this world. Bolstered by their faith and their achievements, they could be trained to stand and fight together, shoulder-to-shoulder, locking their shields and refusing to give ground no matter what the enemy does. Such Loyalty can achieve incredible things, if the army is willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. The general could choose to make the new army ''righteous'' which would allow them to make a final stand.
<box>'''Final Stand'''
* '''Any victory gained by the enemy converts to additional casualties taken by this army, rather than territory gained'''
* '''Every enemy victory point causes 100 additional casualties to this army until the army disbands'''
Sometimes a general needs to hold a position regardless of cost. A final stand trades Imperial lives for every inch of ground that would otherwise be lost. The order is rarely used; even if the army is not wiped out, it will almost certainly be severely weakened. When an attacking force must not be allowed to gain territory or establish a beachhead, it is incredibly effective.</box>
<div style="float:right; width:400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jared Pointing at Face.jpg|width=400|caption=The congregations of Highguard can spread the word - that the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire must be destroyed.|align=left}}</div>

==March Together==
* '''For one year Highborn congregations can support the new army as it fights the vallorn'''
* '''Priests will receive votes as normal and remain in their current assembly but will receive no liao '''
* '''If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%'''
* '''If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%'''
* '''If the army engages the vallorn in the coming year there will be an opportunity to maintain the ability for another year'''

Not every grey pilgrim is planning to join the new army. Some are exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they gave up to walk the trods. They have not forgotten their comrades however and can be counted on to support their fellow pilgrims if asked. Such support could take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

For the next year, any Highborn congregation can take the option to preach support for the new Highborn army, providing it is engaged in battle with the vallorn. The army must be actively engaged against the vallorn to benefit, either attacking or defending, it cannot simply be in the same territory. Any priest that chooses this option will receive votes as normal and remain in their current Virtue assembly but they will not receive any liao. All supplies will be used to bolster the spirits of those working to support the army.

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

The potential to support the new army will last for at least one year. It will end after that time, if there has been no opportunity to support the new army against the vallorn. If the army has decisively engaged the vallorn during that time, then there will be an opportunity to maintain the option to support the army for another year.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==A Last Crusade==
* '''The Highborn Assembly could use a mandate to capitalise on the end of their crusading storm by adopting strategies meant to protect the innocent'''
{{SOP|statement=Wisdom is asking the right question. We send Brother Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum with 25 doses of liao to urge the citizens of Highguard to embrace peerless kinship. The virtuous apply what they learn.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote=220-136|when=387YE Spring Equinox}}
The Highborn Assembly has opted to [[A peerless sacrifice|forgo the benefits of a crusade by their armies in favour of the ability to demonstrate their peerless kinship]] for their allies. There was a clear majority in favour of the decision but the vote was far from overwhelming, with nearly a third of priests opposed.

Still it passed, and that means there will be no more opportunities for the Highborn Assembly to spread mandates based on the orders of the Highborn generals. That could be unfortunate - the Empire has launched a new assault on the Sarangrave, capturing a large swathe of territory from the [[Druj]]. Sychar of Ebon's Hall, the general of the [[Granite Pillar]] has [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Granite_Pillar|issued orders to their army to fight in Loyalty]], stating that the ''"oppressed subjects of the Druj are not to be harmed. They shall be shown the light of virtue"''.

It's a noble aspiration and it is one that has been attempted before. Various assemblies in the Synod expressed similar sentiments around the oppressed subjects of the Druj in the Barrens. The conquest of the Barrens was slower than it might have been due to the care taken by Imperial armies fighting there, as a result of the mandates of the Synod. Those efforts were noticed by the inhabitants of the Barrens, but in the end they didn't align with the decisions taken by the Military Council to pursue a more direct military solution. In many ways the Empire achieved the worst of both worlds - the conquest of the Barrens was slower and more difficult than it needed to be but the Empire gained almost no new allies in the process and most of the oppressed subjects were either slaughtered or driven off.

It is already clear that the Druj have spread word of events in the Barrens across every sept in the Mallum - they've made very clear to these people that the Empire will slaughter them once it has dealt with the Druj. Of course the Druj lie the same way the sun rises, regularly and predictably, but personal testimony of members of the Black Wind have done enormous damage to the Empire's reputation here. These people are afraid of the Druj, but they are more afraid of the Empire. Winning them over will be a massive uphill struggle - arguably, it ''might'' be easier to do everything necessary to defeat the Druj and everyone in their lands and worry about what happens after the Druj are beaten.

Crucially what most folk are keen to avoid would be a repeat of the situation in the Barrens where the Imperial Synod advocated for liberation and the Military Council opted to take a different route. Either option will work - either option has benefits and drawbacks - but swapping back and forth between the two approaches will ensure the Empire gets all of the drawbacks of both approaches and none of the benefits of either.

To avoid that calamity, Asher of the Seven Pools Chapter proposed that Highborn generals could adopt an approach designed to ensure that the military strategy aligns with the approach taken by the Synod - whatever that might be. '''Exarch Luke''' has provided the wording for a mandate before the Highborn Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but by the unity of both. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to encourage Highborn armies to protect the innocent at every opportunity. Let no innocent suffer where a Highborn blade may stand between them and harm.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, all Highborn armies will gain the ability to use the following [[Army_orders#Attacking|attacking]] order.

{{Anchor|Protect the Innocent}}
<box>'''Protect the Innocent'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a tenth'''
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is reduced by a tenth'''
* '''Any orders to an allied army in the same territory that increase casualties are changed to balanced attack'''
* '''The presence of an army fighting to protect the innocent in a territory is always obvious to other armies in the same territory'''

Any Highborn army instructed to protect the innocent will still push forward, but they will do so cautiously and with a focus to ensure that innocent bystanders are not to be harmed. The general's orders will identify who the army is seeking to protect, but provided they are clear, then the force will do everything it can to save the lives of those the general ordered spared - even if that means stopping an allied Imperial army from attacking. This will inflame tensions between the two forces, but they will not come into armed conflict. Imperial discipline will be sufficient to prevent one Imperial soldier cutting down another - just.

Progress will be slow, because of the sacrifice needed to ensure that the innocent on all sides are protected. The army and their allies will kill less of the enemy, simply because of the abundant caution shown by the soldiers. Any allied force in the same territory that submits the following orders [[Army_qualities#Cruel|Merciless Onslaught]], [[Army_qualities#Cunning|Whatever it Takes]], [[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]],
[[Army_qualities#Hard_Bitten|Make them Pay]], [[Army_qualities#Relentless|Cut Them Down]], [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Poison Thorns]], [[Army_qualities#Venomous|Fire in the Blood]] or any similar order that increases casualties inflicted will be replaced with a balanced attack.

Trying to protect the innocent does not prevent ''enemy'' forces from issuing orders to spread bloodshed and mayhem, but it will help to mitigate some of the worst effects.</box>

Asher's goal is simple - if the Highborn Assembly agrees that the campaign against the Druj should focus on liberation rather than annihilation then this would send a powerful message to that effect to the Highborn generals and the wider Military Council. But it would put the ability to dictate the terms of any campaign firmly in the hands of the Highborn generals, rather than have the Assembly be involved in campaign strategy and potentially working at odds with the Council's strategy. Asher would prefer the Empire fight to liberate the oppressed septs of the Mallum, but he would rather the Empire adopt one strategy or the other - rather than a mix of both.

Asher's strategy would not be enough by itself to produce results. If the Empire wants to try and win over the oppressed subjects of the Druj, avoiding killing them is essential but it won't be enough by itself. The Empire would also need to avoid curses that caused widespread casualties and other strategies that caused the death of those caught in the fighting between them and the Druj. They would need to find ways to open diplomatic channels with these groups and try to convince them that they could be trusted. Given the long and brutal history of the Barrens, that will be difficult and as the Barrens has shown those groups will have demands of their own.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ten-ish Siblings.png|align=right|caption=Highguard stands ready to aid its Imperial siblings.|width=400}}

==Peer Into the Future==
* '''The Highborn Assembly can use a statement of principle to invoke their peerless kinship with another nation in the Empire'''
* '''The Assembly can't select the same nation two seasons running'''
The Highborn Assembly remain keen to work with their fellow nations, looking for ways they might express their peerless kinship to identify an opportunity to support the nation. As a result, for the forseeable future, the Highborn Assembly can use a successful judgement to invoke their peerless kinship with another nation. The Assembly can choose any nation to help, provided they don't choose the same nation two seasons running. Asking Highguard to find ways to help a fellow nation will be bound to fail if they had already identified all the ways they could help the season before.

Where possible, Highborn citizens will talk to the nation to find out what help would be most welcome. The statement of principle that the Assembly passes may try to identify a specific problem that they think is most urgent or they could guide that conversation by indicating a single statement of principle passed that season or last by the peer nation's Assembly. Provided that statement ''passed'' the Assembly - indicating it had the support of the people of that nation, then attempts to provide peerless kinship would, where possible, focus on the issue identified in the statement.

This ability will remain available for the forseeable future, at least until anything drastically changes the current situation. If two or more judgements invoking peerless kinship both pass the Assembly, the one judgement with the highest margin will take effect.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Silent Bell.png|width=250|caption=Bells ring and banners are raised.|align=right}}

==You Get A Bell==
* '''News of the decision to create seven bells hallowed with liao and bear them on pilgrimage around the Empire catches the imagination of the virtuous
* '''There are still a number of questions surrounding this pilgrimage and these bells
The seven Virtue assemblies have all passed judgements announcing a plan to hallow the seven bells used in the coronation of the Empress. It appears that the Synod intends to use seven doses of liao to hallow each bell - and then take the bells on a pilgrimage around the Empire to inspire the faithful. It is a bold endeavour and one that fires the imagination of many. Laden with symbolism, it invites as many questions as it answers.

According to the statements, the bells will be "borne by Virtuous souls" but who exactly will be chosen for this honour? It is possible that the Synod may have already found a way to answer this question, but if not then it could be a vexing problem. Does each Assembly plan to choose a citizen to honour? Or will they ask the [[Voice of Virtue]] to bear this responsibility? Or will many different souls bear the bells as they go on their pilgrimage?

What of the hallows themselves? What hallows will be chosen and who will choose them? What will the names of the bells be and how will ''they'' be chosen? How long will the pilgrimage last and what route will it take? And what will happen to the bells when the pilgrimage is over? Obviously the hallows will fade after a year, leaving only the faintest trace of the power they once held, but they will still by historic items. They might not be relics in the traditional sense - the Synod would need true liao to make the hallows permanent for that to happen - but they will be the focal point of a great pilgrimage around the Empire. Even when the power fades, they will still be what the Imperial Orcs would call "[[worth|items of worth]]". Will they be hallowed again? Or will they be placed in a museum somewhere? Or made part of the [[New_Imperial_titles#Regalia|regalia]] of an appropriate Imperial title? Or perhaps become part of the Grand Inspiration of the Way?
{{WingedMessenger|address=Seth of the Stone Library, The White City, Bastion}}
The [[archivist|archivists]] of the ''Stone Library'' in [[Bastion]] in particular are eager for answers to these questions. They are planning to start work on a biography of the life of [[Emperor Vesna]], in the belief that it will be easier to record the most Virtuous things that happen during their reign if they start now, while they are still alive. The account of the Seven Bells of Virtue is clearly going to be an important event and they are eager to have as complete a record of this inspiring act as possible. Their exarch, the Librarian Seth of the Stone Library has issued a polite challenge to the Assembly of Nine. If a member of the Assembly will take responsibility for ensuring that a Virtuous account of the entire event is compiled and sent by winged messenger to the Stone Library, then the chapter will have the archivists in the scriptorium make copies of the account and distribute them across the Empire to ensure that the details of this inspirational story are not lost.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Courage! It is not only bravely advancing with a sword. Courage is doing something and we are doing something big. This Summer we will Hallow a bell to Courage. A bell used in the coronation of the Empress. A Hallowing of 7 priests strength. A bell to inspire all aspects of Courage.|by=Nira of Cantiarch’s Hold, Courage Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=239-0 (Greater Majority)|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=At the coronation 7 bells were used. In the same summer solstice each of those bells will be Hallowed to one of the 7 virtues, to the power of 7. Once hallowed the bells will be taken on a pilgrimage around the empire to inspire us all. We encourage you to come out in support of the bells, shouting your virtue with each peal.|by=Naomi Felix Watch, Prosperity Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=328-20 (Greater Majority)|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the bells will be sent on an Empire-wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial citizens and send the message of Imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the lights we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their blaze!|by=Destin of the Woodwych Harts, Vigilance Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=344-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the bells will be sent on an Empire-wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the light we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their Blaze!|by=Artemis of Arion Sentinels, Wisdom Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=260-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the Bells will be sent on an Empire wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial greatness far and wide. This judgement raised in all Virtue Assemblies. Virtue Exalts!|by=Edward Watcher, Pride Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=188-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the throne are being hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each virtue. Once hallowed, the bells will be sent on an empire wide pilgrimage borne by the virtuous souls to inspire Imperial cities and send the message of imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the light we have until they ignite farther in all that witness their blaze!|by=Bronwen, Ambition Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=136-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The 7 Bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being hallowed with the strength of 7 priests at the Summer Solstice. Once hallowed, the bells will be sent on an empire wide pilgrimage borne by virtuous souls to inspire Imperial citizens and send the message of imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the lights we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their blaze.|by=Jared of the Suns of Couros, Loyalty Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=244-0|size=small}}
</div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg |caption=The seven [[#Virtue Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]], the [[#Assembly of the Way|Assembly of the Way]], the ten [[#National Assemblies|National Assemblies]], the [[#General Assembly|General Assembly]], and the [[#Assembly of the Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] together make up the [[Imperial Synod]].|width=1000}}

==Further Reading==
* [[A peerless sacrifice]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune relating to the choice between Peerless Kinship and Crusade
* [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Highguard|The war of thorns and flowers]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune relating to Highborn opportunities to fight the Vallorn

Hope and fear

2025-07-21T15:29:24Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"You're going then?" Half way between a question and an accusation, the words hung in the air accusingly.

Mladen looked at his feet sheepishly, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Gerard says they need me." he said trying to justify the theft.

"They don't need you. Graciana can do it. Or Lutomysla." Her anger gave the plea an insistent tone she hadn't intended, but she didn't apologise. It was true after-all.

"No they can't. Grace'll will come up with a bunch of crazy ideas that need more wains than the Bourse sees in a year and Luto will have some mad plan involving the Howler. It has to be me."

"You are retired. You quit! They stopped paying you. That means you're retired!"

The old Varushkan withered under the barrage. He bowed his head and bit his lip, but under his breath he whispered "soldiers don't retire..."

"Just one more time, Lyubov. I promise you, this will be my last..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hottentotta judaicus.jpg|caption=The Druj wield are fearsome, remorseless, cruel, and full of hate. Yet it is possible - just possible - that their tyrannical reign over the Mallum may finally be teetering.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMNWVa0oc8}}
During the Spring Equinox the [[Imperial Senate]] [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|instructed]] the [[Appraisal#The Prognosticators Office|Prognosticators Office]] to prepare an [[appraisal]] of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] with a view to finding ways to disrupt [[Druj]] operations and supply. A complex commission, with significant strategic implications; as the [[senator|senators]] opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, ''[[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Gerard La Salle]]'' decided to prevail on old [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] - schlacta, strategist, and former [[general]] - to come out of retirement for one last job. The appraisal has been delivered, and Mladen has made it clear that this is definitely, definitely, ''definitely'' the last time.

This is not the first time the Senate have tried to appraise part of [[the Mallum]]; in 384YE they charged [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] with discovering ways to use the [[spy network]] in [[Sarangrave]] to [[Make it happen|incite a slave uprising]]. This time the focus is different, but the goal arguably remains the same - an earnest search for a way to bring down the cruel Druj and finally topple their cruel empire for good.

==Assignment==
The Imperial Senate opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, so Gerard La Salle has taken the unusual choice of asking [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] to carry out the work. Mladen retired some years ago and is no longer at the beck and call of the Senate, but in his heyday he was one of the most brilliant schlacta of his age - a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist and a former general of the [[Golden Axe]]. Mladen spent years fighting the Druj and there are simply no members of the department who know this adversary better than him. He was somewhat reluctant to return to work, but Gerard La Salle appears to have used a combination of flattery and temptation to convince the former civil servant to return for one last piece of work. Mladen he wishes it to be made it ''absolutely clear'', again, that this is definitely, definitely, ''definitely'' the last time.

When appraising a problem Mladen's speciality is to focus on identifying the most efficient way to resolve an issue. Unlike many of their colleagues, who have a tendency to assume that the cost is someone else's problem, Mladen is firmly of the view that a solution that is too expensive is no solution at all. As a result he developed a reputation during his time with the Prognosticator's Office for focusing on ways to make use of standard practices available to the Empire, while seeking out options that might save the Empire valuable money or resources.

In line with this approach, Mladen has focussed much of the effort of the appraisal on compiling strategic intelligence and analysis. He hopes the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] will be able to make use of this information when preparing their strategies for the war against the Druj, and their quest to disrupt their operations and their supply.

==Supply==
* '''If a Druj territory cannot support a sept, all armies controlled by septs based there will go out of supply'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 600px; margin-left: 10px; min-width: 320px;" class="">
<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed sortable">
<tr><th>Army</th><th>Sept</th><th>Territory</th></tr>
<tr><td>Arrow Viper</td><td>Iron Asp</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Black Wind</td><td>Black Wind</td><td>Forest of Ulnak (Formerly Barrens)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadly Blade</td><td>Iron Asp</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Flame Beetle</td><td>Sawscaled Viper</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hidden Snake</td><td>Banded Snake</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hidden Widow</td><td>Shadow Krait</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hunting Scorpion</td><td>Amber Scorpion</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath (Formerly Ossium)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jagged Claws</td><td>Keelback</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Poison Crane</td><td>Marshlizard</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Lizard</td><td>Shadow Krait</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tainted Basilisk</td><td>Thornwasp</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Thorn Born</td><td>Sawscaled Viper</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>White Lion</td><td>Keelback</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
[[Druj armies]] need to be supplied, just like every Imperial army, but the Druj don't provision and support their forces in the same way that the Empire does and don't operate under the [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|same limitations]]. The endemic use of brutal slavery limits Druj society in many ways but it does allow them to support a huge number of armies from a relatively small number of territories - much more than any nation outside the Imperial Orcs might normally manage. Rather than pool their resources as an Imperial nation might do, individual septs raise and maintain armies themselves. As a result, it is not possible to cause all the Druj armies to go out of supply, in the way that has happened in recent memory with Urizen and Freeborn armies.

For all the advantages this gives them the approach is not without its drawbacks. The Druj can support a lot of armies, but they do still need land to supply and feed their soldiers and to replace casualties. Rather than being tied to the Druj nation as a whole, each individual Druj army needs the sept associated with the army to control enough land to keep supplying their soldiers.

Mladen believes this may be one of the reasons why the ''Stone Toad'' remained behind in [[Reikos]] when the Empire reclaimed the territory. The Stone Toad sept were using their fiefs in the territory to support their army - once they no longer had control of those lands the army went [[Imperial_army#Insufficient_Supply|out of supply]] and began to suffer accordingly. The sept took advantage of an [[opportunity]] to convert the army into a garrison in [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]], presumably because that was preferable to seeing the army collapse from lack of supply. In theory it ought to be possible for Druj septs to support each other, but the fierce rivalry between them makes that impossible.

Scouring Imperial war reports from the last ten years, Mladen has compiled a list of [[Druj armies]] and combined that with various scouting reports, discussions with the [[Great Forest Orcs]] and with the septs of [[Ossium]], to identify which sept and territory each army is associated with. If the septs based in a territory were no longer able to draw on their lands there, then the armies they control would go out of supply. They would suffer the same penalties as an Imperial army from a nation that had [[Imperial_army#Insufficient_Supply|insufficient supply]].

The prognosticator cautions the Military Council not to assume that being out of supply would guarantee that these armies would quickly disband. The Druj don't have anything as powerful as [[The_Marches_economic_interests#The_Imperial_Breadbasket|the Marcher breadbasket]] to draw on, but their forces can benefit from an [[opportunity]] just like Imperial armies can. Crucially, insufficient supply prevents an army benefitting from natural resupply, but it doesn't prevent emergency resupply. The Druj have significant supplies of [[weirwood]] and access to small amounts of [[mithril]] and they are likely to use them to resupply their armies if it is that or see them destroyed.

Mladen also advises the [[general|generals]] not to assume that other barbarian nations operate in a similar way. The former general spent years fighting the Druj, and knows his old adversary well. He has comparatively little experience with the [[Thule]] and even less fighting the [[Grendel]] or the [[Jotun]]. These barbarian nations will need a way to supply their armies, just like the Druj do, but Mladen is certain they do not employ the same approach that the quarrelsome Druj septs use.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|title=A trio of Druj banners|caption=Each of the Druj armies is raised and maintained by one of the septs of the Mallum.|align=left|width=400}}</div>

==Cutting Supply==
* '''The best way to prevent a territory resupplying armies is to completely conquer it'''
* '''Mladen believes that any alternative would be expensive to achieve and short-lived in effect'''
* '''Any effective alternative is likely to involve methods some Imperial citizens may find unpalatable'''
By far the most effective way to prevent the septs in a territory from resupplying their armies is to conquer the territory. The Empire would need to completely conquer every [[territory#Regions|region]] for this to be effective. It is ''not sufficient'' to politically control it by conquering half the regions. While individual septs may be concentrated in one or two regions, every sept in a territory controls lands in most of the regions. They would be under pressure if most of their lands were conquered, but given how important their armies are to them, they'd find a way to keep supplying them. The best way to prevent that is to completely conquer every region in the territory.

The dour [[Varushka|Varushkan]] civil servant warns the Military Council not to think that this would guarantee success. At the point where the last region fell to Imperial control, then all the armies supplied from that territory would suffer from insufficient supply. However that might not last - at least two Druj septs have found ways to move their people to adjacent territories in recent years. The Black Wind [[Ashes#From_Darkness_to_Darkness|fled the Barrens]] to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and the surviving Amber Scorpion fled Ossium to the Forest of Ulnak.

That isn't a given however - the Druj can't move their septs like chess pieces. The Bone Serpent were attacked and wiped out ''by other Druj'' [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Secrets_and_Mysteries|when they attempted to flee Ossium]]. It's not clear why some septs were allowed to flee while others were slaughtered, but the reason for that attack might have been the fact that the Druj can't simply relocate all their septs when a territory is conquered. Crucially the more land they lose, the harder that becomes.

The appraisal doesn't offer anything in the way of alternatives to disrupt Druj operations and supply. Mladen argues that such options are, by their nature, generally very inefficient. To prevent the Druj employing their lands to supply their armies, the Empire needs to take control of their lands from them. Far and away the best tool to do that is the power of the Imperial military. Any politically acceptable way to disrupt Druj operations in their lands involving [[military unit|military units]] or other methods would be either prohibitively expensive or limited in effect or duration. By way of evidence, Mladen points to Graciana's appraisal of the Sarangrave which suggested the Empire could arm the one or more of the oppressed groups; it laid out how the Empire could bring about an uprising in the territory but the cost was simply too much for an uncertain return on investment.

There ''are'' effective ways to permanently damage Druj supply, but Mladen has not explored those because he does not believe that they would be politically acceptable in the current climate. No prognostications have been conducted, but the former general is confident that the Empire could employ armies or military units to wipe out the inhabitants of Druj lands under their control. If the Druj ''and all their subjects'' in an area were slaughtered then that would be an effective and permanent way to make it impossible for the sept to use those lands to supply their armies. Given events over the last year or so in the Barrens, however, it seems unlikely that such a move would be uncontroversial. The Prognosticators Office ''is'' prepared to conduct an appraisal on this approach if the Imperial Senate requests it, provided they are explicit that they understand ''exactly'' what they are asking for.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The [[Forest of Ulnak]], in the north.|align=right|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Salt Flats of Sanath Regions.png|align=right|caption=The [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], heart of the Druj domain.|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=The [[Sarangrave]], to the south.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Coup de Grâce==
* '''Conquering the Salt Flats of Sanath would make it much harder for Druj to resupply their armies'''
* '''If the Empire conquer the Salt Flats of Sanath and one other Druj territory their empire will collapse'''
* '''Such a downfall will incite other neighbours to attack the Druj'''
Completing conquering the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak would be a significant blow to the Druj, causing three to five Druj armies to suffer from insufficient supply. The Druj ''might'' be able to evacuate a sept out of one of those territories, they ''might'' be able to secure an opportunity to find new supplies for an army, they ''might'' try to use supplies of mithril and weirwood to mitigate losses in the short term. But whatever happened, it would be a huge blow. Even if they were able to expend mithril to prevent ''any'' losses - and Mladen doesn't think that would be possible - that is still mithril they wouldn't be spending to resupply other armies.

If the Empire could conquer the Salt Flats of Sanath, that would also cause five Druj armies to suffer insufficient supply, but it would have other effects as well. The Salt Flats are between the Sarangrave and the Forest of Ulnak - that unchecked line of control allows Druj armies to draw supply lines back to their home territory. If the entirety of the Salt Flats were conquered by the Empire, that would become impossible.

Such a victory would cut the empire of the Mallum in two - the five Druj armies from the Forest of Ulnak would struggle unless they could trace a line directly back to the Forest through territory the Druj controlled. Likewise, the three Druj armies from the Sarangrave would face the same challenge if they couldn't run supply lines back to the Sarangrave. The results would be devastating to the Druj and bring them to the brink of destruction.

However, the Salt Flats are ''also'' the political heartland of the Druj, the home of their most powerful septs and the cornerstone of their rule. If the Salt Flats were completely conquered along with either the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak, that would spell the end of the Druj. On paper their armies might think to retreat to an unconquered territory, but in practice the loss of so much crucial territory would cause what remains of their shaky union to collapse.

Such a defeat would spell the end of the rule of the [[Druj_lore#Buruk_Tepel|Buruk Tepel]]. It is impossible to know what would follow - there might be some residual threat in the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak, but it would be a fraction of the current strength of the Druj. The most likely outcome is that any neighbours with a history of hostile relations with the Druj might seize this opportunity to extract vengeance or claim valuable lands.

The [[Axos|Axou]] have long harboured dreams of conquering the Sarangrave. They're unlikely to attack Imperial positions in the territory, but they would likely leap at a chance to overrun a rapidly collapsing Druj nation. The Thule might risk trying to extend their dominion into the Forest of Ulnak, or they might not. Even the Grendel might see the value of raiding and looting the collapsing Druj holdings Sanath, although its unlikely they would try to claim territory there ''are'' apparently islands in the east that might in theory provide them with the weirwood they crave.

As an aside, though, Mladen notes with interest that the Druj maintain the massive fortification of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]] on their north-east border. That fortress is clearly designed to keep ''someone'' out...

==Further Appraisal==
* '''Mladen has outlined another appraisal that he would be willing to carry out if requested'''
* '''If the Assembly of Nine passed a judgement with a greater majority then Mladen would be available for any appraisal'''
* '''If that happened and the Imperial Senate requested Mladen then the expenditure would increase by ten thrones'''
Mladen's appraisal explicitly includes another option for him to conduct further appraisals to provide additional strategic options should the Imperial Senate request it. This appraisal has focussed on establishing how the Empire might reduce the supply of Druj armies, but if the political will were there to employ cruel strategies - strategies such as those the [[Iron Helms]] used in the Barrens - then the Senate could request Mladen appraise that and he would carry out the work. Clearly the former prognosticator is not quite as retired as he protests.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Nine.png|caption=The Assembly of Nine|align=right}}
Gerard is at pains to stress that such work is on Mladen's terms only at this point. The former general would like nothing more than to see the Druj destroyed, but otherwise he plans to return to his family in [[Miekarova]]. The only thing that might change his mind would be if the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of Nine]] indicated that they believe that the Empire needs the former general to return to work - Mladen was a devout member of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] in his youth and holds the Assembly in high regard. The final decision, however, would rest with the Senate.

If the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] passed a judgement with a [[greater majority]] asking Mladen to return to work then he would be available to undertake any appraisal the Senate requested. Such a decision would be expensive however; civil service expenditure would increase by ten thrones a season if Mladen and his entire team of staff returned to regular employment in the Prognosticators Office. If the Imperial Senate want that to happen they would also need to request Mladen appraise a project in the same season that the Assembly of Nine requested he return to work (although it need not be the cruel appraisal he has offered). Regardless of the nature of the appraisal he would bring to bear both his drive for efficiency and his military experience making him an excellent choice for both appraisals where cost ''is'' an object or which could be achieved with existing resources, or those that involved military matters.

==OOC Design Notes==
Most of the core rules for the military game are as similar for the Empire as the barbarians as we can make them. Imperial and barbarian armies all have to submit orders, they all have known sizes and take casualties and break and so forth. Military rituals like [[Rivers of Life]] and [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] affect barbarian armies and fortifications in exactly the same way that they affect Imperial armies and fortifications.

However some of the subsidiary rules around the economies of the barbarians are considerably simplified. There are no player-characters in the Druj so we don't model the impacts of a territory curse on their businesses and farms. Much of the economics of the barbarian nations are heavily simplified. They don't have a Bourse, or any internal markets to buy and sell wains; they don't have a Synod or any mandates. It would be a huge amount of additional work to try to model these things for virtually no benefit - work that is much better channelled into producing plot players can interact with at events.

None of the barbarian nations featured in the game operate use the exact same supply rules as the armies of the Empire. This is clearly an advantage for the barbarians. In other cases these simplifications confer a considerable advantage to the Empire. For example, the Empire has eight hundred military units that they can call on each season - the equivalent of sixteen additional armies - but we don't model military units for the Druj.

In effect, the supply of barbarian forces is below the abstraction later. The supply of Druj armies is rarely crucial since they have raised so few armies since the game began. Appraisal allows players to interact directly with things that would normally be abstracted away, so it's the ideal tool here while the Druj are under pressure from the Empire.

This wind of fortune lays out a way the Empire could disrupt the supply of the armies of the Druj: this is an opportunity for the Empire to attack Druj supply. These are not standard rules that apply at all times to all barbarians. The Jotun, the Grendel, the Thule, the Iron Confederacy, the vallorn, the Axou, the Vore, the Asaveans, the Jarmish - all these different groups are all very different in social structure and make-up. If the supply of their armies were ever relevant to the game, then we would present different options that were appropriate to those nations or powers.

==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Druj]]
* [[The Mallum]]
** [[Forest of Ulnak]]
** [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]
** [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Druj armies]]

Shovels and spades

2025-07-21T15:28:24Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yegarra Traitor.jpg|caption=Both Bregas and Mournwolder take it poorly when someone sides with the Jotun against their neighbours.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Pickaxe and Fen==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35RcTMkeFbI}}
When people think of [[the Marches]] it is the rich farmlands of [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] they normally imagine. A patchwork of farms, hedges, fences, gates. The earthbound clouds of bleating sheep, the waving golden oceans of grain. The distant sounds of the hurdy-gurdy, of leather and wood, of clay ale-mugs clinking. Yet here is [[Bregasland]], and here [[Mournwold]]. Are they not also the Marches? The dour mire, where they grow eels and grudges. The rolling hills and the stubborn grasses with their rich harvests of rare ores and centuries of bitterness.

It is to these latter two, mirrors of each other - one flat marsh and the other undulant like some frozen sea - that we turn our gaze. Mirrors in land, but also mirrors of war. Western warriors bent on conquest; Imperial soldiers striving to liberate their homes.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:Tusks Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Tusks]]</div>
==The Bitter Hills==
The [[Tusks]] hold to their oath. There are enemies in the Mourn, and until they are dealt with the army will remain. They march under a new general, but they march nonetheless. The bulk of the Jotun forces are engaged elsewhere, but there are still warriors here stubbornly resisting any suggestion of retreat or surrender. Farstrider's Watch is surrounded on all sides by angry Marchers, but the Jotun will not abandon the [[fortification|castle]]. Perhaps it is their oaths to Jarl Haakon that keep them here. Perhaps they seek glory, and a bridge across the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]]. Perhaps, just as with Fort Braydon, they seek to purge themselves of the guilt they feel for letting so many thralls die when the Empire ravaged Mournwold with plague and death. Pick one, or all, and you will find a Jotun fighter whose heart it fills. One, a dozen, a score. They fight with the furious joy of those who know they have little left to lose.

The Tusks match them, blow for blow. They treat the grim business of war with the same solemnity and intensity they treat the harvest. When there is a crop to bring in, they swing their scythes and sickles. When there is an army to defeat, they swing their pikes and their swords. Sword and shears both cut alike. Each step forward pushes the Jotun back another step, breaks their hold on the green grasses of the Chalkdowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">Jacks of the Tusks! We thank Stanley of Chalkdown for his service to the Empire, and to the Mourn. Let us show loyalty to our former General, and reclaim his home and yours. March for steady conquest in the Chalkdowns. Do not advance into Greensward, that is work for the Summer. Take pride in what we have achieved. For the Mourn! PS Janon, come along and watch the scrap. Let us show you the passion of the Marches.</quote></div>
It's hard to see the outcome as anything short of predetermined. With the newly replenished garrison of [[Mournwold#Landkeeper's Bulwark|Landkeeper's Bulwark]] to hold the ground already taken, the Marches press the Jotun from every side. In [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]] the [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|green walls]] of [[Spring magic]] exert a subtle influence over the hedgerows and the forest groves, over the beasts of the fields. The [[Irra Harah|Prince of a Thousand Foes]] does little to help the Marcher army, but his servants are there to harass and confuse those who have come as conquerors. He has little patience for the thrall-takers, and infinite patience and compassion for those they would make their property.

One warband of Jotun, hard pressed by the Tusks, make the mistake of retreating into Alderly. They are found the next morning on the edge of the forest. Strangled in a constricting hedge of bramble and bracken, thirty pairs of dead eyes staring at the dawn. All of their weapons are missing. The ''Thorn of the Ancestors'' kills when he chooses not to yield. It is, perhaps, a reminder to the Empire that this particular lord of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] also has claws.

Where the ''Shacklesmasher'' offers support at one remove, there are other supernatural forces at work in the Mournwold. The general has invited the ''Firebrand'' to observe the fight, and for the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of [[Janon]], to watch is to do. Twenty wild warriors, wrapped in scraps of leather and wool, wearing carved wooden mummers' masks depicting the [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|personae]] as wild beasts, fight with the Marchers. They rarely speak during battle, inspiring by their presence and their wild abandon. If they are disappointed by the [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|careful strategy]] employed by the Marchers they do not show it. Armed with jagged polearms fashioned in echo of farming tools, they look like scarecrows but fight with the passionate fire only the servants of the ''Ranting Tumult'' can deploy.

Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.

Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.

Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.

Either way, there are no grand battles, just a hard job that needs doing and is done professionally, without fuss nor muss. More orcs fall than Marchers, but blood is spilled on both sides. War is a thrice-ploughed field, after all. The general has left strict orders not to engage the Jotun at Farstrider's Watch, and as the Summer Solstice approaches the Chalkdowns is Imperial once more. The Jotun are penned in at Farstrider's Watch, but show no sign of abandoning the castle or the [[Mournwold#Greensward|Greensward]], or the [[Singing Caves]]. The work is not done, not yet.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:StrongReeds Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Strong_Reeds]]</div>

==The Rumbling Fens==
When the Spring Equinox dawned, the Jotun held almost the entirety of Bregasland. Their [[If one be gone we carry on|sudden, overwhelming attack]] had expanded their dominion from [[Bregasland#Graven Rock|Graven Rock]] across the marshes and fens in a single fell swoop. They had reckoned without the [[Strong Reeds]], however, and the stubborn resistance of the Bregas.

Through the [[Sentinel Gate]], the heroes of the Empire interceded against the forces [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Glory_at_the_End_(Battle_Opportunity)|marching north]] from [[Bregasland#The_Rushes|Sallow]] along toward [[Bregasland#Ottermire|Ottery]]. Under the [[Field Marshal|guidance]] of the ‘Reeds general herself, that intervention was a victory for the Empire. The Jotun advance was [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Block_the_Sallow_Way|blocked]]; the pennants of the thieving Corazón were [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Battlefield_Opportunity:_Capture_the_Corazon's_pennants|seized]]; the bounds were [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Rouse_the_Strong_Reeds|beaten]] and the Strong Reeds inspired, fired up to take the battle to the invaders.

The reward for a good job is more work, of course, and in the wake of that victory, the Strong Reeds begin making preparations, rallying those who oppose the Jotun, laying in supplies, readying to strike back with overwhelming force when the order is finally given. Bregasland will not find them slow to respond when the call goes out.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">"The Reward for hard work is more work". We lay low again for one more season. But do you hear amongst the Rushes? All around the Empire, the home of the Strong Reeds is toasted, and on the battlefield our beaters sing your virtue, your pride and loyalty. We who are never bent or broken, we who defeated "Queen" Fisher, we who stood against Jotun Steel. Your Loyalty to our land is met with loyalty from the citizens of the Empire. So cleave to your Loyalty, the loyalty of Tom Drake and Farstrider. Cleave to your pride of Guildenstern and Hooke. So I ask you for one more season, one more grind, then we will stand again stronger than ever.</quote></div>

For their part the Jotun rally, recover from their losses, adjust their plans and sweep into Ottermire without pause. The town falls in less than an hour. The Jotun offer the Choice, and the whole of Bregasland is theirs. Or, at least, the land is theirs. The people are another matter, however. The Corazón have been bested, and the Empire has shown a willingness to fight those who dare to oppress their people. It sends a powerful message to those across the territory; that the Bregas and their Imperial neighbours are tied together by bonds of [[Loyalty]] that, while frayed in places, still hold strong. The sullen mood that has simmered in Bregasland since the magistrates "failed" to [[Despise_treachery#The_Droverbill_Clan_of_Grey_Fens|execute the Droverbills]] has subsided. If someone tries to claim the Empire doesn't care about the Marches, they'll be given short shrift.

That's not to say that everything is green and fragrant among the Bregas. Copies of the [[Life of Tom Drake]] begin to circulate in the conquered land. Even though the Jotun rarely care what their thralls read, hand-written copies are made by rushlight, passed quietly from hand to hand in the back rooms of pubs and stuffed into sacks of animal feed sold at the markets. The part that people are most interested in is that Good Old Tom - who was alright for a ‘Wolder, the one good one - was Loyal to the Marches first and the Empire second. There was no guerdon in Tom's day, but doubtless he'd have had a few choice words for the anyone who said that soldiers fighting for the Marches would get nowt for all their hard work, and they'd not be "polite" words.

Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa Jansdottir, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.

For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of Kalsea.

The Strong Reeds prove harder to root out than a [[spy network]] or a ring of Grendel agents, but between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice the Reeds must remain on their toes. Several times a warband or a cell of sympathisers need to be relocated with hours notice to avoid the lions of Queen Yrsa. There are victories as well - vicious fights between Jotun who manage to find some of the Marcher soldiers which leave both sides bloodied. It is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but for now the Reeds have the upper hand. As the Summer Solstice nears, the Jotun are in no doubt that the Strong Reeds are present, and that they are organising resistance against the orcs' rule. How much ''else'' they know is not clear, but it does not seem they know exactly where the Strong Reeds are - if they did they would have ended them already.

It's clear, though, that the Jotun seem to be planning to stay. [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#Objective:_Kill_Igya_Olgafsdottir|Igya Olgafsdottir]], Jarl of [[Tromsa]], has apparently been spotted by Strong Reeds scouts visiting the Ice Fishers of Ldansk at the "[[Only_forward#Object:_Halt_the_Burhfæst!|
Burhfæst]]", the magical fortification at Graven Rock. Imperial prognosticators predict that the magical citadel is due to return to the realm of the [[Adamant|King-under-the-mountain]] by the end of the Summer Solstice at the latest, but the presence of the master engineer and castle-builder in Bregasland may be a cause for alarm.

For now, though, Bregasland is as quiet as a conquered Marcher territory ever is. Yet it is clear to everyone, Marcher and Jotun alike, that this situation will not, cannot, last. The pebbles are already bouncing, the avalanche is inevitable.

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has liberated Chalkdowns in Mournwold; only Greensward remains under Jotun control
* '''The Jotun have conquered Ottermire in Bregasland; the territory is now completely under their control
The fighting in the Mournwold continues; the Empire has driven the Jotun out of Chalkdowns, but Greensward, including the fort at [[Mournwold#Farstrider's Watch|Farstrider's Watch]], the [[Singing Caves]], and [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour's_Rest|Honour's Rest]], remain in Jotun hands. With the reclamation of Chalkdowns, the Black Canal will provide its full benefit to businesses and farms in [[Mitwold]] and the Mourn after the Summer Solstice 387YE.

In Bregasland, the Jotun have completed their conquest of the territory, which is now entirely in their hands. Only the unique presence of the Strong Reeds is preventing citizens whose [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] is in Bregasland from suffering the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] penalty.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|caption="Pride in small things..."|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|caption=... Loyalty to great ones."|width=200}}</div>

==Participation==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Tusks or the Strong Reeds 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 Strong Reeds or the Tusks may receive a special benefit
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold and Bregasland. The generals of the Strong Reeds and Tusks have sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Tusks or the Strong Reeds 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 Summer Solstice. 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.

==Conjunctions==
===A Matter of Property (Mournwold)===
{{SOP|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher Assembly|statement=Miners of the Mourn! Defenders of the Singing Caves! Victors over the Howling Bear! Descendants of Exemplars! Liberators of our home! Last time we descended upon the Chalkdowns, it was in an act of rebellion to defend our Pride. Today, we go with General Stanley, oathsworn to our cause, to liberate his home. Our uprising against these invaders is a lasting one. We do not leave a job unfinished. So long as Jotun boot leather rests on Marcher soil, we fight on. I would not ask such a tall order of anyone else. You have endured with Virtue for so long. Like our Exemplars, we are coming down the hillside - to take back the farms so all our brethren may return home. Every day, every season, until the Mourn stands free.|vote=138-10|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
* '''A warband of yegarra are the vanguard for a caravan of mithril from the Singing Caves'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Jedediah Boon'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the yegarra'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The [[Singing Caves]] have been controlled by the Jotun since they reclaimed Greensward following the Summer Solstice of 386YE. Since then, the mithril has been put towards the western orcs' war against the Empire; supplying their warriors with weapons and armour. Since the Empire conquered Southmoor, the caravans - and the soldiers escorting them - have had to wend a careful route through Marcher lands to avoid patrols of beaters.

Inspired by the words of '''Jedediah Boon''', the beaters of Warthill have tracked the latest caravan to a small wood, and have asked Jedediah Boon to take out the vanguard of yegarra so they can attack and claim the caravan. If successful, they will send around eight wains of [[mithril]] - two-thirds of the recovered wains - to the care of one of the egregores in time for the Autumn Equinox, with instructions that the wains be put to whatever use the Marcher Assembly can agree on. This will not require a judgement, a simple agreement during a meeting would suffice.

===Customs (Mournwold)===
*'''Small but significant numbers of Marcher orcs have been taking up arms in Marcher armies and to defend the Mournwold'''
* '''Two groups of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces in Greensward'''
For the past [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on|few months]], Marcher army recruiters have been dealing with unprecedented times. Faced with the invasion of their homeland, dozens of Marcher orc citizens have been abandoning their pacifist ways and taking up arms in the defence of their nation and the Empire. They have proven brave and capable soldiers, if inexperienced, and exclaim a fervent willingness to fight and die for the land as befits any right-thinking Marcher. They are still a minority compared to those who continue to till the soil and beat the bounds without picking up weapons, but their ranks are growing among the troops of the four armies.

The rest of the Marches appear to have welcomed this development with open arms. But, as is often the case, thorny religious questions arise. The Marcher orcs who take up arms and seek to fight and die in battle claim that by doing so, they are giving up their chance at reincarnation granted to their pacifist fellows. Clearly, this resembles the Jotun religious beliefs; understandable, since almost all of the Marcher orcs grew up as Jotun subjects. But those orcs of the Mourn who felt the call of battle went west years ago. These orcs taking up the billhook don't talk of seeking a glorious death in battle. They talk of making a sacrifice ''in defence of the land''. They make the choice to fight, and they will be judged by the red-clad orcs of the west who came before them to see if they are worthy of crossing the abyss. Or, so they say.

Whatever anyone thinks of the matter, Marcher orcs are fighting and dying for the cause, and believe they are risking their souls in the process. In the Mournwold, in Greensward, Mourn orcs are caught up in the fighting; some fighters, but some not.

====On Honour's Fields====
* '''A group of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces near Overton's ruins'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Friar of Honour's Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been scattered and may be being chased across a dispersed area. It is the responsibility of the [[Friar of Honour's Rest]], '''Friar John of the Mourn''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.

If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

====Raindrops====
* '''A group of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces near Farstrider's Watch'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Bailiff of the Downs'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been cornered by the Jotun, and that there is limited time before the Jotun fall on them. It is the responsibility of the [[Bailiff of the Downs]], '''Thomas Oak''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.

If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

==Further Reading==
* [[Bregasland]]
* [[Mournwold]]
* [[If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland and Mournwold

Two for joy

2025-07-21T15:27:21Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"A Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon greets the courteous vassals of the Empire and bids them convey our words to the Speaker and their flock."

Juna looked at the glowing ball of white light and tried to work out how it was speaking. It had introduced itself as the Mouth of Infinity, but as far as she could see the one thing it definitely did not possess was a mouth. Next to her, her counterpart from Wintermark was frantically trying to scribble everything down. She was not quite sure which of them had drawn the short straw, the one trying to talk to a ball of glowing light that spoke ludicrously affected prose, or the one who had to write it all down.

"We congratulate the Speaker and their wise flock for their prudent choices. The assertions they will make are pleasing in our eye."

Nope, no eye either. Just a glowing ball of light... Wonder how it takes a piss? she thought and stifled a laugh. Her colleague stopped writing long enough to glare at her, so she gestured to the herald to prompt it to continue.

"The Unblinking Eye would reward such illumination with their support should that be pleasing to your Empire. If the Magpies wish to send a plenipotentiary in search of a jewel they seek whose location was known once and will be known again but is not known now, then we will render what assistance we are able to resolve this occlusion."

"Er... Thanks... I think." Juna desperately tried to think of something intelligent to say. With little better option she chose the first thing that came to mind. "Only an archmage can send a plenipotentiary." she explained.

Impossibly, yet undeniably the ball of light threw her a look of derision, without ever moving. Obviously she'd imagined that - the thing didn't have any features for virtue's sake. Yet when it spoke there was now a clear note of irritation and disdain in its voice.

"Perhaps your Hierarchs might put the archmage at the service of those who seek that which was lost? Or else dissolve that herald and requite those powers in the hands of those who are reborn in this sodality?"

Even with her training it took a few seconds to catch what the herald was suggesting but once she caught on Juna had to pretend to cough to cover her laughter. "Er... I don't think that's going to happen. I'm not a magistrate but even I know that would be unconstitutional." she explained as politely as possible.

"Yes. You are correct. A Thousand Eyes have seen that you do not do this. It is good that we have communicated clearly. Please convey our words to your Magpies in anticipation of the use they will make of them. Now we speak of the request from your Hierarch of Day that A Thousand Eyes assist you to locate three relics whose location was known once, and may be known again, but is not known now..."

The ball of light trailed off a moment, allowing the scribe time to catch up. It really did see all it would appear.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fledgeling Magpies.jpg|align=left|caption=The Imperial Senate has created the [[Magpies]] as an [[Imperial Sodality]] but there are still questions about what precisely that means.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7-OS5oC6E}}
Following the successful creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries' Guild]] at the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] passed administrative [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] approving the establishment of two additional [[Imperial sodality|Imperial sodalities]], the [[Magpies]] and the [[Vallornguard]].

The Magpies are a sodality dedicated to the acquisition of historical artifacts, the first of its kind in the Empire. There have been organisations in the past that have tried to find and locate lost items for people, but there has never been a sodality that is devoted purely to that cause.

In accordance with the procedures developed for the Apothecaries' Guild, the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the manifesto of the Magpies, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join. As is often the case, this has provoked interest from various corners. Intrigued by the new possibilities, disparate groups have come forward with agendas of their own.

The first task is for all the new members to be inducted into the sodality. To assist with that, the civil service have prepared arcane projections that will allow a large number of citizens to join. Once everyone has had a chance to join then the sodality can consider any response.

Before any of that can happen, however, the creation of the sodality must be ratified by the Throne. Somewhat awkwardly, it appears that the civil service have made a glaring error and failed to obtain the ratification of Emperor Vesna for the new sodality. If that does not proceed, then all the other issues are likely to become moot.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Waystone Path''', first Speaker of the Magpies|align=right|width=250}}

==Ratification==
* '''The creation of a sodality must be ratified by the Throne'''
* '''The civil service has failed to get the Throne to ratify the Magpies, so the sodality does not exist until that happens'''
The creation of a sodality is a constitutional vote requiring [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratification by the Throne]]. The Office of the Speaker assumed that that had happened and has instructed the civil service to communicate the existence of the new sodality to the Empire, so that people can begin to join. However, the Throne has informed the civil service (and they have since confirmed) that the motion was not brought to them for ratification.

The Throne will have an opportunity to correct the civil service's error at the beginning of the next summit, but the Throne is under no obligation of any kind to ratify the motion. The ability to ratify a constitutional motion is one of the most important powers of the Throne - and is a decision only they can make.

If Throne ratifies the creation of the Magpies, then the establishment of the new sodality will proceed exactly as laid out below.

If the creation of the Magpies is not ratified, it remains in suspension and may be ratified by the current Throne or any future occupant of the Throne at any time. If that happens, then the Magpies won't be established as an Imperial sodality. The space reserved for them to meet in the Senate chamber will remain available, but they will not gain ''any'' legal benefits, and there will be no impact for historical research or similar.

==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 on the number of people likely to wish to join'''
To aid the formation of the new 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 the incumbent [[Speaker of the Magpies]] '''Morgan Waystone Path'''. 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 Magpies from 13:30 to 14:00 on the Saturday. The first order of business is likely to be performing the ritual, so the Speaker or a member of the sodality would need to find ten mana crystals and a coven prepared to cast it, if they intend to use it. After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the title of [[Speaker of the Magpies]] will be elected. The title already exists, but falls vacant at this summit. It was previously appointed by the Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - the Senate have confirmed that it will henceforth be elected by members. If any legal powers have been delegated to the sodality, then they will be able to employ them by simple vote of Magpies present at this point.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Magpies">
* Aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts and historical knowledge
* Support the interests of historians and artefact hunters of the Empire
* Ensure accountability, protection, work, and suitable reward for the historians and artefact hunters of the Empire
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''Scrutiny of the Magpies' manifesto has identified that it grants authority over historical research to the sodality'''
* '''The manifesto also confers authority over the salvage of historical items'''

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has [[Scrutiny|scrutinised]] the manifesto of the Magpies and identified two clear constitutional implications.

The first is the issue of [[historical research]]. Currently the authority to direct the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] lies with the Senate. The manifesto that the Senate have given the Magpies makes clear that this authority should pass to the sodality. This conflict ''must'' be resolved as quickly as possible to avoid a constitutional impasse.

The second issue is the election of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]]. This [[Highguard|Highborn]] position is currently elected through the Bourse, by the [[Tally of the Votes]], and has the power to recover historical items each season from the wreck of the [[Emperor_Barabbas#Death_and_Legacy|Barabbine Fleet]] where it lies off the coast of [[Arbonne]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well-worn path]] for a title that recovered historical items would be appointment by the Magpies. It is not essential to amend the title - but the Senate could do so if they chose.

There may well be other issues that will come to light in the future on further scrutiny or other powers that the Imperial Senate could theoretically grant the Magpies; the two legal issues listed below are only the ones identified by the court at this stage.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leontes.jpg|caption=The Magpies' manifesto indicates that they should be responsible for all [[historical research]].|align=right|width=250}}</div>
===Historical Research===
* '''An administrative motion on Friday will ask the Senate to confirm or remove the authority to coordinate the uncovering of lost historical knowledge from the Magpies manifesto'''
* '''If the Senate votes to remove it, then the manifesto will be abridged'''
* '''If the Senate votes to maintain it, then all authority over historical research will devolve to the Magpies'''
The [[Magpies#Manifeto|manifesto]] of the Magpies, laid down by the Imperial Senate, explicitly grants them the authority to ''"aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts and historical knowledge"''. If people assumed the focus of the sodality would be to find lost items, their manifesto is very explicit that it ''also'' covers the coordination of Imperial efforts to seek out lost historical knowledge.

The only constitutionally coherent interpretation of this clause is that it is the role of the Magpies to coordinate [[historical research]]. If that is what the Senate intended, then the Senate must devolve the authority for historical research to the sodality. To enable the Senate to determine which option they prefer, the Constitutional Court have asked the office of the [[Speaker for the Senate|Speaker]] to raise the following [[administrative motion]] in the Friday session. The motion is unusual, but is constructed in such a way as to ensure that the constitutional conflict is guaranteed to be resolved whether the Senate pass or refuse the motion.

<quote by="Administrative Senate Motion">To amend the first line of the Magpies manifesto to be "Aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts."</quote>

====Pass====
* '''If this motion passes, the manifesto will be abridged'''
* '''Authority for historical research will remain with the Senate'''

If the Senate pass the administrative motion and it is not vetoed then the manifesto of the Magpies will be amended as per the motion.

====Fail====
* '''If this motion fails the manifesto will remain unchanged'''
* '''Authority for historical research will be devolved to the Magpies'''
* '''Appointment of the Minister for Historical Research will pass to the Magpies'''

If the motion fails - that is, if it is rejected by the Senate, or it is [[veto|vetoed]] by the [[Imperial Synod]] or [[The Throne#Power of Veto|the Throne]], then the manifesto of the Magpies will remain as unchanged. That will have four key legal consequences:

# The authority to direct the department of historical research will be devolved from the Senate to the Magpies. The Magpies will be able to direct historical research by simply majority vote of members during a session of the sodality.
# Appointment by the Magpies would become the well worth path for any title with the power to direct historical research
# The power to appoint the [[Minister of Historical Research]] will pass to the Magpies.
# If the sodality appoint a Minister of Historical Research, then the title holder would need to make their announcement during a formal session of the sodality, not to the Senate. Their powers would be adjusted accordingly.

The title is due to be elected at this summit, so unless there is a change to the sodality's manifesto, that election will be scheduled to take place during the first formal session of the sodality. Candidates for the position should present themselves to the sodality, the civil servant will permit each candidate to give a short speech extolling their virtues, allow the sodality to ask questions and then conduct a vote on who the sodality wishes to appoint.

There is no requirement for titles appointed by the sodality to be a member of the sodality - so any citizen could approach the sodality and ask to be appointed as the Minister for Historical Research.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Emperor Barabbas.png|caption=Artist's impression of Emperor Barabbas by '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra'''|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Salvage Rights===
* '''The Golden Fleet Salvagemaster is a Highborn position appointed by Tally of the Votes through the Imperial Bourse'''
* '''It salvages resources and two items of historical interest each season'''
* '''Any senator could raise a Senate motion to amend the title to be appointed by the Magpies'''

In Spring 386YE, the [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]] Duke of Arbonne auctioned off the [[Burying_the_lede#A_Fleeting_Offer|salvage rights]] to the remains of the Barabbine Fleet (also known as the "Golden Fleet"). The ill-fated venture of the Highborn emperor, which saw three [[Imperial navy|navies]] founder in their attempt to [[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|invade the Broken Shore]], is the resting place of [[Emperor Barabbas]] and many who supported him. Despite fierce competition from several interested parties, the rights to salvage the wrecks were purchased by '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' of Highguard, who decided to focus salvage efforts on the recovery of relics and items of historical interest instead of weirwood and wealth. Salvage efforts are the responsibility of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]] - a Highborn title which, like the Minister for Historical Research, is up for re-election at this summit.

Given that this title recovers lost items of historical interest, the well worn path for election would be appointment by the Magpies, though still as a Highborn position. While the Salvagemaster also recovers a small amount of valuable resources, it is very clear that the focus of the title is on recovering antiquities. The Court would look askance at any attempt to have the Bourse appoint other titles that deal with the collection of historical relics - now that there is a body of states with that responsibility. But the Senate could choose to leave the existing title as is, in which case the civil service would simply note that the irregular election method should not be taken as an example of a well-worn path when considering other positions.

==Patronage==
* '''Several groups are interested in being patrons of the new sodality if their interests are secured'''
* '''Updating the manifesto of the Magpies would require a constitutional Senate motion'''

Any new sodality is bound to create interest from various groups across the Empire and beyond and the Magpies are no exception. Some of those groups are prepared to offer patronage in one or another to the sodality, but only if they are confident that the Magpies will represent their interests. As a result, each of them is pushing for some changes to the manifesto in return for their offers of support.

Changing a manifesto of a sodality is expensive and difficult - it requires a constitutional motion which is not easily obtained. Given that challenge, each of the groups is promising aid to the new sodality if their requirements are satisfied. It seems unlikely that they could all be made happy, but in theory, a single Senate motion could rewrite the entire manifesto, provided the new wording was constitutional.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|width=200}}</div>
===Spiders Eat Maggots===
* '''Urizen torchbearers are prepared to offer their support if the Magpies secure control of historical research for use by the whole sodality'''
* '''If that happens, the sodality will gain a bequest of 21 mana crystals each season'''
It is perhaps no surprise that the [[torchbearer|torchbearers]] of [[Urizen]] might take an interest in the Magpies, given their stated goals to protect and support historians and recover historical knowledge. There is some scepticism however - there are some cynics who suggest that the Magpies are really just treasure-hunters, barely more than [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Maggot|maggots]], who have only coopeted the robes of historians to give them a patina of respectability. These Urizeni historians want to see evidence that the sodality is committed to more than just tomb-robbing.

Of all the torchbearers, the ''Sacharissans'' emphasise recovering and storing knowledge. One group, the torchbearers of ''Spider's Vantage'' in [[Redoubt]] are keen to motivate the new sodality to do more than just pay lip-service to their goals. Originally founded by Sacharissa, the spire of ''Spider's Vantage'' has grown to become a large well-established centre for the distribution of knowledge. Despite the attempt three years ago by [[Faraden]] agents to [[All_in_red#Burning_Books|destroy the spire]], it still has an impressive library and an equally impressive reputation for scholarship.

The spire hopes the sodality will do everything they can to demonstrate a similar commitment to scholasticism. In their view the best evidence of that would be if the Magpies find a way to persuade the Senate to reject the administrative motion and grant the sodality the power of historical research. If that happens, then it will be harder for anyone to deny that the Magpies are every bit as committed to unearthing the secrets of the past as they are to recovering its treasures.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Spiders Vantage Patronage'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Historical research be voted on directly by members of the sodality each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Creates an ongoing bequest of 21 mana each season</td></tr>
</table></div>
The spire would have the Magpies go one stop further though. Rather than appoint the Minister for Historical Research, they argue it would be better to move the Senate to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate]] the title, or if that isn't possible, to simply leave it vacant. If that happens, if the power to commission historical research is devolved from the Imperial Senate to the Magpies but the title is not appointed for any reason, then the sodality would be able to commission the research by majority vote of sodality members. The torchbearers of Spider's Vantage argue that this is a better basis for ensuring that the power to uncover truth does not end up concentrated in the hands of one person but remains in possession of the entire sodality.

If the sodality are successful in persuading the Senate to confirm their manifesto, thereby granting them authority to direct the Department of Historical Research, and they do not appoint the Minister for Historical Research (or the title is abrogated) then the spire will gather mana from Urizeni torchbearers for the sodality as an ongoing bequest. They will provide the sodality with twenty-one mana that can be granted to a single member of the sodality each season by simple vote for as long as the sodality continues to conduct historical research and support prompt publication of the results by the civil service.

The Sacharissans are clear that this bequest would be intended for the use of the entire sodality; that it would be "their" mana crystals, just as the contents of a Conclave order's vaults are the property of the order. Legally such bequests have to be endowed on a single citizen, so that they can be efficiently dealt with by the civil service, but the torchbearers would expect the sodality to collectively determine how this bequest should be utilised each summit.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|width=200}}</div>

===Publish and Be Damned===
* '''The historians of Highguard and the League are calling for the sodality to broaden its focus to include the protection of artifacts and lore'''
* '''If the second line of the manifesto is replaced with a call to promulgate and preserve knowledge and antiquities then the sodality will gain the ability to publish their own research across the Empire'''

The final statement of the Magpies' manifesto says that it exists to ''"Ensure accountability, protection, work, and suitable reward for the historians and artefact hunters of the Empire"''. This broad statement seems to cover all the possible bases, ensuring that every aspect of the needs of historians and artefact hunters are included in the sodality's remit. However, the statement is so complete that some people have pointed out that it somewhat invalidates the second clause which simply states that the sodality will support the interests of historians and artefact hunters. What interests could there be, that aren't already covered by the final part of the manifesto?

Such nit-picking is in the service of a higher agenda. Historians in Highguard and the League note that the Magpies are clearly going to work to support historians and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiquarian antiquarians], but there is no mention of any efforts by the sodality to protect the work itself. There's no suggestion that the sodality cares what happens to their work after it is recovered. Are the members only interested in the thrill of adventure and the pursuit of the unknown? Or are they also prepared to contemplate how important it is to preserve the items and lore they have recovered?

The suggestion is that the second line of the manifesto could be entirely replaced with a new statement focusing the sodality on the preservation of lore and the protection of libraries and museums. Perhaps if such a sodality had existed in the time of [[Emperor Nicovar]], someone might have acted to stop the mad Emperor before so many libraries were destroyed? Of course that would represent a significant expansion of the sodality's remit, encouraging librarians and curators to join the sodality and give it their support. That might dilute the Magpies purpose and thereby weaken it - or it might broaden their support and strengthen it.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Release Publication'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Authorisation:''' Simple vote of the Magpies</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 1 throne</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Adds a copy of the supplied publication to the wiki</td></tr>
</table></div>
Any change is only likely if the Magpies decide to lobby for it, but it would not be easy either way. To rewrite the manifesto would require a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] by the Senate. That would lead to further scrutiny by the Constitutional Court, which might well bring yet more legal powers and titles under the remit of the sodality - something the Imperial Senate might not be keen to permit.

These groups have no interest in putting their support behind a group of treasure hunters and rumour chasers, but if the sodality is able to expand its scope to incorporate the ''promulgation'' and ''preservation'' of history and lore, then it would see a swell of interest in, and patronage from, these well-established groups.

The [[The_League_groups#Printers_Guild|Printers Guild]] of [[Tassato]] are one of the foremost publishing houses of the Empire, much to the chagrin of their less well-known rivals the ''Holberg Historical Press''. The latter group comfort themselves with the nation that while their work may not sell as well as the material published by the Printers Guild, they have higher scholastic standards. Of course, being eclipsed by their more successful competitors means that while the [[Technology#Printing_Press|printing presses]] of the guild are booked up months in advance, the print rooms of the Holberg Historical Press have considerable spare capacity.

The Holberg Historical Press are pinning their hopes for prominence on an offer of patronage for the Magpies. If the sodality succeeds in updating their manifesto as outlined above then they will offer the services of their printing house to the sodality at discounted rates. Their proposal is short but simple - they would need a throne to help cover the printing costs each time, but provided that was forthcoming they would publish a single manuscript each season and ensure it was widely available across the Empire ('''OOC Note:''' - the Speaker for the Magpies would need to email {{plot}} with a simple pdf containing a piece of writing from the Empire setting, which would be added to the wiki in the same vein as used for the [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Seer of the Gateway]]).

===The Shape of Water===
* '''Leviathan is intrigued by the Magpies and keen to see the sodality develop a clear set of assertions to complete their manifesto'''

The guidance for the creation of a sodality originally issued by the civil service contains a glaring error. The manifesto stating what the sodality exists to do is crucial for the civil service to judge what legal powers fall within a sodality's remit, but a complete manifesto - of the kind employed by a [[Conclave order]] should begin with three assertions, three clear, concise statements of belief. The first three statements of belief should complement the second part of the manifesto giving guidance and direction on the sodality's purpose and goals.

The official guidance has now been updated, so anyone looking to create a sodality in the future would need to have a complete manifesto, but the Magpies have time to carefully consider the right way to word their three assertions. Once they have these details agreed with the other members, they can inform the Civil Service who will then update the official details. ('''OOC note:''' the guild leader should email {{plot}} with the details once they are agreed).
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Wetstone'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The Magpies assertions include a clear statement extolling the benefits of knowing the past as a route to understanding the present and charting a course into the future</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Boon:''' Once a summit allows a coven to use Swim Leviathans Depths to ask about the history of a specific item</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' One year</td></tr>
</table></div>
While many Imperial citizens are more concerned with the sodality's legal position and powers, the lack of any assertions seems to particularly perplex the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realm#Day|Day Realm]]. Two of them have sent [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], to pass on messages on this matter. While this might seem like nothing more than punctilious perfectionism, the [[Apothecaries Guild]] also failed to lay out their assertions yet none of the Day eternals seem bothered about that. Clearly there is something about the Magpies which is of considerable importance to the worthies of the Day Realm.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeviathanArt.jpg|caption=It is very, very rare for the ''[[Leviathan|Deep One]]'' to take an interest in Imperial politics.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
The first herald is from [[Leviathan]], a peculiar creature called Moonquill - a short, squat fellow with the wide head of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lophius monkfish]. He asks the civil service to pass on a greeting from ''The Watcher Beneath the Waters''. The eternal is hopeful that the sodality will ensure that their assertions include a clear statement extolling the benefits of knowing the past as a route to understanding the present and charting a course into the future.

If that happens, ''The Dweller in the Depths'' would only be too happy to stand as a patron of the sodality. When asked what benefits their patronage might offer, Moonquill seems a bit confused. The ''Abyssal Lord'' already [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|answers the questions]] of Imperial magicians who seek to understand why things happen - what more help could they possibly offer.

After some thought, the herald states that if the sodality adopt a set of assertions that are pleasing to the Dweller, then he will grant them a wetstone. This non-descript rock taken from deep in the Day realm is always wet to the touch no matter where it is left. The wetstone will have a boon on it that lasts a year, allowing it to be invoked once each summit while a coven is employing an effigy to send a question to the eternal. If that happens, then the eternal will permit the coven to ask a question about the history of a specific relic or antiquity. Moonquill cautions that the Dweller in the Depths cannot tell the sodality where such a thing might be found - for that they would need to spend with [[Kimus]] - but he can reveal what he knows of the history of this item, provided it is clearly described to him.

Of course, the herald is happy to confirm that the ''Watcher Beneath the Waters'' would welcome regular questions sent to him by members of the sodality.

==To Infinity And Beyond==
* '''At the Spring Equinox, the Archmage of Day sent a plenipotentiary to Kimus with a number of requests'''
* '''The eternal has decided to grant the sodality the right to determine which of the three items the Archmage requested they should find'''

A beautiful ball of silver light that calls itself the ''Mouth of Infinity'' makes a special visit to the Hub to pass on the congratulations of the ''Unblinking Eye'' to the Speaker of the Magpies and their entire "flock". Having observed the assertions chosen by the Magpies, ''She Who Watches'' is very pleased by the decisions the sodality will make and accordingly she stands ready to support them.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LordOfEscapedBalloons.jpg|caption=''The Celestial Eye'' seeks to observe all things and all times simultaneously.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Mouth claims that the ''Unblinking Eye'' has received a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] from '''Gralka''', the [[Archmage of Day]]. In that missive, the Archmage has levelled several requests of the eternal, including three objects they wish help in finding. Given the many and varied nature of the Archmage's requests, the Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of the three requested antiquities. However rather than decide themselves, in recognition of the wise choices that the sodality will make for its assertions, the eternal will grant the Magpies the right to choose.

The three items that the Unblinking Eye could find are;

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves

The Archmage may be able to provide the sodality with more information - or perhaps the citizens who are seeking these things can. Either way the Unblinking Eye is content for the sodality to determine which item the eternal will look for. The Mouth of Infinity will return briefly after the summit is over to speak with the civil service to find the outcome of any vote on this matter taken by the Magpies during their session on the Saturday.

The Mouth of Infinity claims that the Unblinking Eye hopes that the Magpies will have more such questions for them in the future. The Mouth makes a number of suggestions, most of which are unconstitutional, but the useful interpretation of the herald's words are that the eternal would welcome any effort by the Archmage to use their power to help the sodality in this way. If the Archmage requests help finding an item, then eternal will assume that that request comes with the endorsement of the Magpies and will render what aid they can. If the Archmage requests several items, then the eternal will send their heralds to ask the sodality which item they want to prioritise.

This approval by Kimus ''might'' be contingent on the sodality choosing a set of assertions that the eternal finds pleasing, but since they seem to perceive that that has already happened even though it definitely hasn't, then perhaps everything will just be fine.

==Further Reading==
* [[Magpies]]
* [[Speaker of the Magpies]]

* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
* [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]]
* [[Imperial sodality]]

Eight for a wish

2025-07-21T15:26:49Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"You heard the news?" Brendan asked excitedly.

"Course I have. The Empire have made a sodality to solve the vallorn problem." Dai sighed theatrically and rolled his eyes derisively. "Can't believe we didn't think of that... Think of that all that time we wasted walking around the place... When we could have been sat in Anvil drinking tea and talking about fighting the vallorn."

"You're not in favour then?" Brendan enquired in the face of the guide's withering sarcasm.

"I don't know." The old man sounded genuinely unsure.

Brendan had learned of late not to be fooled by this feigned indecision. He'd known Dai for twenty years and in all that time, the priest always had a contrary opinion on everything. But recently he'd taken to pretending otherwise in the belief that it made him look deliberative and considered. "You think we should ignore it then? That we can do this on our own?"

"If by 'do this on our own' you mean lose ''everything'', then yes we can definitely do that." Dai hawked and spat to underline his contempt.

"You can't give up hope Dai! We're not going to lose everything - "

"Yes we are." Dai cut his friend off before he could carry on. "We've lost Isaella's Dance. We've lost Liathaven. We've lost Therunin. Thanks to those hotheads at Anvil, we've lost the stridings. We're losing the war to the vallorn and we're not even fighting yet."

"Yeah well we'll start fighting back soon. Once we've beaten the Druj. "

"You mean once we've beaten the Druj and ''stabilised the other fronts''." Dai waved two fingers on each hand as he spoke the last words to underline how unimpressed he was. "By which they ''actually'' mean beaten the Druj and the Grendel and the Jotun and the Thule too if we can't get a deal with them. That'll never happen - never has, never will. Which is how you know this war with the vallorn will never happen. The Military Council couldn't give two warm shits for the vallorn. Bad news for those of us who have to live next to it."

"You're still bitter about that lost vote." Brendan said, half in protest, half in sympathy.

"As a grapefruit," admitted the guide candidly. "We told them to wait, to plan, to prepare. Instead we've gone off half-cocked. We need armies and forts. For that we need money and wains. More than anything else - we need ''allies''. Currently we've got none of those things. Without those things - we lose."

"The Navarr will never stop fighting!" protested Brendan, dismayed by the bleak tone the guide was taking. He was not the only one of course - the abandonment of Therunin had hit a lot of people hard.

"Isaella's Dance have stopped fighting." Brendan winced and looked hurt. It was a cheap point and Dai knew it but he pressed on anyway. "Look, the stridings have come home. Even them bloody Highborn grey-guard folks have gone home. So now nobody is fighting the vallorn ''and'' nobody is walking the trods. I was worried that we'd go off half-cocked, attack the vallorn before we were ready. I was a blind fool. The real danger is we bring everyone home and then don't go off ''at all''. Today it's Therunin, ten years or twenty years from now... We'll be abandoning ''Hercynia'' to the vallorn."

Brendan stared at his friend. "So what we do we do?"

"I don't know. But maybe... just maybe... this sodality could be an answer..." Dai put his head down and stared at his feet, his train of thought finally trailing off.

"You said it was a talking shop!" Brendan quibbled. "If people won't listen to ''us'', why would they listen to some sodality?"

"Right! That's a great question. Why ''would'' anyone listen to some sodality?" Dai let the question hang rhetorically in the air for a moment and then he broke into a big grin. "But here's the real question... What can we do to ''make'' people listen to it?"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=War with the vallorn creeps closer and closer, and the Vallornguard will be at the forefront.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZGnDteye2Y}}
Following the successful creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries' Guild]] at the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] passed [[administrative motion|administrative motions]] approving the establishment of two additional [[Imperial sodality|Imperial sodalities]]: the [[Magpies]] and the [[Vallornguard]]. While the former has yet to be [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratified]] by [[the Throne]], [[Emperor Vesna]] ''did'' ratify the creation of the Vallornguard during the Spring Equinox.

Following the procedures developed for the Apothecaries' Guild, the [[Imperial Civil Service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the [[Vallornguard#The Manifesto|manifesto]] of the Vallornguard, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join.

The first task is for all the new members to be inducted into the sodality. To assist with that, the Civil Service have prepared an [[arcane projection]] that will allow a large number of citizens to join. Once everyone has had a chance to join then the sodality can consider any response.

The Vallornguard are a sodality dedicated to ending the threat of the [[vallorn]], based on the belief that cooperation between nations of the Empire can open the way to the destruction of the Empire's oldest and some say greatest enemy. Traditionally the burden of responsibility for destroying the vallorn has fallen on the [[Navarr]] but the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|truths]] revealed by the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] with the assistance of scholars both Imperial and [[Thule|otherwise]] have opened up the prospect that the complete destruction of the vallorn could be achieved in their lifetimes if the Empire focused on it.

[[Highguard]], [[Varushka]], and [[the League]] may be ready to step up to the mark and fight alongside the Navarr, but are the other nations willing to do likewise? The Vallornguard may be the answer to that question - if they can find a way to convince others to commit to the war.

==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 on the number of people likely to wish to join'''
To aid the formation of the new 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 the incumbent [[Senator]] for [[Semmerholm]] '''Amicia of the Semmerlak'''. The aim is to reduce the costs required for a lot of people to join the sodality when it is newly created.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.jpg|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=240}}
The civil service has reserved the use of the Senate chamber for the Vallornguard from 15:00 to 15:30 on the Saturday. The first order of business is likely to be performing the ritual, so a member of the sodality would need to find ten mana crystals and a [[bands#Covens|coven]] prepared to cast it, if they intend to use it. After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the title of [[Vallornguard#Speaker_of_the_Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] will be elected. If any legal powers have been delegated to the sodality, then they will be able to employ them by simple vote of the Vallornguard present following the appointment.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Vallornguard">
The sodality is dedicated to ridding the Empire of the vallorn. It holds the following to be true:

* The vallorn is the greatest spiritual threat the Empire has seen
* The threat can be dealt with via Imperial cooperation
* Further opportunities should be sought to deal with this threat

The sodality therefore exists to:

* To rid the Empire of the vallorn
* To encourage international cooperation on the matter
* To provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''Scrutiny of the sodalities manifesto has identified a number of titles that fall within the jurisdiction of the sodality'''
* '''The Imperial Senate could grant the sodality to power to request an appraisal'''

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has scrutinised the manifesto of the Vallornguard and identified three national positions that fall within their jurisdiction given its remit to rid the Empire of the vallorn. They will raise administrative motions on the Saturday of the next summit to see if the titles can be amended to make them constitutional given the existence of the new sodality.

The Senate have confirmed that they want the Vallornguard to provide opportunities for Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn. The Constitutional Court suggest that the most effective way to achieve this would be to grant the sodality the power of [[appraisal]].

There may well be other issues that will come to light in the future on further scrutiny or other powers that the Imperial Senate could theoretically grant the Vallornguard; the two legal issues listed below are only the ones identified by the court at this stage.

The Constitutional Court has identified a number of [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], which are focused on the vallorn. The majority of these titles are national positions appointed by the Navarr, although there are some in other nations such as the [[Knight of the Greenwood]] (a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] position) or the [[Greenwatcher]] (a [[Highguard|Highborn]] position).

After a great deal of discussion, the Court has come down on the side of not ruling most of these titles unconstitutional; different members have different reasons for doing so. ''Chief Magistrate Abraham'' cited the disruption it would cause Senate and the Empire to make all these titles subject to appointment by a sodality, especially given they would retain their national character. ''Imperial Archivist Leontes'' on the other hand filibustered for nearly an hour about the historical roots of the Navarr, their cultural emphasis on fighting the vallorn, and the sodality's own manifesto point about "''encouraging international cooperation on the matter (of the vallorn)''." Starting out by stripping half a dozen established titles (including the newly constructed [[wayhouse|wayhouses]]) from the Navarr for dogmatic reasons seemed like a poor way to support that agenda.

So for the time being the guidance of the Constitutional Court is that going forwards the [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worn path]] for appointing any [[new Imperial titles|new Imperial title]] relating to the vallorn, or with responsibilities to fight or prepare for fighting the vallorn, would be appointment by the sodality rather than any other method. The Court will ''not'' ask the Speaker to raise administrative motions to "correct" the scores of titles that could be argued to fall within the new sodality's purview, but they note that the irregular election method should not be taken as an example of a well-worn path when Senate is considering creating or amending a new title.

A [[Senate motion]] could, of course, be used to change the method of appointment of any existing title whose responsibilities are to deal with the vallorn, just as it could be used to turn a national title into an Imperial title making it a better fit for appointment by an inter-nation sodality.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption='''Nathair Autumngale''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=300}}

==Role of the Advisor==
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn cannot continue to be appointed in its current form
* '''There are a number of administrative motions that will be raised to help resolve this issue
There is however one title that the Constitutional Court are deeply concerned about, and that is the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. One of the first new titles created after the death of [[Empress Britta]], the Advisor "''is responsible for advising the Senate on matters relating to the vallorn, and protecting the Empire from the influence of this mysterious force or entity.''" It has the [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#Right_of_Address|power]] to [[Senate_address|address the Senate]], to advise them on matters relating to the Doom of Terunael.

Now that there is an Imperial sodality charged by the Senate to rid the Empire of the vallorn, encourage international cooperation on the matter, and provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight, it places the Advisor at odds with the constitution. The title will need to change if it is to continue to be appointed.

The Constitutional Court has identified three ways forward, and the Civil Service will present three administrative motions to allow them to efficiently make a decision about the path to take. They will be presented at the Saturday evening Senate session, to give senators time to adopt a different solution if they prefer. Given the importance of the order they are presented in, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will ask the newly appointed Speaker for the Vallornguard which order they will be raised in (although the [[Conscience of the Senate]] could invoke the [[Conscience_of_the_Senate#Precedence_of_Virtue|precedence of virtue]] to move a different motion or administrative motion to the start of the session). This both provides opportunities for the Vallornguard to discuss with the Advisor on the Vallorn, and for a senator to present their own solution to the problem of the Advisor during earlier sessions if desired.

If one of the three administrative motions passes, any remaining will be removed from the Senate agenda.

===Reassignment===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn could become a title appointed by the Vallornguard
* '''If this were done it would become an Imperial title responsible for advising the Senate
* '''The Senate could amend the title to give it the ability to address the military council

The Advisor on the Vallorn title could pass to the Vallornguard to appoint. If this vote passes, the title will become an Imperial position elected by the sodality. It will retain the power to address the Senate, but it could be given other powers, such as the ability to address the military council in line with its wider significance as an advisor chosen by the Vallornguard.

If this were done, the title would lose responsibility for protecting the Great Library of Hacynian, which would pass instead to the ''Singer of the Silence''.

===Redirection===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn would remain a title appointed by Navarr senators
* '''It would lose the power to address the Senate and the responsibility to advise the Senate and protect the Empire
* '''It would instead gain the power to address the Vallornguard and a responsibility to advise them
The Advisor on the Vallorn draws as much on the Navarr traditions and history for fighting the vallorn. Rather than advising the Senate separately to the Vallornguard, however, it could have its responsibilities and powers adjusted such that it was still constitutional to be appointed by the Navarr senators. Instead it would be responsible to advising the ''Vallornguard'', drawing on the centuries of expertise the Navarr have in fighting Terunael's Bane.

If this path is chosen the title loses the responsibility to advise the Senate and protect against the vallorn. Instead it becomes responsible for advising the Vallornguard, and sharing the expertise of Navarr with the Imperial Sodality. They would lose the ability to address the Senate, and instead gain the power to address the Vallornguard - able to make a single, short address during a formal meeting of the sodality, even if they were not themselves a member.

They would retain responsibility for the Great Library at Hacynian - indeed, as the custodian of the greatest archive of information about the vallorn anywhere in creation this serves to reinforce their position as an advisor to the Vallornguard.

===Redefinition===
* '''Removing the responsibility and power of address would leave the Advisor Constitutionally valid as a Navarr title
* '''They would retain custodianship of the Great Library at Hacynian
It is the responsibility and power to address the Senate that causes problems with this title. With that in mind the third administrative motion simply strips those powers for the Advisor on the Vallorn and renames it. If this choice is made, the Advisor would lose the ability to address the Senate, would be responsible only for overseeing and protecting the Great Library at Hacynian, and would be renamed ''Custodian of Hacynian''. They would remain a respected authority on the history of the struggle against the vallorn, and the fall of Terunael, but they would not have any legal powers.

===Resignation===
* '''The Senate could choose not to pass any of these administrative motions
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn would remain as it currently is but could not be reappointed once the current holder left the post
If the Senate chooses to do nothing, the title would simply continue as it is but it would not be possible to appoint anyone new to hold it. When the incumbent '''Nathair Autumngale''' leaves the position it would not be possible to appoint anyone else to hold it while the Vallornguard still existed in its current form.

==Powers==
* '''The Constitutional Court has identified certain powers that could be passed to the Vallornguard to help them in pursuance of their responsibilities
As well as identifying the problem with the Advisor on the Vallorn, the Constitutional Court has presented some powers that could logically be given to the Vallornguard based on their manifesto.
===In Search of Opportunity===
* '''The Imperial Senate could grant the sodality the power of appraisal to permit them to find opportunities to fight the vallorn'''
Part of the sodality's manifesto is ''"to provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn"''. It is not clear what the sodality can do to devote themselves to this goal in a rigorous way. No doubt individual members will strive to pursue any leads that might provide a chance to catch the vallorn off-guard, but the only consistent way that the Empire has to ensure that an [[opportunity]] is found is through the use of [[appraisal]].

At present, the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] has the resources to conduct up to two appraisals each season. The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to grant the sodality the power to order one or two appraisals, or they could give them the power to direct all the appraisals conducted by the Empire. In all cases, the simplest way for the sodality to use that power would be by vote of the members.

When the work on researching the vallorn was completed, the scholars involved were clear that everything that could be discovered about the nature of the vallorn [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Where_do_we_go_from_here?|had been discovered]]. The Empire now possesses every scrap of knowledge that it is possible to have about the vallorn. There are no more ancient records, no more lost repositories of secret information. There is nothing more that can be learned about the vallorn now.

However, that doesn't mean a well-worded appraisal couldn't identify ways to attack the vallorn in a specific region or territory, or protect against its expansion, or identify opportunities to prepare forces to fight against it. The nature of an appraisal is that it is open-ended; it's not a [[historical research|search for missing knowledge]]. Rather, the goal is to identify where one or more chances exists to try and achieve a goal in a different way. The Empire already knows how to defeat the vallorn - but that requires a war. An appraisal could identify different ways to actually ''fight'' that war once it begins.

There is no requirement for the Senate to do this - there is no constitutional necessity for them to provide the sodality with the means to procure opportunities to fight the vallorn - it is simply an option that the Court have identified as being constitutional. If the Senate were minded to do this, they would need to pass a Senate motion to that effect.

===A War of Words===
* '''The Senate could grant the sodality the power to appoint generals'''
* '''The Senate could amend the Advisor on the Vallorn or create a new Imperial title with the power to speak and vote in the Military Council'''
Much like the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], the [[general]] of an [[Imperial army]] is a national position appointed by the Senate. This appointment method is unusual, not least because senators are [[Imperial_Military_Council#Participation|forbidden from entering the Military Council chambers]] during a [[Council_session|session]] to ensure that the Council can operate without interference from the Senate. In theory, the Synod could be given the job of appointing generals by vote of national assemblies, but that change has never have attempted.

However, the Imperial Senate has charged the sodality with the task ''"to rid the Empire of the vallorn"''. That task explicitly demands massive military forces to accomplish, so the Senate have instructed the sodality to accomplish something that will need armies to achieve.

The Senate could use a motion to amend the general of a single army to make it be appointed by vote of members of the Vallornguard. The position must remain a national appointment - a general cannot be an Imperial position - but given the mandate they have been given by the Senate it would not be unconstitutional for the Senate to devolve the power to appoint generals to the sodality. That could be done piecemeal, by using individual Senate motions to change the election method of a single general, or the method could be changed for all armies using a single Senate motion.

The first change would be a constitutional motion - it would be a clear change to the written [[Imperial Constitution|constitution]] which explicitly mandates that the Senate appoint the generals of the armies. The constitution would need to be changed to make the new route explicit as part of the motion. If that were done, subsequent motions would only require a majority vote to pass.

A much less drastic change might be to create a [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]], a position elected by the sodality that would sit in the [[Military Council]] and vote with the other members. The obvious parallel is the [[Warmage]] which is appointed by the Conclave but has a voice and a vote in the Council. This could be an entirely new Imperial title, or the Senate could choose to amend the position of the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to take make it an Imperial position that had the power to act in the Military Council instead of, or as well as, its existing power to [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#Right_of_Address|address the Senate]]. Creating a new voting member of the Military Council would also be a constitutional vote.

==Patronage==
In recent years, a number of nations, or their leading citizens have been vocal about the need to fight the vallorn. Last season, '''Estella Lucati''' delivered [[The_hard_way|a powerful sermon]] from [[Sarvos#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]], drawing on the influence of the [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Ambition]] to urge the defeat the vallorn. Arguably the most powerful example was the decision by the Highborn nation to walk the [[trods]], the pilgrimage of the [[Grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] that lasted almost seven full years - one year spent walking the trods of the Empire for each of the virtues.

Highguard, the League, Varushka; all found a way to proclaim their support for the fight against the vallorn. If they threw their support behind this new sodality it could prove invaluable. Of course the most important support is likely to come from the Navarr themselves... if they chose to give it.

==Blood Red Vallornguard (League)==
* '''The League could enact a mandate to permanently sacrifice the benefits of the Blood Red Gallery, Blood Red Museum, and Bloody Great Theatre to provide a bequest for the new sodality'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Bloody Bequest'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The League Assembly enacts the mandate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Removes the level of investment provided by the Blood Red Quays Art Gallery, the Blood Red River Museum, and the Bloody Great Theatre
* Creates an ongoing bequest of 8 thrones each season or 10 thrones if endorsed by Estella Lucati</td></tr>
</table></div>

[[Lorenzo's_Legacy|Lorenzo La Volpe]] was one of the most prominent philanthropists in recent times. As part of the Bloody Butchers Guild of Temeschwar he made a fortune from rising bourse prices in the years between the death of [[Empress Britta]] and [[Empress Lisabetta]]. He used that money to fund projects all over the Empire, seizing any opportunity to erect massive monuments to his own munificence (arguably). For a while there was talk of having Lorenzo made an exemplar of [[Prosperity]] for the [[Lorenzo's_Legacy|legacy]] that he left. It came to nothing, but the crossed cleavers that he insisted on putting on everything he built still cover some of the grandest buildings in the League to this day.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lorenzo.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
But is this really the best legacy possible for one of the Empire's richest benefactors? Lorenzo La Volpe might not have been an exemplar, but nobody ever denied he was not a canny and ruthless businessman - one who never failed to take advantage of an opportunity to put his name on something. Roads, theatres, museums, art galleries - all impressive. But what about putting his name on the destruction of the vallorn? Now ''that'' would be a legacy. They'd have to make him a paragon for that!

Regrettably Lorenzo is dead and gone and all that remains are the [[great work|great works]] and [[ministry|ministries]] he [[commission|commissioned]]. There are a group of [[Temeschwar|Temeschwari]] bakers who claim that the old butcher faked his death and is even now masquerading as the so-called ''[[Graveyard rats|Rat King]]'', determined to have his revenge on the League for failing to make him an exemplar. Most folk are not that foolish. His supporters - and there are more than a few - accept that he has passed, but they argue his legacy could still do one last thing for the Empire.

There are more than a few jokes about renaming the sodality, the ''Blood Red Vallornguard'', but once people have sobered up, the kernel of an idea does surface. Three of Lorenzo's most iconic monuments are the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_Quays_Art_Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]], the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_River_Museum|Blood Red River Museum]], and the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Bloody_Great_Theatre|Bloody Great Theatre]]. Patronised by artists and performers, the resplendent if gaudy architecture serves as a breathtaking showcase for some of the greatest cultural experiences in the League. Their presence swells the congregations of priests in Temeschwar, [[Tassato]], and [[Sarvos]], ensuring increased supplies of [[liao]] to the League's priests. What if they were repurposed - what if artists, musicians, actors and entertainers - and their wealthy patrons - were instead encouraged to donate to the Vallornguard? What might ''that'' achieve? While art in the service of virtue has a long and worthy tradition in the League, art in the service of ''money'' has existed significantly longer, and raised a lot more interest. Virtuous art inspires, but it is a sad truth that art that doesn't try to preach the virtues often sells a lot better.

Those who would like to see Lorenzo made an exemplar argue that if the League Assembly encouraged these cultural institutions to focus their efforts on raising funds for the war against the vallorn then rather than celebrating the League's Virtue, they could produce a valuable stream of income for the Vallornguard... a Blood Red Bequest! Given the endorsement of the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]], all it would take is a simple [[mandate]]:

{{Mandate|mandate=We must sacrifice. We must pay. We must act. We must dare do all. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage the patrons of the Lorenzo's Legacies to support the Vallornguard. Nothing is beyond our reach.|assembly=League National Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus|align=right|width=250}}</div>
If this mandate is enacted by the League National Assembly then the level of investment provided by the Blood Red Quays Art Gallery, the Blood Red River Museum, and the Bloody Great Theatre will be removed. They will no longer provide 2 doses of liao to [[congregation|congregations]] in their territory. Instead they will create a single Bloody Bequest of 8 thrones each season for the Vallornguard. If the mandate is enacted with the imprimatur of '''Estella Lucati''', either raised by them or enacted by them, then it will produce 10 thrones each season.

Regardless of how much was produced, the Vallornguard would be able to vote each season for a citizen to receive the money. It could then be used to fund the purchase of tools for fighting the vallorn - weapons, armour, potions, and enchantments for direct conflict; wains toward the establishment of armies or fortifications in preparation for that final war; or even (as the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] would likely point out) to secure the support of others through bribery and gifts.

Whatever happens, the [[Curator of the Blood Red River]] would not be affected - that title would still receive donations and liao, even if their patrons were to direct their support to the Vallornguard. Likewise the structures themselves would still stand, and still attract audiences as they do today. The difference will be the emphasis on fundraising, rather than supporting virtue and the [[bishop|bishops]].

==Boyar and Burgher (Varushka)==
* '''The Varushkan assembly has been in favour of war against the vallorn, which encourages their people to support the Vallornguard
The Varushkan Assembly has not shied away from the fight with the vallorn. In Summer 386YE, they passed [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_151|a judgement submitted by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti]] with a [[greater majority]] urging the nation to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Navarr cousins. They quickly enacted the ensuing mandate [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_156|urging Varushkans to use their knowledge of the dark powers]] to fight the vallorn. Now there is another chance for the nation to put their measures where their mouth is.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Boyar of the Iron Roads'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Senate Motion to expand their powers</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Allows the Boyar to make a commission they announce be elected by Appointment by the Vallornguard, provided it was in Varushka and produced measures or ingots</td></tr>
</table></div>
===Iron to Forge a Spear===
* '''The Senate could expand the powers of the Boyar of the Iron Roads to allow them to help the Vallornguard'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=BoyaroftheIronRoads.jpg|caption='''Borys Vardovich Straskovich''', Boyar of the Iron Roads|align=right|width=250}}
The first group to step up are the people who support the [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]. The Boyar is responsible for maintaining the [[Varushkan_Road#The_Iron_Roads|Iron Roads]] of Varushka and boosting the [[Prosperity]] and [[Pride]] of its people. The Boyar has offices in every Varushkan [[territory]] and can draw on the support provided to [[commission]] a [[ministry]] anywhere in the nation each season. Currently the remit of the office is limited - the titles created must be Varushkan national positions elected by [[Tally of the Votes]]. There are plans afoot to expand the powers of the office to [[Outside_the_wall#A_Great_Market|allow them to create sinecures as well]], but those are not yet complete.

Inspired by the words of the Varushkan Assembly, the Boyar of the Iron Roads could have their powers extended by the Imperial Senate to allow them to build ministries (and eventually sinecures) anywhere in Varushka that could be appointed by the Vallornguard, provided they produced [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]]. Of course someone would still have to fund the commission, so some arrangements would have to be made, but it would make it much easier for the Varushkans to support the Vallornguard (and give the sodality access to the valuable materials needed to construct vital tools such as the [[Bloodfire Periapt]], [[Abraxus Stone]], or [[Scorpion's Sting]]. All it would take is a Senate motion to confirm the necessary expansion of legal powers.
===A Two-bladed Knife===
* '''The Ketsov have asked the Senate to change the Burgher of Ketsov to be a Varushkan title appointed by the sodality'''
The other group that have expressed interest in helping the Vallornguard are, surprisingly, the [[Ossium#Ketsov|Ketsov]] of [[Ossium]]. This divisive family grouping were one of the largest human factions in Ossium when the Druj were driven out and territory conquered. They are [[Blood_makes_noise#The_Damn_Ketsov|unpopular with many other groups]] in Ossium and though they embraced the benefits of becoming Imperial citizens they have faced [[386YE Autumn Equinox Synod judgements#Judgement 164|inquisition by the Varushkan assembly]] and been [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_132|given penance]] as a consequence.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Burgher of Ketsov'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Senate Motion to amend the title to be Appointed by the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' The Burgher of Ketsov will only be able to operate their ministry if the title is successfully amended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be vetoed by the Varushkan National Assembly</td></tr>
</table></div>
If the Synod hoped that the Ketsov would accept the penance with good grace, then they are likely to be disappointed. It is clear that this rebuke has rankled some of the family. They seem to believe that there was a political element to their inquisition, something to do with a [[Stars_and_sigils#Disappearances_in_Ossium|conflict involving ''face stealers'']] where they believe the Synod sided with the monsters rather than the Ketsov. Crucially they are utterly frustrated by the representation by the office of the [[Burgher of Ketsov]], which they feel is completely failing to look out for their interests or work on their behalf. They visited [[Anvil]] recently, to speak with the Varushkans, but it seems that the meeting brought them no satisfaction.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Varushkan.png|caption=The Ketsov appear to be at loggerheads with the Varushkan Assembly|align=right|width=200}}</div>
As a result, the Ketsov have decided to withdraw their support for the position of Burgher. They are adamant that the current system of
election, Tally of the Votes, is picking Burghers who are only interested in the ingots, measures and [[magic items|magic items]] the Ketsov provide and are utterly disinterested in them or their well-being. They are no longer prepared to offer any support for the Burgher for as long as they remain appointed in this way. If this impasse continues, the title will not be able to gain any benefits from the [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Ministry|Ketsov ministry]] or the [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga|Ketsov Mir Mozga]]. The title will effectively cease to have any beneficial legal [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Powers|powers]].

The Ketsov ''claim'' the impasse is an opportunity to meet the demands placed on them by the Varushkan Synod. They were instructed to find ways to build up their fellow Varushkans, so they will resume support for the Burgher of Ketsov ''provided'' the position is appointed by the Vallornguard. They are happy for the title to remain as a Varushkan national position; they simply want the sodality to elect a Varushkan who can represent their interests to other Varushkans. That way they can work to build up the Prosperity of Varushkan members of the Vallornguard, and represent the nation in the fight against the vallorn. They would presumably want a meeting at the Autumn Equinox with a Vallornguard-appointed Burgher to discuss what magic items will best serve the cause. But regardless, they are no longer prepared to be represented by a citizen chosen by the Varushkan Bourse.

Like the changes to the Boyar of the Iron Roads, the change to the Burgher of Ketsov would need to be approved by a Senate motion. This might be politically difficult and risks getting the Senate involved in a messy political situation in Ossium. That is likely not a coincidence. It is somewhat hard to imagine the Ketsov really care all that much about the threat of the vallorn, given it's likely no member of the family has ever seen or encountered it or its spawn in their life. Folks who know the Ketsov well suspect this is more likely to be a show of power to the Varushkan Assembly and others.

If no Senate Motion passes, or if it is [[veto|vetoed]], then the position of Burgher of the Ketsov will remain a Varushkan position appointed by Tally of the Votes, but it will no longer provided any ministry benefits. Whatever happens, the title is up for re-election at this summit, and presumably the first order of business will be to sort things out with the family regardless of how it ends up being appointed.

==Shields and Cordials (Highguard)==
* '''An opportunity to help the Vallornguard defend against the vallorn has been identified by members of a retirement chapter
* '''The Benefactors of Highguard could take this opportunity to offer potential assistance to the Vallornguard
* '''There may be a possibility to persuade Lord Rain to support the Vallornguard
The Highborn were one of the first nations to identify the threat of the vallorn to people's souls and resolve to fight against it alongside the Navarr. They sent out the [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] to walk the [[trods]], and when it became clear there was a chance to strike at the vallorn, they called them home again. While the grey pilgrims prepare for a chance to mount a military campaign against the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire, there are others who look to the defence of Imperial lives against the infinite hunger of the vallorn.
===Stone Endures===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Readying the Walls'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The sodality be given the power to commission. upgrade, or repair a citadel each season with the aid of the Stone Aerie chapter</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' The commission would not count against the Senate's limit on the number of commissions each event
</table></div>
* '''The plans for citadels were developed to defend against the vallorn and it is believed might actually attract vallornspawn attacking a territory'''
* '''The sodality could be given the ability to commission a citadel each season'''
* '''If that happens the Stone Aerie chapter will ensure it won't count against the maximum number of commissions available'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ravensfall.jpg |caption=Scions of Ravensfell|align=right|width=200}}
In 381YE, the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus|Heirs of Lepidus]] discovered a connection between the foundations of the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]] in [[Casinea]] and the paragon known as the [[Sentinel]]. The General Assembly had the great hall of the fortification [[consecration|consecrated]] with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] by '''Rhesa''', Exarch of the [[Highguard_groups#Scions_of_Ravensfell|Scions of Ravensfell]], and the Senate commissioned a [[Sing_your_name#Towering_Vigilance|great belltower]] to serve as a place of pilgrimage for dedicants of [[Vigilance]] from across the Empire and beyond. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], the inspiration of the Sentinel was used to good effect to help [[Sing_your_name#Securing_the_borders|defend]] the Empire against the barbarians that threaten it, especially along the Bay of Catazar.

Six years later, a [[Chapter#Chapterhouse|chapterhouse]] has been founded at the [[fortification]] - the ''Stone Aerie''. Composed of veteran adherents of the principles of Vigilance, they number several retired benefactors and more than a few siege engineers, former Highborn generals and two cardinals among them. They seem to have become fired up by the establishment of the Vallornguard - with particular emphasis on the importance of preparing for the coming war against the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire. The exarch of their chapter ''Ebechiah the Younger'' - a former Cardinal of Vigilance now well into his seventh decade - has members of the chapter talking to people across Highguard and beyond about a "vigilant and virtuous plan".

The League and [[Urizen|Urizen]] in [[Spiral]] [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#All_Along_the_Watchtower|collaborated on a plan]] to defend the Empire from the vallorn. Their idea was to prepare for such a war by building the biggest possible [[citadel]] in a [[territory#Regions|region]] next to each vallorn-infested territory. When the vallorn expands, it is certain to focus on the citadel, giving the Empire the best possible chance of blunting that assault. Citadels are expensive, but the ''Stone Aerie'' recall the heyday of Vigilance when the inspiration of the Sentinel saw enthusiasm for building defences reach fever pitch. They believe that with the help of the Benefactors Council, the Vallornguard might be able to find ways to raise enough citadels to serve as a serious defence against the vallorn.

If the Imperial Senate is prepared to give the power to once each season [[commission]], [[Citadel#Improvement|reinforce]] or [[Citadel#Repair|repair]] citadels to the Vallornguard, the experienced veterans of the ''Stone Aerie'' will come out of their assorted variations of retirement and seclusion to help oversee that construction. Several of them have experience in the Civil Service, and others were adept in their more active years at organising groups of workers (or warriors). Their expertise would prove invaluable - any such work would not count against the limited number of commissions that the Imperial Senate has each year.

There is a downside of course - the Senate would need to foot the bill for [[Citadel#Upkeep|upkeep]] on these structures. But if Highguard is sincere in its intent to fight the vallorn, then Ebechiah the Younger is confident that they will be able to use their political sway to secure this power for the Vallornguard.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|caption=The Highborn assembly has been staunch in its call for the vallorn to be destroyed|align=right|width=200}}</div>

===Gold Empowers===
* '''A mandate supporting the Vallornguard could be passed
* '''Donations of white granite to the Benefactors Council would increase from ten wains to twelve wains'''
Since the death of [[Empress Britta]], the [[Benefactor|Benefactors]]' Council have represented the economic leadership of [[Highguard]]. They've played a crucial role in the nation, driving investment for Virtuous reasons as they seek to lift up their fellow citizens. Their Prosperity and hard work have been crucial in enabling the nation to support projects such as the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. As part of their work, the Council are the recipient of donations from various Highborn citizens, allowing them to direct a constant stream of resources towards whichever civilian [[commission]] the [[A_peerless_sacrifice#A_Virtuous_Benefaction|Council has elected to endorse]].

The Vallornguard are seen by many in Highguard as a concrete step toward the destruction of the vallorn. Highguard has committed to the destruction of the vallorn and to seeking [[opportunity|opportunities]] to support that lofty ambition - including the use of [[mandate|mandates]]. The following mandate has been proposed to support the Vallornguard:

{{Mandate|mandate=We must all of us guard against the danger of the vallorn, and be prepared for its malice. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to urge the people of Highguard to remember that there are few defences better than a stout stone wall.|assembly=Highguard National Assembly}}

If this mandate is raised and enacted by a member of the ''Scions of Ravensfell'' chapter - ideally the [[Castellan of the Silent Sentinel]] '''Rhesa''' - then it will cost only 25 doses of liao, and will have the additional effect of increasing interest in the place of pilgrimage they oversee. This will increase the [[Castellan_of_the_Silent_Sentinel#Point_of_Pilgrimage|donations]] from pilgrims visiting the shrines there to 1 throne each season.

More importantly, regardless of who raises and enacts the mandate, it will encourage the people of Highguard to double-down on their support for the Benefactors. As long as the sodality has been given the power to commission a citadel, as described above, the ability of the Benefactors Council to support a [[commission#Civillian Commission|civilian commission]] would be expanded to include any citadel commissioned in any [[Territory#REgions|region]] adjacent to a region with the [[Region_qualities#Vallorn|vallorn quality]]. In addition, the white granite donations provided by Highborn citizens would increase from ten wains a season to ''twelve'' wains a season, reflecting the depth of support for a Vigilant approach to the war with the vallorn.

With thousands of [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] returned home inspired to take the virtuous fight to the vallorn, people in Highguard are eager to see the nation put their shoulder to that wheel, and would increase their support for the Council in the hope that they would choose to support citadels commissioned by the Vallornguard when the Council deemed it appropriate.

The mandate needs to be enacted at the Summer Solstice to be effective, as with any mandate, but the ''Stone Aerie'' know that securing political outcomes can take longer; as long as the sodality is granted the power to commission, upgrade, and repair citadels by the end of the Winter Solstice 387YE the Benefactors' ability to secure white granite for commissions will be increased at that point.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=200|caption=Ossegrahn is a peaceful eternal but views the vallorn with disgust}}</div>

===Water Purifies===
* '''The Greenwatcher has a unique connection to the eternal Lord Rain
* '''Lord Rain has indicated that he considers the vallorn a sickness that needs healing
* '''The Greenwatcher might be in a position to encourage Lord Rain to support the Vallornguard - assuming the eternal is still around
The [[Greenwatcher#Greenwatch|Greenwatch]] was built in 385YE in Casinea as the result of a boon offered by [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]. The [[eternal]] provides access to unique [[magic items]] designed to help the Highborn in their fight against the [[vallorn]]. A [[Rain king#Winewater Hall|second opportunity]] was offered to the Navarr but they declined. ''Beckburn'' is not a warlike creature, but acknowledges the need for the vallorn to be ended.

At the moment, the relationship between the Empire and the ''Cupbearer'' hangs in the balance. The situation in [[Therunin]] is potentially disastrous. If the eternal's [[Willow_and_rain#Raincallers_Song|requirements cannot be met]], he says he will withdraw from the Empire. What that means for the Greenwatcher is not clear. Assuming the situation can be resolved, however, the current Greenwatcher '''Juliette''' might be in a position to encourage ''Willowbraid'' to offer patronage to the Vallornguard.

Several [[magister|magisters]] believe that a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] from the [[Archmage of Spring]] asking on behalf of the Greenwatcher either for an audience to discuss the Vallornguard, or simply requesting his support for the new sodality, might have greater weight than such a request from the Archmage alone. If ''Brother Harvest'' could be persuaded to provide some of the [[Rain_king#Tools_of_Healing_and_Protection|tools of healing and protection]] he provides to the Greenwatcher, or mentioned during his initial approach to the Empire, they might prove valuable tools in helping the Vallornguard do their duties.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrGoToWar.jpg|caption=The Navarr must decide whether to throw their support behind the Vallornguard|width=600|align=right}}</div>

==Bound by Thorn (Navarr)==
* '''The Navarr could refuse to support the new sodality and boycott it as an insult to their heritage'''
* '''The nation could embrace the new sodality as the best opportunity to defeat the vallorn'''
* '''The third Navarr army could be amended to be appointed by the sodality'''
* '''If that happens, then the sodality could choose one army each season to allow the general to replace their current quality for Thornbound at a cost of fifteen mithril'''
Some members of the [[Navarr]] are unsure what to make of the Vallornguard. More than a few are irked by the creation of the sodality. Their nation has been fighting the vallorn for the best part of a thousand years... and now the Empire wants to make a sodality to do it? It's easy to find that insulting. They argue that the Navarr should boycott the sodality to show their disdain.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Thornbound Steading'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The third Navarr army is amended to be appointed by the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* The general of the new army would be a Navarr national position Appointed by Sodality
* The sodality could select one army each season who could pay fifteen mithril to replace their current quality with Thornbound</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be vetoed by the Navarr National Assembly</td></tr>
</table></div>

Not everyone takes that view however. Most Navarr understand that they cannot possibly destroy the vallorn alone. That's ''why'' they supported the creation of the Empire - only a military power as strong as the Empire could hope to defeat the enemy. The Vallornguard could be the perfect opportunity to collaborate with Highguard, the League, the Varushkans, and other supportive nations - working together with them to defeat the vallorn or encouraging those nations that have other priorities to come around to their way of thinking. They argue that the Navarr should perform some grand display of support for the Vallornguard, to clearly demonstrate to the nation that this is the best route to pursue.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
Such a dramatic gesture is certainly possible. The Navarr have just [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|commissioned a third Navarr army]] - to be raised in [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]], in the [[Hercynia#Glen of Shadows|Glen of Shadows]]. That army has been raised on the basis that the [[general]] will be legally appointed by the Navarr senators - but that could be changed. The Navarr could push the Senate to amend the title, so that the general of the new army would be appointed by the Vallornguard.

Such a change would require a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], needing ratification by [[the Throne]], but the biggest obstacle is likely to be other members of the Navarr. It is hard to imagine there would be much talk of the Navarr boycotting the sodality if they were also asking the sodality to appoint the general of one of the Navarr armies. There would be no point in doing this if the nation weren't intending to give the sodality their full-throated support. As a result presumably there would be a lot of members of the Navarr ''in'' the sodality to vote each year when the title came up for election.

Even so, it would mean accepting that members of other nations having a say over who leads a Navarr army. That requires a huge leap of faith - but it is hard to imagine a better way to convince the world that the nation stands fully behind the new sodality, willing to support it, joined with it in the pursuit of the vallorn's destruction. And who knows... maybe a general appointed by the Vallornguard would put a higher priority on fighting the vallorn than some other generals have to date?

If the Imperial Senate took the unprecedented step of amending the new Navarr army to make it appointed by the sodality, if they chose to place their trust in the Vallornguard in this way, then it would inspire many Navarr with experience of fighting the vallorn to do likewise. The ''Thornbound Steading'' are one such group. Formed by a handful of survivors who escaped the [[Under_eastern_skies#Now_We_Are_Ready|recent destruction]] of [[Isaella's Dance]], they have come together with other like-minded warriors intent on finding ways to help the Empire fight the vallorn.

If the Navarr choose to commit to the new sodality and are able to persuade the Senate to put the Vallornguard in charge of the new army, then the Thornbound Steading will do everything they can to support the new sodality. Each summit the sodality could ask (by simple majority vote) the Steading and their allies to train an Imperial army. Any army selected by the sodality could swap their current quality for [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Thornbound]] using fifteen wains of mithril. To accept the help, the general of the army would need to place 15 wains in their inventory at the end of the event and email {{plot}}. Such an option would be unlikely to be appealing for an army whose quality is widely admired and appreciated, but it could help to develop armies that lacked effective focus into an effective force against the vallorn. It might also just be the start; a suitably worded [[appraisal]] might be able to identify other methods of fighting the vallorn, perhaps more suited to the strengths of individual nations when coupled with the expertise of Navarr's thorns.

==Conjunction==
===Lose the Sun (Brocéliande)===
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
{|
|+ <big>'''Supported the Defence of the Broch'''</big>
! Citizen
! Nation
! Banner
|-
| Mordrain Sepulchre || Dawn || House Sepulchre Banner
|-
| Reynard Forester || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|-
| Corwyn Heartsbane || Navarr || The Thornborn of Black Scar
|-
| Egan Brightmoss || Navarr ||
|-
| Percival Summerstrong || Dawn ||
|-
| Olek A'Hagen ne Ossium || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|-
| Kyffin Thornfield || Navarr ||
|-
| Ser Drayvana of Lucentia || Dawn || House Lucentia
|-
| Rhyffyllann Kraken's Crawl || Navarr || The Thornborn of Black Scar
|-
| Konnor Luthar || Dawn ||
|-
| Logan Tallstag || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|}
</div>

* '''Several hundred Druj have accepted harmony with the vallorn'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the cult's leaders'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Nearly two years ago, during the [[A_walk_in_shadow#I_Can_Help_(Conjunction)|Autumn Equinox 385YE]], '''Lord Illantris Wolfborne''', as the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]], was responsible for an opportunity to travel through the Sentinel Gate. The goal was to slay the ''Lady of the Dappled Trees'', a herald of [[Yaw'nagrah]], who was leading a group of Druj towards [[Brocéliande]]. The heroes were unsuccessful, and the Druj and the herald were able to flee into Dark Ranging. Now, over a thousand knights and thorns have journeyed into the dark forests of lost Terunael in search of the Druj.

Early reports from yeofolk are that those first orcs of the Mallum were later joined by more, and that they have accepted life within the vallorn in a similar manner to that of the [[Heirs of the Terunael report|Heirs of Terunael]]. Their numbers have dwindled - it is dangerous living within the miasma - but, all told, there are at least three hundred orcs who have embraced this new life readily. The cult has turned its focus on the outlying wayhouses and secure areas that allow the Broch to function as a [[spy network]]. If the leaders are not killed, then it will no longer be possible to support the Broch as a spy network. It is the responsibility of whoever is appointed as the [[Vallornguard#Speaker of the Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] to kill the cult's leaders.

===Portion of Wisdom (Sarangrave)===
* '''A group of Druj have tracked down ''Vate's Shelter'''''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for claiming ''Vate's Shelter'''''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Nearly two years ago, during the [[Shining_like_fire#Change_of_habit|Autumn Equinox 385YE]], '''Nathair Autumngale''', as the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], was responsible for an opportunity to travel through the Sentinel Gate and recover ''Vate's Shelter''. Unfortunately, the artefact [[Abraxus Stone]] was not recovered and remained in the hands of the Druj ghulai when the heroes returned. The artefact was thought lost until this season. As Imperial armies clash with the Druj armies in the Sarangrave, scouts of the sodality managed to track a small party of Druj into Bendol. The report from the scouts is that the ghulai lost the artefact within the miasma, and now their successor has tasked these Druj with recovering it from the vallornspawn husks.

The scouts, of the ''Order of the Emerald Dogs'', have asked the [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Percival Summerstrong''', to be responsible for reclaiming the artefact. Given that the Advisor on the Vallorn had previous responsibility for claiming the ''Vate's Shelter'' it is possible that '''Nathair Autumngale''' will want to be involved in some way. If the artefact is recovered, then it would be considered the property of the Knight of the Greenwood. It could serve as a piece of regalia for one of the titles appointed by the Vallornguard, it could be kept as a personal trophy, it could be sold to the highest bidder, it could be left in [[Knight of the Greenwood#Greenwood Manor|Greenwood Manor]] for knights-errant and questing knights to draw inspiration from, or any of a dozen other things.

<box><big>'''[[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|Vallorn miasma]]'''</big><br>
* '''''Lose the Sun'' and ''Portion of Wisdom'' both take place within vallorn miasma'''
* '''Anyone in vallorn miasma is affected by [[Calls#VENOM|VENOM]] unless they are bonded to an [[Abraxus Stone]] or are under the effect of [[Vitality of Rushing Water]]
* '''Anyone affected by the VENOM from the vallorn miasma will eventually begin to suffer from symptoms of nausea or mild feverishness
The short length of these conjunctions means that in this instance there is no chance of anyone developing [[Vallornspawn_husk#Green_Lung|green lung]]</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Vallornguard]]
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Vallorn]]
* [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Thornbound quality]]

* [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]
* [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]
* [[Burgher of Ketsov]]

An old sodality

2025-07-21T15:24:56Z

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=RRtmesYV9OY}}
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]]

Root and branch

2025-07-21T10:10:01Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Root and branch.jpg|caption=The Empire rises to the challenge of the Sarangrave|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Golden Sun and Blue Skies==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_VAr2dihM}}
Spring turns toward Summer in [[the Barrens]]. It is, and has always been, a wild territory and the stewardship of [[Dawn]] is unlikely to change that any time soon. It can be a little disconcerting how beautiful the place can be, given the history of this vast tract of land that has been torn between Empire and [[the Mallum]] for centuries. For all the death, all the blood spilled and all the sorrow, it is still a living, vibrant place. Flowers explode across [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]], [[The_Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], and the [[The_Barrens#The_Carmine_Fields|Carmine Fields]]. [[Farm|Farms]] well-established and newly carved out burgeon with grain across the western Barrens, under the bright sun and the dark blue skies. Further east, there are hunters in the woods and the high hills - [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] after deer and boars, nobles after more deadly prey.

In the north, the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] are in command of the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]]. They do not welcome visitors - save for those who fought alongside them and helped their sept survive the violence unleashed by the [[Gryphon's Pride]]. Even those who risked their lives to help them are not truly welcome, but they at least are not turned away. That much trust they have earned, paid for in blood. Perhaps, in time, this might widen into a wider accommodation. They are too busy for trade anyway; harvesting wood and stone to build homes, forging mithril and iron into weapons and shields for their [[Imperial army|army]].

In the south, along the borders with benighted Therunin, the [[Great Forest Orcs]] have finished restoring their settlement - and building an odd [[weirwood]] [[fortification]] to protect it. By all accounts they and their Navarr allies are preparing for the horror to come as the [[vallorn]] spreads through the [[Druj]] controlled territory.

There are Navarr spread across the Barrens now, establishing small settlements here and there near their [[orc]] allies or near [[Keeper_of_the_Last_Battle#Last_Battle_Wayhouse|Last Battle Wayhouse]] in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]]. The [[Not to conquer#Karass|Karass]] do not welcome them, not even a little bit, and glare at their backs when they think they are not looking. Yet for now at least they restrict themselves to glares, and the odd griping comment to anyone who will listen. They rarely come out and say it but they seem to resent the [[wayhouse]] more, perhaps, than they have ever openly resented the Dawnish conquest of their homes.

In the east, Dawn keeps the garrison at [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Houndsgate]] well supplied and well stocked with arms and armour. The challenges of traversing the Bleaks and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]], in the absence of an easier route through the Bitter Strand, means that maintaining the connection between the east and the west Barrens can sometimes become a little tenuous. Not that anyone gives the five Imperial armies marching through the Barrens any trouble, of course.

==From the West==
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:EasternSky Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky]]
[[File:LionsAdelmar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Lions of Adelmar]]
[[File:GryphonPride Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Gryphon's Pride]]
[[File:NorthernEagle Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Northern Eagle]]
[[File:GranitePillar Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Granite Pillar]]
</div>
Five armies, fresh from their reverie at the [[Golden_magicians_fayre#Lion_and_Bear|Golden Magicians fayre]] in [[Astolat]], marching through the Barrens. The [[Granite Pillar]] and the [[Eastern Sky]] lead the way alongside the new-mustered [[Lions of Adelmar]]. More controversially, both the Gryphon’s Pride and the [[Northern Eagle]] are here. The last time the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army was here it was to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest|destroy the Montanians]]. The last time the ‘Pride were here… well everyone knows [[By northern shores|that story]] no doubt. Not that there is any trouble - why would there be with the Rahvin safely at Bitter Strand and the Great Forest Orcs in their new homes? But their presence is a reminder of the past - it can be difficult to shake off the clinging shadow of your past.

Most of the denizens of the Barrens that the armies see are Karass [[orc|orcs]], and not even that many of those. Neither the Untrod Groves nor the Bleaks are particularly hospitable - these are wild woodlands where entire armies could get lost and never be seen again. There is darkness under the trees, the kind of darkness that makes the Varushkans at least feel at home in a way the bright blue skies and golden sun of the farmlands does not. Yet those shadows cannot hope to hold much menace, not with the ''other'' force that marches through the Barrens with the Empire.

Here we do not talk of Imperial captains - although there are more than enough of them, mostly fighting with the Northern Eagle - but with the shining knights of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. True to her words, the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]'' has sent her finest warriors to battle beside the armies of the Empire who took part in the grand tourneys and feasting in Astolat last season. More than ten thousand [[Knights of Glory|knights]] called from the Fields of Glory to accompany Imperial soldiers into the Mallum.

While many knights have fought alongside the Empire in the recent past, this season Eleonaris sends five of her Lords of the Pennants and their cohorts to fight with the Empire. Some of the Imperial armies have history with these particular nobles. The Eastern Sky are [[Glass_and_flame#The_Rains_of_Cerevado|reunited]] with the heroes under the command of ''Dindrayne'', the proud feather-browed war-witch with a staff of adamant. ''Ser Gaspare'', wrapped in her great white bearskin cloak over her crimson plate once again joins the Northern Eagle, her proud golden-eyed [[schlacta]] ready to lock their unbreakable shields into a bulwark of adamant against the cruel spears and barbed arrows of the Druj. For their very first battle, the Lions of Adelmar are joined by ''Lady Moriamis'', a golden-eyed warrior-poet and a cohort of warsingers, inspiring their fellow knights with both their words and their deeds to acts of heroism and glory even in the face of the grim realities of war against the Druj. With the Granite Pillar, the rune-armoured hammersmiths of the herald ''Elodian'', whose discipline matches that of the Highborn soldiers and whose thunderous hammer blows send any foe foolish enough come within their reach sprawling back into the mud. Few rise again. And with the Gryphon's Pride marches ''Kore'', the lion-maned warlord in scarlet armour, with his battalion of swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats. All told, ten thousand Knights of Glory, who despise the cowardly, treacherous Druj even more than the Empire does.

The armies - mortal and eldritch alike - stop briefly at the Last Battle Wayhouse. A sea of Imperial troops spread out through the trees of the Untrod Groves. The wayhouse cannot provide enough hospitality for even a fraction of the soldiers here but they do their best to welcome their allies nonetheless. Campfires burn like earthbound stars through the woods and if the Karass are unhappy about it, they keep their concerns to themselves. Perhaps just as well - the lords of Eleonaris’ court seem to have little affection for the orcs of these dense forests. Two days they remain here, before starting to move again. This time, they are accompanied by a dozen land-wise Navarr pathfinders from the Last Battle striding. They have made it their business to get to know the border between the Barrens and Sarangrave, to scout out the best places to cross over into [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]] and the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]]. The latter is the target of the Imperial march, and as the sun rises on the last day of spring, the host of the Empire enters the Mallum.

==Those Already There==
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:CitadelGuard Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Citadel Guard]]
[[File:WinterSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Winter Sun]]
[[File:GoldenAxe_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Golden Axe]]
[[File:QuietStep Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Quiet Step]]
</div>
There are, of course, already Imperial forces in the Sarangrave but they are far away from the Turan Flats. At the start of the year, four Imperial armies - the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Towerjacks]] and the [[Golden Axe]] - marched up through the night-haunted forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] and into [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]. They faced down the Druj armies here to lick their wounds and resupply. As the year grew older they pressed further north to the shores of the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater#Dredging the Feverwater|Feverwater]], pushing the Druj defenders back step by step.

Almost immediately after the Spring Equinox, the Towerjacks quit Sarangrave, retracing their steps beneath the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]] into Zenith proper and from there into [[Morrow]]. They have their tools with them, ready to help their allies complete the [[citadel]] they are [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Citadel_in_Peregro|building]] in [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]]. Along the shore of some of the hot springs the Towerjacks meet the [[Navarr]] of the [[Quiet Step]], who have come down from [[Reikos]] at the command of [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|the Throne]] to join the fight in Sarangrave. The mud-spattered soldiers of [[the League]] spend a night camped alongside the [[thorn|thorns]] of Navarr, sharing news of the campaign against the Druj on one hand and that of the Empire on the other. One leaving the Mallum to recover in Morrow, the other leaving the Empire to fight in Sarangrave.

They make good time, the Quiet Step, barely pausing on their long hike through Lustri to the edges of the Bloodwater Marsh, and if their hearts yearn to look upon Therunin instead… well hearts can be silenced and every Navarr knows the value of sacrifice.

==Dark Clouds==
Summer in Sarangrave, and the heat swiftly makes anything it touches sticky and unpleasant. Some mud dries, cracking like old tiles; some thickens into a glutinous quagmire that seems eager to suck an unsuspecting boot from a foot or in some cases to swallow an unwary traveller whole. When the golden sun is at its highest, even the wasps and biting flies seem too tired to fly and sting and bite. Those baking hours provide little respite, though. Supplies of clean water run low, and if not for the [[Rivers of Life]] sending health and healing through the entire territory it might prove a challenge for the soldiers of the Empire to quench their thirsts and clear the sweat from their eyes.

In a way, the brightness is at odds with the [[Druj miasma]] that smothers the Sarangrave. Those who've never encountered it before are particularly unprepared. When unspoken dread suddenly ambushed a soldier walking along a darkened path in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], it is half expected. When existential terror surges through someone under cloudless cerulean skies in the middle of the day with the golden sun shining... that's a different matter. The Knights of Glory, as they have several times before, are often on hand with a reassuring pat on the shoulder or a rousing comment about the death of the Druj, but even their presence only helps muffle the symptoms. At night, when the temperature is barely any cooler, and the nocturnal beasts of the marshes and the forest come out to feast on the blood of Imperial soldiers, it is not uncommon to hear sobs, or a voice quietly praying that the paragons make this campaign swift, and sometimes perhaps that voice is your own.
==Bloodwater Marsh==
At the start of the year, three Imperial armies swept through the woodlands of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]], out of [[Urizen]] and into [[the Mallum]]. They [[Unlock thy hidden gate|faced down]] the forces of the [[Druj]], and slowly but surely made headway toward conquering the [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marshes|Bloodwater Marshes]]. As the year grows older, they continue to press against the barbarian forces in the Sarangrave. They, too, are bolstered by cohorts of golden knights from the Fields of Glory - another six thousand knights in gold and scarlet armour, eager to fight the orcs of the Mallum and their twisted allies.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
They are still joined in battle against the [[Druj armies#Hidden Widow|Hidden Widow]], the [[Druj armies#Red Lizard|Red Lizard]], and the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]]. The latter are clearly taking the lead in defending Sarangrave; the banners of the pale ant hang over the defenders, perhaps the most disciplined of the Druj armies. It almost seems at some points that along with the garrison of the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] they are holding the line against the Empire all by themselves.

It’s an illusion, though. The other two armies are simply better at attacking from ambush, of fading back into the marshes after a swift strike, of striking from a distance and then immediately retreating in the vain hope of drawing over-zealous Imperials into a trap. In the absence of the Towerjacks, the Druj begin to gain the upper hand, push the Empire back a few miles, and for a time seem to think that they may have the measure of the Empire.

News filters down from the north that the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]] are on the move, that they have left Therunin and come to the defence of the Sarangrave. It’s doubtful they are doing this for any particular love of the septs here. It seems most likely they are drawn by the presence of the Golden Axe. After the Dawnish, the former siblings of the Rahvin hate the Varushkans most of all. Fortunately, before they can reach the southern regions, the Quiet Step arrive to reinforce the Imperial line.

The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the Sarangrave - the Druj have conjured that verdant power to bolster their own defences but the indiscriminate effects protect Imperial soldiers as well as the warriors of the Mallum. Even in the marshes, where disease and infection are a constant concern, no wound that is not in itself fatal will claim the life of anyone who survives the mortal blow, provided they take a few mouthfuls of water. And the water of the marshes is as wholesome, right now, as that taken from the freshest spring in the highest mountains of Zenith.

None of the Druj armies themselves seem to bear enchantments, but nonetheless they have odd supernatural allies of their own. There are comparatively few sightings of eight-legged crocodiles or other terrors that were encountered last season, but rather attacks from black-feathered bird-like creatures with the faces of cats. They sing melodiously, their music causing discord and confusion in the minds of those who hear them, scrambling their perception of who they are. Fortunately, both those [[Cambion|crowned with horns]] by the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] prove remarkably resistant to this torturous music; and the [[orc|orcs]] of the Winter Sun prove equally capable of ignoring the confusion that might otherwise cause them to fail their allies. The feathered beasts soon learn to fear the arrows loosed from Imperial bows.

It is clear to the [[Citadel Guard]] that there is a powerful conjured ward of [[Night magic]] somewhere in the territory - something like those [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|misty forts]] the Empire borrows from the ''[[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]]'' from time to time. All they can say with certainty is that it is not here in Bloodwater Marsh.

Nor is it the only such magical structure, and that causes a little confusion of its own when the effects become clear. There is a [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|Wooden Fastness]] in the Nesustak Forest, it seems, yet it is not aiding the Druj. Nor for that matter is it aiding the Empire. Instead, it seems to serve as the stronghold of an unknown number of allies of the [[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]], that Spring eternal who teaches the lost to hide, and the scared to run, and the furious to fight. If the Citadel Guard know more about its presence - and some of the Urizen magicians allow themselves a certain self-possessed smile when the matter is raised, as of one who knows they have done a difficult thing well - they do not elaborate.

But we’ll come to that later, perhaps.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==The Shears of Fate==
The battle in the south is almost balanced; between the Druj armies and the garrison of their great fortress and their conjured fort and the four Imperial armies and the summoned knights the defenders of the Mallum may even have the upper hand - especially as their tactics favour defence more than the Empire’s more cautious tactics favour conquest. Bolstered by the Black Wind, it seems that they might not only deny the Imperial advance but also drive them back a step or twelve. Then the ''rest'' of the Empire attacks the Turan Flats and everything changes, changes completely.

The Druj orcs are suddenly caught between the mountains and a sea of Imperial steel. Five fresh armies, eight thousand Knights of Glory, pushing into the Turan Flats and the Druj defences focused in the south. The Black Wind immediately abandon the defence of the Bloodwater Marsh, racing north to face the Gryphon’s Pride and the Eastern Sky. They take half the garrison of the Tower of the Skink with them, and most of the healers and apothecaries of the Red Lizard. That leaves the White Lion - whose disciplined defence is proving quite effective - and the Hidden Widow who, for a change, are more focused on slowing and diverting the Empire than they are on poisoning them.

The Druj are vicious when cornered but they are also outnumbered and outplayed. The intelligence gathered by the Last Battle striding, and the support of the wayhouse and the Navarr makes all the difference in the Turan Flats. By the time the Black Wind and the garrison of the Tower are in position to try and slow them they are already laying siege to the settlement of Turan. The notoriously cruel [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] of the Banded Snakes who rule there - Trakaa, known for his insatiable hunger for tormenting Imperial prisoners - rallies the warriors of his sept. Unfortunately the majority of his warriors fight under the banner of the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]] and they are far from the marshes of Sarangrave right now. Yet Turan is by no means defenceless - a cadre of [[Druj lore#Tortured Souls|tortured souls]] are bound to Trakaa it seems. Former heroes of Dawn and Urizen, taken by the Druj and twisted into monstrous unliving warriors whose love for their Imperial siblings has been transformed into the darkest hate. They do not stay dead, and their former prowess now serves the dark will of the het.

When they arrive, the garrison of the Tower bolsters the defences of Turan, but the Black Wind are more interested in trying to kill as many Dawnish warriors as they can - and the healing power of Spring that flows through the territory must be particularly frustrating to them.

Just as frustrating, no doubt, is the presence of the Lions of Adelmar. The army is untested, and has been hurled into the hurricane indeed with its first campaign being in the Mallum. Yet they are stalwart, standing strong against the threat of the Druj and the terrible miasma that hangs over Sarangrave. They fight to defend not only themselves but their allies, creating a barrier of Dawnish steel against the enemy. The war-witches versed in healing magic and the yeofolk physicks both work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who falls and can be saved, is saved. The Black Wind focus much of their attention on the new army, but the rest of the Empire - especially the Eastern Sky and the Gryphon’s Pride - are as swift to come to their aid as they are to support the rest of the Imperial force.

The fighting is bloody, even in spite of the Spring healing, but in the end Turan falls to the Empire. The Banded Snake are forced to scatter - some to their holdings in the strangely enchanted Nesustak Forest others to the dubious sanctuary of the Marshlizard sept or the ghulai of the Palace of the Sleepers.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Across the River, Into the Woods==
The northern force doesn’t delay; as soon as they have secured Turan they begin to plan the crossing of the slow-moving river that flows south through [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] to the Feverwater. The Druj have built no bridges, preferring to rely on boats and rafts it appears. The Empire secures as many of the Turan boats as they can but they have also made their own preparations. After all, they knew they would need to cross the river and so wagonloads of lumber gathered in the Barrens and collected in Astolat are broken out. A bridge of pontoons is put together, quickly reaching across the river and allowing the Empire to begin the assault into the weird marshes of [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]].

Further south, the Druj defence is in disarray with the attack from the north and the rapid departure of two of the defensive armies. The White Lion fight like cornered rats but the writing is on the wall. The Empire pushes, the Druj collapse like a house of cards, retreating in confusion toward the [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] and the palace of the Thornwasp sect at Uklead. The Empire quickly secures the Bloodwater Marsh and follows after them.

At first they are especially cautious, worried about the threat of a supernatural ward on the Whisperwood but soon discover no such magic is in place. There are, however, a surprising number of traps and deadfalls.

(And while the Bloodwater is secured, there are no sign of the [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]] - the sept that Prognosticator Graciana had identified [[Make it happen|three years ago]] that might be persuaded to fight against the Druj were they suitably armed and armoured. Their homes are abandoned, but with a kind of ordered chaos that suggests to the Winter Sun that they left of their own volition rather than taking disordered flight. The only clues as to what might have happened is a recent carving on the lintel of one of the village shacks that, if one squint, might seem to be an image of a rabbit or hare with curling horns).

Further to the north, the other Imperial force has bridged the sluggish, muddy river but the crossing is no less perilous. The Druj defenders of Sarangrave pepper them with arrows, launching frenzied attacks when the armies are at their most vulnerable. They have reckoned without the Lions of Adelmar, first across the river, who hold the southern bank while their allies make the crossing. After a tense hour or so of effectively taking the brunt of the enemy attack against their shields, enough Imperial soldiers are on the shores of Kroll to turn the tide and force the Druj to retreat.

As the southern expeditionary force begins to move through Whisperwood, the northern expeditionary force takes its first steps toward conquest of the marshes of Kroll. And then the news of an unlooked for development comes from the south…
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofZenith.png|caption=Zenith will fight|align=right|width=400}}

==Dark Beneath the Boughs==
It is perhaps six weeks before the Summer Solstice that the curtain of darkness begins to fall over the woods of Lustri. A smothering veil of night seeps down from the north-west. There are few spires in Lustri these days, but the lamps of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|heliopticon]] explode with light. The Druj are coming, down out of Therunin along the shores of the Feverwater. A host of orcs moving through the woods, striking south and east. It seems that almost all the armies that recently ravaged the Navarr marshes have attacked out of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] into Zenith.

Perhaps they hoped that by delaying they would achieve a surprise attack, but those hopes are dashed. The vigilance of the people of Urizen, supported by Synod [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] and inspired by the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] of the [[Urizen groups#Temple of the Wanderer|House of the Wanderer]] catches the Druj a little off guard. The alarm is raised, and word spreads across Lustri and more importantly beyond. Defenders take up arms to slow or hold the advance of the Mallum orcs, and the garrison of Stork’s Gaze marches west. Yet almost from the start, the Urizen are forced to retreat. The size of the force arrayed against them is simply too great.

The defence very nearly ends in disaster before it even gets started. A second force of Druj - the bulk of those under the banners of the [[Druj armies#Hunting Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]] - have claimed boats from the [[Therunin#The_Docks_at_Feverwater|docks at Feverwater]]. Supplemented with hastily constructed rafts, the orcs of the Mallum seek to trap the soldiers protecting Zenith between them in a terrible pincer movement. There is just enough warning from the vigilant patrols - a single sighting of a boat moving stealthily to shore swiftly communicated to the sentinels of the Gaze - and many of the soldiers marching from Stork’s Gaze are able to react swiftly enough to pull south. Sadly several hundred are still taken by surprise and mercilessly butchered by the warriors of that displaced Amber Scorpion sept who once held Ossium in their cruel grip.

Sometimes the Druj act carefully, with subtle malice. This is not one of those times. The Druj waste no time at all, an overwhelming assault against the north-eastern Urizen territory they once held. With the [[Druj armies#Thorn Born|Thorn Born]] at the head under the brambled-banners, they spread quickly through the woods. They seem less interested in securing the spires here than they are in launching an assault against the fortification that watches the borders with Sarangrave but any spires that fall into their hands - any that are not [[Vale of Shadows|hidden away]] with [[Night magic]] - are swiftly, brutally, smashed apart.

The sentinels of Stork’s Gaze rally with the virtuous defenders, a desperate fight to hold the borders against the Druj. They hold for three days; the last heliopticon message from the fortification is a simple “remember us”. The Stork’s Gaze burns. Yet those brave sentinels do not die alone - one of the copper spiders of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] escapes the destruction and speaks of the courage of the garrison, of the forest around the fortress scattered hip-deep in the bodies of the Druj before the gates were breached and the towers broken.

With the fortification broken, the Druj armies split into two forces. The first, largest force with the Thorn Born at their head, spread out through Lustri to deal with the remaining defenders and finish claiming the region for themselves. They are met at every turn by [[magical skills#Battle mage|battle mages]] and warriors and [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]] from further south. They eventually claim the region but they must fight every step and thanks to the perseverance, to the watchfulness, of the Urizen the invasion is almost entirely contained in Lustri.

The second, smaller group of invading orcs, remains in the ruins of the Stork’s Gaze to ensure that the border with the Sarangrave remains strong. Reports suggest the [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] are here, something that should be enough to raise concern against any Imperial strategist. The Druj are free to rain curses or raise defences of their own across Zenith again.

There is little panic, if that is what the Druj hoped for. The magicians of Zenith lost everything the last time the orcs of the Mallum came to their territory. They will not be laid low so easily again... whatever vile sorcery the corrupt ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk might be planning.
{{CaptionedImage|file=mantle.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
==Desperation==
The four armies in the south are now cut off from the rest of the Empire by Druj to the south and east, vallorn to the north, and the hungry Feverwater lake to the west. When the news of their predicament finally reaches them it adds a new desperation to the fighting in the Whisperwood, a new urgency to the fight to join up with the northern forces.

In the north, the news likewise inspires the other Imperial armies to push forward into the eerie marshes of Kroll. Here the Druj warriors are reinforced by the militia of the Marshlizards - who barely raised a finger to help Het Trakaa but now welcome those fighters fleeing Turan. Not as allies so much as a fleshy buffer between them and the Empire.

Yet the Marshizards only control parts of Kroll. The Sept of Masks also hold territory here, surrounding the [[Sarangrave#Palace_of_the_Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]] along the shore of the deep, dark lake that laps along the base of the odd conical hill on which it is built. These are the same ghulai that were encountered exploring the outskirts of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]], the same allies of the Thornwasp sept who march with the Tainted Basilisk. At first they do not seem to be any great threat; they are ritual magicians rather than [[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]].

The Red Lizard army fights with particular ferocity, while the herb masters among their number fight to ensure that the Empire kills as few of the Druj defenders as possible. The Black Wind continue to seek to face and slaughter Dawnish soldiers, and several times it is clear that they favour that strategy over defending their Marshlizard “allies”. The sept has taken its own precautions, though. [[Night magic]] infuses the marsh here, a potent enchantment that grants succour to the Druj, that grants supernatural advantage to their ability to sneak and hide, that turns the wetlands themselves against the invaders. The most apparent symptom of the magic is that the marsh octopus - the vicious little predators with their venomous beaks and delicious meat - seem to be on the verge of frenzy. The smaller ones swarm like piranha or rats, slipping through the thick mud to ambush sentries or most horribly of all emerge from swampy ground within army camps when the night is at its darkest. By themselves they would be horrible enough, but there are also much larger examples of this peculiar breed. While most marsh octopus found in Zenith are barely the size of a person’s head with arms to match, those are clearly newborns. The adults and elders are a significantly greater threat. There are reports of a band of Northern Eagle scouts being ambushed by a cephalapoid terror with a body the size of an ox-cart and awful meaty limbs of proportional length and muscular strength.

As time ticks away, as the Empire’s advance appears unstoppable, more and more warriors from the Tower of the Skink desert the defence of the Whisperwood and come north, leaving the Thornwasp to look after themselves, much more motivated to keep their own sept lands safe.

It is both enough, and not enough. The Empire presses through the Whisperwood slowly, but makes significantly greater gains in the north. Things might have been a little different if the Druj had followed their usual strategy of creating many magical wards and fortifications across the territory, but as it is the Imperial forces in Kroll close inexorably on the Palace of the Sleepers.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==First They Must Catch You==
Empire and Druj and Empire, and along the northern borders of Zenith, Druj again. Yet there is another force active in Sarangrave this season, that seems to owe allegiance to neither side. The Bloodwater Spears are not the only orcs that simply seem to be… missing. As the fighting rages in Turan Flats, in Kroll, in Whisperwood and along the shores of the Feverwater, there are signs of this other force if one knows how to look.

Labour camps deserted, their guards slain not by Imperial swords and arrows but by blunt instruments and improvised weapons. To the Citadel Guard and the Granite Pillar alike it is clear the attack has come from within the camp rather than without. The slaves who might have been penned there are simply gone, any tracks they might have left lost in the marshes.

Farms, likewise, abandoned, derelict. No sign of any farm worker, no sign of their tools, perhaps most significantly, no signs of the stores of rice and grain. Even the herds of hardy marsh-dwelling goats tended in some of these places are gone, the eel and octopus traps emptied. Not everyone has disappeared, but enough. The Winter Sun investigate as best they can but find the former slaves they speak with closed mouthed, frightened, uncommunicative. The Golden Axe and the Northern Eagle have a little more success loosening the tongues of Druj prisoners, who seem equally baffled by what is happening, but also cocky and sneering confident that once the Empire is defeated and driven out they will hunt these traitorous slaves down and make an example of them. Again, the Citadel Guard simply nod, and change the subject when the matter is brought up.

Eventually, some of the Winter Sun are able to convince a former slave to speak to them. Those who are fleeing, in the north and the south, are doing so with the aid of the ''Reedleaper'' - a spirit of the deep marshes that helps the victims of the Druj survive their wickedness. Sometimes ''Reedleaper'' helps them flee, sometimes it helps them hide, and sometimes it helps a few fight, although that usually ends the same tragic way. The spirit teaches secrets - how to break the chains and spears of the hated guards, how to sing away the pain and torment of those who have been tormented by the slave masters, how to mend broken bones and endure the cruel lash of whips. Sometimes it teaches even greater secrets, to those with the will and wit to listen. But always it reminds them that this is not the way the world is meant to be and that they must never accept the lies of the Druj that tell them they are nothing.

''Reedleaper'' is familiar to the [[Sunstorm]] sept at least. There are stories of similar aid offered to the [[orc|orcs]] during the [[The Orc Rebellion|Orc rebellion]]. It seems [[Irra Harah]] is in the Sarangrave, but that the extent of his influence is degrees of magnitude greater this season than it has been before. The former slave admits that there is something happening in the Nesustak Forest, but what it is and what it means they will not say. Two nights later, that talkative orc has vanished along with their entire family from the Winter Sun camp.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ChainIllustrationInk.JPG|align=right|width=300}}

==The Glass Vice==
The Druj are caught between the four armies in the south and the five in the north, but that is only the start of their troubles. The Citadel Guard, you see, have a strategy. As they advance, they weave Autumn magic around themselves and around the soldiers of the other three armies. Even the news that they are cut off from their home does not trouble their poise. They weave their magic, and at several points they drive tall spikes of green iron into the marsh topped with clear, bright lightstones. They invoke the constellation of the Chain, and the Web, and the Lock. They call on the seventy-two secret names of the Lictors of the Autumn Realm. They wield the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Coiling_Chain|Technique of the Coiling Chain]] and all across Sarangrave their magic takes hold.

The Druj armies are distracted, fighting on two fronts and unaware of the danger until it is too late. [[Autumn magic]] wielded with consummate expertise, catches them like rats in a trap. The marsh twists beneath the boots of the Black Wind and the Red Lizard. The sticky Summer air seems to thicken around the Hidden Widow and the White Lion.

They are caught now, trapped in invisible amber, wound in incorporeal chains. They may be able to flee Sarangrave but they will not get far. The inescapable curse of the Glass Labyrinth has them and none can walk its twisting paths with surety.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Octopus sculpture.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==The God in the Lake==
But there are other magicians in Sarangrave than those of the Citadel Guard and it would be dangerous to become overconfident. In Kroll, the Empire closes in on the Palace of Sleepers, despite the best efforts of the Druj armies, and the garrison of the great fortification in [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and the magically empowered marsh and octopus. It is an unsettling sight, this so-called [[college of magic]]. The parts of the structure visible above the ground is a mishmash of walls and roofs, and stubby towers like fingers reaching hungrily toward the sky. The peculiar, almost conical hill it is built atop and within is shrouded in twisted trees that claw toward the Summer sky, and a shroud of thick mist that never seems to dissipate. It stands on the edge of a great dark watered lake, avoided by everyone save the ghulai who squat in the twisted palace.

The scouts who first explored the Sarangrave spoke of an odd statue of a giant multi-armed horror slumped next to the hill, right on the edge of the black lake. It is here that the ghulai of the Sept of Masks seem to have chosen to begin their stand against the Empire. Everyone is mud-spattered and exhausted on both sides, save the magicians. They stand arrogantly in heavy woollen robes of clashing green and purple that must be sweltering in the Summer heat, their faces completely hidden behind oversized wooden masks gaudily painted with snarling, howling, laughing, weeping expressions that are deeply unsettling to gaze on for too long. Even the Black Wind seem to give them a wide berth, for some reason.

As the Dawnish and Varushkan forces draw up, a warning murmur spreads from the Granite Pillar. Something is not right. There is, in the midst of the Druj, a wooden cage. A scarred Highborn captain wordlessly passes her spyglass to the other commanders. The cage contains a score of humans and orcs - several still wearing scraps of their soldiers’ surcote or tabard. All show signs of torment, wounds received in battle, and fear. One of them tries to inspire the others to join him in the Battle Hymn of the Empire but is brutally struck down by one of the Druj. What new horror have the Black Wind prepared?

Yet it becomes clear that it is not the Black Wind that are in charge here. With a terrible cry, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks begin a mad, desperate, whirling dance. Ripples of uncertainty go through the Imperial ranks and the orders are swiftly given to cautiously advance. Before anyone can take more than seven steps, the magicians all tear away their wooden masks and fling them into the waters of the lake. Beneath they wear a ‘’second’’ mask, a much tighter mask, of mottled green that fits more snugly to their heads, fringed with drooping tentacles, and a single yellow-painted eye in the middle of their forehead.

"''Ya, Kroll!''" they cry. "''Come to us oh you God of the Lake! Feed upon these who would invade your home and slaughter your children!''"

At this sign, the cage full of Imperial captives is pushed unceremoniously into the lake. It sinks mercifully swiftly, but it is certain that those poor people contained within are drowned before the Empire’s soldiers can do much but voice their fury and outrage. The front lines of the Druj and the Imperials clash, blood flows, screams of orc and human mingle together and then…

The [[Army_orders#Cautious_Advance|cautious]] Highborn [[Highguard_military_concerns|cataphracts]] and [[Highguard_military_concerns#Guardians|guardians]] sound the alarm again. Something is rising in the great black lake. The waters surge upward, breaking their banks and washing knee deep along the shores. The Druj begin to fall back, swiftly, clearly something they had planned. Something is rising in the waters.

At first it seems to be a small island or perhaps a ship, upside down breaching the surface and bobbing. But it continues to rise, out of the waves, up into the sky. It is immense - its size hard to grasp. A behemoth that surely, surely could not have fit within even the depths of this great lake. A single baleful, impossible eye stares down at the soldiers beneath that conical hill, in the shadow of that college of magic. A great rounded bulk, water sleeting down its sides, the eye burning with hate and hunger.

The alarm has been sounded just in time, the Imperial strategy defensive and careful, and most of the soldiers are able to react swiftly enough to avoid the two immense arms, tens of feet long, that rise from the water and sweep across the banks of the nameless lake scattering sticky dark venom in their wake.

Three, four, six more shorter arms rip through the air, and this unspeakable horror, this titanic one-eyed marsh octopus, unleashes a roar from its hidden maw that shakes the ground.

There is no hope of fighting this creature - if it is a creature. It is real, certainly, not some kind of glamour. Even the armies of the Mallum give it a wide berth - only the Sept of Masks seem prepared to risk its terrible attention. It cannot leave the lake, thank the paragons. Unlike its tiny kin, it does not seem to have the power to move through the marsh mud. Retreat is the only option - but that does not stop some of the Dawnish taking a stand, egged on by the knights of Summer, striking at its huge muscular arms, launching a surprise attack of their own against the Druj magicians and while most of them die in the process there can be little doubt they die ''[[glory|gloriously]]''.

The terrible booming foghorn roar of the god in the lake, the immense octopus from who the hell knows where, continue to echo across the marshes of Kroll… and then it is the Summer Solstice.

==Game Information==
===Sarangrave===
* '''There are two Imperial forces and one Druj force in Sarangrave
* '''The Empire controls Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marsh, the Druj control the rest of the territory apart from Bendol
* '''The territory has been under the effect of Rivers of Life and there were two magical forts conjured there - but only one seems to have supported the Druj
* '''The Druj armies here have been caught by the Glass Labyrinth reducing their ability to move
* '''Of the armies fighting in Sarangrave, only the Northern Eagle provided shares of the Imperial Guerdon
There are two separate Imperial forces in the Sarangrave. The southern force made up of the Citadel Guard, Winter Sun, Golden Axe, and Quiet Step, have conquered the Bloodwater Marshes and are perhaps halfway toward taking the Whisperwood and the weirwood grove there. They struggled a little with the [[Druj miasma]] that made it harder to claim territory here. They are in serious difficulty due to the invasion of Zenith.

The northern force made up of the Gryphon’s Pride, Eastern Sky, Lions of Adelmar, Northern Eagle, and Granite Pillar, have claimed Turan Flats are just over four-fifths of the way toward taking the region of Kroll. The only significant structure remaining outside their control is the Palace of the Sleepers. They benefited from the Under Threat quality provided by the Last Battle Wayhouse in the Barrens, but they also found it a little more difficult to conquer territory due to the presence of the powerful Druj miasma.

The Druj armies are caught between them, and have been ensnared in the Glass Labyrinth. Even if they can break through the Imperial lines they cannot move more than one territory in the coming season.

There were by all accounts two magical forts in Sarangrave - one raised by the Druj in Kroll, the other of unknown provenance in Nesustak Forest. That latter ward appears to have aided ''neither'' side in the battle of Sarangrave, and it is very much not clear what was going on with it.

===Zenith===
* '''The Druj have claimed Lustri and destroyed the fortification of Stork's Gaze
* '''They were unable to make much additional headway due to the virtuous resistance of the people of Zenith
* '''Their control of Lustri cuts the Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave off from their supply lines
A major force of Druj has poured south out of Therunin into Zenith. They have captured the region of Lustri, and destroyed the Stork’s Gaze fortification. They are about a tenth of the way toward claiming the marshes of Proceris. The Druj encountered stiff resistance from the spires of Zenith, thanks to the mandate of the Urizen Assembly.

The Tainted Basilisk are believed to be in Lustri, the magic army able to focus rituals into the territory.

===God in the Lake===
* '''Shortly before the Summer Solstice the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have called up a behemoth marsh octopus from the lake below the Palace of the Sleeper
* '''It is not clear what this thing is, what its capabilities are, or what it presages for the battle in the Sarangrave
In response to the Imperial invasion of Kroll, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have roused something big and horrible in the lake below their college of magic. The soldiers on the ground have not had much time to do anything other than retreat quickly, but it appears to be an immense one-eyed marsh octopus that is almost certainly not an inhabitant of the mortal world. It’s possible that diviners in Anvil may be able to discover more about what exactly it is and what it portends for the conquest of Kroll.

Any character whose military unit supported one of the northern armies may have been at the battle below the Palace of the Sleeper and seen the God in the Lake. It is very, very big - perhaps even as large as a kraken - and it is absolutely terrifying in its size and destructive power. It is a thing that will require armies to defeat, not something that can be slain by even a quite large group of Imperial heroes. Fortunately, it seems to be restricted to the lake… but that might not present much comfort to anyone involved in taking the rest of the region.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Knights of Glory==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, Gryphon's Pride, or Northern Eagle receive an additional boon
During the [[Golden magicians fayre|Golden Magician's Fayre]], the ''[[Eleonaris|Mistress of Pennants]]'' offered a boon to certain armies that had joined her soldiers in revelry. Any character whose [[military unit]] supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, Gryphon's Pride, or Northern Eagle receives a single [[vis#Golden Apple|golden apple]] that Eleonaris hopes will help encourage the captain to seek an [[enchantment]] for themselves or the soldiers under their command.

These armies, along with the Citadel Guard, Golden Axe, and Winter Sun, have also benefitted a little from the inspiration offered by the Knights of Glory - encouraged to pursue heroic and glorious actions in battle, to destroy the rulers of the Druj, and to endure the hardships of all this marsh fighting with a roar of defiance. Characters whose military unit supported one of these armies are encouraged to create stories about fighting alongside these enthusiastic elfin warriors.

==Strategic Considerations==
===Being Cut Off===
* '''Four Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave are cut off from their supply lines and will begin to degrade
* '''The Druj armies in Zenith are likewise separated from their supply lines due to the loss of Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marshes
* '''The Druj in Sarangrave face a similar fate if they lose control of Kroll
The breakdown of what's happened in Sarangrave and the adjoining territories creates a unique situation. Four Imperial armies are in south west Sarangrave. The Druj control the regions east and west (Thornfen, and Lustri in Zenith respectively). Bendol to the North is controlled by the vallorn, the Feverwater is not traversable by armies, and Tsark to the south is not open to the Empire either.

As these four armies have no supply route back to Imperial held territory, they are now In Trouble. If they are not able to draw a line back to Imperial Territory this season, they will begin to decay as if they were out of supply. This is not something which can be alleviated by the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket|Imperial Breadbasket]], as indeed those supplies are no more able to get through than support from the home nations.

The Druj risk being caught in a similar situation. There are six Druj armies in Eastern Zenith, controlling Lustri. They control Therunin and Nesustak Forest in Sarangrave, but none of the armies are able to receive supply from their [[Druj armies|patron septs]] and so are in a similar position to the Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave. Should the Druj lose control of Kroll, most of the Druj armies in Sarangrave would also be in dire straits.

===Between Zenith and Sarangrave===
* '''The situation in Zenith and southern Sarangrave has strategic implications for the campaign after the Summer Solstice
If Imperial forces in Sarangrave attack over the border into Zenith and Druj Forces in Zenith attack over the border into Sarangrave during this season, then that combat will be factored into any conflict that takes place in Sarangrave. This will not also apply to any Imperial Forces attacking from the west into Zenith, though taking Lustri from behind the Druj may have a detrimental effect ''if'' the Druj attack in that direction.

===The Night Option===
* '''There may be magical ways for armies to escape Sarangrave if they need to
The Empire has in the past used magic to use [[Night magic]] to shroud armies and let them pass undetected. Should such magic be utilised, it would be possible for any such army to ignore the above problems and sneak past the Druj forces in Zenith undetected. The Druj have demonstrated in the past that they are equally capable of taking this kind of action themselves of course.

One of the rituals that might allow escape from Sarangrave is the ''Host of Shadows'' which is not in Imperial lore. As discussed in the recent wiki update, however, that ritual has been substantially changed. Anyone who has mastered the ritual will need to check the details. If the player with the ritual text can contact a referee, or email {{plot}}, we can arrange to swap the existing text for an updated version.
{{CaptionedImage|file=You Shall Pass.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Battle Opportunity : Pillars of Night==
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel Gate#Major Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to the marshes of Kroll near the Palace of the Sleeper. They believe there may be a possibility here to interfere with the Sept of Masks magic this season.

==Battle of Opportunity : Rites of Spring==
The Imperial prognosticators have also identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that seems to lead to northern Proceris in Zenith. They are still examining the situation but believe it may have something to do with Druj intentions towards the Golden Cascade.

==Conjunctions==
===Ideas of Importance (Zenith)===
{{SOP|by=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Urizen Assembly|statement=Be alert to all dangers; within and without. We send Herminius of the House of the Wanderer with 50 liao to encourage the Vigilant to watch for the evil that seeks to enter our lands. Let us thwart malice before it strikes against us.|vote=306-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE}}
* '''A group of Druj are returning to the armies having been repulsed by nearby spires'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several heralds of Arhallogen'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the Druj'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
As most of the Druj attacked the Stork's Gaze and secured their control of Lustri, some looked further afield. Several groups struck out towards the isolated spires of Lustri, hoping for easy pickings. The vigilant citizens, encouraged by the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''', gave warning to the spires and they were able to fend off the opportunistic Druj. Now, the largest group is returning to the ruins of the Stork's Gaze, to re-join their fellows in the [[Druj_armies#Hunting_Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]].

If they can be soundly defeated, then the Urizeni patrols will be able to overcome the remaining Druj in the area, causing three hundred casualties to the Hunting Scorpion before the coming season. It is the responsibility of the [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''', to intercept the Druj and kill them before they can reach the army's camp. Given that the Druj were stymied by the mandate enacted by '''Herminius''', it is possible that the sword scholar will wish to be involved.

===Hummingbird's Secret (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Druj are threatening the Last Battle Wayhouse'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several heralds of Arhallogen'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Keeper of the Last Battle'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Druj and heralds'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Last Battle Wayhouse in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]] has been a source of some consternation amongst the Karass since construction was finished a few seasons ago. They have repeatedly made warnings that the Druj would not be happy about it being built, that they would return and attack it, that their reckoning would be swift and deadly. Most who heard the warnings accepted that the Druj would not leave such a threat on their doorstep for long – that they would eventually have to react once they found out about the wayhouse and the threat it represented. The common belief was that it would at least the Druj some time to identify the threat and move to remove it.

It is a surprise, then, when the warning comes of a band of Druj advancing on the wayhouse. There are too few of them to destroy the wayhouse, even supported as they are by heralds of [[Arhallogen]], but if they are not stopped, they will bring slaughter and death to those resting there. The Empire will be able to repair the damage done in a season, but during that time, the Last Battle will provide no benefits: Navarr with resources in the Barrens will suffer from the [[Resource#Resources_in_other_Nations|foreign nation]] penalty, the Keeper of the Last Battle will receive no herbs, and the regions adjacent will cease to be under-threat to the Empire until the start of the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

It is the responsibility of the [[Keeper of the Last Battle]], '''Dax''', to stop the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen before they can attack the wayhouse. Given that there are heralds of Arhallogen present in a Dawnish territory, it is likely that the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]], '''Clint Leohart De Licorne''', will want to be involved in defeating this threat.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Zenith]]

* [[Unlock thy hidden gate]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune about the start of the battle for Sarangrave

A thousand steps

2025-07-21T10:09:17Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Dai is moaning that if it doesn't happen soon, it won't happen at all." Ffion grinned at her cousin. She knew how much the cantankerous old guide wound him up, and it was fun to try and wind him up.

Sadly Harri could tell what she was doing and refused to take the bait. "He's gone from worrying we're moving too fast, to worrying we're moving too slow. That sounds like the old man."

"He could be right. He's convinced Brendan," she responded, giving it a second go.

"Dai Parting Ways could have made Brendan think the vallorn was made of green cheese. And he would too, if it gave him something to moan about."

"You're not worried then?" She was genuine this time, eager to hear what he had to say.

"Course I am." he said surprising even himself. He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Look, we've got to trust the leaders we've got, not try and lead the bloody Striding ourselves. They say they're going to pick the right time to strike... that's good enough for me. Dai would have us fighting vallorn while the Druj was stabbing us in the back. I can't think of a worse way to lose everything than that, can you?"

Ffion considered the question for a while. It was obviously rhetorical but the more she thought about it, the more it invited further thought. "Yes, I think I can," she answered finally. "We've got to do this now - we're committed and that's good. But we might fail - we have to be honest about that. This is no story, this isn't some scop's tale. We might do everything we can and it might not be enough. And that would be bad..."

Harri moved to speak but Ffion cut him off. "You asked the question, I'm answering it. Like I said we might do everything we can and still lose. And that's bad. But if we do lose this war - if the vallorn wins, and we all die - the thing I couldn't take is knowing that we left ''anything'' on the table. That's what'd be worse. Losing and knowing that I didn't dare do all."

"That's a fine speech Ffion, you should have been a guide. But where's the strategy? We won't beat the vallorn by talking to people."

"You're wrong Harri. You're dead wrong. Talking to people is the ''only'' way we win this thing. This war won't be won in Therunin. It won't be won in Liathaven or Hercynia. It's going to be fought in the Senate. And the Council. And the Conclave. We get them on side... we win... We don't get them on side... we lose. The only way we beat the vallorn is by talking to people."

"Right, so now you're a brand as well as a guide. So what ''do'' you think we should do?"

Ffion grinned again, "I reckon we should go speak to some people..."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in a crowd.jpg|caption=One reason the Navarr supported the formation of the Empire is so that they would not be alone in their fight against the vallorn.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nWsyZWiVO8}}
The [[Navarr]] have committed everything to fighting the [[vallorn]], calling the [[striding|stridings]] home and readying the nation for war. While some [[A thousand years of longing|argued the time was not yet right]], the decision has now been made, all that remains now is for the nation to find a way to make this work.

Which, as it turns out, is somewhat harder than it might have appeared. The single biggest problem remains the need to convince the other nations that this is the time to fight the vallorn. Three nations have agreed with the Navarr that the time is right - [[Highguard]], [[the League]], and [[Varushka]]. The other six remain broadly unconvinced despite some clear enthusiasm in [[Dawn]] for a glorious battle against long odds. Still, any idea that the right moment is just around the corner is as dangerous as it is appealing. The Empire has existed for nearly four centuries and never once in that time has there been a day when the Empire was ''safe'' and there were no more wars left to fight. Even the historians who look back on the interregnum after the reign of [[Emperor James]] must concede that there was still ''danger'', it was just kept at a distance by the wall of stone and steel that encircled the - somewhat smaller - Empire of the day. There isn't going to be a time when the Empire is ready to fight the vallorn because the barbarians have been defeated - that day won't come in anyone's lifetime, let alone the current generation. As long as the Empire remains focussed on the threat on its borders, from the [[Druj]], the [[Grendel]], the [[Jotun]], and the [[Thule]], there will ''never'' be a political will or the military capacity to join up the vallorn hearts and begin the last war.

The Navarr ''desperately'' need more influence in the great houses of state. They need more votes in the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]], the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]], and the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]]. That would come with more Navarr [[senator|senators]] and [[general|generals]], of course, but a better way to gain support is to gain ''allies''. Until the Navarr have powerful friends in other nations who are prepared to support them there is literally no chance of any kind that they will be able to defeat the vallorn.

But all that is long term strategy, right now, the immediate battle the nation need to win is to find a way to fund their new [[Imperial army|army]]. With the [[Under_eastern_skies#Now_We_Are_Ready|sacrifice of Isaella's Dance]], they are down to two armies - one of which is currently [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|commanded]] by [[the Throne]]. The current pace of contributions needs to increase, otherwise the army will never be finished. It's time to pick up the pace, as they used to say on the stridings...

==Eight Thousand Ingots==
* '''The nation needs every wain and every ingot and measure they can find to pay for the new army'''
After initially [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|denying]] the Navarr the right to muster another force, the [[Imperial Senate]] eventually relented and has now passed a motion allowing the [[Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|nation to commission a new army]]. Unfortunately that army (and any others the Navarr may wish to build) must be paid for. As the [[Imperial treasury]] appears to be empty, there is no money available for the nation and that means the army will only get built if the Navarr pay for it themselves.

One of the [[The_first_shot#Preparation|unique opportunities]] granted by the return of the stridings, to create armies capable of defeating the vallorn, has been taken. The army being [[The_first_shot#Hercynia|raised in Hercynia]] can be paid for with wains of [[mithril]] as usual or with [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] of [[weltsilver]], [[orichalcum]], [[green iron]], [[tempest jade]], [[beggar's lye]] or [[iridescent gloaming]]. This could be a very effective way to pay for the army - given that measures and ingots are generally easier to lay ones hands on than wains - but only if the nation can actually find the materials.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhys Nighthaven.png|caption=Rhys Nighthaven hold the title of Delver of the Depths and may be able to advise on this ambitious scheme.|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Dig for Victory==
* '''The Navarr have over a hundred and fifty military units'''
* '''Every basic military unit assigned to ''Lorenzo's Deep Pockets'' would yield mana crystals and six ingots a season'''
* '''Feast of Heroes, a simple Summer ritual, could boost that production still further'''
* '''Three Navarr artisans from Treji have provided three ritual foci that would make the ritual easier to cast'''
The simplest way to get all the resources needed might be to just go and get them. The nation has precious few [[forest|forests]] and [[mine|mines]] - at least among those who come to anvil [[Anvil]] each season - certainly nowhere near enough to produce the volume of materials needed. But there are more than a hundred and fifty Navarr among those who regularly attends the quarterly summits who possess [[military unit|military units]]. Those units will be crucial when the time comes for taking the fight to the vallorn, but they could also be serving the nation right now.

[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo's_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]] is a vast sinkhole located on the edge of [[Miaren]]. The current [[Delver of the Depths]] is in fact a Navarr themselves - ''Rhys Nighthaven''. They can [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Bounty_of_the_Deep_Earth|secure an amount of materials]] themselves of course, but there is also an apparently limitless supply of tempest jade and weltsilver to be claimed from the depths of the sinkhole, just waiting for the Navarr to [[Venture#Explore_the_Depths|send their military units in to get it]]. If every warband belonging to a Navarr who came to Anvil went down Lorenzo's hole, they'd produce more than 900 ingots in a single season.

If those military units could be [[enchantment|enchanted]] - and a trip into the sinkhole also provides small amounts of mana - then the returns would be even better. The [[Summer magic]] ritual [[Feast of Heroes]] would increase the returns significantly, potentially providing up to six additional ingots (as well as extra crystal mana and even some other bounty in the form of money) per adventurer. That is potentially ''another'' 900 ingots.

The problem would be finding a way to persuade as many owners of Navarr military units as possible to actually explore the depths and then seeing how many of them could be enchanted. The ritual is magnitude ten to enchant a single warband which, if mastered, only requires five ranks of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Summer lore]] to cast (or four at the [[Regio#Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]]). Each additional captain from the same [[bands#Banners|banner]] only increases the magnitude by eight - meaning that casting the ritual on multiple people paradoxically makes it harder to cast but reduces the cost for each individual. A little help could make the ritual much easier to cast.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Estavus001a.png|align=right|width=200}}
To try to support such efforts a trio of [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] from [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]], three brothers called ''Aedan'', ''Dradan'' and ''Tomas'', from the Quiet Forge have agreed a boon with [[Estavus|The Bronze Artisan]]. The eternal has shown them how to create a simple ritual mask, not unlike the [[Straw Mask]] favoured by the Marches. This "Heroes Helm" provides one additional effective rank when casting [[Feast of Heroes]] and [[Golden Voyage]]. It is a small benefit, but it might be just enough to allow a skilled Summer mage to perform the ritual by themselves. Or better yet, a [[bands#covens|coven]] could use the masks to help perform the ritual on multiple targets making it cheaper and quicker to perform.

The brothers have created three of the masks and provided them to the [[Navarr Egregore]] and asked that they be delivered to the [[vate|vates]] at Anvil. If the benefit they provide proves useful, the brothers plan to make more masks next season.

==Shared Sacrifice==
* '''Wintermark and the Imperial Orcs could sacrifice their own benefits to reduce the cost of the army by several hundred ingots'''
* '''Nations other than the Navarr with the capacity to build a runeforge, could use a mandate to commit those artisans to support the army'''
* '''Any nation that does this will sacrifice their capacity to build a runeforge for a year and reduce the cost of the army by 10 wains'''
There are two nations that the Navarr have already identified that could help ''considerably'' with the efforts to raise the new Navarr army. The [[Wintermark]] artisans at the [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] and the [[Ethengraw]] smiths at the [[Standing_in_the_sun#The_Black_Forge_of_Ethengraw|Black Forge]] could both have [[The_first_shot#Hercynia|sacrificed their own position to help the Navarr]]. The civil service has confirmed that either national assembly could still enact the appropriate [[mandate]]. It may be that neither of these nations is prepared to support the fight against the vallorn. The Wintermark Assembly has upheld [[statement of principle|statements]] that suggest they believe the war against the vallorn is ill-timed and a low priority for an Empire already struggling. This is a pity, because the aid of either group would be a huge asset to the Navarr. These mandates can only be enacted at this summit; if they are not upheld, then the opportunity will be lost.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send {named priest} with 10 liao to encourage the Ethengraw to put the Black Forge to work raising a new Navarr army to fight the vallorn. Let us prepare for war together!|assembly=Imperial Orc Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then Imperial Orc armies will not be able to take the [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|forge hammers]] order until the army is complete. Instead of providing vital support for the Imperial Orc armies, the Ethengraw will use their forges to help the Navarr raise the army in Hercynia. This will help them use their materials more effectively - substituting one wain of mithril for each 36 resources provided.

{{Mandate|mandate=Three tears entwined. We send {named priest} with 10 liao to encourage the artisans of Runegrott to put their skills to work raising a new Navarr army to fight the vallorn. Let us fight together as one.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then the [[Keeper of the Runegrott]] will not be able to forge new artisan items until the new army is complete. The artisans who work there will focus all their efforts on producing good-quality weapons for the new army. Like the Black Forge, this would enable the Navarr to use their materials more effectively - substituting one wain of mithril for each 36 resources provided.

If ''both'' mandates are enacted, the Navarr could substitute resources for mithril at a rate of up to 33 resources for each wain.

Another option might be to appeal to those nations who also have artisans who could help. [[Varushka]], [[the Marches]], and [[Dawn]] all have enough artisans to support the creation of a new [[runeforge]] in their nation. These skilled craftsfolk could devote their time to helping raise the new Hercynian army instead, if the Navarr can persuade them to do so. Accessing this support would need a mandate to be passed by the national Assembly of Dawn, Varushka or the Marches.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to urge artisans to support the Navarr's war against the vallorn. Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but by the unity of both.|assembly=Dawn, Marcher and Varushkan National Assembly}}

If a nation enacts this mandate then artisans of that nation will go to work creating weapons and armour for the new army. Each nation that enacts this mandate will provide the equivalent of 10 wains of mithril towards the cost of raising the new army. The problem is that it will commit their artisans to working in support of the Navarr for the best part of a year. Even if the work of mustering the army is finished before then, those artisans will need time to clear the backlog of their own work. As a result any nation that enacts this mandate will not be able to begin work on a runeforge in that nation for the next four seasons.

Of course the Navarr have many artisans of their own, but they are already committed to helping construct the new army, so they cannot be of further assistance in this way. Any other nation that currently has the ability to create a runeforge could enact the mandate, but only by giving up their ability to build a new runeforge for a year.

==Simple Exchange==
* '''The Navarr could sell herbs to citizens of other nations to raise funds for the army'''
* '''If other nations won't buy herbs, they can sell marrowort to the City of Lead and Gold'''
* '''For every sixty marrowort placed in an Ephisis Box with the rune Bravash, the City will provide one wain toward the new army'''
* '''The deal is only available at the Summer Solstice 387YE'''
The Navarr produce significantly more [[herbs]] than any other nation in the Empire. In fact, the nation produces more herbs than [[Highguard]], the [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the League]], [[the Marches]], [[Urizen]] and [[Varushka]] ''combined''. The nation can't pay for their army with herbs, but are there people in these nations who would buy herbs if they were offered them at the right price. There could be potential markets for the nation's herbs and [[potion|potions]] in every nation outside the Navarr. Ingots or measures can all be used to fund the army - wains of mithril are better still - but cold hard cash is almost as valuable. Enough money and you can buy anything in the Empire (particularly if the rumours of a crash in the price of mithril are correct).

Of course it's no good selling goods to each other - the Navarr need to sell whatever they can to citizens from the ''other'' nine nations - that is the only way they can bring in the additional funds they need. The [[broker|brokers]] can lead the way with this but they will need help from everyone who can offer it. There are fifty brokers attending the next summit - and nearly four thousand potential customers! The only way they're going to be able to hawk those herbs around everyone who might buy them is if they get some help.

One of the problems with this approach is that many people believe that herbs should be provided for free to heal those who are injured. While some might argue that this approach has a lot to recommend this in normal times, the nation is faced with a blunt truth. The Navarr are the acknowledged masters of herbcraft in the Empire but if they continue to give those herbs away to people who need them then the nation may ''never'' have the funds they need to pay for their army (or any more important projects). The [[Urizen|Urizeni]] were able to pay for their [[A_box_for_a_sword#The_Blade_of_Finest_Silver|army from the Autumn realm]] with three hundred mithril in a single season. Perhaps if herbs sold as well as mana crystals do, the Navarr might now be in a similar position?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marrowort.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
If the Navarr can't convince the other nations to pay for their herbs, then there is another option. The [[inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] of the Autumn realm are voracious merchants - they will buy ''anything'' at the right price and they are known to pay a good price for herbs. ''Ffion'', a vate from Parting Ways in [[Miaren]] has recently made several profitable deals with a rather excitable herald called ''Crown'' from the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. This weird little creature claims to have been involved in the deal for the Urizen army and, flushed with success, has arranged a deal for the Navarr.

Crown is apparently prepared to buy [[Marrowort]] from the Navarr in return for materials to support their new army. The costs are high, but if an Imperial citizen sends an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis Box]] containing ''just'' [[Marrowort]] and anything with the [[Bravash]] rune on it, then the empty box will be available for collection from the hall of worlds at the usual time and the brokers of the City will instead provide one wain of mithril directly to the new army. Crown is very clear that the City is prepared to fund the ''entire'' army if they receive enough herbs - the nation would just need to find... 12,000 marrowort. Obviously even the Navarr probably don't have that much marrowort lying around. But if the deal is a good one, then any amount of Marrowort (in bundles of 60) will help.

Crucially while some people baulk at paying for herbs, there are estimated to be more than four hundred herbalists across the Empire attending Anvil at the Summer Solstice and only a third of them are in the Navarr. That means every herbalist, every [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]], every broker, could be trading the herbs the Navarr do have with herbalists from other nations. If those herbalists are carrying stocks of marrowort, in addition to whatever they have just acquired, then the nation could raise thousands of marrowort before the City of Gold and Lead stops accepting magical boxes (at midnight on Saturday).

However, Crown has clearly stuck his neck out a little, and cautions the Navarr that this deal is only available during the Summer Solstice. He has suggested that if the Navarr do intend to take advantage of this offer, then they should tie their marrowort up in bundles of 60. That will make it much easier for them to count what they have and much easier for the City to just weigh the bundles rather than counting every individual herb. Helping the City get the best out of the deal is the best way to make more such deals likely in the future.

==A Little Beneficiary==
* '''Catrin, a Navarr broker from Brocéliande extols the virtue of just asking every citizen at Anvil to help'''
''Catrin'', a broker from [[Brocéliande]] is of the view that all these ideas of trade are really missing the mark. She argues the nation should just ''ask'' for help. It might hurt the Navarr's [[Pride]] to go begging from camp to camp, but Catrin is having none of it. "There are plenty who are too proud to beg, but none are too proud to starve" she says.

There are huge meetings in Conclave and Senate as well as the Bourse auction where people could go and simply ask for support. Navarr is a nation rich in talent and creativity - Catrin suggests they could go abroad singing songs and telling stories of the vallorn. If they can make people understand that this is essential for future of the whole Empire, the future of [[the Way]] given the vallorn is the greatest spiritual threat that has ever been faced, then some might be prepared to help. Of course they will get told no a lot which is dispiriting but there is always someone else to talk to during the summits.

There are around four thousand people expected at Anvil. If every citizen donated 2 ingots then the army would be funded in a single season. That is a lot to ask, but most nations have one or more large meetings during the normal business of a summit. Catrin suggests that the Navarr could try to address people there and ask for their aid. The Hub, the Dawnish Glory Square, the Wintermark Moot, the Marcher muster - anywhere people are gathering! If the nation could find a way to publicly thank the nations that give the most then perhaps they could play on their Pride. [[Holberg]] claims to be the greatest City in the World, surely they won't pass up another opportunity to prove they're richer and more generous than the other cities of the League?

There are people at Empire who are famed for their wealth. The [[Benefactor|benefactors]] of [[Highguard]], the [[boyar|boyars]] of [[Varushka]], the [[Merchant Prince|merchant-princes]] of [[the League]] and (of course) the Bourse Seat holders. Catrin says the Navarr should be aiming to turn up anywhere groups are meeting, and just straight up petition them for aid. Ask for donations, but if that doesn't work then offer them trades, offer to sing their praises, to put up [[judgement|judgements]] of their beneficence in Synod, to come for their enemies in turn. Offer them ''anything'' to get them to put their hand in their pocket. It will require a huge amount of effort and enthusiasm, but what does the nation have to lose?

The Bourse is in crisis, with the price of wains dropping. And yet Catrin points out that the wealthy cartels of Urizen still had three hundred wains of mithril to pay for their army in a single season. To Catrin's way of thinking, people who have three hundred wains of mithril don't ''only'' have three hundred wains of mithril. Likewise, the wealthy vales of Varushka were able to fund their own army just as quick. Catrin is urging her fellow Navarr to find these people and find a way to persuade them to support the nation's cause. And then, when the current army is built, to do it again until all the armies Navarr will need to fight the vallorn are mustered.

One of the richest groups regularly in attendance at Anvil is the [[A_peerless_sacrifice#A_Virtuous_Benefaction|Council of Benefactors]] in Highguard. They have ten wains each season that they could use to support any [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]]. Currently it's focused on the construction of the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], but Catrin is sure the vallorn will have destroyed the Navarr nation long before that colossal commission is finished. Those wains could be a big help... if they can be used.

The big problem with this approach is that one thing the Council can't do is support raising an army... the donations they direct are limited in what they can be used to support because the benefactors aim to boost investment in infrastructure. So they can't support this project directly, but they ''could'' support a different civilian project and the wains that were due to be spent on that project could in turn be diverted to the army. After-all where there is a will... there is the Way.

Or perhaps the alternative might be to see if the Council of Benefactors would be prepared to support the [[Construct City of Dreams|City of Dreams]]... It won't help the war directly but it might provide the kind of boost to morale the nation dearly needs right now.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tanwen.png|caption=Tanwen, the Eternal Flame of Miaren, has been asked to organise an investigation of this situation.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==A Great Dance for Seren (Conjunction)==
* '''Building work on the great temple in Seren seems to have disturbed some restless ghosts'''
* '''The hauntings are slowing the pace of construction, but local exorcists believe that helping the ghosts celebrate an ancient festival will allow them to move into the labyrinth'''
* '''There is a combat unlikely/contained conjunction to the Seren Temple Building Site at 22:45 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice for TBC people'''
* '''The ''Eternal Flame of Miaren'', Tanwen, is responsible for this conjunction'''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Accessibility:''' This encounter is a combat unlikely/contained opportunity to pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] for a mixture of music, dance, revelry and watching a strange story unfold. Although the wind of fortune mentions that the ghosts are drawn to dancing, the "quality" of roleplay will not be judged by any crew - dancing could be as simple as tapping a finger or swaying to a beat.

There is no benefit or "trick" to solving this encounter by bringing a weapon or engaging in combat.

The encounter will take place across a grassy area a couple of minutes walk from the Sentinel Gate, on flat ground. It will be dark, and players are encouraged to bring lighting - as well as any seating which may make the encounter more comfortable. Further accessibility information is available from referees, egregores or members of the GOD team. </box>

<box> '''A Welcoming Pulse'''
* '''This encounter takes place in an area with a locational roleplay effect'''
* '''Whilst in this area, you feel a profound urge to change yourself and how you think, to embrace new ideas, and to explore how you really feel about things you've otherwise been concealing - even from yourself. This may include a pressing awareness of your past mistakes and failings, which threatens to become overwhelming but can be resisted at least temporarily by dancing or creating music.'''
This [[aura]] affects anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome it]]. The easiest method to overcome the effect 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 addition, anyone who loses themselves in acts of dancing or making music can use the act as a source of spiritual strength for the purposes of resisting the locational aura. </box></div>
On the subject of the City of Dreams... a few months ago, labourers working on the site of the great endeavour in [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] started reporting strange occurrences after dark - tools gone missing, the idea of a song just on the edge of hearing, occasional movement spotted among nearby Terunael ruins but nobody to be seen whenever someone was sent to check.

At first, most assumed that there was nothing more to these rumours than a bit of fun to keep the work interesting and the novices busy - but ''Marged Tumbled Jade'', a scholar specialising in ancient Terunael civilisation happened to be visiting the area from the [[Great Library of Hacynian]], and volunteered to camp within the foundations of the temple for a night to investigate the goings on for herself.

As the sun set on the building site, a great cacophony erupted. The beat of a monstrous heart or fifty drums in unison echoed around the growing city. Out of the corners of their eyes, passers-by claimed to see licks of flame like from a great pyre - but one that disappeared as soon as they turned their heads for a proper look. And through the gaps in the partially-built walls, wavering figures could be made out twisting and rocking to an otherworldly reel. The first shift of workers to arrive onsite the next morning found it in chaos: strange substances stained white granite shipments, tools and equipment lay across the area in disarray and the workers themselves fled the area in a racket. Some never returned to Seren. Others now go by different names, take different jobs, live different lives. At least one left Navarr itself.

Marged emerged in silence. Two days later, never addressing exactly what she witnessed that night, she began to speak. She suggests that the ghosts originate from the Terunael city predating Seren's current form, and suspects they are acting out some form of ancient celebration or festival. After consulting with local [[exorcism|exorcists]], she has reached the conclusion that if people were to help the ghosts celebrate their tradition one final time, drawing on the idea of the great dance as well as the ghosts' own festivities, they will likely be able to find their ways into the Labyrinth.

The Civil Service has identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] to the Seren Temple Building Site, Serenael, Miaren, Navarr at quarter to eleven on the Friday of the Summer Solstice for '''''TBC''''' people. As an individual with responsibility over a nearby Terunael artefact, they have made '''Tanwen''', the [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]], responsible for the conjunction. Marged has suggested that the group should include musicians and dancers - as the ghosts seem drawn to dance and anyone losing themselves in music.

There is another peculiarity of the site... Whenever blood is spilled in the area all obvious ghostly activity ceases. Even bringing a weapon into the area seems to cause problems for the ghosts. After Marged accidentally cut herself while peeling an apple, a few days later a great rumbling shakes the earth under the temple, causing portions of the in-progress structure to collapse. In addition, given Marged's own experience, it seems the person who brought the weapon or drew the blood suffers some terrible misfortunate event - though the specific nature of what might be is hard to say. Marged offers a possible reasoning behind this: that the site was once used for an extremely large [[blood magic]] ritual which has left its own consequences on the site. She recommends all weapons be left at Anvil.

==Further Reading==
* [[The first shot]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the opportunities for the Navarr to muster vallorn-fighting armies
* [[Venture]] and [[Voyage]]

The last leg

2025-07-21T10:08:02Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
The captain stared at the great black-backed gull which returned the gaze with some equanimity. Its huge wings were folded to the body and it stood perched on the taffrail, its head turned slightly so that one yellow eye remained fixed on her, almost as if it was peering down the length of its heavy yellow beak.

She scratched the back of her head as she pondered the request. It seemed simple enough... Barely a day out of their way if the herald was to be believed - and there they would find treasure. And why shouldn't she believe it? The servants of an eternal had little reason to lie. Even The Agramant could speak no word of a lie, or so a landskeeper had told her once. Yet something held her back.

It was more than just the rough weather they'd had of late. Getting back to Meade was always a challenge, but now they were past Jotun waters and in the Gullet it should have been plain sailing. But the news from the mainland was dire and hearing it had settled a black mood over the whole ship. Many of them had friends and family in the marshes and naturally they feared the worst.

Somehow, it seemed like the fog in the bones had only got thicker when this messenger had landed on the foredeck. It was hard to shake the feeling that something was amiss, a little ball of twisted nerves in the pit of her stomach that this was all going to end badly. Careful, she admonished herself, otherwise you'll miss the sea for the sand.

It would be easier to turn it down. Make her excuses to the bird, keep on their current course and they'd be in Meade before the week's end. But even as she thought it, she was pondering the wisdom of such a refusal. The bird claimed to be a servant of the King of the Nine Tides. Anne Sailor didn't hold with kings, but she knew enough about the realms to know who that was and it didn't seem like an awfully good idea to risk getting on old Furole's bad side. Who knew when you might need a boon from the Regent of the Eternal Sea?

"Very well bird. Tell your king that we'll sail as you ask and me and the crew will find this treasure for you. But it better pay well," she admonished, pointing her finger in the herald's direction.

The bird squawked with obvious happiness. "Riches will rain from the skies" it promised in the same high trilling voice with which it had introduced itself.

And with that the huge bird spread its great metre wide wings and left over the side of the rail. The creature plunged towards the water below, wings outspread, narrowly missing the waves as they rose to claim it.

"Follow me captain, follow me!" it called as it frantically beat its heavy wings in a desperate attempt to gain altitude. "Limitless excitement and boundless opportunity... the horizon awaits"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=left|caption=Rhianos' great race comes to an end, but there is still unfinished business for those who took part - and perhaps unexpectedly, also for those who did ''not'' take part.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cc_-P2I81U}}
After the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]] was asked to sponsor a race around the [[Bay of Catazar]], ''Sail Runner'' announced the [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Great Race]] - an impossible contest to travel to the four corners of the known world. The contest has taken ships all over the known world and beyond. Some turned aside from the race in [[Roaring_plenty#Widdershins_By_Riches|pursuit of riches]], some set sail [[Roaring_plenty#Deosil To Mystery|in search of discovery and excitement]].

Now, with the great race finally concluded, three score captains who chose to remain [[Roaring_plenty#Straight On For Glory|straight on for glory]] have claimed the winner's laurels. To them falls the greatest prize, but all who took part in the expedition find that a touch of [[Summer magic]] has been permanently [[#A Touch of Magic|imbued in their vessels]].

This season, those Imperial captains who refrained from committing themselves to the dangerous race also find unlooked for good-fortune coming their way in the shape a [[#Pearls Before Swine|cold black pearl]]. It seems the eternal is eager to acquire these pearls and is prepared to pay a good price for them - they have offered to pay those captains who took part in the race but sailed in search of riches a small fortune to present the pearls at the regio at the Solstice.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Summer Spell'''<br><p>Every character who completed the Deosil to Mystery Voyage or who took any of the three Rhianos options every downtime they submitted has received a special Summer boon: a permanent change to their fleet. The list includes characters who missed an event, but not characters that took a non-race option. This effect is anchored to the fleet itself - if you change your resource or swap it with another player it goes with the fleet.</p>

<p>Any player whose character is listed in the table below is encouraged to email {{plot}} with a name for their vessel and a ''short'' description of it. The description can include a ''minor'' magical effect of equivalent impact to the examples listed in the text. We will add your vessel's name and the description to the downtime system for your fleet if they are appropriate. The description must be minor in nature, sails like swan's wings are fine, a flying ship is not.</box></div>

==A Touch of Magic==
* '''Every fleet that pursue the Great Race to the end has received a permanent boon from the eternal'''
* '''Players can email plot with a name and description of their vessel'''
Those fleets that took every opportunity available to stay in the great race have been left with a touch of Summer magic permanently gracing their vessel. Not an enchantment exactly, this boon infuses the ship leaving it permanently altered by the dangerous expedition they undertook.

Captains that took every available opportunity to sail ''Deosil to Mystery'' find the boon ensures their ship will be more able to scout and explore in the future ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Scouting_Voyages|scouting voyages]]). Those that sailed ''Straight on for Glory'' to the bitter end and were not distracted by other choices find their fleet is better suited to adventures in the future ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Questing_Voyages|questing voyages]]). Those who stayed in the race for as long as they could but chose to turn Widdershins by Riches in the early stages find their fleet now benefits when they choose to seize their enemies' wealth ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Raiding_Voyages|raiding voyages]]).

In almost all cases, the magic manifests in subtle but noticeable ways, all of which are unique. A vessel's prow might change shape, taking the form of different aspects of ''Sunlit Depths'' to give the crew warning of weather changes, while another finds the boards of the hull develop a scalloped pattern and a golden sheen like fish scales.

<table class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><th>Character</th><th>Nation</th><th>Enchantment</th></tr>
<tr><td>Æðelric Dagursson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aldo i Russo i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alix Flowers</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anam Wayfinder</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Andronicus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anisa i Meridian i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Antur Eternal</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Argento i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arisent</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arnwic Maccusson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arturo i Tontería i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Asbet I Muhajim I guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurelia of Shadow's Reach</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurélio i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurianna du Meravon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aveun</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bacauda Netherwatch</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bastiana i Fontanilla i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bayan Zayden Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beatriz i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Benjit i Erigo i Boni</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bleddyn Eternal</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Reek</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brynn Vision Enduring</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cabeiri Gobán</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadenza I Fontanilla I Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadfael Silentwatch</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Captain Gawain de Licorne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Captain Marinus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carrock Daggersbond</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cato i Emberbright i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cerewyn, Magnus of Starfall</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cisco i Phovas i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cormac</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Creed</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cuinn-Gael Winterbuilt</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Czernobog Ollovich Borislav</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Danica Lidija van Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dareem i Nedali i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Darius Tanglehorn</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Destan Weaver of house DeRondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dima Vasilyevna Novosad</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dreldor Qinleth</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dylan Thornweaver</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Edric of Oddmire</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eduardo i Otoño i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elian i Carilla i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elias</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ellis</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Emberlyn Brontide</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Emilia i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Èomer Drumheart</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Esteban Ezmara of Zenith Ascendant</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eyago i Ochoa i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ezro i Alvera i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fancy Jack</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Felia i Carno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Giovanni von Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Glaw Silverfletch</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grymlauf Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gustavus Tolski van Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hakon Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hanno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Havngar Oaken Legs</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Helio i Fuego i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Doesil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Henrik</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hilda Sirens Scream Ursan</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ibrahim i Taziel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irwyn Jannasson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ivaniva Metsavna</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Izarra i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jaeger Crowe</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jahan i Cano i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jahir i Bamesh i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jeb of the Sails</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Joaquim i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Johannah i DelToro i Asavea</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Juniper</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kareem i Carno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaspar Kreftinaring</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kazimir Kirovich Aristov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kelia Drifting Bough</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Keyan</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kostjya</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kullervo Skjaling</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leofric</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leonel de Courtenay-Wyldrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lexis i Leharo i guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lith "Shiny" Fellsmith</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Llyr</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lorelan Thoress</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ludwig Barbadoro Videre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Manolo i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mauro i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Meredith Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miriam Daughter of Esther</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mont i Sawa i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Montagne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Octavius Lazcaris of the Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Onnikas (The Unbroken)</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'Orn Greensmith</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prietel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Purnelle</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quiberon i Caballo i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raal Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rafiq i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rahzón ‘Rahz’ i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raine Fisher</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raine Tealeaf</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ramos I Inigo I Raqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raoul</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhys Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Richardo Glostari di Sarvos</td><td>The League</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sagremar I Zayden I Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Santiana i Aguera i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Caerwyn Eyra</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sigeferth Masinen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sir Dragon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solana I Zabala I Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Svan</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Swift Whisperleaf</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred Enrico i Taziel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Toca i Valiente i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tree Bear</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Triska Markova</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan de cendres</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urraca i Inez i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valdi Blažena Borzyslaw</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valentino Crass</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vegard Veryson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Witold Stefanovic Petrov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Xenia</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Zola "The Liar"</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
</table>

==Pearls Before Swine==
* '''Fleet owners who did not receive a blessing from the eternal this season recovered a single black pearl'''
* '''Those who turned Widdershins by Riches are offered two crowns each to deliver up to thirteen of these pearls to Rhianos'''
While many fleets have been sailing in search of riches and glory, the other Imperial fleets have been busy with other matters such as [[Voyage#Hunt_the_Monsters|hunting monsters in the Sea of Snow]], [[Voyage#Raid_the_Broken_Shore|raiding the broken shore]] or trade with foreign ports. Despite their very different goals, each has had a single experience in common - the discovery of a strange black pearl.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Participation'''<br>
<p>Every fleet owner who ''didn't'' receive a boon from Rhianos for taking part in the Great Race this season but instead took another action has received a single cold black pearl in addition to any regular returns for their action. A ribbon and suitable phys-rep for the pearl will be in your pack.</p>

<p>Fleet owners are welcome to make up an appropriate story of their efforts to recover the pearl if they want to. You don't have to; some captains found a pearl quickly and easily, but several fleet owners have spent days and risked great danger to recover it. If your fleet would not have risked a short detour to help the eternal Rhianos recover the pearls, then you can hand the ribbon and phys-rep back to the GOD staff when you collect your pack.</p></box></div>
In each case, at some point, while in Imperial waters, the fleet received directions from one of the eternal's heralds that led them directly to a single black pearl. In most cases, the diversion was short and in most cases it was uneventful, but not all. Some fleet owners ended up losing many days to the strange quest and in one incident a captain only narrowly averted disaster after one of the eternal's heralds, ''Second Strike'', "forgot" to mention that the pearl was protected by one of the immature kraken released into the waters off [[Feroz]].

The pearls seem to be a rare form of [[Vis#Heart's_Blood|winter vis]], like [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]]. When activated, they count as a single crystal mana when used as part of a winter ritual. The pearls have a dismal aura of foreboding on them, but they ''seem'' innocuous, and they're clearly valuable to the right buyer. Why a Summer eternal would have any interest in such things, or indeed any knowledge of where they might be found, can only be guessed at. It is very clear that ''Coruscating Oarfish'' wants the pearls, yet the eternal's heralds absolutely refuse to touch them.

Perhaps the cold black pearls are simply part of the eternal's latest adventure for those who have travelled Widdershins by Riches. Those who sailed in search of plunder this season have returned with markedly less wealth than previous seasons, but they do receive a promise from ''Seadragon''. The eternal is eager to destroy as many of the pearls as possible - so his heralds provide each captain who sought wealth with a magical scroll that will allow them to return a single pouch of up to thirteen pearls.

To use the scroll, a character would need to bring a pouch or small chest containing one or more pearls to the [[Regio#Imperial region|Imperial regio]] and activate it by casting [[operate portal]] on it. If that happens then heralds of the eternal will safely dispose of the pearls, providing the character with two crowns for each pearl returned, up to a maximum of thirteen. Heralds warn Imperial citizens not to attempt to deliver more than thirteen pearls at once.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Mystery Legacy'''<br>
<p>Every character who completed the Deosil to Mystery Voyage over two seasons has permanently gained an additional trading voyage option that allows them to return to the location they previously visited. This location represents a unique port that only your character can reach. By taking the appropriate trading action, your character is able to gain similar benefits to those they obtained the first time they visited this location, either through exchange with the people living there or through adventure or similar.</p>

<p>It is not possible to teach other characters to reach this location. At present, only your character can find the spot you previously visited. As mentioned last time, these locations are plot hooks that we may use at any point in the future. They are not active plot now - but at any point a writer might create a plot involving one of these locations. If we do use one, and your character is still alive and active in the system, then your character will be the only one who knows where that location is found and how to reach it.</p></box></div>

==Strange New Lands==
* '''Lorana i Maqez i Erigo is hoping to speak with cartographers and those who sailed Deosil to Mystery'''
* '''They are looking to purchase and publish the best available map that has been produced'''
* '''Lorana will be in the Anvil tavern at 1:30pm on Sunday'''
* '''Those who found strange new lands on their journey can now return there if they choose'''
''Lorana i Maqez i Erigo'' is a member of the [[Rise_of_the_Fellowship_of_Purple_Sails|Purple Sails]], a sodality of merchants, sailors, captains and fleet owners dedicated to encouraging trade. The sodality has got wind of the fact that ship captains who sailed Deosil to Mystery returned with scraps of parchment showing various parts of the known world, which hitherto have not been mapped. The possibility that the Empire might be able to piece these fragments together and produce a rough map showing the outlines of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] and other lands is of considerable interest to the sodality - but of course they would need to lay their hands on a copy of this map.

To that end, the sodality have nominated Lorana, a capable cartographer and experienced captain, to come to [[Anvil]] during the Summer Solstice with instructions to buy the best possible copy of any map that they can find. Their intention is to take this map and provide it to a printing house in [[Tassato]] who will then make copies of it available in good bookshops across the Empire.

Lorana i Maqez i Erigo has let it be known that they will be in the tavern at 1:30pm on Sunday of the Solstice. They will have four thrones on their person - with the intention to pay the citizen who offers the best looking copy of the map compiled from the fragments. They will, of course, need a physical copy of the map - whoever has the best looking copy of the map who is prepared to sell a physical copy will receive four thrones and see their work distributed across the Empire. Lorana would like to know the name or names of whichever cartographers produced the map so that the work can be suitably accredited.

There is a final gift from ''Windweaver''. Now that the race is over, there is a chance for any captain that visited strange new lands by sailing "Deosil to Mystery" last season, can now return there, if they choose to do so. Visiting this location will take a season, just as it might if one sailed to a port in the [[Sumaah Republic]] or the [[Commonwealth]]. Fleet owners must always consider their options carefully, but they can be assured that whatever wealth the location provided on their first visit will now be permanently available to them. It is not possible for a captain to teach another character how to reach this location, so these unique ports will only be available to the original fleet owners who discovered them, provided they have a fleet.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Winners Laurels'''<br>
Every player whose character received the Straight on for Glory enchantment is encouraged to email {{plot}} with a name for their vessel and a ''short'' description of it. The description can include a ''minor'' magical effect of equivalent impact to the examples listed in the text. We will add your vessel's name and the description to the downtime system for your fleet if they are appropriate. The description must be minor in nature, sails like swan's wings are fine, a flying ship is not.</box></div>
==The Sea of Stars==
* '''Those who sailed Straight on for Glory experienced a final Voyage to the Sea of Stars'''
* '''All characters whose fleets received the Straight on for Glory boon are invited to attend a meeting with the eternal and their heralds to talk of future adventures'''
* '''There is a conjunction on Saturday evening at 10pm for 65 people'''
* '''The eternal has asked the Archmage of Summer to send one or two capable musicians to accompany the captains'''
* '''Any fleet that received the Straight on for Glory boon has been upgraded'''
The last leg of the great race seems almost anti-climatic at first, especially for those who [[Read_the_directions#The_Race_is_Long|endured the terrible storm]] last season or the [[Second_star#Who_You_Are|suffered the deadly encounter the season before]]. The wind and waves are high at first, but nothing skilled sailors can't manage. They soon abate however leaving vessels that were seeking glory adrift for days on calm waters.

These doldrums seem to stretch out for weeks on end, and fears mount as rations run perilously low and supplies of water grow short. Then, when hope is at its nadir, the sails fill with a strange wind that fills the ships sails but never reaches the surface of the sea. The ship is sprung from gaol, speeding over a perfectly smooth sea. As the sun sets the waters grow clear as glass and fill with a thousand brilliant points of light, a reflection of the heavens above. As the moon rises its twin sister appears just below the prow, seemingly close enough to touch.

The ship sails for a single day on the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Stars|Sea of Stars]] before it vanishes as inexplicably as it appeared, leaving the crew with nothing but memories of this strange voyage and peculiar dreams. Some dream of being a gull flying over distant seas, others of being a porpoise leaping through the waves, still others of being a cuttlefish deep beneath the surface exploring a wonderful garden of coral and anemones and flitting luminescent fish. They will recall echoes of those dreams as long as they live, waking sometimes with a bittersweet melancholy that fades quickly but leaves traces of itself behind in waking life.

More sensitive mariners are permanently changed by the experience; some quit the sea forever choosing to move inland. Not from fear, but from the certainty that nothing will match this moment of sublime connection to something vast and mysterious and wondrous. Others become consumed with the desire to keep sailing, becoming uncomfortable on land for any extended period of time. They are content only when the waves lap beneath them, with the smell of the ocean in their nostrils. Even more hard-headed sailors will find, in years to come, moments where they fancy they scent brine, or hear distantly the wheeling gulls or the murmuring of the waves and yearn to be away from their cares flying across a sea flat as a mirror beneath endless stars.

Everyone who visited the Sea of Stars is left with a powerful feeling that win or lose, they have achieved something remarkable, that they have seen something that very few other people alive in the world have ever experienced.

Returned from the enigmatic sea, and with barely a week or more remaining before the equinox, the vessels turn for home. The race is over, only one final opportunity remains. The heralds extend an invitation for the ship's captain to join them in the ''Shallow Woods'' near [[Casinea#Woodwych|Woodwych]] on the other side of [[Casinea]] away from Anvil. There is a minor Summer regio there, so that on certain nights one can hear the sound of the sea if one listens carefully. ''Spume Sailor'' and some of their heralds will meet the captains there; the borders of the regio will be open and allow any who attend to cross over to the chamber at its heart. The eternal is eager to celebrate the triumph and to discuss what new adventures the captains intend to seek next.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
The invitation is just for those captains who have received the Straight on for Glory boon - but there is a conjunction for 65 people to go there on the Saturday evening at 10pm. The heralds ask anyone who needs one bring a chair to sit on, and everyone brings just enough food and drink to share with each other, in the hope that it will help create a convivial atmosphere. They provide a small jewelled brooch to each captain and tell those planning to attend to wear it prominently as it will be important on the evening. Only captains with a brooch will be permitted entry to the celebrations.

Well not ''quite'' only. ''Tide Dancer'' begs a boon of the [[Archmage of Summer]] - asking them to find one or two musicians who might be prepared to provide some entertainment by performing at the party. The eternal understands that the Summer archmage is very busy, but they hope that this request is a small thing that might be easily fulfilled without too much difficulty, given the many favours that the archmage asks of the regents of the Summer realm. The eternal offers a ''[[Roaring_plenty#Funny_Things_Are_Everywhere_(Participation)|windborn pearl]]'' to each musician in exchange for their performance as well as a chance to be part of the evenings revelry and contemplations.

There is one final boon from ''Ocean Caller''. The trials and tribulations endured by the fleets that did not deviate from the course that took them to victory in the race had provided lasting benefits to the crew. All fleets that received the ''Straight on for Glory'' boon have also been [[fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]]. Fleets that previously had two upgrades or less have been upgraded twice; fleets that had more than two existing upgrades have been upgraded once. These benefits reflect the skill and experience the crew have developed from the wonders they have seen on their extraordinary voyage.

==Further Reading==
* [[Rhianos]]
* [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Stars|Sea of Stars]]

* [[Read the directions]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune about the race
* [[Second star]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the race
* [[Roaring plenty]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the race
* [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the race

A better future

2025-07-19T18:36:41Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"You'd think they could have waited until your corpse was cold," said Tamera angrily. On the street below the balcony were two large wagons. Furniture and furnishings were being unloaded from one with some care, and loaded into the other with a slapdash lack of concern for any damage.

Maxatious sipped his porcelain bowl of black herbal tea without any obvious display of emotion. Tamera realised he was probably feeling ''serene'' right now. She winced internally at what kind of emotional state he would be in when the drug wore off.

"After all the years of service..." she tried again. It was clear she was significantly more upset than her uncle was.

Maxatious waved it away.

"It's simply good statecraft," he said, his voice level. "Someone was going to have to take the fall, and it makes sense that it is me. I am a little irritated I didn't see it coming, if I am honest. I think it might even be for the best when a stratagem like this takes me by surprise. The settlement is more than satisfactory to see out the rest of my years, and even if it had not been I do not think the version where I fled to be with my 'friends in the Principalities' would have ended half as well. My home is here, and I doubt the Jarmish would be especially welcoming given the circumstances."

"It just makes me angry," said Tamera. "To treat you like this, all to make some conniving -"

He cut her off with a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Now, now," he said, a little distantly. "There really is no need to be so angry on my behalf. Our ancestors know what happened here, and so does everyone who counts. Anyone who doesn't know, doesn't count and can be ignored. Given a choice between my good name and the safety of our country, I would make the same decision every time."

He put his empty tea bowl down on the little mahogany side table, his hands surprisingly steady for a man who had barely an hour ago given the most humiliating speech of his long life. He looked across to his offices for the first time, and the ghost of a frown briefly appeared on his brow before fading into the quietude that filled his spirit.

"Please don't fret," he said. "You're welcome to stay but I have something rather important to get to and I'd appreciate you leaving me to it for an hour or two. There's a certain letter I have been looking forward to writing, and I think the sooner I get it done the better."

The shadow of a smile, grim as death, flickered over his lips and then was gone, his face returned to the quiet, self-contained mask of serenity. But something shadowed his dark eyes that belied that fleeting tranquility.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoHk_i-qI5g}}
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with 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.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. There are still pitfalls, though. The Axou are proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''.

That upheaval has taken an unexpected turn as Spring fades away. For the last decade and a half, the Axou Ambassador to the Empire has been ''Ilarch Maxatios'' of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]. They were the primary point of contact for Imperial citizens wishing to communicate with the smaller nation, although they often seemed exasperated by the attitudes of the much larger neighbour to their west. As the Summer Solstice approaches, it becomes apparent they are no longer the diplomatic advisor to the Grand Ilarchs of the nation.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=Fintan Nighthaven of [[Navarr]]|status=Foreigner}}
==School and Scandal==
* '''A breach of the Liberty Pact has been identified by Fintan Nighthaven'''
* '''The Axou Grand Ilarchs have denied all knowledge and placed responsibility squarely on Ilarch Maxatious'''
* '''The scandal has led to the formal creation of a Grand Council to deal with national affairs'''
* '''Ilarch Maxatious' failure has seen them removed from their position as ambassador'''
Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven''' has apparently sent an extremely concerned note to Ilarch Maxatious demanding an explanation for the "''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art''". Reportedly a collaboration between the [[Axos#Halls_of_Maykop|Halls of Maykop]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]], studying war magic. There seems to be little doubt that such a facility is a clear breach of the [[Liberty Pact]] for a number of reasons. It contravenes both the principle requirement that "''no signatory to the pact will provide meaningful military assistance to any nation that finds itself at war with a signatory of the pact''" and the Summer 384YE amendment that "''all signatory nations will apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to Jarm''." As the Ambassador points out, the existence of the School is sufficient grounds to expel Axos from the Liberty Pact
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan8448.png|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, Ambassador to Axos, has been singled out for particular praise.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
By all accounts after the letter arrived, the outraged Grand Ilarchs of the other four citadels demanded an explanation from ''Grand Ilarch Keloparia'' of Maykop. The details are not public knowledge as the meeting took place behind closed doors, but the official statement from Axos is very clear. A faction within Maykop acted without the oversight of the Grand Ilarch herself, and under the very nose of Ilarch Maxatious who ultimately should have been alert enough to ensure that this scandalous error did not take place. As such, the Grand Ilarchs have demanded the resignation of Maxatious which he has since provided. The ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' has closed its doors, and the Jarmish left in no doubt as to the reasons for this happening.

A further outcome of the meeting is a shake-up of the political situation at the highest ranks of Axos. ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'' of [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]] has been calling for greater cooperation between the citadels for some time, and this revelation of a potential breach of the vital Liberty Pact has proven the need for unity. As such a formal Grand Ilarch's council will now replace the former, informal gathering of the leaders of the five citadels. It will meet four times a year, with each citadel taking it in turns to host, to ensure that no one citadel is able to make the kind of decision that might endanger the entire nation.

The first order of business for the Grand Council is to replace Ilarch Maxatious. After extensive discussion they have appointed ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. One of the requirements the Grand Ilarchs have placed, however, is that Ilarch Skopos must renounce their ties to their citadel for as long as they hold the post. Instead, they will be known as ''Ilarch Skopos of [[Axos#Spires_of_Solokha|Solokha]]''. Where Maxatious was often accused of being partisan to the benefit of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], ''Kario'' will remain neutral in the politics of the citadel, reporting directly to the Grand Council and representing their will, and through them the will of the people.

The second order of business for the Grand Council of Axos is to thank the Imperial Ambassador Fintan Nighthaven for their forbearance and understanding in this matter, and the excellent advice they delivered regarding ways to deal with this unfortunate development. Without their insightful words, and the warning that Ilarch Maxatious was mishandling the situation, this could easily have become a major crisis for the nation and their friendship with the Empire.

The civil service are of the opinion that this is all very clearly a political play by one or more factions within Axos. The idea that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop might have been unaware of a faculty working with Jarm to develop martial rituals is absolutely inconceivable. Ilarch Maxatious has clearly been required to "take the fall" for this embarrassment. The new ambassador is just as clearly a political appointment - not very much is known about them but it is very likely they are connected to the [[Victory_and_unity#The_ambitions_of_Kyther_Deianeira|unity movement]] of Grand Ilarch Kyther. The Axou are doubtless ''very keen'' to ensure that the Empire not share their discovery with the other members of the Liberty Pact. There is no doubt that Sumaah and the Commonwealth would immediately demand Axou be expelled from the pact, and expect the Empire to support them, if they were made aware of it by a credible source ('''OOC Note:''' This means a formal communication from either the ambassador to their nation, or the [[Voice of Liberty]]. A casual [[Call Winged Messenger|missive]] from an unknown Imperial citizen is very unlikely to produce any reaction).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=Given the beliefs of the [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] the establishment of the Unified Convocation may be a matter of concern for the [[Imperial Synod]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Unified Convocation==
* '''A new Unified Convocation has been established in which a number of Axou sects have formed a tentative philosophical alliance
The Grand Council is not the only change rippling through Axos society. In the wake of the recent cleansing of Solokah, Theodosia of Ipotavo has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At the moment it takes the form of a humble temple surrounded by tents, but it is what it represents that might be of interest to the Empire. Several of the [[bands#sects|sects]] who worked on the reclamation of the haunted ruins - and it is worth noting that that work is still continuing as the last ghosts and hauntings are dealt with - have come together to establish a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou.

It's clear that this convocation is modelled somewhat on the Imperial Synod, or at least its General Assembly. So far only a fraction of the Axou sects have indicated their intention to become part of it - and others are refusing point blank to have anything to do with it. It's not clear at this point how much influence the Convocation will be able to wield; the Axou as a people may accept the religion they share but few priests possess any political power. What is certain is that the Grand Ilarchs will not allow it to pose a threat to their own power.

Further details are limited, not least because the Unified Convocation itself is still very much in its early days, but the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] suggest that while this change is likely due to the hard work of Theodosia, the obvious spiritual powers she wields, and the success of the Solokha project, it is also very much in line with the plans of Grand Ilarch Kyther Deianeira and their populist plan to unify and strengthen the nation against outsiders.

From an Imperial point of view, this could be a problematic development. It is all too easy to forget that the fundamental tenets of the Axou religion is that the Creator is evil, the Labyrinth is a torture chamber, and the Imperial Synod is a tool for keeping humanity under the heel of an unspeakable spiritual tyrant.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArtisanOil.jpg|caption=Axos is home to a number of strange substances refined by the apothecary-sorcerers of the nation.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Black Sailed Ships==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial fleet captains
* '''The quayside of the Chambers of Issyk are once again available to Imperial ships
Ilarch Skopos is pleased that one of their first roles in their new position is to speak to the Empire about trade. For some time now there has been only one port available to Imperial vessels - the port of Kantor. In the past it has primarily focused on common trade goods, but now that the conservative Maxatious is no longer advising the merchants that is likely to change. More excitingly, the new Axou Ambassador is happy to extend an invitation to Imperial fleet captains to visit the newly restored port of [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]].
===Kantor===
* '''Kantor no longer offers Orichalcum'''
* '''Instead it offers Axou consumables - Sable and Blackened Key
Following advice from Ambassador Nighthaven, the port of [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] no longer provides [[orichalcum]] to Imperial vessels. Instead, a standard Imperial [[fleet]] that [[Fleet#Trading|trades]] with Kantor will receive two doses of ''Sable'' and one dose of ''Blackened Key''. The former is a thick black syrupy liquid with a pleasant taste that quietens unpleasant feelings and is much favoured by everyone from high-status political leaders to the lowest competitor in the Axou fighting pits. The latter is a drug that may be familiar to the Empire that allows the user to [[voice for the dead|speak to the dead]] without the need to cast a spell.
===Issyk===
* '''The port of Issyk has reopened to Imperial captains
* '''It now provides a range of Axou esoterica
The docks at the [[Foreign ports#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]] have been reopened and are also available to Imperial traders. There has been some sort of [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter|commotion]] involving the [[Sarcophan Delves]] and an attempt to get out of some kind of investment that delayed the matter for a season but it has now been resolved. Ilarch Skopos is noncommital about exactly how the investment issue has been resolved, but there are reports of inhumanly tall figures with skin the colour of polished metal being spied on the docks. Intervention from the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] perhaps? Regardless, Imperial fleet captains can trade with the Chambers following the Summer Solstice. The markets of Issyk specialise in Axou esoterica - primarily peculiar consumables harvested and prepared by the apothecary-sorcerors of the citadels.

Instead of normal goods, fleets visiting Issyk will receive the following trade goods.
* '''Luxury goods''' such as cunningly woven shrouds, death masks of bone and wood, subtly unsettling icons and statuettes, tomes of blasphemous and heretical philosophy and the like. This is represented by cash, but characters are encouraged to create peculiar examples of Axou art as souvenirs for use on the field.
* '''Bonedust''' - This mildly poisonous material is apparently literally made from ground bone (along with several other substances native to Axos). It is reportedly used by Axou priests without access to [[liao]] when they perform [[Religious skills|spiritual ceremonies]]. It is also known to provide peculiar, dreamy visions of death and the dead.
* '''Tombstone''' (also known as ''Tarfos'') - a powder that when consumed insulates one from the emotion of fear. It is very popular with Axou soldiers, pit fighters, criminals, and a small number of very dangerous ritual magicians. Repeated use of Tarfos apparently increases the threat of death - not because it is particularly venomous but because an absence of fear can lead to users failing to run away from obviously fatal situations.
* '''Serenity''' - a prestigious drug that causes sensations of absolute calm and tranquillity when consumed. It is apparently much favoured as a recreational substance by wealthy Axou who appreciate the ability to put aside the worries of their day and relax despite all the challenges of existing in such a dog-eat-dog society as the citadels of Axos.
* '''Lamia''' - a magical salve favoured by Axou battle-magicians and practitioners of Winter lore. It reportedly acts a little like [[vis]], but with a narrower application. It provides power to rituals of [[Winter magic]] that involve [[Winter magic#Survival|personal survival]], although it is also known to have some odd effects on those who use it.

Skopos mentions that these substances are somewhat dependant on supply, demand, and fashion. More so than Kantor this might lead to a volatile situation where the actual trade goods available from Issyk might change without warning. All part of the excitement of international trade!
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj5.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==The Tyrants of the Mallum==
* '''The ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel thanks the Imperial heroes who helped rescue a popular agema from the Druj
* '''The Ambassador's assurance that the Empire plans to destroy the Druj has been well received in Axos
* '''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo is sending an emissary to discuss related matters with General Gabriel Barossa
* '''The emissary will arrive in Anvil at 12.30 on Sunday afternoon
Ilarch Skopos offers thanks to the Empire, especially '''Lith''' as the [[Eastern Broker]], for their aid in the [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Changes_(Therunin)|rescue of Menoetius of Issyk]]. As a representative of the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel, and a respected ''agema'', what could have been a blow to the morale of the eastern nation has instead become a public-relations coup for the Empire. There had been talk that the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' may have considered withdrawing from investment in the Empire; with a glowing testimonial from one of their ranking members that seems unlikely in the immediate future. It is very likely that the timely resolution of this situation has also contributed to the decision of the Chambers of Issyk to expedite an invitation to Imperial traders to visit their newly expanded quayside.

Perhaps just as relevant, Fintan Nighthaven has offered bold assurances that the Empire has no intention of letting the Druj - who had captured Menoetius and intended to turn them into a [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured soul]] - to go unchallenged. They say that not only will [[Therunin]] be recovered but the [[Sarangrave]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] will also one day be freed from the blight of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]]. Their statement is apparently spread around the citadels and is very welcome especially in Ipotavo and Kaban who are all too familiar with the threat of the Druj.

With that in mind, Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo - once a general with a great deal of respect for Imperial soldiers - has instructed Ilarch Skopos to inform the Empire that she will be sending an emissary to speak with '''Gabriel Barossa''', the [[general]] of the [[Towerjacks]] on a related matter. The emissary is expected to arrive at [[Anvil]] at around half-past-twelve on Sunday afternoon, and Skopos hopes that Ambassador Fintan and either the general or his adjutant can meet with them. Grand Ilarch Terricos understands that there are any number of reasons that this is not ideal, but it is the earliest the emissary can reach Anvil this season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterRUne.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Winter Magic==
* '''The Halls of Maykop offer an opportunity to cooperate on the codification of an Imperial arcane projection
* '''The decision is in the hands of the Imperial Conclave
* '''A single order could be guided to visit Maykop and help codify a chosen projection
* '''The Shuttered Lantern might be able to make particular use of this opportunity
The new ambassador, Ilarch Kario, also presents an offer from the Grand Ilarch and the faculty of Maykop. The political embarrassment of some of their staff working with slavers has inclined them to reconsider past reticence to work with Imperial magicians. According to Ambassador Fintan, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''', has repeatedly enquired about collaboration on matters of [[Winter magic]]. Given that the Empire has been so understanding about the unfortunate business with the ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' they wish to invite the [[Imperial Conclave]] to send a group of magicians to visit the Halls of Maykop and collaborate with Axou scholars on the codification of a new Winter ritual. Out of recognition for the honour the Empire does them by recognising that their understanding of the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]] is greater than that of the Empire, they propose to produce two copies of the [[ritual text]] - one for their own extensive libraries and one for Imperial magicians.

To take advantage of this offer, one of the [[Grandmaster|grandmasters]] must use a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] to visit Maykop. They must also name an [[arcane projection]] of the Winter realm that has a magnitude no higher than twenty. It will cost the Conclave 20 crystal mana to direct an order as usual. If this is done during the Summer Solstice, some members of the order - those most experienced in the codification of new rituals - will visit Maykop. By the start of the Autumn Equinox, a ritual text of the chosen arcane projection will be delivered to the grandmaster.

In addition to the ritual text, there will be a chance to gather a little information about magical matters related to Maykop's understanding of the Winter realm. The nature of that discovery will depend on the order chosen, and will be delivered as a few paragraphs in the winds of fortune rather than an individual briefing.

There is one other minor consideration here. If the order that takes advantage of this opportunity is the [[Shuttered Lantern]], then after the event and before the close of downtime the Grandmaster may email {{plot}} and confirm that the magicians they are sending will steal something from the libraries of Maykop. If this is done the Grandmaster will receive a second ritual text. The Shuttered Lantern are experts; the librarians of Maykop will not immediately notice the theft. That is not to say they will ''never'' work out what happened - especially if any Axou is ever in a position to see a proprietary Winter ritual being cast by Imperial magicians.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption='''Nathair Autumngale''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=250}}

==Librarian and Bursar==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy - has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now. She organises a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] in conjunction with '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]], the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]].

Without needing to go through the Axou Ambassador, she has raised a request. Several of her students are interested in spending a semester at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]]. Obviously, when the initial invitation to visit places of higher learning in the Empire was offered, the Library had not yet achieved its current status as the greatest repository of lore about the [[vallorn|Doom of Terunael]] in the world. The last thing she would wish to do would be to cause any kind of "international incident" so she requests that the Bursar liaise with the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] and see if it would be possible to achieve official permission to visit the library.

Either the Bursar or the Advisor should send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. They could of course also politely decline, request some favour in return, or do nothing at all. Mistress Isephenia knows all about the complicated balancing act of academia. Ideally, though, if it is possible they'd like a chance to do so sooner rather than later.

The civil service advise a degree of caution following the request. Mistress Isephenia is not offering any particular benefit to the Empire with this request, and while acceding to it will likely improve the attitude of the visiting students it will also mean that Axos will quickly know as much about the vallorn as the Empire does - which might not be the best thing in the world given the presence at the heart of their nation of the vallorn of [[Terunael_in_Axos#History_of_the_Axos_vallorn|Visokuma]]. At present the Axos seem well inclined to support any attempt to link up the vallorn, but that position could well change if they realise what such an event might portend. The Empire ''might'' be able to survive a massive excursion by the vallorn, but it is much more doubtful that Axos could.

==The Good Doctor==
* '''A respected esoteric doctor with a special interest in memory loss is visiting Anvil
* '''He intends to visit the Anvil Hospital to begin with but is interested in seeing the sights
* '''The doctor has requested an audience with the Ambassador to Axos
* '''He is due to arrive at around 14.00 on Saturday
News of a potentially delicate matter comes to the Embassy shortly before the Solstice, regarding a prestigious visitor to Anvil. Doctor Anastsis of Issyk is planning to make a visit to the Empire during the Summer summit. Anastasis is apparently a respected practitioner of magical medicine, and an acknowledged master of dealing with maladies relating to memory loss. Ilarch Skopos is a little vague on the reasons the good doctor is coming to Anvil - although the implication is more that Anastsis has not ''told'' the Axou Ambassador rather than that they are trying to conceal them. Described by a few visitors to the citadels who have met him as "polite, precise, and disturbingly well-informed", he has let it be known that he is particularly interested in seeking individuals who’ve lost years of their memories either through trauma or ill-advised ritual experimentation. Anastsis would like to meet the Ambassador to Axos himself, cryptically citing them as “the only one who refused the offer of a creature that dwells between places.”

Ilarch Skopos obviously expresses the hope that Doctor Anastsis' visit should go without a hitch. While he is mostly only known in very specific esoteric circles in Axos he does come from a well-connected family and it would be quite problematic if anything bad happened to him. He is expected to arrive at Anvil some time around two in the afternoon on Saturday, and plans to begin his visit at the Anvil Hospital.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Other Evander Slak.jpg|caption=Evander Slak was briefly a fixture at Anvil, always happy to deal with Imperial customers.|align=left|width=200}}</div>

==Finally, An Appeal for Help==
* '''Evander Slak and Hippolata of Kaban seem to have disappeared
* '''A small reward is offered for information about their whereabouts
One last matter concerns a pair of Axou merchants who visited Anvil several times over the last few years selling Axou herbs and potions. ''Evander Slak'' and his business partner ''Hippolata of Kaban'' apparently retired last year with a large sack of Imperial money to their homes in the rebuilt [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Tunnels of Kaban]]. However, there is some concern that the pair have since gone missing; neither they nor their small fortune has been seen in some months and Ilarch Skopos passes along concerns from the Grand Ilarch of Kaban that these two mini-celebrities might be in trouble. If anyone in the Empire has any idea where they might be, or can find out where they have gone, there will be a small reward related in size to the precision of the information.

Obviously there's no suggestion the two have done anything wrong, just a concern that they might be in trouble and need assistance.
{{Axos Links}}

Beat of your drum

2025-07-19T18:35:53Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The stew was surprisingly nice, mused Roget. He found it a little surprising given there was no meat in it. This ''worzelpaste'' or whatever they called it was very effective. His companion sensed his approval and the League merchant spotted the tiny twitch of the lip that he had come to identify as the orc smiling at him.

"Anyway, what it comes down to is this," continued the orc seriously. They had been discussing the relative merits of Imperial and Commonwealth attitudes, and it had become a little intense. "Altmann asked... you know who Altmann is, yes?"

Roget nodded. "He was the philosopher who founded your nation?"

The orc - Manno - winced slightly. "It is a little more complicated than that, but yes, he laid the foundations for our nation. Anyway, Altmann asked 'do the ends justify the means'?"

"We ask that question in the Empire as well," said Roget. "Have you got an answer?"

Manno shook his head and ate another massive spoonful of vegetable stew.

"No, no. Altmann said there ''is'' no answer. Or rather that there are a lot of answers, and that it is up to each person to decide what that answer is. The important thing is that once you ''have'' decided, then you can't act against that knowledge. Or you mustn't, rather. You have to know what is true and then act, you see? A little like your Imperial virtues but more... rational. Reasoned? So the best we've been able to come up with as an answer to the paradox is "sometimes" or "maybe". You see?"

"I see," said Roget. But the orc hadn't finished. His eyes glowing with passionate intensity, Manno leaned across the table.

"But! While it started with Altmann, it doesn't end there. One of the philosophers who came after him - Hinzel I think it was - said that the real question Altmann was asking was 'If the ends are important enough, does that mean that a good person should use every means at their disposal to achieve them?'"

"Ah, we have a similar argument in the Empire. People often argue whether the pursuit of one Virtue trumps the others. It comes up rather a lot when discussing the nature of Ambition..."

The orc nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes. Exactly! If the ends you seek are a perfect world where nobody need ever suffer again, what does it mean if you decide some action is too terrible for you to take it? Are you not selfishly putting your own good - your own feeling - ahead of the good of the world? Pushing the perfect future further away meaning more people suffer before it is achieved? You see?"

"Yes, quite," said Roget, just a little nervous at the orc's fervour. "And what did Hinzel say was the answer?"

The orc barked a short laugh and subsided back into his seat. "He had no idea. Wrote six volumes debating it with himself and died halfway through the seventh. People have been arguing about it ever since. I'm just a simple farmer, mind. It's possible an actual philosopher might have a good answer for you but... I wonder sometimes. What I would sacrifice if I knew I could bring the perfect world a little closer, if I might cut even a day of suffering off of the long march to the Greatest Good?"

Roget smiled and nodded, but he felt a shiver go up his spine and was secretly relieved when the others came back to the table and the subject turned to less esoteric matters.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Timeless Books.jpg|caption=In the Commonwealth even a "simple farmer" may be remarkably erudite on matters of philosophy and the Common Good.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OliGCzYtms}}
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 [[Commonwealth]] are 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]].

At present, the Commonwealth remains locked in a bitter war with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], over what appear to be irreconcilable differences. The proximate cause is the nation of Lantir, a tiny landlocked country surrounded by the two rival great powers. The Commonwealth [[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|took sides in a civil war]] in the nation causing the Jarmish to back the rival faction. The war continues to rage without any sign of burning out and it remains the key focus of the Commonwealth's Military Council, distracting them from other business.

The Commonwealth 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]]}}
==Welcome, New Ambassador==
* '''The Commonwealth greets the new ambassador and wishes the old one well
* '''They are disappointed in delays completing the diplomatenschloss but understand
* '''The Militärattache provides prior warning that the Commonwealth will be discontinuing the practice of allowing merchants to offer bribes to ambassadors
The first order of business is for ''Militärattache Schöningen'' to welcome the new [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|ambassador]] '''Finn Pridetalker''' of [[Wintermark]]. Schöningen has nothing but praise for the former ambassador '''Lucia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato''', but understands the Empire's interest in remaining flexible and ensuring a number of viewpoints are represented in international relations. She hopes she will be able to cultivate as good a working relationship with the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] ambassador as with the long-serving [[the League|League]] predecessor.

Obviously Ludkhannah is a little disappointed to hear that work on the [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Diplomatenschloss|diplomatenschloss]] has had to slow while new construction materials are secured. It is understandable though - the Commonwealth always appreciates the problems that being at war on multiple fronts can cause. She hopes that the work can nonetheless be completed soon, but also shares the concerns raised by ''Ingenieurin Hellebrant'' relating to [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] and Commonwealth ships both traversing the river Couros. She looks forward to hearing how the Ambassador intends to address these challenges, and is ''mostly'' joking when she suggests that the simplest solution would be to decommission the Jarmish Embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]].

On the subject of the diplomatenschloss, Militärattache Ludkhannah raises the matter of [[Ambassador#Mercantile support|mercantile support]]. There is a tradition that Imperial [[ambassador|ambassadors]] traditionally benefit personally from involvement with a foreign nation. Generally merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question visit the [[embassy]] to curry favour with the ambassador and their staff for various reasons. Often these "lobbyists" make a portion of the items they buy and sell available to the ambassador at favourable prices. The implication is that as long as the ambassador benefits from trade with a nation, they will be more likely to act to smooth over obstacles and maintain a good relation - to the direct profit of the merchants involved.

There is obviously no Commonwealth embassy at the moment but once the diplomatenschloss is completed, the Militärattache will be actively discouraging this kind of behaviour. Recent policy shifts require merchants trading in foreign ports to remember they are ambassadors of the nation, and this practice of offering "special deals" demeans the reputation of the Commonwealth. It smacks of underhand corruption and bribery. Instead the Ambassador from the Commonwealth is arranging for some small cultural tokens of appreciation to be sent to the embassy each season as recognition of the fine relations between the two nations - which will not require the ambassador to put their hand in their pockets to buy "special deals." Militärattache Schöningen has noted the ambassador's interest in [[According_to_principle#Leerdam|Soldatentrunk and Kriegsamulett]], and intends to bear that in mind.

On the wider scale, Militärattache Schöningen has distributed the information that the Empire finds certain products more appealing than others, but notes that the goods being offered in Volkavaar and Leerdahm are as much about what is available in the locality as anything else. It is up to the individual merchants to decide what they do with this information but it is still useful to know.

==War in the East==
* '''The decision not to allow mercenaries to fight with the Commonwealth has been accepted'''
The [[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]] continues to rage between the Commonwealth and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. There are a few moments in the official correspondence where it is clear Militärattache Schöningen may be a little disappointed by the Senate's refusal to allow Imperial troops to support Commonwealth armies, but she understands the Empire is fighting wars of its own just as the [[Sumaah Republic]] are.

She wishes to pass on that they have made good use of some of the battlefield rituals shared with them by the Imperial Conclave both on the strategic and tactical scales. The Commonwealth will never be able to out-perform the Jarmish ritualists, but the Empire's assistance is helping to redress the imbalance.

The Militärattache is frank that at present the Commonwealth are struggling - they are being pushed back by the flashy magical power the Jarmish rely on, but she remains confident that the Commonwealth will eventually triumph. Their methods are more sustainable and more considered and ultimately the Jarmish will run out of mana to power their rituals. Once that happens, the Jarmish will start trying to sue for peace. Although they are not the aggressor in this war, having been asked to protect their allies in Lantir from the corrupting influence of the Jarmish princes, Ludkhannah is hopeful that once Jarm's magical resources are exhausted and Lantir is secure, then the Commonwealth will be able to attack Jarm directly.

She is concerned however that some are already talking of a possible peace treaty. The Commonwealth have as many other concerns and threats both internal and external as the Empire no doubt does. The strain of all out war with the Jarmish is taxing the Commonwealth and there is talk that negotiation may be needed to allow the Commonwealth time to recover - once Lantir is secure obviously.

===Power and Responsibility===
* '''An opportunity exists to send 200 crystal mana to the Commonwealth to aid in strategic goals
* '''In return the Ambassador would receive an amount of Commonwealth consumables
According to Militärattache Schöningen, the Imperial Ambassador proposed sending a significant amount of crystal mana to the Commonwealth for use in the war. In return, the Commonwealth would provide large amounts of ''Soldatentrunk'', ''Blutlehm'', ''Würzpaste'' and ''Heldenstein''. After discussion with military procurers and quartermasters, the Commonwealth Ambassador responds with a proposal of their own. If Finn Pridetalker can arrange for 200 crystal mana to be delivered to her office by [[Ethereal Courier]] by the end of the Summer Solstice, she can arrange for 25 bottles of Soldatentrunk, 25 packets of Blutlehm, 25 pouches of Würzpaste, and 10 Heldenstein to be delivered to the Ambassador by the start of the Autumn Equinox (or, in Imperial, Soldier's Booze, Bloodclay, Spice Paste, and Hero Stones). She regrets that the amount of Heldenstein offered is so low, but it has direct use on the battlefield and most provisioners would rather see it used to empower soldiers than trade it for crystal mana, even if it is more versatile. This is a one-time request, it is not possible for the Ambassador to commit to arranging an exchange on a seasonal basis. To be useful, the mana needs to be received by the end of the Summer Solstice, so their generals can employ the rituals they need in the coming season.

The Civil Service note that while Militärattache Schöningen addresses this offer directly to the Ambassador, it is unlikely she would reject an offer of 200 mana from a private citizen and would likely respond with the quantities of trade goods mentioned regardless of where the crystals came from.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sadogua001d.webp|caption=The Commonwealth do not entirely trust the ''[[Sadogua|Spell Glutton]]'' given his obvious favour towards their rivals in Jarm.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==Lyceum==
* '''The Commonwealth is reassured to discover that progress has been made in finding a way to re-open the Lyceum
* '''They bear news of a magical breakthrough
For more than a year now there have been a number of Commonwealth magicians trapped on the island of [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|the Lyceum]]. Ambassador Pridetalker has passed along the assurances of the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Unfettered Mind]], '''Zlata Ruznikova Perenel''', that their work with the unreliable [[eternal]] [[Sadogua]] would soon bear fruit. Obviously, the Commonwealth knows better than to talk about these plans openly but both seem to have potential. Assuming the untrustworthy "''Spell Glutton''" does not betray his Imperial "friends" of course.

Despite the obvious dislike Militärattache Ludkhannah bears towards the [[eternal]] ''Father of Bats'' however, she is forced to admit that so far the beast has been true to its word in keeping magicians within the mists in touch with those without. Specifically, she mentions that some of the correspondence from the Lyceum ''zauberer'' has indicated that with nothing better to do they have spent time with their Imperial neighbours likewise trapped refining some rituals - especially the [[Rod and Shield]] and of course the Unfettered Mind. It is a rather roundabout way of doing it, but this shared research has borne surprising fruit.
===Risk and Reward===
* '''Rule of Risk and Reward now has an "additional targets" option
The magicians of the two nations have finally unlocked a puzzle that had occupied Commonwealth magicians for some time. The ritual ''Rule of Risk and Reward'' was prepared for the Unfettered Mind - an enchantment that makes the performing of experimental magic more accessible - but it required laborious casting on individual zauberer one at a time. Inspired in part by some random rubbish from a few of the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] frequenting the so-called [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Quiet Annexe|Quiet Annexe]], Imperial and Commonwealth magicians have unlocked the ability to cast it on several magicians of the same coven at the same time. The Militärattache has made sure to include details of how this can be done so whoever has the [[ritual text]] can make necessary adjustments. ('''OOC Note:''' If whoever has the ritual text brings it to GOD we can arrange a new version to be printed with the extra targets option included; the ritual on the system has already been changed).
===Alliance and Favour===
* '''Sum of the Parts no longer requires those contributing strength to take a hit of damage
A similar breakthrough has been made with the [[Autumn magic]] ritual the Empire calls [[Sum of the Parts]]. This enchantment was originally designed by the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] consort of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]] and draws on the [[Autumn#Resonance|resonance]] of ''[[Autumn_magic#Bands|alliance]]'' to use the power of many to strengthen the one.

Some experienced ritualists have long suspected that the inclusion of this sacrifice was a flaw in the ritual's design, either accidental or deliberate. They believed that it was adding nothing beneficial to the spell, but of course with the research complete and the ritual text published, it was impossible to change.

To the surprise of magicians from both great nations, the researchers have discovered there is no actual requirement to draw on the strength of the many at all! The ritual works just fine if the support granted by the rest of the band is moral or inspirational. It is as effective to embrace, or show respect and support with words or symbols, as it is to actually transfer strength from one to another. Those involved are still left feeling tired or lethargic, but crucially the magic does not harm them.

This resolves one of the concerns the ''zauberer'' had with this ritual, and they're glad that working with the two [[Conclave order|Conclave orders]] they were able to clean the magic up a little. ('''OOC Note:''' We've updated the ritual on the wiki and in the system to remove the damage it does to those supporting the target - this never affected the magnitude of the effect but was being referenced regularly in arcane projections as a way to empower magic and so we decided to remove the in-character sacrifice element to try to reduce the number of players thinking this would be useful in their own arcane projections).

===Participation===
* '''Imperial magicians are free to roleplay their involvement in the changes to these two rituals
It's not actually possible for anyone to get into or out of the Lyceum at the moment thanks to the broken ward of mists, but the heralds of Sadogua are ensuring communications are carried back and forth (albeit in a haphazard way). As such any magician with either ''Rule of Risk and Reward'' or ''Sum of the Parts'' mastered, or who belongs to the Rod and Shield or the Unfettered Mind order, is free to roleplay their involvement with identifying solutions to the two ritual problems discussed here.

==Die Beurteilung==
* '''Professor Gelberg and his colleagues remain in the Empire
* '''The Senate has approved their request to be allowed to auction their services to the folk of Anvil
* '''The first auction will take place at the Summer Solstice
The news that the Imperial Senate has at the last minute changed their mind about inviting Professor Immanuel Gelberg and their colleagues to auction their expertise has been well received. During the Summer Solstice, a public auction will be held after the [[Auction of the Seats]] during which the opportunity to [[commission]] an appraisal from the Commonwealth scholars will be offered. Moneys raised will go to Professor Gelberg and ultimately to support the war against the Principalities of Jarm. It is no secret that the Professor is hoping that the offer of their expert evaluation will fetch a good price.

Similar to an [[Bearer_of_an_Imperial_Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]], whoever wins the auction will gain the title of [[Patron of the Beurteilung]], which has the power to make a single [[Senate announcement|announcement in the Senate]] at that summit. This announcement is delivered as normal - an arrangement must be made with the office of the [[Speaker for the Senate]] during the normal window, and the nature of the appraisal must be as clear as possible, as that will be the information that is passed to Professor Gelberg.

This auction will be repeated in Autumn and Spring, after which it will be at the discretion of the Commonwealth professors whether they wish to extend their stay or not. As with any appraisal, it will be much more useful for the one who is commissioning it to identify a problem and ask for a solution, than to attempt to define a solution they want to see. In this event, it's likely Professor Gelberg - who is by all accounts a very ''self-possessed'' man - will likely ignore the proposed solution and just find the "best" way to resolve the problem.
<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>
===Sun and Gold===
* '''The University of Volkavaar is interested in acquiring a certain tablet held at the Great Library of Hacynian
At the point the news is received, the Commonwealth professors and philosophers are already in transit, travelling between [[Sarvos]] and [[Hercynia]] in the north. Along the way they make a point of visiting the cities of [[Tassato]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]], and [[Temeschwar]] and the bustling town of [[Skarsind#Southpine|Torfast]] along the way. They are well received at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] having been invited to visit by '''Nathair Autumngale''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]].

As well as the opportunity to meet with many of their Imperial peers, some of the more excitable students accompanying the group relish the opportunity to learn more about the [[vallorn]] - something they have previously encountered only through travellers' tales. There is a little concern that the Commonwealth visitors might be offended by the [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Wisdom]] that lies over the great hall of the Library, but it seems they were warned well in advance of its existence. They simply ignore the hall and avoid visiting it - and engage in spirited debate with some of their Navarr hosts about the practice of subsuming the will of mortals to an outside spiritual influence.

Of particular interest to the engineers and professors of practical subjects visiting Hacynian is 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 sungold - an alloy of orichalcum and mithril that has remarkable properties to store and transfer heat and warmth. At the invitation of the Advisor, they are able to make a cursory study of it and are delighted by the techniques it presents. Doktor Lola Kunz, a respected academic fascinated by the material sciences, in particular is interested to know if the Great Library would be prepared to part with the tablet, and if so what would they require in return? This prompts a little disagreement between the "nomad faculty" as Professor Gelberg attempts to restrain his colleague's enthusiasm pointing out they are here to raise support of the war in the east not to buy relics no matter how potentially valuable the material they describe might be.

Regardless, the Commonwealth Ambassador passes along an official request from the University of [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]] asking what kind of price the Great Library might consider to allow them to acquire the tablet - and to formally thank the Advisor on the Vallorn and their colleagues for making the faculty so welcome.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eska Crowspeaker.jpg|align=left|caption='''Eska Crowspeaker''', one of the Imperial signatories to the original Liberty Pact, and first [[Voice of Liberty]]|width=300}}</div>

==Liberty and Liability==
* '''The Commonwealth is asking questions about the Empire's association with the Iron Confederacy
* '''They believe that the Suranni are a slaving nation based on the status of their serfs
The presence of Professor Gelberg and his faculty may turn out to be a slightly mixed blessing. While in Madruga [[Germinating_a_city#Gisli's_Request|discharging their obligation]] to '''Gisli "Provider" Baerson''', one of the scholars came into contact with merchants from the [[Iron Confederacy]] and struck up a conversation. Since then, some of the visiting Commonwealth experts have been asking questions about who the Suranni are and what the Empire's relationship with them is like. At first, it seems this is just simple curiosity... and then Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen gets involved.

As fellow signatories of the [[Liberty Pact]], there is some concern that the Empire has not kept to the spirit of the agreement. The Iron Confederacy appears to be a slave-keeping nation, and yet the Empire seems to be trading freely with them and welcoming their merchants into their lands. The Commonwealth would obviously not ''dream'' of trying to interfere in the Empire's sphere of influence - the Senate respected their wishes over [[A_star_is_born#The_Viyerda|the Viyerda]] after all - but this is a matter of formal alliance, and they are worried that their Imperial friends have inadvertently transgressed the pact.

Militärattache Schöningen formally requests that either the ambassador, or the [[Voice of Liberty]] (if one were elected at the summit), explain what the state of affairs is, and how it can be that the "serfs" the Iron Confederacy people keep are not slaves.

==Spirits and Storms==
* '''The Ambassador has asked about orc spirituality in the Commonwealth
* '''A member of die Stahlhalle, an orc named Teo Freid, has provided a summary of what he believes
* '''Teo apparently represents a sizable sect among the Commonwealth orcs
Ambassador Pridetalker has made enquiries, apparently on behalf of some [[Imperial Orcs]], about the spiritual belief of the [[orc|orcs]] of the Commonwealth. Not an expert herself, ''Ludkhannah'' asks one of the orcs that work at die Stahlhalle with her to answer the question. ''Teo Freid'' pens a short article in response, providing a very broad overview of what he understands of orc beliefs in the nation. He is very clear from the start that the orcs of the Commonwealth share the [[Commonwealth#Religion|ultimate belief]] of their human and daeva neighbours; that it is vital to secure the greatest good for the greatest number of people. By doing this they make the world better, until ultimately all people of all kinds are united in common service to the cause. Until then, everyone who accepts the Common Good must be prepared to fight to build the future where there is no more need for war. He also stresses that, just as with humans, different communities of orcs believe different things. The Commonwealth as a whole is happy to let people believe whatever spiritual truths they wish as long as it does not interfere with their commitment to the Common Good.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Howling Abyss Symbol.png|caption=It is possible that the ''Raging Storm'' is another name for the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]].|align=right|width=300}}
They share the belief of many orcs in the existence of what he translates into Imperial as the "Raging Storm", and that it waits for all orcs after death. Where Herr Freid's beliefs depart radically is that he believes that orcs, like humans, reincarnate after death, provided they avoid the lure of the Storm. The best way to do that is to strengthen oneself through commitment to improving the world, to the Common Good, and to pursuing a disciplined life of duty, restraint, sincerity, pride, fellowship, and self-knowledge. This path involves learning to quiet or ignore the dangerous voice of the Storm which sometimes seeks to influence the behaviour of an orc, to urge them to commit violent, foolish, self-destructive acts that strengthen its hold on the orc and through them the world. If they are unsuccessful they will be devoured by the Storm, and while different sects disagree on precisely what that means, the group Teo belongs to teaches that an orc soul that is torn apart is eventually moulded together with other such fragmented spirits and eventually reborn as a new spirit, although that may take many decades. An orc who resists the Storm will likely be born into the next generation. There is a heated argument about whether an orc that serves their community well is more likely to be reborn into that community or not, but that debate has been bubbling along for fifty years or so and there's little sign of it being resolved any time soon.

Teo finished on a hopeful note. As long as an orc resists the Raging Storm, he believes, their spirit will still exist when the perfect future is secured. Their commitment to the Greater Good is anchored in the knowledge that it is ''their'' future they are striving to secure, and that of all their friends, family, and neighbours, and that is the most wonderful thing of all.

He finishes by reiterating that there are other beliefs among the orcs of the Commonwealth, but that most of them agree on the existence of the Raging Storm, and that they hear voices that seek to influence them especially when they are moved by passion, strong emotion, or physical exertion. Hopefully this short essay is of use to the ambassador and his orc neighbours.
{{Commonwealth Links}}

Axe-bite and ploughshare

2025-07-15T19:43:00Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Axe-bite and ploughshare.png|caption=For two-and-a-half years the Jotun have ruled Liathaven without contest; that ends now.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==What was Liathaven==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eBwarSkno}}
The [[Jotun]] have dubbed it Ashvale, but the Empire knows it best by the name the [[Navarr]] gave it long ago. [[Liathaven]], the haven of Liath. It has been two-and-a-half years since the orcs of the west [[No_Peace#Deep_Woods|claimed Liathaven]]. The [[trods]] are still intact - repaired in the [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#The_Towering_Pines_(Battle)|depths of Winter]] and of little interest to the barbarians. Since that last foray of Imperial heroes into the depths of the forest there have been a few skirmishes but little more. In the seasons that followed, the Jotun transformed the territory into a place of industry and sanctuary.

The sanctuary has now been threatened. A great host of Imperial soldiers comes roaring south from the Marches, and north from their [[Follow me my friend|recent victories]] in the [[Reinos|Lasambrian Hills]] to test the complacency of the Jotun, to reclaim Liathaven, and to rip the barbarians' place of refuge asunder.
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:SeventhWave Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Seventh_Wave]]
[[File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's_Spear]]
[[File:Bounders Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bounders]]
[[File:Drakes Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes]]
[[File:BloodCloak Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bloodcloaks]]
[[File:GreenShields Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Green_Shield]]
[[File:AutumnHammers colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Autumn_Hammers]]
</div>

==The Imperial Host==
Seven Imperial armies meet in the Mournwold, in Green March. Three armies of Wintermark are here - the [[Green Shield]], the [[Bloodcloaks]], and the [[Narwhal's Spear]]. With them come the [[Imperial Orcs|orcs]] of the [[Autumn Hammers]], both the [[Drakes]] and the [[Bounders]] of [[the Marches]], and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] soldiers of the [[Seventh Wave]] come from the liberation of the Mourn to fight the Jotun in their lairs.

All save the Seventh Wave and the Drakes have been [[enchantment|granted]] [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|supernatural clarity]] by the Highborn Coven of Barabbas, which binds them together and helps coordinate their conquest of the Jotun woodlands. There is an implacability to the Imperial strategy as they move out of Green March and into Liaven’s Glen. The Seventh Wave and the [[Army qualities#Quick-Witted|cunning]] Narwhal’s Spear lead the way, scouting ahead to identify the best places to fight, weighing the foe and the unfamiliar land. It has been years since Imperial scouts have made a full accounting of Liathaven and a lot can change in that time. The Winterfolk [[mediator|mediators]] ensure that the two groups of scouts, with very different approaches, complement one another rather than conflict or cover the same ground. The [[unconquered]] efficiently take care of the Jotun watch-posts and far-patrols, delaying news of their approach as long as possible.

Behind them the Marcher armies form the steady core of the host, with the Mourn at their backs and the Jotun ahead, they are careful to eschew risky tactics, or those that would lead to unnecessary loss of life, in pursuit of spilling enemy blood. No Marcher soldier is far from a healer - for the first time there is a significant contingent of [[Mournwold Orcs|Marcher orc]] physicks and magical healers marching beside their human neighbours in a major campaign beyond the borders of their nation. There is a grimness to the former thralls, a sobering contrast to the more genial face they show when they are at home.

Even without their own chirurgeons, the Marchers and the Highborn are well supported by the [[Bloodcloak|Bloodcloak]] [[Army_qualities#Woundbinder|woundbinders]]. Some of the army lags a little behind the advance, establishing field hospitals and supply points. The rest - the bravest Wintermark healers and their mighty shield-guardians - mirror the oaths of the [[grimnir]] and separate into champion bands to accompany each of the other Imperial forces bringing their herbs and mana to bear to ensure that nobody who could be saved perishes needlessly. Wherever the Bloodcloaks are found, there two are the proud warriors of the Green Shield. More than the other Winterfolk armies, they choose to [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]], to show the Jotun that they are a foe not to be underestimated, but one that understands the highest calling of heroism and the restraint that prevents soldiers becoming butchers. They share their understanding of the Jotun with their allies, and nobody in Liathaven this season can be left in any doubt that Wintermark has sent true champions to fight against the orcs of the west.

Then, in the rear (for now), come the [[Autumn Hammers]]. The orcs are slow not because they are cowardly, or laggard, or lack the spirit for the fight. They are slow because they lug with them truly massive siege engines, and wagonloads of lumber harvested from the woods of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]]. Everyone knows the Jotun have fortified their stolen land here, and so the Unshackled have drawn up [[Army_qualities#Contracted|contracts]] with the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]] to lease powerful tools of war with which to batter the orcs’ strongholds. Three of the chainbound [[Lictors]] accompany the army; they do not speak often and simply observe a guarantors of the agreements between the Imperial Orcs and the cities of the [[Realm#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]].

Seven armies, then. More than thirty thousand soldiers of four nations. With them come another seven-thousand or so warriors fighting under command of the Empire’s [[military unit|free captains]]. Most march with the Hammers - the only army here that has been deemed worthy to receive the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Imperial Guerdon]] - but a handful of loyal Marcher yeofolk stubbornly fight alongside the Drakes. [[Life_of_Tom_Drake|Tom Drake]] would be proud.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunMarch.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==In Liaven’s Glen==
[[Liathaven#Liaven's_Glen|Liaven’s Glen]] is the easternmost part of Liathaven sandwiched between Kahraman, Mournwold, and Bregasland. To the west, the beauty of Liath’s Ring and the horror of [[Liathaven#Liath’s Heart|Liath’s Heart]]. There are some among the Navarr who believe that this might have been the first place truly cleansed of the [[vallorn|vallorn’s]] fell influence by the descendants of Terunael. Records are uncertain. Two hundred years before the foundation of the Empire, the children of the fallen empire struck against the doom that devoured their ancestors and were victorious. Nearly six hundred years after that first blow, the Empire marches into Liathaven to strike against a very different foe.

Some of the Imperial armies have fought in the forests of Liaven’s Glen before. There are murmurs of surprise at how changed the place is. Once, this was untempered woodland scattered with [[steading|steadings]] and the trails of the [[striding|stridings]]. Beautiful, but mysterious, a far cry from the farmlands of the Marches, the alpine peaks of Skarsind, the rugged splendour of Hahnmark, wilder even than the deep woods of [[Casinea]] or [[Reikos]]. The trees are still here, but they have been tamed, brought to heel. Great swathes of forest have been cleared. Trees six or more centuries old are simply gone, not even their stumps remain. In the place of the steadings, there are farms and villages. In place of the Navarr, there are Jotun thralls. There are orc logging camps as well, but it would have taken decades or centuries to clear this much wood by axe alone - this is clearly the scar left on the woodlands by the [[Under_the_firelight#Objective:_Destroy_the_Bronze_Titan|touch of Shikal]]. There is no sign of the brass-skinned heralds of Estavus here, but evidence of their handiwork is everywhere.

The open ground makes stealth next to impossible; the good work of the Narwhal’s Spear and the Seventh Wave can delay the alarm being raised but cannot prevent it. Within a handful of days the first engagement with the Jotun takes place. There are Jotun armies here, taking advantage of the many benefits provided by the rich woodlands to resupply and recover before joining the fray once more. The scouts and hunters count three distinct forces - the prideful Mandowla’s Roar, the grim Shield of the Mountains, and the war-hungry Bear Who Swims - eager to engage the Empire’s advance. They are joined in time by the first stragglers from the Iron Host, who it seems may have been deployed further west on business of their own (or more likely, guarding against any incursion from Bregasland).

As always, the Jotun relish the opportunity to fight. At first they are cautious, but when it is clear that the Empire is prepared to face them in a glorious battle, they fall to the fray with enthusiasm. The presence of the Green Shield is marked and welcomed; the opportunity to contend against Wintermark, and the Imperial Orcs relished and if there are Marchers and Highborn here… so much the better. Some of the orcs seem keen to seek out and face champions of the Empire - those whose banners, or livery, they recognise are singled out by the Jotun warbands who show their respect by doing their level best to kill those they recognise.

The orcs are not foolhardy, however. They may have been expecting a season of recuperation and rearmament but they are not shy about defending Ashvale from the Imperial trespassers. They test the invaders, pitching battle where they feel they can win, and falling back when they feel the odds are too heavily stacked against them.

The Empire knows there is a castle here in Liaven’s Glen, a great fortification whose construction was overseen by the master siege engineer [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#Objective:_Kill_Igya_Olgafsdottir|Igya Olgafsdottir]] (now Jarl of [[Tromsa]] since the Empire slew her father in battle). It was raised with the aid of the ‘’[[Cathan Canae|Immovable One]]’’, the ‘’Mistress of Ice and Darkness’’ who it is said holds a particular regard for the champion-builder. It towers over what was once the [[Feni]] settlement of [[Liathaven#Hotter’s Mire|Hotter’s Mire]], a somewhat ramshackle village built by those driven from their homes by the Empire. Now it is a Jotun town, and a prosperous one at that. It is here that the orc armies set their standards in the rich earth, and begin to fight in earnest.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunPose.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
==The Siege of Schogsfestnir==
The Autumn Hammers were wise to bring their siege engines with them; the winnowing of the forests would have greatly complicated the business of building catapults and trebuchets. Armed with the weapons of the Autumn Realm, however, they are ready to face the ‘’Schogsfestnir’’ full on and mar their white-granite walls with iron and stone. The devices of Shikal are machines, like any an Imperial soldier might be familiar with, but they were also born from the forges of Estavus and possess their own peculiar properties. Some seem to rearm themselves between shots; others make minor adjustments to the shot they launch, causing iron and rock to strike with the force of tempered steel.

While the engines pound the walls, the Drakes, the Bounders, and the Green Shield form up around a cohort of Unshackled armed with a mighty iron ram, covered by a canopy with the thickness of wool but the resilient strength of green iron and orichalcum. They push forward through the defenders, deploying the ram against the gates of what was once Hotter’s Mire. As arrows and spears rain down from above, the Winterfolk and the Marchers protect the engineers as they batter the mithril-bound oaken doors to splinters. Once the gates are down, the fighting shifts to the interior of the town itself.

It is a far cry from the winding streets and uncouth homes of the Feni - this is a Jotun town, with wide avenues and buildings of stone and carved wood, roofed with slate, and with the faces of the faðir and a dozen other ancestors gazing from every lintel and square. This is the seat of Jarl Sederholm, who has been given dominion over eastern Ashvale by the King of Narkyst. She and her warriors stand ready to repulse the Imperial assault, to make the faðir proud, and to secure their path across the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]] if it comes to that. Resplendent in mithril breastplate and a helmet fashioned in the visage of a shrieking raptor, armed with a long spear, she leads the garrison of the fortification into battle on the streets.

Neither side employs fire. Neither the Empire nor the Jotun seek to burn the town; there are too many thralls here, and it would be too dishonourable to endanger them unnecessarily. Fighting with honour comes at a cost, one that sometimes restricts the strategies and tactics one may employ. While the walls crumble, it is strength of arms that will win this battle one way or another.

The Jotun are outnumbered, but they battle furiously. They are pushed back, driven from their defensive positions, and each time they surge forward again like a wave. The Imperial strategy is to capture Liathaven, not to slaughter the defenders of Ashvale. The Jotun for their part are equally more interested in holding their ground than slaughtering these invaders.

The walls of Schogsfestnir are high and thick but they are no match for the Autumn Hammers and their borrowed weaponry. The castle is breached, and the fighting spills into the halls. The Seventh Wave have maneuvered themselves into position to pin down the garrison with a withering rain of black-feathered arrows, while the Narwhal’s Spear possesses an uncanny ability to locate pockets of resistance and scatter them. Before the sun has hit its zenith, the town falls. Jarl Sederholm sounds the retreat; there is nothing to be gained by sacrificing her life and those of the warriors under her banner in a futile attempt to hold a castle that has been overrun so completely. She gathers the surviving garrison and leads her [[Jotun#Fyrd|fyrd]] in the retreat westwards.

Most of the thralls have fled; those who remain are numbed, uncertain, shocked by the defeat of their masters. They huddle together, eying the Imperials nervously. They are uncooperative at best, and neither the Autumn Hammers nor those orcs of the Marches that are here with the armies can get more than grunts or worried questions from them. Trying to get them to understand that they are free now proves challenging - and it is clear that if they are left to their own devices they are likely to follow after the armies rather than remain in Liaven’s Glen. A problem, perhaps, for another time.

Schogsfestnir has been breached, but it is not broken. The walls are damaged, and the gate shattered, but the fortified town still stands. A credit to the art of Igya Olgafsdottir and her patron, perhaps.

There is a day to regroup, to count the dead, for the injured to be restored by the Bloodcloaks and the other healers that march with the armies, and then the Imperial forces are on the move again, westward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenTrod.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Beating Bounds==
Or rather, most of the armies move westward. After a night of discussion, and poring over old maps, warbands of Highborn scouts and Winterfolk hunters split off from the main force and head north and south. Partly they do this to consolidate the Empire’s hold of Liaven’s Glen and to ensure there are no nasty surprises waiting in the remaining woods. Partly they do this to check those places of certain significance that lie in the region. A fair number of Bounders go north with them, keen to beat the border with Bregasland.

They find that beyond the walls of the castle, Liaven’s Glen is quiet. More of the same. Farms, timber yards, hunting posts, the homes of thralls. It is a little odd, at times, for those who have been in Liathaven before. It reminds some of the Marchers of what life was like in the Mournwold for thirty years or so. This is not a territory where the Jotun are at war - well no more than they always are - but a territory they have settled. The thralls seem mostly to be here by choice - they have not been forcibly resettled but when their Jotun masters chose to go east and civilise Ashvale they came with them. Like those in the town, they seem unsure how to act or what to do. They understand that the Empire offers them liberation - and some surely will take that offer and perhaps start new lives in the Marches - but the majority seem to expect to remain as thralls under the command of the Empire.

To the south, there are signs that the Jotun have taken steps to try and contain the vallorn of Liath’s Heart. There are odd effigies hanging from the trees, and rune-crusted poles thrust into the ground as one gets close and closer to the borders of the hateful forest. Some are warnings, others seem to draw on a Jotun [[hearth magic]] of boundaries and borders that might be familiar to Marchers or Varushkans. Regardless, there are fewer and fewer farms and timber yards as one heads south.

[[Liathaven#Liaven's_Dance|Liaven’s Dance]] - the great earthworks - remains intact which is more than can be said for the steading that once stood near it. The Navarr settlement has been converted into an armed Jotun camp, one that puts up a spirited fight against the Highborn, Marcher, and Winterfolk soldiers. They are defeated - but these orcs refuse to flee until the last moment. They seem to take the duty of watching over Liaven’s Dance extremely seriously. The earthworks are surrounded by a ring of poles and hanging effigies, similar to those that guard the approaches to the vallorn. It seems the Jotun may not have damaged the place - despite their clear hatred of the Navarr - but they nonetheless view it with a healthy amount of caution. There are signs it has been studied, likely by ghodi, but there are no sign of the Jotun priests in the vicinity.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thousand Foes.png|caption="If you cannot hide, run. If you cannot run, yield. If you will not yield, kill."|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Singing Moon==
Westward, the Jotun continue to fight. Forced clash again and again. The going here is a little more difficult; the Jotun have cleared a great track that stretches between Schogsfestnir in the east and the burnt woodlands of [[Liathaven#West_Ranging|West Ranging]]. Laid along its length like strange beads of stone and slate are two small logging towns, industriously carving away at the forest on either side. There are no signs of heralds here; the trees are cut by hand by the thralls and then ferried west and presumably across the border.

The first the Empire encounters is old Mournstead, where once upon a time Marcher landskeepers would come to speak with the Navarr. All sign of that steading is gone, now that the Jotun have come and built stone walls around the place it once stood. They have not touched the dolmens and monoliths in the wood, but hedged them round with their boundary markers and left them and the trees that still cluster around them, alone.

More fighting, more back-and-forth between the Empire and the Jotun. The season is wearing on, but the Imperial host is in the ascendant. For all their fierce pride, these Jotun soldiers were not expecting to fight this season; they thought themselves safe. The fact that they were recuperating in Liathaven means that they had suffered significantly in recent battles, their strength already depleted and the presence of the Empire means they must fight rather than resupply.

There is a distinct absence of champions as well, of the warrior-heroes that are perhaps the closest thing the Jotun get to the independent captains of the Empire. Their banners are conspicuous by their absence, the closest thing being the Jarl’s fyrd. Yet there are other unexpected participants in the fighting as the Summer Solstice draws near. The Feni arrive, although one could be forgiven for being entirely unaware of it.

Last Autumn, a warband of Jotun [[The_wild_wind_rises#Lessons_and_Teachers_(Bregasland)|chased a group of Fen]]i into Bregasland - the Moon-That-Sings, allies of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. The [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]] responded to a plea for help and apparently dealt with the warband, granting succour to the Feni. They have not forgotten; they stand ready to help the Empire. One warm night, a quartet of green-and-yellow tattooed hunters materialise from the woods and make themselves known to the sentries watching one of the Bounders camps. They are skittish, ready to flee at any notice, but they are also resolute in wishing to see their messages delivered.

Rather than fight the Jotun it seems the Feni have fled into the wild places, and with the aid of their gods they have managed to stay hidden. They raid, a little, here and there, but they know that they are no more able to defeat the Jotun than they are to defeat the Empire. They expected Imperial troops to come from the marshes of the north, rather than from the east, but they stand ready to offer what aid they can in hopes of repaying the favour they owe. Long into the night they speak with the Bounders, and with commanders from the other Imperial armies roused swiftly from their beds. With the first rays of morning the Feni slip away, leaving behind them hastily drawn but up-to-date maps of the Jotun deployments, of hidden routes through the woods, or weak spots in the orc defences.

Before they depart, their leader - an older woman with one dark eye and one clear glass orb in place of the other - matter-of-factly explains that even if the Empire drive the Jotun out, Liathaven still belongs to the Feni. It is their home now. They will help the Empire drive out their mutual enemies as long as it does not risk their destruction, but the matter of who will be in charge of the glens and the farms that remain is by no means settled.

==Victory==
Armed with intelligence from the Feni, supplemented by the observations of the Imperial scouts, the fighting in Liath’s Ring is over within a matter of weeks. The Jotun are beaten back into West Ranging and the Empire follows. There at the border, though, the Imperial advance slows and halts. The woodlands are quickly consolidated, but the Summer Solstice is knocking at the door as the armies regroup on the western border of the Ring. Spread out to the west, the remnants of the burnt woodland that [[Surut]] created when he “aided” the Empire to fight the vallorn. The charcoaled trees are gone, the grass is green and lush, and on the wind comes the insistent grinding of saws and axes and the tinny sound of metal on metal. It seems that the servants of Estavus have not quit Liathaven after all.

But for now, there is a moment to catch breath and decide what to do next. The Jotun have paid dearly for their defence of Ashvale - perhaps three thousand dead between the warriors and the garrison of Schogsfestnir. Despite the best efforts of the healers, there are more than fifteen-hundred Imperial soldiers who will not fight again. The battle in Liathaven has been won, but it is unlikely the Jotun will surrender this rich territory without a fight.

Spring turns to Summer, and while the Empire may have won this round the fight for Liathaven is very far from over.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mexico logs.jpg|align=left|caption=With the aid of Estavus, the Jotun have transformed northern Liathaven.|width=400}}</div>

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has claimed Liaven's Glen, Liath's Ring, and the fortification of Schogsfestnir
* '''The Jotun still control the territory
The Empire has captured Liaven’s Glen and Liath’s Ring from the Jotun. The western orcs still control the rest of Liathaven save for the vallorn heart; consequently they still have control of the territory.

Thanks to the precision of the Autumn Hammers and their leased siege engines, the Empire has also captured the [[fortification]] of Schogsfestnir and the surrounding town. It has been damaged and its walls breached, but Imperial Orcs soldiers are already taking up residence.

Jarl Sederholm has begun raising her [[Jotun#Fyrd|fyrd]] which is estimated to be perhaps one thousand warriors strong. It’s not clear at this time if she is the only Jarl of Liathaven or whether there are other Jotun rulers in other parts of the territory; likely the scouts of the Seventh Wave and the Narwhal’s Spear will know more.

The “under-threat” quality of Liath’s Ring provided by the Moon-That-Sings did not, in the end, play a major role in this campaign. It would have provided a significant bonus if the Empire had attacked directly into Liath’s Ring, but obviously the situation in Bregasland made that impossible. Regardless, the Feni appear to have gone to lengths to indicate that they still consider themselves allies with the Empire at least to a degree.

Finally, it is clear to everyone that the powerful [[Winter magic|Winter]] curse that once hung over Liathaven - [[Wither the Seed]] - is no more. It appears that the Feni, with the assistance of one or more [[eternal|eternals]], [[Under_the_firelight#Objective:_Seek_out_the_Feni|ended the curse]].

==Battle Opportunity==
Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] in eastern [[Liathaven]] during the Summer Solstice. They are still investigating the implications but there is a cautious suggestion it might involve both the Jotun and the Feni.

==Further Reading==
* [[Liathaven]]
* [[Under_the_firelight#Wyndyn_Path_(Liathaven)|Under the firelight]] - 386YE Spring battle opportunity in Liathaven
* [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#The_Towering_Pines_.28Battle.29|In each line lies another line]] - 384YE Winter battle opportunity in Liathaven

Willow and rain

2025-07-15T19:39:42Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheruninLake.jpg|caption=The willows weep in Therunin, for the cost that has been paid and the cost that is yet to come.|title=Regions of Therunin|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Beauty Once==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC8HuNHfTU0}}
There was beauty in [[Therunin]], once. Spring would bring delicate marsh flowers, see blossoms kindle and spread like wildfire through the trees, waken the raucous beasts of the fens and the forests to full-throated life. Summer would herald long, warm days when jewelled dragonflies darted here-and-there across the waters, fruits and berries ripening, the great beetles of the deep woods scuttling about their inscrutable business under blue skies. The [[Druj]] have changed that, perhaps forever.

The Tarn valley is marked by [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poison]] that taints the waters and threatens to kill anyone who drinks, or is unlucky enough to let too much of it sink into their skin. They have ravaged [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] and [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] with war, slaughter, and terror. They have come to [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] with burning brands and a thirst for destruction that has barely been seen since they swept through Zenith as a burning plague devouring everything wholesome or beautiful in their path.

And then, their dominion secured, they chose to destroy what they had taken. Spite, it might seem, motivated by little more than a desire to deny Therunin to the Navarr and drown it in the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. Or perhaps not just spite? There are strategic reasons why rendering Therunin impassable would help the Druj in their war with the Empire, just as the Empire has benefited from closing passes into Jotun lands along the western Empire. There are the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] who walk alongside the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] - that wicked [[eternal]] of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] has long desired to see the vallorn unleashed across the world. She offered the Empire aid in return for unleashing the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]], it stands to reason that the Druj might also gain her boons by releasing the vallorn into Therunin.

Yet spite is often enough, with the Druj. They break what is precious not to hear the sound it makes but to cause others to fear what they might do to their own precious things. In Therunin, the vallorn rouses and as Spring fades toward twilight the first signs of that awakening are seen across the territory. The [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] rolls out of the southern woodlands into the rest of Therunin - for there is no part of this territory that does not edge along the forest claimed by the Doom of Terunael. With the miasma comes the [[vallornspawn husks]] but there are also significant numbers of [[ettercap|ettercaps]] - more than have been seen before in one place. The insect-creatures are especially worrisome, for they evidence a cunning hitherto unseen among them. They practice caution, where the husks simply charge anyone who intrudes upon their domain. They use crude tools and salvaged armour. There is speculation that they are actively raiding the [[steading|steadings]] the Druj have conquered, ignoring the slaughtered Navarr in favour of looting their weapons of war.

The miasma is no respecter of borders, however. The whisper of the vallorn’s verdant fog pooling in northern [[Morrow]] are now confirmed, along with a few clashes between [[sentinel|sentinels]] and vallornspawn in the foothills of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]] and [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]]. The miasma settles in the lowlands, mind, meaning that many spires are simply too elevated to be threatened by it. Not yet, at any rate. But this is little consolation to those in the lower valleys of Morrow, or who need to travel at ground level for whatever reason. The problem is contained for the moment, but what bulwark can hope to hold back poisoned air?

The miasma, terrible though it is, is only the tip of the spear. Abominations have risen in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]], and begun to press out into regions long since claimed from the vallorn. The rising power of the vallorn begins to flow through the roots, the waters, the beasts and insects, of the forested marshes. Things begin to shift, near the border with the Bane of Tharunind. It’s slow and fragile at first, but it grows in power as it rises. It spreads most slowly in the Lower Tarn Valley, but even the poison there is not enough to turn back its tendrils. There is little news from the east of the territory, but in Peakedge Song and the Upper Tarn Valley the vallorn is certainly advancing, seemingly inexorably.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==Raincallers Song==
There is an oasis of safety, however. The gentle power of ''[[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]'' continues to ward [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]]. A wall of [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Rainfall|impenetrable briars]] surrounds the hospital and the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|House of Healing]]. The [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] of ''Beckburn’s'' realm - quadrupedal creatures of living wood that spread flowers wherever they walk - continue to sing their bubbling song of life and protection. The people seeking sanctuary there are safe, for now. Yet that safety comes with a price.

During the Spring Equinox, the [[Archmage of Spring]] met with ''Father Tarn'' in [[archmage#Parley|parley]]. During that meeting, the eternal agreed to expend his might in preserving Peakedge Stead for a second season, to keep alive those who sheltered there and prevent both the Druj and the vallorn from devouring it. Yet ''Coomarta of the Rains'' believes he was [[Speak_to_me#Regarding_Peakedge_Stead|very clear]] what his aid would cost. That the [[Imperial Senate]] would grant the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] the declaration of [[Interdiction#Remorse|Remorse]] and they would use it to remove the rituals [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] from [[Imperial lore]].

On the understanding this could not be achieved in Spring, but could be done by the end of the Summer Solstice, ''Willowbraid'' exerted himself to cause the wall of life around Peakedge Stead to continue for another three months. If it were achieved, then the eternal would do as he promised and not only protect Peakedge Stead from the Druj and the vallorn, but enfold [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] as well so it would be safe once its wards failed. He would not only create a place of sanctuary, but a place that might be used as a stronghold to fight the vallorn when the time comes.

Yet he was also clear what the consequences would be if his trust were not repaid. If the Archmage cannot follow through, if the Senate and the Conclave do not fulfill their end of this bargain, then Ossegrahn will withdraw from the Empire. Not just from Therunin - from the ''entire'' Empire. He will step away; he will not agree to future [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] until the Empire can repair their fundamental breach of trust. Peakedge Stead will be destroyed by the Druj who remain in Therunin, or subsumed by the vallorn. Those sheltering there will die, and the Houses of Healing will be lost. When the wards protecting Thornsong House fall, the college of the apothecary arts will doubtless meet the same fate. The healers and peace-makers of the Empire both will lose a potent ally, and there are few other eternals whose interests coincide with those who seek to preserve life.

Given there are no Imperial armies in Therunin, it is unlikely any force could get into position in time to save Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing, and the people sheltering there. Ossegrahn will do what he can to ease their passing, but he is already at the limits of his power and without the show of faith from the Empire he will have no choice but to walk away.
==Bleak Prospects==
{{SOP|statement=Navarr who have come home from the trods to join an army! No armies have been sent this season to Therunin. Cleave to your Oaths and your Virtue & we will show the Druj the folly of their plans. It takes more than an Imperial Army with a name and a banner to win a war. We ask the Thorns, Vates, Guides, Brokers, Vines and those that can fight to do whatever they can to harry the Druj. Strike from the shadows, Sabotage their wagons, upset supply lines, spit in their drinks & overstretch their healers. We ask the People who are able, to RESIST the Druj in any way they can. Leave a binding of thorns on every wall, appear to comply but speak out, pilfer from their stores and have the Courage to endure reprisals. We ask the Druj for just One bad day, A guard who drank too much, a scribe who can’t find their glasses, a Quartermaster who can’t find enough rations, a slave who said “Not Today!”, a day to reclaim what is ours.|by=Ioan Longshadow, Navarr Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 278-20|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|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.|by=Harwyn Eternal, General Assembly|vote=Upheld 1726-290|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
The mood in Therunin is beyond bleak. There are no Imperial armies in Therunin, none to reclaim the territory from the Druj and none to fight the vallorn. Full two-thirds of the [[striding|stridings]] returned home, believing that they were coming back to begin the great war against the vallorn. But those who returned to Therunin endured defeat at the hands of the Druj and now they face destruction at the hands of the vallorn.

Barely a year ago, Gaelen Embercast judged the vallorn to be the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire, [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_173|a statement the Assembly of Nine backed with a greater majority]]. Only last season, Estella Lucati's sermon called on the Ambitious to dare do all and imagine a world in which the vallorn were defeated. The General Assembly [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|overwhelmingly rejected that vision]] and said that the Druj must be defeated first. But there is none here to do that either...

Now the Navarr Assembly have called on the people of Therunin to do everything possible to harry the Druj, to resist the enemy in any way they can. There are still a handful of steadings in the territory - the people that came home to fight the vallorn - but there simply aren't enough people left to make a difference. They [[To hold death's hand in mine|sacrificed everything]] to help their people escape the wave of orcs breaking across the Tarn Valley and Peakedge Stead. They have precious little left to give.

The vallorn is on the move, and unless a major military force moves into Therunin after the Summer Solstice, then it will expand to claim at least one region and maybe more. There may be a chance to stop it becoming another [[Brocéliande]] but decades of striving and sacrifice are set to be undone in months.

Nothing stands between the folk still in Therunin and [[the Mallum]] orcs. Nothing stands between them and the vallorn. Only ''Lord Rain'', and only in Peakedge Song, and only for a little while longer.

It is enough to make anyone despair.

==Game Information==
===Therunin and Lord Rain===
* '''The Druj completely control Therunin, except for the two regions of vallorn, Greenheart and Sweetglades'''
* '''Peakedge Song still stands but if a way is not found to save it this season, then it will be destroyed'''
* '''The Empire has comparatively little information about Therunin as there are no Imperial forces there'''

The Druj still control Therunin, but it is being contested by the vallorn. It may be worth reviewing the information presented last season about the situation in Therunin, as recounted in the game information section of the [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Regarding_Therunin|To hold death's hand in mine]] wind of war.

[[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Stead]] and the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] are still being protected by [[Ossegrahn]] but by the end of the Summer Solstice his patience and power alike will have run out. If the Conclave has not removed [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] from Imperial lore by the end of the summit, Ossegrahn will be forced to withdraw his protection and Peakedge Stead (and [[Thornsinger|Thornsong House]]) will be destroyed, and the people taking refuge there killed. Furthermore, Ossegrahn will turn away from the Empire, meaning he will no longer respond positively to plenipotentiary nor offer new boons to Imperial citizens.

The only other way to save the steading would be to move enough Imperial armies into Therunin to take the region. But that would bring its own cost, as the advancing Imperial force would meet the expanding vallorn head-on.

The Empire’s actual awareness of what is going on in the territory is limited by its lack of presence there. What reliable information is coming out of the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] is confused and unreliable and mostly focuses on what is happening with the vallorn.

===Vallorn===
* '''The vallorn is on the march, advancing on the Upper Tarn Valley, with a force strength of 25,000'''
* '''Its focus will shift to attack any army that comes into the territory'''

What is certain is that the vallorn is expanding in Therunin. By the start of the Autumn Equinox, if nothing else changes, it will have claimed the Upper Tarn Valley. Expanding in that way will dissipate some of the vallorn's strength, so it will be weaker the following season when it attacks the next region.

There is some speculation that the Druj forces are, or have been, up to something in Eastring and East Ashes designed to hold the vallorn back, or at least preserve some sort of presence in the east. They have had uncontested control of the [[Therunin#The_Docks_at_Feverwater|Docks at Feverwater]] and [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]] for nearly a year and if they ''are'' doing something it is probably there.

==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

That's where my heart is

2025-07-15T19:39:04Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>
Cousins,

I write this address on the road to war. To keep my promise from the last summit. My own banners of Ossium’s Iron Sparrows fly alongside the marching boots of the Quiet Step. I meet this foe with you in person, with my own steel, shoulder to shoulder. Today we bleed together. But know this: the Druj will bleed more.

This season I have been speaking to priests on every side of the religious debates sparked by the actions of some cardinals two seasons ago. It gives me overwhelming pride in our Synod, in our people and in our Empire, that the common thread uniting them all is implacable opposition to false virtue.

Last summit, two factions presented their arguments. One especially vigilant faction of priests argued to yield no ground to false virtue and insisted on a protective stance to shield citizens from harmful influences. Whereas a pragmatic faction has made the case that false virtue can most effectively be opposed when understood. Throughout this debate, the priests of the Empire were united in an absolute rejection of forces that prevent us from reaching our highest possible destiny.

The Synod has elected to rebuild religious law atop the foundation of our original purpose of uplifting true virtue and protecting our communities from detrimental forces. These debates will continue and it is right that our Synod be supported in investigating how the law might be adapted to support our ability to anticipate and oppose these dangerous forces, but I fully endorse the decision made this season. Citizens across the Empire directly engaging with false virtue auras would have been a dangerous approach and is plainly unacceptable. I will ensure that the options the Empire discusses going forward emphasise the protection of the souls of the Empire's citizens above all else.

In my role as Custodian of Virtue, I speak now to the wider Empire. To those citizens in the world beyond Anvil. Those who tend our farms, run our businesses and uphold our communities. If you take one thing from this address, let it be this. False virtues must be rejected in all their forms. They bring destruction to our lives, souls and homes. I reject these malign forces, the synod rejects these malign forces, and so should you.

I would like to close this address in the spirit of Pride, Loyalty and uplifting one's fellows. This empire is full of incredible citizens doing incredible work. In the light of spring and new beginnings, going forward, I would like to end every Imperial Address by commending a small number of citizens who have done exceptional work in the last season so that their great deeds might be known across the Empire.

This season I would like to commend:<br>
Kindra Surefoot, Ambassador to Otkadov. For demonstrating incredible diplomatic ability and diligence in securing the recent peace treaty with the Thule and for their collaboration, communication and consideration for the people of Varushka throughout this process.<br>
Lord Rhydian de Rondell, Knight Protector of Summer. For their glorious and unprecedented victory in Hayaak’s hunt. Proving themselves a true champion of the Empire. <br>
The nations of Highguard, Urizen and Varushka. For each self funding an army in one season. In particular: The Highguard Benefactors Council, The Chapter of Reumah’s Redoubt, Able, Bart, Vossk and Terentia of Zenith Ascendent, Herminius and Delara of the House of the Wanderer, The Stillwater Citadel, Vladamir Sasha Volkov, Moraža, Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich, Dorys Delgorokov, Blazh Zbignev, Mayra Zoronova Prochnost, Vuk the Wolfeater, Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen and The Cabal Lyktan who have all been highlighted to me as demonstrating exceptional ambition and perseverance in this endeavour. This being said, these armies were all national achievements drawing on the prosperity and diligence of citizens across Anvil and all who donated even a ring to these efforts are to be commended and celebrated.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.

Emperor Vesna<br>
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder.
</ic>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=That's Where My Heart Is.jpg|align=left|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtW1Qe7VFCU}}
Emperor Vesna has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to send a personal message to all Imperial citizens. As with other uses of this power, the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for the Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

User:Novemberalice

2025-07-15T17:55:35Z

Novemberalice:

Sonja Hammes, 4733, currently Masha Sigeling, Gatekeeper of Courage.